"Vote as if the future of your kids depends upon it, because it does" is the message appearing in letterboxes across Kiama in the lead-up to the federal election thanks to local members of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change.The flyers circulating through Kiama are produced by the South East Climate Alliance and display a "climate and energy scorecard" where Gilmore’s political parties’ environmental policies are scored as poor, fair or good.The ARRCC is a multi-faith organisation that advocates for a sustainable future, viewing climate change as a moral and spiritual issue - one that should be considered in this year's election.Members of ARRCC and climate activists at Kiama Uniting ChurchARRCC member Louise Pinson says the organisation’s motivation is to spread awareness about climate issues and shed light on local political parties' environmental policies. “It's not telling people how to vote, but just asking them to think about the environment as they vote considerably,” she said. “For many of us, we have children and grandchildren, and my child and grandchild live here in Kiama, so I really want the world to be as good a place as it can be." She highlights that every ARRCC member is connected to a church or religious organisation and they might usually be seen as "conservative" but they want to “conserve nature and conserve our environment”. Kiama Uniting Church is one of many churches across Australia which displays climate change banners and encourages people to take yard signs to put up at their homes in this pre-election period. These banners and signs display slogans such as "climate action, not nuclear distraction" and "no new coal and gas". Berry Uniting Church Reverend John Brentnall highlights the importance of churches getting involved in climate action as caring for creation, which has been a part of the church’s DNA from the beginning. “It's to do with the recognition that God created everything, and that humankind is in the process of destroying a lot of it,” Rev. Brentnall said.“We just feel a responsibility to try and protect it and to remediate it if possible.”With their banners raised and flyers delivered, ARRCC’s community presence is a reminder that climate action can start anywhere.

Our region is fortunate to have active Lions Clubs making a real difference in the community - but to keep that momentum going, they need more helping hands.Both the Kiama and Minnamurra Lions Clubs are currently seeking new volunteers to support their initiatives in different ways.The Kiama Lions Club has been running its successful Return and Earn program for the past six years, raising over $20,000 in 2024 alone. The initiative involves collecting recyclable containers from around the community to raise funds for local groups and individuals in need.“It’s money for nothing, and it’s going to charity or back into the local area,” says Michael Fox, Return and Earn coordinator for Kiama Lions. “Plus, there’s the environmental benefit - keeping it out of landfill, the ocean, and wherever else it ends up.”Fox says the program requires a lot of hands-on support, and the club is eager to welcome new volunteers.“We’d love some extra help. You don’t need to be a Lions Club member to get involved - anyone from the public is welcome,” he says. “We’re looking for around 20 people over the course of a week, and not everyone is always available, so we really need backups.”Meanwhile, the Minnamurra Lions Club is hosting an Information Night at Jamberoo Pub on 20 May, aimed at introducing Jamberoo residents to the club’s work and encouraging new memberships.“There’s no Lions Club in Jamberoo, and while we’re called Minnamurra, the name actually refers to the Minnamurra River catchment - so our goal has always been to join with Jamberoo,” says Minnamurra Lions Club president Phil Lyon.“Anyone is welcome to come along, meet our members, and learn more about what we do. A lot of people don’t realise that Lions is the largest service organisation in the world - and all the money we raise goes directly to those in need.”If you're a Jamberoo resident - or simply someone interested in giving back - the Minnamurra Lions Club would love to hear from you or see you on 20 May.To get involved with either club, or to learn more, reach out directly to Kiama or Minnamurra Lions via their websites.

At The Bugle, we believe good local democracy starts with people feeling heard, valued and respected.Whether it's a footpath that goes nowhere, a crossing that makes your heart race, or a flashy new building that forgot to include truly accessible toilets, if something in your community isn’t working, you shouldn’t be left shouting into the void.And yet, that’s how it often feels.Maybe you’ve had a proper vent with the neighbours.Someone’s posted a frustrated comment in the local Facebook group.And now you’re wondering, what next? How do you actually get Kiama Council to listen?Believe it or not, there is a way forward.It’s not always fast, and it doesn’t come with fireworks.But with persistence, respect and a bit of strategy, it can work.Here’s how to turn frustration into action.1. Start with a councillorFind a councillor who might understand your concern. Give them a call or send a short, respectful email explaining what the issue is, why it matters, and what you’d like to see happen.Even better, invite them to come and see it.Councillors are far more likely to act when they’ve visited the surf club that just received a $5 million makeover, only to find the so-called “ambulant” toilet can’t actually be accessed by anyone using a mobility device.Or when they’ve had to cross Belinda Street, Gerringong, and found themselves in a game of chance with passing traffic.Grounding the issue in lived experience helps cut through.2. Speak at a public forumCouncil holds a public forum the Monday before each council meeting. If your issue lines up with an item on the agenda, you can register to speak.You’ll get five minutes. No grandstanding. No theatrics. Just a clear, calm opportunity to share your perspective. And yes, councillors do listen. Some even go back and rewatch the recording.3. Ask for a Notice of MotionThis is one of the most powerful tools councillors have. A Notice of Motion allows them to formally put an issue on the agenda for discussion and decision.You can’t submit one yourself, but you can ask a councillor to raise it on your behalf. If it’s supported, Council staff must follow up with a report or action.This is how change happens, whether it's about green waste services for local businesses, better planning for accessible infrastructure, or policies that actually reflect lived community needs.4. Build community backingIf the issue affects others, don’t go it alone. Talk to your local P&C, community advocacy group, surf club or sports group. Share your concerns and invite others to join the conversation.A lone voice might be dismissed as a squeaky wheel. A community chorus is much harder to ignore.5. Shine a lightStill hitting a wall?There’s power in visibility.Write a letter to the editor. Call in to local radio. Raise your issue respectfully on social media, or get in touch with The Bugle.Public pressure isn’t about stirring up outrage. It’s about shining a spotlight, building understanding and making sure those in power are paying attention.What to avoid• Don’t attack Council staff. They implement policy. They don’t make it.• Don’t send a novel. Keep emails short and focused.• Don’t wait until the ribbon-cutting. Raise concerns early when there’s still a chance to influence outcomes.Because local voices matterThe Bugle is committed to a stronger, fairer Kiama.We know that when people feel confident to speak up, when they know where to go, who to ask, and how the system works, they’re more likely to take part in shaping their community’s future.You don’t need a title, a platform or permission. You just need to care enough to say something.And when you do, we’re here to back you.

