Residents and holiday-makers in the Shoalhaven will soon have faster access to urgent medical care, with Nowra set to welcome a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on 19 January.The clinic will operate out of the Grand Pacific Health Centre located at 107 Scenic Drive and was officially announced on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, following a competitive tender process run by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.Open seven days a week with extended hours, the clinic will offer walk-in, fully bulk-billed care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.It’s designed to treat everything from sprains, minor fractures and burns to cuts, wounds, bites, and common ear or eye issues.The Australian Government is rolling out Medicare UCCs nationwide to ease pressure on emergency departments -- pressure that’s being acutely felt locally. In 2023–24, more than half of all presentations at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital were for non-urgent or semi-urgent issues.Phillips said the new clinic would help residents get treatment sooner while reducing strain on hospital staff.“This new Medicare UCC will make it easier for people in the Shoalhaven to get the urgent treatment they need from highly qualified doctors and nurses,” Phillips said.“The clinic will ease pressure on Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, allowing them to concentrate on higher priority emergencies.”COORDINARE CEO Prudence Buist said the service will be a convenient option for families who need timely care without the cost or long waits of a hospital visit.“The clinic will be completely bulk-billed, meaning people needing urgent but non-life-threatening care will save on out-of-pocket costs,” Buist said.The Shoalhaven’s growing and ageing population has increased demand for accessible health services. The Nowra site will join 90 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics already operating across Australia, which have seen more than two million patient visits since mid-2023, including established clinics in Wollongong, Dapto, Queanbeyan and Batemans Bay.

When Dave and Ula first began tinkering with booking software more than a decade ago, it wasn’t a business – it was a side project squeezed between commutes, newborn babies and late-night emails.“It was literally me from 10pm until 1am, tapping away at my computer answering queries and building it whilst raising two kids at that time,” Dave said. “Now it’s four,” Ula said.“Some of those first customers still remember when it was just Dave replying in the middle of the night.”Today, that side project is Ovatu – a global booking and automation platform used by 8,000 businesses worldwide, supported by a team across Australia and the UK.The Berry-born software company is now gaining international acclaim, with features in Forbes, Vanity Fair and Business Insider, and a 2025 Global Recognition Award for Customer Service Excellence.The couple now run the company from their home in Berry, where they’ve lived for the past ten years, even though locals have only recently realised the scale of what they’ve built.“It actually spread faster around the world than it ever did in our own community,” Ula laughed.“Only in the last year have people in Berry started saying, ‘Hey, I’m opening a salon – can you set me up with software?’”The Bugle met Dave and Ula at their home – a quiet oasis tucked down a winding drive in the countryside – where their business has grown from a passion project into a tool used by thousands of small operators around the world.Their home reflects the philosophy behind their work: calm, practical, uncluttered and centred on what they call “the simple things.”“We have this joke whenever we hire a new person — they go out and buy a dog,” Ula said.“They can finally be at home, enjoy home more, and do something they’ve wanted to do for a long time but their work has prevented them from.”“It’s just kind of a metaphor for better work–life balance.”That idea of simplicity is key to Ovatu’s design.“Ovatu is essentially an appointment booking system,” Ula said.“It’s for anyone who takes appointments, but it’s become more widely used in the hair and beauty aesthetics space. It’s designed to make the business admin and appointment booking process really simple and intuitive.”Their aim has always been to take the stress out of running a small business for those who may not be as tech-savvy.Ula and Dave at their home office in Berry“It’s to take that sort of daunting aspect of running a business away from people who really just want to get on with doing what they’re really good at and practising their craft – not having to stress about the business or technological aspect,” Ula said.The platform handles invoices, taxes, rostering, reminders – all the things that quietly eat up a workday.“A lot of our businesses are sole traders, and they don’t really have the time or capacity to set up a really complex operation,” Ula said.“They just want something that will be simple, work for them, and help them.”Ovatu first took shape in 2010 after the couple returned to Australia from London.Dave was looking for work and experimenting with ideas on the side on his daily commute.“ It started sort of mucking around with it,” Dave said.Friends kept asking him to help improve their booking systems, which sparked his curiosity.“I started looking into what sort of products were around for that and thought they were kind of clunky and expensive – so I got to work from that angle,” Dave said.He was also doing consulting and development work, but being hands-on with ideas had always been part of who he is.“Dave’s always been really into tech and always tinkering and trying entrepreneurial ideas, always doing things in our own house too to make things more efficient,” Ula said.The software grew steadily until, by around 2014, it became clear that Ovatu was no longer just a project – it was a business.“It’s almost like an outlet that I needed – that just happened to work,” Dave said.Today, the couple works with what they describe as a small but exceptional team of 17 employees. Strong customer service, they say, has been central to Ovatu’s growth – especially at a time when many businesses are turning toward automation.“We feel really fortunate with the people we have,” Ula said. “Everyone is incredibly talented, but they’re also just genuinely good humans. They care about our customers, and they understand the values behind Ovatu.”Dave said the team is one of the main reasons the business has been able to stay true to its mission.“We give our team flexibility to work around their life, and I feel that improves the quality of the work they do,” Dave said.Ula agreed.“We always wanted Ovatu to feel personal,” she said. “Our team is the reason we can support thousands of businesses around the world without losing that sense of connection.”Despite the global reach, the heart of the business remains unchanged.Their days still start with small routines and, whenever possible, that walk with the dog – the symbol of the simplicity that started it all.For Dave and Ula, Ovatu has always been about giving people space to live their lives, not fill them with more stress. And after 14 years, that simple idea continues to shape everything they do.

