Early voting for the Kiama state by-election opens on Saturday so if you want to beat the queues on election day next weekend, do your duty . Voting is compulsory for enrolled electors of the Kiama electoral district. Early voting centres will be open Saturday (6 September) and then from Monday to Friday. Early voting centres are located at:Centenary Hall - 108A Tongarra Road, Albion ParkKiama Uniting Church - 48 Manning Street, KiamaSt Stephen's Anglican Church - 116 West Birriley Street, BomaderryElectors are also able to vote at the NSW Electoral Commission office at 231 Elizabeth St, Sydney from Monday, 8 September to Friday, 12 September. Opening hours for early voting centres vary. Visit the NSW Electoral Commission website to find out more about voting centres and opening hours. The ballot is:1 Tonia Gray (Greens)2 Serena Copley (Liberals)3 Andrew Thaler (Independent)4 Roger Woodward (Independent)5 Don Fuggle (Legalise Cannabis Party)6 Ken Davis (Sustainable Australia)7 Lisa Cotton (Independent)8 Cyrille Jeufo Keuheu (Indpendent)9 Felix Nelson (Shooters, Fishers, Farmers)10 Joshua Beer (Libertarian Party)11 Ellie Robertson (Animal Justice Party)12 Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent)13 Katelin McInerney (Labor)Have your say in our poll of the candidates.

Kiama’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, Sabrina Kelly, has praised Kiama Public School as a leading example of the benefits of public education, highlighting its commitment to responsibility, resilience and respect.Kelly, who volunteers as the school’s P&C President, ethics teacher, reinforced reading tutor, and a regular helper with the animals and garden, says the school’s inclusive approach is key to its success.“Kiama Public School is a place where all abilities, religions, and ethnicities are welcomed and celebrated,” Kelly said. “We focus on multiple intelligences, because learning is so much more than just literacy and maths.”While proud of its strong NAPLAN results, the school places equal emphasis on student wellbeing. Each year, a catered breakfast is hosted before NAPLAN testing to remind students that their worth is not defined by test scores.The school’s strong community spirit is reflected in events such as family fun nights, discos, and Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, which also support local businesses and artists.“Our values of responsibility, resilience and respect are taught in every classroom and modelled in every interaction,” she said. “If world leaders made decisions with these values front of mind, the world would be a kinder, fairer and more united place.”“Public education is about opportunity, inclusion, and connection – and Kiama Public School lives those values every day,” she added.

As the 2025 winter came to its end, The Pavilion came alive for the inaugural Crafted Kiama and welcomed hundreds of locals and visitors for a night of flavour, live music, and community spirit. The Pavilion’s cosy indoor setting was the perfect escape as guests wandered from stall to stall chatting with exhibitors from the Illawarra, which included winemakers, distillers, and food artisans. “Crafted is about more than just tasting it’s about meeting the makers, hearing their stories, and sharing the experience with friends,” The Pavilion events and conference marketing coordinator Jackie Hall said.She said The Pavilion was “thrilled to have brought so many of the regions most exciting producers together under one roof during these cold months”. South Coast Distillery’s Nik Kelly was one of over a dozen exhibitors and was excited with what the event provided. “It was a good night,” Kelly said. “It [the event] was run very well and we are happy to be there again next year.”Kelly said these events provide another way of getting out into the community to promote brands and connect with consumers. Kiama local Andrew Prosser shared that the staff from The Pavilion created a great space for exhibitors and attendees. “It was clear how much effort went into making this a truly memorable experience,” he said. “The quality and atmosphere were exceptional, setting a high standard for what’s to come.”Other beverage exhibitors included The Wine Hub Wollongong and Artemis Wines which idled up to South Coast Distillery, Tara Distillery, and Wolf and Woman Distillery. Foodies indulged in salivating dishes from Ola Chola’s Latin food truck and Steve’s Mobile Woodfire Pizza and munched on delicious morsels from Artisan Delish Salami, Jamberoo Jerky & Biltong Co, South Coast Blends. These were balanced out with the locally made olive oils and preserves from Morella Grove and the Celtic flavours of Kieltys Irish Sauces.For those with a sweet tooth, Kiama Chocolate Company provided the sugar rush. Live music was provided by Blessie, which contributed to the buzzing ambience gathering to support the local talent of the Kiama region.For organisers, the success of the night means that Crafted will be a recurring fixture in the Kiama social calendar “with plans already underway, [we] can look forward to doing it all again in 2026”.  

