As NSW councils face growing calls for transparency and accountability, former Kiama Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang has urged reforms that extend beyond councillor conduct to include all council officials, including senior staff. Her submission to the NSW Office of Local Government’s review of the Councillor Conduct Framework highlights that misconduct isn’t confined to elected officials.This call for greater accountability aligns with recent upheaval at Shoalhaven Council. Shoalhaven City Council CEO Robyn Stevens recently resigned amid reported conflicts with Mayor Patricia White and other councillors. Stevens’ resignation, allegedly following pressure from council members, may trigger further high-level resignations and raised serious concerns about workplace culture and accountability among council leadership.Renkema-Lang argues that the NSW Government’s review should not be limited to councillor conduct. “It’s not just councillors who behave badly,” she stated. “An internet search reveals many instances of senior Council staff acting inappropriately or engaging in corrupt conduct, even fraud. The scope of the review needs to cover complaint management for all council officials to ensure it is managed consistently and holistically.”Renkema-Lang’s perspective resonates with experiences at Shoalhaven. Former Shoalhaven Councillor Professor Tonia Gray recently spoke about the challenges of speaking out within a culture that she described as “toxic” and intimidating. Her presentation at the Berry Ignite Festival highlighted incidents of online harassment and defamation threats used to silence dissenting voices, illustrating the persistent issues council officials face in such environments.According to reports Stevens’ departure from Shoalhaven Council followed a tense “ambush” meeting with Mayor White and other councillors regarding her employment. This action brought into focus the power dynamics in councils, where senior staff can face termination without grounds, resulting in costly severance payouts and a disrupted work environment.The Shoalhaven situation reflects Renkema-Lang’s concerns about unchecked power within council structures. She warned against the proposed expansion of mayoral powers, which would allow mayors to expel councillors from meetings and impose financial penalties. "Giving mayors this authority creates a largely unchecked avenue for abuse,” Renkema-Lang cautioned, noting that mayors already wield considerable influence over council operations.The experiences of Renkema-Lang, Gray, and Stevens suggest that the issues go beyond councillor behaviour, pointing to a broader cultural problem within local councils. Gray, in her Berry Ignite presentation, described the “blood sport” nature of council politics and the weaponisation of defamation threats, which often isolate or intimidate those who speak up.Both Kiama and Shoalhaven examples underscore Renkema-Lang’s push for reform that includes Safework NSW standards and fraud prevention policies as benchmarks for council conduct. She proposes a unified framework that holds all council officials accountable and supports the proposal to replace private investigators with independent committees for more objective oversight. As a further measure of transparency, she advocates for public access to councillor briefing sessions rather than banning them outright.As Shoalhaven seeks stability after Stevens’ resignation, it serves as a reminder that transparency, oversight, and consistent standards are essential in rebuilding public trust. Renkema-Lang’s recommendations and the lessons from Shoalhaven offer NSW councils an opportunity to create a more resilient, accountable local government framework.In Renkema-Lang’s words, “If we want real accountability in our councils, we need councillors and council officials alike to demonstrate higher standards of integrity and better behaviour.” Shoalhaven’s recent challenges and insights from advocates like Renkema-Lang and Gray suggest a broader, more inclusive approach to governance reform is crucial for councils to truly serve their communities.

The Linen House Outlet Kiama has opened up their doors to start  collecting fabric for the volunteers from The Simple Gift of a Bag.For one month you can bring in your pre-loved clean cotton sheets and doona covers to the Kiama Linen House for collection.They will be transformed into beautiful after breast cancer surgery drainage bags for patients to use during their Post Op Recovery.Ask the staff about what type of fabrics can be donated while you are browsing around the store for your next purchase.