South Coast residents are being warned that extreme temperatures are on the way for the region with a heatwave forecast on Friday and Saturday.The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a heatwave warning for residents to expect maximum temperatures in the high 20s to mid 30s with overnight minimum temperatures in the low to mid teens.Accoring to the BOM, "temperature will increase towards the end of the week, with maximum temperatures reaching the mid 30s to low 40s and overnight minimum temperatures in the mid teens to low 20s" in some parts of the state.Locations likely to be impacted include the Sydney metropolitan area, Newcastle, Batemans Bay, Gosford, Camden, Mona Vale, Nowra, Richmond and Wollongong.Severe heatwave conditions are developing and will extend north along the coast in the coming days before peaking during Friday and Saturday.Heatwave conditions are expected to ease on Sunday as a cooler change extends across the state.Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone.The BOM advises that severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.For further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, visit Ambulance NSW.Visit ‘Beat the Heat’ for advice on staying healthyCheck the latest weather and warnings at www.bom.gov.au/nsw.Find information on power outages here.

Local communities are preparing for a full schedule of Christmas activities in the lead-up to Santa’s arrival on 25 December, with carols, parades, workshops and gatherings.​Christmas celebrations begin in Jamberoo on Tuesday, 9 December, with the Jamberoo Community Carols in Reid Park from 6:30pm.The following night, Wednesday, 10 December, Kiama will host Carols in the Park at Hindmarsh Park from 6:30pm.Families are invited to roll out a picnic blanket, enjoy a sausage sizzle and sing along as local musicians and school choirs fill the evening with beloved Christmas favourites at these two events.​Carols continue across the region with the Shellharbour Carols at Croom Regional Sporting Complex on Friday, 12 December with stalls and pre-show activities from 5pm and the festivities finishing at 9pm.Bomaderry Nowra Lions Club will host Christmas Carols in Harry Sawkins Park on Sunday, 14 December - with the Nowra Town Band and fireworks part of the fun.Outdoor Christmas Carols will be at Kiama Presbyterian Church on Sunday, 21 December at 2pm, followed by Christmas Eve Carols at Jamberoo Anglican Church on Wednesday, 24 December at 5pm.​Both churches will also host Christmas morning services at 9am on Thursday, 25 December.A range of community events will complement the carols program.Berry’s Grand Christmas Street Parade takes place on Saturday, 13 December at 11.30am along Queen Street, while Gerringong will hold its Street Parade on Saturday, 20 December at 10am. That same afternoon, the Gerringong Bowling Club will run Christmas on the Greens from 4-7pm.Families can also join the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating workshop at Expressive Art Experience, Kiama Downs, on Saturday, 13 December, from 10am to midday.For entertainment, Cin Cin Bar hosts The Ultimate Christmas Movie Mystery on Thursday, 11 December at 6pm, offering an interactive Christmas-themed storyline.Transport enthusiasts can board the Christmas Kiama Picnic Train, operating 20–21 December between Sydney and Kiama from 10am to 7pm.On Christmas Day, Bella Char Restaurant and Wine Bar in Gerringong will host a Christmas lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.With events spanning music, community gatherings, creative activities and family outings, the region is set for a diverse and engaging Christmas season.

Kiama will be part of The Regional Sessions when it returns early next year, giving songwriters and musicians across five locations the opportunity to connect with their local community and learn from top Australian music creators. Run by music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS, with support from the NSW Government through Sound NSW, the one-day events bring keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, live performances and networking opportunities to beginner, emerging and mid-career songwriters, producers and composers in each area.A local MusicNSW representative will also be at each session to connect and provide support to artists and people working in music across regional NSW.Kiama will host the third event of the series on Monday, 16 February. There will also be sessions held at Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre (9 February), Broken Hill Civic Centre on 12 February, the Glasshouse at Port Macquarie on 18 February and Lennox Head Cultural Centre on 21 February.Speakers and mentors already confirmed to attend include Agum, Anna Laverty, Bec Sandridge, Casey Barnes, GLVES, Joel Ma, Kevin Mitchell (Jebediah/Bob Evans) and Zeppelin Hamilton (Velvet Trip). Tickets are $40 with limited $30 early bird tickets on sale now until 23 January. The price includes the fully catered day and post-event networking, and spots are limited to just 50 attendees per location. “The Regional Sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for local music creators to come together in their own town to form connections and gain valuable skills from leading songwriters, composers and producers," APRA AMCOS director of creative programs Chris O’Neill said. "We’re really proud of the program and thrilled to be delivering the program again in regional NSW." Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW, added: “Sound NSW is proud to support The Regional Sessions as they return across the state, creating vital opportunities for regional songwriters to learn, connect and grow within their own communities. "Investing in programs like this helps ensure that talent from every corner of NSW has access to the mentors, networks and industry pathways they need to thrive.” The Regional Sessions was introduced in NSW in 2021 as a way to support and reconnect local music creators following the pandemic. It has since run in Victoria in 2022, Western Australia in 2023 and NSW earlier this year. Previous mentors have included Ben Lee, Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), Jem Cassar-Daley, KLP, Mo’Ju and Oscar Dawson. Several have gone on to create new music with past attendees including Ben Lee with Rainbow Sally and Loren Ryan with Tim Levinson (Urthboy). For further information and tickets, visit apraamcos.com.au/regionalsessionsnsw.

