There will be a whopping 13 candidates for the Kiama by-election on 13 September but Family First hopeful Kyle Napoleoni was excluded after the NSW Electoral Commission did not accept his nomination.Dr Tonia Gray was the lucky winner of Friday’s ballot draw - she will be the first name on the list followed by the Liberal Party’s Serena Copley.Labor nominee Katelin McInerney was drawn down at the bottom in the 13th spot, one behind Community Independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds.McInerney, Copley, Gray and Dezarnaulds are considered the main chances of winning the seat that was left vacant by former independent MP Gareth Ward’s resignation following his conviction for sexual assault offences.There are five independent candidates as well as representatives from Legalise Cannabis Party, Libertarian Party, Sustainable Australia, Animal Justice Party and the Shoorters, Fishers, Farmers.The ballot draw is: 1 Tonia Gray (Greens)2 Serena Copley (Liberals)3 Andrew Thaler (Independent)4 Roger Woodward (Independent)5 Don Fuggle (Legalise Cannabis Party)6 Ken Davis (Sustainable Australia)7 Lisa Cotton (Independent)8 Cyrille Jeufo Keuheu (Indpendent)9 Felix Nelson (Shooters, Fishers, Farmers)10 Joshua Beer (Libertarian Party)11 Ellie Robertson (Animal Justice Party)12 Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent)13 Katelin McInerney (Labor)Candidates had until Thursday to nominate and Family First issued a statement after Napoleoni’s bid was rejected because the party had not been registered in NSW for the minimum 12-month period.“These petty rules, which only exist in NSW, seem designed by the major parties to make it hard for smaller parties,” Family First national director Lyle Shelton said.“When it comes to election rules, the fix is in by NSW Liberal and Labor. Nothing unites the major parties more than keeping the competition out.”Serena Copley at the ballot draw in Nowra.Copley was happy to get second spot on the ballot and used the draw in Nowra as a chance to continue her attack on the Labor Government’s record in the Kiama electorate."This by-election matters. It’s about who will deliver for Kiama. People have a choice between the Liberals, with a proven record of delivery, or Labor and the minor parties who can’t, or have failed to deliver for Kiama,” she said.“The Liberals have a plan to deliver better infrastructure, services and support for our community. For two years Kiama has been forgotten by Labor, and local households and families are paying the price. They are only paying attention now because there is a by-election.“Don’t reward Labor for their neglect of Kiama."McInerney was philosophical about her poor fortune at the draw."I think it's a number on a page. It's my partner's lucky number, though, and it keeps popping up in the campaign, so hopefully that's a good sign," she said."What's more important is getting out and talking to voters, which I have been doing over the past couple of weeks, but also over the past couple of years, it's been a really difficult time for our community, and I'm hearing that people will be voting for a strong and for, quite frankly, a vocal person, for our region to really bring down the investment and so we can rebuild our infrastructure, rebuild our essential services."And that's certainly what I intend to be, a strong voice working as part of a Labor government to continue delivering for our area."

Kiama schoolboy Oscar O’Brien recently returned from the happiest place on earth - Tokyo Disneyland - a trip he funded himself by collecting cans and bottles from around the region for several months.But it wasn’t the adventure park itself or the souvenir bag he purchased with his hard-earned money that made the eight-year-old happiest. It was the fact he overcame one of his biggest fears - travel.Oscar, who is neurodivergent, has suffered from severe motion sickness for most of his life. Research into the cause of travel sickness has linked it to a poor perception of movement, where a person’s eyes see movement but their inner ear senses stillness. This mismatch between the eyes and ears confuses the brain and can cause nausea and dizziness. While Oscar eventually overcame the nausea and dizziness as he got older, the neurological link between travel and getting sick made him extremely anxious. Even a short drive in the car would trigger a fear response. His mum, Nicole O’Brien, recalls a family ferry trip in Newcastle several years ago which left Oscar “curled in a ball screaming in fear”.“He was terrified,” says Nicole. “I had to hold him and rock him and put a jumper over him so he couldn’t see the ocean. “It was supposed to be a fun day out but was one of the most traumatic experiences, for both of us.”So a 10-hour flight to Japan was a big hurdle for the primary school student to clear. But the family came up with a clever plan to help Oscar come to terms with his travel anxiety. They linked travelling to fundraising and set Oscar a goal of collecting and recycling cans to pay for his adventure, instead of focusing on his fears.Nicole and her husband, Brendon, gradually increased the length of their family travels and made sure there was always a fun reward at the end for Oscar and his siblings. “One of our favourite things to do as a family is visit farmers in the region,” explains Nicole, who co-owns Kiama’s Butcher’s Nook with her husband. “We feel at home being on the land and Oscar is a natural homebody so we have to make sure he feels comfortable on any adventures.”The car trips became increasingly longer and eventually Oscar was able to fly to Melbourne before setting himself the goal of travelling to Japan in July. “I’m proud I did it,” says Oscar. “I’m very happy that I wasn’t that scared on the plane, I was a little bit scared but excited for the trip.”Oscar collected almost 10,000 bottles and cans to fund his adventure, which also contributed to a cleaner environment, another factor that helped push him to reach his goal.“The Kiama community were so supportive of Oscar,” says Nicole. “And we are so grateful that they have helped him on his way to becoming the best person that he can be. “As a mum, this journey has been as much about survival as hope. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future where Oscar can spread his wings and soar.” And soar he did, despite some bumps along the way.“Oscar wouldn’t take his seatbelt off for the whole flight,” says Nicole. “He has definitely been held back mentally by his earlier experiences of motion sickness and can’t completely get over this speed hump in his little brain.“He did so well and it was such a valuable learning experience for all of us, visiting a different culture, but the most valuable part of the whole trip was that Oscar learned he can overcome his fears.”Oscar continues to collect bottles and cans for the next trip he is planning - a family cruise.“Clearly he doesn’t remember that ferry trip, I’m still traumatised by it,” laughs Nicole. “But if Oscar can do it, so can I.”If you’re in the Kiama area please consider donating your cans and bottles to Oscar’s cause. For bulk pick-ups or more information, contact 0416 702 996.

The Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) Illawarra is urging community members to have their say on a proposed wombat pre-release rehabilitation compound at the Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands.The proposal is currently on public notice until 4:30pm, September 1, which is the deadline for community submissions.“It’s really simple - just contact Kiama Council and say whether you support the Jerrara wombat compound. Even a short message stating you're in favour would be a huge help. Without public support, this won’t go ahead,” said WIRES volunteer and wombat carer Gayle Tarrant.Between June 2024 and June 2025, WIRES Illawarra responded to 250 wombat rescues, with 150 treated for mange.Currently, 25 joeys are in care, and 13 wombats raised from infancy have recently been released. Rehabilitation typically takes 18 to 24 months, but many of the remaining wombats were sadly dead on arrival, died shortly after capture, or were euthanised due to the severity of their condition.“Right now, we only have two other rehabilitation compounds in the Illawarra,” said Tarrant. “They’re full. We’ve even had to send wombats outside the region to other wildlife groups, which puts a lot of stress on the animals. This project is critical if we want to care properly for our local wombats.”She says the stretch of land from Kiama to Foxground is prime wombat habitat, making Jerrara the ideal location for the facility.WIRES Illawarra has applied to take over the lease of 125 Jerrara Road. The compound is intended for rehabilitation only and will not be used as a release site.“Wombats will be released at other suitable locations,” said Tarrant. “Each compound is 7x7 metres and includes an intensive care shed (2x3 metres) that connects two enclosures. The shed allows us to treat critically ill wombats, administer medications, and prevent fly-blown wounds.”The facility will accommodate up to two wombats per compound - a total of four, or up to six in urgent situations. The shed provides space for an additional critical care case. The entire area will be fenced for safety and not open to the public.“This isn’t a zoo - the goal is to return these animals to the wild,” said Tarrant.Beyond the immediate need to support injured and orphaned wombats, Tarrant emphasised the broader responsibility to protect Australia’s native wildlife.“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved our native animals. They’re unique - there’s nothing like them anywhere else in the world. The way they move, their habits, their personalities - they’re just awesome animals,” she said.“We’re incredibly lucky to live in a wombat area, and I’m passionate about doing whatever I can to protect them.”How to Support the ProposalDeadline: 4:30pm, Sunday 1 September 2025To have your say, simply email Kiama Council at [email protected] suggests using the subject line: Wombat Compound at JerraraIn the body of your message, state clearly that you support the proposal. Even a few words of support can make a difference.

On 2 September, Gerringong local Bev Sherwood will turn 105 years old - and she still thinks she’s got plenty of life left in her.She plans to spend the day with her 85-year-old daughter, who is catching the train down to Gerringong - though Bev admits she’s more concerned about her daughter making the trip.“My daughter’s coming down, which is a bit of a concern,” Bev said. “But she said she’ll be here, so it will be nice to see her.”Born in 1920, Bev was a child with a lot of health issues until her early teens - but she’s been making up for it ever since.“After that, I played a lot of sport - tennis, bowls, and golf - you couldn’t stop me,” she said. “Now I’ve got an exercise chair from the hospital, and I use that. I also go to exercise class once a week at the Gerringong Bowling Club.”Bev Sherwood at a SOUL FIT 'Golden' class when she was 103.One of her earliest memories is meeting her husband at a dance when she was just 13 years old.“My father used to organise dances for young people. The man who became my husband came over and asked me to dance. I said, ‘I don’t want to dance with you,’” she laughs.“My father scolded me and said I should’ve said, ‘No thank you.’ I guess that was the start of it.”Bev and her husband Bill moved to Gerringong more than 40 years ago, and she still remembers the moment Bill fell in love with the place.“I didn’t plan to stay. I was just passing through with my sister, but the car broke down and we ended up staying a week. My husband fell in love with the place, so we stayed.”And she’s grown to love it just as much.“I love the beach. The people. The clubs. It’s a lovely town. I used to go to the club often, but not so much anymore - although I did go recently and sat there for three hours chatting with friends.”Bev once worked at a tannery and says she always enjoyed going to work. She and Bill had one daughter together, and although he passed away 17 years ago, she still remembers him fondly.“He was a wonderful man. A good father. Everyone loved him.”Over the years, Bev has faced her share of challenges, including breast cancer and a stroke last November, which forced her to give up gardening - her favourite pastime. These days, she’s content giving gardening advice from her chair.“I just keep living my life. I’ve got my little dog, Gracie - she’s a great house dog.”So what’s her secret to a long life?“Exercise, keep moving. And my mum used to say I was a good girl - that she always trusted me. I also never eat after lunch, I don’t smoke, and I don’t drink. ”Her advice for living well?“Always love people. Don’t quarrel. Don’t get into other people’s business. Know right from wrong and live by it. If you know right from wrong, you’ll live a good life.”Bev’s story is nothing short of remarkable. At nearly 105, she’s still able to get around her home with the help of a walker, her memory is sharp, and she can still hold a great conversation.The Bugle would like to wish Bev a very happy birthday when the time comes on 2 September - and leave you with a few final words of wisdom from her:“I love living. I’m not done yet. I love people, and that’s the way to live.”

