Permanent Active Warning Signs will be installed along two notoriously hazardous roads – Jamberoo Mountain Road and Swamp Road next week (24-28 November). A total of seven high-visibility LED signs will be installed, with four located on Jamberoo Mountain Road and three on Jamberoo Road near Swamp Road.Kiama Council is completing the project with the help of funding provided through the Office of Local Government and the Department of Regional NSW’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund. These new signs will deliver real-time updates to drivers, displaying critical alerts such as “Road Closed” or “One Lane Ahead.” Mayor Cameron McDonald said the project would help motorists make informed decisions before reaching hazardous or impassable sections of the road.Both roads are well known for their frequent closures due to severe weather events, including flooding and landslips. As both routes are narrow and winding, it often leaves little to no safe opportunity to turn around once a hazard is encountered, putting drivers at unnecessary risk.“This is a smart and long-overdue investment in public safety," Cr McDonald said. "These signs will give residents and visitors advance warning, avoiding hours of frustration and risk on some of our most challenging roads.“We know how dangerous Jamberoo Mountain Road and Swamp Road can be during heavy rain or after storms. "These new signs will mean people can avoid driving into trouble in the first place."Unlike temporary signage, these permanently installed LED displays are always on standby and can be remotely updated, ensuring accurate and consistent communication, which is particularly critical during rapidly changing weather conditions.“It’s all about giving people the information they need to make safer decisions - especially when dealing with roads that can become dangerous very quickly,” Cr McDonald added.Residents are encouraged to check live traffic updates before travelling on high-risk routes, especially during or after heavy rainfall, and to always follow the warnings displayed on the signs.

Telstra customers in Albion Park will be experiencing disruptions on Monday due to upgrades to its mobile base station that services the area.The upgrades will improve the mobile site’s capacity, meaning faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion.Telstra Regional Engagement Manager Christina Cawkell said mobile services in the area will be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are underway.“We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country," Cawkell said. “As data use over our mobile network continues to grow, adding extra 4G capacity to our mobile site in the area will help deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion for customers. "The work will also make the site ready for a further upgrade to our even faster 5G in the future.“While disruption is required while the upgrade is underway, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible.”Telstra mobile customers will receive texts advising of the upcoming work.Landline services, NBN and Satellite internet services, and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted.Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available for connection to emergency services.The site will need to be switched off during the following periods:8 hours from 7am-5pm on Monday (17 November)up to 4 hours intermittent outages from 7am-5pm on TuesdayTelstra customers can continue to make calls and send texts during disruption to mobile services by switching on Wi-Fi Calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to make and receive mobile calls while connected to Wi-Fi.Telstra also encourages business owners talk to their bank about connecting their EFTPOS terminals to their NBN or Wi-Fi connection to prevent delays in processing transactions.

The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.KHS Fest on againKHS Fest will be held on 8 December to celebrate the positive school culture that students and staff build together every day and recognise the successful completion of another school year.Coordinated by the Student Representative Council and held at school, it will include food trucks, activities, games, raffles, music and entertainment.The school wants to hear from any parents or businesses who would like to hold a stall at KHS Fest.Or if there are any local businesses, members of the school community or parents who are able to donate items, gift vouchers, etc for the raffles and prizes, that would be greatly appreciated by the school as well.Keep a look out for further information on the Kiama High School social media pages.Year 10 Science Excursion to IMARCKiama High School Year 10 students recently enjoyed a full and engaging day at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney along with students from nine other selected NSW schools.The day began with talks from geologists that sparked curiosity and prompted thoughtful questions about the variety of careers available in mining and resources. Students participated in a competitive exploration activity where they formed teams to simulate real-world mining decisions. With support from industry volunteers, they analysed geological, environmental and social impact data before pitching their projects to ‘investors’ to secure funding or social licence credits to develop their mine sites. The winning team struck gold, winning bars of chocolate as prizes.Students explored over 500 exhibition booths, interacting with robots, drones, and large machinery. One memorable experience was having the opportunity to hold a 20kg bar of gold and meet the Australian scientists teaming up with NASA to ground survey the moon in 2026.Movember momentousKiama High School is proudly taking part in Movember, a global movement raising awareness and funds for men’s health.From growing moustaches to moving for mental health, students and staff are stepping up to make a difference, helping to start important conversations about mental wellbeing, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.Kiama’s iconic lighthouse now sports a stylish Movember moustache on the school logo, reminding us all to shine a light on men’s health and look out for one another.

One of the highest achievements you can attain in cricket is a hat-trick when a bowler gets three wickets in successive deliveries. It is a rare event. It’s only been done 49 times in Test cricket history - Sachin Tendulkar alone scored more centuries (51) in his career than this infrequent feat.It is just as tough to achieve at any level of cricket.A double hat-trick is where you get four wickets in a row, and naturally this is even rarer. One sunny afternoon in 1967, Gerringong’s second-grade side was playing Lake Illawarra. Gerringong batted first and compiled 6-206. In reply, Lake were 2-30 and David Emery was bowling, with three deliveries to go in the over. Next ball he got a wicket. Then another and then another. A hat-trick to finish his over. Congratulations all round. A hat-trick usually means you get the ball mounted on a trophy to remember the event.Alas, Brian Arberry came on to bowl. With his first delivery, he got a wicket. Then another and yet another. Two hat-tricks in a row! Six balls, six wickets. Brian was not finished yet. With his fourth delivery he snared yet another wicket. A double hat-trick. Seven wickets in seven balls. So, Brian got the trophy with the ball mounted on it. The score went from 2-30 to 9-30 in the blink of an eye. Funnily enough, it took a while to get the last wicket but Gerringong won comfortably.Their amazing feats were even reported in a Sydney newspaper the next day.

