After exploring every possible option to keep the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival afloat, organisers have announced it will not proceed in March.They are hopeful of reviving the Festival in 2027 but Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has announced Council was hoping to make late moves to keep the event on next year’s calendar.For nearly four decades, the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival has brought the town alive by connecting local businesses, welcoming visitors, showcasing original Australian music and offering moments of joy, surprise and cultural pride.Festival director Becky Guggisberg announced on Thursday that organisers had exhausted “every available avenue” before making the call.“This is not a decision we made lightly,” she said.“Despite our best efforts, we’ve reached the end of the window in which we must commit to artists, venues and partners.“A combination of factors has made it impossible to deliver the Festival to the standard and integrity our community deserves:capacity restrictions at a key central venue,ongoing delays in local development approvals,significantly reduced financial support,the financial risk of a ticketed model,the long lead time before the Special Entertainment Precinct comes into effect.Guggisberg said in recent years, their partnership with Fillmore’s had been central to the Festival’s viability, acting as a vital hub, supporting multiple stages, providing a consistent artistic home and underpinning the Festival’s financial sustainability.She added that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Fillmore’s development approvals had placed significant pressure on the Festival’s planning.“Due to the delayed DA decision and a resulting 50-person capacity limit at a key venue, we cannot sell the number of tickets needed to sustain the Festival,” she said.“It directly removed our ability to ticket at scale.“Our move to ticketing was designed to fairly pay artists and keep the Festival viable long-term. With one of our core venues restricted to only 50 people and no clarity on capacity or DA approval, we cannot responsibly contract musicians or commit to programming.“Without certainty, sustainability is not possible.”Guggisberg’s message for Kiama Council is “live music needs certainty to survive”.“Timely approval processes and support for creative venues are essential to cultural events. We hope this moment sparks a conversation about valuing music infrastructure and the economic and social return it brings to regional towns.“The DA for Fillmore's, a key venue that supports the Festival has been in progress for eight months, the Special Entertainment Precinct is described as a ‘trial in 2027’. We have raised the alarms with our Mayor and Councillors since July and a last resort attempt to apply for a Temporary DA gave no certainty.”Cr McDonald issued a statement later on Thursday morning to say “like many in our community, we are disappointed by the decision”.“We want to be clear that the Festival has always been able to operate under existing approvals, as it has done successfully for many years,” he said.“Council recently approved a $7000 grant for the 2026 event and remains fully committed to supporting a vibrant live-music culture in Kiama.“Because this Festival means so much to our community, Council considers it too important to simply disappear from the calendar for 2026.“Despite the organisers’ decision, Council is already exploring whether a viable alternative event or modified program can be delivered in partnership with local venues, businesses and artists.“We are in the early stages of these discussions and will update the community as soon as more information becomes available.”Guggisberg said the option of a reduced version of the Festival risked underpaying artists and compromising quality.She was adamant this is a pause for the Festival, not an end.“We are pausing to protect the integrity of the Festival,” she said.“Our intention is to return in 2027 for the 40th celebration - with strength, sustainability and community support behind us.“We acknowledge the impact on artists who rely on performance income, on businesses who reshape their spaces for the Festival, and on audiences who look forward to the music each March.“Pressing pause is an act of respect for them - not a withdrawal from commitment.“While this pause is heartbreaking, it is temporary. We now turn our focus to 2027 - the Festival’s 40th anniversary - with the aim of returning stronger, more stable and with the creative spark that Kiama knows and loves.“We remain committed to protecting the Festival’s legacy and ensuring it thrives for decades to come.“With the right support, KJBF can return stronger for its 40th year — delivering economic uplift, cultural identity, and community energy that money alone cannot buy.”Kiama Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee chair Matt Brown said it was “a real shame” to hear about the Festival announcement.“We hope to see it return sometime in the future.”

Lake Illawarra Police are appealing for information after an elderly pedestrian was critically injured in a crash on Wednesday night.About 6.50pm, emergency services were called to Pioneer Drive, Blackbutt, following reports of a crash.Lake Illawarra Police officers attended and found that an elderly man had been hit by a Nissan utility while crossing a driveway.The man – aged 86 – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to St George Hospital in a critical condition.The driver of the utility – a 17-year-old boy – was uninjured and taken to Shellharbour Hospital for mandatory testing.Police have started an investigation into the incident.As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with CCTV, dashcam vision or information about the incident to contact Lake Illawarra Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

This year as Christmas approaches, most of us imagine families coming together for the holidays. Homes lighting up and small moments of joy filling the summer days ahead. At Shoalhaven Animal Shelter, the season brings something else as well - hope.The hope that the animals waiting in their care will find a safe and loving home before the year ends. Hope that the community will open its arms to pets who deserve a second chance. Hope that this Christmas, more animals will wake up surrounded by people who simply adore them.The shelter works year round to reunite lost pets with their owners, but the holidays carry a special urgency. Families travel, routines change and more animals find themselves separated from home. The staff move quickly to match pets with their owners, knowing how important it is to bring them back before the celebrations begin.For the animals who do not have a family waiting, Christmas becomes an opportunity for a fresh start. Shoalhaven Animal Shelter cares for dogs, cats and other animals who come through the doors needing stability and a bit of luck. Some have been abandoned, others have simply never had the chance to know what a real home feels like. The team looks after them with patience and kindness until the right people arrive.The weeks leading into Christmas represent one of the best times to consider adoption. Many families have more time at home, more space to settle in with a new companion and a bigger sense of giving. For anyone thinking about adopting, the shelter encourages people to meet the animals and spend time with them. Every pet has their own personality and story. Some are playful, jumpy and goofy. Some are quiet and gentle and cuddly. All of them are waiting for someone to choose them.The staff make it clear adopting is not a gift to unwrap and forget. It is a commitment and a relationship that grows over time. A pet is a family member, not a present. Shoalhaven Animal Shelter guides adopters through every step so they understand the responsibility. When the right match is made, the change in the animal is unmistakable. They realise they finally belong somewhere.Microchipping is another service the shelter offers, and it becomes especially important during the Christmas rush. A microchip helps pets find their way back if they wander off, and the team is trained to make the process simple and safe.For the staff and volunteers at Shoalhaven Animal Shelter, Christmas is not measured in presents. It is measured in reunions, wagging tails, soft purrs and the moment an animal finally leaves the shelter for a new home.With so many pets hoping for a family, this season could be the moment their lives change forever. Shoalhaven Animal Shelter is ready to help them find their way, one Christmas miracle at a time. Get in touch with the team in Nowra to meet some of the beautiful animals in their care this year.If adoption isn’t suitable for you, please consider other donations. You can send the shelter fast-tracked reindeer treats to PO Box 42, Nowra. Things like dog and cat treats and toys of all kinds and sizes are appreciated and vital for the continued enrichment and love the staff give their animals. Stay up to date on their Facebook page at Shoalhaven Animal Shelter or via Instagram @shoalhavenanimalshelter.

