Wilson, Jillian Diane (née Brown) 28/12/1947 - 30/5/2025.Jill, loving wife of Barry, adored mother of Adam and Craig, cherished mother-in-law of Trish, and beloved grandmother to Lucas and Mae.Treasured sister/sister-in-law of Margaret and Jimmy, Don and Christie, Katrina and Jeremy. A kind and loving aunt and great-aunt to their children and grandchildren.A true and gentle friend to so many.Jill was warm, modest and unassuming, her intelligence and curiosity were boundless. She enjoyed an insatiable love of learning.Farewell dear Jillian. You've left an indelible mark on all our hearts, and we will miss you ... so deeply.Funeral service at 10am, June 13, Uniting Church, Kiama, followed by burial at Bombo Cemetery.

The inaugural Kiama Night-Time Economy Forum broke new ground in aligning local business operators, politicians and community leaders on a path towards shaping the town’s twilight and evening trading economy.Monday’s event at The Pavilion was such a success that the attendees are keen to continue to catch up on a regular basis.Hosted by Kiama Council in conjunction with the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the forum aimed to connect local business owners, operators, and stakeholders to foster a shared vision around a more vibrant, inclusive and community-led Kiama After Dark.There were 25 local business and industry stakeholders, including Kiama Business Network president Cathryn Lyall, Special Entertainment Precinct Working Group represntative Katelin McInerny, local councillors Melissa Matters, Matt Brown, Melinda Lawson and Stuart Larkins, and Kiama Council’s director of planning, environment and communities Ed Paterson.Kiama Council’s tourism and economic development manager Sally Bursell and Ashleigh Smith, associate director of eEngagement for the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, made presentations at the forum about options on the way forward for the town to grow the night-time economy.Bursell said the forum shifted the focus beyond alcohol-based venues to embrace a broader definition of the night-time economy, including “lights, eats, beats.”The aim is to explore opportunities to grow Kiama’s after-dark identity in line with community values and local strengths, to encourage local leadership and collaboration while providing a platform to contribute ideas for the emerging Visitor Economy Strategy, which includes the development of a Night-Time Economy Strategy.“It was all really positive, I was a bit nervous walking in because there’s lots of passionate people with big ideas but the whole purpose was to get people together to start talking among themselves because there’s only limited things we can do from a Council point of view,” she said.“To remind them that they pla a part was really valuable and the takeaways that they wanted to get together on a regular basis between themselves and keep the communication lines open going forward so that in itself was the most positive step that we’ve had in a number of years.“It was a valuable step forward.”Little Betty's. Photo: Jon HarrisKiama is at the “emerging stage” of the NSW Night-Time Economy Maturity Framework and the first step in that process is getting the local leaders and business operators together to identify the barriers and where opportunities are in the local government area.Further work will be done to develop the Visitor Economy Strategy which will incorporate the night-time strategy with a view to submitting grant applications from the state government to fulfil the vision that Council wants for Kiama’s after dark economy after also consulting with ratepayers.In her presentation, Smith outlined how the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner can support regional towns like Kiama with government initiatives and grant programs.She emphasised a holistic view of night-time vibrancy, including the arts, food, connection, safety and community identity, was the way forward.As part of the forum, the attendees were separated into small groups to formulate a vision for "Our Kiama After Dark".The common themes of this exercise were that Kiama needed a night-time economy that was safe, accessible, connected and vibrant.Precinct planning will explore options for after-dark districts or groupings but local residents should not be concerned that Kiama will transform into a hotbed of loud, late-night activity.“While Kiama is markedly different from larger centres that have a thriving night-time economy, we can pursue a future that may not promise immediate transformation but builds steadily by leaning into what makes us unique - our rich culture and history, our commitment to safety and community, our celebrated events, and the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Bursell added.“From this foundation, Kiama can develop a night-time economy that is not only active and engaging but also deeply reflective of our character.“A future where locals and visitors alike can experience Kiama’s charm after dark - connected, enriched, and inspired.”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council wanted to provide businesses with the opportunity to open up later to employ more local staff.“It's about enabling a vibrant economy into the night to attract people into the area so that our business can flourish,” he said."Although we just won the Top Tourist Town 2025, we're more than just a tourist town.“We're a town that the local people want to enjoy as well. A vibrant nighttime economy - and from an arts and cultural perspective - is something that I think we should aspire to.”

