Lisa Whitbourn of Kiama was among 46 Australians recognised with Australian Bravery Decorations, announced by the Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC on Tuesday, August 13.Kiama local, Lisa Whitbourn was awarded the Commendation for Brave Conduct for the heroic rescue of a man at Merewether Beach on Christmas Day two years ago.Mrs Whitbourn was spending the day at the beach with her family when she witnessed three young men being dragged out to sea, one man was battling the rip and further out than the others.The two men closest to the shore were rescued by fellow beach-goers and returned to shore, Mrs Whitbourn sprung into action and ran out to sea, swimming out to the man being carried out into deep water.When she reached him, he was completely under water. She dove down to get him to the surface and onto his back, he began panicking and pushed her under the waves. She attempted to swim back to him, but each attempt, a wave would crash into them and cause the man to grab on top of Mrs Whitbourn. She was eventually successful in getting the man to float on his back, supporting him while others paddled out with boogie boards to get him back to shore.Steven Apthorp of Ulladulla has also been honoured with a Group Bravery Citation for his heroic actions after a disaster occurred at Dreamworld in 2016.Mr Apthorp was on a water ride at a Gold Coast theme park when two rafts collided. He quickly escorted his family and others to safety before jumping into the water to rescue an unconscious woman, performing CPR and relocating her away from the collision. Tragically, four people lost their lives in the accident. Fiona Phillips, Labor MP for Gilmore, commended the local heroes for their bravery and selflessness. “On behalf of all Australians, and the Gilmore community, I congratulate Lisa and Steven and thank them for their bravery and selfless actions during such traumatic circumstances.”“It takes a special kind of person to jump in and act in the way they did, and they are extraordinary humans who thoroughly deserve this honour,” Phillips declared.

Gerringong Theatre has a storied past that began in 1953 with its establishment by Harry and Mary Waghorn. According to their son, Gary, the theatre was a bustling hub of entertainment, showcasing movies every Saturday night year-round and seven nights a week during the Christmas and Easter holidays. This tradition continued until the mid-1980s when weekend movies ceased, and by 2006, holiday screenings had also come to an end.The revival of this local gem came in 2000 when Andy Marks, a Gerringong local and long-term projectionist for Gerringong Pics and Flicks Club (GPFC) from 2000 until 2022, approached Gary Waghorn. After a refreshing ocean swim together in Gerringong, Andy suggested showing small release films once a month at the Gerringong Town Hall. Initially hesitant about the venture's success, Gary sought advice from his father, Harry, who wisely said, “If the train’s not running, you won’t know how many will get on board.” Encouraged by his father's words, Gary agreed, leading to the establishment of GPFC.The club's inaugural film screening in mid-2000 featured "Drifting Clouds," followed by a supper that encouraged locals to meet, chat about the movie, and get to know each other.Interestingly, GPFC did not receive any local or state grants during its establishment. However, the Kiama Community College provided auspices for the club until it became incorporated in 2010.Over the years, the screening of movies by GPFC has evolved. The film projection equipment, originally owned by the Waghorn family, utilised 35mm film from 1953 until 2013. With technological advancements, they transitioned to digital projection, starting with DVDs and eventually installing a hard drive system in 2022. Gary Waghorn has been mentoring the current projectionist, Glenn, since he began in 2022. Movie licensing is managed under the Gala Theatre license, with costs covered by GPFC. Gary uses his cinema distribution contacts to negotiate prices and obtain the films for screening.The audiences for GPFC films primarily come from Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa, Berry, and Kangaroo Valley. Occasionally, attendees travel from Wollongong and Shellharbour for popular screenings. During the summer and school holiday seasons, the audience often includes tourists. Typically, attendance per screening ranges from 100 to 150 people.Membership in GPFC offers several incentives. Annual membership allows members to see 11 films over a 12-month period at a reduced rate. This community-centric approach is what makes GPFC's contribution to the local area unique. The club offers an opportunity to view short release and art house films, including many foreign language films not typically shown in mainstream theatres, without the need to travel to the Gala Theatre in Warrawong. The post-screening suppers foster a sense of community by encouraging attendees to meet and connect.GPFC also supports cultural development within the Kiama Local Government Area through various outreach initiatives. These include a scholarship program that provides financial assistance for young adults in the Kiama LGA to pursue film training and support. Additionally, GPFC