Labor candidate Katelin McInerney believes Kiama is a step closer to becoming “the cultural capital of the South Coast” after the NSW Government has committed $200,000 to Kiama Council towards establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct in the town.McInerney and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham joined Mayor Cameron McDonald, Councillors and members of the local hospitality businesses at The Grand on Tuesday to announce the funding.The money will be used to form a night-time economy strategy and consult with local business owners, residents and authorities on establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct.A community petition was submitted to Council last year aimed at reviving the night-time economy.Kiama will join 19 other NSW councils that are progressing their own precincts or have passed motions in favour or exploring the option.After consulting with the community, Council will set tailored trading hours and sound rules within the designated area. Businesses within that precinct can then take up those conditions without the costly process of amending their individual development consents.McInerney said the Precinct could do wonders for many local businesses which rely on the community getting out and about after dark.“We, as a group of Kiama creatives, have been working with Kiama Council over the past 18 months to design and get our community on board with a Special Entertainment Precinct,” she said.“This is an area that would allow for more activation in the middle of our town, help us build a more vibrant scene, help our venues and our businesses thrive all year round.”Graham described it as “a big step forward”.“What it means is it makes it easier to have music, to have venues trade a bit later, to make sure it's easy to move outdoors,” he said. “That means big backing for some of the local businesses but it will also make Kiama a really more interesting place to visit, particularly after dark. “We know it's worked elsewhere. We're backing this with a couple of hundred thousand dollars to make sure that the process really moves from here. “I can't wait to see how this develops.”Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, Councillor Stuart Larkins, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham, Mayor Cameron McDonald, Councillor Erica Warren and Labor candidate Katelin McInerney. Photo: The BugleCouncil has already started the night-time economy discussion through its visitor strategy plan. “Their roundtable members have been a very big part of that conversation,” McInerney said.“One of the things that people who've grown up here have noticed is the town on a Thursday or Friday night, it's just closing at about 9 o'clock, whereas I fondly remember the days of being able to stay out a lot later than that and be able to move from venue to venue and really get the full experience of what our town has to offer. “This piece of work is so vital to making sure that not only our venues and our businesses have a more favourable environment to get innovative ideas and great music and live entertainment up through the year, but it also helps our local creative businesses who are really struggling in the current environment to get festivals off the ground, to make sure that we have these great pop-up events happening.“Kiama should be an absolute cultural capital of the South Coast. And we just haven't met our potential in the 20 years since I was last playing here at The Grand with my friends’ punk band. We've actually seen it go backwards. “Consultation is a really big part of this process. This needs to be driven by the community.”Local residents are likely to express concerns about the potential for excessive noise or activity late at night but McInerney was confident they could get the balance right between their wishes and making sure that businesses can thrive.“We are a tourist destination - we've just won our latest award for Kiama being a great place to come. We are a place people want to come for live entertainment and music. “As local families, we want more of those opportunities but we absolutely need to balance that with residents' amenity as well.” Graham said part of the challenge is that once an entertainment precinct is up and running, “letting people know that this is a lively part of town. “It's what we call an eyes-wide-open clause. If you move into this part of town, you'll be notified that you're moving into an entertainment precinct, you know what to expect.”Mayor McDonald said Council was “very appreciative” of the financial injection to explore how the Precinct would operate.“I think it's a real testament to the advocacy of our local community and our council, and reflective of what we've been asking for as a community for a long period of time,” he said.“Which is more vibrant economy, more night-time options and the ability for our local businesses, our musicians and our artists to come out and have a forum to be able to support our local community and give visitors to our region and our local people a platform that they can come out and enjoy what we have as a region and as a town to offer.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Kiama.Rebecca Odell, aged 39, was last seen in Kiama about 4pm on Monday (25 August).When she could not be contacted or located, officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District were notified and started inquiries into her whereabouts.There are concerns for her welfare.Rebecca is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of thin build with no hair and brown eyes.She was last seen wearing a black singlet and purple head scarf.Rebecca is known to frequent the Dapto, Shellharbour, Kiama and Gerringong areas.She may be driving a white Kia Sorento with NSW registration plates DO 06 TK.Anyone who has information about her whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

All over the world, we humans are living in strange times.It's an age of unease, of political unrest, fast-paced technological change, of economic struggle, even of arbitrary and damaging worldwide weather events.It's an era where questionable individuals on the world stage have gained political power, and in so doing, threaten peace and stability worldwide.Statesmanlike qualities of great intelligence and moral fibre have been superseded by ego, showmanship, oneupmanship, and a dog-eat-dog mentality, or so it seems.What did Shirley Strachan of the Aussie band Skyhooks sing all those years ago?“Horror movie right there on my TV, horror movie right there on my TV, horror movie and it's blown a fuse, horror movie, it's the six-thirty news, shockin' me right outa my brain.”So what sort of coping strategies can we employ as individuals on a day-to-day basis, when it often seems humankind is taking a major leap backwards? As individuals, we feel we can't do much to solve the world's ills, but every little bit of positivity can make a difference. And will. Here are some methods I am currently using, and finding to be immensely helpful.Working continuously on developing your positivity and mental strength is a must.Feeling good about yourself is a powerful tool. As someone once said, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.Being kind, even if it's just a smile for a stranger, is uplifting. Kindness can cure so many ills.Listen to music, read something engaging, watch a movie, go for a walk or a swim, or any form of exercise. Get those endorphins activated.Work hard and to the best of your ability. And rest.Be discerning with media and social media, and question everything you read and hear and see.Some people choose to not use social media. Some people avoid watching the television news, and don't read newspapers or online news.They turn off. They choose to live in their own bubble, and so they are uninformed. And that is their choice.Don't accept as truth what you haven't researched well, and at the same time, listen to other people's opinions. Respect their point of view, even if you don't agree. We all have the right to an opinion.Seek out fun. Laugh.It's such a salve, such a good feeling to laugh, it's a tonic which makes everything seem that much lighter and brighter.Endeavour to live life to the full, to live your best life, because every new day is a gift, and every new day will have something unique for you to discover and make the most of.

Kiama Council has moved to ease fears that waste collection will be outsourced amid concern in the community about potential job losses and a reduction in service quality.But the United Services Union has warned ratepayers that any move towards outsourcing would have detrimental consequences for the level of service that the community receives.As part of its rolling program of service reviews, Council is conducting an internal review of domestic waste management.A councillor briefing was held last week on 12 August to outline the findings of the draft review and the anticipated recommendations.Council is in the process of providing feedback to the consultants who prepared the draft before receiving a final version which will then be presented to Councillors.A spokesperson said Council understands “there is concern among staff regarding the potential outcomes, however no decisions have been made at this stage as the Domestic Waste Management service review is still ongoing”.Council will continue to engage with staff and stakeholders throughout this process and will provide updates as the review progresses.Regular service reviews are a legislative requirement of local government organisations.“At Kiama Council, our focus is on ensuring efficiency, value for money and strategic alignment across the organisation,” the spokesperson said.“The aim is to retain all staff and, if it becomes necessary, to redeploy them where appropriate.“Council has been open and transparent about the fact we are conducting these service reviews and our executives and managers team regularly meet with and brief staff and Councillors as part of the process.”USU southern branch organiser Rudi Oppitz said the union was holding regular conversations with its membership and Council management.“We’re talking to Kiama Council and letting them know that we object to outsourcing of Council work, particularly around the waste and additional work that flows from waste,” he said.“That belongs to our members and should be carried out by our membership.“We’re keeping a very close eye on any activity that could see the loss of positions and jobs at that Council.“We know what the double-speak relating to reviews taking place and all that sort of things, and assertions being made at the managerial level that there’s nothing to see here. “Nine times out of 10 there’s something that’s on foot that unless the union intervenes, it could cost our members jobs or positions. “This Council doesn’t have a very good track record in terms of outsourcing and the grounds for which it does outsourcing so it’s certainly for our office a Council we’re keeping a very close eye on.”Oppitz added that Council waste collection staff have “pride in the work they do” to ensure the waste collection process runs smoothly. “The ratepayers have every right to be anxious and concerned,” he added.“Our members that do this work at the moment, there is an additional touch in the service because they live in the community they live in. “You don’t get the same service from multinational organisations.“I’m yet to see any outsourced service where it becomes cheaper for the ratepayer. The level of service disappears as well. You’re nothing more than just a number.”A Waste Services review was reported to Council on 21 January with the business case reported on 24 February.These were confidential reports due to the commercial in confidence information contained within.A subsequent Report for Information was reported to Council’s 20 May meeting, flagging an additional service review, specifically for domestic waste management and this report was made publicly available.

