Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters took the chair for the first time at Kiama Council’s 15 April meeting and did so with poise, patience and good humour in what proved to be one of the most packed and passionate meetings of the year.From funding calls to facility fees and fiery exchanges over car parks and coastal impact, there was no shortage of material to test her mettle.But Cr Matters remained calm and composed, steering a marathon agenda with the support of councillors and staff, and making space for a range of views across the chamber.The night began with a debate over Council’s unsuccessful bid for the state’s Entertainment Precinct Kickstart grant.Cr Stuart Larkins pushed for a revised approach, arguing Kiama met the eligibility criteria under point (c), which allows for councils that have passed a resolution to develop a night-time economy strategy and have supporting plans.“This motion should be about advocating for our application, not attacking the rules,” he said.Cr Matt Brown, Cr Imogen Draisma and others backed the move, with Cr Michael Cains urging a stronger stance in lobbying the state. “Our community keeps getting the rug pulled out. Aged care, roads, tourism funding.”The amendment passed five to three, and Council will now ask the state to reconsider Kiama’s application based on its existing commitments.Council also deferred Round 2 of the Community Grants Program to review policy compliance, but not before approving $2000 in funding to ensure the Jones Beach Boardriders' May event could go ahead.A proposal from Woolworths to introduce time limits and boomgates in its Kiama car park raised major red flags for councillors.The move could displace staff parking into residential streets and affect older patrons and long-stay diners.Council voted to defer the decision, seek feedback from the Traffic Committee, and to consider the impact on vehicle flow and pedestrian safety.Meanwhile, a development application for a Kennards self-storage facility on Shoalhaven Street was formally refused. Despite late efforts to find a compromise, councillors said the bulk and scale of the proposal were not appropriate for a residential zone.Cr Brown noted it exposed a deeper issue. “We’ve got serious employment land located in the wrong places. This is a legacy planning problem we have to fix.”The mood sharpened over a last-minute amendment proposing venue hire fees for the upstairs space at the newly built Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club.Cr Melissa Lawton and Cr Erica Warren argued it was time to monetise the space and reduce Council’s maintenance burden.The building was built with grant funding and sits on community land, making the question of access and revenue particularly sensitive.Others, including Cr Brown and Cr Larkins, criticised the process as rushed and lacking consultation with the surf club.“This was dropped on us at one minute to midnight,” said Cr Brown. “It’s not how we build trust.”Council opted to progress core planning documents to public exhibition and consider hire fees separately, allowing time for community input and clarity. Cr Matters ended her first meeting in the chair with good grace and a steady hand. It was not an easy gig, but she made it look that way.

The Kiama LGA will join the rest of Australia and New Zealand in commemorating 110 years since the Gallipoli campaign - honouring all Australians and New Zealanders who have served during times of peace and war.Starting on Saturday in Jamberoo, there will be events in the local area and Chris Mosley, honorary secretary of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch, says the enduring importance of Anzac Day lies in both remembrance and education."I think it really underlines that we care about the sacrifices that have been made," says Mosley.“We're talking about 103,000 Australians who gave their lives for the country - that’s something that must be recognised. ANZAC Day also provides an important opportunity to educate younger generations about our history.”Mosley says it’s not just about remembering the past, but also acknowledging the present."It recognises everyone who serves the country - men and women - even in peacekeeping operations. “They all put their lives on the line to protect their country, and they deserve our respect."He also reflects on the personal connections many in the community still have to this day.“I’ve known people who served in the Second World War, and others who can trace their family history back to those who served in the First World War,” he says.“We also have Australians currently deployed in operations around the world, some in extremely tough conditions - and it’s important to honour them too.”Kiama ANZAC memorial service in 2024.ANZAC Services in the Kiama LGAJamberoo – Saturday 19 AprilThe ANZAC March will begin at 10:15am from the RSL Hall, proceeding along Allowrie Street to the memorial at the Jamberoo School of Arts. Allowrie Street will be closed during the event, with detours in place.Kiama – Sunday 20 AprilA church service will be held at 8:00am at Kiama Anglican Church.Kiama – Friday 25 April (ANZAC Day)Dawn Service: Blowhole Point at 5:30amBreakfast: Kiama Leagues Club following the dawn service, until 8:30amANZAC March: Begins at 10:00am from the Old Council Chambers (Manning Street), proceeding to Terralong Street and concluding at the Memorial Arch for the official service. Road closures will apply.Gerringong – Friday 25 AprilDawn Service: Eastern end of Belinda Street at 6:00amBowling Club Service: Gerringong Bowling Club at 11:00amGerroa – Friday 25 AprilANZAC Day Service: Gerroa Boat Fishermen’s Club at 7:30am

