A chance discovery by a Kiama resident during a spring clean-out of their house has led to the original plaque being brought back to life on the old Council Chambers building in Jamberoo.The plaque has been placed back on the facade of the original building which is now home to Jamberoo Valley Meats, adding an extra dash of yesteryear to the picturesque township.Stuart Richards from the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association and local welding and fabrication business owner Paul O’Keefe were integral in getting the plaque looking shiny and new again so that it could return to its original location.The plaque was probably removed from the Jamberoo Council Chambers building after the 1954 amalgamation with Kiama and has been lost since then.When the Kiama resident stumbled upon the piece of Jamberoo history four years ago among a pile of rubbish, it was given to Jamberoo publican Ross Warren, who mentioned the discovery to Stuart when they were catching up at a function.“I went and had a look at it and thought we need to get this back up on the building,” Stuart recalled.“It was engraved but it didn’t have any gold lettering on it. It was very plain - you could only just see the engraving.”Stuart re-embossed the gold lettering and Paul had a plate made up, which was powder-coated, to hold the plaque.No ceremony was required - in typical Jamberoo style, they just put it up and if anyone asked, they told them the story of the long lost plaque’s circuitous journey.Butchery owner Steve McCure said it was great to have the plaque in pride of place at the front of his shop and it was a nice talking point for his customers to chew on.The Council Chambers building was built in 1934 and the wife of the Minister for Labour and Industry (the Hon. J.M. Dunningham) was given the honour of unveiling the plaque.Jamberoo Mayor David Weir as well as the mayors of Gerringong and Shellharbour and the deputy mayor also attended the opening in what the Kiama Independent at the time described as “a red-letter day for Jamberoo”.Paul O'Keefe and Stuart Richards. Photo: Supplied The opening of the Council Chambers was described as one of the biggest works undertaken recently, along with the construction of a new road to Kiama.“The tablet has the inscriptions of all the aldermen at the time,” Stuart explained.“They had a big do at the Jamberoo School of Arts and a dinner to celebrate the opening.”The Municipality of Kiama was proclaimed on 11 August 1859 and has undergone a number of name and boundary changes.On 24 April 1871, the Municipal Districts of Gerringong and Broughton’s Vale were created out of the former Gerringong Ward of the Municipality.Initially there was a borough of Kiama and East Kiama.But on 31 March 1892, Kiama became known as the Municipality of Jamberoo and East Kiama became the Municipality of Kiama.The municipalities of Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong amalgamated on 11 June 1954 to form the Municipality of Kiama while the Municipality of Broughton’s Vale had become part of the Shoalhaven Shire in 1947.

Minnamurra Lions have entered an exciting new era, celebrating their inaugural official dinner meeting at the Kiama Golf Club. This special evening featured a keynote presentation from Jenny Barclay, District N2 instructor for the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP). Jenny’s talk emphasised the critical importance of early detection vision screening and described the increasing momentum behind the LEHP initiative throughout the Kiama–Shoalhaven region.During the event, Minnamurra Lions confirmed their commitment to community health by announcing their upcoming participation in the next LEHP children’s vision screening. This screening is scheduled for 1 March at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.The club’s involvement in this initiative underscores their ongoing dedication to supporting local families and strengthening health-focused community projects.The evening was marked by the induction of John Dawson as the newest member of the Minnamurra Lions. John is a long-standing resident of the Kiama Downs and Gainsborough area and brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in education, including many years teaching at Kiama High School. He is also renowned for his extensive community service record.John’s volunteer contributions span numerous local sporting groups, such as the Kiama Cavaliers and the Kiama District Sports Association. His commitment to the community has been recognised with a Kiama Council Local Government Award and the honour of being named Kiama Municipal Council Senior Citizen of the Year for 2025–2026.In his address, John said he and his wife are “deeply entrenched in the area” and have a strong passion for “giving back to the community”. Minnamurra Lions president Dennis Beyon reflected on the significance of the evening, stating that it established a solid foundation for the club’s future.“With new members, new partnerships, and new opportunities to serve, Minnamurra Lions is building real momentum.”For more information about the Minnamurra Lions, visit their website at https://minnamurralions.org.au/

Check out this week's edition of The Bugle to get your fill of local news and views from our South Coast community.Our main story is an investigation into the federal government's social media ban and how local teenagers are working their way around the controversial legislation.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREWe also bring you the heart-warming story of a long lost Jamberoo Council Chambers plaque which was rescued from a pile of rubbish and returned to its rightful position at what is now the town's butcher's shop.There is also an update on one of the developments at Kiama's Akuna Street, a local musical family and how clean energy is lighting up the region.You can also read plenty of community stories including how The Drink Show went last weekend at The Pavilion, how to navigate the latest interest rate hike and the ongoing demolition of the old nursing home at Havilah Place.In sport, you can read about Kiama Cricket Club's 170th anniversary celebrations, the Jamberoo Sevens and a windsurfing event which will be held in the near future at Gerroa.And our intrepid photographer Brian Scott has been out and about snapping community sports stars doing their thing.For the green thumbs, John Gabriele is back with more advice for your garden.The paper is available from all the usual outlets around the Kiama local government area - grab yours before it's too late.