Labor candidate for the Kiama by-election Katelin McInerney has announced Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital and Shellharbour Hospital will be boosting the number of nurses in their emergency departments to meet Safe Staffing Levels as part of the NSW Government's delivery of staffing reform.More than 28 full-time nurses will be recruited for Shoalhaven with around 15 nurses for Shellharbour's emergency department to be added. McInerney said the staffing boost will enable the rostering of a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied ED resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce was established to oversee the rollout of 2480 positions over four years. Health Minister Ryan Park said the Safe Staffing Levels program was complemented by the Government:funding the equivalent of 1,112 FTE nurse and midwife positions on an ongoing basisabolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workersadding 500 paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities. “Safe Staffing Levels is one of the most significant reforms in the way our hospitals have been staffed in decades," Park said.“This is about delivering safer, better care for patients, while making sure our nurses have the support, they need on every shift.“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the health investments our communities need and deserve after more than a decade of inaction from the former Liberal government.”McInerney said the government was committed to delivering more nurses for the Kiama electorate."I am thrilled both Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital and Shellharbour Hospital are on track to introduce Safe Staffing ratios for nurses in the Emergency Department," she said.“This major reform from the Minns Labor Government will support the delivery of care to patients and support our hardworking frontline health staff."Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said she was "incredibly excited" about the improved service delivery while South Coast MP Liza Butler added that this announcement would be a major boost to Shoalhaven Hospital.“This important reform aims to provide better support to our hardworking frontline health staff and more timely, personalised care to the community here in the Shoalhaven," Butler said.

Kate Dezarnaulds believes Kiama has a gift-wrapped opportunity to have a huge say in NSW Parliament while also getting better representation for the electorate.Premier Chris Minns is at the helm of a minority government which is two seats shy of a majority and Dezarnaulds says Kiama would have its voice heard at Macquarie Street much more if they reject Labor at the ballot box in the 13 September by-election.The Community Independent candidate told The Bugle that she believes Labor candidate Katelin McInerney is a clear favourite to win the seat because the Liberal Party will be punished heavily by the electorate for its past links to previous member, Gareth Ward.His resignation after being found guilty of sexual assault offences prompted the by-election with the 44-year-old convicted rapist in jail in Cessnock awaiting sentencing six days after the electorate votes on his successor as the state member for Kiama.Dezarnaulds finished a distant third behind re-elected Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips and Liberal nominee Andrew Constance in the federal election on 3 May.The Kiama electorate could go from one end of the spectrum to the other - the Minns government previously gave Ward the cold shoulder but if they elect an independent for the next 18 months, they will devote plenty of resources to winning back the seat.“We went to the last federal election where all of the polling was telling us that there was most likely going to be a minority Labor government with a very strong independent crossbench. And that didn't happen,” Dezarnaulds said.“We ended up with a very dominant Labor Party as a result of the federal election. "But we now have already a minority Labor government in the State Parliament with a very strong independent crossbench. “And so the opportunity for Kiama is to have an independent who can play a real role in dialing back some of the arrogance and excesses of the Labor Party and be a strong voice for Kiama that the rest of the crossbench and the rest of the parliament is willing to work with.“The last NSW Parliament was not collaborative with our former member. And the opportunities for the region have been really muted by his untenable position over the last three years.”The Berry businesswoman said the local community was frustrated with both sides of politics.“The Canberra and Macquarie Street-centric decision-making from the Liberals and Labor is a really poor vehicle to have local voices shape local solutions in regional communities,” she said.“The frustration and disappointment within the community with the Greens means that from the base of the Greens, Labor and Liberal, there are a whole bunch of people looking for a new place to put their trust.” Dezarnaulds believes the electorate is about to enter a period of significant change.“I think this is a shoo-in for Labor, unless something really changes.“Unless the community gets behind a genuine independent alternative, this is a shoo-in for Labor. “I think it would be a huge surprise if the Liberal Party were able to resolve the conflicts of the last few years in the space of a three-week by-election. “I am sure that Gareth's traditional supporter base will vote Liberal. But I think that there is a growing portion of the community who are traditional supporters of all of the major parties who have become disillusioned with the party system. “As a small business leader and a sensible centre alternative that can see that we have got a big job ahead of us on the energy transition and housing.“Both housing and energy transition require somebody who can make sure that in the rush for these two large changes that the local voices are still heard. And we need to be able to build the social licence for the change that's ahead of us. “I can't see how a Labor MP for Kiama is going to be able to share the concerns and the interests of the people of Kiama in a way that's going to move the needle on what seems like a fait accompli on a number of levels. “This is a rare case where you really get a try-before-you-buy opportunity. We will be going back to the electorate in 18 months' time and asking for another chance. “The community will get to see and feel really quickly whether or not they have made the right choice. It is a rare chance where you can take a risk on a fresh option.”