Police have thanked the public after their appeal for assistance to locate a girl missing in the Illawarra.Bella Morley, aged 11, was missing after she had last been seen in Wiseman Park, Wollongong, about 7pm on Tuesday.Following inquiries, she was located safe and well on Thursday evening.When she could not be located or contacted on Tuesday, officers attached to the Wollongong Police District were notified and initiated inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family had held concerns due to her age.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley has issued a reminder to all motorists to stop and think that the decisions they make on the road could mean the difference between life and death.The NSW Police Force will launch a statewide police operation to target drivers and riders speeding, drink- and drug-driving, fatigue and distracted driving, to prevent road trauma during the King’s Birthday long weekend.The operation gets underway at 12am on Friday and will run until midnight on Monday night. Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation.Police will target traffic offences with the aim of preventing serious crashes and deaths.Officers from all specialist areas, police area commands and police districts will support the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with extended patrols across metropolitan and regional NSW. This includes support of officers from general duties, the Public Order and Riot Squad, the Operations Support Group, the Mounted Unit, PolAir and Licensing Police.There have been 157 lives lost this year, which is 14 more fatalities than this time last year.During the June long weekend traffic operation last year there were two fatalities.Across the state this year to the end of May, police issued more than 170,000 traffic infringement notices, including 75,417 speed infringements, conducted more 1.5 million breath tests with 5351 people charged with drink-driving. They have also conducted 83,318 drug tests and recorded 5179 positive drug detections. Police attended 16,741 major crashes.“Long weekends are meant for rest and time with our loved ones – not tragedy. But every year, we see lives lost in crashes that could have been avoided. Behind each of those deaths is a shattered family, a devastated community and emergency workers facing trauma no one should have to witness,” Catley said.“Driving recklessly isn’t brave or bold – it’s selfish. Whether it’s speeding, driving under the influence, or picking up your phone behind the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic and irreversible.“This long weekend, make smart choices so you and those around you make it home safely. One bad decision can cause a lifetime of pain – don’t let that be your legacy this weekend.”Police are urging motorcyclists to drive safely after four riders lost their lives and two teenagers were injured in a three-day period last week.Four men and two teenagers were involved in fatal or serious crashes across the state between 8.45am on Thursday and 2am on Sunday. This brings the number of motorcyclists killed on NSW roads to 36.Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said all motorists had a responsibility to make safe decisions to ensure everyone returned home safely.“One bad decision on the road can cost you more than double demerits – it could cost a life,” Aitchison said.“Speed is the number one cause of crashes on NSW roads. In fact, so far in 2025, one third of deaths on our roads has involved speeding as a factor.“Every road user has a responsibility to be vigilant, drive safely and follow the road rules, not just during the long weekend, but at all times.“Double demerits are in place to deter drivers from making decisions that put lives at risk when our roads are busy with people travelling around NSW.“There are simple things everyone can do to help make our roads safer. That includes staying under the speed limit and driving to the conditions, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving, having a Plan B before drinking and never, ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.”Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

National Reconciliation Week in the Illawarra and South Coast has united communities to be proactive in their approach to upholding this year’s theme of “Bridging Now to Next”. As a show of solidarity, community leaders and members have gathered across the regions over the past week at events to commemorate the nationwide week of recognition of the importance of reconciliation in Australia. Yuin man, Uncle Richard Campbell, is a familiar face around Kiama and sees the theme as “an ongoing journey”. Part of this is sharing knowledge, which has transcended through the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This echoes the former Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney MP, who said in her farewell speech last year: “healing in Australia is a profound, long-term incremental thing. It’s about people. It’s a tough road, but I think we will get there.” When asked about sharing knowledge, Uncle Richard said “it’s about keeping our traditions, our song lines and our story lines and if we don’t pass them on to the next generation, it’s going to be gone and lost.” After leading a dance at a community event held at Reddall Reserve during National Reconciliation Week, Uncle Richard spoke about ways for the entire community to engage. “Keep coming to events like this and show your support to our people, unity is everything” he said. Across 27 May to 3 June, community events were held across the Illawarra to commemorate two significant milestones for Indigenous Australians.Firstly, the 1967 referendum, where the population voted on Aboriginal people to be counted in the national census and the right to vote which was voted on 27 May that year. Much of the outcome of the referendum can be attributed to the “freedom ride” where a group of Sydney University students led by Charlie Perkins travelled around Australia on a bus. The end of National Reconciliation Week falls on 3 June, Mabo Day in honour of the High Court ruling in 1992 when six of the seven High Court judges ruled in favour of Eddie Mabo. This recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples had lived in Australia for thousands of years overturning the concept of Terra Nullius, which British settlers had used to claim sovereignty over the land in the late 1700s.Twelve months later in 1993, the Native Title Act 1993 was passed.