Gerringong’s South Precinct is calling on residents to discuss the growing impact of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) on local communities. Scheduled for 7:30 pm on December 5 at the Gerringong Town Hall, this meeting will provide a platform for locals across the Kiama Local Government Area (LGA) to share experiences and voice concerns about the rapid expansion of non-hosted STRA, particularly through platforms like Airbnb.In recent years, coastal communities like Kiama have seen an influx of STRA listings, with up to 6.5% of housing stock dedicated to short-term rentals. In 2021 in Kiama alone, 498 properties were registered as STRA, with the largest concentrations in Kiama and Gerroa, followed by Gerringong, Werri Beach, and Kiama Downs. The community is concerned that STRA’s are transforming formerly quiet neighbourhoods into bustling, high-occupancy tourist zones. Once family homes some now accommodate groups of 10 or more people, far exceeding their original residential intent.STR listing “density” in Kiama in 2018 was 6 times the Australian average Source Sydney University 2018Residents are alarmed, especially as some STRA properties are purpose-built to function as high-occupancy tourist accommodations. As one South Precinct member stated, “We bought homes in a residential area, not expecting businesses and hotels as neighbours.”Kiama Council has also expressed concern over this shift, particularly when new developments, approved as residential properties, are marketed as tourist rentals upon completion. In a submission to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Council noted the troubling trend of residential housing increasingly being repurposed for short-term tourist stays, which, over time, reduces the availability of permanent housing and drives up costs for local families.Source Kiama Council Report Evidence Base Short Term Rental Accommodation Across NSW, eight councils have implemented various restrictions on STRA, from capping the number of days non-hosted rentals can operate to requiring special permits and enforcing stricter compliance. Can Kiama Council consider similar measures—such as introducing a day limit for non-hosted STRA or requiring mandatory registration and annual fees? Could this offer residents some relief and discourage investors who prioritise profit over community well-being?The NSW Fair Trading Code of Conduct for the STRA industry outlines responsibilities for hosts, guests, and booking platforms, including occupancy limits, noise regulations, and penalties for non-compliance. However, local residents report limited monitoring of this code, with disturbances from overcrowded, noisy STRA properties often left unchecked. The community meeting will discuss ways to navigate this Code and how it could be enforced more effectively to protect local neighbourhoods.What You Can DoResidents are encouraged to attend the South Precinct meeting to:Voice Concerns: Share experiences about noise, overcrowding, and safety issues related to STRA.Discuss Solutions: Explore how local council or state government actions could address the rising density of STRA in residential areas.Understand Regulations: Learn about the Code of Conduct and discuss ways to ensure better compliance.“Politics is the Art of the Possible” This meeting isn’t just for those immediately affected, it's for everyone who wants to learn what is in council’s control and who we can lobby for change —anyone within the Kiama LGA is encouraged to participate, as proactive engagement can help prevent future disruptions in all neighbourhoods. With STRA affecting housing, affordability, and quality of life, action is crucial. The meeting offers a valuable opportunity to gather community input, with the aim of supporting the council in future decisions to balance tourism and community needs.

If you missed the November 9 steam train event—which had a memorable few moments coinciding with Kiki's performance in the Spiegel tent—don’t worry! The next special heritage trip to Kiama, featuring a vintage diesel locomotive and historic carriages, will roll into town on Sunday, November 17.The scenic ride begins in Sydney’s suburbs, winding through the Royal National Park and treating passengers to breathtaking coastal views en route to Kiama. Once here, travellers can enjoy the seaside markets and all that Kiama has to offer. Perfect for groups, the picnic train offers a BYO option, along with an onboard Buffet Car where drinks can also be purchased. Be prepared for festive groups arriving on the next one - a unique way to celebrate the holiday season! 