Gerroa Environmental Protection Society and local residents are leading the charge around concerns over an increase in Gerroa Quarry production and the impact it will have on roads within the surrounding area. GEPS president Warren Holder has lived in the Kiama Local Government Area for around 40 years and told The Bugle that the principal concern is the pressure more trucks will have on the Gerringong and Gerroa areas. “When Cleary Bros owned it, they averaged 56,000 tonnes a year [product transport limit] and rarely hit the capacity,” Holder said. “Since Maas Group has taken over, they’ve hit 80,000 tonnes and now they want more [120,000 tonnes per annum].” The route the trucks would follow through Gerringong is heading north along Crooked River Road, onto Fern Street, through residential areas and left onto Belinda Street before heading onto the highway. “We’re getting 70% coming up this way [trucks through Gerringong],” Stephen Brazier from Gerroa said. “We need to keep in mind the effect on the residents of Gerringong and Gerroa, and of course all the patrons who use the caravan park during the holiday periods.” Mr Brazier warned The Bugle that the winding roads in the Gerringong and Gerroa areas, combined with an increase in the number of trucks, could lead to accidents. “Across the bridge [from Seven Mile Beach to Gerroa], up the hill and around past Gerringong Golf Course, there are those very sharp bends in the hill and one of the problems there is that you get lots of tourists towing caravans down there,” Mr Brazier said. “And while they’re distracted by the view, they might not see a truck coming around the bend that is taking up half the road.” The Bugle asked whether Mr Brazier would be open to a schedule for trucks to move through the town at a certain time and while he said he could not speak for the residents of Gerringong and Gerroa, “I would think that some improvements could be made if they’re going to insist on these trucks.” Mr Brazier and a group of residents exercised their democratic right and asked for the exhibition period to be extended. “We wrote to Carl Dumpleton who is the project manager for the Department of Planning [Housing and Infrastructure] on this project and we also asked Kiama MP Katelin McInerney to shoot off a letter to Paul Scully [NSW Minister for Planning],” he said. “As a result, we received a week extension – it would have been nice to get the two, but we only got one.  “What we did prior to [making those submissions] and after receiving the week extension, is to send out information to as many people as we can to let them know what is happening, so that they can choose whether they want to object or support it.”The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure is collating submissions from a State Significant Development modification of the Gerroa Quarry – Gerroa Sand Production Increase project application. The Gerroa Sand Quarry, recently acquired by the Maas Group but still operating under Cleary Bros, is seeking to increase the annual product transport limit at the quarry to 120,000 tonnes per annum – a 50% increase from 80,000 tonnes. A truck waiting to leave the Gerroa Quarry. Photo: The BugleA report from the Kiama Council’s director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson recommends that Council endorse the increase from 80,000 to 120,000 tonnes per annum at next Tuesday’s monthly meeting.Kiama Council did not wish to make any comment when contacted by The Bugle. Maas Group did not respond to requests for comment.  The Environmental Protection Authority earlier this week announced SOILCO would be fined $30,000 after taking in more than 12,000 tonnes of mulch and garden waste above its approved annual waste limit at its Longreach composting facility west of Nowra.