South Coast residents are leading the charge in embracing renewable energy, with the Gilmore electorate topping NSW for household solar battery installations in just seven weeks.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips says the region’s experience with extreme weather events has motivated locals to embrace the Commonwealth Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which was rolled out 1 July 2025.“People living on the South Coast have been through fire, drought and floods,” she said.“They have seen the devastating impacts of climate change and understand we need to take steps towards replacing coal-powered electricity with renewable sources like solar and wind.”The impressive uptake has placed Gilmore seventh nationally for battery installations with more than 33,000 cheaper home battery installations across the country since the program began.Under the scheme, households, small businesses and community organisations with existing rooftop solar can save 30 per cent on a battery. People with existing solar can save up to $1,100 annually on power bills, while households installing both solar panels and batteries at the same time can save around $2300 a year.“As well as reducing power bills for households that install a battery, it will put downward pressure on bills for their neighbours too because, when you reduce peak demand, it creates a more stable electricity grid,” said Phillips.“Helping people with cost-of-living is our top priority and this is another way we are helping local people keep more in their hip pocket.”The program’s success has helped to support small businesses and boost local employment through an increased demand for solar installation.“The uptake has been great for local solar panel and battery installers, many of whom employ apprentices, so it’s fantastic for jobs on the South Coast,” she said.For residents concerned about accessibility, particularly renters, there are several solutions rolled out through the program. The Community Batteries for Household Solar program will install 400 batteries to provide shared storage for households to use during peak times, providing access to renewable energy.“The Australian Government is investing $100 million into Community Solar Banks which will provide shared solar systems and help to lower electricity costs for people that rent, live in apartments or can’t afford their own system,” Mrs Phillips said.“Owners’ corporations and strata managers can apply for funding to install solar systems on apartments and other multi-unit dwellings, which means more people can take advantage of cleaner, cheaper solar to bust bills for good.”NSW is world-leading when it comes to rooftop solar generation and Gilmore alone boasts almost 35,000 solar panel installations, the addition of storage batteries puts the region on track to reaching the full potential of solar renewable energy.Phillips encourages local residents considering the program to seek advice from installers about systems that best suit their households needs.“This is a game changer for local families and an opportunity to take control of their own power bill while reducing reliance on the grid and helping to drive down prices for everyone,” she said.“With the savings they make on their bills, people will be able to pay down the cost of their battery faster.”

Minnamurra Progress Association’s Tuesday night forum was a chance for the Kiama by-election candidates to connect with the locals.Six of the 13 candidates were in attendance and independent candidate Andrew Thaler used his allocated five minutes to launch a tirade against the four frontrunners for next Saturday’s poll.Thaler has been suspended from Snowy Monaro Council for two three-month periods after he made abusive social media posts which included referring to a fellow councillor as a “fat dumb blonde”. Labor’s Katelin McInerney, Liberal Party’s Serena Copley, Community Independent nominee Kate Dezarnaulds and Dr Tonia Gray from the Greens were the only candidates invited to speak at the Shoalhaven Business Chamber event earlier in the week, which set the tone for Thaler’s contribution to the Minnamurra forum.“Now these women preach tolerance and inclusion and if they actually had a backbone, they would have said ‘no this is not right, we should have other candidates there as well’,” Thaler said.“Yet they didn’t speak up.”Thaler seemed to have forgotten that there is no love in politics, but said he had checked with “every other candidate” to ask if they knew which events were happening during the campaign.“Let’s establish communication, I share information [and] I believe in equality and inclusion.” Legalise Cannabis party member Don Fuggle told the Forum that he helped establish the organisation more than 25 years ago in Nimbin, originally known as the Hemp Party.“We ran it against John Howard in the 2000 election and nearly got a candidate up in the Senate.”Dr Gray spoke on issues about climate action in the region, public infrastructure, environmental issues and integrity in politics, imploring the responsibility is on voters.“You are in a real important sweet spot to make change; this is an election like no other,” Gray said.“If you’re as disenchanted as I am with the two major parties, then it is time that we really step up and look at social justice and accountability.” Copley spruiked the recent announcement about a pilot program called Active Seniors and provided a strong advocacy position for the future of the Kiama electorate.“We need to look to the future and protect that for them. We all live in this part of the world because we love it, we treasure it, and we want to protect it in our lifestyle and the culture that we enjoy today for future generations,” Copley said.Dezaranaulds used her opportunity to set the record straight that she is not affiliated with the teal independents, which Thaler alluded to, and while she spoke about a range of issues, she gravitated to political integrity. “Our community really wants to see integrity back in politics,” Dezarnaulds said.“They want independently minded, courageous, hard-working, energetic, responsive, members who will actually listen to them, who will do the work and who will go and fight the good fight.”McInerney provided a clear and concise overview of her campaign trail, focusing on infrastructure.“One of the things that I was told was we need to have that basic infrastructure and those essential services in our community,” McInerney said.“The NSW Minns Labor government is going to continue to build the infrastructure we need alongside communities as they grow.”Thanks to the great moderating efforts of MPA’s President Graeme Collinson-Smith, the night flowed well and even finished 10 minutes early.In sports betting for the Kiama by-election, Labor is $1.05. There is not much between the Liberals and Independents at $9.00 and $10.00 respectively.The Greens are considered ‘bolter’ odds at $51.00.

With the Kiama state electorate headed to the polls on 13 September for a by-election following Gareth Ward's resignation, local candidates and political parties are working overtime to secure your vote.We want to know who you will be voting for in the by-election.Greens candidate, Dr Tonia Gray, was the lucky winner of Friday’s ballot draw - she will be the first name on the list followed by the Liberal Party’s Serena Copley.Labor nominee Katelin McInerney was drawn down at the bottom in the 13th spot, one behind Community Independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds.McInerney, Copley, Gray and Dezarnaulds are considered the main chances of winning the seat that was left vacant by former independent MP Gareth Ward’s resignation following his conviction for sexual assault offences.There are five independent candidates as well as representatives from Legalise Cannabis Party, Libertarian Party, Sustainable Australia, Animal Justice Party and the Shoorters, Fishers, Farmers.The ballot is:1 Tonia Gray (Greens)2 Serena Copley (Liberals)3 Andrew Thaler (Independent)4 Roger Woodward (Independent)5 Don Fuggle (Legalise Cannabis Party)6 Ken Davis (Sustainable Australia)7 Lisa Cotton (Independent)8 Cyrille Jeufo Keuheu (Indpendent)9 Felix Nelson (Shooters, Fishers, Farmers)10 Joshua Beer (Libertarian Party)11 Ellie Robertson (Animal Justice Party)12 Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent)13 Katelin McInerney (Labor)Have your say in our poll of the candidates.