Marine Area Command officers will continue patrolling the area in the coming days but the full-scale search has been suspended for a missing man, after his boat capsized off the Illawarra coastline on the weekend.About 1pm on Sunday, emergency services were called to the breakwall in Seawall Road, Port Kembla, following reports of two people in the water.On arrival, officers attached to Wollongong Police District found a capsized vessel, about 1km south of Port Kembla Road.An 18-year-old man – who was on the vessel before it capsized – was able to swim to shore and alerted members of the public, who contacted emergency services.Marine Area Command launched a search operation, with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Helicopter.The second person, a 78-year-old man, was unable to be located.The search continued on Monday during daylight hours and on Tuesday, involving NSW Marine Area Command, NSW Police Divers, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Helicopter.Despite the efforts of searchers, the man has not yet been located, and the multi-agency search concluded about 3pm on Tuesday.It is the second incident in the region over the past few days after an 18-year-old man drowned at Bombo Beach on Monday.Bombo Beach. Emergency services rushed to the northern end of Bombo Beach about 12.50pm on Monday following reports of a person in trouble in the water.Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District, NSW Police Rescue, Surf Life Saving and POLAir responded.NSW Ambulance paramedics initiated CPR but they were unable to revive the teenager.A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Illawarra and South Coast regions were treated to a rare and breathtaking spectacle this week as the Aurora Australis illuminated the skies.Local photographer and amateur astronomer David Finlay captured the mesmerising sight at Gerroa Beach when it first lit up the night skies on Sunday, describing it as an experience of pure wonder."People were cheering. You can hear the joy in the crowd on my video. It was amazing to see people not just capturing it with cameras, but actually witnessing it with their own eyes. It was something really special," said Finlay.Aurora Australis is visible now due to the intense activity on the sun, which is at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle."At times, the sun releases solar flares, sending out a burst of charged particles - protons, electrons - into space," Finlay explained. "When these particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere, they are drawn towards the poles, both North and South, and at an altitude of about 90 kilometres, they create a glow in the atmosphere."This ionisation is what causes the Aurora. There are different factors at play, like solar wind or solar flares. "In fact, just two to two-and-a-half days ago, we had a solar flare, and that was responsible for the spectacular Aurora last night," he added.He elaborated that Australia's position relative to the South Magnetic Pole often allows for clearer sightings of the Aurora Australis, particularly in Tasmania, the southernmost point of the country."Typically, by the time you reach New South Wales, you're looking over the top of the Aurora. But we still get some incredible colours - especially those magentas. "What's especially unique about last night's event was the overwhelming presence of orange hues. I've never seen so much orange in an Aurora before," Finlay said."I'm calling it the 'orange Aurora.' Usually, you see more reds and magentas, but this one had vibrant orange beams that were visible to the naked eye. It was quite remarkable."His passion for the Aurora Australis runs deep. He first photographed it 26 years ago and has since witnessed the phenomenon countless times."I was part of a local astronomy club, and we had access to publicly available space weather data. One night, I saw the signs and thought, 'Tonight’s the night.' Nobody in the club believed we’d see the Aurora from Wollongong. "But I went out to Cataract Dam, a dark-sky location, and after a couple of hours with my film camera, I saw it with my own eyes," said Finlay.He even had the opportunity to photograph the Aurora for Qantas during the pandemic. Special flights were arranged to fly to Antarctica and back - just to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights."It’s always been a lifelong passion of mine," he said."Every Aurora is different - whether it's the level of activity, the colours, or the shapes it forms. "It's a deeply human experience because what you're seeing is the interaction between the sun’s radiation and Earth's magnetosphere. This shield is what