Imagine living in a town where you cannot get to the beach, the bathroom, or even a lookout without help.That is the daily reality for many people in our community who use wheelchairs, mobility aids, or have access needs that are still being overlooked.Kiama prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming.But if we are honest, there is still a long way to go when it comes to making our public spaces accessible to everyone. That means not just complying with technical codes but truly enabling people of all abilities to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.Take the beach, for example.If you have ever watched surfers glide through waves or kids building sandcastles, you know the joy our coastline brings.But try getting a beach wheelchair across uneven rocks or soft sand, and that joy quickly turns to frustration.Or try using the ambulant toilet at Kevin Walsh Oval in Jamberoo.It requires a key only available from the pub or the IGA. That is if you even know where to look.At Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, newly built facilities promised access but delivered a maze of obstructions and poor drainage.Eight weeks after council called for changes, the door still will not be accessible to everyone.These are not one-off problems.They are symptoms of a system that designs for people, not with them.John Maclean OAM, an elite athlete who uses a wheelchair, recently spent time in our region.After a career as rugby league player and following a training accident has adapted to life in a wheelchair by pushing extraordinary boundaries in sporting achievement as a wheelchair athlete.He reminded us how powerful it is to ask the question: what would this place look like if it was truly accessible to all? Not just technically compliant, but joyfully, freely usable.And he left us with a clear goal."Let’s make Kiama beaches accessible to all ages, all abilities, all the time."Cr Stuart Larkins agrees that accessibility must be a priority.Council has previously audited bathrooms and car parks, but he acknowledges that playgrounds and beaches have not yet been reviewed and should be next.He supports a community-led audit with people who have lived experience to inform future upgrades and ensure we get it right.The Bugle is calling for a local accessibility audit, and we believe it starts with listening.Listening to people who live with access barriers every day, who can point out the uneven ramp, the missing signage, the blocked path or the unnecessary key.This is not just about wheelchairs.It is about prams, walking frames, neurodivergent needs, sensory-friendly spaces, ageing knees and broken ankles.It is about ensuring that whether you are a child, a parent, a visitor or a lifelong local, you can enjoy the same Kiama as everyone else, not a limited version.Access should not be something people have to fight for. It should be built in from the start.So let us ask the question.What would true access look like here?Then let us work together across council, community and lived experience to make it real.

The Catholic Church community in the Diocese of Wollongong, which spans the coastal region from Gerringong north to Helensburgh, has expressed its deep sadness and profound gratitude following the death of Pope Francis.The 88-year-old died on Monday and there has been an outpouring of grief worldwide for the Catholic leader.The Bishop of Wollongong, Reverend Brian Mascord, issued a statement to say Catholics across the globe have joined in prayer and reflection, giving thanks to the Pope for "the extraordinary life and ministry of a man who touched the hearts of millions and whose papacy will be remembered for its compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel"."Pope Francis led the Church with a gentle strength, reminding us constantly of God’s love for the poor and marginalised," he said."His tireless advocacy for justice, peace and care for creation resonated far beyond the boundaries of our Church, inspiring people of all faiths and backgrounds to work together for a more just and sustainable world."Pope Francis’ focus on the kerygma, the simple yet powerful Gospel message, has been a particular inspiration for the Diocese of Wollongong. His words and example have encouraged us to renew our commitment to evangelisation."This is reflected in our 'Come and See, Go and Make' vision for parishes, which invites all people to encounter Jesus, be transformed, and become disciples themselves."We remember Pope Francis not only as a spiritual leader, but also as a pastor who genuinely cared for his flock. His warmth, his sense of humour, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a beloved figure around the world."He urged Catholics in the Wollongong Diocese to "carry forward the legacy of Pope Francis by living out the Gospel with the same love, compassion, and courage that he exemplified".Church services were held in Wollongong and Fairy Meadow on Tuesday morning by Bishop Mascord and Father Bernard Gordon to pay tribute to Pope Francis’ life of service to his religion.Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has opened a condolence book to commemorate the life of Pope Francis.The condolence book is available for signing now his electorate office at 102 Terralong Street, Kiama. The condolence books and their messages will be sent to The Vatican via the Australian Ambassador to the Holy Sea.Ward said regardless of whether you are a believer or a non-believer, this condolence book is an opportunity to reflect on the life of a person who made a significant contribution to global leadership, change and reform." As the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a figure of profound humility, compassion, and courage."He paid tribute to his "deep commitment to social justice, care for the vulnerable, and a tireless pursuit of peace". "On behalf of our local community, I extend heartfelt condolences to Catholics in our community and around the world. May his legacy of mercy and inclusion continue to inspire us all. May he rest in peace."