periodically donates to Kiama High School for their awards and collaborates with other NGOs to further community goals.The COVID-19 restrictions of 2019 and 2020 posed significant challenges for GPFC. During this period, the club underwent a complete shutdown followed by a careful reopening process. To maintain their profile, committee member Rosie posted monthly film reviews, suggestions, and updates on their Facebook page. To conserve funds, some potential charity donations were foregone. Additionally, Gary generously offered to forgo his projectionist fee until the organisation had financially recovered post-COVID.This year's movie selection at GPFC is diverse, consisting mainly of foreign films with subtitles, along with a mix of genres including comedy, documentary, friendship, disability focus, and crime. A few years ago, a survey was conducted among members, listing films shown in the previous two years and asking for preferences to guide future selections. Followers on the Facebook page and informal feedback during post-screening suppers also contribute to the selection process. The GPFC committee reviews trailers for upcoming films each year and votes on them to curate the annual movie lineup.Over its 24-year history, GPFC has had many memorable moments, such as showing the George Gittoes film "Ukrainistan" and the Orrey Kelly film, both of which drew extra crowds. Since its inception in 2000, GPFC has shown 251 movies, with an additional number of films screened as part of film festivals, local community organisation events, or special local occasions.On average, film attendance is around 100 people during cooler months and about 150-200 during warmer months. Typically, one quarter to one third of the audience stays for supper, with more attendees lingering in warmer months.GPFC ensures its movies are accessible to the wider community in several ways. Local residents can borrow DVDs of the movies for free from the Gerringong Library, accommodating those who prefer not to go out at night or who missed a screening. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp leading to the front door and two removable seats near the front to accommodate wheelchairs. Additionally, the hall is equipped with a disabled toilet, ensuring that people with disabilities can comfortably attend screenings.

Registrations for the 2024 Kiama Social Netball Competition has surpassed founder Natalie Allan’s expectations with 135 kids already pre-registered.The competition is in its third year running, and initially Allan started it as a way for junior netballers to continue developing and having fun with the sport into summer.“This is our third year running and the reason I started it is that when kids play winter netball they’ve just gotten into their groove and started to understand the rules, and play, and then it’s over. Plus, there was no local competition available for summer for anyone under 16 and we had kids going to Shellharbour to play. So, I thought why we couldn’t do something locally?” Says Allan.The competition has only grown since then and the 2024 competition promises to be the biggest yet as they’ve moved it to the outside Kiama netball courts and added a training option coached by Allan’s daughter, Molly Allan, who recently completed her development coach accreditation."This year we’ve gone outside because there was a lot of interest, and we were capped because of Kiama Leisure Centre’s availability. We’re currently up to 135 kids pre-registered and we’re almost full,” says Allan.“Based on the feedback from the last few years, my daughter Molly Allan will be running group session training. Instead of playing in a team and playing a social game participants will play two 10-minute quarters of skills run by Molly who is a development level coach.”But Allan identifies that the main reason the competition is so successful is because of its social aspect. The games have no scoring, no coaches, no uniforms and kids are encouraged to swap positions each quarter and this all creates a fun atmosphere for kids who may find the pressure of competitive netball too much.“What people said was the best thing about the competition was the social aspect. It’s all about having fun and getting new people in and it works really well for kids who are neurodivergent or anxious because it just takes the pressure off,” says Allan.Kiama netball is extremely successful for their size with the U13’s representative team winning at the NSW champions and the U12’s team getting runners up. “I think we’ve always been a strong netball association, but certainly the idea of the social competition is to encourage kids to come to the game. Kids have so many options these days like soccer and league tag and AFL. We wanted to bring a bit more fun to netball and encourage new players to come in,” says Allan.The Kiama Netball Social Competition has its first round on October 14 and there are still some spots available. You can register via the Kiama Netball Social Competition Facebook page or through contacting Allan herself (her contact details are available on the Facebook page). The Competition is also looking for a sponsor, so if you’re a local business looking to support a community organisation, get in contact with Allan as well.