The Pavilion hosted more than 80 creatives when they gathered for Kiama’s first Creative Business Summit, a one-day event designed to inspire, inform and empower those working in the creative industries.Hosted by local creative business mentor Emma Veiga-Malta, last week’s conference drew participants from across the South Coast and beyond. While 80 per cent of attendees came from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, visitors also travelled from Sydney, Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast, Mudgee, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast - all of whom stayed and dined locally, delivering an immediate boost to Kiama’s visitor economy.The event’s diverse line-up of speakers provided insights tailored to the unique challenges of creative entrepreneurs.Veiga-Malta hosted and shared her Creative Confidence thoughts on impediments as a creative such as comparisonitis, impostor syndrome, perfectionism and fear of rejection or failure. She encouraged all to create a NEW story for ourselves. Justine Mclean addressed the often-overlooked topic of money management for creatives, reminding the audience that while artistry may be their strength, financial confidence is essential for sustainability.Leanne O’Sullivan shared strategies for building a digital presence without losing creative spark, with practical advice on how to ensure work is seen, supported and sold.Louise Croker, executive director of South Coast Arts explored ways to unlock creative potential, including tools for rethinking approaches to grant applications, which face an 80–85 per cent failure rate.The forward-looking session with Antony Snape and Belinda Brooks examined The Age of AI, co-presented with “Luna,” an AI collaborator. He reminded attendees that “creative industries aren’t being destroyed, they’re being redistributed,” emphasising the opportunities for those who learn to harness new tools. Brooks added that in an era of automation, human connection remains paramount: “AI can write a poem, but it can’t know what it means to hold your grandmother’s hand while she tells you her final story.”Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Comments ranged from “SO. DAMN. GOOD” to “By far the best event I have ever attended.” Attendees praised the calibre of the speakers, noting their key takeaway was the importance of treating creative practice as a professional pursuit and well worth attending to challenge the status quo of creative thinking. Veiga-Malta, who has spent more than 25 years as a practising artist and designer, said the aim of the summit was to challenge the “starving artist” mentality and equip creatives with practical tools to build sustainable, joyful businesses. “Life and business as a creative need to feel good,” she said. “Happiness is a core value of mine, and I want to show others how to create a lifestyle business that supports their creativity - not drains it.”With strong attendance and great reviews, plans are already underway for the 2026 Creative Business Summit, set for Thursday 30 July at The Pavilion, Kiama. Early bird tickets are on sale now via www.thecreativebusinesssummit.com.

Dr Tonia Gray declared she wants to see an electric train brought in to solve Kiama’s rail problem as she announced her bid to win next month’s by-election for The Greens.The mid-term poll, brought about by disgraced independent MP Gareth Ward’s sexual assault convictions, is a chance for a party like The Greens to upset the apple cart, as they famously did in Wollongong when Michael Organ won the Cunningham federal seat in 2002.Dr Gray said The Greens viewed the 13 September poll as a chance for the Kiama electorate to express their dissatisfaction with Premier Chris Minns’ Labor government.“In a by-election, the Greens get galvanised, they are energised,” she said.“I am astounded with what they achieve in basically a minority party but you've got the balance of power and that's what we should be handing them as a community.”Dr Gray was flanked by NSW Upper House MPs Sue Higginson and Abigail Boyd as she launched her campaign on the banks of Minnamurra River.“By-elections traditionally are a chance. They provide a whole different opportunity to a general election,” Higginson added. “People are often looking at who the incumbent government is, seeing that they're not necessarily delivering the things that they need to make a difference in their lives right now and we can see that. “The Minns Labor Government has not done anything for the cost of living crisis that people are experiencing. “They're not improving access to housing, to childcare, to healthcare and this is a real issue and a by-election gives people a real chance to get a fierce, strong advocate for their community.“They are in this very lucky position where they get to really, really send a message to the current government of the day.”Dr Gray said she hoped that among the 20,000 people who voted for Ward at the last election, “a few of them are environmental advocates and want for their children and grandchildren, a better future for us all”. In launching her campaign, she said a battery-powered electric train is the answer for the South Coast’s rail network problems Kiama to Bomaderry.“Our big, bold vision is for something beyond what the rhetoric was that every other candidate has said. It seems like it's just the same rehash. Whereas ours is, firstly, if you're going to do bold leadership, you've got to have great ideas,” she said.“It's been proven in The Netherlands. It works. You transfer from the diesel to these electric-powered trains and it's just like an electric-powered car.“You do not need to change anything. The infrastructure is simple. “So while we haven't come to that sort of solution before, our challenge now is to the Premier, Mr Minns, to back us in if this is a growing growth area that the Kiama electorate needs infrastructure to support it.“Let’s bring it into the 21st century. It will not be hard. We’ve got the knowledge, we’ve got the technology, we’ve got the finances but the political system is broken.“Within two years you would see action because it's not going to be hard, it's just finding the money, taxing coal and gas appropriately, that would fund it and then get out of dirty politics as well because we don't want big corporate donors delivering what the landscape of politics is all about.”Boyd lashed the Government for its lack of impact in proving areas such as housing, healthcare and childcare.“What we have in NSW is a Labor government that has no courage, no spine and has, halfway through its parliamentary term, done nothing to actually address the issues of the day,” she said.“Here in Kiama, you have less than one available place for every four or five children looking for a place. "We know that we have incredibly good community pre-schools here in this electorate, but we also have a number of lower-standard for-profit operators who are larger centres.“What they are doing is charging more and more every year and we've seen a 10% to 35% increase in fees from those for-profit providers just in the last year. “So we need more public provision of early childhood education services across Kiama and across NSW.“You're not going to get that by electing the same old parties to do the same old things.”

