Sing Australia is throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of bringing music and enjoyment to the local community, with a special birthday night set for 25 June.The occasion marks years of performances across some of Kiama’s biggest events, from the Kiama Folk Festival, and Jazz & Blues Festival, to Anzac dawn services and Christmas carols.Leader and Conductor of the group, Maree Shepherd, welcomes the celebrations for the group which currently has over 40 members, with the purpose of the party being to honour those who have helped build and grow Sing Australia Kiama."We're doing this to honour people that have made such a big contribution to the success of Sing Australia Kiama, that may no longer be with us, but really were instrumental in helping establish it in the area,” Maree said.The celebration is particularly meaningful as the group missed celebrating their 10th birthday“We missed our 10th because it was in the middle of COVID, and whilst I did Zoom sessions with everybody throughout COVID, we couldn't actually get together,” Maree said.“So, we thought, look, we're going to set this up to have a little more fun for the 15th."Past and present members have been invited to join in on the night of celebrations.“We've invited back past leaders of SingAustralia who are going to be coming along to attend, plus some of the older members that are no longer with us, but for various reasons, going to come along to help us celebrate,” said Maree.Since forming in 2010, Sing Australia Kiama has performed at major local events including Citizenship Ceremonies, the Lion’s Convention, Festival of Choirs, Jamberoo Jam Festival, South Coast Sings, and Shellharbour Senior’s Expo.They’ve also brought music to aged care homes and performed at notable venues like Floriade, Old Parliament House, and St Mary’s Cathedral as part of the national Sing Australia network.The birthday celebration will be a night to remember with special performances as well as karaoke-style singalongs, and party food.“Some of the members will be doing various acts. We'll do some sing-alongs. We've got a bit of karaoke that I know people will sing along to and dance,” Maree said.While the birthday party is focused on honouring past and present members, Maree is always keen to welcome newcomers to their weekly Wednesday meetings.However, Maree finds the biggest problem with finding new members is that people are worried to join because they think they can’t sing.“Sing Australia isn't about judging people's singing voices. It's about connecting people through singing,” Maree said.“I think what attracts most people is not so much the singing, it's the friendships and it's the fun time you just have being together on the night having a go”.The group is a part of a network of over 70 singing groups across Australia, with a song list of about 500 songs, meaning members can join any group across the country without rehearsal.“I often invite members from the Wollongong, Vincentia and other groups from other Sing Australias to join us without rehearsal, because we sing from the same song books and as such, we can join together,” Maree said.For those wanting to try Sing Australia Kiama, the regular Wednesday night meetings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Uniting Church are the perfect opportunity.“I'm always welcoming people to come and give it a go, they can come for three weeks without any commitment or payment or anything just to see the group,” Maree said.Maree is particularly keen to attract younger people to keep the group thriving for another 15 years of using music as a form of self-expression, free of expectations and judgement.For more information visit Sing Australia's website or contact Maree Shepherd at [email protected]