protects all life on our planet."If we didn’t have that magnetosphere, the sun's radiation would sterilise the planet. Life as we know it would not exist. So, in a sense, we’re witnessing the Earth's defensive shield in action. "To me, that’s pretty mind-blowing. That’s why I make sure to take every chance I get to see it," he added.Aurora Australis from the shoreline at Jervis Bay. Photo: Jeff SheppeardThe Aurora was also visible on Monday night and many local residents up and down the coast turned out to see the show after missing out on Sunday. This spectacular photo was taken by Gerroa resident Jeff Sheppeard from the shoreline at Jervis Bay. To stay updated on Finlay's astronomical displays, follow him on TikTok at @wouldyouliketoknowmore.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has rubbished claims by Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg that the federal government is not doing enough to fix the housing crisis.Senator Bragg claimed that Australian Bureau of Statistics data which reveals overall dwelling approvals have dropped 5.7% in May is "further evidence Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million new homes is a dead duck".Phillips said the Labor government was righting the wrongs of the past which stemmed from the Coalition neglecting the housing issue when they were in office prior to Anthony Albanese's first election win in 2022.She retained the seat of Gilmore, where housing was one of the main election issues, last month with a 5% swing towards her after the electorate had been the most marginal in the country."I know housing is a huge issue locally. People in Kiama, Gilmore and Australia voted for the Albanese Labor Government because of our strong housing policies and plan to tackle the housing crisis," Phillips said."After a decade of neglect by the Liberals, we’re investing more in housing than any government in history."We’re making it easier to buy, better to rent, and building more homes."Phillips said Labor had legislated a massive housing agenda through the National Housing Accord to boost supply."We are starting to see the outcomes that will boost affordable and social rental housing for decades to come," she added."We’re working with and incentivising the states to get on with planning reforms and building more well-located homes close to amenities - and maintaining character - which will help in Kiama."Our Housing Australia Future Fund is already boosting supply and will permanently into the future as further rounds are rolled out, enabling community housing and local and state government to partner with investors to multiply growth in social and affordable rental housing. There are huge opportunities locally."Phillips said Labor was working with the other levels of government to get results."We’ve incentivised the state government to get on with planning reforms which allows more medium density housing in appropriate areas in the Kiama, Nowra, and Bomaderry CBDs," she said. "We’re supporting councils to enable infrastructure for housing through our Housing Support Program."Finally, we’re starting to see a renewed vigour and excitement locally for more well-located housing and social and affordable rental housing.  You can feel that the wave of social and affordable rental housing and more housing options has begun."We’ve also expanded and introduced programs to assist first home buyers, like our expanded First Home Guarantee and the Help to Buy scheme. Help to Buy will get people into the housing market, while more than 470 new home buyers across Gilmore have already benefitted from our Home Guarantee Scheme, helping them buy their first home with just a 5 per cent deposit."We’re also setting aside 100,000 new homes for first home buyers."In conjunction with the housing strategy, the government is also encouraging more apprentices to take up trades in the residential construction and new energy sector with free TAFE and a $10,000 apprentice incentive, according to Phillips. "Building more houses is the best way to make sure people can find a home, whether that’s to rent or to buy. Over the past three years, the Liberals voted against building more homes and supporting first home buyers," Phillips said."Through a decade in Government, the Liberals invested less than $5 billion in housing. Labor is now delivering a $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan and driving the biggest home-building program since the post-war housing boom."I look forward to continuing to work with Kiama Municipal Council as it works with the community to develop and implement the Kiama Housing Strategy, so there are more housing options for Kiama locals."