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper was the latest Government bigwig to drop by Kiama on Wednesday, announcing more than $1.1 million for five projects to boost local sporting infrastructure.Kamper and Labor's Kiama by-election candidate Katelin McInerney said the State Government would invest in upgrading facilities in Kiama, Gerringong and Albion Park as a way of removing barriers to participation in the community.The Government has committed to providing:$250,000 to resurface and repair the unsafe Kiama Netball Courts at the Kiama Sporting Complex.$40,000 to cover essential costs of the Kiama Sevens tournament.$275,000 to install new lighting at Bonaira Oval, home of Kiama Power, which has been unable to host night matches.$200,000 to improve facilities and drainage works for Keith Grey Oval, the home of the Albion Park Cricket Club.$387,000 for new lighting at Gerry Emery Reserve, Gerringong, which hosts several sports, including cricket, football, touch and rugby leagueKamper and McInerney announced the funding at Kiama Sporting Complex, the same venue where Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Liberal candidate Serena Copley two weeks earlier had promised $26 million if the Coalition were to win the state election in early 2027.When asked whether the Government's announcement would pale into comparison, Kamper said: "It's a big number. And it's a promise upon a promise."We're here saying we're delivering this no matter what the case and that's what government does."We look where there's needs and we're delivering."When asked if this was an example of Labor pork-barreling in the lead-up to the by-election, he denied that was the case."This is about delivering for our community. We've established need and we've got some good eyes and ears on the ground at the moment advising us what we need to be doing."And I'm so pleased that this was brought to our attention.“We understand how critical our local sporting facilities are, they are the backbone of our coastal and regional communities."The netball courts at the Complex have been an ongoing concern with several cracks creating an unsafe playing environment."This is where I grew up playing netball. I have many fond memories, some sad and bittersweet defeats, but I really have to say it's almost the same as when I was here, and that's a long time ago now," McInerney said."We have been talking to sporting organisations up and down our area, and we really do need strong investment in this part of the world for our sporting facilities."Kiama Netball Association president Michelle Gregory said they were a large, growing organisation with more than 800 players."We have been rallying for a number of years now regarding our court surfaces and the need for some investment in them," she said.

Death deserves as much time, attention and love as we give births and weddings, according to end-of-life doula Carolyn Vaughan.A founding member of Compassionate Communities Illawarra-Shoalhaven makes dying as meaningful an experience as a birth or a marriage. As an end-of-life doula she is a companion, advocate, planner and educator who helps demystify death and all it entails. The Shellharbour celebrant recognised the need to normalise conversations around death and dying after supporting both her mother through her final stages of life; a difficult, often traumatic experience, filled with frustration.“Quite often there is a lack of information given to relatives navigating the death of a loved one, and that's because death is not something we choose to talk about, nor ask about,” says Carolyn.While still grieving her much-loved mum, a process which doesn’t ever end, Carolyn realised that having a support person for death is just as important as having a support person for life. While the occasions are wildly different the logistics are not. There’s paperwork, red tape, often hospitals, medical staff, tears, laughter, love and grief. “We have all heard of birth doulas, so why not death doulas?” she says. “What if people planned for their death in the same way they did for a birth, or a wedding?”Which is how she came to facilitate Death Cafés in partnership with Kiama Library. Carolyn’s philosophy around the cafés is simple; talking about death over coffee and cake can be an enlightening experience, that normalises the conversation. “Many times the idea of death might be mulling around in our mind, but we don’t always give ourselves space to think about it, or talk about it,” says Carolyn. “Our experiences or expectations about this inevitable phase of life can be so different, but talking about it gives us the best chance of making death a supported and sacred time.”Death Cafés - first held in Switzerland almost two decades ago after Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz lost his wife suddenly - revolutionised how the western world began to speak about death and dying. The cafés have become increasingly popular, particularly after a global pandemic brought daily conversations about death into our living rooms, and are now held in over 100 countries.This month, Compassionate Communities Illawarra-Shoalhaven, in partnership with Kiama Library, will host a Death Café in Gerringong, its third for the year in the Kiama LGA. Carla James, Kiama Library’s outreach officer, says libraries are “perfectly placed” to host Death Cafés.“We exist in that democratised zone, a free, safe place for people to come, to have a space to speak freely about something that’s still a big social taboo,” she explains. “Such emotional weight is given to the word death. In western cultures our relationship with death is very hidden, very cloaked, something that is a long time away. “Yes it’s hard to talk about because we don't want to face the emotion that comes up. But Death Cafés are such an important part of our social fabric because it gets us more comfortable even just saying the word death. It normalises the language around an inevitable process and that’s really important.”Carla says conversations about death “gift people the power to make informed choices about the end of their lives”. Death Cafés can teach people how to create a practical file for family members about their advanced care directives and end of life choices. “You then become an advocate for your own death,” says Carla. “If you’re a fun person in life, chances are you want to leave life in a fun way so it’s important to have that conversation.”Carolyn agrees. “Death Cafés provide a safe space to talk about the practical aspects of what we might need, or what those we love most might need, when we are dying,” explains Carolyn. “Formulating those ideas and plans through open conversations before the crushing weight of illness bears down on us, or a sudden loss of life blindsides us, means we are prepared to navigate death without the heavy emotional weight of limited time.“The goal of the cafes is to increase awareness of death, which in turn helps participants make the most of their lives. As is the Death Cafe way, there is no agenda. You can share a story, ask a question if you wish or just listen and observe, no pressure. This year’s third Death Café will be held at Gerringong Library on Thursday September 18 from 2-4 pm. Tea, coffee and cake are provided and bookings, at www.library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/events or by calling 42331133, are required for catering purposes.“We are very grateful to the partnership we have with the Kiama Municipal Library,” says Carolyn. “I highly recommend that everyone attends a café when they can.”Please note that Death Cafés don’t provide grief support or counselling and are not ideal for those suffering a recent bereavement.