Gerringong businessman Derek McMahon is at his wit’s end over the “unfathomable” decision by Kiama Council to exclude his Sims Road property from the Employment Lands Strategy.Council approved the Draft Employment Lands Strategy at its meeting on Tuesday night and it will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days. In his report to Council, director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson recommended that Sims Road should be included in the Strategy even though the land was not included in the consultants’ recommendations for future employment lands.“This site has long been identified as a potential future employment precinct and was previously supported by Council to be rezoned,” Paterson wrote.He added the site was appropriate for employment land “due to both north and south bound connects to the Princes Highway and consideration should be given to including the three hectares at 5 Sims Road, Gerringong as future employment lands in the final ELS given it has current permissibility as a highway service centre”.However, a motion was moved to exclude Sims Road from the Employment Lands Strategy with Councillors Mike Cains, Yasmin Tatrai, Stuart Larkins and Melinda Lawton on board with only Matt Brown voting to keep it in.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters and Erica Warren abstained from voting due to a “significant non-pecuniary interest” because they had ran on McMahon’s independent ticket at the 2023 elections.McMahon was furious at the decision and wants the community to know that a project that could deliver major economic benefits to the area has again been stymied.“These councillors, who represented almost 35% of the vote at the election and campaigned under the mantra of “Locals for Community and Business”, have already demonstrated their commitment to those values. In their first major vote affecting both community and business, they were unable to effectively represent their voter base,” he said.The managing director of McMahons Transport purchased the land in 2020 with a view to the three-hectare area becoming a place where businesses in the Kiama local government area could have the room to expand their operations.McMahon said his family started operating Kiama Landscape Supplies in Barney Street in 1980 for nearly three decades before complaints from the neighbours about the noise effectively ended their tenure there. As their business has expanded into wholesale operations and transport, they have operated in the Brown Street industrial area, the Bombo Quarry, a couple of other spots outside the LGA and now at Minnamurra Waste Depot.“Effectively that's 45 years that we've been operating in and around the LGA and there has been no general industry space developed for us to have the opportunity to even move our business to or let alone grow. And we're not alone,” he said.“The list of companies in town that are frustrated by this issue is a mile long. McMahon said the Sims Road area was ideal for industrial businesses.“I'd been looking for land for a long time. It ticked a heap of boxes for me. It's on an interchange, you don't have to go past a single resident to enter or exit so truck movements are really not an issue. “It is not bounded by any residential and the houses that are there are a long way away. So noise is not an issue, it dissipates. “It has a high level of background noise because it's on the freeway and anybody who knows anything about noise engineering knows that that's an enormous advantage. “It has got sewer and water on it. There's no agricultural value to it whatsoever. So there's a heap of little unique things like that.”McMahon said Council voted unanimously at the time to bid against him for the property five years ago to buy it for employment lands. He said after the auction he went into Council and met with the planning team. “We agreed that we had the same goal. And the then General Manager instructed his planning team to get it done. They were his words. “So that was the first council that effectively voted it up for industrial land. We then put it through. We did the planning proposal. We got it through Council once, but there was an issue with the wording in the proposal.“So we had to go back through a second time. The first time we got it through 7-2, only the two Greens voted against us.” Council records note the two councillors at the time who voted against McMahon’s proposal were happy for ratepayer funds to be used to achieve the same outcome of employment land.“Then we went through a second time and the same thing happened. We went up 7-2. So we had approval. So the planning proposal was accepted. “It went to state government for the gateway approval for it to be the zoning change. Now, the state government didn't necessarily knock it back, but they didn't approve it. “They just said to us, look, fundamentally, we've got no issue with it but there was a little bit of a problem in the way that we'd gone about it. “They basically said we went through what's called a Schedule 1 activity, which was not to change the land zoning, but to then operate some businesses off it. And they effectively said what you actually need is industrial land. “That's what you're asking for. In order to get that, you need to go away and put it in a strategic plan and then come back with it, and then we'll consider it.” That was in 2022 and McMahon has been working with Kiama Council since.“We've waited patiently for the Housing Strategy to come out, which originally the employment plan strategy was to be part of that. Whilst that process took place, they separated it. Now, when that process started, we did an expression of interest. “We put Sims Road in for zoning change. So we've ticked all the boxes and done everything we had to do.”McMahon said he took exception to the report presented to Council by a consultancy firm which the ELS states “has been based on a desktop analysis”. “They left Sims Road out of the draft, unfortunately. And for what reason, I don't know. There's no explanation in the draft for that. It's just like it's been forgotten.” McMahon said some of the land that has been designated for future commercial use in the Draft Strategy was a riparian zone with two creeks running through it “so they’re going to lose at least half of it”. He addressed around 30 disgruntled local business operators at Gerringong Town Hall on Thursday morning to update them on the latest developments.McMahon indicated that they will form an action group and make further submissions to Council to ensure the Sims Road precinct and other local land is added to an updated version of the Employment Lands Strategy.“It’s just crazy. We need jobs for current residents and their kids, we’ve got to start creating some noise.“So now our fight is to get it reinstated back in (the ELS). The community now has to apply the correct pressure to the councillors.” The Bugle contacted the four Councillors who voted against Sims Road - Cr Cains and Cr Tatrai did not comment while Cr Larkins said he is encouraging the community “to provide feedback on this draft strategy for future consideration at a council meeting”“I felt as though any new proposals for employment lands need to be suggested through that process, rather than focus on any specific proposals at this time until I’ve had an opportunity to fully understand the site-specific inclusions.”Cr Lawton issued a statement to say her vote “should not be taken as a position for or against the merit of 5 Sims Road”.“My focus has been, and continues to be, on ensuring that we follow a consistent, transparent and defensible process in developing and implementing the Housing Strategy and its supporting documents.“My concern in this case stems from the process taken at the July meeting, where Councillors suggested the ad-hoc addition and removal of sites outside of the detailed strategic framework.“I campaigned strongly for our Housing Strategy to present clearer, integrated information across multiple planning layers, rather than focusing on housing in isolation. “Council ultimately decided to keep the various elements separate. I fully respect that decision, and I will continue to work within those parameters.“I acknowledge there is a long planning history associated with this site, including past approvals from Council and previous refusals from the NSW Department of Planning.“At this point, what is most important is that the community can now provide their submissions on the Draft Employment Lands Strategy, which may or may not support other areas, including or similar to 5 Sims Road. “Depending on community submissions, I would assume that any sites suggested would be assessed appropriately and transparently, within the broader framework of the adopted Housing Strategy.“If any future rezoning proposals come before Council for any employment lands, these would need to be fully assessed on their strategic and planning merits and measured against the relevant planning framework, including the adopted Housing and future Employment Lands Strategies.”