In the current economic climate, building a successful business comes with added challenges, particularly around managing rising costs. To support local businesses, The Bugle, in partnership with the Kiama & District Business Chamber, continues its six-part series on critical success factors. After covering Strategic Focus, Finances, Operations, People, and Marketing, this edition focuses on practical tips to address the pressures of business expenses, helping you stay on track for growth.Work on your business, not just in it: One of the most valuable pieces of advice for business owners is to step back occasionally and assess the bigger picture. Working on your business rather than just in it can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and profitability. With that in mind, here are some actionable tips to help you manage costs more effectively and avoid unnecessary spending.Streamline systems and processes: Having efficient systems in place is essential for saving both time and money. Review your existing processes to identify areas where you can introduce greater efficiency. Consider using productivity apps like QuickBooks or Xero for bookkeeping, Asana for project management, and Canva for affordable design needs. For social media, scheduling tools can help you plan ahead and avoid the rush of last-minute content creation.Even simple automations, such as sending automated emails to request Google Reviews, can save you time while improving your SEO. Track client projects or job sheets electronically to reduce the flood of emails in your inbox. Additionally, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will make onboarding and training new staff much more straightforward, increasing productivity while reducing training costs.Foster a positive workplace culture: A great company culture can work wonders for your bottom line. A supportive and respectful environment not only improves staff morale but also boosts productivity and reduces employee turnover - both of which directly impact your profitability. As leaders, focus on trusting and delegating more to your team, empowering them to take ownership of their roles. A strong culture fosters loyalty, reduces recruitment costs, and improves overall business performance.Outsource to the experts: As the saying goes, sometimes you have to spend money to save money. Outsourcing non-core tasks - like accounting, marketing, or administrative functions - can free up valuable time for you to focus on growth. The key is knowing your profit margins and understanding what areas make the most sense to outsource. If you’re unsure about where to start or how to calculate profit margins, consider seeking advice from a business coach. Kiama is home to many knowledgeable coaches who can provide tailored advice to suit your specific needs.Leverage Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI) may sound intimidating, but it’s a powerful tool that can save your business both time and money. Whether you need help crafting a challenging email, brainstorming social media content, or generating copy for marketing materials, AI programs offer cost-effective solutions. With many free and affordable options available, AI can provide quality results quickly, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.Prioritise self-care: Amidst the hustle of managing business pressures, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters - your well-being. Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term productivity and success. Setting personal boundaries is critical. Schedule time for activities that make you happy, whether it’s a swim at the beach, enjoying a coffee at your favourite café, working out, or simply unwinding with Netflix. Make sure to block off "you" time in your calendar, just as you would for business meetings, to ensure it actually happens.In conclusion, running a successful business is a multifaceted journey that demands strategic focus, financial discipline, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of people and marketing. As we've explored in this series, the key to thriving in today's competitive environment lies in balancing these elements while adapting to the evolving pressures of the marketplace. Whether you're refining your systems, embracing new technologies, or focusing on self-care, each step you take brings you closer to long-term success. Remember, the most resilient businesses are those that are proactive, continually learning, and always ready to innovate. Stay focused, stay flexible, and your business will continue to grow, no matter the challenges ahead.

Dear Members and FriendsWe are excited to share details of our upcoming concert featuring the Southland Choir at Gerringong Town Hall at 2pm on Sunday 17 November 2024.Southland is an occasional performing choir from New South Wales, formed by friends with diverse musical backgrounds who love choral singing and travel. They’ve toured internationally since 2012, performing in places like Budapest, Iceland, and the iconic Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona. As they mainly perform overseas, Southland’s repertoire focuses on 20th and 21st-century Australian composers, bringing uniquely Australian harmonies, styles, and traditional songs to audiences abroad.As a special treat, the concert will include an opening act by some talented local performers. We won’t spoil the surprise, but it’s sure to be a heartwarming start to a wonderful afternoon of music.We look forward to seeing you there to support Southland and celebrate the joy of live music together! Secure your tickets today at https://www.gerringongmusicclub.com.au.Members, children and students are free. Visitors $30.

In today’s world, trust is a precious and sometimes fleeting thing. We're constantly being urged to “trust” in public figures based on big promises and catchy rhetoric. But, as I was reminded recently, there are institutions—quiet yet powerful—where trust is built not on words but on decades of reliable actions. Libraries are among these places, and in a world of grandstanding and spin, they offer us a timeless lesson on what genuine trust looks like.During the Gerringong Museum’s 150th-anniversary celebration, I had the privilege of speaking with Caroline Baum, celebrated author, journalist, and passionate library advocate. I asked her to choose a book on the spot for our photo shoot—a tough task with only a few seconds to decide! She quickly selected The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre, an intriguing choice that hints at her interest in themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of trust. It’s hard not to wonder what she might have chosen with a little more time to think about it.In her talk, Caroline delved into the ways libraries and librarians cultivate trust, not with rhetoric or promises, but by being steadfast pillars of knowledge and privacy. Libraries don’t need to ask for our trust—they earn it. They stand firm against censorship, advocate for open access to information, and create inclusive spaces for all. In these spaces, the kind of trust we yearn for in other areas of public life is built quietly and authentically, with actions that speak louder than any slogan ever could.Caroline highlighted a powerful contrast. While politicians often ask the public to “trust” them without necessarily backing it up, libraries have spent generations proving their commitment to the communities they serve. In a world where we often feel let down by once-trusted institutions, libraries remind us that true trustworthiness is about showing up, day after day, to serve the public without fanfare.For readers of The Bugle, Caroline’s insights offer a timely reminder. If we’re looking to place our trust in public figures, let’s seek out those who, like our libraries, consistently “walk the talk.” The lesson from libraries is clear: the most trustworthy institutions aren’t the ones that ask for trust; they’re the ones that quietly earn it, every day.Next time you step into your local library, consider the values it upholds. And perhaps, take a moment to think about which book you’d choose in just a few seconds—you might be surprised at the insight it brings.