Kiama Council and property developer Level 33 are scheduled to head to court in December after the formal mediation process in regards to Level 33’s Akuna Street development application was terminated.The Akuna Street site was sold to Level 33 in late 2022 for $28 million. Due to the value and scope of the development application (DA) for the site, the assessment and final decision regarding the proposal was made by the Southern Regional Planning Panel. The panel were not convinced that the proposal submitted by Level 33 satisfied the objectives of the site-specific controls for the site. Level 33 initiated legal proceedings in the NSW Land and Environment Court in January and a Section 34 mediation conference held on 6 August at which the parties could not reach a mediated outcome, and was therefore terminated. A hearing has been scheduled for 10-12 December 2025.Kiama Council’s Director of Strategies and Communities, Ed Paterson, said Council is continuing to work in the background on trying to sort out an agreement with Level 33 to avoid further court proceedings.“Thankfully the courts agreed at the request of both parties to enable us to continue ‘without prejudice conversations’ so that if in the meantime we can come to a mediated agreement, we can go back into mediation formally and avoid the December hearing and additional expenses,” he said.“A silver lining to the fact the courts are so delayed at the moment is that it does give us a few extra months to keep trying to iron out the issues.”Paterson said the DA’s non-compliance with the Development Control Plan was the main sticking point.“It's the biggest development site in central Kiama and whatever is built here will set the tone for the rest of the town, so we need to ensure it adheres to the principles Council has endorsed around view-sharing and not being an overly bulky building, both on Akuna Street and also Shoalhaven Street,” he explained.“It's going to have quite a presence. As you go past Tory’s (Kiama Hotel) and you look up Shoalhaven Street, it's going to be a decent building.“Some of the issues that arose throughout the assessment process have been taken away, things like laneways and how we're going to deal with the heritage building, but there’s still, really simply, a bulk and scale issue.”The best-case scenario is for the dispute to be resolved before December’s court hearing. The worst-case scenario is that the case will go to the hearing and a Land and Environment Court Commissioner will decide on the outcome.Local residents are keen to see the Level 33 development get underway because it will mean the removal of one of Kiama’s ugliest eyesores.The dilapidated area of the old Kiama Independent newspaper headquarters has been decimated by vandals and squatters with abandoned cars, smashed glass and graffiti throughout the site.Complaints about vandalism, rubbish, water leaks, or the site’s condition should be directed to the property owners.A Council spokesperson said they have raised its concerns with the owners following numerous community complaints.Level 33 has not responded to requests for comment from The Bugle.On the other side of Akuna Street, PSEC Project Services has withdrawn its application after Council advised the developer that amendments were required in order to achieve compliance with Development Control Plan objectives.Council encourages applicants to withdraw DAs when redesign amendments are required to ensure DA timeframes do no blow out.The development on the southern side of Akuna St is for 35 apartments with four commercial premises on the ground floor.

Kiama by-election's Liberal candidate, Serena Copley, wants to help local seniors enjoy more opportunities to live active, healthy, and socially connected lives and was joined by Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane on the campaign trail.Copley has welcomed Tuesday's announcement from Opposition Leader Mark Speakman that a Coalition government would commit to a three-year pilot with the Kiama, Shellharbour City and Shoalhaven City Councils in which they would each be able to opt in to receive $60,000 a year if the NSW Liberals win at the next state election.“Our local seniors will be able to participate in subsidised classes helping them to keep active and engaged, and this will be a great preventative health measure,” Copley said.“Loneliness is one of our biggest problems that we have in our ageing community, I am a Meals on Wheels volunteer and I know first hand how important that connectivity is.“This pilot is a great example of how Liberal Governments back our communities, and I will be a strong advocate for local services and programs like active seniors’ pilot that help our community.”Speakman said he would invest $540,00 over three years to deliver the pilot program in the Illawarra and South Coast if he was successful at the next state election in early 2027.“As NSW Liberals, we’re committed to improving the preventative health care that our citizens receive,” he said. “Keeping seniors active is a smart, preventative health investment that will benefit seniors and the broader community.“It’s improving the physical, the mental health, and the social wellbeing of older citizens.”Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said by working with local councils to provide low-cost programs, it would help older people live healthier lives while delivering a practical cost of living measure.“It’s an investment in both the wellbeing of seniors and the sustainability of our health system,” Sloane said.“We are investing in the people of this community because they deserve it and they deserve to live long and healthy lives.Speakman and Sloane also sees this announcement from the Liberal party as one of providing a layer of longevity and protection for seniors.“We know that regular physical activity improves long-term physical and mental health, as well as increasing social engagement,” Speakman said.“We want to keep them [Seniors] out of hospitals and in their own homes,” Sloane said.“The only way we can do that is by investing in active seniors, investing in health programmes to keep people fit and active and out of the hospitals.”Within the Kiama local government area, there are many independent groups that provide the space for seniors to congregate, exchange knowledge and remain active.Kiama U3A president Charles Walker explained the foundational components, which align with the fundamentals of the Liberals' proposal.“It [U3A] started off with the idea that it was academic or learning; learning was at the key,” Walker said.“And slowly that morphed into an active body promotes an active mind. So, we incorporated exercise into the syllabus.”An issue for Kiama U3A and groups alike, is that they are self-reliant and whilst this proposal from the Liberals may help with council, there is no indication if that will benefit small groups.Speakman was clear this proposal will not only have health benefits, but provide cost of living relief but said funds would be directed to councils.“Those that can’t afford to go to those programs, will now have an opportunity to join into a council-led program and still participate and feel valued and connect with their community in a way that is affordable for them.”