Kiama Council may be sitting on the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come often. The chance to build financial stability, community benefit and housing supply, all at once.But realising that potential will take fresh thinking, the right partnerships, and a willingness to draw on local expertise.Former mayor and experienced developer Neville Fredericks believes Council is in a unique position.“Council has two main options beyond rates and charges,” he said. “They can upzone land they own, and they can subdivide land they own. But they must get the structure right.”Fredericks, who has worked in the development industry for more than five decades, believes council should not be in the business of building.Instead, he says, they are well placed to add value through rezoning and then sell to experienced developers. Havilah Place is one such opportunity, he says. It is well located and holds potential for a more ambitious residential future.When it comes to subdivisions, he believes council could take the lead, but only with the right support in place.“Council staff work hard and bring important expertise, but the complexities of development today mean it’s essential to have oversight from people with on-the-ground experience who’ve worked through the full process before,” he added.That is why Fredericks is proposing a working group of local professionals who can guide any future development process.These would be volunteer positions, filled by respected individuals with experience in areas like development, planning, finance, surveying, and marketing.“The moment you form that kind of advisory group, you bring clarity, accountability and local insight into the process,” he said.He points to Spring Creek as one of the most significant opportunities.“Council owns the land. It is already zoned and has a development approval is in place. But until the quarry stops blasting, it cannot be developed,” he explains. “Now is the time to prepare. Council could be doing the engineering drawings, getting it ready so that the moment the restriction lifts, the tractors can roll. But without forward planning, another year or more could be lost.”Fredericks said Spring Creek alone could deliver more than $50 million in value to council and the broader community.“It is a massive opportunity. But it needs oversight and momentum. That is what a well-structured advisory group could provide.”He believes the broader community will support this kind of model.“There are people in Kiama with the right knowledge and willingness to contribute. This is not about telling council what to do. It is about partnering with them to help get the best result for everyone.”As Council explores its next steps for Spring Creek, Havilah Place and other key sites, Fredericks hopes decision makers will see the value in combining community-led oversight with professional knowledge.“This is about setting up the right foundations. And making the most of what we already have.”

If you’ve been left wondering whether your concerns about housing in the Kiama LGA are being heard, there’s another chance to join the conversation.An independent Community Forum will be held this Wednesday (23 April) at Kiama Leagues Club, hosted by Councillor Melinda Lawton.This forum offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from a panel of experts with deep roots in our region and strong views on the Kiama Draft Housing Strategy Version 2.Whether you’re curious, concerned or committed to helping shape a liveable future for our towns and villages, this event invites you to take a seat at the table.Who’s speaking, and why it mattersThe forum follows on from a Kiama Council-hosted breakfast forum at The Sebel earlier this month.While many found that event informative, others left with unanswered questions.This Wednesday’s session provides an alternative space for deeper discussion, reflection and community voice.Confirmed panel members include:Dr Tony Gilmour, retired affordable housing consultant and former Chair of Council’s Infrastructure & Liveability CommitteeMichelle Adair, Managing Director of Housing Trust, with a background in portfolio growth, advocacy and stakeholder engagementJacqueline Forst, social worker and service innovator with experience across NSW Health, aged care and the not-for-profit sectorDavid Pepper, environmental scientist and former builder, who now works in carbon and biodiversity credit marketsMadeleine Scarfe, local architect and community broadcaster at Kiama Community RadioJordan Casson-Jones, youth advocate and Greens candidate, representing a generation whose future depends on today’s decision.Their combined experience spans housing, health, architecture, climate, economics and community development.Be part of the solutionYou’re invited to come along, listen, and participate in a meaningful conversation about what kind of housing future we want — and need — for the Kiama LGA.If you can’t attend in person, consider tuning in to the two-part Kiama Community Radio recording from the earlier Sebel event, available on the KCR website.And if you’ve still got questions — or if the strategy feels more like ticking boxes than telling our community’s story — then this forum is for you.📍 Wednesday 23 April 2025🕕 6:00pm📌 Kiama Leagues Club🎟️ All welcome — free entry, RSVP encouragedFor more info or to book a spot, visit here