The ‘Great Gong Clothes Swap’ at The Kazador at Black Beach on Sunday, 10 November, was a blast. Shane ‘Lady Moon’ and her hard-working team are passionate about upcycling clothes and making it easy to find new treasures without breaking the bank.This event was a little different from The Kazador's usual lineup of performances. Attendees were encouraged to bring in clothes they no longer wear and swap them for something new-to-them. There was a great selection of preloved items to browse.Dianne Barkus in her new outfitTicket holders were welcomed with a drink on arrival and a warm greeting from the team. The sunny weather made it the perfect day to relax with a post-shoppping beverage in the seating area after a fun shopping session. Hard to beat the views here! Shane and her team run these events regularly, so be sure to check them out on Facebook or Instagram for updates.If you missed it, don’t worry! There’s still plenty happening at The Kazador for the rest of the month, including ‘Paint and Sips,’ magic shows, and their free Friday and Sunday ‘Wine Downs.’

After years of anticipation, students at Bomaderry High School in the Shoalhaven are set to benefit from a significant investment as work begins on a multi-million dollar upgrade of their campus. This project will transform the school with modernised facilities, designed to better equip students with practical skills and enhance their learning environment.The upgrades will include the refurbishment of 46 existing classrooms, the addition of six new classrooms, upgraded restroom facilities, and improved accessibility features. New administration spaces and advanced Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) workshops will also be created, featuring a wood and metal workshop and a fully equipped food technology classroom.This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to improving public education across New South Wales. The 2024-25 budget includes a record $1.4 billion allocated to school infrastructure in regional areas, underscoring the government’s dedication to enhancing educational resources outside of metropolitan centres.Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, expressed her enthusiasm as construction commenced: “The Bomaderry community has waited far too long for improvements to be made to their school, but today we can celebrate progress. We are focused on delivering for regional communities, so all students can access high-quality schools in their local areas.”Dr. Sarah Kaine, Duty MLC for Kiama, highlighted the value of the new facilities in preparing students for diverse career pathways. “This isn’t just about building classrooms; it’s about building futures – equipping our students with practical skills that can lead them to meaningful careers. The upgrades to the school’s existing kitchen will allow students to complete VET courses, providing them with more choice and opportunity both during and after their schooling.”Bomaderry High School Principal, Ian Morris, praised the upgrade as a boost to student potential. “A modern school environment will inspire creativity and innovation, empowering our students to reach their full potential. This upgrade is a commitment to excellence in education and to the strength of our community.”The school’s Careers Advisor, Holly Pastor, highlighted the impact of the upgrade on local industry partnerships and career pathways. “The Bomaderry High School upgrade enhances career pathways through facilities that align with industry needs, particularly in hospitality, engineering, and trades, which are vital for our region. With hands-on learning, apprenticeships, and programs like the Bomaderry Employment, Skills, and Training (BEST) Pathways Program, students gain skills that prepare them for the demands of today’s workforce.”As construction progresses, Bomaderry High School is set to become a stellar institution for regional education, providing students with modern facilities that support academic achievement and practical skill development essential for future careers.