My decision not to proceed with fireworks this New Year’s Eve will understandably disappoint many residents who look forward to the tradition each year.But this change also presents an opportunity – one that could see our communities connect in new ways and deliver a valuable economic boost to local businesses across the local government area.Rather than gathering in a single location for a display, residents can instead celebrate close to home – by booking a table at their local restaurant, reserving a seat at their favourite bar or pub, or organising a family picnic in a nearby park and supporting the takeaway businesses in their neighbourhood.Staying local throughout our LGA, alleviates pressure on traffic and crowd management – it keeps dollars circulating in the local economy and supports the very businesses that serve our communities year-round.Cafés and restaurants now have the chance to offer set-menu New Year’s Eve dinners or special family-friendly sittings.Bars and pubs can host early “local countdowns” or relaxed live music nights, and feature pre-booked locals packages.Business precincts could work together to promote progressive dinners, twilight dining trails, or “shop-and-stay” promotions.Local parks and picnic areas can become focal points for people to gather with neighbours and friends – and small activations such as live musicians, outdoor movies or pop-up performances can deliver all the atmosphere of a large-scale event at a fraction of the cost.The real opportunity this year is to demonstrate that a celebration of community doesn’t have to rely on a single spectacle.By choosing to celebrate within our own neighbourhoods, residents can contribute directly to local jobs and strengthen the social fabric that supports our towns and villages.I strongly encourage businesses in our LGA to get creative and take advantage of this golden opportunity!So while the fireworks won’t take place this year, the spirit of celebration certainly can – and in more places than ever before.Stay local. Celebrate local. Support local.The thoughts expressed in this column are from Councillor Melinda Lawton, not on behalf of Council

Kiama Council has moved to ease fears that waste collection will be outsourced amid concern in the community about potential job losses and a reduction in service quality.But the United Services Union has warned ratepayers that any move towards outsourcing would have detrimental consequences for the level of service that the community receives.As part of its rolling program of service reviews, Council is conducting an internal review of domestic waste management.A councillor briefing was held last week on 12 August to outline the findings of the draft review and the anticipated recommendations.Council is in the process of providing feedback to the consultants who prepared the draft before receiving a final version which will then be presented to Councillors.A spokesperson said Council understands “there is concern among staff regarding the potential outcomes, however no decisions have been made at this stage as the Domestic Waste Management service review is still ongoing”.Council will continue to engage with staff and stakeholders throughout this process and will provide updates as the review progresses.Regular service reviews are a legislative requirement of local government organisations.“At Kiama Council, our focus is on ensuring efficiency, value for money and strategic alignment across the organisation,” the spokesperson said.“The aim is to retain all staff and, if it becomes necessary, to redeploy them where appropriate.“Council has been open and transparent about the fact we are conducting these service reviews and our executives and managers team regularly meet with and brief staff and Councillors as part of the process.”USU southern branch organiser Rudi Oppitz said the union was holding regular conversations with its membership and Council management.“We’re talking to Kiama Council and letting them know that we object to outsourcing of Council work, particularly around the waste and additional work that flows from waste,” he said.“That belongs to our members and should be carried out by our membership.“We’re keeping a very close eye on any activity that could see the loss of positions and jobs at that Council.“We know what the double-speak relating to reviews taking place and all that sort of things, and assertions being made at the managerial level that there’s nothing to see here. “Nine times out of 10 there’s something that’s on foot that unless the union intervenes, it could cost our members jobs or positions. “This Council doesn’t have a very good track record in terms of outsourcing and the grounds for which it does outsourcing so it’s certainly for our office a Council we’re keeping a very close eye on.”Oppitz added that Council waste collection staff have “pride in the work they do” to ensure the waste collection process runs smoothly. “The ratepayers have every right to be anxious and concerned,” he added.“Our members that do this work at the moment, there is an additional touch in the service because they live in the community they live in. “You don’t get the same service from multinational organisations.“I’m yet to see any outsourced service where it becomes cheaper for the ratepayer. The level of service disappears as well. You’re nothing more than just a number.”A Waste Services review was reported to Council on 21 January with the business case reported on 24 February.These were confidential reports due to the commercial in confidence information contained within.A subsequent Report for Information was reported to Council’s 20 May meeting, flagging an additional service review, specifically for domestic waste management and this report was made publicly available.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has pledged $26 million for urgently needed upgrades to the Kiama Sporting Complex, delivering the first stage of Kiama Council’s masterplan.The funding promise, which would be delivered if the Liberals are voted in at the next election in 2027, has been welcomed by Serena Copley, their candidate for the upcoming by-election in Kiama.Copley said the local sporting community had been crying out for these upgrades.“From netball and basketball to football, cricket, athletics and Little A’s, the precinct supports thousands of players every week. This funding will make sure those facilities keep pace with demand and are safe, accessible and ready for the future,” Copley said.“This announcement is about listening to the needs of local clubs and delivering what matters most, modern amenities, safer playing surfaces, and facilities that encourage participation for all, including women and juniors.”“I’m proud to be part of the Liberal Team that believes so strongly in Kiama and is willing to invest to ensure we have a better future for generations to come.”Speakman said the $26 million commitment would deliver the first stage of a modern, fit-for-purpose sporting precinct for Kiama. "For too long, players, families and clubs have been operating with ageing facilities that simply don’t meet today’s needs. A NSW Liberal Government will change that," he said.“For the first time, female footballers will have their own dedicated changerooms. The upgraded netball facilities, lighting, and a synthetic athletics track will ensure our young people can train and compete in all conditions. "This investment is about backing grassroots sport, boosting sports tourism and encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles.”“For two years Labor has neglected Kiama. The Liberals have a proven record of investing in the roads, schools and hospitals needed to support this community. "Now we’re turning to sporting infrastructure, which only the Liberals can deliver.”This funding could deliver:· New football amenities and changerooms, including dedicated facilities for female players for the first time· New netball amenities and changerooms· Installation of high-grade lighting for four football fields (including cricket) and the athletics track· Resurfacing and reconfiguration of outdoor netball courts and car parking· Extensive new drainage and irrigation to weather-proof fields and track· Construction of a new synthetic athletics track (replacing the existing grass track)· Installation of new CCTV to improve community safety and security