Shellharbour City Council is encouraging residents to look closer to home this Valentine’s Day, launching a suite of local activities designed to celebrate connection and community.Mayor Chris Homer said the day is an opportunity for residents to support local businesses and facilities while spending quality time with loved ones, whether that be with partners, friends, or family.The festivities begin early at City Library on Friday, 13 February.Between 10.30am and 11.30am, the community is invited to celebrate Library Lovers’ Day — a global event honouring the role of libraries and librarians.Visitors can enjoy a celebratory cake in the foyer and participate in the popular "Blind Date with a Book" initiative, where readers can select a mystery title to take home.For those looking for an alternative to traditional flowers, the Shellharbour City Council Nursery is promoting indoor plants as a gift that keeps growing.Located at River Oak Place in Oak Flats, the nursery offers a wide range of greenery that provides a longer-lasting sentiment than a standard bouquet.The nursery is open weekdays from 7.30am to 3.45pm.Couples looking for an active outing can take advantage of a 2-for-1 deal at Shanx Mini Golf, located at The Links Shell Cove. Bookings are available until 8.15pm on Valentine’s Day, allowing visitors to pair a round of golf with a meal at the adjacent Tavern at The Links.Council hopes that by offering a mix of creative, cultural, and leisure activities, every resident can find a meaningful way to celebrate.

As the dust settles over the historic grounds of Havilah Place, Kiama Council has confirmed the demolition of the old Blue Haven nursing home is on track for completion next month.The site has been undergoing an $850,000 transformation - funded via Council’s Capital Works program - into level, vacant land that is safe to use but for what purpose? While the site has been officially designated as a "catalyst site" under the Strategic Finance & Governance Improvement Plan, a Council spokesperson clarified that no formal masterplans have been developed yet.Any future use will be subject to the usual community consultation. Once the derelict buildings are cleared, the area will be fenced off to allow for grass regrowth and to protect the site from vandalism, leaving an area that Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has previously described as “an open book”.This transition marks the end of a storied chapter that began in the 1870s when the land served as a State Rail Quarry, providing the blue metal that paved the streets of Sydney. By the 1970s, the site took on a more humanitarian purpose. Kiama State Quarry Rose Series PostcardAt a time when the local hospital was overflowing and elderly residents were being forced into nursing homes as far away as Sydney, the community rallied to build a local solution. After years of political turbulence and funding delays during the Whitlam and Fraser eras, the facility finally opened in 1979, serving as a cornerstone of local aged care for four decades.As the demolition crews complete their work, Council’s Finance and Major Projects Committee will begin the complex task of fitting the site into a larger "jigsaw puzzle" of community assets. The future of Havilah Place is expected to influence the redevelopment of the nearby Kiama Sporting Complex, with residents already floating ideas ranging from affordable housing and retail space to expanded parkland. Nursing home and hostel 1979While the original 1979 structures are being removed, Council has assured the public that Blue Haven Terralong and the Kiama Community Garden will remain untouched, ensuring that even as the landscape changes, the legacy of community service that defined the site for 50 years continues in a new form.

The South Coast’s independent spirits scene received a significant boost last Saturday when the highly anticipated arrival of The Drink Show took over The Pavilion Kiama for its boutique regional debut.The event, which focused on quality over scale, attracted an engaged crowd of spirits enthusiasts to sample rare, small-batch offerings from some of Australia’s most acclaimed artisanal producers. From the botanical complexities of North of Eden Gin and Karu Distillery to the agave-inspired Florcita Tequila, the Pavilion floor was a showcase of craft innovation not typically found on local bottleshop shelves.The day was punctuated by three tasting sessions and a series of intimate masterclasses that allowed for deep-dives into the distilling process.Amber Lane Distillery cellar master Rod Berry led a highlight session, “The Secret Blend Behind Australia’s Best Whisky 2025,” where attendees stepped into the role of blender. Using barrel samples and syringes, participants recreated elements of award-winning blends, gaining firsthand insight into the premium techniques that have put the distillery on the national map.Meanwhile, Felix Clarke of Ester Spirits brought a summer vibe to the Pavilion with his “Summer Drinks” workshop, demonstrating how to elevate the award-winning Old Tom Gin for home entertaining.While many major city festivals rely on sheer volume, event coordinator Mick Turner says that Kiama’s success was measured by the depth of interaction.“For a debut event in Kiama, we were pleased with the atmosphere and level of engagement,” Turner said. “The crowd was compact but genuinely curious and interested in the producers, reinforcing the appetite for curated drinks events in the region.”Exhibitors including Banks & Solander, Phoenix Distilling Co., Noble Bootleggers, and SoHi Spirits reported high levels of engagement, with many attendees opting to purchase bottles directly from the makers – a clear sign that the "meet-the-maker" format resonated with the local community.The success of the Kiama event serves as a proof-of-concept for bringing high-end, independent drink tours to regional hubs. The intimate nature of the sessions ensured the "story behind the bottle" remained the focal point.“Kiama confirmed the value of bringing independent Australian drinks producers into regional communities in a curated, considered way,” Turner added. “The learnings will shape future tours, with Maitland in May set as our next stop.”As the sun set over Surf Beach, it was clear Kiama’s palate for independent spirits is only just beginning to wake up.