Saltwater Kiama owner Gülçin Töpel has been named the national winner in the café category of the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards– and the community she credits for her success has been quick to celebrate with her.When The Bugle met Töpel this week, customers congratulated her from across their tables. The flow of handshakes, hugs and well-wishes made one thing clear: Töpel isn’t just a business owner in Kiama – she’s a familiar face everyone seems to know.“It was not easy, to be honest,” Töpel said.Töpel's reaction when announced winnerTöpel moved to Kiama from Sydney with her husband Tolga Gürel in 2020 and bought the café the following year.She grew up in Turkey, raised by her grandparents, and traces her hospitality instincts back to them.“You know old people always look after, always giving. Maybe it comes from that side. I’m so glad they raised me up,” she said.Before relocating, she worked in Sydney’s hospitality scene but felt the culture didn’t align with her values.“They were a bit hungry for money. They don’t respect what we were doing or how the system works,” she said.“I didn’t like how they treated people, so I made my decision and thought I’m not making any money for them. I’ll go somewhere else, try my own business and put in my effort and love.”“Money may help a business grow, but money is not everything,” she said. “If you don’t have a great heart, you can’t do anything.”Gürel was the one who pushed for a fresh start – right when she was pregnant and unsure about leaving everything behind.“I was scared, and I was pregnant at the time,” she said.“I thought, ‘If I’m going to lose my job, what am I going to do?’ But my husband, he’s a very brave man and he said, ‘Okay, let’s go; let’s see what will happen.’”When they arrived in Kiama, something instantly felt familiar. “I’ve always grown up very close to the community where everyone knows each other,” she said.“Kiama looks like my childhood area, to be honest. That’s why I ended up here. I’m so happy.”That sense of community quickly became the backbone of Saltwater’s survival – especially in its early days.“I came here when they first opened,” a regular joked, “we used to put $20 bills under the salt and pepper shakers to help them out a bit.”“We didn’t know how they got there,” Töpel laughed.“I was lucky because COVID made people get to know each other,” she said.“People said ‘Oh, you’re going to lose the business,’ but it’s always good to try, and I’m not that kind of person to give up. I just push and push and push.”Years later, she says the timing, the effort and the trust of locals have all come full circle.Töpel previously managed restaurants and retail businesses across Darling Harbour, Paddington and Chippendale, though her background is actually in logistics.But Saltwater, she said, is where everything clicked — because Kiama made space for her.“Kiama community helped me a lot. They noticed who I am, where I’m coming from, and then they recognised me and what I could do,” she said.Gulcin Töpel in Saltwater Kiama. Photo: The BugleKiama Mayor Cameron McDonald also praised the achievement.“We congratulate Saltwater Café on winning the Women’s Small Business Champion Award. This success is a proud moment for Kiama and an inspiration for women-led businesses across our region,” he said.“Gülçin has been a great supporter of many community initiatives and we are thrilled that she has received this outstanding recognition.”Töpel keeps the same philosophy with her staff and customers.“We’re all human. Today you’re a customer or a worker — it doesn’t matter. We have to help each other, that’s it,” she said.“I don’t call myself boss, to be honest. I don’t like it. I’m a good leader. I’m holding lots of things: food, businesses, community.”She says a key to their business is listening closely to her customers.“They bring us ideas. We don’t see what we’re missing, but others will answer and say, ‘Hey, what about this?’”Saltwater’s most popular dish is the Blue Oscar, though Töpel’s favourite is the Saltwater Basket.“I know, not very healthy — all fried, all the butter — but it’s so yum,” she laughed.After years of determination, risk and resilience, Töpel said the award is a dream — but it also comes with a responsibility to keep lifting the standard.“We’re all here to make your life easier, and you’re going to make our life easier too,” she said.“We’re all just having fun.”

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead story is about Kiama's Gülçin Töpel, the owner of Saltwater Cafe, who has been named the national winner in the café category of theAustralian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.She moved to the area in 2020 and opened her cafe a year later, turning it into a stunning success story.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald praised the win as a "proud moment for Kiama" and an inspiration for local women-led businesses.We also bring you a report on the Zonta Club of Kiama and Shellharbour combining with Shellharbour City Council to launch 16 Days of Activism, an international campaign raising awareness of gender-based violence.There is also coverage of a great new charity in Nowra as well as the Kiama Men's Shed opening its doors to the public and Kiama Pipe Band putting on a show last weekend.In sport, Werri Boardriders had to cancel their event on Saturday due to shark sightings off Gerringong while South Coast cricket premiers Lake Illawarra recorded an emphatic win over Kiama in their first-grade clash at Cavalier Park.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!

Minister for Transport John Graham is confident a rail maintenance blitz on the weekend on the line south of Sydney to Wollongong will overhaul reliability for commuters.With more than six million people using the over 100-year-old South Coast and 40-year-old T4 line each month, the line was declared a “maintenance critical zone”.Major trackwork was undertaken on the T4 Illawarra Line and South Coast Line between Dapto, Port Kembla and Central.At Engadine, a 250-metre section of track was renewed, whch included: Replacing ballast to stabilise the track and help prevent future speed restrictions.Specialised welding works in which the rail was cut, and taken out, to allow for it to heat up and expand in summer. This helps to manage rail expansion during summer months. In the winter additional sets of rails are added back in.The drainage system was graded to maintain track foundation integrity in wet weather conditions. The maintenance team also resurfaced the section to remove defects and deliver a smoother ride for passengers.“The T4 and South Coast Line is critical infrastructure for commuters living across the region, and passengers deserve a rail network they can rely on," Graham said.“We’re delivering on the recommendations of the Independent Rail Review – investing $423 million in essential upgrades and fast-tracking maintenance work that keep our network safe, resilient and reliable."He added that the disruption on the weekend was necessary "so we can deliver a safer, smoother and more dependable service".Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said his team was hellbent on creating a more resilient and reliable network.“These upgrades are exactly the type of targeted maintenance that will make a real difference for commuters," he said."By renewing track foundations, improving drainage and strengthening rail infrastructure, we’re reducing the likelihood of disruptions on one of Sydney’s busiest lines.”The lines were reopened before Monday morning's peak commuter period.Among the work that took place was: Completing the rebuild of platform 2 at Jannali;Signalling modifications and testing in the rail corridor at Hurstville,Ballast cleaning between Waterfall and Coalcliff;Embankment and cutting stabilisation works at Waterfall, Stanwell Park and Coalcliff;Retaining wall works at Woolooware;Drainage works at Coledale; rail welding works at Waterfall; and turnout refurbishment at Sutherland.