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is thrilled he has received a commitment from Opposition Leader Mark Speakman to tear up the covenant on land at Spring Creek which could provide a financial windfall for Council.But he would be over the moon if NSW Premier Chris Minns signed off on Council’s request to unlock the parcel of land to the west of Bombo cemetery.Speakman and the Liberal Party’s Kiama by-election candidate Serena Copley met Cr McDonald and Council CEO Jane Stroud in Kiama on Monday to call on the NSW Government to remove the antiquated covenant which was established in 1993 to prevent housing too close to the working quarry.Council owns the approximately nine hectares of residential zoned land, which equates to around 100 parcels which could be worth about $90 million to Council.McDonald said it would be up to the community, through Council, to decide what sort of mix they want between employment land, residential land and facilities like sports grounds.“It is an outdated covenant that could be removed with the stroke of a pen … to unlock the financial security of Kiama Council,” he said.“It is a financial game-changer for the predicament that Kiama Council is in. It will enable long-term financial stability for the Council.”The restriction was put in place more than 30 years ago so to minimise noise complaints if residents moved into the area.“If you drive out there today, you can look up the hill and there are houses far, far closer to Bombo Quarry,” Stroud said.“And the last time we had a noise complaint from Bombo Quarry is over five years ago.”Speakman was bullish in his demand for the Premier to rip off the red tape, citing a former US President’s famous speech in sending a message to Minns.“Ronald Reagan famously stood outside the Berlin Wall and said, ‘Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall’. I'm standing here at Kiama today saying ‘Chris Minns, tear up this covenant’,” he said.“It's got the unanimous support of Kiama Council, it would mean that Kiama Council would be sustainable for the long term.“It would free up tens of millions of dollars in money for vital infrastructure in the Kiama area. There is no need for this restrictive covenant to continue, but at the moment, it's preventing urban development on the Spring Creek land that the Council owns.“It's a no-brainer to tear up this covenant.”Speakman said Kiama was one of the most expensive regional locations for real estate in NSW so if the Government freed up this land for residential development, it would curb property prices from soaring and help Council avoid future rate rises.Copley added: “As has been the case multiple times across NSW, the only thing standing in the way of progress in our state is the Minns Labor Government.”When asked why the previous Coalition Government had not removed the covenant, Speakman did not provide an answer other than to say he was backing Council “100% on this” latest request.“If elected in 2027 and it hasn't been removed in the meantime, we will remove it, but this should be removed now.”Cr McDonald earlier met Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison and Labor by-election candidate Katelin McInerney on Monday morning to discuss items on Council’s advocacy list, including the request to lift the Spring Creek Land Covenant.“We understand the challenge to Council around housing and their financial sustainability and that is why we have recently worked with Council to release five lots of council-owned land in this area, and we will continue to work with them on this,” McInerney said in reference to the recent decision to lift a similar covenant at Glenbrook Drive.“We know future housing in the Kiama LGA needs to be sensibly delivered in a responsible way - and look to areas like Bombo Quarry where there is an opportunity to support future housing.“Positively, the state’s Transport Asset Manager and Transport for NSW are working collaboratively with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Kiama Municipal Council and the adjoining landowner, Boral, to develop a vision that best supports the community and growth of Kiama into the future.”Cr McDonald said he was not endorsing the Liberal Party candidate for the 13 September poll but he was open in saying that it was his job during this by-election campaign “to put the needs and the wants of the community first”.“We've developed an advocacy list that was endorsed at the last Council meeting and what we do is we advocate for our local community to get a range of services and a range of issues, a range of items addressed by all the candidates in this by-election,” he said.“We've sent out that advocacy list to all candidates. The door of Council is always open to speak to all those candidates about what those local issues are for our community.“We're looking for statements or commitments from the current government as well as the other candidates to make sure that those commitments are put forward to our local community in this election, so that our community can understand what's being offered to them to address the issues that we have locally.”When asked what it felt like for Kiama to be inundated with state politicians making all sorts of promises, he said: “I think it's a function of our election, but I think it's certainly a reflection that potentially we have not been in the government mind as much as we could have over the last few years.“We've lacked that representation in the State Government for the last number of years, and so it's really refreshing for the people of Kiama to regain that representation in the State Government.”

Kiama Business Network will be hosting a Meet The Candidates event at The Pavilion on Wednesday night, opening the doors to all members of the public to hear directly from the candidates ahead of next week's by-election.Registration is not necessary but if you would like to submit a question or topic that you would like the candidates to address, email [email protected] the program format, each candidate will be allocated five minutes to address the audience.Candidates will then respond to three pre-submitted questions, getting two minutes per response.The evening will conclude with an informal meet-and-greet with attendees.Date: Wednesday, 3 SeptemberTime: 5.30pm - 7pmVenue: The Pavilion, KiamaThere will be a whopping 13 candidates.Dr Tonia Gray was the lucky winner of Friday’s ballot draw - she will be the first name on the list followed by the Liberal Party’s Serena Copley.Labor nominee Katelin McInerney was drawn down at the bottom in the 13th spot, one behind Community Independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds.There are five independent candidates as well as representatives from Legalise Cannabis Party, Libertarian Party, Sustainable Australia, Animal Justice Party and the Shoorters, Fishers, Farmers.The ballot is:1 Tonia Gray (Greens)2 Serena Copley (Liberals)3 Andrew Thaler (Independent)4 Roger Woodward (Independent)5 Don Fuggle (Legalise Cannabis Party)6 Ken Davis (Sustainable Australia)7 Lisa Cotton (Independent)8 Cyrille Jeufo Keuheu (Indpendent)9 Felix Nelson (Shooters, Fishers, Farmers)10 Joshua Beer (Libertarian Party)11 Ellie Robertson (Animal Justice Party)12 Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent)13 Katelin McInerney (Labor)