Tucked away in the corner of Kiama, just one kilometre from the train station, sits a skate park many locals know well – a concrete maze of ramps, rails and colourful graffiti that once hosted skateboarding competitions and now serves as a popular hangout for young people.For one night only, it will become something else entirely, transforming into a venue Kiama has never seen before.On 21 February, Kiama Skate Park will be converted into a full-scale electronic music venue as local events brand THAT. takes over the space, turning concrete bowls into dance floors and grind rails into viewing platforms.The event will feature a massive scaffold stage, two towering scaffold structures running through the centre of the park, and an immersive sound and lighting setup designed to complement the skate park’s industrial aesthetic. A three-level viewing platform along the western edge will offer partygoers a bird’s-eye view of the action.Founder of THAT., Dylan Morris, said the skate park had been part of his vision since the very beginning of the brand.“Before I even threw my first event, this skate park was the end goal,” Morris said. “I wanted to create that night – something people talk about and remember.”Morris, who grew up in Kiama and started DJing at 18, said the idea grew from his frustration with the town’s limited nightlife.“We’ve always had to go to Wollongong for a night out,” he said. “It’s a 40-minute train ride every weekend. I wanted to bring something here, especially for the new generation, so they don’t have to leave town just to have a good night.”Since launching THAT. two years ago, Morris has staged multiple pop-up events across Kiama, Wollongong and surrounding areas, filling surf clubs, bowling clubs, town halls and even a warehouse in Berry. His first event sold out with 150 people, followed by another one just days later that doubled in size.The skate park event is by far his biggest undertaking.Morris said the event is costing well and truly in the six-figure range, which justifies the $90 ticket price.The line-up is backed by Red Bull sponsorship, with a dedicated Red Bull DJ car, a shaded chill-out zone and a second stage planned for the park.Food vans Amigos and Olachola will be on site, alongside a bar service. Facilities include disabled access, public toilets and parking.The event will feature high-energy electronic and techno music, aimed primarily at an 18–30-year-old audience, though Morris said it is open to attendees outside that age range.Performers include STÜM ft. Bella Claxton, Little Fritter and Ned Bennett.“It’s kind of the new rock and roll,” Morris said. “If you look at festivals now, electronic music is what’s selling out. That’s the crowd we’re bringing.”Tickets are priced at $90, with organisers saying only around 10 per cent remain.While many are excited to see Kiama host a large-scale nightlife event, many young people in the area say they felt frustrated and disappointed, after initially being thrilled by the announcement.“My son and his friends were excited at first, until they saw the age limit and the price,” one local mother told The Bugle. “The skate park is where they meet up with their friends – a place that gives them a sense of belonging – and now they feel shut out.”She said many young people would like to see a similar event without the age restriction and high ticket cost.Despite this, Morris hopes the event marks a turning point for Kiama’s nightlife.“I want to show there’s another side to this town,” he said. “If we can build trust with the community, maybe this opens the door to more regular events – even a nightclub one day.”The skate park will be back to normal from Monday onward, after crews clean the site, but the conversation about Kiama’s nightlife is likely to linger.

For the thousands of people who visit Kiss Arts Festival every year, Tamara Campbell is best known as her alter ego, ‘Kiki Bittovabitsch the Hilarious Humanitarian,’ with her quirky style, penchant for pink and love of double entendres.Off stage, Campbell is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Kiss Arts Festival — and she is not immune to the stress and strain of the events industry.The Kiss Arts Festival, which has taken place in Kiama every year since 2013, was postponed last year. “We moved it back to April 2026 because of the busyness of the October period,” says Campbell.And then there’s the small matter of money.“There are two elements,” she says. “It’s not just [government] funding — it’s also about ticket purchasing. Post-COVID, people do everything last minute and it’s very nerve-wracking and unsettling. That’s reason one why events get cancelled.”For Kiss Arts Festival 2026, which runs from April 24 to 26, Campbell and co-founder Dave Evans are planning a “compressed but definitely vibrant” comeback.This year, it will still run over three days, but with reduced hours and locations.Campbell describes it as a “best of” program.“You’ll see a really great mixture of old faves and new and different,” she says.Highlights include laugh-out-loud street entertainment, a lantern-making workshop and the iconic raft race, setting off from Black Beach at midday on Sunday. (Registrations are now open.)In addition to the adults-only cabaret, there’s a bonus event — an “interactive trivia night” on 27 February from 7 to 11pm.“I’d like to thank Kiama Surf Club for donating the building and letting us run the bar there,” says Campbell.“We encourage you to put a team together, book your tickets and make a night of it.”At the time of our interview, funding from Kiama Council had not yet been confirmed, but Campbell was hopeful.If any local businesses wish to sponsor events, she says, their donations would be welcomed.“Please do support this iconic, free community event, because they’re dying off,” says Campbell.“Personally, you can be a sponsor just by buying a ticket and coming to these events.”Since the festival began over a decade ago, the demographic of Kiama has changed significantly.“The original Kiss crowd — their kids have grown up,” she says. “There will be a whole lot of new people in this town who don’t know what Kiss is. If you’ve never been, you don’t know what you’re missing.”She adds, “Human connection, community spirit and shared joy is what the world needs right now.”To book tickets, visit kissartsfest.com.au.