By Stephanie Kemp Helping those in needGerringong Rotary Club continues to support the work undertaken worldwide by ShelterBox, who work with disaster-affected communities to provide the emergency shelter, essential items and training needed to support families in the long process of rebuilding their lives. This year marks ShelterBox’s 25th year since being founded. Since inception, with the assistance of Rotary, ShelterBox have supported over 3 million people recovering from disaster or conflict. Rotary's partnership with ShelterBox continues to make a significant impact across the globe including supporting families in Lebanon and Gaza (through collaboration with Rotary in Jordan), those who lost their homes after Hurricane Beryl swept through the Caribbean, and those families displaced through drought in Ethiopia. Later in the year we are planning a big travel raffle – watch this space!We have also been able to help those affected by the recent Queensland floods.The April Markets, held on Easter Saturday, were a great success. We had the best BBQ results for a while and were able to make a donation to the flood relief efforts.Volunteers neededIn order to keep making a difference by helping charities like these as well as running local initiatives like the monthly Gerringong Markets and helping to found Active Aging NSW, which is bringing new dementia programs to the South Coast, we need new volunteers. While our focus is on our charity work, we are a social bunch – Wednesday morning meetings in Gerringong Town Hall have a visiting speaker, once a month we all go out to dinner and we have sporadic social activities, such as our visit to the Jervis Bay Botanical Garden and our morning tea at Tilda and Cacao chocolate makers in Gerringong. Later in this year a group from the club is planning a few days away.A Focus on travelPeta Godfrey, owner of Travel Focus in Gerringong spoke at one of our recent meetings about her journey as a travel agent through the COVID period and what has changed between before and after the pandemic.Peta grew up locally and joined Guidepost Travel, the predecessor to Travel Focus. She bought the business in 2017 and in 2020 she was suddenly facing closing borders and clients stuck overseas, with no idea how long the situation was going to last. Thanks to JobKeeper, she could retain some of her staff, but the business was making no money so she had to close the office and surrender her lease, while working from home to get clients back to Australia and cancelling and rebooking holidays, rebooking and rescheduling up to three times to prevent the client losing their money altogether. By the time borders reopened in 2023, staff had got other jobs, as had Peta herself! Airline staff were untrained, pilots had left the industry and there was a shortage of planes as it took six months to get them back in the air again after being parked in the desert. Flight prices had gone up threefold and Peta was wondering whether to reopen the business at all in the face of these challenges as she was enjoying her new low stress life.What made the decision for her was locals stopping her in the street and asking when she was going to reopen so they could book a trip. Peta talks to the Club. The people reignited her passion for the industry, and she has found that business now is even better than it was before the pandemic. Travel has become more complicated with new visa requirements everywhere and clients now appreciate the service they receive from a specialist travel agent and how much time they save compared to doing all the bookings themselves. The service has become much more consultative and for the agent, the satisfaction comes from hearing clients’ stories about what a great trip they had.The joy of learning to appreciate fine chocolateA wet Wednesday morning saw 16 or so Rotarians assembling at Tilda and Cacao in Gerringong for a talk on the origin of the business and how chocolate is made and how artisan chocolate differs from the mass produced (think fine wine as compared to the cask!).Tilda and Cacao buy from small sustainable producers and, like wine, the terroir influences the flavour of the chocolate. They also process the cacao without roasting so that all the natural flavours are revealed. The big factories buy their cacao from numerous producers and roast it and add flavourings like vanilla to ensure they always produce a standard product, but the artisan chocolatier relishes the regional differences in flavour. Sarah from Tilda & Cacao.They have also focused on local ingredients, such as Davidson plum, to flavour their chocolate and create something unique.As well as learning about the grinding and tempering processes, we were able to try the product (delicious!) and enjoyed a chocolate inspired morning tea.New members and friends always welcome - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact [email protected] from Tilda & Cacao.

Have you ever wondered what inspires someone to make travel not just a passion, but a profession?For Peta Godfrey, owner of Travel Focus Group in Gerringong, it all started with a spontaneous snowboarding trip to Austria at age 16, a decision that would shape her entire future.Q: What was the main reason you became a travel agent?A: It all started in 1997 when my best friend asked me to go snowboarding in Austria. I had just started Year 11, but a trip to Europe seemed far more important. My parents were incredibly supportive, and I took six weeks off school. Being in Europe at 16 was incredible, especially discovering there was no legal drinking age in Austria!When I returned, I walked straight into an English exam. Knowing I had no chance of passing, I made a bold decision: I left school, enrolled in a travel course, and have never looked back.Q: What are the main changes you’ve noticed in the industry?A: I caught the tail end of paper tickets, with my trusty red pen in hand. The shift to e-tickets was exciting, but the biggest changes have come in the last three years, thanks to COVID-19, Travel 2.0!What kept me going was our community. Loyal clients would stop me in the street to ask when we’d reopen, or if I could book their next trip. That support reminded me why I started in this industry.Q: Do you think travel agents are more important now than ever?A: Absolutely! Clients find the internet overwhelming. There is too much information and too many scams. Travel agents are the solution, and we’re busier than ever.At Travel Focus Group, we’ve seen a huge rise in demand. To keep up, we’ve expanded our team and brought on some fantastic new staff. They’re already working closely with clients to plan, refine, and book travel that’s seamless and personal.Q: Is travel still a great career to pursue?A: For anyone with a true passion for travel, it’s absolutely worth it. The perks are fantastic, and the camaraderie is like nothing else. Helping people bring their travel dreams to life is so rewarding. We love it when clients come in after a trip and relive their journey with us!Q: What’s left on the bucket list?A: As many African countries as possible … plus, a sneaky trip to Antarctica!Want to see what expert travel planning feels like? Chat to one of the experienced Travel Focus advisors.This article is paid content courtesy of Travel Focus in Gerringong