Five community events across the Gilmore electorate will receive a boost through the Federal Government’s Australia Day Grants Program, run by the National Australia Day Council.The local celebrations are among a record 869 events to share in a $10 million towards Australia Day events.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she was delighted to support the five events in her electorate that would be a highlight of the 2026 Australia Day calendar.Recipients include Marine Rescue Jervis Bay’s Annual Australia Day Duck Derby at Huskisson, a community celebration at Bicentennial Park in Callala Bay, the Batemans Bay Australia Day breakfast and picnic at the beach, Kiama Council's Australia Day Community Barbecue and the Milton Ulladulla Lions Club’s Australia Day Festival at Mollymook Beach.“These events are always such fun and bring people together to celebrate in our beautiful parks and stunning beaches – really making the most of where we live,” she said.“The events celebrate our diversity, our cultures and are always a great day out for the whole family.“I’m really pleased to be able to help the organisers with the cost of putting on these celebrations for everyone in our community.”After receiving a $15,000 grant for the 2025 duck derby event, Phillips said she was happy to announce $15,000 for Marine Rescue Jervis Bay’s 2026 festival.“Held on the shores of Moona Moona Creek, the Australia Day Duck Derby is always such a great family day that includes Aboriginal cultural displays, markets, food stalls, entertainment and, of course, the exciting duck races,” she said.Kiama Council's Australia Day community barbecues will be held at three locations – Jamberoo, Kiama Downs and Gerringong - in partnership with local community organisations.The Kiama events will receive a helping hand of $15,000 from the National Australia Day Council.The Australia Day Community Celebration at Mollymook Beach Reserve has become a huge festival with multicultural performances, market stalls, kids’ activities, and live music overlooking the sparkling ocean.Co-organised by Shoalhaven City Council and the Milton Ulladulla Lions Club, the event will receive a boost of $10,000 in 2026.Australia Day in Callala Bay is a community celebration at Bicentennial Park endorsed by Shoalhaven City Council.The celebration has received $2000 and all funds raised on the day go will to the local Rural Fire Service.Australia Day in the Bay, a whole community, Australia Day celebration which includes breakfast and a picnic by the beach at Batemans Bay, has received a $2000 boost.Phillips said Australia Day was an opportunity to celebrate the freedoms we share, and the diversity and multiculturalism that makes our region and country stronger.“These events are a time to reflect, respect and celebrate our community, culture and wonderful South Coast lifestyle, and I’m so thrilled to offer my support,” she added.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is encouraging the community to help provide some Christmas cheer for children in need, with the Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal now underway. Supported by local businesses, including Kiama institution Toyworld, the appeal is urging residents to donate unwrapped gifts for children up to 14 years old to continue Kiama’s tradition of generosity.   Cr McDonald told The Bugle that this initiative is well supported and indicates there is awareness within Kiama’s community of those less fortunate. “There are children in the community that aren’t as well off as some of the other children, so to be able to support them is a really critical part of our community,” he said. “Many families will struggle to afford gifts this year. “Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring joy to a child and reminds them that their community cares.” In what can be a difficult time for those less fortunate, Cr McDonald encourages the community to link arms and stand together. “When we give, we send a message of hope and support to families who need it most.”The family-owned Toyworld on Terralong Street is celebrating its 40th year of operations and is lending a hand to the Appeal.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald (left) and Melissa Judd (right) Photo: Supplied - Destination KiamaOwners Paul and Melissa Judd are already seeing those in the community putting their hands in pockets to donate to the cause. “I’ve had Country Women’s Association Kiama and Probus groups come in with their money and asking us to help choose presents for the giving tree,” Melissa said. “Some even just leave the money and I give them a receipt when we have placed them under the tree.” Melissa shares that the buying of gifts around Christmas can be focused on the younger children and as a result, the older kids miss out – which Toyworld makes sure doesn’t happen. “I try to choose a selection [of presents] for the older ones and by doing it in a big group, I can sort it out a little better,” Melissa said. “We get all the presents together and help make deliveries to the council giving trees around the Kiama region.” The Australian Retailers Association predicts that there will be a 4.2% rise in pre-Christmas sales reaching a mindboggling $73.1 billion and close to $7 billion alone in the four-day weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday this weekend. The Mayors Giving Trees can be found in the foyer of council’s administration building on Manning street, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library and The Pavilion. New gifts are encouraged for children up to 14 years, with gifts not to be wrapped, as they need to be sorted by age before distribution. Donations can be made until 10am on Friday 12 December to ensure gifts reach local children in time for Christmas.  