Kiama Council is prioritising grassroots programs within its library and cultural hubs as part of its plan to provide “lifelong learning experiences”.The extensive Kiama Library Strategic 2025-2029 plan highlights the strength of services and facilities in Kiama. Council’s manager of library and cultural hubs Michelle Hudson said: “the vision is providing lifelong learning experiences for people and building community resilience.” Kiama Library provides extensive early literacy programs, which fosters development during crucial learning stages of children. “We provide all the newborn babies in Kiama with a library bag and board book, and information about all the community programs and portraying the importance of reading to young children,” Hudson said. Kiama Library has implemented three stages of learning with baby story time, toddler tales and preschool story time. “It’s about preparing children for that classroom environment,” Hudson said. There are also school holiday programs for children and their families to engage in their own time, from building Lego to even working with robots. For many, keeping up with the constant evolution of technology can be difficult, but Kiama Council is offering education to help those in need. “We are providing classes so that people can improve their digital literacy, but also provide a point of contact for those having problems with their phones, even showing people how to print from their phones and download documents,” Hudson said. Kiama’s libraries are also a great place for those enjoying a break on the South Coast to use the services available.“We get a lot of tourists in Kiama and our facilities cater to their needs,” Hudson added. “We are only a smaller library, but it is about making the most of our staff and working collaboratively with different partnerships so that we can provide a range of different programs for the community to engage with.” With the cultural development in Kiama, she said it is “about communication and connection by procuring various creative partnerships and making people feel part of the community”.. “We also pay homage to where we live, understanding the environment that we live in, and also appreciating our local history.” Hudson was optimistic about the Library Strategic Plan 2025-2029 saying “we have had some really positive feedback from the community, reinforcing what Council is doing and I am looking forward to the plans being carried out”. Submissions closed for the Library Strategic Plan 2025–2029 at the end of March.

By Sue Eggins We’ve been named Top Tourism Town. Now we’re prime-time TV.This Tuesday night, Kiama steps into the national spotlight as Who Do You Think You Are? uncovers a jaw-dropping family mystery with deep local roots. The SBS program, airing on 3 June at 7.30pm, traces the ancestry of Alone Australia winner Gina Chick and takes viewers right into the heart of our historic town.The episode reveals that Gina’s mother, Sue Chick, was the illegitimate daughter of Australian literary icon Charmian Clift. Filming took place at the Pilot's Cottage Museum in Kiama with writer Nadia Wheatley and at two stunning local landmarks, Bombo Quarry and the Coachhouse at Hartwell House, with none other than the fabulous Dr Tony Gilmour. Is there anything this man can’t do? Gina and Sue have turned their extraordinary lives into best-selling books and are now drawing crowds at writers festivals around the country. But it’s here in Kiama that their story truly finds its roots.The Pilot's Cottage Museum, which features a moving display on the life of Charmian Clift, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11.00am to 3.00pm. Visitors can explore the tragic and powerful legacy of one of Australia’s most revered writers. Entry is by donation – but the experience is priceless. So who do you think we are?Apparently, a top tourism town, a literary time capsule, and now, a national television star.