This past weekend, Kiama Rugby headed to Wollongong to play the Vikings in their last round. What a way to finish the regular season, with both the first grade and the second grade winning their respective games, which means the team is onto the finals.The Cows have indeed been laying the groundwork to finish second, first and second grade, on the Illawarra District Rugby Union 2024 Senior Ladder.On 10 August, Kiama Rugby hosted Camden for their last two home games at the Showground. First grade dominated their encounter while the second grade clash turned out to be quite the thriller. Adding to the overall excitement was Kiama RUFC’s vice president Chris Meizer marking a major milestone, by playing his 250th game for the club. The guests received a warm and sunny welcome but when it came down to the play, first and second grade won.“It was probably the most complete game we’ve played all year,” says coach James Patrick.The first grade had hardly run out on the field before they scored their first try. And after that, there was no looking back. After several tries in Kiama’s favourite corner and a couple of magnificent conversions, the team led Camden 47-0 at half time.“It felt good. Our guys play well as a unit,” Patrick continues.The second half treated the boisterous home crowd to some nice passing and indeed, more great tries. Add Matt Forsyth’s 10 conversions overall, and the final score came to Kiama 87 - Camden 17.A slight breeze, hinting at spring, swept the grounds before the second grade came out, led by Chris Meizer for his incredible 250th game.Camden’s Lachlan Stanley scored an excellent penalty goal to start things off.But Kiama, with a great line-up, kept pushing forward, holding onto a 15-10 lead at half time.The game came down to the wire. Jasper Scobie sprinted down the sideline to make a spectacular try, which caused the whole ground to erupt in cheers and a standing ovation. With the scoreboard showing Kiama 27 - Camden 23, it became the finish of the season.“I love watching that kid play. He’s pretty small and skinny. But he’s a good player,” says coach Patrick.“I am enjoying all of our young players playing. I think we’re finally clicking and understanding what we’re supposed to do out there.”On Saturday, 24 August, Kiama will be playing at Shoalhaven Rugby Park for a spot in the grand final: First grade vs. Shoalhaven at 3 pm, and second grade vs. Bowral at 1:30 pm.

The Dementia Choir - Alchemy Chorus South Coast - is set to unite with their inspiration and sister choir, Alchemy Chorus Canberra, for a heartfelt musical event. The Canberra choir played a crucial role in supporting the South Coast group when it first began in Gerringong in October 2022.Alchemy Chorus is a unique ensemble that brings together individuals living with dementia, along with their relatives or close friends, volunteer musicians, and singers. Together, they create an atmosphere of joy, storytelling, and community through the power of music. The name 'Alchemy' perfectly encapsulates the choir's mission: blending diverse elements into something truly valuable. The choir is inclusive, welcoming those with dementia who can still participate and benefit from singing, as well as their care partners. There are no auditions - every voice is treasured, and every participant is embraced.Dr Christa Wood, Founder and Manager of Alchemy Chorus, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, saying, “We are thrilled to join forces in a combined concert in Goulburn to showcase the beautiful voices of those living with and alongside dementia.”The essence of the Alchemy Choirs is about leaving dementia at the door and immersing in a few hours of singing, camaraderie, and joy. As working choirs, they focus on vocal and breathing exercises, harmonizing, and even performing canons, all while ensuring that they hold at least two public performances each year.The much-anticipated concert will take place on 14 September at St Nicholas' Church in Goulburn, a convenient midpoint between the two choirs. The performance is set to begin at 1pm, and the choirs are hopeful that the local community will come out to support this inspiring event.Alchemy Chorus South Coast operates as a program under the Rotary Club of Gerringong Sunrise Inc., embodying the spirit of service and community through music.

The Australian Government-backed Future Skills Organisation, which focuses on finance, technology, and business (FTB) job opportunities, released its 2024 workforce plan, Building a Skilled Workforce. The comprehensive 130-page report highlights that digital skills are now more in demand across the nation than ever before.The report delves into how Vocational Education and Training (VET) bodies and other educational providers are responding to the increasing need for digitally proficient workers in the FTB sectors. Currently, approximately three million Australians – about one in five workers – are employed in these fields.Patrick Kidd, CEO of Future Skills Organisation, emphasised the importance of adapting to these changes: "In addition to desktop research about FTB skills needs and wants across Australia, we surveyed industry members to gather their thoughts about the current training framework and establish where they saw a need for future growth."Generative AI was identified as a major technological shift impacting the FTB sector where current capability needs improvement, but also as an opportunity for increased productivity and competitive advantage. Industry members also indicated they would like to see more work-based learning and short-form training options to enable workers to transition into and out of occupations. VET providers are hearing this message."Kidd further stressed the critical need for cybersecurity professionals in light of emerging threats: "Complex information storage systems continue to fall victim to phishing, criminal, or other malicious actions, and firewalls, as we all know, are far from infallible. The 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy recently released by the Department of Home Affairs will further stimulate demand for information technology staff, and cyber security specialists especially."The whole-of-nation approach designed to better protect our public and private organisations represents a paradigm shift. It’s apparent we will need all training avenues at our disposal to meet this growing demand for cybersecurity. VET courses and teachers themselves will also need to adapt to this shift in direction, so course offerings stay aligned with FTB student and sector needs."The workforce plan also notes that technological occupations are embedded across the Australian economy, with skill requirements evolving at a rapid pace. Notably, 62 percent of technological occupations are employed outside the direct tech sector, illustrating the widespread need for