Wildlife educator Steve Irwin’s work with a much-maligned reptile not only earned him his famous Crocodile Hunter moniker, but shone a spotlight on environmental conservation. Now CSIRO entomologist Keith Bayless - nicknamed The Fly Hunter by colleagues - is on a similar mission, to inspire kids to love bugs and science by documenting his search for a rare Australian fly which he rediscovered in a stinky loo near Jamberoo.Bayless found the Clisa australis - or what he colloquially calls the bat poo fly after its main food source - at Barren Grounds national park more than 30 years after it vanished from Australian records.The rare Australian fly was first discovered deep in a bat cave near Kempsey in the 1960s by entomologist David McAlpine. It later turned up in pit toilets in a northern NSW national park in the 1990s before disappearing again. Bayless spent more than 10 years hunting for the tiny insect, before he finally found it near Jamberoo. His dogged hunt earned him his nickname and, like The Crocodile Hunter, Bayless hopes his research will spark young people to be “curious about nature”. The fly specialist, who grew up in the United States in suburban New Jersey and got his PhD from North Carolina State University before travelling to Australia to work at the CSIRO, recalls hunting flies in his suburban backyard and being inspired by Irwin as a young nature lover.“The Crocodile Hunter was certainly beloved when I was growing up,” says Bayless. “And while crocodiles might be a lot bigger than flies, they are sometimes just as hard to see as they hide so well. So I don’t know which is more difficult to spot but I'm certainly happy that I work on flies and not crocs.”While the scientist’s target is much smaller, less aggressive and far more elusive than a saltwater croc his hunting ground - national park dunnies across the east coast - could be considered just as daunting as scouring croc-infested waters.“I’ve checked the walls and ceilings of an embarrassing number of public toilets in parks since 2015,” says Bayless on his hunt for the bat poo fly.“If I’m driving I’ve been known to take a peek inside drop toilets if there’s a car park nearby. "Often entomologists will check structures like toilets because tiny insects are more visible on walls and, in the case of the bat poo fly, the larvae develop in the pit and eat poo.”When Bayless visited the Australian museum and met McAlpine, the first person to describe and discover Clisa australis, it inspired his decade-long hunt for the bat poo fly.Bayless visited the original cave site near Kempsey where McAlpine worked with bat experts to discover the species but found that the cave was “on a cliff and surrounded by stinging trees“.“I didn’t have the right gear to get in,” says Bayless.So instead he started looking in the last place they were sighted - national park pit toilets. After years of painstakingly scouring smelly dunnies found the rare species in a trap he had set up near a pit toilet in Barren Grounds, off Jamberoo Mountain Road. “It was nestled under land leeches in a sample from a dark, humid gully,” he says. “That fly had never been collected by trapping before.”Bayless says he felt “elation and relief” after years of searching for his tiny target.“But there was also a fair amount of confusion because it hadn’t been spotted this far south before,” he explains. The finding spurred him on to widen his hunt and not long after his first discovery Bayless spotted a live Clisa australis sitting on a “loo roll” near Merimbula.“It really stood out, blue and shiny, on the white background of toilet paper,” says Bayless.Now the entomologist’s hunt for the tiny fly - which is closely related to the fruit fly species - has been turned into a children’s book called The Very Stinky Fly Hunt.Written by CSIRO science communicator Andrea Wild, the book aims to inspire kids to follow their own scientific adventures just like Bayless and to also elevate the humble fly from household pest to important pollinator.Bayless says the rediscovery of the Clisa australis could help scientists better understand the migration patterns of the rare species - it has since been spotted in Victoria - and also mitigate the spread of agricultural diseases.“Clisa australis is closely related to fruit flies so it's useful to compare the two to develop better ways to control agricultural pests,” says Bayless. “We need to learn a lot more about these flies and their rediscovery will help us understand their role in the ecosystem and how flies evolved from feeding on waste to feeding on plants.”Bayless says flies have an unfair reputation for bringing disease and ruining crops but only one per cent of the species has a negative impact on humans and agriculture. The rest have an important role to play in building healthy ecosystems. “Flies are the second-most important pollinating insect after bees,” says Bayless. “The cacao tree, grown for chocolate, can only be pollinated by flies and the blow fly is the main pollinator of mangoes alongside bees.“Farmers often throw fish heads under their mango trees just to attract flies for pollination. "The Very Stinky Fly Hunt is a great way for curious young people who want to learn more about the species and what it’s like to be an entomologist.”

The Lions Clubs of the Kiama–Shoalhaven region is celebrating a big win for local kids’ eye health, following the successful accreditation of new Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) screeners and the completion of the first children’s vision screening by Minnamurra Lions.The screening was delivered with strong support from Kiama Lions, Gerringong Lions Club, Shoalhaven Heads Lions Club, Lions Club of Tahmoor Inc, and Woonona and Canberra Lions Clubs, demonstrating the depth of collaboration across the region. The activity was proudly conducted in partnership with Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, strengthening ties between local service organisations.Training for the new screeners was led by District N2 LEHP Instructor Jenny Barclay, whose expertise has been central to building capability across the zone. As a result of her program, the Kiama–Shoalhaven region now has more than 24 accredited screeners, significantly expanding local capacity to deliver early‑intervention vision checks for children.The accreditation also welcomes two new LEHP‑active clubs - Gerringong Lions and Shoalhaven Heads Lions - further strengthening the region’s long‑term commitment to improving children’s eye health. Planning is already underway to develop at least six trained facilitators, with the potential for one or two new instructors in the near future.This momentum continues, with Kiama Lions set to conduct the third Lions Eye Health Program – Australia screening on 1 March at the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, delivered in partnership with the Kiama Kingfishers. The event will provide another important opportunity for local families to access free, early‑detection vision screening for their children.A Lions spokesperson said the achievement reflects “the best of Lions collaboration - clubs working together, sharing skills, and building a service that will benefit children and families for years to come.”For the Kiama–Shoalhaven region, these milestones mark the beginning of a stronger, more coordinated approach to children’s eye health, one built on teamwork, training, and a shared commitment to community wellbeing.