When legendary Australian folk band The Waifs rolled into town for the recent Red Hot Summer Tour they had planned a pre-show lunch stop at Berry Bakery.The band - Western Australian sisters Donna Simpson and Vicki Thorne and Tuross Heads local Josh Cunningham - have been popping into the bakery for more than three decades on their way to Josh’s home town during east coast tours in their trusty van.“We would fang the Toyota Hiace early in the morning in time to hit the Berry Bakery after a show at the Wollongong Uni,” the Waifs recalled on their Facebook page after the beloved band’s recent gig at Berry Showground for the Red Hot Summer Tour.“It’s now 2025 and the Berry Bakery had a line that was too long for us before the show. Good for them! Keep baking away you mob cos we’ve loved your produce for years.”Lines were “out the door” across the town for the recent Red Hot Summer Tour concert, with Berry's population swelling by thousands and bringing an economic boon to businesses.Publicans at The Berry Hotel and Great Southern Hotel said bar staff were “run off their feet” and bistro bookings were at capacity.Crowded House. Photo: Henry KatzWith Crowded House headlining the festival and support acts including Vika and Linda Bull with Mark Seymour, Angus and Julia Stone and The Church along with The Waifs, the tour sold out within days of tickets being released.The Red Hot Summer tour will return to Berry in February with master storyteller Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, and Jess Hitchcock.And with the most recent event proving a hit with punters and local businesses alike, it is expected to again reach maximum capacity.A 2024 Live Music Census found long toilet, food and bar lines and delays entering and exiting concerts and festivals were the biggest turn-offs for fans.But Berry nailed it with the number of ladies loos almost double that of the men. Bars were plentiful and lines non-existent and while there were queues for food, the ability for people to bring their own snacks, from boxes of Cheezels to a cheese platter, meant no one left hungry.One festival-goer labelled it “the most civilised gig ever”. Another noted it was “unprecedented” for the men’s loo queue to be longer than the ladies at a festival.Neil Finn lights up Berry. Photo: Silvie MacdonaldWhile there were lines to exit the festival, concert-goers were patient for the most part and traffic management strategies were in place to ensure exiting the town and hitting the freeway was relatively smooth-sailing.The Red Hot Summer tours appear to be bucking industry trends, with a report by Creative Australia in April finding a downturn in the number of Aussies tuning in to homegrown music.The report noted although there was “a slight increase in live music attendance, industry revenue was mostly driven by international tours presented at major venues”.“In recent years music festival organisers have been faced with unprecedented challenges due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, regulatory changes and rising operational costs,” says Creative Australia.Challenges Kiama knows all too well. Two major festivals - Changing Tides and Folk By The Sea - recently pulled the pin on planned shows in a massive blow to the town’s event calendar.Both cited poor ticket sales with Folk By The Sea - a Kiama institution for more than a decade - saying the decision was necessary “due to the key challenge of attracting patrons from outside the area”.Aus rock icon Mark Seymour. Photo: Henry Katz Kiama Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee chair Matt Brown labelled the Changing Tides cancellation “a shame for the operators and the locals who love to see big headline acts in their own backyard”.He said major events were part of Kiama’s “destination marketing” and the cancellations of Changing Tides and Folk By The Sea would have a “significant impact on the Kiama economy”.It is estimated patrons spend around $300 during their stay, resulting in a more than $5 million dollar hit to the town’s economy after both festival cancellations.This figure is backed up by a cost-benefit analysis carried out by Australia's Live Music Office, which found that for every dollar spent on live music in Australia $3 worth of benefits are returned to the wider community.The Creative Australia report found Australian music festivals are experiencing “a period of significant adaptation, facing changing patterns of audience behaviour and later purchasing of tickets”.Berry Showground was packed when The Waifs opened the concert. Photo: Henry Katz