digital proficiency across various industries.Stakeholders in the FTB sectors have expressed a strong preference for a skills-driven approach to workforce planning, with an increasing emphasis on skills over traditional job titles. This shift is largely driven by the rising demand for digital capabilities, a more dynamic workforce, and the impact of Generative AI. The Future Skills Organisation anticipates that this focus will become even more central in its 2025 Workforce Plan.Currently, six business occupations are facing shortages, as identified by the 2023 Skills Priority List from JSA. With 1.4 million workers in business occupations across every industry sector, particularly in professional, scientific, and technical services (16 percent) and healthcare and social assistance (14 percent), industry experts predict further shifts in the skills required for these roles.Since 1986, technology and business occupations in Australia have grown at a rate at least 1.5 times faster than other occupations, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.Key challenges identified in the FTB Sector:Changed occupational design: While occupational descriptions remain largely the same, there is an increasing demand for digital skills. Proficiency in these skills is becoming more crucial as new technologies continue to evolve and become commonplace.Rapidly changing skills needs: The skills required for FTB occupations are expected to change swiftly, driven by new technologies, especially Generative AI. There is a strong demand from industry for more short-form training, work-based learning, and alignment with vendor certifications.Tertiary pathways preferred: Surveyed industry members appear to favour university entry pathways into many FTB occupations, likely due to poor perceptions or a lack of understanding of the VET sector.Skilled and diverse workforce shortages: Industry members reported that the supply of skilled workers is too slow, and the training system is not responsive enough to evolving skills needs. As a result, training can be outdated by the time it is completed. Additionally, the lack of diversity in the FTB sector exacerbates these shortages, with a particularly low proportion of First Nations people and women in tech roles.Case study: Kai Bahartha-King, Joondalup, Western AustraliaAward: Vocational Student of the Year 2023 (Finalist)Current occupation: Cyber Security AnalystTraining completed: Certificate III in Information, Digital Media, Technology (Cyber Security), Certificate IV in Cyber Security, and Advanced Diploma of Cyber SecurityMain career goals: "I am currently training for an international competition in cyber security, where I have the honour of representing my country. My goal is not just to compete but to win. Beyond that, I am focused on advancing my career in cyber security and enhancing my communication and media skills."Impact of award on current pursuits: "My award has been instrumental in boosting my public speaking abilities and media presence. The experience has made me more confident in discussing my career path and has inspired me to encourage others—regardless of age—to explore cyber security or other vocational careers through TAFE."How VET changed my life: "Through the VET/TAFE pathway, I was able to secure my dream job at just 16-years-old. Being home-educated by my parents, I discovered my passion for cyber security as early as 14. TAFE played a crucial role in honing my skills and expanding my capabilities as a cyber security professional. My lecturers provided every opportunity for me to pursue my passion, even recommending me for my current role. They also supported my journey as a National Competitor for WA, where my teammate and I won Gold."

Tickets are now on sale for the Berry Writers Festival, which features a blockbuster line-up of international and home-grown authors led by Nobel Prize winning novelist JM Coetzee and popular Australian writers Michael Robotham and Sally Hepworth.Kiama’s Ryan Butta, Wollongong’s Hayley Scrivenor, Gerringong’s Fiona Weir and UK-based, Berry-born human rights lawyer and author Jennifer Robinson will join more than 80 well-known and emerging authors at the three-day festival from October 25-27. The Guardian editor David Marr will deliver the opening address. Novelists Alice Pung, Madeline Gray, Jessica Dettmann, Nina Wan, Ceridwen Dovey and Yuwaalaraay storyteller and performer Nardi Simpson, are among the talented fiction writers, who will talk about their craft.Journalist, author and Gold Walkley award winner Chris Masters will discuss his latest book, an investigation into the case against Australia's most highly decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith. Conversations That Count will feature 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame chatting with teacher and author Daisy Turnbull about risk, reward, friendship and contentment. Marc Fennell, Walkley Award-winning journalist, documentary maker and host of the television series Stuff the British Stole,  will discuss how history is told and adapting books to screens. Gina Chick, winner of the television series Alone and granddaughter of celebrated Kiama author Charmian Clift, will join author Holly Wainwright where they will discuss how to be alone.Mary Cunnane, the festival’s artistic director, and a former publisher and literary agent, said this year’s festival program will be bigger and even more diverse than the inaugural event in 2022.“The 2024 Berry Writers Festival will deliver a weekend of memorable experiences,” she said. “Words open the world and allow us to tell our stories and understand the lives of others.”The festival will also include a special Schools Day on October 24. Children’s book authors Kirli Saunders, Nathan Luff and Maryam Master will visit primary schools in Berry and nearby communities to share their stories. On October 25 Shoalhaven’s Anita Ahmadizadeh - a writer, artist, educator, researcher, and academic in children’s literature - will host Drawing Stories, a special workshop for children aged 6-12.A collaboration with the South Coast Writers Centre, New Voices of the South Coast: A Showcase for Debut Writers, gives new and emerging local literary talent a platform to showcase their work on the final day of the festival. The festival’s opening day will feature workshops with experts sharing insights into their work and the world of books and publishing. Sessions include kick-starting your novel; the business of publishing; memoir and biography; self publishing children's books and the skills needed to edit your own work.Berry Writers Festival president James Robinson said the much-loved event was for “writers, readers and people who believe in the power of storytelling, sharing ideas and healthy debate”. Access to early bird tickets is now available at: berrywritersfestival.org.au.