With only three more weeks until the Federal election on May 3, both major parties have come out with signature policies which they think will directly address one of the biggest election issues that is facing the nation – housing. Labor’s policy centres around a $10 billion build to 100,000 homes specifically for first-home buyers. Simultaneously they will allow first home buyers access to 5 per cent deposits (purchasing a home normally requires a 10–20 per cent deposit) through a loan guarantee from the Federal Government.  The Liberal-National Coalition has announced it will allocate $5b to fund essential infrastructure like water, power and sewerage to unlock up to 500,000 new homes. In addition, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced that interest payments on mortgages taken out by first-home buyers on newly built homes would be tax deductible for five years.  There is a clear focus on first home buyers and ensuring "the Australian Dream" still exists for the younger generation, some of whom will be voting for the first time at this year’s election. Both parties have also committed to a two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing existing homes. While on paper, the policies are well meaning and well intended, they have been lambasted by economic and housing experts. Chris Richardson, a former Australian Treasury official and economic commentator labelled both parties’ platforms "a dumpster fire of dumb stuff", and Saul Eslake who has worked for ANZ and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch called the Coalition’s tax deduction on mortgage payments the "candidate for dumbest policy decision of the 21st century".  Ouch.  Ultimately, it comes down the laws of supply and demand. Tax offsets, subsidies and making it "easier" to purchase a home will inherently drive up demand. If this demand is chasing the same number of homes, prices will go up.  The national discourse on housing has collided with Kiama Municipal Council's draft Housing Strategy v2 that our community is currently reviewing in the context of our own housing predicament. As the most expensive place to buy a home in regional NSW and in the running (again!) for the Top Tourism Town in Australia award – this is an issue we must grapple with. Kiama Council has shown incredible foresight by reaching out to the community and running the Housing Strategy Forum at The Sebel, which laid bare the state of our situation and the needs for action.  We think community housing expert Natallie Allan put it best when she referenced historical news articles from the Kiama Independent. The articles covered "controversial" decisions that were decried at the time, but ultimately "all the things that we now look at and say this is the character of Kiama, were the things what we were arguing against when they came in". Another panellist, real estate expert Simon Kersten, noted it is almost impossible for a young person in Kiama to achieve buying their own home and Ms Allan noted that there were probably three people under the age of 30 in attendance at the Forum.  The Bugle’s View is that we need to change our ways, our thinking and our views. Our views can be our views, but we need to also understand that adopting self-righteous approach from some sections of our community might compromise the future and next generation of that very same community.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and Labor Senator Jenny McAllister have announced that $840,000 will be delivered for the Gerringong District All Sports Clubhouse at Gerry Emery Oval if Anthony Albanese retains government at the May 3 federal election.The clubhouse is home to the Gerringong Breakers Football Club, the Gerringong Jets Cricket Club and the Gerringong Touch Association, who will all benefit from this upgrade.The local community has already helped raise money for the project, which has contributed to the installation of dressing rooms for female athletes. This election commitment will help complete the upgrade of the clubhouse.“I’m proud to be supporting the club house at Gerry Emery Oval in Gerringong,” Phillips said. “I know how well used it is by local sports clubs and how strongly the community has been calling for this renovation.“The community fundraised to help build female changerooms, which shows just how popular this facility is, and I am happy to be supporting this project further with this election commitment to help modernise the whole clubhouse.”Liberal candidate Andrew Constance recently pledged the same amount for the clubhouse if Opposition Leader Peter Dutton were to be elected.

The Kiama Quarriers Football Club women’s teams have made a flying start to the season, with both sides undefeated after their first two games. The Division 1 team, in particular, is shaping up as a serious title contender.After falling just one game short of the grand final last year - eliminated by eventual premiers Fairy Meadow - the team wasted no time exacting revenge. In their season opener, wearing the new Kiama Quarriers kit, they defeated Fairy Meadow 3–0.KQFC Secretary Nerissa Peterson says much of the team’s early-season success can be attributed to coach Wayne Paton’s leadership.“They’ve got quite a few new players, and many are playing really well. Wayne has a very structured training schedule, and I think a few players came over specifically to play under him after our strong season last year,” she says.Kiama Quarriers women's over 30's team. Source: Nerissa PetersonThe club’s Over 30s Division 1 women’s team is also off to a perfect start, winning both of their opening matches. They, too, are hoping to go one better this year after making the semi-finals in 2024.“They beat last year's league champions, Oak Flats Kraken, which was a fantastic win and a great sign of what’s to come,” says Peterson.Things have been more mixed on the men’s side of the club. KQFC fields two All Age men’s teams - one in Division 3 and another in Division 4. The Division 3 team is off to a strong start, with two wins from two, while the Division 4 side is still searching for their first victory.“The Division 3 team is looking strong, with a lot of talent. We're expecting them to do well this season,” Peterson says. Action shot from the Kiama Quarriers vs Jamberoo Ravens game last year. Photo: Brian Scott“Several players have returned from the District League to play in the Community League for Kiama, which is a great sign.”The Division 4 team, on the other hand, is in a development phase.“They’ve got quite a few new players, including about half a dozen who have come up from juniors and are only 17 or 18 years old. It’s all new for them - they’re just finding their feet.”In the Masters divisions, the Over 35s men’s team, who moved down a division this year, have recorded one win and one loss. The Over 45s team, who moved up a division, have had a tougher start, losing both their opening games.All teams will take a break over the Easter weekend before returning to the field on the weekend of April 26–27. The club’s major fundraiser, a trivia night, will be held on May 10 at Kiama Leagues Club - a great chance to support local sport.