The NSW Government released the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) on Tuesday, a 20-year vision to guide the region’s transport future and support one of the most strategically important and fast-growing regions in the state.And the government wants the community to have their say on how the region's transport future should be shaped. For the first time in over a decade, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities will be able to view an integrated long-term plan that sets out priorities based on evidence, data and extensive consultation with more than 40 stakeholders, including councils, members of parliament and community groups.The draft plan identifies a range of short, medium and long-term actions across public transport, active transport, roads and freight to support the region’s population growth and changing needs.“The Illawarra is growing fast, and our transport network needs to grow with it. This draft Plan gives our community a clear view of what the next twenty years can look like," Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said.“This work is about helping people get to work, school, the hospital and the beach more easily while keeping freight moving to support local jobs and industry.“For locals, it means more reliable public transport, safer roads and stronger connections between our towns, suburbs and regional centres.“I encourage the community to take a look and share feedback so we can keep shaping a strong transport future for the region.”Community members can view the draft Plan and provide comment until Monday, 9 February at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/illawarra-shoalhaven.Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the draft Plan would lay "important groundwork to support the Illawarra and Shoalhaven’s fast-growing community".“As a major and fast expanding centre our community deserves transport planning for the future," the Wollongong MP said.“By working closely with councils and community groups, we are making sure the long-term vision for our region is coordinated, evidence based and ready for delivery.”A community survey has been designed to help people provide feedback easily, and more detailed submissions can be uploaded or sent to [email protected] or PO Box 477, Wollongong NSW 2520.Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said a well planned, people-focused transport network was needed for the growing region.“We heard loud and clear that people want more travel choices, safer roads and better connections between towns and regional centres. This draft Plan reflects those priorities," she said.During the public feedback period, Transport for NSW staff will also be out across the region speaking directly with residents at local pop-up sessions. South Coast MP Liza Butler said local communities had been calling for safer roads and stronger connections between towns for many years. “Reliable transport options make a real difference whether you live in Ulladulla, Nowra or our smaller coastal villages.”Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said the draft Plan represented “an important milestone for our region". “The plan sets out achievable actions that can improve public transport, strengthen safety and make life easier for the community.”Kiama MP Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney added that with the expected rapid rise in population, the transport network needs to keeps pace with that change.“This draft Plan outlines practical ideas to improve public transport, boost safety and make it easier for people to access work, study and essential services.”

The NSW Government has announced a new framework for road management in NSW with a recategorisation system which will provide councils with certainty over who will manage and maintain different roads, allowing for more targeted investment for communities.The system to decide whether a road should be managed as a state, regional or local road was politicised under the previous government, according to Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.Many roads are still categorised based on how they were used decades ago, despite major changes in population, traffic volumes, freight movements and local growth.Aitchison said this unfair, outdated approach created long backlogs and increased pressure on local councils, who manage around 90 per cent of the state’s road network and continue to face huge challenges from climate change, worsening weather events, rising construction costs and a growing workload after repeated natural disasters.The new road recategorisation framework includes:Clear statewide criteria to support consistent, needs-based decision makingAn always-open application pathway, replacing decade-long review cyclesA new online self-assessment data tool to help councils understand early whether a proposal is likely to meet the criteria, reducing administrative burdensPrioritisation for roads that unlock housing, freight efficiency, resilience and major infrastructure delivery.She added that these reforms will put the right roads in the right category, cutt red tape, reduce duplication and improve how maintenance and investment are delivered across the network.The online portal is now live so local councils and road managers will be able to put forward proposals for recategorisation.Reviews of the system and processes will be conducted at three months, six months and then annually to refine the model.Aitchison said they were "rewriting the rules so councils have a clear, fair and reliable way to get roads into the right category".“For decades, councils have been stuck with a slow, ad-hoc system. From today, decisions will be driven by evidence and need, not politics or outdated processes.“Drivers don’t care which level of government manages a road. They care that it’s safe, accessible and well maintained."This new system is designed to help roads receive the appropriate investment and ongoing care, supporting better outcomes for our communities.“Local councils are our partners. Collectively, they manage about 90 per cent of the NSW road network, and we understand the pressures they’re under."After years of floods, fires, storms and rising costs, we know they can’t do this alone. This framework helps us work together in a more consistent, transparent and practical way.“Clear criteria and modern data tools mean these decisions are no longer left to chance or politics."Everyone can see the basis for a category change, and that brings greater transparency and confidence to the system."Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said "local governments have been calling for a fairer and more responsive road recategorisation process for years".“This change will make a significant difference for councils especially those in regional and rural NSW where roads aren’t just a means to get from A to B, they’re a lifeline for these communities.”We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