The Group 7 South Coast Rugby League competition finished its regular season on Sunday August 18 and will hold the Qualifying Finals on Saturday August 24 and Sunday August 25. The Kiama Knights have three teams playing in these finals.The Kiama Knights Reserve Grade team will play an elimination quarter final on Saturday against the Warilla Gorillas at Cec Glenholmes Oval. Whilst the Under 18s team and the Ladies League Tag 1 team will both play in the non-elimination quarter finals at Ron Costello Oval on Sunday against the Warilla Gorillas and the Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs respectively. The First Grade team and the Ladies League Tag 2 team both failed to reach the quarter finals and played their last game of the season on August 18. The First Grade team lost 36-6 against the Gerringong Lions whilst the Ladies League Tag 2 team lost 12-4 against the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs. The Gerringong Lions finished with the minor premiership in both First Grade and Reserve Grade and will have the week off. The Jamberoo Superoos have both Ladies League Tag teams playing in the quarter finals. Division 1 plays on Saturday and Division 2 plays on Sunday.The Bugle wishes all the Kiama teams in the quarter finals good luck!

Group B’s vision for a thriving communityEmerging from the farming lands of Jamberoo, central Kiama, Gerringong, and Werri Beach, the Group B team, led by Alan Smith, is a collective of like-minded individuals driven by the guiding principle, that ‘reasonable decisions are made by reasonable people’.Every candidate in Group B brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication, united by a shared vision for the future of the Kiama LGA. Together, they are committed to enhancing the community, making it stronger, more vibrant, and a place where everyone can thrive. This is clearly a team that puts Community first.The team envisions a future where the community thrives on sustainability, local support, and opportunities for everyone. If elected, they are committed to working tirelessly to:Build Strong Relationships: By collaborating with community members, businesses, and Council staff to achieve shared goals. Boost the Local Economy: By promoting and supporting local businesses and farmers.Support People: By developing programs that help individuals gain practical skills and potentially start their own ventures.Promote Sustainability: By implementing initiatives that meet the needs of the present while safeguarding the needs of future generations.The team is dedicated to supporting good ideas proposed by anyone and seizing every opportunity to make the community a better place for all. They believe in their ability to bring positive change and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to serve the community.Alan Smith: A reasonable voice for the communityWhen Alan Smith first encountered issues with Kiama Council, he took a proactive step by pursuing a law degree, believing it might be necessary to resolve the challenges he faced. However, he quickly realised that a reasonable conversation with the then newly appointed CEO was all it took to address his concerns without resorting to legal action. This experience highlighted an essential truth for Alan, effective communication and common sense should be the foundation of the Council’s approach.Alan believes this philosophy must be embraced across the board, starting with the Councillors. He understands that Council decisions have a profound impact on the community’s well-being, affecting not just daily lives but also mental health. The consequences of indecision or poor decision-making are real and significant.Alan advocates for changing the way decisions are approached, beginning with open conversations that focus on the ‘how’ and ‘why’. He believes there’s usually a way forward if we take the time to listen and understand. Alan emphasises that the Council must significantly improve its responsiveness to the community it serves.While Alan deeply cares about ensuring people have a place to live, opportunities to work locally, and the need to protect the environment, he believes that development should not proceed unchecked. It must be both appropriate and reasonable, with the community’s needs at the forefront. He is committed to ensuring that the unique character of our villages is preserved, even as they grow.Alan’s Background and ExperienceSince moving to the community with his family, Alan has been actively involved in local life. As President of the Jamberoo Football Club, he has worked to bring backthe Jamberoo Football Sevens tournament and support the growth of the sport. Youwill normally find him in the centre of the park these days, as the referee becausethat is what the sporting community needed.His commitment to the community extends beyond the field. Alan owns and operates Jerrara Creek Farm, where he hosts the annual Santa Photos on the Farm fundraiser for Jamberoo Public School. His goal has always been to provide fresh produce to local people, which led him to purchase a local café in a heritage-listed building, bringing