Gathered around a table at Perfect Break Café in Gerringong, Sue Daniels and Kent Ladkin share a laugh over vegan toasties and freshly squeezed juices.The conversation flows effortlessly, interspersed with stories about surfing, yoga, and local happenings.For these passionate South Coast Vegans, their lifestyle isn't just about diet, it's about community and friendship.Sue Daniels, a fourth-generation vegetarian turned vegan, moved to Australia ten years ago from the UK, bringing with her a strong commitment to animal welfare and community connection.She quickly realised the importance of camaraderie among like-minded people."Our vegan group is mainly for friendship, sharing recipes, and welcoming anyone interested. You don't have to be vegan to join," Sue explained.Sue Daniels is a regular volunteer at the Gerringong Bowling Club Community GardenKent Ladkin, owner of Perfect Break Café and the neighbouring Natural Necessity surf shop, embodies this ethos.A long-time vegan and dedicated yoga teacher, Kent opened the café as a place to foster community.He believes the café isn't just about food, it's a gathering space for conversations and connections. "Our goal has always been to create an inviting space for everyone, regardless of their dietary choices," Kent said.The South Coast Vegan group organises regular meet-ups, picnics at Seven Mile Beach, and coffee mornings around the region.Their gatherings highlight the inclusive spirit that defines their community. Sue fondly recalls these meet-ups, emphasising their value beyond the meals: "Friendship is at the heart of everything we do."The group also organises raffles to raise funds for wildlife sanctuaries, recently donating £70 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary.In their thank-you letter, Hillside emphasised the impact of the group's support: "Your compassion has a profound impact on the lives of the rescued animals in our care. Your contribution helps us provide a safe environment for farm animals, wildlife, and pets, ensuring they stay healthy and happy."Sue and Kent agree veganism is about more than dietary preference, it's a compassionate lifestyle choice that connects people through shared values.They avoid divisive discussions, focusing instead on mutual respect and understanding.Their interactions demonstrate a thoughtful, community-driven approach that resonates well beyond their group."We're about welcoming everyone and creating a supportive environment," Sue said.As the South Coast Vegans continue to grow, their commitment to community and camaraderie remains their greatest strength.

Gilmore candidate Kate Dezarnaulds is at loggerheads with local councils after some of her election signs across the electorate have been removed.Dezarnaulds claims voters are being denied fair access to information as the federal election campaign heads into its final week before the May 3 vote.The independent candidate said she has received advice from a respected Senior Counsel confirming that blanket bans on election signage are likely unlawful but council staff in Kiama, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla have removed signs amid threats of fines of up to $6000 per sign.Her campaign director, Will Davies, said the removal of the signs had raised serious questions about fairness and democratic access."As an independent campaign working with a modest budget, visibility matters," he said."Major parties have access to millions of dollars for saturation advertising. Election signs are one of the few affordable ways for independent candidates to reach voters. Removing them tips the scales even further away from fairness."Davies added that the Kate 4 Gilmore campaign is fully complying with State Environmental Planning Policy to ensure signs are placed within the permitted election period, meet all safety and size requirements and will be removed within seven days of election day."Other councils across NSW are allowing signage during the election period where it meets basic requirements," he said."But here in Gilmore, we are seeing signs removed within hours of installation, sometimes even on public holidays, and minor issues, such as positioning on front lawns, receiving outsized enforcement responses."Gilmore voters deserve a level playing field, not an election campaign where independents are disadvantaged through inconsistent or heavy-handed enforcement."Dezarnaulds has formally written to all three councils seeking "a review of their approach and a commitment to uphold the principles of fair and open elections".Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has previously taken aim at candidates who have installed corflutes on public land, calling the practice “visual pollution” and a breach of the rules.“It’s not a free-for-all. The law is clear, and everyone should play by the same rules” the state member said.“If a small business was caught doing this, they would be fined – and so too should these candidates.”Pre-polling opened earlier this week at six locations throughout the Gilmore electorate.