Congratulations to Dementia Inclusive Kiama who celebrated their 10th anniversary on 7 November,, a significant milestone in advocacy and learning for our community. The initiative has successfully paved the way forward in creating dementia-friendly environments.Kiama has emerged as a leader in developing and fostering a community that embraces and supports individuals living with dementia, setting an example for towns and cities across the country and beyond. The anniversary event highlighted the core principles of the initiative: building awareness, creating trusted relationships, and prompting environmental, intellectual and emotional support within the community. Dementia Inclusive Kiama’s vision goes beyond just providing services - it is about creating a dementia-friendly culture that encourages inclusion and participation. This approach involves educating the community, from local business to schools, on how to support individuals living with dementia. The project also promotes intergenerational collaboration, bringing together young and old to create a deeper understanding of dementia and its effects on the individuals and families. The project has seen incredible success in driving awareness through national and global collaboration. Earlier this year, Dementia Inclusive Kiama welcomed a group of healthcare professionals  from South Korea to explore innovative strategies and implementation into the community. Held at Kiama Anglican Church, the celebration kicked off with a free educational workshop and talk given by Kate Swaffer and Dennis Frost, who both live with dementia. The key speakers shared stories about their involvement in the project and how the project contributes to their work and community impacts. The afternoon session shifted focus to celebrating and sharing stories around what the project had achieved over the decade-long effort, followed by the cake cutting. The speakers went on to discuss the success so far as well as the next steps. Dr. Lyn Phillipson and Kate Swaffer were crucial to establishing the project in 2014, at the time Kate was the first person with dementia to be employed by Alzheimer’s Australia (now Dementia Australia)The second phase now involves graduating from ‘dementia-friendly’ to ‘dementia enabling’. The project will continue to engage people living with dementia and increase membership of the Dementia Advisory Group.  As Kiama continues to lead the way in creating dementia-inclusive environments, the 10th anniversary serves as a celebration for the work already done to create truly inclusive communities where everyone, regardless of age or ability, is valued and supported. 

On 11 November, Jamberoo Public School held a Remembrance Day service, with students, families and staff gathering to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The school captains and vice captains led the ceremony with grace, guiding everyone through moments of reflection and remembrance. Special guest Mr Michael Souter from the Jamberoo RSL Club attended, sharing in the community’s tribute.As part of the ceremony, students placed flowers on the stage, symbolising respect and remembrance for those who have fallen in service to our country. This gesture reminded all present of the enduring legacy and bravery of those who served. Jamberoo Public School is proud to continue this tradition, fostering a deep sense of respect and gratitude in our students for generations past and present. The flowers were taken back to the Jamberoo Memorial Arch by Mr Souter. 

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is encouraging all locals to take a day trip to Kangaroo Valley following the completion of 38 major landslip remediation projects surrounding the village.“The businesses of Kangaroo Valley have done it tough following a series of landslips that restricted access for locals and visitors alike,” Mrs Philips said.“The completion of works, including the opening a section of Wattamolla Road at Barrengarry, means people can now take a scenic drive from Berry to Kangaroo Valley and enjoy everything the village has to offer.“I really hope people will head over the hill and support the small businesses in Kangaroo Valley where you can enjoy morning tea at one of the cafes, lunch at the pub and shop till you drop in the variety of local specialty shops.”So – it sounds like a road trip is in order! Combine it with a round of golf at the Kangaroo Valley golf course and it sounds like a fabulous, destressing day!The completion of the final landslip road works on Bunkers Hill Road signals the end of a $59 million remediation package targeting of 38 major landslips in Kangaroo Valley and surrounding communities, and more than two years of major reconstruction works in the Shoalhaven.Declared a natural disaster area following severe weather and flooding in March 2022, the work was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.The completion of the last landslip on Bunkers Hill Road, Barrengarry signalled the end to major work, putting the local community well on track to recovery.Mrs Phillips said the completion of works would come as a huge relief for local residents."I saw firsthand the devastating impact these landslips had on our local communities,” Mrs Phillips said."People were often isolated and had to undergo huge changes to their circumstances just to go about their day-to-day lives.“There was a time when stock feed had to be choppered into local properties for cattle. It really was devastating."I’m really happy to see this final landslip fixed and I thank everyone involved in the repair works.”Mrs Phillips said the record-breaking rainfall, the terrain, the widespread damage and the risks associated with the landslip works across the region provided a logistical challenge for geotechnical engineers and work crews.“The task to fully remediate 38 landslips has been a mammoth undertaking resulting in the delivery of robust and fully remediated roads,” she said.“The opening marks an incredible milestone that is testament to the resilience of our community and the dedication of the project team to get the job done.”Construction group Symal carried out the contract to repair the Shoalhaven’s 38 worst landslips.The scale of the job is highlighted by the people-power and materials it took to repair the region:1,000 bored concrete piles (7,700 metres drilled total)1.6 km of capping beams formed and poured (capping beams tie the piles together to reduce movement)3,600 cubic metres of concrete (used for piles, capping beams and shotcrete)1,050 soil nails (steel bars used to reinforce slopes)19,500 tonnes of imported quarry product (stone, shale, crushed rock, ballast etc.)225,000 worker hours.