The school holidays are here and the South Coast is bursting with festive fun.Whether your kids love crafts, fairies, hikes or water slides, this season’s line-up of activities promises magic, adventure and plenty of memories.Christmas CrafternoonNext Friday (19 December), bring the kids to Kiama Library for an afternoon of Christmas craft. A free event for children aged 5-12 and their caregivers, participants can create Christmas cards, festive decorations and tree ornaments to take home.Bookings are recommended. Summer activities at local libraries also include a Lego marble run and a Star Wars Escape Room.Bush MagicBush Magic’s school holiday programs offer kids a chance to connect with nature, build friendships and enjoy the freedom of unstructured outdoor play.Set in beautiful bushland at Don’s Farm in Avondale, sessions run from 16 December onwards for children aged 5-13, with activities including shelter building, archery, fire making and bush craft.For children with NDIS funding, they also offer a therapeutic program. bushmagictherapy.com.auFairy spottingA favourite with local families, the Enchanted Forest returns at Illawarra Fly.Part of the treetop walk, kids will love spotting the mermaids, dragons and fairies dotted along the trail, with stops at Gnome Meadow and Pixie Hollow.Every little visitor also receives a free activity book to fill in on the walk or take home. illawarrafly.com.auHoliday hikesAfter a period of closure, the two bridges of the Lyrebird Loop Walk at Minnamurra Rainforest are now open, just in time for a festive family hike.The new bridges are wheelchair and pram-accessible and have been built at a higher elevation above the river to ensure flood resilience.Tell your construction-loving kid they were built off-site and delivered by helicopter. nationalparks.nsw.gov.auDive-In MoviesDive-In Movies at Jamberoo Action Park will return on Saturday nights throughout the summer school holidays.Shown on the big screen at Outback Bay, the first movie will be Despicable Me 4 on 20 December, starting at 5pm. There’s no additional cost beyond your entry ticket.Kiama UnpluggedNo screens. More connection. Kiama Unplugged is moving its popular Sunday afternoon events from Finding Fillmore’s to Kiama Surf Life Saving Club for the summer season - think Sunday Sippers but without the scrolling.Bring the whole family for an afternoon of games, live music, drinks and community connection. www.kiamaunplugged.comWe want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead story is about Grand Pacific Health being selected to run Nowra’s new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, bringing the long-awaited service closer to opening.Set for Scenic Drive near Shoalhaven Hospital, the clinic will offer fully bulk-billed care for non-life-threatening conditions for extended hours seven days a week.Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, Health Minister Mark Butler and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips were in attendance for the official announcement.The Kiama and Minnamurra Lions used their community initiative to help the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council to cut the grass at the former police residence property on Terralong Street.While the Gerringong Co-Op was buzzing on Saturday night as Starshine lit up the venue with a high-energy show, A Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.Fans sang along to favourites like Rhiannon, Landslide and Go Your Own Way, with the band’s powerhouse lineup - including former members of “Dreams” and Las Vegas performer Nikki Canale - recreating the magic of the Fleetwood Mac era.In sport, the Illawarra Hawks' NBL title defence is looking shaky after they slumped to their 10th loss in 15 matches when they went down to last-placed Cairns Taipans.At The Bugle, we’re committed to pairing impactful visuals with meaningful local storytelling - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and deeply connected to our community.Subscribe to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube so you never miss an episode!

The old School of Arts hall, where the GLaM is now, was the centre of all social activities in Gerringong for many years.Whenever there was a 21st birthday, engagement party, dinner dance, celebration night after Gerringong had won a premiership in sport or any other great social occasion, it was held in this building.My personal memory of this wonderful building was that it was for many years, the Scout and Guide Hall.Many a splinter was picked up sliding on the floor during games.But after the end of the Second World War, it was felt that a new, larger and more solid building was needed to reflect the progress our town was making.So, it came to be that a proposal was put forward by the Mayor G.E. Chittick and the Town Clerk A.M. Trevallion to gauge the interest from the community.There was certainly enough interest. This proposal was sent out in 1946 and here is a ticket to the Grand Civic Ball to commemorate the opening of the hall in November 1948 by J.J. Cahill just two years later.The tickets cost five shillings, about 50 cents.Gerringong Town Hall has been a centrepiece of the town ever since.Any person living in Gerringong after the end of the war would have fond memories of going to functions there.My personal favourites were going to the pictures and performing in the school play in the last term of the year at Gerringong Public School, which, at the time, was just next door.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