Walk into Number 19 Gallery in Jamberoo, and one of the first things you spot is a collection of vibrantly coloured paintings instantly evocative of the South Coast.Behind that flash of colour lies a remarkable story of talent, triumph, love and loss.Painter Deborah Chisholm passed away on 15 December.She leaves behind a grief-stricken husband, Ross, who mists up multiple times a day and says little beyond: “I miss her so much. She was such a talented person.“She loved this place, the cows, the horses, the lyrebirds, the blue wrens. We have blue wrens everywhere. She was inspired.”A flyer for her 2024 exhibition at Fern Street Gallery in Gerringong, before her cancer diagnosis, declared: “Colours pop and fizz, and patterns cleverly emerge, layer upon layer, like Russian nesting dolls, suggesting the grandeur of everyday existence built upon the microscopic framework of life itself.”Deb described her creative process: “Suddenly I’ll visualise a painting, its colours and patterns. The South Coast is truly my haven – the green hills, the bird life, the vastness of the ocean – all hold a powerful artistic potency.”Their beautiful house up on Fountaindale Road edges the local rainforest known as The Brush, a remnant of the region's lush temperate rainforest.Each evening, the loved-up couple sat at a table in the garden, admiring the Jamberoo Valley view with a glass of wine. “It was unreal,” Ross recalls. “Just the two of us and the dog. You couldn’t get any life any better.”New arrivals in Jamberoo since moving into their forever home in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, both professionals from the Sutherland Shire – Ross an engineer, Deb a graphic designer with her own business, they named their new home Omaroo, an Indigenous word meaning “beautiful view”. It was their retirement dream.They poured money, love and effort into remodelling gardens and lawns.The house brims with Deb’s paintings. Prints sell well in Allowrie Street, but Ross will never part with the originals.Covid isolation deepened their bond, sparking Deb’s artistic renaissance. After decades as a graphic artist, she turned to vivid paintings of South Coast landscapes.Their dreams were shattered on 24 August 2024 with her diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer and she was given six months to live.Surgery left her severely disabled - Ross became her full-time carer. Early efforts to get help from the NDIS frustrated him deeply, leaving him with the conviction that the scheme is heavily rorted and in urgent need of reform.Often unwell, she painted one-handed; her studio holds half-completed works.After 14 years together, they married on 1 January 2025. “It was a perfect day,” Ross recalls.They knew it couldn’t last.Loss echoes everywhere: an unused pizza oven on the back lawns, an unused, covered spa, a brand-new Porsche SUV driven only once - to bring Deb home from hospital. She wanted to die at home, but illness returned her to hospital for her final weeks.Her last wish: Ross by her side at the end.He missed the moment by five minutes. Telling the story, he chokes up again. A terrible regret.Artistic to the end, Deb left a final card in elegant script with a splash of colour on the cover: “Dear husband, my soulmate, my rock.“I am so glad we found each other! We’ve had plenty of fantastic times away overseas and not only that at home spending time together and enjoying life.“You have given me more than I could ever ask for in dedication and devotion in looking after me through thick and thin, and I am eternally grateful for your support.“Even though you can’t see me, I will always be hanging around sitting next to you on the chair looking over the beautiful valley. "My spirit will be mingled with the mist rising from the valley. "It will be in the song of the lyrebird singing to you melodies from the bush. It will be the rustling of the wind through the trees.“Just talk to me. I will hear you. I may not answer but just know I can hear you.“Be brave and soldier on. And I love you more than you could ever know.”

Serena Copley is fed up with what she perceives as a lot of talk but not enough action in the Kiama electorate.The former Shoalhaven councillor has been endorsed to run again for the Liberal Party in the state election early next year after she was a distant runner-up to Katelin McInerney in last September’s by-election.Copley said “the desire to serve my communities never left me”.“I think it's important to have as much time as possible to work with the community - issues don't just turn up a matter of weeks before an election,” she said.“They are there all the time and if you're serious about the community you want to work on them for as much time as possible and I was very keen to keep going and keep talking to people and working towards solving some of the concerns that people have in our electorate.“I'm in it for the long haul, not just you a flash in the pan before an election.”Copley said it appears McInerney and the Labor Party are happy to “mark time” in the 18-month period from the by-election to next year’s statewide poll. “There's a lot of reading of Labor media releases and talking points but we still have Ground Zero, same old, same old with a lot of our issues.“Our infrastructure is at breaking point. We're not getting the movement on promised infrastructure that we should be getting and those are the things that I will be pointing out. “The community is coming to me and making it quite easy to do my job because they're coming to me and saying what about this, what about that? And I agree with them. “We can't just mark time until the next election, we actually need to get things done now and it's important to act now for the community. I'll be fighting for those improvements.“People that are coming to me are starting to get really frustrated. It's one thing to just trot out statements about good intentions but what we absolutely need is a Member of Parliament who will actually fight for and deliver for that community.“I do have a track record of delivering for my community and I will continue to be a community champion - that's what's important to me.” Copley is pleased to see increased development occurring on the South Coast but warned that transport, schools and big-ticket infrastructure items needed to be planned in conjunction with the expected population explosion.“My real concern is with projects of the volume and density that are being proposed that we absolutely need to make sure that the current infrastructure is upgraded to be able to handle the increased density and so that it provides quality living for our residents and our community into the future,” she added.“We need to be delivering more schools and it can't take the amount of time it's taken so far. Calderwood Public School has been on the table since 2023. “We need to get these facilities built and being delivered for the public as soon as possible because you can't retrofit these things - they need to be planned with the projects that they are announcing, otherwise our community into the future is going to be dealing with bigger issues, unless we get this sorted now.“We are going to need to have a world-class transport system.A major change since she was unsuccessful in the by-election in September is Kellie Sloane taking over from Mark Speakman as the leader of the Liberals in a bid to reinvigorate the Opposition.“Kellie is an outstanding person and a wonderful leader so I'm really excited to continue on with her and have her representing us as a leader,” Copley said.“I got to know her quite well through the by-election - we worked together quite heavily at that time and got to know each other.“She's such an authentic person who cares deeply about local issues in the community. She is a wonderful communicator and as you've seen just in the recent tragedy that happened in Bondi, she's genuine.”