New league tables have confirmed what local councils have long argued: they’re not the only ones slowing down development applications.For years, councils have worn the blame for sluggish DA processing. Now, fresh transparency from the NSW Government is helping set the record straight, and Kiama Municipal Council is using it to make practical changes.Published league tables now hold 22 state agencies accountable for the time they take to respond during the process. For the first time, both state and council data can be viewed side by side.“It’s a fairer picture,” said a spokesperson for Kiama Council, which has already made a series of internal improvements that are reflected in its latest rankings.Those improvements include better monitoring of DA timeframes and upcoming community consultation on a revised Development Assessment Policy. The new policy will clarify when Council will request more information from applicants and when it will simply refuse incomplete DAs.It’s a shift prompted by new ministerial expectations, which ask councils to stop carrying weak applications.Kiama’s Planning and Development team is also preparing for future reforms, even though the much-hyped mid-rise and TOD pathways haven’t landed locally yet.So far, no such applications have been lodged in the Kiama LGA, likely due to market constraints and the challenge of assembling infill lots.But Council says real collaboration with state agencies remains limited. Although councils must refer to state departments during the DA process, all communication must go through the NSW Planning Portal. This restricts real-time discussion. Instead, Kiama is pushing for earlier cooperation through strategic work like the Local Housing Strategy. It is also calling on the state to release similar performance data for infrastructure and essential services approvals, often a hidden source of delay for developers and homeowners.The new approach, Council says, is not just about process.It is about shifting the relationship from blame to partnership.“Councils are the first sphere of government and the closest to the people we serve,” said LGNSW Vice President, Mayor Claire Pontin.With league tables on both sides now live, the pressure and the opportunity to work together is finally clear.

A recent post on the Kiama & Neighbouring Districts Community Page has sparked debate after it included photos and alleged names of boys said to be behaving aggressively around the Kiama Downs IGA and a nearby gym.The anonymous poster accused the boys of swearing, throwing objects, and damaging public property – including a bathroom used by gym patrons and people who use mobility aids.The post included photos and named several young people, calling for their parents to intervene.While the allegations are serious, the way they were aired has prompted wider concerns.Police say: don’t post, reportNSW Police has confirmed that no incidents at Kiama Downs IGA have been reported to them.A NSW Police spokesperson told The Bugle: “NSW Police encourages members of the public not to post crimes on social media, but to report matters of concern to NSW Police."Reporting crimes online may identify victims of crime or addresses, which can have significant privacy or safety implications."The sharing of information and/or CCTV/images can also potentially compromise ongoing police investigations or negatively impact court proceedings."The posting of vision of crimes online can now be subject to prosecution under NSW Government ‘post-and-boast’ legislation.”Instead, police say information should be provided directly via the Police Assistance Line (131 444), Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000), or a local police station.While taking photos in a public place is generally legal, publishing those images online – especially when the subject is a minor – is fraught with risk. Defamation, breaches of privacy, and interference with due process are just some of the concerns raised by legal experts.In this case, the Facebook post remained online for several days before it was finally taken down. During that time, it was widely viewed, despite at least one parent asking for it to be removed.What may feel like community accountability can easily veer into harmful territory.Posts like this may inadvertently cause long-term damage to young people, especially if names and faces are shared before any proper investigation has taken place.As one local community member put it, “Why not take the footage and concerns straight to the police, rather than the court of public opinion?”

On the main street of Kiama, the recently refurbished Kai Lunar is setting itself apart with a brand new look. The owner of Kai Lunar, Leonie Pitt, recently reopened her decor, lifestyle and clothing store on Friday 4 April after four days of renovating the store, bringing in new brands, restocking, and giving the space a unique feel.Kai Lunar invites customers into a store that’s accessible, bright, fresh, clean, inviting and easy to shop.Leonie’s 30 years of customer service experience shine through with her approachable demeanour, shop presentation skills, and the way she looks after her staff members.Kai Lunar provides something for everyone. She caters to a wide price range and notes that retail is much tougher now than it was 10 years ago.“You've got to pivot in retail, you've got to go with the trends, and you've got to be on your toes all the time. Because if you don't pivot and don't go with the trends, then you get left behind,” Leonie said.Kai Lunar aims to set itself apart, if not through its products, then through the service it provides. Leonie says what makes customers come in and feel comfortable is the service they receive.Kai Lunar currently has 20 to 50 percent off summer stock for the next few weeks to get ready for their new season stock. 