Five dedicated members of our local community have been recognised for their service as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List.Shoalhaven residents Raymond Strong and Nowra’s Joan Crabb have been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to their local community.Strong was the president of the Berry Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia from 2013-21 and he is also a life member of the Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Rugby League club, the Group Seven Rugby League.He has also been an active member of Berry’s Apex Club and Bowling Club, Shoalhaven and Kiama District Auto Club, Berry Showground Parks Trust and a member of the Australian Army from 1954-56.Crabb is a former president and treasurer of the Nowra branch of Shoalhaven Seniors, a volunteer and fundraiser with Shoalhaven Lantern Club and is a member of Unions Shoalhaven.Kiama’s Belinda Mackinnon has been honoured with the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to TAFE NSW in the delivery of education and organisational leadership.The executive director of Business Enablement at TAFE NSW, she has spent more than 40 years at TAFE NSW while demonstrating an unwavering dedication to learners, teachers, and the communities she has served.As an educator, she has had a profound impact on guiding vulnerable learners with complex needs to build their confidence and develop their skills for the workforce.As a leader, she has driven some of TAFE NSW’s most complex and transformational programs resulting in improved efficiencies as well asenhanced staff culture.As the regional general manager of TAFE NSW’s South Region, she played a pivotal role in bringing the Illawarra and Riverina institutes together as a cohesive entity.Most recently, Mackinnon has led the Education Technology Ecosystem implemented by TAFE. Through this program, she has driven technological, system, and process improvements to deliver a more seamlessand enriching educational experience for TAFE NSW’s 400,000 learners and 10,000 teachers.Her expertise enabled the program’s scope to be expanded to encompass all major student management, enrolments, academic management, learning management, and asset management systems.Gerringong’s Andrew Sweeney has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.He was first elected as a group captain in 2014. He was the captain of Gerringong Brigade for six years before becoming the group captain of Illawarra Brigade.He is a member of the Illawarra/Sutherland leadership team, the Illawarra senior management team, and the Bush Fire Risk Management Committee.He is also the coordinator of the district crew leader course, and coordinator and a member of the remote area firefighting team. As an area command and leadership team member, he provides a vital and effective link between the staff and volunteers.Sweeney demonstrates dedicated, advanced and proactive leadership, resulting in outstanding cooperation, understanding and performance.He is an authorised wildfire and structural fire investigator and conducted numerous investigations during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires, including the Green Wattle Creek fire.Ashley Sullivan has received an Emergency Services Medal (ESM). He has been a volunteer and staff member with the the NSW State Emergency Service since 1997 and has been an NSW SES staff member since June 2010.Sullivan is the senior manager of Fleet Service and is also a volunteer member of the Kiama Unit in the South Eastern Zone and the Kogarah Unit in the Metro Zone.He was instrumental in enhancing flood rescues across NSW following the devastating floods of 2022-23 and has used both his corporate and operational background to coordinate the response of the NSW SES following the NSW Government’s Flood Inquiry.Sullivan has assisted in numerous flood rescue events across the state and led the agency’s response to the 2011 flash flooding event in the Illawarra and South Coast regions, in addition to the 2016 Shoalhaven region flood event.This year, a grand total of 830 Australians have been recognised, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.This represents an increase of awardees of almost 30% since the Australia Day 2025 List.Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at the Government House in their respective state or territory in coming months to receive the insignia of their award.Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC said she was delighted by the contributions of those recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List.“These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country,” she said.“As your Governor-General, I see the values of care, kindness and respect in the many Australians who are honoured today, and in those who have been recognised throughout the 50-year history of our Australian honours system.“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve.“To all who are being recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia – and I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards.”

Recent upgrades are powering up Coronation Park but there is more to come.Kiama Council recently installed three-phase power to the popular park at Surf Beach.“It’s ideal for the Farmers Market, which has lots of food stalls, mobile kitchens and coffee carts,” a Council spokesperson said.Council also recently upgraded the play equipment in the park as it tends to attract rust being so close to the beach.However, it hasn’t been all good news for Coronation Park lately, with the park to undergo remediation works on the grass following the overflow from the surf during recent wet weather.“Coronation Park is well used by visitors on a weekend, but also by locals during the week for exercise groups, for schools, so we’ve really got to consider their usage, so that during any upgrade their needs are considered with regards to how that upgrade is managed,” Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said.“What we’re are looking at is the damage from the ocean, essentially wrecking the park. And there’s works involved to try and upgrade the level of the park and the grass covering.”The works are expected to begin next month and will likely to take several months.“We know this will be an inconvenience, but the work is necessary. "Council will keep you informed and updated, as we move through the process. "We’re looking forward to having one of our most popular parks back to where it should be,” Cr McDonald said.Funding for the remediation works will come from the Crown Lands reserve.