Landcare Illawarra is calling on local residents to connect with the natural world at Jerrara Wetlands and Rainforest Reserve.Picnic for Nature will be held this Sunday from 8am to 1pm as part of the Nature Conservation Council’s statewide celebration.Landcare Illawarra has partnered with Kiama Council to form a new volunteer group that will help manage the reserve, with plans to begin work later this year.Everyone is welcome to bring family, friends, and a picnic to enjoy a day surrounded by nature. An engaging line-up of guided walks and talks is planned for visitors.The 54-hectare reserve is located on Mt Brandon Road, between Kiama and Jamberoo. The site was once home to the Jerrara Dam, part of an early water supply scheme that never worked as intended. The dam was recommissioned in the 1950s, and over time, the area transformed into a haven for native birds, becoming a popular birdwatching destination.In 1996, Kiama Council prepared a management plan to preserve and enhance the reserve’s natural features. Decades of regeneration along the creeks, supported by Council and volunteers, have turned Jerrara into one of the few freshwater wetland habitats on the South Coast. It now supports more than 179 bird species and offers visitors the chance to experience nature in a low-impact, environmentally sustainable way.“It’s an open community space where anyone can come and enjoy the environment,” Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association secretary Ros Neilson said. “This includes bird watchers, walkers, and people who just want some peace and quiet in the green open space.”Activities begin at 8am with a bird identification walk led by the Illawarra Birders, exploring one of the South Coast’s most species-rich sites. At 10am, local plant expert Carl Glaister will guide visitors through the rainforest species and arboretum plantings that make Jerrara unique.At 11am, botanist and ecologist Kevin Mills will lead a plant ID walk. The reserve contains stands of the endangered Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest, two threatened plant species, and several regionally rare ones. At noon, a group information session will introduce the new Landcare site near the dam viewing platform, where visitors can learn how to get involved in caring for the reserve. Experts will also share insights on Citizen Science projects supporting local biodiversity, including Alison Mellor from Invertebrates Australia, who will present Bug Hunt and Bugs in My Backyard.Organised volunteer groups also use the reserve for training and conservation activities.John Friedmann, JVRRA chair and Landcare volunteer, said the Rural Fire Service had used the area as a wilderness training site for several years.“It’s good for us because it’s isolated,” Friedmann said. “We can make a fair bit of noise and not disturb any people, whereas we can’t do that around Jamberoo because people get a bit disturbed when they hear the noise of pumps and sirens.”Over the years, various ideas have been floated for the site — from a fishing spot to a concert venue, and most recently, a “glamping” site.Neilson recalled a moment that spurred community action.“There was one councillor who put up a question for notice at Kiama Council business papers: ‘Could you give reasons why the Jerrara Reserve should not be sold at auction?’ When the community saw this, we thought we need to make sure that there are other voices heard,” Neilson said.In response, the ratepayers gathered representatives from RFS, Landcare, WIRES, bird observers, naturalists, bush regenerators, and botanists to discuss the reserve’s future.“The overwhelming vote was to preserve and enhance the environmental qualities,” Neilson said. “There were no other wetlands in the Illawarra area, besides one small one in Spring Creek.”The Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service  (WIRES) has recently been given permission by Kiama Council to lease a small area of land near the gate for a new wombat joey enclosure.“They’re normally taken care of by their mothers for a couple of years, but the mothers have been killed on the roads,” Neilson said. “They get the surviving joeys, and once they’re ready, put them into a state-of-the-art enclosure to practice safely learning how to be grown up.”The space will allow the young wombats to burrow and forage safely, away from the built environment — a project Neilson described as “a big investment” made possible through Council’s support.Sunday’s event is free and open to everyone, though registration is required for guided walks. Those attending only the picnic can register at: humanitix.com/jerrara-wetlands-and-rainforest-picnic-for-nature-2025.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has gone on the front foot after community backlash to the proposal to build a 14-storey development in the town centre.Cr McDonald issued a statement on Friday to explain that Kiama Council is opposed to the Level 33 development being allowed to go any higher than the seven storeys that they had approved. There is potential for that height limit to be doubled by the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority and Council, which is engaged in a legal battle with Level 33, will effectively be sidelined from the approval process if the project is declared a State Significant Development by Planning Minister Paul Scully."Let me be absolutely clear. As Mayor, I do not support 14-storey buildings anywhere in Kiama. They are far too high and completely out of character for our town," he wrote."Council has written to Minister Paul Scully to communicate the community’s concerns — and I encourage residents who share those concerns to do the same. I will be tabling our letter publicly at our next Council meeting.There are proposals in the pipeline for 14-storey and six-storey developments at either end of Akuna Street as well as a three-storey commercial and residential building to replace the car park on the southern side of the street.Cr McDonald pointed out that Council is currently involved in a Local Environmental Court case brought by developer Level 33 regarding its Development Application."Council is defending its planning controls, which found the DA too high, too bulky, and raised traffic concerns. When summonsed, Council is legally obliged to defend its position. We hope this matter will be resolved soon," he added."Separately, Level 33 has asked the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority to declare the site a State Significant Development and permit a 14-storey building. This is a matter for the NSW Government and the Minister, not Council."Complicating matters is the fact that Council is pushing ahead with a joint project with the State Government to rezone the Shoalhaven Street Precinct, the Council-owned land opposite Kiama Bowling Club, including the Works Depot, which is currently zoned as industrial."Council resolved to rezone this land from industrial to residential under our adopted Local Housing Strategy. The NSW Government has now declared the rezoning project State Significant, which Council has welcomed," Cr McDonald wrote. "No development can occur until rezoning is complete. No DA has been lodged. In simple terms: this is about changing the zoning, not approving any buildings."Images shown during the NSW Government’s exhibition are illustrative only. They do not represent approved designs or heights. "Detailed planning — including building heights, design, traffic, parking and public consultation — will occur later through the normal DA and DCP processes."I understand people are anxious as there will be change to that site, so it’s important that the process is clear and that the community is consulted."Council wants to see a 450-home residential community for the land bordered by Shoalhaven, Barney, Belvedere and Noorinan streets.The Shoalhaven Street Precinct rezoning proposal is being led by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and is on public exhibition until 3 December.Cr McDonald is encouraging local residents to have their say via www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au.

Sit back and relax while reading this week's edition of The Bugle, filled with a wide range of news and views from our local South Coast community.Our top story centres on the feedback from the community to last week's revelations that a 14-storey development could be on the way for Kiama's town centre.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HERENSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has had his say, along with Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Chris Rath, who also details his thoughts on how the local housing market should evolve.Scully said the NSW Government was responding to the wishes of local residents who did not want to see new housing estates swallowing up the green hills that make the surrounding region so picturesque.“Kiama residents have previously expressed a desire not to see extensive greenfield development – that means that additional density needs to be seriously considered if Kiama’s housing pressures are to be relieved,” Scully told The Bugle.“There is no part of NSW that is not in need of more housing.You can also read plenty of great community stories including an 82-year-old from Gerringong giving much younger fitness competitors a run for their money, the commemorations for Remembrance Day and efforts to preserve the Jerrara Wetlands.In sport, you can read about Lucy Darragh's win in Taiwan,young surfer rewriting the history books with the Jones Beach Boardriders and all the latest in South Coast cricket.