It seems like 2025 is both rushing at us and rushing by. Everything seems to be accelerating, the 24/7 news cycle on permanent fast-forward, social media algorithms magnifying a sense of crisis around every corner.Overseas, at breakneck speed President Trump is upending international alliances that have underpinned the fragile geopolitical stability much of the world has enjoyed since 1945. In Ukraine, a miserable war grinds on, while in its rubble-strewn streets, Gaza remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis.Here at home, the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze family budgets to breaking point, all while we continue to come to grips with a housing catastrophe decades in the making and which, truth be told, will take decades to fix. While the rich get richer, many of us are seemingly powerless in an economy that we feel has left us out and left us behind. With a federal election soon upon us, we are being bombarded daily with promises many of us don’t believe.More than a century ago, Vladmir Lenin said that ‘There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.’ Given the pace of change washing over us, and the various crises mushrooming around us, it seems 2025 is a year where, to borrow Lenin’s phrase, decades are happening.In these uncertain and anxious times, many of us are feeling overwhelmed. Through 2024 Lifeline recorded 8 of its 10 largest daily call volumes as ordinary Aussies from every demographic and nearly every postcode sought help. Whether we recognize it or not, many of us are grieving – a dream that’s fading, certainties that are disappearing or hope that’s receding.Jesus, the central figure not only of the Easter story but of human history, was described by a prophet as a ‘man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.’ On the night he would be betrayed, arrested and imprisoned, knowing the unimaginable suffering that lay head for him, Jesus told his friends that his soul was ‘overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.’In that moment in the Garden, Jesus had a choice. He could have let the cup of suffering he was to drink pass him by. Compelled by perfect and pure love, Jesus willingly walked the loneliest roads of suffering, pain and death. Decades after his death, one of his friends recalled Jesus’ own words, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but will have everlasting life.’Whosoever is you and me – all of us, everywhere and across every time – without exception. God’s love for us is without limit.It was love that compelled Jesus to walk the way of suffering, love that stretched out his hands on the cross and love that forgave his enemies with his dying breath.It was love that saw him lay down his life so that we might enjoy friendship with God. There is no greater love than this.It was love that rolled the away the stone of Jesus’ tomb, revealing not only his empty graveclothes, but that in the end, that love has the first and final word – that when all is said and done, love wins.The story of Easter is the story of God’s love overcoming our failures, our sins, our shame, our guilt, and the power of death itself. God’s perfect love is the power than can overwhelm all our fears.In a world changing at overwhelming speed, when we can feel overwhelmed by uncertainty, anxiety and fear – the Easter truth that love overcomes, that love wins – echoes down two millennia of history and stretches out into eternity, and reaches out for you and for me, embracing us with the assurance that God will never leave us, that there is always hope.This truth invites us into a personal and utterly transformative relationship with God. Freely God is offering you his love, and freely you can receive and be forever changed by it.

Two stunning quilted wall hangings honouring Vietnam veterans will be unveiled this Easter Saturday in Jamberoo, just before the town’s heartfelt Anzac Day commemoration.The panels were first discovered in Broken Hill by Barbara Adams, who immediately saw their power.She brought them home with the hope they would find the right hands, and they did.Lesley East showed the panels at a U3A Textiles in Art session in Kiama, where Theresa MacPherson one of the members offered to ask her local quilting group in Kiama if they might be interested.Two generous women Annette Hoskins and Robyn Thomson from the Kiama Quilters stepped forward, each taking on one of the panels and transforming them into artworks stitched with care, memory and immense skill.Lesley East from Jamberoo Red Cross hanging the quilt artworks created by Annette Hoskins and Robyn Thomson from Kiama Quilters The result is a breathtaking tribute to those who served, just in time for Anzac Day.The quilts feature stirring imagery of silhouetted soldiers, blazing skies, blooming poppies and references to the Vietnam War.Lesley East with a job well done - ask a busy woman With help from the community the quilts will be permanently displayed in Jamberoo RSL Hall.Everyone is welcome to attend Saturday’s service, which includes a short march down the street before a reflective gathering at the hall.Afterwards, community members are invited back for tea, Anzac biscuits and a chance to admire the new memorial quilts.