With HSC results looming, many students across the region are anxiously waiting for a magic number - the ATAR - to determine their career path. But educators have reminded students that, much like consulting a magic eight-ball for life advice, HSC results do not predict the future.Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) project officer Jenny Watts knows this only too well. As the Illawarra's Senior Project Officer for the NSW Education Department RIEP program she helps students to explore career pathways, gain workplace skills and connect with employers as an alternative option to an ATAR.A single number does not determine a person’s worth and HSC results, while they might hold weight in a short moment in time, they are not markers of future success. Exams are simply an opportunity for students to share the voluminous amount of knowledge they have gained over many years of education.“There are many different pathways to success across a student’s high school journey,” says Ms Watts. “Some students are better at showing their knowledge theoretically, through written exams; others practically, through hands-on experience.“But at the end of the day how can a 16, 17 or even 18-year-old know for sure what they want to do with their life?” asks Ms Watts. “The RIEP program gives students all the tools and skills they need to find out what their passion is and if that's what they really want to do.“It’s a chance for students to do work experience with employers, with the possibility of school based traineeships or apprenticeships attached to the program. It’s essentially a try-before-you-buy for students and employers. "And no matter the pathway students choose, the RIEP program opens a range of opportunities, including casual or even full-time employment, through positive networking. “We engage every industry that you could possibly imagine, from hairdressing to plumbing to IT and bees, to agriculture and renewable energies, we cover it all.”Recently Ms Watts teamed up with Burnett’s on Barney’s resident beekeeper Rachael Peedom to run a RIEP program for more than a dozen Kiama High School students. “Students learned all about the amazing world of bees, from their life cycle and hive roles to how they make honey and play a vital part in keeping our planet healthy through pollination,” explains Ms Watts.Rachael, a master at engaging students through banter and hands-on learning, had the 17 students enthralled from the moment they stepped into their beekeeping suits.“I always ask students ‘who wants to taste bee vomit?’ because essentially that’s what honey is,” laughs the Bee Inspired business owner, who - along with producing hundreds of kilograms of honey each season - runs education programs for schools and homeschools across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.Rachael is one of dozens of small business owners partnering with the RIEP program to help students who may not want to go to uni, or pursue a traditional 9-5pm desk job, explore career options with the support of their teachers.Dressed in full bee suits, students learned how to open active hives to spot the Queen Bee among the 40,000-strong population of honey producers. They also tested for the varroa mite and discovered the important steps taken to protect Australia’s bee populations from the devastating pest which, along with unseasonably wet weather, severely impacted last year’s honey production and yield.Kiama High School Year 10 student Aleita Dummett joined the RIEP bee keeping program to “learn more about the industry”.“I find bees and pollen really interesting and I learned a lot about the different roles of the bees in the hive, it would be cool to get some bee hives at school,” says Aleita.Kiama High School careers adviser Greg Miller, himself an amateur beekeeper, jumped at the opportunity to “get students out of the classroom and into a real-world environment to learn about the magic of bees.”“Our students have learned all about pollination and the importance of bees in the food cycle,” he said. “One third of the food that goes on our plate is pollinated by bees so without them we wouldn’t have that food.”Mr Miller said Kiama High School would look at expanding its agriculture program to include beehives.“Judging by the feedback from the kids, they really want to see some hives with a garden where we can contribute to the things that bees do in our community.”And the cherry on top of the beekeeping session; students got to enjoy the fruits of some of their labour - honey from the Burnett’s apiary.Any employers interested in getting involved in the innovative skills training program can email [email protected].

What makes an expedition cruise so different from a standard holiday at sea? At its core, it is a style of travel that shifts your focus from the ship itself to the world around you. It’s about curiosity, discovery, and stepping into landscapes few travellers will ever see. While traditional cruises move from port to port on a fixed timetable, expedition cruising lets the environment set the rhythm. The result is a journey that feels alive, responsive, flexible, and filled with genuine moments of wonder. One of the defining features of expedition cruising is its spontaneity. Plans can, and often do, change at a moment’s notice. If your captain receives word that whales are feeding nearby, the day’s itinerary may be adjusted so you can witness the action from the deck or even a Zodiac. If the weather clears over a rarely accessible landing site, you might find yourself pulling on boots and stepping ashore somewhere few people have stood. These diversions are the essence of the experience. Every day brings the possibility of something extraordinary. This style of travel also offers a depth of learning that most holidays simply can’t match. Expedition ships carry teams of specialists, such as naturalists, biologists, geologists, photographers, historians, and more. All eager to share their passion. You could be listening to a glaciologist break down the life cycle of an iceberg, joining a nature photographer for a practical workshop, or stargazing with an astronomer. With these specialists you gain insights that change how you see the world. These experts are your lecturers, and your guides, and they help you interpret the landscapes and wildlife around you. A common misconception is that expedition cruising is limited to Antarctica and the Arctic. While the polar regions are iconic destinations, the scope is far broader. You can explore the volcanic coastlines of Japan, kayak through Norwegian fjords, drift above coral gardens in Raja Ampat, or delve into the cultural history of remote Pacific islands. Every region has its own ecosystem, traditions, and stories, and expedition cruising gives you the chance to experience them up close, not from afar. If your ideal holiday is less about following a script and more about embracing the magic of the unexpected, an expedition cruise offers that freedom. It invites you to step into nature’s classroom, travel with purpose, and return home with a deeper connection to the world. When you’re ready to plan an expedition that goes beyond the ordinary, Travel Focus Group can guide you to the perfect voyage. Call us on 02 4209 2044 to start your adventure. Please note - this is paid content