Kiama Councillor Stuart Larkins has welcomed the intent behind the Minns Government’s planning reforms, including the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus, while urging a considered approach for the Kiama area.“The real issue here isn’t just how many homes we build. It’s about the diversity of homes we’re offering,” he said, pointing out that Kiama lacks housing that suits people with different needs, including key workers and smaller households.His comments came in response to a media release announcing a $70 million development in central Wollongong.The project will deliver 145 apartments, including 25 affordable homes that will remain accessible to low and moderate income earners for at least 15 years.The mixed-use development will also include ground floor retail and commercial space and will be managed by Evolve Housing.Cr Larkins said he would watch with interest how this model works. While supportive of the goals, he noted Kiama Council has already taken steps to support housing diversity by agreeing to increase height and density limits in the town centre.He cautioned that a policy developed with metropolitan areas in mind may not always suit a regional community like Kiama.Alongside Councillor Imogen Draisma, he has called for a Council report on potential opportunities for housing developments supported by federal and state grants.He believes the former Havilah Place nursing home site should be prioritised. “That site should be a focus,” he said.On the 15-year guarantee for affordable housing, which is a requirement under the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus, Cr Larkins said it should be seen as a bare minimum. He would like to see longer term commitments for social and affordable housing in the Kiama LGA.He also reaffirmed that Minnamurra and Gerringong are unsuitable for the Transport Oriented Development policy. However, Kiama and Bombo may offer future opportunities, and Council’s submission reflected this.Council’s strategic documents, including the Housing Strategy, should reference funding opportunities even though specific programs may change with different governments. “Grant funding should always be pursued,” he said.As the Council representative on the local traffic committee, Larkins said community concerns around parking and infrastructure will be raised and addressed as needed.He acknowledged that increased density often raises pressure points in town centres but said Council would respond case by case.He also expressed support for mixed-use housing in central areas, such as shop-top developments that combine residential, retail and service access. “I would certainly prefer such buildings are in town centres,” he said.

Bank of Sydney is encouraging community groups in the Kiama local government area to consider applications for its $20,000 Grant for Good community grant which are now open.Local organisations and initiatives that promote social inclusion activities, health and wellbeing, sports and other fields that will benefit local communities are encouraged to apply.Since 2021, Bank of Sydney’s annual Grant for Good has distributed $90,000 to local organisations supporting Australian communities - from providing essential food and supplies, to free school lunches and equipment for disadvantaged children, to creating employment pathways for migrant and low socioeconomic communities.Bank of Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Melos Sulicich, said: “We’re proud to support incredible organisations and initiatives that make a real difference in our local communities. Amid the rising cost of living, it’s these organisations that are often making the biggest difference supporting our most vulnerable, and we’re committed to backing them with our annual Grant.In 2024, Carevan Blacktown, a not-for-profit organisation that provides over 150 free meals weekly to those in need in the Western Sydney region, received Bank of Sydney’s Grant for Good.The grant enabled Carevan Blacktown to rent a new warehouse facility to store food, clothing, transportation vehicles, and other essential supplies to meet the growing demand for their services, as more Australians face financial hardship due to the rising cost of living.An honorary Grant for Good donation of $10,000 was also given to Backpacks 4 SA Kids, providing essential supplies to children in need, offering comfort and security during difficult times.To apply for a Bank of Sydney Grant for Good, or to nominate a deserving initiative, visit www.banksyd.com.au/grantforgood. Applications close on 4 June 2025.

It was his first marathon - and he won it. James Asquith, co-director of Kiama Downs support work company Movement Five, took out the Run Shellharbour Marathon on April 6.Not only did Asquith get the win, but it also became a community moment for Movement Five. Staff members and participants were out on the course either running or manning the water stations, creating an atmosphere of support that Asquith credits for helping him reach the finish line.“We had five clients running the aid station and three others joined in the five-kilometre fun run with a staff member, which was so awesome,” says Asquith.“Plus, we had 10 staff members doing the half marathon. "So it was actually really engaging, as far as runs go, because I was kind of keeping my eye out, looking for familiar people as opposed to worrying about how fast I was going or how much further I had to go to run.”James Asquith running past one of the Movement Five aid stations. Source: James AsquithAsquith crossed the finish line in front of 166 other competitors in a remarkable 2 hours, 52 minutes and 53 seconds - well under his ambitious sub-three-hour goal.“I thought I might be able to crack three hours, but being my first marathon, I knew it’d be tough,” he says.“Everyone talks about the 32-kilometre mark, when you hit the wall. I was a bit hesitant to set a big goal because of that.But once I hit 21 kilometres, I felt really confident - like I could not only meet the goal, but beat it. That was a great feeling.”Running, he says, has become more than just a physical challenge - it’s a tool for mental clarity, and something he hopes to share with the people Movement Five supports.“The endorphins I get from running outdoors, and the lift in energy and productivity that lasts for hours afterwards - I haven’t found that in any other sport,” Asquith says.“A big part of what we’re trying to promote at Movement Five is going beyond traditional support work and becoming more like mentors. "If we can be positive role models, show up for ourselves, and pursue what brings us joy, then hopefully the people we support will feel inspired to do the same.”As for what’s next, Asquith has set his sights high on a future place in the Boston Marathon.The Movement Five support crew. Source: James Asquith“There are qualifying times and specific events you have to run at - and only a few of those happen around the world,” he says. “But that would be the ultimate goal.”Asquith’s marathon success is more than just a personal milestone - it’s a testament to the strength of the Movement Five community he’s helped build.