As Kiama Municipal Council invites public feedback on the Draft Local Housing Strategy, residents have a unique chance to shape the future of our region. Amid the maps, forecasts and planning jargon, one vital word deserves more attention: liveability.Dr Alan Woodward, a long-time Kiama local and respected national leader in mental health and social policy, believes the people who live here are the real experts in what makes a place liveable. In a recent interview with Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio, he reflected on how community knowledge can be the difference between a good plan and a great one.“We know our community best,” he said. “We know what works and what doesn’t. That local expertise matters, and now we’ve got a platform to use it.”That platform is the Draft Housing Strategy, and submissions are open until 27 April.Dr Woodward, who helped establish the new incorporated group Kiama Matters, urged residents to move beyond cynicism and speak up.“Participation is one of the ways that the community can have a say and influence what occurs for them,” he said. “Individually, it’s easy to feel powerless. But groups, especially ones that work collaboratively and share good information, can really influence outcomes.”It’s a timely reminder. The Housing Strategy lays out where, what and how we’ll build over the coming decades. Housing is not just about rooftops and lot sizes. It’s about how we move, connect, raise families and grow older. It’s about sustainability, infrastructure and design, but also the quieter things: feeling safe, being seen and knowing your neighbours.His message is simple. “There are no better experts than the people who live here,” he said. “The liveability questions associated with population growth are things that people in the local community have expertise in.”Whether it’s access to green space, traffic impacts, housing diversity, affordability or the character of your street, now is the moment to reflect on what liveability means to you, and tell Council.Submissions can be short or long.A single story, a list of priorities or even a question is enough to make a difference.💬 Have your say hereAnd if you need a little inspiration, put on Imagine, Alan’s song choice to close the interview, and think about the Kiama you want to leave behind for the next generation.Tune into Bernie Hems' show at 9am on Tuesdays on KCR.

Community Independent candidate for Gilmore, Kate Dezarnaulds, is calling for urgent action to fix persistent mobile blackspots, which are disrupting daily life for residents and leaving the region ill-equipped to handle peak holiday periods.As school holidays bring a surge of visitors to the South Coast, locals say they’re being left high and dry when it comes to basic mobile coverage, which hurts hurting businesses, frustrates tradespeople and puts emergency services at risk.“We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia—but when the crowds arrive, our mobile networks crash,” she said. “Local businesses lose sales, tradies can’t get job details, and when someone needs an ambulance, you can’t even get a signal. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous.”From Berry to Kangaroo Valley and all along the Princes Highway down to Turros Head, patchy reception and dropped calls are a regular occurrence. Locals report outages worsened by the 3G shutdown, and promised improvements have not materialised. Business owners say the issue is especially damaging during school holidays, when trade should be booming.“We regularly have customers in tears because they can’t transfer money or use their mobile banking apps,” said Alison Hayes-Chessell, who runs The Garden Berry café and restaurant. “It’s not a good look for a town that relies on tourism.“We use a digital waitlist to manage busy periods, but when the internet crashes, the system’s useless. "People think it’s our fault when they can’t access the link, but it’s the coverage. It’s frustrating and it’s costing every business in town. Visitors constantly ask, ‘Is this normal?’ And unfortunately, we have to say yes. It’s embarrassing, and it’s affecting the reputation of Berry as a place to visit or move to.”Joshua Carrol, a new Gilmore resident, says it is affecting his ability to run his digital business. “It’s 2025, and I still can’t get consistent internet here. It’s beyond frustrating trying to run a digital business under these conditions. I moved to the region thinking it’d be the perfect work-life balance — turns out, I spend more time battling Wi-Fi than building my business.”The federal government previously announced $6.5 million to fix blackspots in Gilmore, but residents say they’ve seen no real improvements, according to Dezarnaulds. With the May 3 federal election looming, many in the community say they’re fed up with empty promises and political point-scoring.“As an Independent, I’m not tied to party lines, I’ll stand up for what this community actually needs,” Dezarnaulds said.She points to Independent MP Helen Haines as proof of what’s possible.“Helen helped secure $20 million for mobile blackspots in regional Victoria. That’s the kind of result we need here on the South Coast. We’ve been promised better service before, but nothing’s changed. It’s time to hold decision-makers to account.”

When the harbour’s in trouble, call a six-year-old with a phone If you spotted the photo of the submerged yacht in Kiama Harbour in The Bugle last week, chances are you’ve already admired the work of one of our newest contributors. His name is Darcy O’Brien. He’s six. And he has no time to waste.  “I saw the boat sinking,” he said, matter-of-factly. “I told Mum to stop the car.” The car stopped, the phone came out, and before you could say “citizen journalist,” Darcy was framing the shot that would end up in the news.  The phone, for the record, is his mother’s basic Samsung device. Darcy's instincts, however, are anything but basic. He might only be in Year One at primary school, but Darcy already knows how to follow a breaking story.  He looked out the window and saw something strange. His photo was gripping. His theories were, frankly, irresistible. “I think it hit the rocks,” he explained. “Or maybe a shark. And then they got into a little boat and paddled to shore.” Mum, Jennifer, confirmed she was planning to keep driving.  “He begged me to stop. I said, ‘We’ll be late’. But we stopped anyway.” The Bugle was on the scene, with a reporter speaking to early-rising locals, including a pint-sized snapper with big ideas. It turns out this wasn’t Darcy's first shot. He’s been snapping since he was five.Mentors include Mum, Nonnie and Skippy, known as Granddad. His real passion, though, might be farm life. The O’Briens often head out to Neville, a speck of a place near Blayney, where Darcy rides motorbikes, swims in the dam, and helps round up the cattle.He’s learning about Black Baldies, Angus and Speckle Parks. He knows a Belted Galloway when he sees one. He’s already plotting his future.“I want to build dams,” he says. “And take pictures.” So here’s the deal. We’ve offered Darcy the unofficial title of Junior Reporter. His next assignment? “Darcy’s Farm Journeys” - a series of farm photos for a feature for The Bugle. He's agreed. With gusto. We can’t wait to publish the next chapter. And neither, we suspect, can his class at show-and-tell. Watch this space. There’s a new reporter in town.