The plates are heating up again at the Kiama Leagues Club’s Sails Family Bistro with head chef Sarah Rebbeck out for another top gong in this year’s ClubsNSW Your Local Club Perfect Plate awards. Rebbeck and Kiama Leagues Club are aiming for another perfect plate, after securing bragging rights in 2023 with two entries, their Middle Eastern Lamb Rack and Panna Colada. Acknowledging that Australians love lamb, Rebbeck and staff narrowed it down to this dish, with the sauce proving to be the real hero on the plate. “The lamb is beautiful, it is just melting in your mouth, but it is really about the sauce and flavours,” Rebbeck said. The sauce recipe itself is a blend of secret herbs and spices, with the chefs sticking to the methodology consistently so it is of the highest standard for diners every time. “The taste is important, but it needs to be produced over and over. We have 10 different chefs altogether,” she explained. “The recipe is massive, with many different components, but yes, its lots of spices, very Middle Eastern flavours. It is quite the blend.” So far, the feedback has been positive with one diner saying to Rebbeck that the dish would not be out of place at a Michelin Star restaurant. Over the years, menus at pubs and clubs have evolved from the classics.“It has become a place where they focus a lot on their food and beverage, and Perfect Plate is part of that,” Rebbeck added. “This is trying to show people that clubs are more than what the collective perception is, because people might not have stepped into a club for years.” Rebbeck leant on her chef Gav to procure the dessert dish for the competion, Panna Colada, which is the combination of two dishes. “Gav loves his pastries and desserts. Oh, and biscotti!” she said. The competition has provided a platform for clubs to showcase not only their talented chefs, but their camaraderie, by visiting and supporting other clubs and their chefs. “It’s a bit of rivalry and a good prize, but really, it all comes down to bragging rights and being the ones that win,” Rebbeck said. Former Parramatta Eels NRL star Nathan Hindmarsh joins expert chefs Matt Moran and Courtney Roulston as ambassadors for the Perfect Plate Awards. Be quick and head to support your local club before the competion ends on 15 June and you can vote for Kiama Leagues Club at the Perfect Plate website.

Maintenance work will result in parts of Kiama Leisure Centre will be closed next month as Kiama Council undertakes necessary works.The aquatic areas (pools, spa, sauna and poolside change rooms) will be closed for three weeks and the Group Fitness room will be closed for a fortnight.The Gym, Sports Hall and Creche will continue to operate as usual.Council has scheduled the works in the Centre's low season to minimise impact on customers.The work will include LED lighting upgrades, repairs and maintenance and essential safety upgrades that will improve the customer experience.In the aquatic areas, the repair and maintenance work will encompass the main pool, toddlers' pool, spa, sauna and poolside bathrooms.These areas will be closed from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 27 July.The Group Fitness room will be closed from Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July and there will be a new fitness program timetable for participants.The Leisure Centre's gym will continue to fully operate during this time, the creche will remain open as per its regular opening hours and the Sports Hall will remain open and existing groups will not be impacted.Various group fitness classes will be held at the Hall.Membership fees will be adjusted - All Aquatic and Aquatic Plus memberships that have been fully paid will be extended for a duration of three weeks. Members on a monthly direct debit plan will receive a credit equivalent to the three weeks.Fitness and Fitness and Aquatic memberships that have been fully paid will be extended for one week, and those on a monthly direct debit will receive a credit for one week, as Gym and Group fitness sessions will continue to be accessible.

WHOW - Women Helping Other Widows - an informal group meets weekly on Thursdays at 2pm, beginning 12 June in the Lecture Hall at Kiama Uniting Church.The group chats about their experiences that may help other widows while having afternoon tea.To contact the convenor, phone Marion Rattray on 4233 2490.

Almost 70 per cent of road deaths occur in regional NSW, sparking a statewide inquiry to investigate ways to lower the staggering toll.Gilmore Federal MP Fiona Phillips has backed the initiative - launched by the state government’s Committee on Road Safety - to reduce regional road trauma caused by speeding, fatigue, drink and drug drivingMs Phillips, a former chair of the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel, says road deaths and accidents have a significant health and economic impact on regional communities like Kiama and the Shoalhaven.She says the Albanese government is “progressively doubling” local council Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $1 billion a year to ensure “more potholes are being fixed, more roads are being resealed, and more drainage work is being done”.“Road safety is always a priority and that is why the Albanese Labor Government has been increasing funding for local roads since 2022,” she says.Funding has also increased under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, says Ms Phillips, along with Black Spot Program funding increasing to $150 million a year “so more projects are eligible, including here on the South Coast”.She says “critical infrastructure projects” like the Far North Collector Rd, Jervis Bay Flyover and Nowra and Milton-Ulladulla bypasses “will improve road safety, connectivity and liveability for decades to come.”Road Safety Committee chair Greg Warren says regional communities continue to have a disproportionately high number of road fatalities."Our inquiry is looking at whether current strategies and programs are effective in reducing driving risk factors, such as fatigue, speeding and drink driving, that increase the likelihood of road crashes," says the Campbelltown MP. The committee is calling on community members and stakeholders from regional and rural communities, road safety experts, community organisations, local councils, first responders and healthcare workers to provide submissions to the inquiry before July 25.More information, including the inquiry's terms of reference and how to make a submission, is available on the committee's website.