It was the kind of moment you only get in a place like Jamberoo.The main street had been closed for the Anzac Day service, and while a tractor quietly rerouted through the backstreets, the milk tanker had no choice but to wait.It was a pause that seemed fitting, the village, built on farming and community, stopping to remember.Among the highlights of the parade was Max Brennan, proudly seated beside his son in his vintage Jeep, medals pinned to his blazer, watching the crowd with quiet pride.Max Brennan who turns 90 this July, first served through national service, stationed in barracks at both Singleton and Holsworthy. Photo: Linda FaiersThe Jeep itself has been part of Max’s life for close to 60 years, and part of the parade for almost as long.Until last year, Max was behind the wheel himself.Max, who turns 90 this July, first served through national service, stationed in barracks at both Singleton and Holsworthy.His son Craig says Anzac Day has always been important to him.“Dad’s still as committed as ever,” he said. “He asked me last weekend if there was any way he could get his licence back just for a week, so he could drive the Jeep himself.”That wasn’t possible, not this year. Last May, Max suffered a serious fall, breaking his hip and spending much of the past eight months in hospital.Now living in aged care, he wasn't going to miss the march.Craig took the wheel of the Jeep this year, wearing a blue shirt and an even bigger smile. “Dad was pretty chuffed,” he said. “You could tell.”As the march rolled on, horses and riders stopped outside the Jamberoo Pub, a scene that felt like something out of another time.Photo: Amanda LargeLocals applauded. Schoolchildren stood quietly. Veterans looked on. And the heart of a small village beat steady in its own way.When Max Brennan takes part in the Anzac Day parade, it means something.To him, and to everyone watching.This year, it wasn’t just a ride in a Jeep he’s owned for nearly 60 years.It was a quiet act of resilience, the kind that speaks louder than words.And in Jamberoo, even the milk tanker knows when it’s time to pause.

At first glance, it seems like a simple request. A pedestrian crossing, near a school, used by children, parents, prams and residents from a nearby aged-care village.But what should be a straightforward safety improvement at the corner of Belinda Street and Rowlins Road in Gerringong has become a lesson in government complexity, community frustration and bureaucratic gridlock.Civil engineer Lewis Browne is one of several concerned residents who have joined Melanie Pearce, representing the Gerringong Public School P&C, in a long campaign to have the crossing upgraded.Pearce first lodged a formal complaint with Kiama Council in December 2022 and has been advocating ever since.She has coordinated with the school principal, gathered community feedback, launched a petition and supported Council’s interim solution of using parent volunteers to manage flags for a designated children’s crossing.Ultimately, the goal is to see the site upgraded to a zebra crossing, which would then make it eligible for a Transport for NSW funded school crossing supervisor.Since changes were made to the intersection in 2022, removing the previous median and installing kerbside blisters and coloured pavement, parents have felt the crossing is less safe. The design leads to confusion for pedestrians and drivers.“We’ve all been told the crossing is technically compliant, but compliance doesn’t mean safe,” said Lewis. “There’s confusion for kids, but also for the adults supervising them. Drivers don’t know whether to stop or not. It’s not clear.”While Council insists the current arrangement is the best available option under existing standards and funding, Lewis sees the situation differently. Drawing on his engineering background, he says the improvements made so far have merit but fall short of what is needed.“The blisters and fencing help. But if this were a workplace safety issue, there would be a formal review process, risk assessment and change. That has not happened here. Bureaucracy, lack of funding and even a staffing gap at Council are holding back safety improvements.”One suggested alternative, a raised pedestrian crossing, was rejected by Kiama Council due to concerns about truck noise. Lewis acknowledged the road was a key heavy vehicle route used by fuel tankers and Cleary Brothers quarry trucks.Council also declined a standard zebra crossing, citing the risk of driver complacency outside school hours. But Lewis is not convinced. Most importantly, they slow traffic down. That is what keeps everyone safe.“When the school zone lights are flashing, drivers are already alerted. A zebra crossing would reinforce that message. The current set-up causes confusion for both pedestrians and drivers. The solution of adding children crossing flags at peak times would only increase the uncertainty.”What is also at stake is equity. The crossing is used not only by school children but also by older residents from the adjacent aged-care village.The current arrangement provides minimal understanding of the legal right of way, and no visual clarity. In a community where state and federal governments are encouraging older Australians to stay active and mobile, this kind of infrastructure sends the opposite message.Pearce and Browne are not asking for miracles. They are asking for a clear commitment to review the current situation, reassess the risks and work towards an upgrade that reflects both the everyday use of the crossing and the future safety needs of the neighbourhood.“If we want kids and older people walking more, we need to make it safe and simple to cross the road,” Pearce added. “It’s really not that much to ask.”You can find the Belinda Street Pedestrian Crossing, Gerringong - Safety Concerns Petition here