The gardens at Peace Park have fallen victim to yet another theft.Illawarra Rose Society’s Colin Hollis was heartbroken when he arrived at the site on Tuesday morning to discover multiple flowers had been carelessly uprooted in an act he calls “pure vandalism”.Colin Hollis at Peace Park.Hollis, who is also the NSW Rose Society president, said the local volunteers were fed up with hoodlums engaging in this kind of antisocial behaviour. The Rose Society is torn on what to do to remedy future incidents, believing that the installation of fencing and surveillance cameras would detract from the park’s aesthetic appeal.“What’s the point of having a rose garden if you’ve gotta climb over barbed wire to get to it?” Hollis said. “We’re wondering if it’s worthwhile [having] us continue with this and putting effort into it if this is the result.”The park suffered a similar string of incidents last year.This time, the damage included three Pierre De Ronsard roses and the St Patrick display, which commemorates the historical link between Northern Ireland and Kiama.“It’s disappointing to see vandalism,” said Rose Society member Grahame Commins. “It’s a pleasure for a lot of people, I reckon it’s the hidden gem of Kiama.”If anyone has information about the latest incident, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The new Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Chris Rath, believes the Coalition can alleviate the housing problems in the region if they can get back into government. Rath recently stepped into the role, taking over from Deputy Liberal Leader Natalie Ward and the Wollongong-born Upper House MP is adamant the Coalition has the policies to solve the widespread issue. The Coalition will have to wait until early 2027 before the NSW electorate goes back to the polls but Rath said their recently announced policy of stamp duty concessions for downsizers was the kind of action needed.“We have this situation at the moment where there's a lot of older people that are in large houses that want to downsize - empty nesters,” he said.“But they would be hit with a huge stamp duty bill if they were to move to the next place. And it's often a disincentive. “And it means that those houses aren't then put on the market for younger Australians to buy. “I think is a really positive policy because, particularly in the Kiama area, housing is such a massive issue. It's incredibly expensive.”Rath supports development in town centres as the appropriate place for extra density.“You've got to get the balance right. And you've got to bring the community with you,” he said.“It's not unreasonable for people to want the infrastructure to keep pace with housing supply and for them to want to be consulted in the process. “We do need more housing everywhere. We can't just oppose all housing and say that our own community must look exactly the same today as it did 50 years ago or will in 50 years’ time. “Every area is going to change, but it's got to be done in the right way.”Rath, who attended St Patrick's Primary School at Port Kembla and Edmund Rice College before he went to Sydney for university, is moving back to the area.When he was approached by Opposition Leader Mark Speakman to take on the Shadow Minister’s role, he was thrilled. “I think it made sense from Mark's perspective when he did approach me to put me into the role as someone who's moving back to the area, grew up in the area, his friends and family are there, who knows the area really well to represent it,” he said.“I don't think there's any greater honour than to be able to represent and advocate for the area that you grew up in and a part of the world that you love and that you want to see thrive and prosper.”Labor is dominating the political landscape along the South Coast at state and federal level.“This is a problem for the Liberal Party - from Helensburgh to the Victorian border, we don't have any Liberal representation,” Rath added.“And if you go back not that long ago, state and federally, we had a lot of seats - we had the state seat of Heathcote, we had Kiama, we had South Coast, we had Bega. Now we don't have any of them. “So, hopefully as a member of the Upper House, who will be based locally, at least there will be some Liberal representation in the Illawarra, and I think that's important to hold Labor to account as well. “We want to present our views, our policy ideas, we think we've got the better approach, we want to try and win back some of these seats.”Rath said problems with railway commuter times, highway traffic around Dapto and Nowra, and hospital waiting lists were other issues that were not being properly addressed by the Government on the South Coast.

The hum of conversation and clink of wine glasses provided the perfect backdrop for Tides & Textures, the latest exhibition by Illawarra artist Nicky Lett, launched at Cin Cin Restaurant & Wine Bar on Thursday 6 November. With a welcome from owner and host Michael Bowden of Cin Cin’s and Michelle Springett for Expressive Art Trail, Nicky shared her journey with art patrons. Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, and now based locally, Lett draws on her lifelong connection with the sea to create vivid, layered works that shimmer with movement and emotion. Her paintings blend acrylic and oil, collage and texture, to build abstract seascapes and playful glimpses of life both above and beneath the waves.Michelle Springett of Expressive Art, Michael Bowden of Cin Cin's and artist Nicky LettEach piece invites the viewer to look deeper - to discover the stories, families and fleeting moments that emerge as colour and form shift across the canvas. Lett describes her process as intuitive and therapeutic, particularly as she lives with Multiple Sclerosis, finding grounding and joy through paint and mark making.The result is an exhibition that captures not only the look of the ocean but its rhythm and spirit. Tides & Textures transforms Cin Cin’s walls into a celebration of colour, connection and storytelling - a reminder of how deeply the sea shapes life along our coast.Tides & Textures on now - part of the Expressive Art Trail By Nicky Lett At Cin Cin Restaurant & Wine Bar, Kiama

The Bondi2Berry Ride to Remember is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary this Saturday.The 155km bike ride sees its participants pedal from Bondi Beach through to Berry to raise funds for the Dementia Research Community.The charity is volunteer-led and in its 9 years has raised over $1.9million and channelled it into 10 research projects dedicated to raising awareness and finding a cure for Australia’s leading cause of death.In addition to this annual event, the organisation is responsible for coordinating multiday rides that take place every two years, including Bondi2Barosssa, Bondi2BlueMtns, Bondi2Brighton and this year’s Bondi2Byron.Kiama local Jay Gaffey will be among the 300 riders, participating in remembrance of her mother and aunty who passed away from dementia.At 11am, the riders will make a pitstop at Kiama’s Hindmarsh Park, where live music, face painting, and a bake sale will be open to the public. The event will be hosted by Kiama Municipal Council, with proceeds going directly to dementia research.Donations can be made at: https://drc.supporterhub.net.au/fundraising/bondi2berry-2025/bondi2berry