Construction of $9.6 million in major upgrades for Macquarie Pass has begun as the NSW Government talks up its road infrastructure record in the lead-up to the 13 September Kiama by-election.Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison and Labor by-election candidate Katelin McInerney visited the motorway west of Albion Park on Monday to explain that the essential upgrade would result in wider lanes and new safety barriers.The improvements to key sections at the top and near the bottom of the busy Illawarra Highway will enhance travel conditions for the 4000 drivers who use this road daily. Aitchison said the upgrades will reduce the risk of closures on the steep route following periods of extended wet weather. “This funding is about making regional roads safer, more reliable and fairer, ensuring local communities get their fair share of road maintenance investment," she said.“Macquarie Pass is a critical corridor for local commuters, freight operators and the tourism sector.“These safety upgrades will provide a safer road environment and are key to ensuring the resilience of this route.“Work carried out on the Pass is complex due to the steep terrain of the site, slope stability challenges and the tight work areas that limit worker and vehicle access.“The design and schedule have been developed to achieve maximum results while minimising impacts to the community wherever possible.“We appreciate the community’s patience while this work is carried out.”The first phase of work will be at the 200-metre stretch between the top two hairpin bends, a narrow and winding section of road frequently affected by severe weather and slope instability. Three-metre-wide travel lanes will also be installed in both directions, as well as new kerbs and safety barriers, making it safer and easier for motorists to navigate the top bends. To stabilise the slope, long steel rods (known as soil nails) will be drilled into the embankment. A heavy-duty mesh and concrete spray (shotcrete) will then be applied to prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of unplanned closures. As part of the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Safer Roads program, improvements will be carried out about 900 metres up from the Cascade Falls Picnic Area. Work will include installing a widened centre line along a 300-metre section, minor slope stabilisation, and drainage upgrades to improve safety for road users. McInerney and Finance Minister Courtney Houssos last Thursday announced $3 million in accelerated funding to fill potholes and undertake road repairs in the area. “I’m very excited that these two essential projects have started. Macquarie Pass is a vital link between the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra and it comes up frequently when I talk to local residents," McInerney said.“These upgrades will make a real difference to the safety of everyone who uses the road.“This is a significant investment that will help reduce the risk of unplanned closures, especially during bad weather, and give the community more confidence when travelling on the route.”Night works are occurring from 8pm to 4am, Sunday to Thursday. The project is expected to take up to six months to complete, weather permitting. Macquarie Pass will be closed between Tongarra Mine Road and Mount Murray Road during work hours and detours will be in place that add 10 minutes for light vehicles.

A compelling new exhibition, Between Dreams and Truth, featuring work from four local artists, will be on display at the Old Fire Station from September 5-10 - and it’s one not to miss.Artists Jenny Albanis, Claire Donaghy, Christina Murphy, and Hannah Gray of Hub Ceramics have come together to present a diverse and inspiring body of work.“I've always loved painting, ever since I was a kid,” said Albanis. “But it wasn’t until I retired that I was able to take it up more seriously.”She describes each artist's unique style and contribution to the exhibition.“Claire Donaghy has a very painterly style. She’s been painting for quite a while, and her work is vibrant and colourful - ranging from still lifes and landscapes to portraits of beautiful women with gorgeous floral headdresses.“Christina Murphy, also a Kiama local, paints in a realistic style. She often focuses on landscapes and flowers, inspired by her incredible garden.”“And then there's Hannah Gray of Hub Ceramics, who creates stunning, practical ceramics - the kind of pieces you’d love to use in your home every day.”Albanis explains that the exhibition brings together both realistic and dreamlike works, offering a rich mix of artistic approaches.“I tend to paint quite realistically, with fine detail. Claire, on the other hand, takes a reference and transforms it - her work is looser, more expressive,” said Albanis.“Christina explores contrasts, like edible fruits alongside poisonous plants, highlighting how both can be beautiful in different ways. She also paints fantasy-inspired scenes - like women in metal plate armour with wings.”Despite the realism in her own work, Albanis says her creative process is deeply meditative - another layer in the contrast suggested by the exhibition’s title.“For me, painting is something immersive. I’ll look at the same object for weeks, painting and thinking I know it - then suddenly, I’ll notice something new I hadn’t seen before.”“I go into quite a dreamy state. It’s almost meditative. I paint a lot of reflections - especially silver reflections - where a flower, for example, is echoed subtly in the surface. It’s those little discoveries that keep me going.”The exhibition will be at the Old Fire Station from September 5-10.