Through the advocacy of local Lions Club members Hilton Bloomfield and Dr Jon Phipps, six large tubs of stamps have been collected, with a rare find amongst them, a Penny Black stamp.At auction, the rarest of Penny Black stamps has fetched for more than $200,000.“We found a Penny Black stamp and passed it on to be auctioned, which is set for a date in June,” Bloomfield said.The Penny Black stamp was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, and it went on sale in Great Britain in 1840. There is said to be 68 million printed, with only 3.4 million thought to still be around.With the evolution of technology and emails, it is a great feat that the community of Kiama has so far donated six 20-litre tubs of "collections" and generally used stamps.The stamps are then passed onto the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation, where they are sorted by denomination and then passed onto auction houses.“We often get people ringing and we collect the stamps and then pass them on,” Bloomfield said.The ongoing goal for the ALCMF is to provide a walker to every child in Australia, who needs one.As children are ever-growing, Bloomfield said “they outgrow their mobility and they have to get new ones, which cost thousands of dollars”.A child in Kiama Downs is set to receive a mobility walker worth around $7500 as part of this initiative.Earlier in the year, the ALCMF presented Bloomfield and Dr Phipps with a recognition of services award for their fundraising efforts.For those who have recently cleaned out the garage or sorted through old boxes and have come across old collections or used stamps, they can be dropped into the Kiama Pharmacy on Manning Street or Blooms the Chemist on Terralong Street.

Just a couple of days after being chosen as the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Senator Andrew Bragg has wasted no time in ripping in the federal government over its promise to solve the housing crisis.The Liberal Senator said Australian Bureau of Statistics data which reveals overall dwelling approvals have dropped 5.7% this month is "further evidence Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million new homes is a dead duck". Housing affordability nationwide was a key election issue in the lead-up to Anthony Albanese's comprehensive win over Peter Dutton a month ago and the issue is of particular concern in Kiama.The local government area is one of the most expensive in Australia with figures last year showing Kiama's median dwelling value (houses and units combined) was $1,476,275, well above nearby areas Wollongong ($972,395), Shellharbour ($873,865) and Shoalhaven ($862,688)."This new data indicates that Australia will get approximately 170,000 new houses in the year ahead, when we need around 250,000," Senator Bragg said."All of Labor’s housing policies have failed. The Housing Australia Future Fund still hasn’t built a single new home. The housing targets are a disaster. Labor can’t even pay the States to build houses. "Labor won the election, but they have failed on housing, and we will expose this failure throughout this Parliament."Senator Bragg has also gone on the front foot to blast the government for its "bureaucratic bottlenecks destroying investment and job opportunities". "ABS data shows Australia’s 20-year average productivity growth is now at its lowest point in two decades. This decline in productivity is holding back wages, jobs, and long-term economic growth. "The Australian dream of home ownership remains the cornerstone of the Coalition’s housing policy. "Regrettably, Labor has almost killed this Australian Dream. Labor promised it would become a government property developer and it would become Australia’s largest mortgage insurance company. These are both very bad ideas."Labor’s signature housing policy The Housing Australia Future Fund built zero new houses last term, while ABS data shows the number of units and private sector homes being built is plummeting. Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million new homes is a pipe dream."

Road work will be carried out from Monday until the end of June on weekdays between 7am and 6pm, and on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm on the Jervis Bay flyover.Night work will also be carried out for up to 10 shifts between 6pm and 7am, which will be on Wednesday & Thursdays throughout June.During work hours there will be some temporary traffic changes to ensure the work area is safe. Motorists are advised to drive to conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.During night work, motorists are advised to allow an extra five minutes’ travel time.The works will continue completing remaining electrical relocations, ongoing major earthworks, importing material for embankment construction, progressing retaining walls to complete the bridge foundation and laying topsoil for landscaping preparation.Workers will also build road surfaces on parts of the Princes Highway, Jervis Bay Road, Old Princes Highway and Willowgreen Road, they will continue to install new drainage across the site, there will be ongoing construction of the new eastern roundabout to allow Jervis Bay Road to remain open while major bridge works are in progress and safety barriers and signage will be installed and relocated.