More than double the expected number of walkers turned up on Saturday 12 April to take part in a Landcare guided Kiama Coast Walk, a gentle but powerful reminder of how much local knowledge matters in caring for country.The walk, which covered sections from the Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland, was part of the Kiama Coastal Community Planting Program, supported by a BUPA Healthy Cities Landcare Australia grant.The Landcare Kiama Coastal walk started at Little Blowhole It showcased the work of four local Landcare groups restoring native vegetation along the coastlineWe gathered at the Little Blowhole where Landcare site coordinator Chris Powell welcomed the group.Cr Melinda Lawton and Little Blowhole Landcare Coordiantor Chris PowellFrom the very beginning, the tone was warm, curious and collaborative, with community members eager to learn and connect.Three experts joined the walk and generously shared their time and insights: horticulturist, Carl Glaister, Landcare Illawarra coordinator Meredith Hall, and Landcare’s seed collector Brendon Hammond.Landcare Illawarra Seed Collector Brendon HammondTheir message was simple but crucial: local matters.Carl pointed out that even native plants can cause harm if they are not native to this area.Carl Glaister with a native not native to the area.He showed examples of non-local natives that had been planted with good intentions but were not thriving or had disrupted the local ecology.It was a clear reminder of why deep local knowledge, not just broad environmental awareness, is so important.He also drew attention to three weeds of national significance that continue to threaten our coastal landscape: Agapanthus, Asparagus fern, and the deceptively beautiful but damaging Madeira Vine.Asparagus vine and agapanthus thrive on either side of the Kendalls beach stairsMany walkers were stunned to discover that the lush vine growing along the fence at the Surf Beach cabins was, in fact, Madeira vine, a fast-spreading invader that can smother native bushland and pull down mature treesMadeira Vine thriving on the fence at Surf Beach cabins The walk ended with a generous morning tea at Minnamurra Headland, where walkers mingled with Landcare volunteers and swapped stories over homemade treats.For many, it wasn’t just about learning how to remove invasive weeds, it was about reconnecting to place, to purpose, and to one another.Weeds to watch out for:• Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox): Often used in suburban gardens, agapanthus forms dense clumps that crowd out native plants. Its seeds spread easily via stormwater.• Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus): • A vigorous woody herb with spiky leaves and an underground corn that needs to be removed. Its colourful berries are spread easily by birds.• Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia): This vine produces fleshy aerial tubers and can smother entire tree canopies. Despite its pretty heart-shaped leaves, it is a serious environmental threat.For practical tips on how to remove these weeds safely and effectively see the following links: Maderia Vine  Ground Asparagus (fern)  Agapanthus Upcoming events in Landcare Kiama Coastal Community Planting program.Saturday 3 May | 10am – 12pm | Werri Beach and Werri Lagoon Book hereWe know it is Election Day, but it will be a short walk.And please join one, or more 😊, of the community plantings at the sites you visited:Saturday 10 May | Bombo Headland – Hosted by Bombo Headland Landcare Book hereSaturday 17 May | Kendalls Beach (South End) – Hosted by Kaleula Headland Landcare Book hereSunday 18 May | Minnamurra – Hosted by Minnamurra Headland Landcare Book hereSaturday 24 May | Werri Beach – Hosted by Werri Beach Dunecare Book hereSaturday 31 May | Little Blowhole, Kiama – Hosted by Little Blowhole Landcare Book hereFriends and family are welcome. Even if you can come for a short time, it will help us plant 300 plants at each site.And just contact Meredith Hall on 0499 027 770 with any questions about these events or Landcare Illawarra, at any time.

Think Jamberoo is just a sleepy village?Think again.On Friday, 2 May at 5pm, history and hilarity collide at the Jamberoo Pub as author Tony Gilmour launches his brand new book Rascals & Respectables, a rollicking ride through the drinking dens of Jamberoo, Kiama and Gerringong.With over 90 historic photos and 286 pages of scandal, celebration and colourful characters, the book offers a window into a wilder past.From drinkers arriving by lawnmower to bulls paraded through hotel corridors, Tony’s meticulous research, and cheerful pub-crawling on your behalf, brings our region’s hospitality history to life.This isn’t your average history talk.Expect outrageous stories, like the counting horse that earned its owner free beers, and the lady who mistook a cow portrait critique for a personal insult.And yes, Sunday drinking bans in Kiama once made Jamberoo the place to be, and not so much to drive home from.All proceeds from book sales, $29.90, go to the Kiama Historical Society.Join us for a drink, a laugh, and a celebration of our slightly less respectable past.WHAT Book launch of Rascals & RespectablesWHEN Friday 2 May, 5pmWHERE Jamberoo Pub

It seems that in our global, fast-paced digital world the generation gap has become more like a chasm - and one which seems to keep widening almost day by day.With the introduction of AI, the changing landscape in the world of technology is moving faster than even tech experts can understand. As with everything in technology, some of these changes and advances are helpful, and sadly some are not just harmful, they are outright damaging especially to our teens.The statistics that show how our children and adolescents are struggling, especially with mental health, are increasingly more and more disturbing. Not only that, mental health facilities are unable to cope with the increasing numbers of troubled and wounded teens, and our adolescent suicide rate is at a tragic an unacceptable level.As a society we need to work out ways to bridge this generation chasm so that we can better support our teens on the biologically driven journey of change and transformation.The journey to adulthood has always been bumpy and tweens and teens still need safe rails on the bridge to guide them.Best-selling local author and parenting educator Maggie Dent has worked with, around and for adolescents her entire career since she began as a high school English teacher over 48 years ago.She then became a full-time counsellor working with troubled teens and in later years is focused on helping those who live with and work with teens to offer them the support they need to help teens navigate the enormous transformation period of their lives.There are many factors that are playing into the increasing fragility and vulnerability of today’s tweens and teens. Some of those include a decrease in the amount of play in childhood, increased testing pressure in our school environments, busy parents due to the pressures of living, the arrival of screens and one of the major ones contributing to the increase in anxiety, the role of social media.Just one of the developmental needs of teens is to be accepted and validated within their family and community, and especially from others of a similar age - to friends and peers. Rather than happening in real time in neighbourhoods, around dining tables, with conversations on the bus, or in the car and even in our classrooms, this validation now needs to take place in the digital public eye (even better, to receive exposure across the world). Sadly, for many digital natives parental acceptance and love has lost some of its potential to fill the hearts of our teens. Now they need the adulation of those in the ether – the more likes, shares, streaks, comments and positive emojis they get, the better they feel.The reverse is they can feel crushed when few people give them public acknowledgement. Fame at any cost has become a powerful irrational drive. Many parents never experienced this as teens and can feel an invisible wall has been built that keeps them away.There are many reasons why teens make poor choices, struggle with big emotions, feel swamped with self-doubt and self-loathing and that is considered within the realm of normal.Few teens share their online activities, especially material that is harmful, hurtful and even cruel with their parents or their significant adult allies, called lighthouses. Many struggle in silence instead of seeking help, and when parents can be a safe base they can land on when they are struggling, quite simply lives can be saved.Teen communication is very different to child–adult communication and a key element in Dent’s latest book Help Me Help My Teen is to provide scripts that can help parents have conversations that can open communication, rather than shut it down.Dent featured in a recent excellent ABC series, The Role of a Lifetime, that is still available on ABC iView, which explored many of the key challenges that happen in our home. It is an innovative series in terms of documentaries, because it includes experts, the voices of teens and the voices of others including Maggie’s. Many families with tweens and teens have found it really helpful at opening up these conversations around some of the key worries that both teens and parents have.Thanks to a survey of 2000 teens Dent knows what today’s teens want their parents to know. A key message was: “teens value having parents who care – through the ups and downs of the unpredictable bumpy ride to adulthood. “Just the same as they did when they were feisty four-years-olds striving for independence and autonomy in their unique, egocentric, immature ways – they still want connection despite all the stuff that confuses them and upsets them.”Dent is bringing a seminar based on the book to Kiama on May 2. The seminar is suitable for parents, teens, teachers and anyone who works with teens. For more details, click here.