Mike Hammond, zone commander south with Marine Rescue NSW, has just returned from the trip of a lifetime researching what the increasing popularity of electric-powered boats will mean for marine rescuers.Hammond, who supports around 1000 volunteer marine rescue responders from Port Kembla to Eden and inland to Moama on the Murray River, was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship to travel to nations including Sweden and Germany, two world-leaders in e-boat building and technology.It was a dream come true for the lifelong recreational boater, commercial skipper and Superintendent responsible for the safety of Marine Rescue NSW volunteer crews on the South Coast. Part of his role includes ensuring volunteers have all the safety training and assets needed to carry out what are often perilous maritime rescue missions. Hammond is no stranger to danger. During a stint with the State Emergency Service he helped land-based rescuers respond safely to incidents involving the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads. “We needed to give our road crash rescue teams the tools to be safe when they turn up to a road accident and the car that's upside down or in a ditch is an electric vehicle,” he explained. “The risks are different, big lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode in these kinds of situations. We needed to prepare those responders for that kind of emergency.”Mike travelled to Tokyo and met with officers from the Japan Coast Guard. Photo: Marine Rescue NSWWith a rise in electric boat technology - the Teslas of the sea - Mr Hammond realised he could use this experience and apply it to marine rescue. “We’ve seen the impact e-battery fires can have on land so we need to be prepared for marine rescue responders to know what they need to do if there is a battery fire on a boat, not only to help the people onboard but also how to keep themselves safe in the process.“I'm convinced that electric boat technology is very safe and it's not like we don't have fires on petrol boats either but I want our responders to be prepared for any safety risks posed by batteries.”Hammond began researching how to do this and came across the Churchill Fellowship. After a rigorous application and interview process he was one of more than 100 successful candidates and the first ever from Marine Rescue NSW.The fellowship allowed him to visit one of the world’s largest boat shows, Boot Düsseldorf and also see first-hand how marine rescue organisations in the UK, Sweden, the US and Japan manage electric boat technology.For six weeks, Hammond travelled around the globe exploring the growing electric boat market, which he says is several years behind EV cars but will become more popular over the next decade as the technology becomes less cost prohibitive. Mike was all smiles after riding the amazing Candela P12 foiling electric passenger ferry in Stockholm. Photo: Supplied“At the moment an electric boat can be triple the cost of a petrol boat but in Sweden they are already using a 12-metre, electric, carbon fibre, foiling ferry to carry passengers around Stockholm harbour,” he says. “It’s the way of the future but at the moment it’s very expensive. “Riding several foiling electric boats on the trip was a great experience, they look amazing and get a lot of attention. I’ve seen little dinghies and tenders with electric outboards here in Australia for years, but this was next level.”As to whether or not organisations like marine rescue would adopt the technology, Hammond is circumspect.“I think commercial operators will adopt the technology sooner because they are using their boats every day and so they will recoup the additional expense in a realistic timeframe. “At the moment it’s cost prohibitive for recreational boaters who might take it out once a week if they’re lucky. But I think the cost will come down.“In terms of using them for rescue, I think that's quite a way off because we never know how far we're going to have to travel during a search but there are hybrid electric boats that can potentially have the same distance and range as a traditional boat.“It also means you've got the benefit that you can operate on purely electric power at low speed for that’s helpful in a search situation when you're looking for a fisherman who has gone off the rocks. That sort of technology will allow you to hear someone calling out much more easily than a boat with two diesel engines humming all the time. And of course it’s much better for the environment.”For an organisation like Marine Rescue NSW which is largely funded by charitable donations, it will be a stretch to commit to that kind of cost, he added.“But we may be able to start exploring this technology on a small scale, and while we maintain our primary offshore rescue boats we could trial a smaller electric boat for harbour, river or bay rescue. “But I have no doubt we will start to see more electric boats on the water in the coming years and my priority is to make sure that our people are ready and safe to assist boaters who take up the technology.”

The Greens can often be pigeonholed into being known as a political party that only cares about the environment but their candidate for Gilmore believes perceptions are starting to catch up with reality.Debbie Killian is putting forward policies on a wide range of issues in the lead-up to the May 3 election and housing is a topic which is not just a nationwide issue but one that is hotly debated on the South Coast.“Housing is a complex dilemma for us. It is a massive issue in this electorate,” Killian told The Bugle.“Up and down our great long stretch of coast that Gilmore covers and in the inland areas, we've got a bit of a wicked combination - we've got working-class communities who don't necessarily have high income although we have pockets of high-income communities. “We have people who are battlers, large amounts of tourism industry but that has a big impact on availability of accommodation for people.“We have that kind of uncomfortable mixture that so much of Australia has where developers want to develop on land that is beautiful, fragile bushland by the beach in the places with the views.“And that's the place they want to develop and we need to protect that so we have to always have the balance between yes we need more housing stock but we need to protect those environments.“Not only our untouched bushland but also our farming land. We're farming communities and we need to hang onto that and we need to not lose the space that grows our food and keep our farmers going.”Killian said the capacity and the taste for high density housing is pretty limited with only the central parts of Kiama, Nowra and Batemans Bay capable of coping with that kind of development.“Our focus is on increasing density in places in urban environments rather than spreading out,” she added. “We definitely strongly oppose any kind of rampant development onto our natural sites, our bushland, particularly by the coast where it's so fragile and also limiting the spread on farmland.”The Greens’ policy is for the introduction of a government-owned developer who would construct more than 600,000 homes across the country in a decade with 30% to be sold below market value at just above construction cost.The remainder would be rented at 25% of household income or 70% of market value whichever is lower.Killian said another major housing-related issue was the amount of accommodation which is being lost to Airbnb-style short-term rentals.She believes it would be beneficial if that could be restricted so that tourists would be pushed back into traditional forms of accommodation with housing stock released for locals to rent, which would be particularly beneficial to people at the lower end of the market.