the community back to a time when people worked and ate together.Alan’s vision is to build a thriving local economy where everyone can prosper. Before settling in Jamberoo, Alan spent many years in the corporate world with companies like Hewlett Packard, Telstra, IBM, and Westpac, managing key customer relationships and overseeing large-scale projects. These experiences have equipped him with the skills to navigate complex challenges, manage large budgets, and deliver successful outcomes—qualities that are essential for effective leadership in the local council.Alan Smith is certainly a candidate who understands and cares for our community.Alan’s QualificationsMaster of Business Administration, Australian Graduate School of ManagementBachelor of Laws, University of New EnglandGraduate Diploma of Practical Legal Training, College of LawMaster Project Director, Australian Institute of Project ManagersProject Management Professional, Project Management InstitutePrince 2 Practitioner, Office of Government CommercePrince 2 Foundation, Office of Government CommerceDesign and Supervise Renewable Energy Systems, Clean Energy CouncilAlan’s PositionsOfficer, The Supreme Court of NSWOwner, Jerrara Creek FarmOwner, Amaki Café (soon to be relaunched as The Farmers Table)Director, FutureGen PowerDirector, FutureGen AdvisoryManaging Partner, The Smith Family Partnership (NSW)Member, Sustainable Communities Advisory Committee, Kiama CouncilAlan’s Team:Noel “Gaffa” Killmore a Kiama local is the owner of Killmore Plant and Services. A business which has provided heavy duty mechanical services since 1992.Belinda “Bindi” Camarda is a strong advocate for conservation and the preservation of our history. Bindi saved “Marks Cottage” from a Council demolition order. Built in circa 1860, the cottage housed the workers who built both Culwalla and Terragong Houses in Jamberoo.John “Head” Trevenar is the driving force behind the renovations at Gerry Emery Reserve in Gerringong. John has secured over $800,000 in grants and donations to upgrade this much loved and utilised community facility.Narreda Grimley is an extremely experienced senior executive. Having recently retired from corporate life, Narreda volunteers at Aging with Grace, a charity which supports our elderly residents.

The New South Wales local government elections operate under a system designed to ensure representation for the local community while encouraging a range of candidates to participate.Candidates often form groups of five on the ballot, which is a strategic move in the NSW local government elections. Candidates who form a group usually share similar values, goals, and visions for their community.They often run together because they believe in each other's capacity to contribute positively to the council. By forming a group, candidates can pool their resources, increase their visibility, and appeal to voters as a cohesive team. This approach can help in securing more votes for the entire group rather than just for individual candidates.Additionally, a group of five can potentially secure more positions on the council. If voters support the entire group, more members of that group can be elected, which can significantly influence the council’s direction and decisions.NSW local government elections use a proportional representation system with optional preferential voting. This system ensures that seats on the council are allocated proportionally based on the number of votes each group or candidate receives.If a group of candidates gets a significant share of the votes, multiple candidates from that group can be elected. With optional preferential voting, voters can choose to either vote for a group as a whole (by marking a single box above the line) or vote for individual candidates (by marking boxes below the line). When voting above the line, preferences are automatically distributed according to the group’s preferences.It’s crucial to look at the entire group of five candidates when voting, not just the lead candidate. The candidates in a group are not just “stocking fillers” but individuals who share a common platform and vision. The lead candidate and others have likely selected each other based on their shared commitment to the community and the belief that they can work together effectively if elected.If you vote for a group, you’re essentially endorsing the collective values and policies they represent. The entire group’s composition can significantly impact council decisions and the overall governance of the community. Each member of the group is expected to have the time, energy, and motivation to serve the community. If you believe in the lead candidate, it’s likely they’ve chosen running mates who will also work hard for the community.Team members in groups of five are not stocking fillers. The formation of groups of five should reflect shared values and goals, and the preference system ensures that voting for a group can have a meaningful impact on the council's composition. It’s important to consider the entire group when voting, as each member will play a role in shaping the future of the community if elected.