When Jhet Warner bought her home 10 years ago, there was no garden, but five years ago, she boldly began planting and transformed the space into a standout entry in the Kiama Garden Club's annual competition. Jhet's garden, vibrant with sculptures, quirky birdhouses, and unique metalwork, has captivated judges and inspired fellow gardeners alike."Gardening is trial and error," Jhet explained.Kiama Garden Club Members Carol-Ann Trist, Viv Marris, Ursula Lischer and Jenny Brown with one of Jher Warner's varied sculptures and structures. "It's continually changing. My style evolves, blending plants with sculptures and structures."The judges appreciate seeing passion and creativity in action." The Kiama Garden Competition, coordinated by Ursula Lischer from Kiama Garden Club, offers several categories suitable for every type of gardener, from expansive plots to tiny urban spaces. This year introduces a new category specifically for gardens under 400 square metres, catering to the increasing trend towards smaller, manageable gardens. Categories include under 1000 square metres, over 1000 square metres, predominantly native gardens, and edible gardens - ensuring there’s something for every green thumb in the Kiama LGA. Ursula highlighted that the competition isn't about strict checklists or botanical expertise, but about the joy and love of gardening itself.Kiama Garden Club President Viv Marris with Jhet Warner - Jhet is encouraging younger people to enter the competition, highlighting that participation keeps the event vibrant and alive. "Our judges look for gardens that make you feel calm, relaxed, and inspired. They're approachable and eager to share advice," Ursula said Jhet also encouraged younger people especially to enter the competition, highlighting that participation keeps the event vibrant and alive. "Everyone benefits from seeing different gardens, whether you win or not, it inspires everyone involved to continue gardening," she said. 🌿🌸 Kiama Garden Competition is back! 🐝🌼Think your garden’s got what it takes? Whether it’s lush with natives, bursting with edibles, or a tiny treasure under 400m², we want to see it! 🏡✨📅 Important Dates:• 📝 Entries close: Friday, 19 September 2025• 👩‍🌾 Judging: 6 – 10 October 2025• 🏆 Presentation: Friday, 24 October 2025📬 Send your entry to:PO Box 268, Kiama, 2533📧 Or email: [email protected]📞 Questions? Call Jenny on 0414 257 215📲 Follow the club on Facebook: Kiama Garden ClubLet’s keep Kiama blooming 🌺🌱 Get your entry in and grow with us!With judging months away, now’s the perfect time to cultivate your garden's potential.This competition isn't merely about winning, it's about cultivating community, inspiration, and joy in gardening, turning Kiama into a blooming paradise.

At Werri Beach last Friday morning, the surf was wild, the beach was closed, and visibility was poor. But high above the crashing waves, a drone hovered steadily, its operator locked in.Ex-Navy aircrewman Richard Close had arrived early to begin his shift with the Australian Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles Service when members of the public approached him on the sand.They’d spotted a lone boardrider drifting far from shore, waving for help.“I was setting up for the day, doing my checks and starting the first flight,” he said. "People came over and said they saw someone off the rocks."I moved the drone into position and, sure enough, there he was heading south.”From that moment, it became a race against time.With the boardrider drifting towards Boat Harbour and the patrol yet to officially start, Close used the drone’s thermal camera to track his heat signature through the haze and glare.“That thermal mode made a huge difference,” he said. “You can’t always rely on the naked eye in those conditions.”But just as he zeroed in, the drone’s low battery warning kicked in. “I had to bring it down, swap batteries and get it back in the air – fast."By the time I relaunched, he’d drifted further out.”Meanwhile, Gerringong SLSC’s Mark Booth and Simon Sadler had been notified by a separate phone call from another club member.They launched the inflatable rescue boat while Close, now joined by club president Gary George, kept tracking from the beach.“I was relaying visuals to Gary, who was passing instructions to the boat crew via radio. We were adjusting live – locating the boardrider, tracking the boat, finding the best intercept path.”At times, Close had to lose visual contact with the boardrider briefly just to locate the IRB and guide it in. “It was a dance,” he said. “But once the IRB cleared the break and rounded the point, things started to settle.”The boardrider, who had cramped up, stayed calm throughout the ordeal – waiting on his board and signalling for help. That made all the difference.“His composure gave everyone else space to work,” Close said. “When the boat reached him, you could see it was a clean pick-up. He was in good hands.”Within minutes, the boardrider was back on shore. The incident triggered emergency alerts and even a helicopter call-out, but no further treatment was needed.Close, who works as an aviation instructor at HMAS Albatross, said it all came down to trust.“You trust the training, the equipment, the people around you. It’s not about being the hero – it’s about being part of a team that works.”So, how crucial was the drone’s thermal camera in locating the boardrider as conditions changed?“I’d say it gave us an edge,” Close said. “We still would’ve looked – but it got us there quicker. And that’s the difference between a scare and a tragedy.”