This week's edition of The Bugle brings you the inside story on the Aurora Australis phenomenon which lit up our night skies earlier this week.A couple of local star-gazing photographers captured the magic in the heavens above.We hope you were able to stay up late enough and get out to a vantage point to see the magic show.Click here to view our latest editionThere is also plenty of great community stories including the drama between Councillor Imogen Draisma and the Liberal Party over their claims of a conflict of interest, updates on the Council's Housing Strategy and plans for Kiama Sporting Complex as well as how our area recognised National Reconciliation Week.There is also an update on the latest from Kiama High School, the local arts scene, the Night-Time Economic Forum and all the sporting action, including a rather unusual competition which will be held at Jamberoo Golf Club next weekend.Our intrepid photographer Brian Scott has taken lots of new pictures of our local sporting community, there is a full list of What's On in our region and our puzzles page filled with brain teasers.

Wilson, Jillian Diane (née Brown) 28/12/1947 - 30/5/2025.Jill, loving wife of Barry, adored mother of Adam and Craig, cherished mother-in-law of Trish, and beloved grandmother to Lucas and Mae.Treasured sister/sister-in-law of Margaret and Jimmy, Don and Christie, Katrina and Jeremy. A kind and loving aunt and great-aunt to their children and grandchildren.A true and gentle friend to so many.Jill was warm, modest and unassuming, her intelligence and curiosity were boundless. She enjoyed an insatiable love of learning.Farewell dear Jillian. You've left an indelible mark on all our hearts, and we will miss you ... so deeply.Funeral service at 10am, June 13, Uniting Church, Kiama, followed by burial at Bombo Cemetery.

The inaugural Kiama Night-Time Economy Forum broke new ground in aligning local business operators, politicians and community leaders on a path towards shaping the town’s twilight and evening trading economy.Monday’s event at The Pavilion was such a success that the attendees are keen to continue to catch up on a regular basis.Hosted by Kiama Council in conjunction with the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the forum aimed to connect local business owners, operators, and stakeholders to foster a shared vision around a more vibrant, inclusive and community-led Kiama After Dark.There were 25 local business and industry stakeholders, including Kiama Business Network president Cathryn Lyall, Special Entertainment Precinct Working Group represntative Katelin McInerny, local councillors Melissa Matters, Matt Brown, Melinda Lawson and Stuart Larkins, and Kiama Council’s director of planning, environment and communities Ed Paterson.Kiama Council’s tourism and economic development manager Sally Bursell and Ashleigh Smith, associate director of eEngagement for the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, made presentations at the forum about options on the way forward for the town to grow the night-time economy.Bursell said the forum shifted the focus beyond alcohol-based venues to embrace a broader definition of the night-time economy, including “lights, eats, beats.”The aim is to explore opportunities to grow Kiama’s after-dark identity in line with community values and local strengths, to encourage local leadership and collaboration while providing a platform to contribute ideas for the emerging Visitor Economy Strategy, which includes the development of a Night-Time Economy Strategy.“It was all really positive, I was a bit nervous walking in because there’s lots of passionate people with big ideas but the whole purpose was to get people together to start talking among themselves because there’s only limited things we can do from a Council point of view,” she said.“To remind them that they pla a part was really valuable and the takeaways that they wanted to get together on a regular basis between themselves and keep the communication lines open going forward so that in itself was the most positive step that we’ve had in a number of years.“It was a valuable step forward.”Little Betty's. Photo: Jon HarrisKiama is at the “emerging stage” of the NSW Night-Time Economy Maturity Framework and the first step in that process is getting the local leaders and business operators together to identify the barriers and where opportunities are in the local government area.Further work will be done to develop the Visitor Economy Strategy which will incorporate the night-time strategy with a view to submitting grant applications from the state government to fulfil the vision that Council wants for Kiama’s after dark economy after also consulting with ratepayers.In her presentation, Smith outlined how the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner can support regional towns like Kiama with government initiatives and grant programs.She emphasised a holistic view of night-time vibrancy, including the arts, food, connection, safety and community identity, was the way forward.As part of the forum, the attendees were separated into small groups to formulate a vision for "Our Kiama After Dark".The common themes of this exercise were that Kiama needed a night-time economy that was safe, accessible, connected and vibrant.Precinct planning will explore options for after-dark districts or groupings but local residents should not be concerned that Kiama will transform into a hotbed of loud, late-night activity.“While Kiama is markedly different from larger centres that have a thriving night-time economy, we can pursue a future that may not promise immediate transformation but builds steadily by leaning into what makes us unique - our rich culture and history, our commitment to safety and community, our celebrated events, and the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Bursell added.“From this foundation, Kiama can develop a night-time economy that is not only active and engaging but also deeply reflective of our character.“A future where locals and visitors alike can experience Kiama’s charm after dark - connected, enriched, and inspired.”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council wanted to provide businesses with the opportunity to open up later to employ more local staff.“It's about enabling a vibrant economy into the night to attract people into the area so that our business can flourish,” he said."Although we just won the Top Tourist Town 2025, we're more than just a tourist town.“We're a town that the local people want to enjoy as well. A vibrant nighttime economy - and from an arts and cultural perspective - is something that I think we should aspire to.”