As e-bikes surge in popularity across NSW, particularly among teenagers, the NSW Government is introducing measures to improve safety and reduce risk for families.With around 600,000 households now owning an e-bike, and many more expected to buy one this Christmas, parents are being urged to check that any new device is safe, compliant and appropriate for young riders.The Government is reducing the maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to 250 watts, bringing the state back into line with all other Australian jurisdictions.This reverses a previous regulatory change that increased the power limit to 500 watts, which has contributed to a wave of high-powered bikes that can be unsafe for children and difficult for parents and police to identify.The change is aimed at keeping kids safer on roads, bike paths and local streets by reducing access to devices that behave more like electric motorbikes than pedal-assisted bicycles.The NSW Government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in road rules to close loopholes that allow motorcycle-level devices to be sold and ridden as though they are bicycles.These state changes complement national action. The Commonwealth Government has now committed to reinstating import requirements that ensure e-bikes sold in Australia meet the European safety and quality standard, EN 15194.This will help keep low-quality, easily modified and dangerous devices out of the country.The updated rules are expected to take effect within months and will be done in consultation with retailers and the community to ensure a fair transition. Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for:A clear EN 15194 sticker or certificationA motor output of no more than 250 wattsA reputable brand with proper safety documentationA model that has not been modified, “chipped,” or had its speed limiter removed The Government is also urging parents to talk to their kids about responsible riding: wearing a helmet, not carrying passengers, sticking to bike paths and roads where permitted, and never modifying a device to go faster.“E-bikes are fantastic for getting kids outside, active and independent but they need to be safe," Minister for Transport John Graham said.“We’re seeing devices on the market that are far too powerful, too easy to modify and too hard for parents to assess.“This is about making sure the bike your teenager rides behaves like a bike, not a motorbike.“Our message to parents is simple: check the sticker, check the wattage, and have a conversation with your kids about staying safe.”Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver has urged people to make sure e-bikes comply with NSW law.“Don’t get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike.“Police don’t want someone to make a mistake that costs them their life or causes them serious injury.“We don’t want a Christmas present to become the ultimate buyer’s regret.”The Christmas warning comes after police ran an education and compliance operation in the south Sydney area last week.Operation Trance is a high-visibility policing strategy, involving mobile and stationary enforcement, focusing on distraction and compliance offences.The operation focuses on general compliance issues including restraints, pedestrians, bicycle riders and vehicle standards, along with the use of non-compliant e-bikes and food delivery motor scooters.Fines- $818 for illegal e-bike use.- $410 for not wearing an approved helmet.- $410 for holding a mobile phone.- Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment.- Penalties apply for negligent or dangerous riding.

As the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the South Coast community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season.A long-standing tradition between The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank, each year the annual Toy Drive delivers thousands of gifts to children and families facing hardship at Christmas time.Plenty of gifts have already been donated, including classics like play sets, LEGO, vouchers and Barbies, which will all find their way into hands on Christmas morning, bringing joy to children across the region.The Salvation Army’s Public Relations and Community Fundraising Manager Rod Dibley said whilst the community’s generosity has been remarkable, there are still hundreds of families needing support.“If you would like to offer your support, we recommend gift vouchers for teens, with books, toys, and sporting equipment for younger children,” Mr Dibley said.“We are seeing more need than ever before, so even the smallest donation can make a meaningful difference for a child this Christmas.”NGM Group’s Head of Community and Sustainability Kirrah McClelland said that every child deserves to share in the wonder of Christmas.“It has been very moving to see all the beautiful gifts that have been donated so far by our customers and our community,” she said.“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported this initiative with us, and we hope to help as many families as possible this year to make Christmas truly special.”With over 7,500 gifts donated at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches last year, The Salvation Army Toy Drive Appeal hopes to maintain this momentum and bring Christmas magic to families across the region.Donations can be made at any Newcastle Permanent or Greater Bank branch until Friday (12 December).Gifts should be new and unwrapped and are accepted for all ages, including teenagers.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Former primary school teacher and community worker Margeret Lester changed direction in 2006, completing a Master of Journalism at Wollongong University in the hope of pursuing her interest in writing.The Gerringong resident is now an author and publisher following the release of her first book.She engaged award-winning Kiama artist Lexie Watt to illustrate the book, “Meg’s Farm, Alice learns to ride her pony.”A book launch was held at the Gerringong Library this week. Adults and children in attendance were impressed with the realistic illustrations and from learning that the story was based on real events on a local farm.The book features Meg, a 22-year old Irish Connemara Pony, two alpacas, a flock of Angora goats and their kids, a herd of cows and their calves, and lots of chickens, living happily on Meg’s Farm.The animals and humans all communicate with each other, expressing their feelings and opinions, engaging in a similar way to the characters in “Charlotte’s Web”.Margaret hopes the book will encourage primary school aged children, living in urban and rural areas, to enjoy reading about farm animals and life on a farm, a familiar scene for some children and completely new to others.The children, Alice and Ben, have daily farm chores. Ben feeds his chickens and collects their eggs.Alice feeds her baby Angora kid goats a bottle of milk every morning and afternoon. Alice is determined to ride Meg all over the farm on her own and can’t stop smiling when she is allowed to round up the alpacas on Meg for shearing.Meg doesn’t think she is too old to continue competing in dressage and cross country events with Clare. Farmer Tom looks after all the farm animals.Self-publishing is