A new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van has been launced for Indigenous people in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven as part of National Reconciliation Week.The Mental Health and Wellbeing Van will travel around Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) which covers the lands of the Dharawal and Yuin peoples, making it easier for Aboriginal people to access mental health care and support.It is the first Aboriginal mental health van service being delivered by NSW Health after a $176,000 investment by the Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.“This outreach van is really positive, and it will deliver culturally appropriate preventative health care, early intervention, health promotion and really importantly trauma informed care," Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said.“The Van aims to honour Aboriginal people’s autonomy while offering culturally safe support, in their communities, where they can feel supported by family and community.”The van will provide culturally safe mental health, wellbeing and healing support, information and resources to Aboriginal people in their own communities, as well as delivering other health services based on need in the community. “This new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van for Aboriginal people is the first of its kind in New South Wales and will be fantastic addition to the Illawarra Shoalhaven District, offering support, referrals and suicide prevention in community," Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said.“The service has been co-designed with Aboriginal people, and we know that greater involvement of Aboriginal people in the design of health services can lead to improved health outcomes.“This van is one example of what can happen when we take a proactive approach to Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing that is informed by local people from the communities we serve.”Co-designed with Aboriginal people to create a welcoming and culturally safe space, this innovative model will assist the Local Health District to build stronger relationships with local Aboriginal communities while reducing stigma about health care and mental health services.“It’s great to see this new Mobile Outreach Van which will offer regular visits to Aboriginal communities across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, supporting health staff to provide important services and care," Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said.“By using this mobile outreach service, the van increases flexibility and convenience for Aboriginal people and importantly, addresses many of the barriers that Aboriginal peoples face when interacting with Mental Health Services.“We know there are better health outcomes when Aboriginal people are involved with co-designing Closing the Gap initiatives, and this initiative is an excellent example of this.”The van’s eye-catching exterior features elements of the artwork, Garadyigan (Dharawal word, meaning Healer) created specifically for ISLHD by local Aboriginal artist, Jasmine Sarin.“Making sure all possible steps are taken to improve access to health services for local Aboriginal residents is essential to improve longer term health outcomes," Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said.“This coupled with the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Child Health service – Binji and Boori – that will be part of the new Warrawong Community Health Centre, are important additions to local health services supporting Aboriginal people.”Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson added that she would like "to acknowledge the local Aboriginal people and health staff who have worked together on this project"."I’m excited to hear more about its achievements as it is rolled out further.”

NSW Police are appealing for assistance to locate a missing man who is known to frequent the Kiama area who is believed to be travelling from Queensland to Sydney.Guy Murdoch, aged 49, was last spoken to last Thursday (29 May) and when he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were contacted.They have started inquiries into his whereabouts and they believe he may have been seen in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, about 6pm on Friday.Murdoch is known to frequent the Caringbah, Cronulla and Kiama areas and is believed to be travelling to the Sutherland Shire area from Queensland.Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he is acting out of character.Murdoch is described as being of Caucasian appearance, medium build, with blue eyes and brown hair.It is unknown what Guy was last seen wearing; however, police believe he may be in a vehicle.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A new federally funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will be opened at Nowra in the next financial year.Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Federal Government has committed to 50 new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, including a facility at Nowra.“I know how busy the ED at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital is, and the people of Nowra have told me how much they need access to a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic,” Phillips said.“I’m excited to be delivering this seven-day-a-week service in Nowra, because it means locals can avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital.“The Nowra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will take so much pressure off Shoalhaven hospital which saw over 23,000 non-urgent and semi-urgent presentations in 2023-24.”An interim report of the evaluation of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics found that nearly half of all patients who attended a clinic would have gone to the hospital emergency department if the Urgent Care Clinic wasn’t available.The report found the average hospital visit costs $616 to deliver – more than double the $246 that the average Urgent Care Clinic visit costs.Almost 15,000 people have received free urgent care at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic since it opened its doors in December 2023.Phillips said she was excited to see expanded hours introduced at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic by the end of this year. “The Batemans Bay clinic is already taking pressure off local doctors and the hospital emergency department,” she added.“And the longer opening hours, from 6am until midnight, will ensure people living in and around Batemans Bay have access to fully bulk-billed urgent care with no appointment needed.”More than 1.5 million Australians have already received free, urgent care at Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, without waiting hours in a busy hospital emergency department.