Police have thanked the public after their appeal for assistance to locate a girl missing in the Illawarra.Bella Morley, aged 11, was missing after she had last been seen in Wiseman Park, Wollongong, about 7pm on Tuesday.Following inquiries, she was located safe and well on Thursday evening.When she could not be located or contacted on Tuesday, officers attached to the Wollongong Police District were notified and initiated inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family had held concerns due to her age.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley has issued a reminder to all motorists to stop and think that the decisions they make on the road could mean the difference between life and death.The NSW Police Force will launch a statewide police operation to target drivers and riders speeding, drink- and drug-driving, fatigue and distracted driving, to prevent road trauma during the King’s Birthday long weekend.The operation gets underway at 12am on Friday and will run until midnight on Monday night. Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation.Police will target traffic offences with the aim of preventing serious crashes and deaths.Officers from all specialist areas, police area commands and police districts will support the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with extended patrols across metropolitan and regional NSW. This includes support of officers from general duties, the Public Order and Riot Squad, the Operations Support Group, the Mounted Unit, PolAir and Licensing Police.There have been 157 lives lost this year, which is 14 more fatalities than this time last year.During the June long weekend traffic operation last year there were two fatalities.Across the state this year to the end of May, police issued more than 170,000 traffic infringement notices, including 75,417 speed infringements, conducted more 1.5 million breath tests with 5351 people charged with drink-driving. They have also conducted 83,318 drug tests and recorded 5179 positive drug detections. Police attended 16,741 major crashes.“Long weekends are meant for rest and time with our loved ones – not tragedy. But every year, we see lives lost in crashes that could have been avoided. Behind each of those deaths is a shattered family, a devastated community and emergency workers facing trauma no one should have to witness,” Catley said.“Driving recklessly isn’t brave or bold – it’s selfish. Whether it’s speeding, driving under the influence, or picking up your phone behind the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic and irreversible.“This long weekend, make smart choices so you and those around you make it home safely. One bad decision can cause a lifetime of pain – don’t let that be your legacy this weekend.”Police are urging motorcyclists to drive safely after four riders lost their lives and two teenagers were injured in a three-day period last week.Four men and two teenagers were involved in fatal or serious crashes across the state between 8.45am on Thursday and 2am on Sunday. This brings the number of motorcyclists killed on NSW roads to 36.Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said all motorists had a responsibility to make safe decisions to ensure everyone returned home safely.“One bad decision on the road can cost you more than double demerits – it could cost a life,” Aitchison said.“Speed is the number one cause of crashes on NSW roads. In fact, so far in 2025, one third of deaths on our roads has involved speeding as a factor.“Every road user has a responsibility to be vigilant, drive safely and follow the road rules, not just during the long weekend, but at all times.“Double demerits are in place to deter drivers from making decisions that put lives at risk when our roads are busy with people travelling around NSW.“There are simple things everyone can do to help make our roads safer. That includes staying under the speed limit and driving to the conditions, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving, having a Plan B before drinking and never, ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.”Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

National Reconciliation Week in the Illawarra and South Coast has united communities to be proactive in their approach to upholding this year’s theme of “Bridging Now to Next”. As a show of solidarity, community leaders and members have gathered across the regions over the past week at events to commemorate the nationwide week of recognition of the importance of reconciliation in Australia. Yuin man, Uncle Richard Campbell, is a familiar face around Kiama and sees the theme as “an ongoing journey”. Part of this is sharing knowledge, which has transcended through the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This echoes the former Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney MP, who said in her farewell speech last year: “healing in Australia is a profound, long-term incremental thing. It’s about people. It’s a tough road, but I think we will get there.” When asked about sharing knowledge, Uncle Richard said “it’s about keeping our traditions, our song lines and our story lines and if we don’t pass them on to the next generation, it’s going to be gone and lost.” After leading a dance at a community event held at Reddall Reserve during National Reconciliation Week, Uncle Richard spoke about ways for the entire community to engage. “Keep coming to events like this and show your support to our people, unity is everything” he said. Across 27 May to 3 June, community events were held across the Illawarra to commemorate two significant milestones for Indigenous Australians.Firstly, the 1967 referendum, where the population voted on Aboriginal people to be counted in the national census and the right to vote which was voted on 27 May that year. Much of the outcome of the referendum can be attributed to the “freedom ride” where a group of Sydney University students led by Charlie Perkins travelled around Australia on a bus. The end of National Reconciliation Week falls on 3 June, Mabo Day in honour of the High Court ruling in 1992 when six of the seven High Court judges ruled in favour of Eddie Mabo. This recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples had lived in Australia for thousands of years overturning the concept of Terra Nullius, which British settlers had used to claim sovereignty over the land in the late 1700s.Twelve months later in 1993, the Native Title Act 1993 was passed.