Minnamurra Progress Association has stepped up its campaign, calling for a federal strategic assessment of the Minnamurra River.The Association is airing concerns of serious threats posed to the fragile ecosystem from the surrounding developments and activities. In a two-pronged approach, MPA is asking for a Strategic Assessment Overview under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 which would require a referral to be submitted to the Australian Government Department of Environment under Matters of National Environmental Significance.The guidelines of the Department of Environment state that a referral requires a greater than 50% chance of significant impact on the environment to be considered.  MPA secretary Cliff Mason has sent a letter to local and state government representatives to consider the collective threat posed to the river, which spans 200 hectares. “We are asking the Shellharbour and Kiama local governments to work together to protect this river,” Mason told The Bugle. “The simultaneous effect from the five developments and [primary sector] activity needs to be considered collectively.” MPA member Jacqui Forst said that while environmental laws are being debated and changing, there is great concern for the impact on the Minnamurra River. “If the region is to be assessed in its entirety in a joint review, it needs to consider the cumulative impact on the river because the ecosystems are being hit from all sides,” Forst said. MPA shared the letter with The Bugle which was addressed to new Shellharbour CEO Wayde Peterson, Kiama CEO Jane Stroud, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson MLC. Four of the five sites of development or activity which are of concern to MPA are within the Shellharbour Local Government Area. “Individually, these projects present significant environmental risks; collectively they could devastate the Minnamurra River catchment, wetlands, and intertidal zones,” the letter said. “The current process silos assessments only focus on reducing – not preventing – pollution and siltation, which is unacceptable given the cumulative impact.” While the letter does not stipulate that there is a greater than 50% chance of significant impact to the Minnamurra River, it does imply that the piecemeal submissions of the developments and activity do not take this siloed approach into consideration, which could tip the scales.“The MPA is deeply concerned about the lack of coordinated action between Shellharbour and Kiama Councils, and the absence of proactive environmental protection from NSW government representatives, to safeguard the Minnamurra River,” the letter said. “The Minnamurra River and its surrounding coastal ecosystem are irreplaceable assets for biodiversity, residents, and visitors alike. Coordinated, lawful action is essential to protect them.” The Minnamurra River is listed on the Australian Governments Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia which has significant physical, hydrological, ecological features and has notable flora and fauna. Under the past/present disturbance or threat there are impacts listed from surrounding urban areas and from the Kiama Waste Disposal site which borders Rocklow Creek.  There are also multiple weed species recorded with other threats listed as sand mining, Dunmore Waste Disposal site, and Sydney Water. For more information on the strategic assessment overview head to: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/approvals/strategic-assessments To access the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia head to: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/wetlands/australian-wetlands-database/directory-important-wetlands   

Kiama’s Lions Cottage is facing an uncertain future due to the prospect of high-rise development for the Shoalhaven Street Precinct.The Cottage is within the northern border of the two-hectare NSW Government-led rezoning proposal for the Kiama Council-owned Precinct.It has been leased to the Lions Club since members rejuvenated the derelict cottage in 2017 and after opening in December the following year, it has operated as a respite service for carers, providing short-term accommodation. The current lease for the Cottage runs until November 2029, however the facility could be under threat if plans to turn the area into a 450-home development come to fruition.The Lions Club has entered a detailed submission to the NSW Planning Department’s online feedback portal on the Precinct, which has been declared a State Significant Development, outlining why it is such a valuable community asset and that “any rezoning decisions ensure the protection of the facilities ongoing use as a respite centre”.A Council spokesperson said “the Cottage and its property are wholly owned by Kiama Municipal Council and leased to the Lions Club, which rents the cottage to respite carers or on the open market.“Currently, the land is zoned E4 General Industrial under the Kiama Local Environmental Plan consistent with the rest of the precinct. This is not appropriate zoning for a residential building.”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has reiterated no development can occur until rezoning is complete, no Development Application has been lodged and the images of a 450-home development during the NSW Government’s exhibition are illustrative only. Lions Club members from Kiama, Gerringong and Minnamurra, transformed the abandoned cottage eight years ago with help from local businesses and community groups, and volunteer work by tradespeople and residents.It is used by families throughout the Illawarra for respite and for no more than 52 days annually, it is booked out as an Airbnb to help fund its running costs.Lions Cottage manager Cheryl Moses said the building’s restoration was pretty much all done by volunteer labour and donations.“It provides respite for carers. That's the ultimate aim of this cottage,” she said.“Sometimes the carers themselves come if they can arrange care for the person they're looking after at their own place. Other times they bring the person with them and have a lovely holiday here.“The carers pay a very nominal amount. It's not a money-making venture at all. It's all about providing care. The holiday bookings help pay for maintenance. Without that, we definitely would make a loss.”Moses hopes when Council and the State Government finalise their plans for the Precinct that the Cottage is spared from the wrecking ball.“It would be a shame to see this demolished. I would love to see it stay as it is,” she said.“If that's not possible, I would hope that Council could compensate us somehow with one or two of the units that are going up in the new place.”Fellow Kiama Lions Club member, Deirdre Backhouse, is also the co-ordinator of the Illawarra ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long COVID Support Group and she said the feedback from carers who use the Cottage was universally appreciative.“For a lot of people in our group, we really, really, really want to be looking after the carers. And if they can access things like the carers' cottage, it's life-saving for some of them,” she said.“Carers are desperate to find anything that they possibly can to have respite. They're literally crying to me.”She added that due to Kiama’s population having a median age of 48 in the 2021 Census, nearly a decade higher than the state average, there is huge demand for facilities such as Lions Cottage.Deirdre’s husband, Ian, is also a Lions Club member and the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club boat captain. He said the land where the Cottage is situated was also used for Lions Club’s Return and Earn recycling program, which nets up to $10,000 a year to fund local projects, and a shipping container is also kept on site which houses a lot of the equipment they need for its work in the community.“That money is channelled back into community assistance or assisting other needy groups,” he explained. “So the depot is a really important part of our operation.”The NSW Government is on a mission to drastically increase the housing supply statewide and the plans for in-fill development at Shoalhaven Street and three multi-storey proposals for Akuna Street are causing angst in the Kiama community.Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Government’s recent planning reforms would not disregard the opinions of councils. “Local voices will always be included in decision making for planning but the Minns Labor Government has made housing, housing access and affordability our priority,” she said.“People need to be able to access affordable rental properties, they need to be able to access affordable properties to buy, particularly in regional communities which are also bearing the brunt of the housing crisis that we face across NSW. “As a state government we are using every possible option at our disposal to make sure housing is available to everybody in NSW and that everybody has a chance to live affordably close to where they work and to where their families are.” Kiama Council advises that detailed planning, including building heights, design, traffic, parking, and public consultation, will occur later through the normal DA and Development Control Plan processes.If and when the land is rezoned, Council will consult with the community on designs and outcomes and future provisions for charity clients.