The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.Science WeekTo celebrate National Science Week, the science faculty hosted a trivia championship for all year groups to see which students know the most about science. There was laughter and there were tears, but in the end, only one team could be crowned champions.Congratulations to Harrison Burton, Eddie Peade, Marley Giles, Zoe Cox and Lyla Morris, who have earned the honour of having their names forever engraved on the Kiama High School Science Week Challenge Trophy.This year’s Science Week theme is “Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden Language.”Science & Engineering ChallengeA team of brilliant Year 9 and 10 students had the pleasure of attending the Science and Engineering Challenge day at University of Wollongong. The expert team of girls who took on the bridge-building competition blitzed the field, scoring third out of 15 schools, a massive improvement from last year's 11th place.Students participated in brain-squeezing tricky but nonetheless exciting challenges throughout the day, from designing and constructing wind turbines, aeroplanes, sustainable model homes to 'Confounding Communications'. The hardworking and diligent teams earned Kiama High boundless points, displaying an endlessly bright future in STEM.Kiama High, led by Ms Giacon and Mr Moeser, were runners-up behind reigning champions, Smiths Hill High School, with an astounding score of 1292.31 out of 1600. Junior secondary speaking awardKiama High proudly hosted the local finals of the Junior Secondary Speaking Award earlier this month, welcoming talented students from schools across our Zone.Representing Kiama High were our incredible Year 7 students, Indi and Frida, who both delivered powerful prepared speeches on topics of their choice and followed up with engaging impromptu speeches on the topic “Walking away”, with just five minutes of preparation time.Both speakers impressed the audience and received positive feedback from the adjudicator. The top three speakers were selected to progress to the Regional Finals next month and Indi qualified as one of them.Kiama High also entered a team of five enthusiastic Year 7 students in the Premier's Debating Challenge. Over the course of three rounds, the team showed remarkable growth, developing confidence, teamwork, and persuasive argumentation skills.After a challenging first debate against Oak Flats High School, the team bounced back with impressive wins over Albion Park High and Lake Illawarra High. In the final debate, the adjudicator praised their arguments as mature, well-reasoned, and impressively in-depth for their age.And a huge congratulations to Kiama’s 9A Debating Team – Sarah, Rory, Mahala, and Nyasa!They’ve gone undefeated in this year’s Premier's Debating Challenge, winning all three of their debates.National Tree DayOn 4 August, students from Year 7 participated energetically in National Tree Day. The classes went to Bombo Headland (The Boneyard), Minnamurra Headland Whale Watching Platform, Currys Mountain (Gerringong), Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven Heads and Minnamurra Rainforest. Community volunteers commented on how enthusiastic the students were and complimented their behaviour.The best workers at each site were rewarded with a $10 canteen voucher. Tennis team successKiama’s girls’ tennis team made the trek to Nelson Bay to play in the state finals of the CHS competition. The finals consist of all the regional winners and Nyasa Nakhate, Savannah Hedstrom, Mahala Probert and Meg McCorkell got Kiama off to a winning start with an emphatic victory over Gunnedah High. The opposition faced after this was of a very high standard, but the girls continued to play well and enjoy the two-day carnival with games against Endeavour Sports, Bathurst High and Toormina High. Kiama ended up ranked eighth in the state - a fantastic achievement.

The future could be looking even brighter for the Gerringong Lions after Opposition Leader Mark Speakman pledged $200,000 for much-needed lighting upgrades at the iconic Michael Cronin Oval.Liberal candidate for the upcoming Kiama by-election, Serena Copley and the Party's state leader announced on Saturday that they would commit the funding if Labor is voted out of government at the 2027 election.“The NSW Liberals are backing regional sporting clubs like the Gerringong Junior Lions because they promote healthy and active lifestyles and give our kids the chance to thrive,” Copley said.“The Gerringong Junior Lions are such an important part of this community, with mums, dads and volunteers working tirelessly to keep the club strong. "This commitment is about backing their efforts and ensuring the facilities meet the needs of players and families today.”The funding will result in upgrades to the lighting at the Oval, replacing the light poles that are at the end of their life and with new LED lighting installed to bring the ground up to current standards. “This is about backing the region’s sporting clubs and players, young and old, and supporting them in providing opportunities for their local communities," Speakman said.“In three budgets, Labor has neglected the needs of this community. “This $200,000 commitment is a further demonstration of the NSW Liberals’ ongoing commitment to investing in the roads, hospital, schools and sporting facilities needed to support communities in this region.”Shadow Minister for Sports Eleni Petinos added: “Michael Cronin Oval is the beating heart of Gerringong sport, used by players and families from Kiama through to Shoalhaven Heads.“These lighting upgrades mean more opportunities for kids - women and men to train and play safely into the evening, and for the whole community to enjoy this much-loved oval.“Projects like this deliver real benefits to grassroots clubs, ensuring athletes have access to quality sporting infrastructure which encourages participation and growth.“Many notable rugby league players have played on this footy field over the years including Mick Cronin, Rod Wishart, Tariq, Ashton and Korbin Sims – and I have no doubt many more will follow in the years to come.”Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, Kyle McCarthy, Hayden Buchanan and Ashton Ward have broken into the NRL this year, joining fellow Lions juniors Tyran Wishart, Jackson Ford and Reuben Cotter in the premiership ranks.This upgrade will mean Lions’ players will be able to train and compete safely in the evening. “It’s a simple but important step that will make a real difference for local sport," Copley said."This investment will improve the Oval for everyone - players, volunteers and spectators - and provide more opportunities for our young people to get involved in sport.“The club has done its fair share of work raising funds and improving the ground over the years. "This announcement recognises their dedication and delivers the support they deserve.”Gerringong Rugby League Football Club committee member, Jodie Egan, said the lighting upgrade would allow them to host Friday and Saturday night games, creating many more home game opportunities and increasing the numbers of participants."To receive the promise of $200,000 towards a LED Lighting upgrade for Michael Cronin Oval would be 'club-changing" for us. Serena Copley and Mark Speakman. “Improved lighting will mean night games and also increase the night training opportunities. "We currently have 22 teams and approximately 500 people that need to use the one oval for training and game day - so access during daylight hours is currently extremely limited. However, upgraded LED Lighting would change all of this."