The Cabbage Tree Palm stands tall among Kiama’s green landscape, an iconic symbol to locals and tourists alike. Landcare Illawarra’s new community project aims to future proof these palms to protect and preserve this unique species. Member of the Landcare Illawarra committee, Alison Windsor, is encouraging the community to attend the event launch on Thursday 14 November to learn more about the project. “It’s open to anyone in the community that would like to come in and hear about what we’re planning to do, it’s also for the community to give us ideas of what they would like to see,” says Alison. The Cabbage Tree Palm once thrived in the rainforest in the Kiama area, now the palms are dispersed across farming land, struggling to regenerate naturally.  “There’s no future trees coming back up and that is due to either the cows eating the seeds that are falling from the parent trees, or they’re trampling them into the ground.“There’s no new generations, once those trees have died that will be it, there'll be none left in the Kiama Municipality,” Alison says. The palm can grow up to 30 metres in height, with the tallest trees being 100 to 200 years old, they’re a slow growing species. Landcare Illawarra has received interest from farmers in the community who would like palms planted on their properties, with Landcare supplying trees and fencing to help the species thrive. “We want to future proof them so people can drive down Mount Pleasant or drive from Kiama to Jamberoo, and have all those beautiful Cabbage Palms that you can still see,” says Alison. The event launch will be held at the Gerringong Library and Museum from 6pm to 8pm, and will include more information on the Cabbage Tree Palm and its many purposes in Kiama’s history and natural landscape. 

Local resident Darren Parlett has been a dedicated member of the Roo Theatre Company since December 1991. From his first performance as the lovable Scarecrow in The Wiz, Parlett has delighted audiences in over twenty productions. Now, he is thrilled to be part of the cast in the Roo Theatre's latest pantomime, The Little Mermaid.This lively show follows the classic story of Ariel, the Little Mermaid, as she dreams of exploring the surface world. True to pantomime tradition, the production is packed with humour for all ages - there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.Parlett will take on two roles in this production: the sailor, Mac Erol and the understudy of the villainous Jones, one of the henchmen. He will be taking the stage as ‘Jones’ in three out of the ten shows. In one of the show’s musical highlights, Parlett will belt out the iconic Killer Queen by Queen. As anyone who has tried knows, Freddie Mercury’s vocals are notoriously challenging, but Parlett is undeterred. "What a challenge it is... I'm nailing it!" he laughs.But the spotlight might not only be on Parlett—his award-winning dog Charly could make a surprise cameo. “My dog Charly might be in the show too,” Parlett said. “I’m taking him to rehearsals, and so far, he’s doing really well… We’ll just have to see how he goes." One of the directors even told him, “I think this might be Charly’s big stage debut!”Charly is no stranger to the limelight, having already earned accolades in the local dog show circuit, winning Best Groomed at the Kiama Show in 2024 and Best Dog in Show at the Port Kembla Fear Fest as well.Charly, Best Dog in Show at the Port Kembla Fear Fest As a long-time member of The Roo Theatre Company, Parlett is passionate about encouraging others to get involved in the arts. "Get involved, meet new friends, and you never know—doors might open," he says. "You don’t have to be a ‘NIDA graduate’ to perform. We’ve had people walk through our doors who have gone on to have professional careers in the arts." For anyone wondering where to start, Parlett is clear: "The Roo is for you."In addition to his theatre work, Parlett has branched out into film, making appearances as an extra in shows like Return to Paradise on ABC, season 2 of NCIS: Sydney, and even sharing the screen with American comedian, Will Forte, in Sunny Nights.Parlett’s dedication to the arts is truly inspiring. For locals who’ve always wanted to get involved in theatre, this may be the sign you’ve been waiting for. As Parlett puts it, "At the Roo is where your dreams can come true."The Little Mermaid will hit the stage from the 10th to the 25th of January 2024 at The Roo Theatre, you can find information and tickets here. It would make a great Christmas present for someone!