challenging. Margaret used Adobe InDesign to produce her book and chose to have it printed locally at Worldwide Shellharbour in Oak Flats rather than sending it overseas.She hopes to publish three more stories next year.Enquiries: [email protected] want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Kiama MP Katelin McInerney says it’s “completely inappropriate” for a developer to want to build a 14-storey development in the town centre.McInerney told The Bugle that she has written to NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully to voice her opposition to the plan by Level 33 to request permission for double the Kiama Council-approved height limits.Level 33 is set to request the Housing Delivery Authority to allow a much higher development on the corner of Akuna and Shoalhaven Streets.The developer has dropped its legal action against Kiama Council in the Land and Environment Court and is expected to lobby Housing Minister Paul Scully and the Housing Delivery Authority to have the project declared a State Significant Development, which would effectively sideline Council from limiting its height to the already approved level of seven storeys.Kiama Council is aiming to increase the supply of homes in the LGA via its Housing Strategy while the NSW Government is looking to provide solutions to the housing crisis which has gripped the state.But McInerney said the Akuna St HDA proposal would not suit Kiama.“I don't wanna see, and neither, quite frankly, does anybody that I speak to want to see Kiama move to a big high-rise here in the main street,” she told The Bugle.“I share those concerns around the proposal. I've written to the Minister for Planning and I've said it's completely inappropriate.“I can't see how they would achieve it given how much parking they would have to dig into bluestone.“It would be very difficult to make something like that stack up. I've got huge concerns about that.”McInerney has been talking to affected local residents and community groups about the Shoalhaven Street Precinct where a 450-home development could proceed after the two-hectare site is rezoned.“The State Government has been brought in to do a rezoning and I can completely understand the cynicism from people on this and that Council have expressed they want to do things differently,” she said.“Both State Government and Council being up front with the community going out to community consultation at the rezoning proposal stage to talk about what this two-hectare site could possibly deliver.“People have put so much love and work into their homes near the site.“Council have communicated the intent is to do this differently because we have an opportunity to do something in town that meets the needs and the community expectations, unlike when a block of land is sold to a developer and it goes out of their control.“I can understand the concerns of those people in the vicinity. I don’t want something that reaches to the sky here either. We have these beautiful heritage houses nearby that are such a huge part of Kiama’s character.“It’s an exciting opportunity which needs to be in line with community expectations. If we don’t do it, we will lose people out of our community that we need.”McInerney said there was a need to provide options for older people to move out larger family-sized homes.She noted the role of the Kiama Council Local Housing Strategy and benefit of open community consultation.“It went out to the community twice. One message that's really clear was we don't want Kiama sprawling out over the green rolling hills,” she said.“The NSW Labor Government has a very clear mission - we need to build housing. We need to build it much quicker. What we need for not just our ageing demographic, but the workforce to provide for that.“The Strategy went out to the community twice. One message that was very clear was the community don't want Kiama sprawling out over the green rolling hills,” she said.“The NSW Government has a very clear mission – people need housing and we need to get more keys in doors sooner. What we need more housing not for not just our ageing demographic, but the workforce who provide the services to support them.“The Strategy data details quite scary facts. The median age of our LGA is 48, the state average is 40. We've got around 36% of the population who are 60 years and older. This part of our community needs options to downsize into.”She added that most of the dwellings in the LGA are three and four-bedroom houses. “We have 14% that are two-bedroom and 3% that are one.”Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud reiterated that the Shoalhaven Street Precinct at this stage was “simply asking whether the site is better used as residential rather than industrial”.“No decisions have been made on height, density or yield,” she said.“The images and messaging the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure released have caused far too much conjecture and reaction, and wrongly made people think these designs are a fait accompli. They are not.“They are indicative only. The site will still need a Development Control Plan and Development Application.“Our community will still get a say in those processes and we are looking forward to engaging with them on that.“Every town in NSW has housing demand and we do too.“Of course any DCP and DA process will make sure that issues like water, stormwater and traffic are addressed but that is down the track. And not what is being asked right now which is moving from industrial to residential.“This site is in the main frame of town, and ticks all the state government boxes for delivering housing in the low to mid rise regulations and policy.“Housing in the missing middle of town is a sensible choice to provide much-needed homes, without sprawl or creep into the hills. It just makes sense.”We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Roadworks will cause minor traffic delays and affect parking next week.Kiama Council will replace four street trees at 20 Bong Bong Street in Kiama from Monday 8 December – Friday 12 December.Street parking will be blocked off from the evening of Sunday 7 December until works are completed to allow access for work vehicles.Tree trimming will be conducted at Crooked River Road in Gerroa from Monday 8 December – Friday 12 December.The work will be done from the Kiama Municipal Council boundary back to Seven Mile Holiday Park on both sides of the road.One lane will be closed under traffic control. Expect delays.There will also be road resurfacing at Allowrie Street in Jamberoo on Monday and Tuesday 15-16 December from 7pm-5am.