A boardrider swept out to sea in huge swell off Werri Beach on Saturday was pulled to safety by Gerringong surf lifesavers in a tense rescue that played out between towering waves, fast decisions and steady radio support from shore.The beach had been closed due to dangerous conditions, with waves topping three metres.But just after 9.30am, word came through that a board rider had been spotted in trouble south of the headland – far beyond the break and drifting.“We were sitting at the kiosk having a coffee,” said long-time Gerringong SLSC member Mark Booth. “A club member rang – someone on the headland had seen a board rider drifting south, holding up his arm.”Booth and club captain Simon Sadler launched the inflatable rescue boat (IRB) and began picking their moment.“It was a real game of cat and mouse,” Booth said. “You’ve got to find a little lull – a gap between sets – and make your move. It was rough out there.”Even once clear of the surf zone, the conditions made it hard to locate the man. “He was nearly 800 metres out, almost off Boat Harbour. We honestly didn’t expect him to be that far. We were zigzagging, looking, trying to spot him in the swell.”Click on the YouTube link to watch the drone footage of the rescue. Footage Credit: NSW DPI A patrol drone operator eventually located the board rider and guided the IRB team in. “He’d cramped up, but what really stood out was how calm he was,” Booth added.“He’d made the smart decision to stay on his board, stay visible, and wait. That made all the difference. Panic can be dangerous – but he kept a clear head the whole time.”They fitted him with a life jacket, pulled his board into the IRB, and timed their return perfectly between two big swells. “We just ran it in – it was clean, thankfully. But it could have gone the other way.”The boardrider didn’t require medical help but was clearly relieved.The beach remained closed all day. Patrol members stayed on duty, with large crowds continuing to gather despite warnings. The rescue has also brought renewed attention to wider safety concerns. “We’ve had a huge demographic shift in people on our beaches,” Booth said. “Big groups coming down from Western Sydney – many with no background in ocean swimming."They want to enjoy this coastline, and they should. But they need the tools and the education to stay safe.”Booth, who has patrolled Werri since 1978, sees prevention as the heart of the work. “Most of what we do is quiet. It's guiding people back in before something happens. The rescues make the headlines – but the goal is to make sure they’re rare.”

With Kiama facing mounting housing affordability challenges, the role of short-term rental accommodation platforms like Airbnb has come under increased scrutiny.As of early 2024, non-hosted short-term rental accommodation (STRA) accounts for around 1% of private housing stock in NSW, according to data cited by the Real Estate Institute of NSW.In Kiama, the figure is closer to 6%, based on estimates shared during recent housing strategy consultations.This stark contrast highlights the disproportionate impact of STRAs on housing availability in the region, raising concerns that growing tourist demand is pushing out long-term residents and exacerbating the local housing crisis.At last Friday's housing strategy forum, local architect Madeleine Scarfe highlighted the economic implications of STRAs, noting that properties rented for $1,000 a night often contribute less to the local economy than long-term residents.She proposed measures such as requiring development applications for STRAs exceeding certain rental days and adjusting rates to reflect their commercial use.Community Housing Provider Natalie Allan emphasised the potential for STRAs to be converted into long-term rentals through partnerships with housing providers, offering property owners stable income and tax incentives.Allan emphasised the importance of converting short-term rentals into long-term housing.She highlighted that such partnerships could provide property owners with stable income and tax incentives, while increasing the availability of affordable housing for local residents.Kiama Council is exploring options to regulate STRAs more effectively.While the NSW Government currently allows up to 180 days of non-hosted STRA per year, other regions like Byron Bay have implemented stricter caps to address housing shortages.Council is considering similar measures, including day caps and levies on non-hosted STRAs, to encourage property owners to return homes to the long-term rental market.Residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing consultation process to shape policies that reflect the community's needs and values.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 27 April .You can read it and share your views at yoursay.kiama.nsw.gov.au/local-housing-strategy.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.