Dumplings, cocktails and bad advice is the name of the game at Uncle Fuku’s, which is now open for business on Collins Street. The team behind Miss Arda, Emily Lewisman and Lauren McWatters, are the masterminds behind the Japanese-inspired tapas and karaoke bar. The two colleagues and friends truly are what many would consider the dream team as they designed and refurbished the entire venue themselves. Stepping inside Uncle Fuku’s is like entering a giant, red cheeky lantern. And yes, you read that correctly, cheeky. There are various posters on the walls such as, Send Noods and Surely Not Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting that certainly set the mood. That’s the thing about Uncle Fuku’s, it pushes the boundaries of what Kiama is used to and it’s here to inject some new energy into the local nightlife. "It's different, it’s fun, it’s exciting,” Lauren said.“For those concerned about the name (pronounced foo-koo) Lauren assures me Fuku is simply a unique name and isn’t intended to be offensive. Fuku primarily means good fortune, luck, or blessing. It is an auspicious term frequently used to represent happiness and prosperity, such as in "fukubukuro" (lucky bags) or on lucky items like the maneki-neko cat.The food at Fuku’s is top notch and while it is designed to be shared, I will admit I guarded my food like a hangry hound because it was that good. The edamame beans alone were enough to convince me as they came drizzled in oil and garnished with sesame seeds. This created a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s unusual for edamame beans. Next on the menu were the vegetarian spring rolls, which were satisfyingly chunky (because when it comes to spring rolls, size does matter) and crispy. Sashimi is also on offer at Uncle Fuku’s. As someone who usually chases her sashimi with a side of raw fish anxiety, I was relieved to discover the sashimi was more akin to smoked salmon. Also of note, was the Mushroom Bao, which comes served in a bamboo steamer and is a filling option for the vegetarians among us. For the less adventurous, there are also potato gems with a secret house seasoning (I’ll let you discover the name of it for yourself).Once dinner is over, there is the option of karaoke in the Tone Deaf Temple, but don’t worry, it’s sound-proofed. If you do suffer from stage fright, you can summon a spirit with a helpful button for a little bit of Dutch - or in this case, Japanese - courage. Before wrapping up your evening, don’t forget to leave some sage advice on the Mirror of Misguidance. Uncle Fuku’s is open from 11am-10:30pm, Thursday through to Monday.

The Kiama Inn Hotel is set to go back to the future with plans to install a new steel balcony which will sweep around the corner of Terralong and Shoalhaven Streets.When the local landmark was built in the late 1800s it had a wrought-iron verandah with 13 posts dotted around the footpath on the corner.Kiama Inn has lodged a development application with Kiama Council, which is on a 28-day public exhibition period until 18 February.The $990,000 upgrade to the hotel also includes the installation of a new lift to cater for all floors and moving the gaming room to the covered barbecue area in the south-eastern part of the hotel. If approved, the balcony will encroach on Council land but that is unlikely to be a conflict of interest issue.Kiama Council’s Director of Strategies and Communities, Ed Paterson, said they were seeking community feedback about the retro design.“Reinstatement of the double hung verandahs is something that the Kiama Town Centre Study and Development Control Plan certainly encourages,” he said. “We've just got to work through the finer detail.”As far as a potential conflict of interest, under the Planning Act, whenever a DA is lodged that includes Council land, or involves an employee or a Councilor, Council is required to hold an extended notification period and submit declaration to say how they will manage the conflict.The site was initially home to the Fermanagh Hotel, which was built by James Barton in 1849, before the two-storey wooden structure was demolished and replaced four decades later by George Tory, who built a three-story masonry hotel.Tory’s Hotel included 60 rooms and wrought-iron lattice verandah in the late Victorian era architectural style.Architect Peter Jay, in his submission to Council, wrote that the proposed development would be beneficial without detracting from the hotel’s historical significance.“The proposed new gaming room, lift, and balcony at the Kiama Inn Hotel, which involves relocating the existing gaming by converting an existing covered BBQ area, the provision of a new balcony and lift, and associated works, will have no adverse impact on its established heritage significance.The original concept for the Elan development. Kiama Council has also reached an agreement with Sydney-based developer Level 33 over the proposed Elan development at Burroul Street which overlooks Surf Beach. Level 33 initially lodged a DA for a four-storey development with 15 housing units before requesting an additional level with five more residences.The developer took the matter to the Land and Environment Court and after a conciliation conference, the two parties agreed to a modified plan which will allow for the extra five units on the fifth floor.“Rather than it being a separate standalone DA it was a new development application that sought to amend the approved development application and we were seeking legal advice around purely the mechanics of how that worked,” Paterson explained.“The applicant took the matter to court on a deemed refusal and that was the only contention that Council had - just around the mechanics of that process working and through mediation, that was very quickly resolved at little to no expense to both parties.” The NSW Government changed the height controls as part of its low-mid rise reforms and Elan fits the criteria for a five-storey development as an R3 zone piece of land as it is just within 800 metres of the town centre.

Rhian Thomas is an architecture post-graduate from the UK who is visiting Kiama. This her second article on her thoughts on planning issues in the town.In light of recent development proposals in and around Kiama, such as Shoalhaven Street, Akuna Street and future projects west of the Princes Highway, it is important to celebrate the everyday elements of the town which make it unique. It is the quieter, familiar places that shape how Kiama is experienced and remembered by those who live hereThe rockpoolKiama’s rock pool is a place where locals gather for a relaxing swim, while embracing the elements. Integrated into the rock bordered by a grassy verge, people sunbathe, read, socialise or simply sit and watch the ocean. The Surf ClubSurf Life Saving Clubs are undoubtedly large parts of Australian coastal towns and Kiama is no exception. Established in 1908, Kiama Surf Life Saving Club is a physical presence on Surf Beach and one within the community. Run by volunteers across coaching, patrol and management roles, the club brings together a variety of people, teaching younger generations how to safely navigate the sea. Here local knowledge, gained only through experience, is passed down.Repurposed buildings and old signsScattered throughout the town, repurposed buildings preserve the architecture and history of Kiama. For example, the old fire station now acts as a community arts centre exhibiting the work of local artists. Similarly, faded letting on new facades offer glimpses into Kiama’s history, revealing the layered development of the High Street. The Post OfficeCommissioned in 1878 at a cost of £3,300, the Kiama Post Office and its clock tower continue to serve their original purpose. An iconic silhouette at the bottom of the High Street, the structure remains one of Kiama’s most recognisable landmarks. This building acts as an example of architecture designed to last and adapt over time.Hindmarsh ParkJust off the High Street, the covered areas beside the playground provide a casual place to gather. Throughout the day, people stop to eat, chat and spend time outdoors. In the evenings, groups meeting for barbecues or with takeaway food can be observed unwinding whilst kids play on the park equipment. The adjacent green space also hosts events such as school activities and seasonal celebrations. Visible from the High Street, it provides a natural buzzing backdrop and further contributes to the town’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.As Kiama continues to grow and change, these unsung but meaningful places serve as reminders. Kiama is defined not by major developments, but by the everyday spaces that support community life.