Kiama has again been nominated as a finalist for the Top Tourism Town Awards in 2025.After taking the top spot last year, KIama is in the running once more and Destination Kiama is calling on local residents to help make it back-to-back victories.If you love Kiama, its charm, coastline, community and character, now’s your chance to show it with public votes counting toward the final result.Destination Kiama would love it everyone in the LGA can support in spreading the word far and wide.Kiama has been nominated in the category for towns with a population over 5000.The other finalists on the shortlist at Ballina, Newcastle, Terrigal, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Kingscliff, Wagga Wagga and Kiama's nearest neighbours to the north, Shellharbour.Here's how you can help:✅ Cast your vote for Kiama✅ Share the voting link with your followers, friends and mailing lists✅ Use our social tiles and posters in your business and on social mediaLocal councillors and tourism officials gathered at Cin Cin's Wine Bar for the "Tourism After Dark" event last week.Cr Matt Brown proudly held up the 2024 Top Tourism Town trophy and urged locals to vote again.Imelda Laidler, Sally Bursell, Julie-anne Ratz at Cin Cin. Photo: The BugleA second win would lift Kiama into the Hall of Fame, keeping the spotlight on local success.Together, the local community can show the rest of NSW that Kiama isn’t just a beautiful destination, it’s a beloved community worth celebrating.You can cast your vote at the NSW Tourism website.

As Kiama Council finalises the $84 million sale of its aged-care facility Blue Haven Bonaira, now under the ownership of Hall & Prior, attention is turning to what comes next – especially for the disused Havilah Place site and the broader challenge of delivering housing that suits the community’s needs.Speaking with Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio (KCR), Councillor Stuart Larkins confirmed the deal was settled on 1 April after a $6 million reduction in price and several delays. Compensation was paid by Hall & Prior to cover Council’s extended operating costs. The provider plans to invest $1.2 million in upgrades to the facility’s bathrooms and independent living units.The transition ends Council’s direct role in residential aged care. But it raises the stakes for what remains – particularly the original Blue Haven site at Havilah Place, now fenced off and classified as hazardous after repeated break-ins and reports of people seeking shelter inside.A demolition report is expected at the next Council meeting, but locals can take heart that the adjacent community garden will be retained. “It will be excised from the site and kept as community land,” Cr Larkins said. “That’s something the community made very clear they wanted.”What happens to the remainder of the site, however, is still up for debate. Councillors Larkins and Imogen Draisma have pushed for the land to be repurposed for social and affordable housing, yet it is notably absent from the current draft of the Local Housing Strategy.“That’s a major oversight,” Cr Larkins said. “We need smaller, more accessible housing – not more five-bedroom homes with only two people living in them.”Housing stress is growing across the Kiama LGA, where rents are high and options limited. The community’s feedback has made clear the need for housing diversity – from single-level units for older residents to affordable rentals for essential workers.Cr Larkins pointed to missed opportunities at other sites too, including Iluka Crescent in Kiama Downs, which Council owns and currently maintains as underutilised green space. “It’s a site that could support some well-designed in-fill housing while still preserving public open space,” he said.He also raised concerns about the future of West Kiama and Bombo Quarry, two larger sites included in the housing strategy. While Bombo is earmarked for 1200 homes, its remediation may take up to seven years. West Kiama, currently under state review, remains controversial. “We need to be clear-eyed about what is actually feasible – and how to retain community control,” he said.Cr Larkins believes Council must keep pushing for better planning outcomes – and better infrastructure. “We need to advocate for highway access, public transport, and services that allow our community to age in place and stay connected.”💬 Have your say hereTune into Bernie Hems show at 9am on Tuesdays on KCR.