Kate Dezarnaulds doesn’t see herself as a teal candidate for Gilmore but she’s flattered by the comparison. The Community Independent candidate is positioning herself as a viable alternative to Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips and the Liberal Party’s Andrew Constance in the race to win the closely contested seat at the May 3 federal election. Phillips won by just 373 votes from Constance to claim the narrowest margin of victory in the 2022 election.There were seven teal independents who won seats in WA, Victoria and NSW at the last election and they could have a major say in whether Anthony Albanese retains government or Peter Dutton springs an upset for the Coalition.Dezarnaulds’ camp claims pre-polling research puts her primary vote at around 13% in Gilmore and if they can get that above 20% they could be in with a chance of carrying that momentum into the election to win the seat on preferences.“We are yellow rather than teal - there's a reason we've chosen yellow for our brand for the campaign,” she said with a laugh.“But I'm not at all offended by the comparison with the female independents who have really accelerated action on climate change and advanced the case for integrity and politics and transformed the gender make-up of our parliament.“If somebody looks at the Kate 4 Gilmore campaign and thinks that there is a resemblance between what we are doing and what Allegre Spender or Monique Ryan or Zoe Daniel have done then I'm very flattered. I mean what a brilliant company to be a part of.”Dezarnaulds has been getting out and about in the community, up and down the South Coast, hosting Politics in the Pub sessions, screenings of the No Safe Seat documentary, an online youth forum, and meet and greats in several townships.Kate Dezarnaulds speaks at a meet the candidates forum. Photo: SuppliedThe Politics in the Pub event in Kiama was largely focused on environmental issues, such as electric vehicles, which are not a common sight on the roads in Gilmore.“There is 0.8% of our vehicle registrations in Gilmore that are for EVs,” she said.“That figure is 15% in the cities and in European countries that's now up to 50% so the people of Gilmore are being left behind when it comes to the benefits of electrification for vehicles.“I'm really keen to see our small businesses and our households benefit from the cost savings and lower costs that come from electric vehicles.“I think there are some historical fears around what they call range anxiety and the perception has been that EVs are more expensive.“There are fewer of our vehicle retailers in the region selling EVs than in the city and we need to upscale our mechanics and our electricians in our workforce to be able to service them reliably in the region.“We should look forward to much wider adoption and we just need to get the fast charging infrastructure in place so that the increasing proportion of people heading off on road trips out of Sydney and Canberra don’t skip the South Coast as a destination because they worry about they're not being enough fast charging infrastructure when they get here."Dezarnaulds said eco-anxiety was a prominent topic in the online youth forum while the screenings of the No Safe Seat documentary had received positive reactions.Kate speaks at the Politics in the Pub session at Kiama. Photo: SuppliedNarrated by Julia Zemiro, the film has been produced by Climate 200 group which has helped bankroll Dezarnaulds’ campaign and it tells the story of the community independence movement in Australian politics. “It's a brilliant way to put the Kate 4 Gilmore campaign in the context of a wide grassroots movement across the country and transforming the way that we do politics in Australia,” Dezarnaulds said. “It's been a brilliant way for our volunteers and supporters to see that they are part of a bigger movement and for them to feel the possibility of success and a great opportunity for people to be able to get an overview of the impact that the community independence movement is having on the political landscape in Australia.”

Before you click “submit,” on your Draft Housing Stategy V2 submission, consider this: what does “character” actually mean to you?At the recent Kiama Housing Strategy forum, community housing expert Natalie Allan posed a quiet but powerful challenge to the room.“When we talk about character,” she said, “we need to be honest about whose perspective we’re speaking from.What is the character to a single mum working shifts? To an older person renting? To a young couple trying to stay near family? We need to define it before we defend it”Our perception of who we are directly influences the way we act,” she added, urging attendees to move beyond “my view is my view” thinking.She encouraged residents to see themselves not just as individuals with private interests, but as part of a collective. In her closing remarks, she returned to this theme, asking people to write submissions that reflect what is good for the whole community, not just what benefits them personally.Architect and Greens councillor Melinda Lawton reflected on Natalie’s comments after the meeting. Cr Lawton described community as more than just proximity.“It’s that sense of belonging,” she said. “It’s people knowing you when you walk into a shop. It’s people checking on people. It’s that village atmosphere.”Cr Lawton pointed to Erskineville, a suburb in the heart of Sydney’s 5.5 million–strong population, as proof that a village feel is possible anywhere, but only with the right planning and commitment to connection.All speakers challenged the room to reflect on what values are embedded in their vision of Kiama’s future and whose voices are too often left out.With the strategy on public exhibition until 27 April, residents are being urged to share their views.Not just about density, setbacks or streetscapes, but about the kind of community they want to nurture and the values that should shape it.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.