An additional transition period of a month is being introduced for the reduction of the load limit on Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley to allow impacted heavy vehicle operators more time to plan their transition.Transport for NSW Regional Director South, Cassandra Ffrench, said the reduced load limit on Hampden Bridge will be implemented at the end of June to give road users more time to plan.“From Friday, 27 June 2025 the bridge’s load limit will be reduced from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes,” Ffrench said.“A transition period is being introduced during June to allow heavy vehicle operators more time to make alternate arrangements while ensuring the safety of motorists and structural integrity of the bridge.“From Friday 30 May, a 10 km/h speed limit will be in place on the bridge and traffic control will be in place during busy periods. "No special permits will be required for vehicles that meet the existing load limit during this time, however we encourage road users to start adopting the new load limit during this period.”

“Jobs for Mob” is the goal of this year’s Gather and Grow information sessions with Shellharbour chosen as one of seven locations statewide as part of a NSW Government push to bring more Aboriginal businesses and industry together.More than 70 Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesspeople met at Shellharbour Civic Centre on Tuesday to connect and learn about supply chain and employment opportunities for major regional projects.The new hospital at Shellharbour was showcased as the kind of major project which can be used to increase economic benefits and employment opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses in the Illawarra and South Coast.NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes, Craig Jenkins said the Gather and Grow sessions had been held in Goulburn and Dubbo with Shellharbour the third regional centre to host an event.“The theme is ‘jobs for mob’ so the goal of the Gather and Grow events is information and bringing Aboriginal businesses and industry together to connect and learn about supply chain opportunities on major NSW government projects,” he explained.“So in Shellharbour the focus was on the Shellharbour Hospital redevelopment. We had 70 people attend and there were 15 Aboriginal businesses. We had a presentation from health infrastructure and the developers.”Representatives from BESIX Watpac, the builder of the hospital, held breakout sessions with the Aboriginal businesses able to speak directly to Watpac, government and local council officials about procurement opportunities that they could tender for.“The goal for these events is to bring our Aboriginal businesses in contact with our government infrastructure providers and the developers, to understand what the needs are to become involved in the supply chain and look at opportunities for employing local Aboriginal people in those projects.“There are Aboriginal businesses out there that are capable and have capacity to work on their projects.It’s too early to determine whether any concrete deals will come out of this week’s session but Jenkins said the feedback from the Gather and Grow sessions have been positive. “Let's hope we see some some procurement outcomes from them,” Jenkins added.“It's an opportunity to improve economic outcomes for our Aboriginal community and provide better opportunities for our businesses but also that extends to better employment outcomes as well.”There are further events to be held in the Sydney CBD on 10 June, Cessnock on 15 July, Bathurst on 22 July and Western Sydney on 7 August as part of the collaboration with NSW Treasury.The new hospital in Shellharbour is part of the more than $780 million New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project, jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments. Due for completion in 2027, it will transform healthcare for the Illawarra and support hundreds of jobs during construction.

Kiama Council is hoping to see more community facilities used as many of them are underutilised.Council is trying to make it easier for small business owners and community groups to use facilities with its draft Lease & Licence Policy.The draft policy, which includes the conditions for rental rebates, is on public exhibition as part of the community consultation process.The policy lays out the purpose of the facilities, lease and licence categories, terms, responsibilities, rental charges and processes.It incorporates what type of tenants can lease a facility, the criteria for establishing a lease or licence.Importantly, the policy provides clearer terms and conditions for rental rebates.The policy is intended to provide a fair and efficient process for individuals, organisations and businesses to use Council assets.Having a more user-friendly set of guidelines for people wanting to access these halls, sportsgrounds, parks and other facilities will benefit the users as well as Council and our community.Maintenance costs remain the same or actually increase when community facilities are underutilised.How these community assets are managed is a big part the challenge of ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of Kiama Council.The draft Lease & Licence Policy is on public exhibition until 27 June 2025.To read the policy and provide your feedback visit the Council website.There will also be community pop-ups where local residents can discuss the proposal with Council staff members:Wednesday 4 June - Kiama Farmers Market (2pm to 5pm)Thursday 5 June – IGA Gerringong (4pm to 6pm)