The NSW Government wants to hear from South Coast aquaculture businesses after launching a $20 million program to strengthen the state’s seafood industry. Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and Kiama MP Katelin McInerney at Lake Illawarra on Monday announced the Aquaculture Industry Development Program.It is designed to boost productivity and increase sustainability across farming operations for oysters, mussels, kelp and algae, plus freshwater and marine fish hatcheries and bioproducts.This grant program builds on the government’s Aquaculture Vision Statement released last year to deliver a strategic pathway to achieve the goal of doubling the state’s aquacultural farmgate production to $300 million by 2030.Aquaculture and commercial fishing industries will have access to two targeted funding streams, offering grants from $500,000 to $2m for projects focused on infrastructure upgrades to support growth and productivity, such as equipment, and businesses aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote reuse and regeneration of materials, such as processing of oyster shells.“There's significant aquaculture businesses here in this part of NSW, and we want them to have every chance of success and growth into the future,” Moriarty said.“We want people to apply for support to grow their opportunities for bigger businesses, to grow jobs, to produce more produce here in NSW, and we also want the industry to have support to be even more sustainable into the future.“We want to be able to reuse and have better environmental sustainability for the industry, particularly examples of reusing oyster shells for agriculture, using carp for also fertiliser opportunities.“I want to see our aquaculture industry thrive around the South Coast, the North Coast, and everywhere in between.” NSW Farmers environmental policy advisor Rhiannon Heath said the aquaculture industry “has been facing a number of really significant challenges”.“Cyclones, floods, water quality issues, disease. So there has never been a more critical time to invest in the industry and build back better.”OceanWatch CEO, Lowri Pryce said the grants would be well received by commercial fishers “who are looking for new opportunities to develop and innovate, to ensure a sustainable future for their industry”.Moriarty also dropped by Shellharbour Airport on Monday to confirm a $1.7m investment for Performance Aviation Australia to expanding its operations at Shellharbour Airport.She said the airport investment would create up to 100 jobs in the region, improve services for maintenance and training, and provide “a really great opportunity for growth in the aviation industry in this region”.

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with an array of local news and views from the community.There is a report on the Lions Cottage in Kiama, a long-running institution which provides short-term accommodation for carers which is at risk of being engulfed by high-rise development.READ THE EXPANDED DIGITAL EDITION HEREThe Cottage is within the northern border of the two-hectare NSW Government-led rezoning proposal for the Kiama Council-owned Precinct.It has been leased to the Lions Club since members rejuvenated the derelict cottage in 2017 and after opening in December the following year, it has operated as a respite service for carers, providing short-term accommodation.A new four-year lease for the Cottage kicked in earlier this month and runs until the end of 2029, however the facility could be under threat if plans to turn the area into a 450-home development come to fruition.You can also read plenty of great community stories including a column from Mayor Cameron McDonald, Kiama High students learning how to become beekeepers, the Everyday Table initiative and the drama after a truck collided with the railbridge barrier on Terralong Street.In sport, you can read about Kiama's win in the South Coast women's cricket competition, the local oztag teams succeeding at rep level and a tribute to Jamberoo sporting stalwart Greg Harris.Harris, who died recently, played more than 500 games for Jamberoo Cricket Club, a milestone few in South Coast cricket have ever reached.He was also heavily involved in the Jamberoo community through organisations such as the Jamberoo Combined Sports Association.

Kiama’s District and Historical Society isn’t just celebrating 50 years of survival — it’s celebrating 50 years of momentum.The society marked its anniversary on Saturday 22 November with a full house, cake cutting and appearances from Mayor Cameron McDonald, State MP Fiona Phillips and Aboriginal patron Dr Aunty Joyce Donovan.Vice President and Treasurer Dr Tony Gilmour said the milestone reflects both the society’s longevity and its growing influence.“Plenty of organisations survive for 50 years, but not many are growing, expanding and increasing their influence,” Gilmore said. “Survival is one thing, but prospering is something else.”The society formed in early 1975 after then-Mayor Neville Fredericks called a public meeting to gauge community interest in establishing a local history group.The answer was a clear yes, and within months the society was up and running. Fredericks was also in attendance at Saturday’s celebration — exactly 50 years on.What began as a small group — often just ten people in a room — now regularly attracts standing-room only crowds. Gilmour said the society’s influence has grown just as quickly, becoming a central voice in discussions about Kiama’s heritage. “If there’s a heritage issue in Kiama, the historical society is front and centre,” he said.Its most famous achievement was saving the Pilot’s Cottage.When the harbour pilot role was centralised in 1978, the building became vacant and a series of “weird and wonderful ideas” emerged, including demolishing it or turning it into a fast-food outlet.“They wanted to knock out the internal walls and fry food in one corner, with a bit of history if you asked nicely,” Gilmour said. The society, backed by Kiama Council, pushed back and ultimately secured the site as a museum. It officially opened in 1988 and remains one of Kiama’s most treasured heritage buildings.Gilmour, who spent two decades in banking and management consulting, has helped lead the society into a more modern, accessible organisation.The group now maintains an active website, responds to historical inquiries each week and uses digital tools to reach wider audiences.The committee is even planning to expand further, with goals to launch regular Kiama Community Radio segments and create more video content, including a YouTube channel.“We have to change, and we are changing,” Gilmour said. “Younger people get information differently. If we don’t adapt, the message won’t get across.”He has also been working to fill the gaps in Kiama’s written history.His new book, Celebrating History, Defending Heritage, documents the society’s biggest campaigns and explains how heritage protection actually works on the ground.The last comprehensive history of Kiama was published in 1960. “I’m chipping away,” Gilmour said. “It’s better than spending five years writing a single enormous book.”He said preserving heritage is an ongoing task, especially as development pressures increase and public funding dwindles.“Heritage doesn’t stop,” he said. “You have to keep finding new uses for old buildings and keep them looked after. We’re never going to put our feet up and say we’ve succeeded.”The society now has 185 paid members — making it one of the largest community groups on the South Coast — and is working to grow its volunteer base for the Pilot’s Cottage Museum.Museum volunteers greet visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and the group is now training new recruits.Gilmour said involvement is slowly returning to pre-covid levels, but there is still work to do.For newcomers and younger residents, Gilmour said local history helps people feel grounded and connected.“We need to have informed local people of all ages, having a say in what the town should be like, and for people to know what important things we have done in this area and the important people who've come from here as well,” Gilmour said.“I think it's all part of keeping people informed and interested.”Dr Tony Gilmour’s new book can be found here with free delivery in the Kiama council area. All proceeds to Kiama Historical Society.