Residents in Kiama – particularly in Bombo and Kiama Downs – have been grappling with persistent power outages over the past 12 months, and frustrations are mounting.The Kiama Community Facebook page has been flooded with complaints about the ongoing disruptions (to the point of admins banning posts related to power outages). For long-time resident Eric McCauley, the situation has reached a tipping point.“I came home a couple of months ago and couldn’t get into the driveway because power lines were down across it,” McCauley said.“That was caused by a fault that blew the cables in several places – one here at Bombo on Hutchison Street, and another one apparently down in Kiama. Then, just a few weeks ago, a power pole in front of Cleary Brothers exploded and knocked out the cables, leaving us without power again.”According to McCauley, he went down and spoke to technicians who informed him that there are 11 unresolved faults in the network between Kiama Downs and Bombo.In March, The Bugle spoke with Peter Payne, News Editor at Endeavour Energy, who investigated the claims. While Payne acknowledged that every power network experiences issues, he pushed back against the suggestion of widespread unresolved faults.“I wouldn’t call them defects. It’s just part of ongoing maintenance,” he said. “Think of it like this: you’ve got a flat tyre and the spare is on, but the flat one hasn’t been fixed yet. We’ve repaired part of the network and it’s functioning properly.”Payne also emphasised that the area complies with NSW government regulations and that other parts of the state are dealing with more severe issues due to extreme weather.“There are areas where outage statistics are much higher,” he said. “For example, there’s a feeder line running up to Colo Heights that’s storm-prone and regularly affected.”In April, Kiama resident Patrick Weaver received a written response from Endeavour Energy acknowledging that the company’s reliability engineers had further investigated the network and found the presence of defective switches in the overhead network.The response stated: “Our reliability engineers found a number of defective switches in the Kiama area that need replacing. These switches have been acting intermittently and/or failing due to age and corrosion caused by prevailing coastal conditions.“As a result, when a fault occurs in one part of the network, we’ve been unable to reroute electricity to maintain supply. This has led to larger and more prolonged outages than would typically occur.”Endeavour Energy confirmed that repair works were scheduled throughout April, with plans to complete upgrades by mid-May.“During this time, there remains a risk of further outages,” the response read. “We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact. Once the repairs are complete, we’re confident residents will see a significant improvement in reliability.”Kiama MP Gareth Ward has also raised concerns with Endeavour Energy and received the same update. He assured residents that his office will continue to keep an eye on the situation and encouraged those experiencing further issues to reach out.“My office will keep monitoring these repairs,” Ward said. “Please continue to report any further power issues to me. I’ll keep advocating for a reliable network for our community.”

When Karen Fowler asked “Is this housing strategy right for Kiama?” In her recent opinion piece for The Bugle, she gave voice to what many in the community have been wondering.Is the Draft Local Housing Strategy guiding us toward a future we recognise, or one we might regret?She raised concerns about whether the Strategy matches our actual growth needs, reflects the community’s values and ensures that infrastructure keeps pace.At a recent Kiama Business Network forum, Ed Paterson, Kiama Council’s Director of Planning, responded to those concerns.Outdated population figures?Karen noted the Strategy uses 2022 population projections that predicted 6917 new residents by 2041.But 2024 data slashes that figure to just 2180.Ed acknowledged the discrepancy and said the newer figures will be reviewed as part of the Strategy’s refinement. “Projections change all the time,” he said, citing migration and policy shifts. “We’ll be checking our work against the latest data.”Too much housing?Karen also questioned why Council was planning so many homes if population growth is expected to slow.Ed explained that the Strategy is a long-term vision, stretching 40 to 50 years ahead, not a short-term construction program.Rezoning and infrastructure take time, he said, and planning ahead prevents reactive decision-making down the track.Why expand urban boundaries?Even using the older population forecasts, Karen argued the Strategy proposes more homes than needed and questioned the need for four Urban Expansion Areas (UEAs).Ed’s response was Council doesn’t control when landowners or developers act, so identifying greenfield sites early allows for coordinated, sustainable growth rather than speculative, piecemeal proposals.What about infrastructure?Karen welcomed the Strategy’s “non-negotiable principles” and its focus on infrastructure planning. Council says these parts have been significantly strengthened. Sydney Water is now doing network modelling, and a new Structure Plan is being prepared to ensure coordinated delivery of roads, open space, schools, and utilities.Preserving what matters mostKaren called on the community to think about what we value most, our green hills, beaches, and village character, and to ask if the Strategy protects those things.Ed said this feedback has been heard. The revised vision includes environmental protections, respect for First Nations culture, and aims for “housing in the right locations”.Will it deliver affordable housing?While Karen didn’t use the phrase “affordable housing,” she raised real concerns about inclusivity.Ed clarified that Council is exploring planning controls, incentives, and partnerships with community housing providers. But he also pointed out that some aspects of affordability, like regulated housing schemes, are beyond local government’s control.Have your sayCouncil has received more than 100 submissions.Community feedback is open until 27 April, and the final Strategy is expected to go to Council mid-year.As Karen wrote, “This is more than a plan. It is a vision of our future. Let’s make sure it’s one we share.”