There was a lovely article in a recent issue of The Bugle about the 170th anniversary of the Kiama Cricket Club. All congratulations to them. Now it makes logical sense that other cricket clubs would be celebrating something similar such as Gerringong and Jamberoo as of course Kiama needed somebody to play against.But having a dig through the pile of junk in my home I came across an old scorebook from the Gerringong CC from 1895, more than 130 years ago.On the first page was the first match of the season at what is now Michael Cronin Oval. Gerringong were playing Kiama CC. In Kiama’s first innings, they scored 67 with Richardson the top scorer with 30 runs.Gerringong had some luck in getting the opening bat McCaffrey out cheaply for two. More on him later. Gerringong responded with 66 with King and Woods getting four wickets each.In Kiama’s second innings, Gerringong were not as lucky with McCaffrey blasting 53 not out in an innings of 4/121. Gerringong were not able to match it in their second innings, only scoring 91. Sefton was chief destroyer with seven wickets.It is wonderful to sit under the trees at Gerringong and imagine the battle happening in the middle 13 decades ago, with a cool breeze on your face.I wonder how many of these names remain in the Kiama district 130 years later.Not many remain from the Gerringong team although I can swear blind there is a Miller or two around somewhere.

Recently I was lucky enough to travel to Bali with a group of like-minded friends as part of a “spiritual rejuvenation” holiday.We had all marked a mid-life milestone birthday and decided it was time for our own Eat, Pray, Love moment of self care. So we left our teenage kids at home and headed to the hills for a traditional Balinese purification ritual.While we happily traversed the streets of Kuta to cries of “g’day mate, how’re ya goin” from cheerful Balinese shop owners, our real purpose was connection - not only with each other, but our spiritual selves.And we found it, deep in the mountains of Ubud, during a traditional Hindu cultural ceremony called Melakut.Don’t get me wrong, we still enjoyed Bintangs on the beach and laughed at the crude stickers and wood carvings targeting the widely loved but gently mocked Aussie Bogan traveller.It was, however, a trip to Taman Beji Griya temple for the cleansing Balinese water ritual that was at the heart of our holiday.The temple sits deep in the lush, green mountains of Ubud, surrounded by waterfalls believed to flow with holy water designed to purify and cleanse those who come to worship.The Balinese take part in the traditional Melukat cleansing ritual during a full or new moon, when the water is at its purest and has the power to wash away negative energy.Our ceremony is scheduled a few days after the full moon and we wake at dawn, filled with negative energy from the wine-soaked night before, to beat the busy morning traffic.As we weave our way up the mountain, through tiered rice paddies and small villages, the slower-paced countryside is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Kuta’s busy streets.When we arrive at Taman Beji Griya temple we have the place to ourselves for a private ceremony. It is well worth the extra cost as the temple quickly fills with visitors by mid-morning.Taman Beji Griya has been used by local families for religious ceremonies for generations but was only opened to the public in 2017, allowing westerners to take part in purification ceremonies for the first time. Hundreds of visitors now cross the temple threshold each week and the best time to visit is early morning on a weekday.As we walk through the tropical forest to the entrance of Beji Griya we are greeted by our guide Karen Bayu Aditya Putra.Bayu is a photographer and artist - he designed the logo for the uniform worn by the temple’s guides - and is renowned for the stunning images he captures of those visiting the spiritual site.Bayu asks us to each choose a brightly coloured sarong, which we wear into the temple as we walk though waterfalls, canyons and grottos offering gifts, known as Canang Sari, to the gods.The intricate baskets, woven from palm leaves, are filled with flowers, incense and rice, and are a fundamental part of Balinese Hindu culture, representing gratitude, balance and devotion.As we approach dozens of intricately carved stone gods Bayu instructs us to take a deep breath, close our eyes, give thanks for that which we are grateful, and place a Canang Sari in front of each deity.We offer our thanks and feel our limbs begin to loosen and relax.Bayu tells us to reach out and touch the ancient, gnarled banyan tree guarding the temple’s entrance. The Balinese believe banyan trees connect the physical world to the spiritual realm.The tree - skirted in the black-and-white checked Balinese poleng cloth which represents the harmony between good and bad, light and dark - is a balance of opposites, rooted in the earth while its branches reach for the sky, its leaves smooth and limbs rough.We touch the tree and ask for a blessing.“Feel its energy, it is the home of our spirits and ancestors,” explains Bayu.While the banyan tree is an important part of the purification ritual, the temple’s waterfall is the centrepiece.As we stand underneath it, getting flogged by fast-flowing water, Bayu yells instructions over the noise: “Scream as loud as you can, let out all the bad energy”.We do as we are told and it feels oddly liberating to shout louder than the crashing water.We move to a slower flowing waterfall - a relaxation massage compared to the deep-tissue hammering of its neighbour - and Bayu tells us to “dance and give thanks for our blessings”.We laugh and dance, careful not to slip as we celebrate, holding each other upright in our silliness.Next a holy priest chants mantras to bless the water which he pours over our head - it signifies rebirth and cleansing.Bayu explains Melukat will wash away stress and bad luck, help our body and mind feel calm, bring balance and inner peace and open our hearts to blessings.“Now you will feel calm and new again,” says Bayu as he ties a band of tri-coloured string, known as tri datu, or three powers, around our wrist.The red string signifies Brahma the god of fire and knowledge, black is Vishnu the god of water and giver of life and white is Shiva the god of destruction and cleansing.“Don’t cut it,” instructs Bayu. According to local legend the band falls off when the wearer is spiritually cleansed.We leave the ceremony feeling lighter, careful not to break our tri datu and grateful for the opportunity to experience the “real” Bali and its ancient traditions and culture.