Kiama Pipe Band has announced Saturday, 29 November is the big event date for “Pipes and Drums by the Sea – An interactive Experience”Pipe Major Paul Wells said it was an event not to be missed.“The event will be unlike anything we’ve done before and will include not only performances by the band, but offer hands-on experiences for those who would like to know more about the music and history of Scottish pipes and drums,” he said.Bass drummer and treasurer of the band, Deb Riley explains they could not have offered an event of this quality without the generous funding provided by a Kiama Council cultural grant.The event will be free and include refreshments provided by Kiama Rotary Club.Further information is coming soon so keep an eye on The Bugle, Kiama Community Radio, and Kiama Pipe Band’s social media channels and posters.

Cin Cin Wine Bar was the setting for a night of intrigue as locals gathered to solve The Kiama Blowhole Mystery on a wet Thursday evening last week.Produced, written and hosted by Mark Whalan, and supported by Mel and Michael Bowden and their hardworking team, the evening wove together history, theatre and plenty of laughter.Guests were invited to step back to 1889, when a body was seen blasted out of the Kiama Blowhole in front of horrified onlookers.Was it Blondel, the tightrope walker who had recently disappeared, or something more sinister? The mystery of the Blowhole Body provided a lively backdrop for an evening of detective work, gossip and accusation, fuelled by the obligatory drink or two!This was no passive theatre. Everyone had to become a character in the drama - drawn from groups created by Whalan: the Salty Harbour Crew, the Larrikin Quarry Workers, the Ladies Reading Circle, the Investigators and the Orange Free Lodge.Each participant received a character sheet with secrets and objectives, ensuring no one could simply sit back and relax.Costumes set the scene and before long the bar was filled with detectives fumbling their way through clues, quarry workers stirring up trouble and politicos with far too much to hide.Over three hours, the story unfolded through whispered alliances, unexpected revelations and plenty of spirited finger-pointing.The mystery lay in the fact that no one had any idea where the plot would turn, with each player’s actions shaping an outcome (or not).By the end, the mystery had been unravelled - though not without a few shocks and surprises.All the while, the Bowdens kept glasses filled and plates laden. Cin Cin’s food and wine service ensured the detectives were well fuelled for their investigations, adding to the sense that this was not just theatre, but a full night out.Guests enjoyed the ribaldry and getting to know others in a unique setting, with Whalan enthusiastically guiding attendees through the chaos.“Australian Freeform Roleplays is a format of interactive storytelling, developed at Aussie games conventions over the last 30 years,” he said.“They’re unscripted, like a costume party with a storyline, with the plot cut up into tiny pieces and spread throughout the group. Each time the story runs, the outcome is completely different.”He said the Kiama Blowhole Mystery, an original story run for the first time at Cin Cin, “mixed historical facts reported in the Kiama Independent, such as the body ejected out of the Blowhole and even Kiama’s notorious trigamist, with fantastical and horror elements”.“It was great fun on the night to see the story run outside of my head,” Whalan added.“People began hesitantly, then grew confident enough to make clever and fun contributions. A hilarious twist from the Kiama Harbour Salts worked exactly like a post-credits scene in a film.”Whalan praised the Bowdens’ willingness to innovate.“The icebreaker nature of story games fits so well with Michael Bowden’s vision for Cin Cin’s night economy - offering something no one else is doing. I’m grateful he took the risk in backing this.”Following the success of opening night, The Kiama Blowhole Mystery returns to Cin Cin on 18 September, with a third performance likely to follow.Whalan is already working on new games, including “a Tarantino tribute prequel to Pulp Fiction” and “a séance mystery featuring the spirit of Orry-Kelly”.With a nod to Kiama’s history and a chance to dress up, socialise and sleuth, the Blowhole Mystery proved a hit. Cin Cin looks set to cement itself as the place for those who like their evenings out with a twist.

The Women Helping Other Widows support group will welcome a bereavement counsellor to their first September meeting.Founded by Marion Rattray, WHOW is a local group that provides connection and support for widows in the Kiama area. Rattray says the decision to bring in a professional came from a desire to offer more structure to the meetings.“We’ve had a couple of meetings already, and I felt we needed a little more direction,” she said. “That’s why I’ve invited a bereavement counsellor from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to join us.”The counsellor will attend the meeting next Thursday (4 September), which will be held from 2–3pm at the Lecture Hall, Kiama Uniting Church. WHOW meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at the same time and location.A bereavement counsellor is a trained professional who helps people navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with the loss of a loved one.Rattray started WHOW after losing her husband and realising how valuable it would be to connect with others who truly understand the experience of grief.“Widows all have one thing in common - we’ve lost our husbands. But each of us faces different challenges,” she said. “Some are wondering whether to sell their home or find accommodation that better suits their needs.“What really makes a difference is the companionship of people who understand. If you’ve had a long and very happy marriage, I think the grief hits even harder. That’s why I felt there should be something just for widows.”WHOW offers a warm, welcoming space where widows can share their experiences - or simply listen. There’s no pressure to speak, and all widows are invited to attend.Even if you can’t stay for the full meeting, Rattray encourages anyone interested to drop in for a chat and enjoy some afternoon tea.For more information, contact Marion on 4233 2490.