Opinion As political leaders tour the nation with housing promises, local communities like ours are left asking: when will anything actually change?In Kiama, housing affordability is not just a distant problem, it is a daily challenge.From Jamberoo to Minnamurra, to Gerroa families are being priced out, workers are forced to commute long distances, and older residents are struggling to downsize without leaving the area they love.So while federal parties pitch superannuation schemes and stamp duty tweaks, the real question is: how do we come together locally to solve what is clearly a cluster problem?Kiama Council's Draft Local Housing Strategy V2 has been through several rounds of consultation and revision.It aims to respond to these complex challenges, but like housing strategies across the country, it risks missing the mark unless it brings the right players to the table.Because this isn’t just about planning rules. It’s about land, labour, lending, legacy infrastructure, and leadership – all pulling in the same direction.A recent article in The Conversation unpacks five key ideas that could shift housing policy in the right direction – and they apply just as much to us here in Kiama:• It’s a cluster problem: Housing affordability is driven by the interaction of many factors – from interest rates and global capital, to planning delays, construction workforce shortages, and poor past policy. No one fix will work in isolation.• We need supply and demand solutions: Both major parties are currently focused on boosting demand, but this risks pushing up prices unless supply is rapidly expanded – something that takes years, not months.• Look to the homes we already have: With new builds adding only 2 percent to housing stock each year, creative use of existing homes – such as enabling granny flats or flexible lot sizes – must be part of the solution.• Target the right people: Many schemes benefit those already close to affording a home. Local and national policy must focus more sharply on people truly locked out of the market.• Think across generations: Housing reform needs to work for young buyers, ageing residents, and renters alike – including bold changes like replacing stamp duty with a land tax.The question for Kiama is how we apply this thinking locally. No single level of government can fix housing alone.Councils control planning, but not tax. States hold infrastructure budgets.The Commonwealth sets financial incentives. Kiama’s strategy must clearly define roles, push for coordinated funding, and embed community voices throughout.Our housing isn’t just about supply or policy. It’s where we live, sleep, raise families and age. Kiama can’t solve the national crisis - but it can model an honest, inclusive, and sustainable response.Listen to • KMC Director of Planning present Draft Housing Strategy V2 at Housing Strategy Business Panel Discussion on 11 April here • Business Panel Discussion here• Housing Expert Dr Tony Gilmour discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here • KMC Director of Plan Ed Paterson discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here Have your sayKiama Council’s draft housing strategy is on public exhibition until April 27.You can read it and share your views here.This article draws on the original piece “Housing affordability in Australia: here are 5 ideas to help fix it” by Amity James and Steven Rowley, published in The Conversation on 11 April 2025.

This year marks nine years since Cheryl and Jamie Warren became joint owners of the historic Jamberoo Pub - but their family’s connection to the venue runs much deeper.Built in 1857, the pub has had a long and colorful history. Its relationship with the Warren family began in 1987 when they first started running the business.“We've been running the Jamberoo Pub since 1987,” Jamie says. “So I've basically worked there ever since - it's really the only job I’ve ever had.”Jamie became co-owner with his father in 1995, around the same time he and Cheryl got married.“Jamie and I met many years ago, and I actually worked at the pub back in the early ’90s,” says Cheryl. “I’m a CPA and tax agent, and while I’d been working for other accountants in public practice, I was already deeply involved in the pub’s accounting.”But Cheryl’s ties to the pub go even further back than she originally realised.“I later found out that the man who changed the pub’s façade in the 1950s - giving it the look it has today - was actually my uncle’s stepfather, a Welsh opera singer who owned it at the time,” she says.In 2018, Cheryl and Jamie officially bought out Jamie’s father to become co-owners. Since then, they’ve been running the pub together, and the love they have for it has never faded.“It’s always been a classic old country pub that needed some work, but it had this incredible atmosphere,” Jamie says. “That’s something that’s stuck with me all these years.”Jamie and Cheryl on the Jamberoo Pub veranda on their wedding day (11 February 1995). Source: Jamie WarrenJamberoo has long been a farming town, and Jamie reflects on how the pub’s patrons have changed over the years, even if the essence hasn’t.“Having first lived in Kiama and then moving to Jamberoo, it was a real farming community. And the crowd you would have in the pub most afternoons would be the dairy farmers with their dogs, pigs, snakes, even horses at times,” says Jamie. “It was just very jovial and there was a lot of camaraderie. There's obviously not as many farmers now and a lot of new people. But there is still that farming vibe - we still have roughly 15 to 20 dairy farms - but we have also connected with the various sporting bodies in town and community groups. There’s still a real sense of togetherness here.”The past nine years of ownership, though, haven’t been without challenges.“We’ve been through one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history,” Jamie says. “I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a publican in Jamberoo who’s dealt with what we’ve faced - especially the COVID pandemic.”“Getting through COVID, following all the rules, and trying to keep things going - it wasn’t easy. Even before that, bushfires and other events hit businesses across the South Coast. It’s been a tough run, but we’re finally starting to see improvement.”One of the more meaningful additions to the pub is the Johnny Warren Room, which honours Jamie’s uncle and godfather - legendary Socceroos player and SBS commentator, Johnny Warren. The room is filled with memorabilia and photos celebrating his life.“It’s a really special space,” Jamie says. “Every day we get to celebrate his legacy and share it with everyone who walks through the door. It’s the last thing people expect to find in a country pub.”“The number of people who come in and say, ‘Wow, I was at that game,’ or ‘My dad took me there’ - it’s incredible,” Cheryl adds. “People from all generations connect with those memories, and it’s amazing to hear their stories.”While Cheryl and Jamie have only officially owned the pub for nine years, their goal remains the same: to keep the Jamberoo Pub a warm, welcoming place for locals and visitors alike.“We want people to walk in, be wowed by the history on the walls, and experience something they can’t find in many other places,” Jamie says.