Destination Kiama is getting in early and calling on Kiama Council to guarantee that the New Year’s Eve fireworks display will be reinstated this year. The Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee met recently and resolved to request Council to ensure that $94,000 in funding is allocated to deliver the Sky Show in the 2026-27 budget.TEAC chair Matt Brown said TEAC voted “unanimously and emphatically” for the immediate return of the fireworks display after describing Kiama as a ghost town on New Year’s Eve after Council’s decision to cancel the event due to the financial constraints brought about by the NSW Government-imposed Performance Improvement Order.“All members are wanting to see the re-introduction of the New Year's Eve fireworks and Sky Show,” he said.“Destination Kiama moved a motion requesting Council put fireworks in its upcoming budget for the next financial year.“We do not want to go through another New Year's Eve where our streets are empty and a lot of the shops are empty as well. New Year's Eve fireworks in Kiama is an institution - many local families look forward to it and plan around it. “They love having fireworks in their own backyard. It saves them from travelling outside the area and of course it attracts a lot of visitors as well.“I'm looking forward to putting this motion in front of my fellow Councillors and working out a way so we can find money in the upcoming budget to ensure that this tradition continues well into the future.”Cr Brown said he had been inundated with robust feedback from locals over the lack of atmosphere in the town on New Year’s Eve without the fireworks.“Whether I'm at a local coffee shop or doing my surf patrols, the feedback is very strong in people’s disappointment that this year there were no fireworks,” he said.“The sad thing is when we didn't deliver fireworks, Wollongong spent extra effort promoting their fireworks and we also had a lot of rogue fireworks getting set off around the local area, which is just unsafe.“I believe that is a result of us not providing the fireworks that we usually do.“Our New Year's Eve fireworks is the biggest event in Kiama by a long shot. It attracts close to 20,000 people and more than half of them are local residents.“Our local fireworks are a complete community event. For instance, Jamberoo Rural Fire Brigade manage the parking at the Leisure Centre and people donate to them. "The last couple of years we've had local surf clubs use the fireworks to sell raffle tickets and to raise funds for much-needed life-saving equipment.“This event is more than simply a 9 o'clock fireworks. It is a significant community gathering. A lot of these things you can't measure but if they're not there you certainly feel the disappointment.”Councillors Yasmin Tatrai and Erica Warren are also set to enter motions regarding plans for New Year’s Eve fireworks at the 17 February meeting which could be superseded by TEAC’s proposal. TEAC is not in favour of organising a ticketed event for the Sky Show due to the location of the event at Black Beach.“We understand that this is a large expense and we're looking forward to sponsorships from local businesses and contributions from businesses to mitigate the cost to Council,” Cr Brown added.Kiama businesswoman Anne-Marie Esler has recently joined TEAC as Kiama Business Network’s representative, replacing KBN president Cathryn Lyall with Cr Warren and local businessman Ryan Rievely also leaving the committee.“We welcome Anne-Marie Esla as a new board member on Destination Kiama and I certainly valued her contribution in her first meeting,” Brown said.“And I'd like to thank Cathy Lyall, Ryan Rieveley and Councillor Warren for the contributions they made to Destination Kiama over the past year.”

By Margaret Lester The 2026 Berry Show attracted competitors, exhibitors and crowds of people from far and wide to the Berry Showground on a very hot Saturday last weekend.Many were dressed in western gear, obviously coming from the Western Districts of NSW.The gigantic horse transport trucks, floats and caravans filled the eastern side of the showground while laughter and screams could be heard coming from patrons enjoying the rides and games in Sideshow Alley over in the west.This year’s Berry Show Committee and volunteers produced a fantastic show.A relaxed, happy, friendly and exciting atmosphere was in abundance as people caught up with old friends and reminisced over past shows.There was something for everyone. The Berry Rotary and the Show Society provided high quality food options and the hot day ensured ice cream and cold drink vendors were kept busy.Photo: Margaret Lester The Hawkesbury Working Kelpies display had a huge crowd watching this very intelligent Australian working dog breed at work – moving sheep on command, pushing sheep up a race and barking on the simple command of “speak”.It was like a scene from the ABC’s Muster Dogs program.Mittagong’s Frensham Girls School brought its cattle to the Berry Show for judging.Future champions were seen competing in the junior woodchop event which at first looked dangerous but it was soon evident they had developed great skills.The Exhibition Pavilion, which in the distant past was like entering an oven on hot days in Berry, was now fully air-conditioned and provided great relief from the heat outside for Show patrons to enjoy the entries on display - the artwork, the amazing photography, the delicious baking and the beautiful flowers.The Animal Nursery was a delight for children, especially those not familiar with seeing and actually patting kid goats, lambs and donkeys.Photo: Margaret LesterThe Poultry Shed was noisy and it wasn’t just the ducks, chickens, roosters, turkeys and geese quacking, clucking and crowing at the top of their voices.Adults and children alike were talking poultry – chook chook, cock a doodle do and quack, quack echoed through the shed.Horse trainer Guy McLean is a true “horse whisperer.” A huge crowd watched in silence as he worked his horses and then cheered loudly in appreciation of his skills.At one stage Guy was mounted on his horse, had hold of two horses and then asked another horse to sit down. He proceeded to walk sideways over the sitting horse with two horses and amazingly the horse sitting down didn’t move an inch and only stood up when Guy asked him to do so.To finish his display, Guy gave a beautiful rendition of his own poem, “My Promise to You”, the you he said could be his horse, his wife or whoever. Many found this quite emotional.Finally, Guy generously allowed his audience to pat his horses which brought not only smiles but tears to some. Yes, a true horse whisperer had come to the Berry Show.