Marine Area Command officers will continue patrolling the area in the coming days but the full-scale search has been suspended for a missing man, after his boat capsized off the Illawarra coastline on the weekend.About 1pm on Sunday, emergency services were called to the breakwall in Seawall Road, Port Kembla, following reports of two people in the water.On arrival, officers attached to Wollongong Police District found a capsized vessel, about 1km south of Port Kembla Road.An 18-year-old man – who was on the vessel before it capsized – was able to swim to shore and alerted members of the public, who contacted emergency services.Marine Area Command launched a search operation, with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Helicopter.The second person, a 78-year-old man, was unable to be located.The search continued on Monday during daylight hours and on Tuesday, involving NSW Marine Area Command, NSW Police Divers, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Helicopter.Despite the efforts of searchers, the man has not yet been located, and the multi-agency search concluded about 3pm on Tuesday.It is the second incident in the region over the past few days after an 18-year-old man drowned at Bombo Beach on Monday.Bombo Beach. Emergency services rushed to the northern end of Bombo Beach about 12.50pm on Monday following reports of a person in trouble in the water.Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District, NSW Police Rescue, Surf Life Saving and POLAir responded.NSW Ambulance paramedics initiated CPR but they were unable to revive the teenager.A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Illawarra and South Coast regions were treated to a rare and breathtaking spectacle this week as the Aurora Australis illuminated the skies.Local photographer and amateur astronomer David Finlay captured the mesmerising sight at Gerroa Beach when it first lit up the night skies on Sunday, describing it as an experience of pure wonder."People were cheering. You can hear the joy in the crowd on my video. It was amazing to see people not just capturing it with cameras, but actually witnessing it with their own eyes. It was something really special," said Finlay.Aurora Australis is visible now due to the intense activity on the sun, which is at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle."At times, the sun releases solar flares, sending out a burst of charged particles - protons, electrons - into space," Finlay explained. "When these particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere, they are drawn towards the poles, both North and South, and at an altitude of about 90 kilometres, they create a glow in the atmosphere."This ionisation is what causes the Aurora. There are different factors at play, like solar wind or solar flares. "In fact, just two to two-and-a-half days ago, we had a solar flare, and that was responsible for the spectacular Aurora last night," he added.He elaborated that Australia's position relative to the South Magnetic Pole often allows for clearer sightings of the Aurora Australis, particularly in Tasmania, the southernmost point of the country."Typically, by the time you reach New South Wales, you're looking over the top of the Aurora. But we still get some incredible colours - especially those magentas. "What's especially unique about last night's event was the overwhelming presence of orange hues. I've never seen so much orange in an Aurora before," Finlay said."I'm calling it the 'orange Aurora.' Usually, you see more reds and magentas, but this one had vibrant orange beams that were visible to the naked eye. It was quite remarkable."His passion for the Aurora Australis runs deep. He first photographed it 26 years ago and has since witnessed the phenomenon countless times."I was part of a local astronomy club, and we had access to publicly available space weather data. One night, I saw the signs and thought, 'Tonight’s the night.' Nobody in the club believed we’d see the Aurora from Wollongong. "But I went out to Cataract Dam, a dark-sky location, and after a couple of hours with my film camera, I saw it with my own eyes," said Finlay.He even had the opportunity to photograph the Aurora for Qantas during the pandemic. Special flights were arranged to fly to Antarctica and back - just to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights."It’s always been a lifelong passion of mine," he said."Every Aurora is different - whether it's the level of activity, the colours, or the shapes it forms. "It's a deeply human experience because what you're seeing is the interaction between the sun’s radiation and Earth's magnetosphere. This shield is what protects all life on our planet."If we didn’t have that magnetosphere, the sun's radiation would sterilise the planet. Life as we know it would not exist. So, in a sense, we’re witnessing the Earth's defensive shield in action. "To me, that’s pretty mind-blowing. That’s why I make sure to take every chance I get to see it," he added.Aurora Australis from the shoreline at Jervis Bay. Photo: Jeff SheppeardThe Aurora was also visible on Monday night and many local residents up and down the coast turned out to see the show after missing out on Sunday. This spectacular photo was taken by Gerroa resident Jeff Sheppeard from the shoreline at Jervis Bay. To stay updated on Finlay's astronomical displays, follow him on TikTok at @wouldyouliketoknowmore.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has rubbished claims by Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg that the federal government is not doing enough to fix the housing crisis.Senator Bragg claimed that Australian Bureau of Statistics data which reveals overall dwelling approvals have dropped 5.7% in May is "further evidence Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million new homes is a dead duck".Phillips said the Labor government was righting the wrongs of the past which stemmed from the Coalition neglecting the housing issue when they were in office prior to Anthony Albanese's first election win in 2022.She retained the seat of Gilmore, where housing was one of the main election issues, last month with a 5% swing towards her after the electorate had been the most marginal in the country."I know housing is a huge issue locally. People in Kiama, Gilmore and Australia voted for the Albanese Labor Government because of our strong housing policies and plan to tackle the housing crisis," Phillips said."After a decade of neglect by the Liberals, we’re investing more in housing than any government in history."We’re making it easier to buy, better to rent, and building more homes."Phillips said Labor had legislated a massive housing agenda through the National Housing Accord to boost supply."We are starting to see the outcomes that will boost affordable and social rental housing for decades to come," she added."We’re working with and incentivising the states to get on with planning reforms and building more well-located homes close to amenities - and maintaining character - which will help in Kiama."Our Housing Australia Future Fund is already boosting supply and will permanently into the future as further rounds are rolled out, enabling community housing and local and state government to partner with investors to multiply growth in social and affordable rental housing. There are huge opportunities locally."Phillips said Labor was working with the other levels of government to get results."We’ve incentivised the state government to get on with planning reforms which allows more medium density housing in appropriate areas in the Kiama, Nowra, and Bomaderry CBDs," she said. "We’re supporting councils to enable infrastructure for housing through our Housing Support Program."Finally, we’re starting to see a renewed vigour and excitement locally for more well-located housing and social and affordable rental housing.  You can feel that the wave of social and affordable rental housing and more housing options has begun."We’ve also expanded and introduced programs to assist first home buyers, like our expanded First Home Guarantee and the Help to Buy scheme. Help to Buy will get people into the housing market, while more than 470 new home buyers across Gilmore have already benefitted from our Home Guarantee Scheme, helping them buy their first home with just a 5 per cent deposit."We’re also setting aside 100,000 new homes for first home buyers."In conjunction with the housing strategy, the government is also encouraging more apprentices to take up trades in the residential construction and new energy sector with free TAFE and a $10,000 apprentice incentive, according to Phillips. "Building more houses is the best way to make sure people can find a home, whether that’s to rent or to buy. Over the past three years, the Liberals voted against building more homes and supporting first home buyers," Phillips said."Through a decade in Government, the Liberals invested less than $5 billion in housing. Labor is now delivering a $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan and driving the biggest home-building program since the post-war housing boom."I look forward to continuing to work with Kiama Municipal Council as it works with the community to develop and implement the Kiama Housing Strategy, so there are more housing options for Kiama locals."