Recent events on our council highlight significant concerns about the treatment and representation of women. With the announcement of candidates and groups for the upcoming council elections on 14 September, it's essential to reflect on the current state of female representation. In the previous council, there were four women, but over the past four years, three have faced significant challenges, including being reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, with those reports leaked to the press in violation of protocols. None of the women reported to ICAC are seeking re-election, which raises serious concerns about whether the council's culture, particularly towards dissenting voices, has become so toxic that it deters capable women from continuing to serve.As we look at the new slate of candidates, it's telling that while two groups have women as the lead candidates, one group has no female candidates at all. This disparity in representation suggests that the environment may have discouraged women from stepping forward, potentially due to the intense scrutiny and repercussions faced by those who dissent. This reduction in female representation risks diminishing the diversity and effectiveness of our council. Ensuring that our council remains inclusive, and representative is more critical than ever, and it requires addressing the underlying issues that have led to this troubling trend.

The preference system used in New South Wales (NSW) local government elections is known as optional preferential voting within a proportional representation framework. Here's how it works:1. Voting Above the Line: When you vote above the line on the ballot paper, you are voting for a group of candidates as a whole. By marking a single box above the line, your vote goes to the entire group in the order that the group has predetermined. If the group receives enough votes to elect more than one candidate, the preferences are automatically distributed to the next candidate in the group.2. Voting Below the Line: If you choose to vote below the line, you can mark your preferences for individual candidates. You do this by numbering the candidates in the order of your preference. You can choose to number as many or as few candidates as you like. If your first choice candidate doesn’t have enough votes to be elected, your vote will be transferred to your next preference, and so on, until a candidate is elected or all your preferences are exhausted.3. Counting the Votes: Votes are counted in stages:First Preference Count: All the first preference votes are counted. If a candidate or group receives enough votes to reach the quota (the number of votes required to be elected, based on the total number of votes cast and the number of available seats), they are elected.Transfer of Surplus Votes: If a candidate or group has more votes than the quota, the surplus votes are transferred to the remaining candidates or groups according to the preferences indicated by voters.Elimination and Redistribution: If no candidate meets the quota after the first count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates according to the next preferences marked on the ballot papers. This process continues until all the seats are filled.4. Importance of Preferences: Preferences are crucial because they allow your vote to continue counting even if your top choice isn't successful. This ensures that your vote still contributes to electing a candidate or group that aligns closely with your values. It also means that voting strategically—by understanding how your preferences might be distributed—can have a significant impact on the final outcome of the election.In summary, the preference system allows for a more representative outcome by enabling votes to be transferred based on voter preferences, ensuring that the final elected candidates reflect a broader consensus within the community.Watch the video to learn more.

Kiama-based building company Crump Constructions has been recognised for their quality of work at the recent Master Builders Association Southern Regions Excellence in Building Awards.The company won in their category for a recently completed new home in Kiama.  After being judged alongside homes in the region, which stretches from Wollongong’s northern suburbs down to the Far South Coast and inland to the Southern highlands and Snowy Mountains, the panel of experts deemed the house to be the best.“The judges commend the project for its innovative design, high quality finishes and exceptional craftsmanship,” the judging panel said at the presentation.The win was announced in front of over 300 builders and industry representatives at a gala dinner held in Ulladulla on Saturday 27 July. Company principal Nathan Crump was on hand to receive the award.“It was a big surprise when I heard my name announced and it was a very proud moment to be up on stage,” said Nathan Crump.“After many years in the industry it is nice to be recognised by the Association when compared to so many other quality builders. I feel it shows my small scale, hands-on approach results in high quality projects.” 