The biblical story of the Tower of Babel tells of a time when all humans spoke the same language. But when they attempted to build a tower that reached the heavens, God caused them to become unable to understand one another, leading to the tower’s collapse.Chinese-Australian artist Jiawei Shen’s new four-panel work, titled Tower of Babel, spans 130 square metres and stands 7.5 metres tall. The title borrows from the biblical story and resonates deeply with the ambitious scale of his art. This title is also shared by James Bradley’s documentary Welcome to Babel, which chronicles the creation of this monumental piece over seven long years, and it was this wild ambition that immediately drew him to the project.James Bradley. Source/ Bonsai Films.“It was the grandeur of the project, the fact that he was an artist with a crazy dream, this ambition to do this massive project that was going to take years. I mean, that's always a good story,” says Bradley.Jiawei’s artwork attempts to depict the history of communism, a subject deeply personal to him due to the profound impact communism has had on his homeland. What began as a documentary to explain the artwork’s meaning evolved into a deeper exploration of Jiawei’s life, his motivations, and the people closest to him.“The piece is so complex that it needed explanation. Jiawei spent hours explaining it to me before he even started. From his descriptions, I could tell the work would be fascinating, but it quickly became clear that the film was about more than just the artwork. It was about why he was doing it,” says Bradley.As Bradley delved deeper into Jiawei’s story, he began to learn more about Jiawei’s wife, Lan Wang, an artist in her own right. Though Lan initially wanted to stay in the background, her personal history became an integral part of the narrative.“She didn’t want to be in the film much—she was content to stay in the background. But as we went along, we realised that her own story, particularly her difficult childhood during the Cultural Revolution, was crucial to understanding Jiawei’s work,” says Bradley.Lan’s story adds an emotional depth to the film. Her contrasting experience to Jiawei’s provides a richer perspective on their shared history. For example, she confesses that she cannot even look at her husband’s immense artwork in their home because it brings back painful memories of the past. Her own work, by contrast, focuses on the harmony of nature, a stark contrast to the intense, politically charged themes of Jiawei’s art.Lan Wang provides a balanced perspective in the film. While she is vital to Jiawei’s work—driving him everywhere, preparing meals, raising their daughter, and doing all the housework—her presence also raises thought-provoking questions. Is it fair that a man should be neglecting all of his duties to create a singular piece of art that actually is painful for his wife to look at? But, on the other side of the coin does this pain reflect the immensity and potential impact of this singular piece of art?In addition to Jiawei and Lan’s story, Bradley’s own personal connection to Chinese culture adds an emotional layer to the film. His late wife, who was from Hong Kong, played a key role in bridging the gap between Bradley and Jiawei. Tragically, she passed away in 2019 after a long battle with cancer, an experience that deeply affected Bradley as he continued work on the documentary.“My wife was Chinese, from Hong Kong, and she introduced me to China and its people. She and Jiawei’s wife got along very well. It was incredibly difficult when she passed away during the making of this film. The process of creating Welcome to Babel became even more personal for me,” says Bradley.It seems that whilst Bradley was recording an artist attempting to create a hugely ambitious project, Bradley may have been doing the exact same thing with the documentary - which took him 12 years to complete. “It’s part of the human condition to set challenges for ourselves, and meeting those challenges affirms our existence and gives us some sort of power. This was my first feature documentary, and one of my ambitions was to have it screened at the Sydney Film Festival. Not only did it screen, but it won the Best Documentary prize,” says Bradley.“It's that sort of sense of achievement that I felt I needed, especially after going through some pretty difficult times with Kathy being sick for three and a half years and being her carer. So it's just interesting how these things happen. I started the project with her, and of course, the film is dedicated to her.” Welcome to Babel is a moving, fascinating, and beautiful exploration of human ambition. It captures the deeply personal and complex histories of Jiawei Shen and Lan Wang, and the artwork that encapsulates so much of what shaped their lives. It shows the best and worst of human ambition—the capacity to build monumental creations, but also the potential to destroy them.Welcome to Babel is out in select cinemas on November 14, you can find the screenings of the film here.Welcome To Babel. Source_ Bonsai Films