Kiama Council is prioritising grassroots programs within its library and cultural hubs as part of its plan to provide “lifelong learning experiences”.The extensive Kiama Library Strategic 2025-2029 plan highlights the strength of services and facilities in Kiama. Council’s manager of library and cultural hubs Michelle Hudson said: “the vision is providing lifelong learning experiences for people and building community resilience.” Kiama Library provides extensive early literacy programs, which fosters development during crucial learning stages of children. “We provide all the newborn babies in Kiama with a library bag and board book, and information about all the community programs and portraying the importance of reading to young children,” Hudson said. Kiama Library has implemented three stages of learning with baby story time, toddler tales and preschool story time. “It’s about preparing children for that classroom environment,” Hudson said. There are also school holiday programs for children and their families to engage in their own time, from building Lego to even working with robots. For many, keeping up with the constant evolution of technology can be difficult, but Kiama Council is offering education to help those in need. “We are providing classes so that people can improve their digital literacy, but also provide a point of contact for those having problems with their phones, even showing people how to print from their phones and download documents,” Hudson said. Kiama’s libraries are also a great place for those enjoying a break on the South Coast to use the services available.“We get a lot of tourists in Kiama and our facilities cater to their needs,” Hudson added. “We are only a smaller library, but it is about making the most of our staff and working collaboratively with different partnerships so that we can provide a range of different programs for the community to engage with.” With the cultural development in Kiama, she said it is “about communication and connection by procuring various creative partnerships and making people feel part of the community”.. “We also pay homage to where we live, understanding the environment that we live in, and also appreciating our local history.” Hudson was optimistic about the Library Strategic Plan 2025-2029 saying “we have had some really positive feedback from the community, reinforcing what Council is doing and I am looking forward to the plans being carried out”. Submissions closed for the Library Strategic Plan 2025–2029 at the end of March.