Saltmarsh ecosystems across the South Coast will get a lifeline under a federal government plan to clean up the degraded habitats.The $600,000 funding commitment, announced by Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips and Whitlam candidate Carol Berry if the Labor government is re-elected, will help not-for-profit Ozfish partner with Batemans Bay, Burrill Lake and Lake Illawarra communities to rehabilitate saltmarsh sites. “Saltmarshes provide shelter for juvenile fish and popular recreational fish species, as well as being prawn-production powerhouses,” said Ryan Lungu, OzFish Program Manager NSW Coast.“But there has been a large decline in saltmarshes across the South Coast.”Recreational fishers, traditional owners and councils will work with OzFish to monitor and improve the saltmarshes, with funding used to remove rubbish and weeds, plant native species and run educational workshops and waterway assessments.    The saltmarsh restoration project would boost water quality and better protect native species living in the waterways, said Phillips, who has called on community volunteers to join Ozfish in rehabilitating coastal waterways. “Our local waterways are so important to our community,” she said. “We have many community groups engaged with keeping our waterways clean, and I am pleased to be giving this money to OzFish so that local volunteers can help maintain our important saltmarshes in the Clyde River and Burrill Lake.”Berry said locals and tourists were drawn to Lake Illawarra for recreational activities like fishing and swimming. “It’s so important that we look after the lake for generations to come,”she said. “I am pleased that OzFish volunteers have put their hand up to look after our important saltmarshes along Lake Illawarra and am proud to be delivering this funding to them.”  

The scones are rising, the teacups are polished, and the tables are filling fast.The Gerringong Committee of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is getting ready to host its much-anticipated Mother’s Day Weekend High Tea on Saturday 10 May at 2pm, and tickets are expected to fly out the door.Held at Gerringong Town Hall, the event is known for its warmth, elegance and generosity of spirit. Guests can expect delicious homemade treats, dainty sandwiches, and plenty of good company – all served by the hardworking volunteers of one of the town’s most enduring community groups.Tickets are $35 per person with tables of up to eight people, and go on sale from Sunday 28 April at trybooking.com/CZYKA. As regulars know, tickets often sell out within hours.Behind the High Tea is a story of remarkable local commitment. The Gerringong CMRI Committee has been raising funds since 1959 – through catering, craft shows, raffles, trivia nights and, of course, tea."You never know when you're going to need it," says Gwen Wishart, who joined the group in 1964. Now a great-grandmother, she still volunteers, still bakes, and still believes deeply in the cause.CMRI supports vital research into childhood disease, and local committees like Gerringong’s ensure nearly every dollar raised goes directly to science.It’s a cause that inspires loyalty and laughter, from long-standing members to newcomers."I don’t quilt and I don’t cook, but I can wash up and run a Bunnings barbecue," says Brenda Davy, who moved to Gerringong in 2020 and found herself part of the team after Lorraine Peade helped cater her wedding.Lorraine Peade, a member since the 1990s and now the group’s publicity officer, says the strength of CMRI lies in its community."There’s a place for everyone. If you care, you belong."Joyce, 94, is a founding and Life Member who still attends meetings and hand-embroiders coat hangers. Holly Fogarty (née Bailey) and Kate Cutri (née Cronin) represent a new generation, bringing cupcakes and creativity to the cause.And while the tools have changed – events now sell out online, and card readers have replaced cash boxes – the commitment hasn’t."We laugh a lot, and we work hard," says Lorraine. "And if something goes wrong, we just pour more tea."The next meeting is Monday 2 June at 7pm at Gerringong Town Hall. Everyone is welcome. Just bring a smile – and maybe a sponge cake.

Beachgoers are being urged to exercise extreme caution at Kiama’s beaches this week, with hazardous surf conditions expected from Thursday due to a deepening low-pressure system off the east coast.Club Captain Natasha Osmond-Dreyer from Kiama Surf Life Saving Club is urging locals and visitors to take the warnings seriously.“We know Easter is a popular time to head to the beach, but these conditions are not to be underestimated,” she said. “We are expecting large, powerful waves and strong currents, which pose a serious risk to even confident swimmers.”The Bureau of Meteorology has issued coastal hazard warnings for much of the New South Wales coast, including the Kiama region, with gusty winds and large swells likely to impact exposed beaches.Ms Osmond-Dreyer recommends:Swimming only at patrolled beaches and always between the red and yellow flagsStaying well clear of rock platforms, cliff edges and exposed coastal tracks, especially during high tideReconsidering plans to go surfing or boating until the swell easesKeeping a close eye on children and weaker swimmers, even in shallow water“The best thing you can do for yourself and for our lifesavers is to follow the advice, be sensible and stay safe. If in doubt, don’t go out,” she said.Conditions are expected to ease after the weekend. Updates will be available through the Bureau of Meteorology and Surf Life Saving NSW.For up-to-date local surf conditions, check BeachSafe.org.au or visit the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club Facebook page.