Local residents have formed the Kiama Depot Action Group in response to the rezoning proposal for the Shoalhaven Street Precinct which could result in an eight-storey development.More than 750 locals signed an online petition and around 60 residents have formed an Action Group to continue the battle against the possibility of 450 homes being built on the two-hectare block opposite Kiama Bowls Club.Kiama Council and the NSW Government have repeatedly said that at this stage it is just a rezoning proposal but residents are concerned about a specific R3 rezoning and detailed plans for what is referred to as the “optimum builtform” for the site.The Kiama Matters Inc community group is also concerned about this development and the plans for multi-storey buildings in Akuna Street and invited Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and local councillors to their meeting last week.McInerney and Councillors Yasmin Tatrai, Stuart Larkins and Imogen Draisma attended, conducting a Q&A session with the group.KDAG organisers John and Jane Littrich are among the many residents whose homes will be affected if the Shoalhaven Street Precinct is constructed as a six- or eight-storey building.This would mean their home and north-facing backyard would only limited winter sunlight if a 28-metre tower was placed as close as four metres from their boundary.Their neighbour Stella Goodman earlier this year started extensions to the rear of her family home but if the development goes ahead, she and her young family will have also layers of apartments directly over their back fence.John said the campaign against this development would continue even though the brief timeframe for submissions to the NSW Planning Department ended on Wednesday.“People can still let Kiama Council know how they feel about this as well. And emailing councillors individually would be great. The Councillors are saying that they will still have some sort of say in what's finally built.“I don’t believe that will be the case. I think the state government will have control. But if that's what Council thinks, then we need to tell them what we think.“We're also concerned that Council has a financial investment in this.“This certainly raises a question as to whether they are going to reduce their financial return on this to take into account community interests.”Jane added: “This is the thin edge of the wedge. People can see that if this could happen here, then it could happen elsewhere in Kiama.“The scale and the density of the development is so out of keeping with not only the local neighbourhood, but Kiama in general.“It is so out of keeping with the charm, the character of the town, which is a big thing - cultural heritage and how important that is. The site and surroundingneighbourhood are part of the Smiths Farm Heritage Conservation Area.“Also important is the impact on infrastructure and the lack of services. There will be a severe impact on the immediately surrounding residents with overshadowing, noise, traffic, privacy issues, etc. But I think it has wider implications in terms of impact of character, infrastructure, environment, sewage and flooding.“There are numerous elderly residents near the site who are very distressed.Many have been unable to find, let alone absorb the 450-plus pages of documents on the Department of Planning website so we have been able to help unpack this information for them to help with drafting submissions.”For Stella, if this development goes ahead at the 6-8 storey level, she said the impact would be “devastating”.“We have made a major life and financial decision to extend and also restore our house that is historical. It's built in the 1800s. So we're doing our bit to preserve the house in keeping with the neighbourhood and heritage requirements and also to extend the house so that it suits our young family into the future,” she said.“We've started the renovation and restoration and extension and then now to have this bomb dropped on us. If we had have known that this was going to be the type of proposal that it is, it would have definitely changed our plans.“We moved to Kiama eight years ago because we wanted to live in a small village and it's just absolutely heartbreaking and distressing the effects that it will have on us and our young family. Extending from psychological to financial to quality of life. It's distressing.”John reiterated that KDAG was not opposed to development but they wanted to ensure the Precinct did not turn Kiama into a mini version of Wollongong which has become awash with high-rise developments.“Such development should be in line with the existing character of the area, not dense development of the scale proposed.“It will negatively impact on surrounding homes and will not create a positive environment for anyone living in the development itself. It does not fit in Council’s own Town Centre Plan or Local Housing Strategy.”Even though the deadline for submissions expired on Wednesday, residents can still email feedback to [email protected] although their comments will not be counted as a formal submission in the finalisation report.Kiama Matters chair Janet Peters said the group’s goal was to get people engaged in the process and for them to give their opinions.Peters said Kiama Matters submitted its thoughts to the NSW Planning Department before Wednesday’s deadline for feedback, “based on what our members are concerned about”.“It’s disappointing the timeframe for public comment was so short. We think the rezoning proposal is actually a bit of a missed opportunity,” she said.“What they’re proposing with height limits and density really is an overdevelopment of the site, which is a shame.“I think if you ask anyone in Kiama, they’re not opposed to development but the size has just gone over the top and is proposing something that is not the optimal use of that site.“It’s a low to mid-level site, not 6-8 storeys. It doesn’t fit with the character of the town.“The community made it pretty clear that they don’t want anything more than three storeys in the outer town and no more than six storeys in the town centre.“We went through all that in good faith so it’s very disappointing to have this land on us now. They do want more housing and a revitalised town centre but for the government to come in this way is acting in bad faith.”Peters was re-elected as Kiama Matters chair at the meeting with Ian Robertson voted in as vice-chair, David Stevenson as treasurer, Sandy Stevenson as public officer, with Lenore Pennington, Julie MacKenzie, Graham Spooner and Carol Goddard also on the committee.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

NSW Police officers are rolling up a sleeve to donate much-needed blood and plasma ahead of the holiday season as part of the annual Bleed4Blue blood drive.The ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign was launched this week, which is close to the hearts of our first responders and highlights the essential act of blood donation to save lives.The blood drive was established in response to the near fatal stabbing of NSW Police Detective Sergeant John Breda in 2018. More than 100 bags of donated blood were needed to keep him alive.NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said he was pleased officers would be actively involved in the important initiative, particularly in the lead up to the holiday season - a busy time for the community and therefore a challenging time to maintain blood stocks.“It doesn’t matter if it is Christmas Day, New Year’s Day or any other day on the calendar, the need for blood is constant,” Commissioner Lanyon said.“Anyone of any age can need blood, but in this case one of our own, was saved by the generous donations of Australians.“Officers see firsthand the urgent need for blood and how it can save lives.“We know every donation will help Australians relying on blood, including victims of crime, trauma or transplant patients, people living with immune conditions or cancer and more.”More than 30,000 blood and plasma donations have been made as part of Bleed4Blue since its inception.Lifeblood spokesperson Hannah Rayment said with blood demand at a 12-year high and plasma in record demand, donating was a simple thing many of us could do to save a life.“I want to thank police and their friends and families for supporting Bleed4Blue, and I encourage the community to donate too,” Ms Rayment said.“Donated blood will be required every day between now and Christmas and beyond to treat sick and seriously ill people across Australia.“Please book a donation and help us keep blood supply levels strong over the holidays to meet the need for patients from all walks of life.”The three month ‘Bleed4Blue’ blood drive runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.To make a donation, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au, or on the Lifeblood app.