The Kiama Housing Strategy Forum provided a platform for residents to hear from planning, housing, and design experts while offering reflections on housing affordability, liveability, and the future shape of Kiama’s communities.Hosted by Kiama Council at The Sebel on Friday, it was held to encourage community input into the draft Local Housing Strategy which is on public exhibition.The session was structured around pre-submitted questions, giving the panel time to respond in depth, though this format limited direct audience interaction.Who was on the panel• Ed Paterson – Kiama Municipal Council Director of Planning and moderator of the event• Natalie Allan – Southern Cross Community Housing• Simon Kersten – Property professional, known for his pragmatic lens on local development and economics• Madeleine Scarfe – Architect, with expertise in place-based design and economic impact• Cathryn Lyall – President of Kiama Business Network and business and finance expert, offering a big-picture view of community resilience and sustainabilityMic drop moments💬 Natalie Allan:“Our perception of who we are directly influences the way we act.”She challenged the room to move beyond self-interest and nostalgia when writing submissions. Her message? Think community-first. Define “character” inclusively. And consider who benefits when we protect the status quo.💬 Simon Kersten:“We’re just exporting workers every morning and importing tourists every weekend.”Kersten’s quote hit hard, highlighting the imbalance between local housing and job opportunities, and making the case for tying economic development to housing growth.💬 Madeleine Scarfe:Highlighted the economic distortion of short-term rental accommodation, noting that a property rented at $1000 a night contributes less to the local economy than a long-term resident who buys groceries, uses local services, and sends their kids to school.💬 Cathryn Lyall:Reminded attendees that affordability isn't just about house prices. It is also about building a local economy with enough diversity that people can live, work, and age in place.Takeaway messageThe forum was not just about planning codes or zoning maps. It was a challenge to residents: to think bigger. To ask who is missing. And to ensure that Kiama remains not just a beautiful place to visit, but a place where people can afford to belong.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. If the current approach doesn’t reflect your priorities, you are entitled to contact your councillors directly and ask for changes that support a more liveable, affordable Kiama.The forum was rich with insight, lived experience and bold ideas. The Bugle will be sharing more highlights and panel discussions on The Bugle app over the next two weeks.

Funny as. A cast of characters. An odd assortment.They’re the blokes that get together at the Jamberoo Bakery at 6.15am every Monday and Friday.Such a simple idea. And such a huge success. The Man Walks which have now spread around Australia.The Man Walk was founded by Kiama local Mark Burns in 2018. There are now 84 chapters around Australia, as well as one in England and another in New Zealand.Jamberoo’s chapter was started by local real estate agent David Hall in 2019.“Hally”, as he is universally known, worked for many years as the sports editor for the Kiama Independent, the precursor to The Bugle. He is well aware of the issues facing men in the rural idyll of Jamberoo.“Walk, talk, support was the slogan which really attracted me,” he told The Bugle.“I could see the success of Kiama, but it’s a bit of a way at 6am, and I thought it’d be nice to have our own.“We had 10 at the first walk, and it has grown ever since. We were virtually strangers, and now I feel like I’ve got more than 20 new mates. It is just a really good feel.“I was confident it would work but I didn’t think we would get the numbers we’ve got, Now, we have more than 30 who walk regularly.“Getting men involved in something that is not too strenuous, starting early so if they’re working they can get away in time. That’s part of the reason it’s so successful.“We walk in different directions on the Monday and the Friday, about three kilometres each time.”Women network, but men form relationships through what they do, whether it’s working or golfing or drinking. Or in this case, walking.When they retire they are often lost, and feel very isolated. They look forward to their retirement, but when they get there they’re just plain lonely. They lose any social connection very quickly.“One of our walkers believes the whole thing has saved his life,” Hall said.“He was very isolated, and very depressed. This has given him a whole new outlet, and new friends. Another has a small farm out of town, and was just sitting at home. Not to embarrass him, but he says it’s been the greatest thing ever for him.”Ray Burley, a retired construction project manager, said: “Meeting other people, sharing stories, getting out in the morning and having a chat is really good for your mental health.“It’s good to talk about your health, because men don’t ever talk about that, not in front of their wives or girlfriends. You learn about the village and the goings on. It’s a social atmosphere. I enjoy it.”From local farmers to wealthy retirees, from the Snake Catcher of Jamberoo, the man you call when you have unwanted visitors in the back shed, to collectors of antique cars an makers of furniture to movers and shakers from the Big City simplifying their life, all get together at 6am.Always with a smile on their faces. Always with stories to tell.“Since we’ve first started we’ve had more than 250 walks, acquired sponsors and made a significant contribution to Jamberoo life,” Hall added.“From little things big things grow.”

A comprehensive list of unanswered questions about the finalisation of the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club project has been lodged by Cr Melinda Lawton, who is calling for full documentation to be added to Kiama Council’s Asset Register and made available for public accountability.The detailed question with notice (Item 19.2 on the agenda) for Tuesday's Council meeting) includes more than 50 documentation points spanning compliance certificates, as-built plans, warranties, maintenance schedules, financial reconciliations, environmental assessments and community usage registers.Cr Lawton described the surf club as “the most recently completed KMC project” and is seeking to ensure all builder and consultant documents have been accurately supplied, stored and referenced.She is also requesting a clear record of items purchased by lessees, community use logs, and formalised leasing agreements.“We need to close the loop properly on these major capital projects,” Cr Lawton said. “Our community deserves to know not just what’s been built, but how it’s being maintained, what we’re responsible for, and what’s been handed over.”Cr Lawton clarified her intent was not to single out the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, but to set a consistent standard across all Council-owned assets. “I want to make it clear the intention is to do all of this with all assets. I'm using this one as the start because it's the most recently completed,” she said.In a brief response, CEO Jane Stroud advised that the responsible officer is currently attending the Australasian Management Challenge and a full answer will be provided at the May meeting.The motion follows Cr Lawton’s earlier push for a full audit of Council’s asset records, signalling a broader call for governance rigour, particularly around high-profile, community-facing infrastructure.