At 10am on Saturday, Jamberoo paused.Locals lined the main street as veterans, schoolchildren, community groups and service representatives stepped off from the RSL Hall and marched to the School of Arts.Under a clear autumn sky, the village gathered to honour those who served and those who never came home.The Anzac Day ceremony, held the weekend before the Kiama service, allowed residents to take part in both commemorations.It was a chance for the community to come together and reflect on the sacrifices made by Australians in conflicts near and far.The names of the fallen were read aloud, including Toby Alexander, a farmer from Bombo who served in the Middle East during World War II.Cr Stuart Larkins and Cr Erica Warren place a wreath of remembrance.Alexander was wounded in the assault on Bardia in January 1941, where troops captured more than 40,000 Italian prisoners in a single day.He died from his injuries and was laid to rest in El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt. His story served as a poignant reminder of how deeply service and loss have shaped local families.Local voices took centre stage throughout the service.Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips spoke of courage, mateship and community, acknowledging the many Australians currently serving overseas and the resilience of the families who support them. “I am really lucky to know a lot of serving veterans,” she said, “through my work with HMAS Albatross and Special Operations Command. "My son is in the army too - he’s a gunner - so I feel it as a mum as well.” “It’s about keeping the stories alive, so that courage and determination live on in us every day.”Member for Kiama Gareth Ward reflected on the long-standing contribution of the region to Australia’s military history. “This region has a very proud history of being involved in not just our armed forces, but also global conflicts that have been about the defence of the things that are quintessentially important to our country - freedom, democracy and liberty.”Veteran Barry Wray offered heartfelt reflections on his service in Malaysia and along the Thai border during the 1960s.It was a morning of remembrance, resilience and unity.With quiet dignity, he reminded the crowd that Anzac Day is not about the machinery of war but about the humanity of those who served. “It’s not about the war itself,” he said, “but about the people who gave everything.”He also made special mention of First Nations service, adding: “We remember all who served, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, who stood beside their comrades even before they were fully recognised as citizens. Their service, often overlooked, is part of the legacy we honour today.”The service concluded with a moment of silence, observed with deep respect by young and old alike. In every detail, from the schoolchildren standing quietly to the veterans wearing medals with pride, the ceremony captured what Anzac Day means to a town like Jamberoo.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has said that Anzac Day will be an extra special occasion with the Kiama Memorial Arch celebrating 100 years since it was officially unveiled by then local MP and Premier of NSW, George Fuller.Ward was joined by Gary McKay MC, OAM, President of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub Branch, at the Kiama Memorial Arch ahead of the centenary milestone.“This is a very special centenary as the Kiama Memorial Arch was officially unveiled 100 years ago on 25 April 1925 by a former Premier of New South Wales, George Fuller. Mr Fuller was also our region’s local MP,” he said.“The arch isn’t just a beautiful part of the entrance to our town, it commemorates so many who gave their lives in the service of our nation with many of the family names familiar to our district.“The Kiama Memorial Arch centenary also highlights the timelessness of our core values which define the Anzac spirit – mateship, courage under fire, ingenuity, and endurance – and importantly, these stories live on through the Kiama Memorial Arch.”The idea for the arch came from Colonel Colin Dunmore Fuller DSO, who was the younger brother of the Premier, who lived at Dunmore House. Colonel Fuller served in the 6th Light Horse Regiment.The Kiama Memorial Arch has a large number of memorial plaques, including the Unveiling plaque from April 25 1925 and a plaque to mark the service of HMAS Kiama during World War II in the Pacific during 1944 and 1946.Four panels bear the names of local citizens who have served Australia in times of War and conflict besides World War I..The West face of the north pillar has an inscription that lists the names from 1914-1918. There were 200 men from Kiama who served and 44 never made it home.The west face of the south pillar has the honour roll of those who served in WWII from 1939-1945.The Wall of Remembrance next to the Arch is named after Gordon Grellman, former Kiama and Jamberoo RSL member and WW2 pilot.“It is not just for Gallipoli and the First World War that we commemorate Anzac Day,” McKay said.“It is for all conflicts, all wars where our servicemen and women have fought and paid the supreme price for the things that we value so much in our lives. They fought for freedom, justice and democracy,” he said.“We are very lucky here in Australia where we have those freedoms. The Anzac Day service is not about the exultation of war but about the exultation of man.Gary McKay MC, OAM, President of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub Branch. Photo: Supplied“It is about the great deeds and sacrifices made by those men and women who left their safe, secure lives, homes and families and went to war.“We honour their camaraderie, their mateship. These are words that are often used when talking of war veterans, and it is true. It is a bond that is forged in the crucible of battle.“Every man is afraid in battle and those who have been there can look into each other’s eyes and know what they have seen, and none of it is nice.“Everyone suffers and everyone pays some price for the involvement. But sometimes Australia does have to go to war, and we should never forget the sacrifice made by those who go to fight and especially those who lose their lives.”The Kiama Jamberoo RSL Sub Branch is also selling badges at Kiama Village Shopping Centre this week to raise important funds in the lead-up to Anzac Day on Friday.