On January 11, 1933 Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew used Gerroa’s Seven Mile Beach as the take-off point for a flight to New Plymouth, New Zealand.On board was a special batch of cargo - several envelopes postmarked January 10, the day before Kingsford Smith’s Seven Mile beach take-off, and signed by crew and passengers.Known as airmail cover, and carried on historic flights, only five of the valuable collector's items are thought to exist - with one housed in Gerringong’s History Museum.The letter, carried by “Smithy” and signed by three crew and two passengers, thanked the town’s local ladies for providing a box of peaches to the aviator and his crew before their sandy launch.“This event established the first airmail route between Australia and New Zealand and was certainly a significant part of our local history,” says Gerringong Historical Society secretary Joy Fullager.Joy says the airmail cover, sourced by South Coast stamp collector John Graham and donated to the museum two years ago to mark the 90th anniversary of the historic flight, was a welcome addition to GLaM’s dedicated Charles Kingsford Smith collection.“People who visit the Gerringong Heritage Museum are always very interested in the items related to Charles Kingsford Smith,” she says.“The museum has a video with footage of Charles Kingsford Smith landing on Seven Mile Beach in 1933, which is very popular with visitors.“The video’s commentary is by Gerringong’s Clive Emery, who watched the historic flight when he was a child.”Just two years after the famous aviator’s take-off from Gerroa to NZ, Kingsford Smith and co-pilot Tommy Pethybridge went missing on November 8, 1935 while attempting to break the flight speed record between England and Australia.The final resting place of the pilot, crew, and plane has baffled historians for generations.Now to mark the 90th anniversary of the disappearance of Kingsford Smith aboard his legendary Lockheed Altair 8D aircraft, Lady Southern Cross, award-winning Australian writer, filmmaker, and explorer Damien Lay has released his book Of Air and Men.Lay is considered one of the world's leading authorities on the disappearance of the Lady Southern Cross and has spent more than two decades researching and documenting the historic event.Of Air and Men not only tells the story of the famed aviator - the first person to circumnavigate the globe and one of the greatest long-distance flyers in history - but documents Lay’s quest to find his final resting place and the impact Kingsford Smith’s disappearance had on his family.The wreckage of the Lady Southern Cross was first discovered in 2009, off the Burmese coast, using sonar imaging.Three years and 18 dive expeditions later Lay and his team had recovered more than 40 pieces from the wreck.Charles Kingsford Smith. Many of the dives were over 100 feet in depth in treacherous conditions - not least due to the political turmoil in Myanmar and the threat posed by pirates.“We were diving in the most dangerous conditions on earth,” Lay recalls. “Strong currents, near-zero visibility, political turmoil, pirates, militias, we had no medical evacuation, no safety net. Just determination.”The wreckage found by Lay and his team included timber and fuel lines and the discovery made the modern-day explorer even more determined to “one day … bring the men of the Lady Southern Cross home”.Over the past 20 years, Lay has worked closely with the aviator's son, Charles Arthur Kingsford Smith, who has lived in the US since he was five, as well as the wider Kingsford Smith family, and the Pethybridge family.The book uses historical fiction to document the aviation legend’s life, the mystery surrounding his final flight, and the impact of his disappearance on his family, including his son who was just a toddler at the time.“I have only a few snatches of memory of my father, and I would have greatly enjoyed his love and fellowship growing up but his disappearance just before my third birthday sadly ended that possibility," says the now 92-year-old Kingsford Smith junior.“Adding to the sadness is the frustration that much is unknown about what happened, so we really can't close the book on his life story."Many have offered theories and speculation about what happened.“Damien dedicated years of his life, at vast expense, in searching the area where the plane almost certainly went down, resulting in the most likely theory of what really happened to my father in the Andaman Sea."Of Air and Men is available through Amazon, Booktopia and many independent Australian booksellers.A copy of the book has been donated to the museum, which also houses a model of Kingsford Smith’s Southern Cross and photos from his time in the region.“The Gerringong Historical Society is very appreciative for its copy of the book which has been added to our library,” says Joy.The museum, which is staffed by community volunteers, is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-3pm.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Jamberoo’s Golden Valley subdivision is just months away from finally getting underway after developer Fountaindale Group has resolved its long-running saga with Sydney Water.Fountaindale director Jennifer Macquarie said the tender process for the construction of the roads and services for the 50 lots proposed for Stage 1 of the residential development will begin as early as March after Sydney Water confirmed the homes can be connected to the existing sewer main.The proposed development to the south-east of the town centre has been in the pipeline since 2017 but it has been delayed by bureaucratic red tape.Fountaindale earlier this year offered to fully fund, design and construct a new main for the picturesque town.Macquarie wrote to NSW Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson in August, urging her to intervene and authorise the project to move ahead.And now she has been advised that because the town main operates at 30% capacity and only experiences overflow issues due to rainwater during severe weather events, the development can proceed.“Although the Jamberoo sewer main issue did delay the project for many months, we were not sitting still,” she said.“We used this time to complete necessary items in preparation for commencement of construction including:Finalisation of the design of electrical, sewer and water services within the subdivisionSign-off on road and drainage designs by Kiama Council and issuing of a construction certificate. Installation of new boundary fencing with Hyam Place neighboursDeveloping relationships with local architects and builders who wish to offer home design and construction services to Golden Valley land purchasers. “Over the next few weeks we will be reviewing our construction program in detail and will be in a position to share a new timeline before the end of the year.” Macquarie said she appreciated the patience of the many people interested in buying land in Golden Valley, the civil contractors waiting to tender on the construction works, and the designers “who are eager to start work on beautiful homes to suit this unmatched location”. The lot sizes will be 800 square metres and Macquarie said there were more than 800 potential buyers who had lodged interest. After the Stage 1 release, which is now set to be at the end of next year, Fountaindale is proposing another 70 lots for Stage 2.Macquarie said many people in the Illawarra were keen to move into the area, including a high proportion of couples who are downsizing later in life.That will have a flow-on effect for the housing market with ageing families selling larger homes that younger homebuyers can move into. “Given the housing supply crisis, the delivery of 50 new homes will be part of that solution,” Macquarie said.While there has been some opposition to the development from Jamberoo locals, Macquarie said she had been thrilled by the number of residents who were in favour of the Golden Valley subdivision providing a major economic boost for the town’s shops, cafes, clubs and pub.A spokesperson said Sydney Water was working closely with Fountaindale to progress the subdivision.“Our latest assessment confirms that the first stage of the development can be serviced by the existing wastewater network.“We are continuing detailed investigations and modelling to ensure it performs reliably for current and future customers.”Sydney Water is investigating opportunities to optimise the existing system in Jamberoo to enable new connections in a cost-effective way.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

New Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane is calling on the NSW Government to come clean about the Planning Department’s independent review of all developments that have been approved through the Housing Delivery Authority.Sloane belives the review of the HDA needs to be made public in the interests of community confidence in the planning system.The HDA's powers are under the microscope in Kiama with Council set to effectively be sidelined from the approval process by developers if projects are declared a State Significant Development.There have been 583 expressions of interest assessed by the HDA since its first meeting in February.Sloane said revelations that a senior planning official used an unauthorised AI tool to collate information before the HDA brings into question the veracity of the information presented to the HDA’s three-person panel.NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said that the community deserves the highest integrity in their planning system and Minister Paul Scully needs to make this review public to restore community confidence.“The Minns Labor Government needs to ensure community confidence in our planning system by making the independent review public and publishing the terms of reference of the review,” Sloane said.“The Housing Delivery Authority was established by the Government to offer a streamlined assessment process, but as part of that pathway the Government needs to ensure the highest integrity and transparency to support the decisions that are being made."Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said this was not the first instance of error from the HDA.“Since its inception we’ve seen the HDA approve proposals over land that wasn’t controlled by the applicant, misdescribe locations and the approved height of applications,” Farlow said.“This is clear evidence that while the HDA has dealt with nearly 600 expressions of interest, they haven’t been provided with the resources to do their job properly.“While AI tools have an important role to play in the planning system, there needs to be a thorough validation of the inputs into the system and the determinations that are being made and that requires a proper approval process within the Department and should include a public disclosure of the tools being used to give community confidence in the planning system."We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

As Kiama Council finalises its report on the inclusion of a Gerringong property in its Employment Lands Strategy, an “old bull, young bull” grapple between landowners Wes Hindmarsh and Derek McMahon is being played out.Hindmarsh, a fifth-generation landholder, is publicly voicing his concerns that including McMahon’s 5 Sims Road property in Kiama’s Employment Lands Strategy undermines protections for the region’s western rolling hills. Hindmarsh is a name which echoes throughout the history of the LGA and with a parcel of land passed down through the family since the mid 1800s – the family legacy is shaped not by tradition alone, but by a commitment to doing what is right.  Supported by neighbours Bill Folder and Brian Whatman, they shared a flurry of concerns with The Bugle which Hindmarsh says “flies in the face of the objectives of the zones [in the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011]” with the catastrophic potential to impact the local biosecurity, agricultural activity and the region’s tourism appeal. “The thing that grabs me about the whole development is the impact on the activities we undertake here, which could introduce seriously harmful weed seeds to rural lands,” Hindmarsh said. “It [5 Sims Road] is also in close proximity to the Crooked River Estate vineyard whose owner has invested heavily in the future of the winery and restaurant and shares the biosecurity concerns for the vineyard. “If it is to be placed into the Employment Lands Strategy, this will introduce industrialisation and in future years from now, the beautiful rolling hills won’t exist, I believe.” Currently the land surrounding 5 Sims Road is under Zone RU1 Primary Production in the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011, and Hindmarsh believes the Employment Lands Strategy will impede on the listed objectives of the Zone.McMahon has been advocating for his land to be considered within the Strategy and although opinions differ, he still values his neighbours’ concerns.  “No one likes change and no one wants it next door to them – that’s normal,” McMahon said. “I sympathise for people where there will be an effect for those nearby or neighbouring, the same way that the Housing Strategy is going to affect people.” McMahon concedes that while his approach is that of “a long view”, soil won’t be turned over straight away if it is successful in being included in the Employment Lands Strategy. “Should it be identified, there is still a rigorous process in government before anything is approved,” he said. “We can’t go down there and just do what we want the next day.” For Hindmarsh and his neighbours, it’s not about being a NIMBY (not in my backyard), but more about protecting what is good for Gerringong and the local region. “I’d like to keep things the way they are, but the arguments have got more gravity by the fact that what is being proposed is not a good fit for Gerringong,” Hindmarsh said. “Kiama Council should seriously consider their position and if they are to honour the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011, they wouldn’t proceed with approving that land as an industrial area because of the impact it will have on Gerringong now and into the future. The view from the Crooked River Estate vineyard which could potentially have an industrial outlook if the 5 Sims Road is included into the Employment Lands Strategy. Photo: The Bugle“It is vitally important that rural lands be preserved for agriculture in its many kinds so that the inhabitants of our growing nation can be reliably fed.” Kiama Council Director of Strategies and Communities Ed Paterson said Council's planning instruments (i.e. Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan) are constantly being updated to reflect our evolving world. "Strategies like the Employment Lands Strategy and the Housing Strategy contain actions to update the Planning instruments to ensure they are living documents," Paterson said. We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here