Liberal candidate for Kiama, Serena Copley, has taken aim at the NSW Government over delays in the long-awaited Nowra By-Pass with the former Shoalhaven Councillor saying it was another reason why Labor “plans to plan” rather than getting projects done.Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Roads Natalie Ward joined Copley in Bomaderry on Thursday morning to reiterate their belief that the local community deserves to know why this project is nowhere near close to completion. “The Nowra Bypass is the next vital stage for the Princes Highway and for the South Coast,” Ward said. “Commuters, families, freight operators and local tourism have waited long enough. Labor has failed to provide any delivery funding, just more words, more promises, and more delays.”Ward said that under the former Liberal government, there was record investment in the Princes Highway with major projects delivered for the Nowra Bridge Project, the Albion Park Rail Bypass, and the Foxground and Berry Bypass.“These projects transformed communities and cut travel times. The Liberals delivered because we back communities here in Kiama and throughout the South Coast. That’s the difference between the Liberal Party and Labor – we build, they talk,” she added. “Now on the eve of a by-election Labor expect locals to ignore their neglect for the region, they shouldn’t be rewarded for their inaction and lack of vision.”Copley said $105 million was allocated in 2023 for planning work on the Nowra Bypass. But no delivery commitment has been given or funding allocated so it could be decades away from becoming a reality, if it ever happens. “The people of the South Coast know the truth, Labor talk big before an election, and then afterwards projects are pushed into the never never,” she said.“There’s no vision, no funding, and no urgency from Labor at any level of government, but particularly from the Minns Labor Government.“Labor has lots of smoke and mirrors, lots of talk, lots of talk of planning, but it's been crickets and there's no action. We absolutely need to get this project happening.”Copley said the traffic through Nowra had been bad for decades and it was only getting worse.“I was just chatting to some locals this morning and we were saying at peak tourist times, we all plan our day to avoid going into town because we know we're going to get stuck in the traffic. That's not a way to live your life,” she said.“Our community needs certainty about how this project is going to be moving forward and Labor just keep saying, we're planning, we're planning. They're planning to plan and that doesn't give us anything.“There's no timelines, there's not even any feedback on where the proposed route is. t's just this magical mystery tour by Labor.”

After much toing and froing, Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters has opted against contesting the upcoming by-election but she will be keeping a close eye on whoever wins before deciding whether she will throw her hat into the ring next time around.The independent Councillor seriously considered standing in the by-election and would have been a formidable opponent for Labor’s Katelin McInerney, Serena Copley (Liberals), Dr Tonia Gray (Greens) and Kate Dezarnaulds (Community Independent).But she told The Bugle that she was not quite ready to commit herself to a crack at a seat in state government.She will be closely monitoring whoever emerges triumphant on 13 September over the next 18 months to see if they deliver on their promises for the electorate.And if Cr Matters feels the residents of Kiama are still being treated like second-class citizens in NSW Parliament, she is likely to nominate for the full state election in early 2027.Her interest in potentially running for Kiama this time around was triggered by a recent phone poll of the electorate which mentioned her name among a list of local politicians to see who had name recognition among the constituents.“After that, I had phone calls saying ‘oh, you're running’ and ‘you should be running’, and I'm going hold on,” she explained.“The only reason I thought about running was I thought what is the best for the Kiama seat? “And ultimately because I'm only new to Kiama Council, my commitment is solely focused there for now.”Cr Matters is apolitical but wants to ensure that whoever is elected is not just part of a party machine but dedicated to what the region needs.“I think it's best that we, as Council, work with a really good, strong candidate,” she added.“Council is, I think, just turning the corner a little bit. And I think that our efforts should remain focused there. But we definitely need someone strong that's going to advocate for us in State Parliament to help us get the area where we need it to be. “So I'm placing great faith in the electorate that they will choose the person who will deliver for us.The NSW Labor Government had a frosty relationship with disgraced independent Gareth Ward over the past few years.“I just don't think we've had the representation we deserve. I'd like to see that change,” Cr Matters added.“It's a bit of an 18-month window into what's going to happen to see if we’ve voted for the right person. Are they delivering for our area? And if they don't, then maybe I need to step up. “But I have confidence that we have got strong women there that will step up. But let's wait and see. You never say never.“I don't mind who is in government, but I do care about our area and I will fight for what we deserve and what we need to do.”

The actions and behaviour for which Gareth Ward has been found guilty are reprehensible. They cannot be excused, diminished, or brushed aside. As a community, we are right to feel disappointment, anger, and sadness when a person entrusted with public office fails us so deeply.Yet alongside that public outrage, I feel another, quieter sorrow, for what might have been.I first met Gareth Ward in 2008, when he was a councillor on Shoalhaven City Council. We were both newcomers to local government, meeting at an LGNSW conference in Broken Hill. What struck me then was his low opinion of fellow councillors, regardless of their political allegiance. His views were already set, just weeks after an election. It was a red flag: if he could dismiss his own colleagues so quickly, it was easy to imagine him doing the same to anyone outside his chosen circle.Over time, I came to wonder if this outlook was not just political strategy, but perhaps a shield - a way of keeping people at a certain distance.By 2016, when Kiama Council was slated for forced amalgamation with Shoalhaven, he was our local member. In that heated fight, I saw two sides to him: siding with Kiama locals when he was here, but supporting the state government’s position in Macquarie Street. This ability to speak one way in one room and another way elsewhere became part of his political method.As mayor, I knew my duty was to keep our working relationship functional. And we did that. He was diligent, he worked hard. But I noticed that much of his energy was spent on preserving his position. It wasn’t unusual for politics and yet, with Gareth, relationships often seemed transactional, shaped by shifting alliances more than steady trust.And that, I think, is the real sadness. I’m not sure Gareth ever let himself step outside the political arena long enough to form friendships unbound by ambition or rivalry. Perhaps he did not trust that such relationships could last; perhaps he never had the chance to learn. Whatever the reason, the cost was high. Without those deeper connections that sustain and anchor us, the contest of politics can become the whole of a person’s life and, in the end, their undoing.Politics is demanding work, but its foundation must be trust between colleagues and between the community and its leaders. Once broken, trust is hard to restore.In this moment, however, our deepest concern must be for the victims. Their pain is real and enduring. They deserve our compassion, our respect, and our unwavering support. It takes extraordinary courage to speak up, and their bravery reminds us that accountability is not only a matter of law, it is a moral duty.The lesson here is broader than one man’s fall. It is about the standards we demand from those who lead us: integrity over expedience, respect over manipulation, service over self-interest. Public office is not a trophy. It is a responsibility, embedded in trust and sustained by our shared humanity.When that trust is broken, the shadow it casts is long. The victims carry their trauma.The community carries its disappointment. And some, like Gareth, are left carrying something lonelier still: the absence of bonds that politics alone can never replace.In the end, a public life will not be measured by the seats you win or the titles you hold. It will be measured by the trust you nurture, the humanity you show, and the friendships that remain when the contest is over.Neil Reilly is the former Mayor of Kiama, who was elected to Kiama Council in 2008 and retired in 2024.