Graham Brown is entering politics for the first time by running for Family First in the seat of Gilmore because he wants to help fellow small business owners and represent the majority of constituents rather than a vocal minority. The Moruya businessman is the managing director of Euro Civil, a company he started with his wife Julie a quarter of a century ago that installs safety barriers.He will go up against Labor incumbent Fiona Phillps, Liberal veteran Andrew Constance, Community Independent Kate Dezarnaulds and The Greens’ candidate Debbie Killian in the battle for Gilmore in the May 3 federal election.Brown said he decided to throw his hat into the ring because he believes Family First’s policies on a range of topics, including housing, immigration and support for small business. “I'm standing because I love this country,” he said.“I've had both sides of working on the farm and also working in the civil industry and you see a lot of stuff going on and I see that the frustration with the cost of living, the power prices going up when we were promised a reduction in power bills.“I'm very passionate about seeing the government being held accountable to and coming back to the core basics of what they stand for. “They're quick to throw money around to try and get people to vote for them but they're missing a lot of the main points.” “I guess I'm representing the underdog in a lot of ways, the people that own small businesses and don't get too much say in politics. “They've got to sit back and put up with what's thrown at them and by people that have never experienced life in the real world. “I left school at 15, worked on the farm and started my own business in between milkings, running mobile discos at night time and fencing contracting in the day.“Through hard work and determination I’ve given the customers what they want and that is what I stand for and I think that can apply to politics.“Giving people what they want without leaning towards a minority. “Basically, I just want to see the right thing done by this country. There are a lot of decisions that are being made that aren't in the country's interest. They might be in the minority's interest but not in the whole country's interest.”Brown’s view is that families are spending too much time working extra hours to cover for the rising cost of living, which is having flow-on effects.“Family values is the biggest thing that I'm all for,” he added.“I see mums and dads working hard, their families are left in daycares and the mums and dads are working on separate jobs and there's no family life.“We're living in a world now where we're paying high interest rates and the families have just got to spend their time working and not spending family time. “They're missing out on a lot of the family values and they don't get too much say. The schools tend to be helping to raise the kids instead of the parents because they're either in daycare or they're in schools and the parents get home at night.“It's causing a lot of issues with juvenile crime going through the roof. A lot of it's because they're not spending enough time with their parents and not getting that proper upbringing.“I think it's because the parents are too busy trying to pay the bills and the kids are left without proper parenting.”Small businesses are doing it tough because of the extra costs imposed, Brown added.“I was talking to a fella the other day who wants to start his own business but he said he just felt like every time he wanted to get going he had red tape and he's banging his head against the wall trying to get going. “Once upon a time it was just so easy to be able to. There were lots of incentives to get started but now it's like everything's against you. “You put in a tender for a contract that lasts five years and you’re not expecting the power prices to go through the roof and the costs of labour to go up.“It's sending a lot of small businesses broke because of the extra costs involved.”

Even though Mat King is a new face on the board of the Kiama Business Network, he’s quickly become one of its most passionate voices.“I’ve volunteered before,” he says, “but it’s always been a bit of a solo journey. This time, it feels completely different, it’s a team. And I’m learning something every time we sit down together.”As Vice President of the Network and owner of Creative Kooks, Mat brings an energy that blends grassroots enthusiasm with a hunger to learn. He’s the first to say he’s not the most experienced person at the table and that’s exactly what motivates him.“I believe if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room,” he says with a grin. “So I know I’m in the right place. I’m learning from people with backgrounds in HR, banking, law, people who’ve led careers, juggled families, and still show up with their hearts in the right place.”For Mat, the standout is the group culture itself - open, inclusive and powered by shared values.“There’s no ego, no hierarchy. If you bring an idea and it’s got heart, the board gets behind you.”That’s exactly what happened when he proposed a partnership with Headspace to run a mental health first aid course. Initially hoping for 10 participants, the event was overwhelmed by demand, with 47 people signing up in just a few days.“The community response was huge. It reminded us we were on the right track - that what we’re doing really matters.”It also showed Mat the unique impact of volunteering as part of a structured, supported team. The Network gave him the space to run with the project and the confidence to think about what’s next.Beyond his mental health initiatives, Mat is now working with the board on refreshing the local “Buy Local” campaign - aiming to better include online businesses and digital-first entrepreneurs.“I’ve realised volunteering like this isn’t just giving back - it’s building up. You grow your own business skills, make meaningful connections, and feel part of something bigger than yourself.”As a father, business owner, and active community member, Mat says his greatest reward is setting an example.“One day, I want my kids to be proud of what I’m doing - to see how important it is to give back, and how much joy and learning can come from being part of a team that genuinely cares.”It’s not just about volunteering anymore - it’s about community, collaboration and building a better Kiama together.