With poor weather around the grounds on Saturday, it was all smiles in fourth grade, where Kiama claimed a thrilling win in a reduced 30-over contest against Gerringong, securing victory with only three balls to spare - thanks to youngster Milo Brown.Gerringong reached 183 runs in their first innings with opener Harry Kenneally's 32 and Richard Warfield's 33 the best of the bunch.The Cavs openers got to work with a 64-run stand before Adam McCrone fell for 29 to Gerringong’s Brad Speering, who tore through the next two batters, claiming 3-0 in the ninth over.Brett Nortje belted 51 off 36 balls before retiring, taking the Cavs to 4-100 before Gerringong took regular wickets, leaving the visitors at 7-160.“Enter under-13s youngster Milo Brown, who finished 17 not out from 13 balls - showing maturity and nerves beyond his years - guiding the Cavs to an epic three-wicket victory on the third-last ball of the innings,” said Kiama president Bernie Brown.“Partnered by club legend and all-round good bloke Dan Cooper, who finished not out on nine, Milo earned a standing ovation as they took the win, making it three on the trot and finding some great form.”This Saturday, they play the Oak Flats Rats and will look to make it four in a row.The men’s first and second grades took on Albion Park in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the clubs’ first encounter back in 1875.“As were the comments from the write-up 150 years ago,” said Brown, “‘the weather was most disagreeable’ - a sentiment that rang true for the sesquicentenary.” Afternoon storm cells played havoc with most matches, with first grade disappointingly washed out at Keith Grey Oval just as festivities were in full swing.Before the match was abandoned, Kiama had Albion Park in trouble at 3-28 after 13 overs, with wickets going to Brad Ison (2-13) and Jon Hay (1-20). They’ll face competition leaders Shellharbour next week.The second grade side with Albion Park, celebrating the 150th anniversary since both clubs first met. Photo: Kiama Cavaliers Cricket ClubSecond grade, playing at home, managed to complete their match at Kiama Sporting Complex despite the weather - though they might have wished otherwise after going down by 68 runs.“In a disrupted, reduced-overs match, Albion Park got away from the home side in the latter overs to post 6-181 from 35 overs. The best of the bowlers was Jacob Lewis, picking up 2-27,” said Brown.Kiama began well with the openers combining for 41 runs, but the dismissal of captain Josh Battishall for 24 triggered a collapse.“Kiama unfortunately collapsed, losing 9-72 to be all out for 113, with only a handful of batters reaching double figures. They head into the bye this week and will be back on the 22nd to take on competition heavyweights Gerringong,” said Brown.Third grade’s match against Lake Illawarra at Bonaira Oval was also abandoned. They’ll face Kookas Blue this Saturday.In the South Coast women's competition, Kiama Cavettes fell just eight runs short of defeating competition leaders, the Oak Flats Ratatouilles.Coming into the match at Bonaira Oval on Friday night, the Cavettes had one win and one loss to their name, while the Ratatoullies were unbeaten.Kiama did well to restrict the Ratatoullies to 121 - their lowest score of the season.“The Cavettes set a strong game plan, restricting two of the competition’s leading run scorers and producing an excellent fielding display that resulted in two run-outs,” said Brown.Emma Timbs was the standout with the ball, finishing with figures of 2-28 and contributing to a run out.The Cavettes began strongly with a 62-run opening partnership between Ava Sloan (35 off 37) and Ebony Winston (18 off 27). However, both fell in quick succession, and another wicket soon followed, leaving the side at 3-70 with less than eight overs remaining.Emma Ford rallied late with some strong hitting, reaching 27 not out off 24 balls and forming partnerships with Brooklyn Brown and Jacquie Sloan.But ultimately they fell eight runs short.