At a packed forum at Kiama Leagues Club on Wednesday night, residents lined up to say one thing: Council's housing strategy does not represent us.It doesn’t reflect the reality of life here, and it won’t deliver the future our community needs.Tony Gilmour, retired urban planner, opened with a calm demolition job.Councillor Melinda Lawton convened the forum. The strategy, he said, had been years in the making but still lacks clarity, transparency, or anything resembling strategy.The numbers are outdated. The community input has been ignored. The vision? Missing.He called it wishy-washy. He was being polite.Dr Tony Gilmour and Michelle Adair Michelle Adair, CEO of the Housing Trust, reminded us what happens when workers can’t afford to live here. You lose your GP. You lose teachers. You lose your café staff.You lose your community. If Kiama wants to stay the same, she said, it has to change.Renowned local architect Madeleine Scarfe brought it home.You can’t call something a strategy if you don’t say how you’ll reach your goals.The document lists problems but offers no real solutions.No controls on short-term rentals. No commitment to one- or two-bedroom homes. Just more sprawl.Environmental expert David Pepper warned of a suburban creep from Gerroa to Bombo, with no regard for biodiversity or liveability.Greenfield sites aren’t just paddocks. They are part of an ecological system. Tear that up, and you don’t get it back.Then came Jordan Casson Jones, who is 21 and raised in Kiama.Living in a granny flat with his partner, both working, both studying, still struggling. “If I had children,” he said, “I couldn’t afford to stay here.” How many more young people will Kiama lose?"And finally, Jacqueline Forst lit the match.A strategist, carer and self-confessed forum crasher, she cut straight to the truth. “We cannot fix this by building more houses,” she said. “Tinkering at the margins is over.”Her message? Reject the developer-first model. Build bottom up. Empower locals. Use our brains and land value for something better.She called out the cheap shots. The bureaucrats laughing at Kiama for being NIMBYs.The big city powerbrokers are dismissing local voices, Forst said. And then she turned it.We are not naysayers. We are a region of housing innovators, she said, and it’s time we acted like it.From rock star futurists to real-world renters, the message was clear: we are not passive bystanders to Kiama’s future. We are the blueprint.So, what now?Residents need to make noise by writing submissions, emailing councillors and challenging the corporate spin because if this version of the strategy goes through unchanged, Kiama is at risk of losing more than trees and footpaths but the very soul of its community. The deadline for feedback is Sunday. The stakes are high. Have your say here.

Despite the official boating season ending on Anzac Day, Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to remain vigilant on the state’s waterways.Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said incidents and emergencies could happen at any time, on any day.“Even though the boating season is coming to an end, the risk never goes away. Always check and monitor the weather, as changes in conditions can lead to life-threatening emergencies,” he said.Following a busy Easter period, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state have completed more than 3000 search and rescue missions since the boating season started on 1 October.Data shows that responses are on par with the 2022/23 boating season, which saw crews perform a record 3251 missions.Boaters are encouraged to always log on with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16. Logging on saves precious time in the event of an emergency, and if a boater does not return as planned, a search will be initiated.Commissioner Barrell also reminded boaters to plan their voyage, giving themselves the best chance of returning home safely without incident.“There is often a spike in grounding incidents over long weekends, which are avoidable. Boaters must be aware of the tides, the environment, and the conditions.“Always wear a lifejacket — it can only save you if you are wearing it — and please make sure you have the correct safety equipment on board.“Boaters and paddlers can be assured that our three and a half thousand volunteers are ready to rapidly respond from any of our 46 units across the state this long weekend."

If you are looking to avoid the hustle and bustle, and the queues, that are associated with election day, pre-polling for the federal election has opened.There are six locations in the Gilmore electorate which will be open for anyone who would like to get in to cast their vote before May 3.With national public holidays and school holidays in some states impacting the early voting period, it is even more important for people to plan when and where they will vote.Pre-polling booths will be closed on Anzac Day.Anyone who cannot make it to a polling place or early voting centre should apply for a postal vote as soon as possible.Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said 18 million people would be casting a vote."If you can vote on election day Saturday 3 May then that is what you need to do," he said."If you can’t then you can vote at one of our many early voting centres across the country. I encourage all voters to consider their circumstances and plan their vote.“The bulk of our work still happens on election day, but for a variety of reasons it’s clear from past elections that more Australians are needing to access early voting options. Just over half of all voters cast an early vote, including a postal vote in 2022, and we expect that number to be similar this year.“No matter whether you’re in remote Australia or on the other side of the world, the AEC is pulling out all the stops to reach you.“Australian elections are unique and special in many ways – including the variety of voting options provided. In many democracies around the world people have just a single location and single day to cast their vote.”Incumbent Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips faces a fight to retain the seat after winning by just 373 votes ahead of Liberal rival Andrew Constance in 2022.Constance and independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds loom as Phillips' main rivals at the upcoming election.Debbie Killian is representing The Greens with Melissa Wise (Trumpet of Patriots), Graham Brown (Family First Party Australia), John Hawke (Pauline Hanson's One Nation)and Adrian Carle (Legalise Cannabis Australia) also on the ballot paper.If you would like to vote before the election day, you can visit one of these locations:Kiama Uniting Church (Lecture Hall), 48 Manning Street, KiamaWesley Centre (Shoalhaven Uniting Church), 29 Berry Street, NowraWorrigee Shopping Village, Shop 3, 60 Isa Road, WorrigeeSt Georges Basin Community Centre, 21 Meriton Street, St Georges BasinUlladulla Civic Centre, 81B Princes Highway, UlladullaBatemans Bay Community Centre, 3 Museum Place, Batemans BayThe ballot order for Gilmore is:Fiona Phillips (Australian Labor Party)Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent)Melissa Wise (Trumpet of Patriots)Debbie Killian (The Greens)Graham Brown (Family First Party Australia)Andrew Constance (Liberal Party of Australia)John Hawke (Pauline Hanson's One Nation)Adrian Carle (Legalise Cannabis Australia)