Wollongong MP Paul Scully believes Illawarra will be at the centre of NSW’s clean industrial future following the launch of the NSW Government's $5 million Community Energy Activation Program.Households across the Illawarra will be better supported to cut energy bills and take part in the state’s clean energy transition, according to Scully.Community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations in the Illawarra and across NSW can apply for grants up to $600,000 to scale up their work helping households adopt renewable technologies, access incentives and rebates, improve energy efficiency and navigate the switch to cleaner, smarter energy solutions.Funding will support activities such as:community education workshopsface-to-face sessions offering energy guidance tailored to individual needsadapting and delivering existing energy education initiatives to a wider audiencedevelopment of digital tools or resources that help consumers find energy solutionsdedicated staff roles to deliver trusted local guidance and supportdevelopment of marketing and communication materials to reach householdsdelivering other innovative or alternative activities that address specific needs of their local community.“This program will help the community further embrace renewable energy and prepare to be home to the state’s first urban renewable energy zone," Scully said.“Crucially it will help to better inform everyone in the Illawarra from community groups to businesses and individual households on renewables so we can all work together to lead the way for renewable energy generation in urban areas.”The program builds on the early planning for the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone, to increase the capacity of community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations to help residents and play a stronger role in the REZ.It will help residents better understand and adopt technologies such as rooftop solar, batteries, efficient appliances and home electrification, resources that will ultimately integrate into the evolving Illawarra energy system.Applications for Community Energy Activation Program grants are now open and will close at 5pm on Monday 16 February.Community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations that support NSW household energy consumers are encouraged to apply.An online information webinar will be held at 11am on Tuesday 9 December.

Thinking about a road trip? Driving across NSW in an electric vehicle is about to get easier, with the Minns Labor Government announcing a $5.9 million boost to regional charging infrastructure– bringing 159 new chargers to 48 locations across the state, including a major expansion in the Shoalhaven.The latest round of the EV Destination Charging Grants will be supported by an additional $3.2 million in private investment.The chargers, all powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, will be installed over the next year at popular rest stops, supermarkets, visitor hubs and key tourism destinations.Shoalhaven is the biggest winner in the rollout, set to receive 19 new charging ports, addressing what South Coast electorate MP Liza Butler says has long been a barrier for both residents and visitors.. “Sydney is obviously the number one destination for tourists in NSW and number two is the Shoalhaven– people would not come if they can’t charge their vehicles, and we were a bit of an EV charging wasteland,” Butler said.The region has one of the highest uptakes of EV ownership in the state, a trend Butler said is driven by falling prices and greater choice in the market.“With different brands on the market, more people are investing,” she said.“The Shoalhaven has one of the largest uptakes of EV vehicle purchases and then you combine that with people travelling here– we really needed to invest in that infrastructure.”Local tourism operators have been feeling that demand too.“I have a friend who owns holiday cabins in Bulli Point,” Butler said. “They used to book online, but now people ring up asking, ‘Where do I charge my EV?’ before they book.”Until recently, charging options in many parts of the region were limited to slow “trickle charging”, often nothing more than an extension cord from a motel or cabin.The new chargers now installed in Ulladulla and Nowra are super-fast models capable of topping up a battery in around 20 minutes.“By the time you go and walk or buy a coffee and come back, your car is charged,” Butler said.More chargers are planned for Callala Bay, Vincentia and Huskisson.Council and installers are working through site options, with grid capacity a key consideration.Council has also streamlined the development application process after the first Ulladulla charger took two years to gain approval.Butler said she pushed for the change. “It’s only a charging station,” she said. “That process has now been streamlined– it shouldn’t take as long from now on.”Sites are generally located near shops or town centres so drivers can make use of local businesses while they charge.“It’s great because Council then gets rental money from the sites, and businesses benefit from the foot traffic,” Butler said.“I’ve never seen traffic congestion anywhere, and I’m probably one of the most frequent users of EV chargers.”Holiday periods show how vital the infrastructure has become.“At Christmas the number of electric vehicles on the coast is incredible because all the people from Sydney and Canberra come down,” she said. “They need somewhere to charge their cars– our area relies on tourism.”The EV Destination Charging program forms part of the state’s broader $199 million plan to make NSW the easiest place to own an electric vehicle.Nearly 3,300 chargers have now been funded across more than 1,200 sites. Butler said the benefits will be felt both environmentally and economically.“By having charging stations that are easily accessible, it encourages more people to buy EVs. If you don’t have the facilities, you get range anxiety,” she said.“It’s important that we get to net zero, and if everyone does their little part in it we will get there.”“I like to see a vehicle that isn’t putting any emissions out, it’s better for the environment, better for people’s pockets… but we need that to attract tourism to get a visitor economy here which we really rely on.”With reliable, fast-charging infrastructure now spreading through the Shoalhaven, Butler believes the region is well placed to welcome more EV drivers, and more visitors, for years to come.