Across neighbourhoods and country towns, a quiet kind of kindness is taking root - neighbours meeting neighbours, sharing food, and lending a hand through Box Divvy, a community-powered grocery network that connects people directly with each other. Unlike supermarket shopping, Box Divvy members pick up their produce from a neighbour’s garage or carport – the local “Hub” – creating small but meaningful connections every week. Through these simple exchanges, members get to know one another, notice when someone might be struggling, and often find ways to help.Box Divvy members purchase together in bulk and can customise their orders, which often results in a few extras. Sometimes those extras are shared, and other times members intentionally add more so there’s enough to give to others.At some Hubs, that care has grown into what are known as Kindness Boxes – boxes of fresh fruit, vegetables and pantry staples donated by members and shared with people or families doing it tough. The idea is simple: each member adds an extra item or two from their regular order before it’s passed on to someone nearby or to a local charity supporting people in need. Boxes are donated to what resonates locally, for example:Quakers Hill, NSW, members give to families through Wesley Mission’s Quakers Hill Family Centre.Rankin Park, NSW, boxes go to Ronald McDonald House, Mums Cottage and Survivors R Us.Bowral, NSW, donations support Can Assist, which helps locals undergoing cancer treatment, and Pop In at Moss Vale, which assists women and children experiencing domestic violence.Fraser, ACT, donations are shared with the Cato Place Pantry in Dunlop.North Croydon, VIC, kindness boxes go to members that might be doing it tough and unable to order that week.Cheryl Thomas runs the Box Divvy Hub in Quakers Hill, which services around 60 families. She reminds her community each week that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated.“Every Thursday I remind our Hub members to add a piece of produce. "Most weeks we put together a really generous, heavy box that often goes to local charities like Wesley Mission’s Quakers Hill Family Centre or a Ukrainian household that takes in people from overseas. "Other times it’s clear a member or another local family could use a hand, and we’ll quietly make sure the box goes their way. It’s such a simple thing, but it brings people together and reminds us how much we all look out for one another.”These gestures mean more than a grocery top-up. Nearly one in three Australians say they feel lonely at least once a week, while one in four households experiences some level of food insecurity.Independent research by Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong found that joining Box Divvy helps turn those trends around — with members reporting a drop in food insecurity from 51 per cent to 28 per cent. The findings show how Box Divvy’s shared-ownership model, where neighbours pool orders online to buy from mostly Australian suppliers at fair prices, not only makes good food more affordable, but also builds stronger, more connected communities.Box Divvy co-founder Jayne Travers-Drapes said the Kindness Boxes reflect the model’s deeper purpose.“Box Divvy was built around the idea of neighbours meeting neighbours — not just to share affordable, good food, but to look out for one another,” Jayne said. “In a world where so many people feel disconnected, these small acts of generosity show how powerful local connection can be, people supporting their farmers, their community, and each other.”For Cheryl, it’s simply part of what makes the Hub special.“It’s lovely to see people thinking of others while they’re collecting their own food,” she said. “It reminds us how connected we are as a community — and how food is one of the simplest ways to show you care.”

It's been the busiest start to a boating season for Marine Rescue NSW, with volunteers across the state performing 460 search and rescue missions in October - including 130 emergency responses - and safely returning 989 people to shore.Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures are the highest recorded for an October, continuing the record pace set the month before.“We have seen a 19% increase in demand for our services compared with the same month last year, which was previously our busiest October,” he said.The surge comes as boaters flocked to the water during the warm spring weather and long weekend, with many vessels needing help due to mechanical issues.“It is concerning that 44% of our responses were for engine failure,” Andrews said. “Being the start of the season, many skippers were caught out by a lack of maintenance.”Across the state, volunteers managed more than 21,000 radio calls, including 15 Maydays and four Pan Pans, while keeping watch over 27,390 people who logged on via the Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16.Locally, Marine Rescue Illawarra units - covering Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla, and Kioloa - completed 43 search and rescue missions in October, 17 of which were emergency responses.A total of 78 people were safely returned to shore, with Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet recording the highest demand (10 rescues each), followed by Port Kembla (8) and Shoalhaven (6).Andrews praised the dedication of the state’s 3500 volunteers, calling them “the backbone of boating safety in NSW.”“Every mission, every call answered - it’s all done by trained volunteers who give up their time to save lives,” he said.He encouraged all boaters to make safety a priority this season.“Log on before you head out so we know when to expect you back. Every safe trip starts before you hit the water.”

The local community gathered across the South Coast for a moment of silence to honour the returned service personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice for Australia.At Kiama’s Memorial Arch in Hindmarsh Park on Terralong Street, the strongest crowd in recent years of more than 100 people gathered to listen and reflect on the lived experiences shared during the service.Kiama Rotary Club chair Phil Whyte said he found the most moving part of the service was during the moment of silence at the 11th hour when The Last Post rang out across the town.“I must admit that it was quite eerie hearing three or four different bugle calls all around town,” Whyte said.“That’s what happens in the big army camps, you have echoes of the Reveille [the call that breaks the silence after the Last Post] to get us up in the morning.“And it was always because of the distance of that the others were out of tune.”The ceremony at Kiama.Kiama Rotary’s Tonia Barnes said that seeing her uncle’s plaque among the others on the wall parallel to Terralong Street donned with poppies “really gave me a shake down my spine”.“The whole connection brings us back to our roots of our community and that’s what is important,” Barnes said.“This will be quite important for our community in Kiama and not only seeing the Kiama -Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch in play but also Rotary, the Country Women’s Association and the Men's Shed [who all laid formal tributes].”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, who was joined by Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud, said the Remembrance Service was a pause for reflection after the many conflicts Australia has fought in.“It’s a real honour to attend the service today as the Mayor of Kiama and be able to read out the opening prayer,” Cr McDonald said.“I think Remembrance Day - 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month - has always been special, and even more so that people are continuing to further reflect on this day.“And that is the ethos of giving in our community, which is really humbling actually.”Lieutenant Colonel Gary McKay MC OAM (Ret’d), president of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch, told the service about his family connection with the Australian military and the camaraderie shared among service personnel.“For my own family, my mum and dad served in the Second World War,” McKay said.“Dad was sent out to western NSW to guard a water reservoir and Dad gave his guys the afternoon off to go to the pub at the same time as the agent who came around and did an inspection.“So, the old man went to jail and was busted back to digger, back to private.“And my mother was a telegraphist, a morse code operator and Mum did very well at that."She finished the war as a full corporal, a fact that she never let my father forget.”More than 100 community members gathered at the Memorial Headland Flag Pole for the Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch’s Remembrance Day ceremony.Sub-Branch president Michael O’Leary spoke about the sacrifices made by 64 local men who went off to World War I with only 50 of them returning home safely.Michael O'Leary, Kiama Deputy Mayor with Gerringong Public School students Hamish Burke, Ivy Payne and Isaac Winchester.A stirring part of the ceremony was when Gerringong Public School students Hamish Burke, Ivy Payne and Isaac Winchester told the tales of four locals who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of Europe.John William Donovan, a dairy farmer, was killed in action at Gallipoli in 1915 at the age of 23, railway fireman Joseph Bernard Harding was just 17 when he died in France a year later and Foxground brothers Albert and Lindsay Parrish were 28 and 21 respectively when they selflessly gave up their lives “for King and Country”.“We were talking about having something different this year so we asked the school to see if some kids who could talk about the people who were on the memorial wall,” O’Leary said.The Remembrance Day service at Gerringong. Photo: The Bugle“They chose three kids from their leadership group and I thought their speeches went very well.”O’Leary quoted a famous speech by war-time Australian Prime Minister John Curtin in which he said “we only want them to learn about the history so they can keep the respect for the people from those wars - they don’t want medals or thanks, they just want remembrance.”Remembrance Day services were also held at Albion Park RSL Club, the Wollongong Cenotaph and the Sussex Inlet RSL War Memorial.