ANZ KIAMA SENIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENTMEN'S SINGLES

GERRINGONG NIPPERS UNDER 6 GIRLS

Today, 11th November marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I.Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices many have made so we can enjoy life today.Warwick Sporne playing The BugleMember for Kiama Gareth Ward said today Remembrance Day is a time for our region to honour those who gave their lives in service to Australia.“Today we pause to honour and remember our service personnel who have lost their lives in the service of our nation,” Mr Ward said. “This Remembrance Day, we remember the fallen, we remember those they left behind and all who have served in Australia’s uniform over more than a century in war, in conflict and as keepers of peace. “On this day 106 years ago, the guns fell silent on the Western Front. An Armistice was signed, leading to the end of the First World War. “Last year, we marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th century. “Today, we remember the 60,000 Australians who never returned from the Great War and we remember the Australians who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving our nation. “And we also remember those who are currently in uniform serving Australia in current deployments overseas. Lest we forget,” Mr Ward concluded.The ceremony at The Kiama War memorial Arch today, Monday 11th November at 10:45am, was a solemn and peaceful event. President of Kiama Jamberoo RSL, Gary McKay, led the event, alongside Mayor Cameron Mcdonald. Many wreaths were laid at the foot of the arch and Warwick Sporne played 'The Last Post' on the Bugle. Wreaths placed at the ArchwayAfter the ceremony, a 'Lone Pine Tree' was planted by the archway to replace the previous pine which was lost after flooding. The pine is the same as the ones found in Gallipoli, serving as a tribute to remember our fallen soldiers.Mayor Cameron Mcdonald, after planting the lone pine treeRemembrance Day is a time for all Australians to unite in solemn respect and remembrance for all those who served and died for our nation. There are also local RSL Sub-Branches who are hosting commemorative services across the Kiama electorate to pay respects to and to pause to remember the heroes who served our country.  

At Jamberoo Public School, students recently participated in a meaningful initiative called 'Draw to Remember,' organised by the Wollongong RSL Club. This program aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Remembrance Day and pay tribute to those who have served. Each class received a pack of chalk and a Remembrance Day pamphlet, which became a canvas for students to illustrate their visions of remembrance. After discussing the significance of the day, each student created a unique design on their pamphlet, reflecting their personal understanding of Remembrance Day.The initiative fostered both creativity and collaboration. Once each student completed their design, classmates voted on a favourite piece, and together, they recreated this design as a larger artwork, blending their talents and ideas.On Thursday, November 7, Terry Stamp from the Jamberoo RSL Club visited the school to view the students’ artwork and speak with them about Remembrance Day. Mr. Stamp joined Miss Louttit, Relieving Principal, to witness the students' heartfelt tributes. His visit provided a personal connection to the historical event, giving students insight into the significance of honouring those who have served.Each class had the opportunity to share the meaning behind their drawings, expressing a level of respect and understanding that moved Mr. Stamp. Beau, a student from Kookaaraa, read the poem In Flanders Fields, adding a reflective atmosphere that captured the spirit of the day.Mr. Stamp was visibly touched by the students’ knowledge and care. “The children’s words and drawings reflect a deep understanding and respect,” he said. “I am impressed with their commitment to honouring Remembrance Day.”Jamberoo Public School students’ participation in the 'Draw to Remember' program highlights the school’s dedication to fostering awareness and respect for significant historical events. As they continue to engage in meaningful initiatives, students learn not only to appreciate the past but also to carry forward its lessons with pride and honour.Jamberoo Public School will hold a special assembly on Remembrance Day to commemorate November 11. Katie Loutit