Need some inspiration to get more exercise? Months of planning and training will culminate this weekend with a charity fundraiser based around ultra endurance, indoor rowing and cycling on Saturday at Kiama Surf Club.Two of our region's most dedicated athletes, Nardia Guillaumier and Alan Swan, will be leading the charge from 8.30am with personal targets for Nardia to row 100km and Alan to cycle 200km.Nardia, a dual world indoor rowing gold medallist, is no stranger to setting herself physical goals.“I have always enjoyed the challenge of pushing myself to the limit and am delighted that we will be doing so for such wonderful causes," she said."Whilst this challenge will be testing our physical, emotional and mental strength we expect that we will giving over 100,000 heartbeats to our 4 deserving causes."Nardia and Alan will be joined by rowing and cycling teams with each of its members working in rotation to raise money.Participating charities will have an information table at the event, so they can offer support to participants as well as sell merchandise with funds going directly to their charity.A giant raffle is currently running with tickets drawn at the event on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the event or online at https://www.raffletix.com.au/kiamaultrachallenge2025.Australian Amyloidosis Network (AAN), The Leukaemia Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club will receive donations from the event. And the fun doesn’t stop there for Nardia and Alan on Saturday. Following their marathon effort, they will be retiring to Club Jamberoo where local choir leader, Kate Whitworth, will be leading the throng in a club choir. Kate explains: “We have worked together with the team at Club Jamberoo and the band to put on an event for singers of all ages and abilities”. The choir starts at 6.30pm sharp and will climax with everyone singing along with the band.The Swamp Critters will follow the club choir where singer and harmonica player Ian Backhouse, himself having participated in Kiama Ultra Challenge, will join Kate and the band to entertain the audience through the evening.Entry to the pub choir and live music event at Club Jamberoo is free. Should members of the public wish to make a donation to the Kiama Ultra Challenge the opportunity will be available on the night for people to not only do so but also acknowledge and congratulate Nardia and Alan.

Local artist and designer Emma Veiga-Malta has had a busy few weeks - selling six pieces, welcoming more than 200 visitors and filling Kiama’s Old Fire Station with colour, energy and conversation.Her exhibition, which wraps up on Wednesday, features three distinct collections - blue and white ceramic-inspired works, bold abstract florals and expressive nude life sketches - each reflecting the breadth of her 27-year creative career.“Sales were looking a bit bleak at first,” she laughed, “but the weekend changed everything.”Emma's sketchbook: Supplied by The BugleVeiga-Malta’s creative journey began early.“My earliest memory is lying on the floor with my dad as he drew a bus with my name on it. One minute it was blank cardboard, and the next, magic - that’s when I fell in love with art.”After years running her own design business, she decided to “create for herself again”, hosting her first solo show at Gerringong Library and Museum (GLaM) last year.Blue and white paintings: Supplied by The BugleNow based in Gerringong, she’s deeply involved in the local art community - a member of several societies and vice-president of the Shellharbour City Art Society.She’s also the founder of the Creative Business Summit, a conference she launched to help creatives learn how to turn their passions into sustainable careers.“There’s so much creative talent, but not enough education on the business side,” she explained.“So I decided to build something by creatives, for creatives.”For Veiga-Malta, the heart of it all is community.“Nothing beats in-person connection. People are craving it more than ever,” she said.Mini flower painting: Supplied by The Bugle“That’s the best part - meeting people, sharing stories, and creating together.”