Independent Mike Cains and his team believe that Kiama needs a fresh start. There is a lot do. Broadly speaking their policy platform revolves around three key focus areas. Firstly, establishing a collaborative and professional council that abandons petty squabbles and works to get things done, Secondly, delivering improved liveability for our town and villages and finally, ensuring that we only have sustainable development and infrastructure that sets our region up for the future.Here are the team biographies:Mike Cains: is a farmer, owner of Pecora Dairy, 2021 Nuffield Scholar & 2024 Royal Agriculture Show Presidents Medal recipient. He is on the board of the Kiama & District Business Chamber and a founding member of the Wednesday Kiama F armers Market. Dad to two adult children and husband to Cressida for over 20 years. Before returning to the area he grew up in, Mike carved out a successful corporate career with senior executive roles at companies like Fairfax Media and CoreLogic. In corporate Australia and in small business he acquired the skills to a) bring people together b) solve problems and c) get things done - if elected he will work with other councillors to create a more productive council.Marcus Hewitt: is a local cattle farmer who has lived in the Kiama area for more than 15 years. He is an accomplished small businessman with more than 30 years’ experience running fitness centres throughout Sydney. He is a father of three who understands the pressures facing families and businesses in Kiama. In particular he wants to see a greater focus on building more functional amenities in Kiama’s growing towns. He sees the opportunity for farmers to build modest functional accommodation to house their staff and for the workers of businesses of our growing towns. He is an avid fisherman and is passionate about preserving the natural beauty of this electorate. As part of the Mike Cains team, he wants to use his business experience and local knowledge to support jobs, growth and investment in our beautiful Kiama Towns.James Cahill: has lived in Kiama for the past 43 years, raising a family. He has enjoyed career employment in information technology and communications at senior management level working for multi-national corporates. Jim is a keen Christian and surfer, with community volunteering experience including previous lengthy involvement with junior football as coach.Jim is pleased to support Michael Cains to provide a fresh start for Kiama Council.Cressida Cains: has a passion for supporting women in rural and regional Australia. She is the 2020 Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award winner for NSW and ACT and National runner up. She is on the board of Australian Women in Agriculture and is a fierce advocate for helping rural and regional women achieve positions of influence. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Business.Together with Mike she founded Pecora Dairy and has been on the organising committee of the Wednesday Kiama Farmers market. She is mother to two adult children.Eric McAuley: is a 20-year Bombo resident. His career encompasses environmental remediation, but he currently runs his own business recycling batteries and other materials. He is an exponent of the circular economy and its benefits to society. Eric is deeply passionate about the future of the Bombo quarry. He believes that we have the perfect opportunity to promote a world class urban design to create a new state of the art community close to beach, electrified train and highway.

Rooted in the heart of Kiama, Gerringong, and Jamberoo, the Group A team, led by Cameron McDonald, is a coalition of passionate individuals who embody the mantra, “Community minded, business focused.” Each member brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the table, united by a shared commitment to enhancing the Kiama LGA and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.Cameron McDonald: Cameron grew up in Kiama and is one of five partners in regional law firm Culleton Lawyers. Cameron has two degrees, a Masters in Property Law and Business Law Transactions and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment. He has travelled extensively, been appointed to State and Australian representative sporting teams in a former career and cut his teeth in a top tier law firm. Cameron is currently the President of the Kiama & District Business Chamber, a member of the Destination Kiama Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, a committee member of the Kiama Show Society and founding member of the Kiama & District Stronger Community mental well-being group alongside Erica, Mark and Derek. In his spare time Cameron coaches the U11 Girls Kiama Power AFL team (who apparently need little coaching). His family has a long history of serving the community, his father Al being one of the founding members of the Kiama Lions Club in 1970, and who is still a member of the Club. Cameron‘s wife Leah has served for the last 12 months on the Kiama Primary School P&C Association and their children go to Kiama High and Primary Schools. Cameron works tirelessly and has the skills and passion to make the Kiama LGA a better place.Erica Warren: Erica is a Jamberoo local and mum who has spent over 35 years in the hospitality industry. Erica has spent 46 years of her life here in the Kiama Municipality, attending Kiama Infants, Primary and High Schools. Her parents, Ross and Nola Warren moved from Sydney to Kiama when she was five years old, operating The Grand Hotel Kiama and most recently The Jamberoo Pub. As Licensee of Jamberoo Pub for 10 years Erica was awarded several Australian Hotels Association Awards, along with the Prestigious NSW South Coast Tourism Award, Individual Contribution to South Coast Tourism. Erica mentored several employees and students in the AHA Women in Hospitality Scholarship Program, two receiving Scholarships. Most recently, Erica began her own Hospitality consulting business and currently is the General Manager of The Co-Op Gerringong. Erica is a member of the Kiama & District Business Chamber and Destination Kiama, she is involved in the Kiama & District Stronger Communities and previously served on the Board of Kiama Tourism. Erica has a Bachelor of Social Science and majored in Human Resource Management, Human Relations and Communications. She is passionate about our community, hospitality, live music and tourism and supporting our youth to ensure they have local jobs and the ability to live in our LGA. She believes in a common sense attitude to supporting businesses year-round and sensible development that reduces the impact on our beautiful land and environment. Erica is running as a candidate so she can play a pivotal role in making common sense decisions within Council for businesses and the broad demographic that live here and visit.Melissa Matters: Born and raised in Gerringong, Melissa is a proud third-generation member of the Miller farming family. After attending Kiama High School and still in her early twenties, Melissa launched her own small business while raising her children. Melissa now owns and operates The Hill Bar and Kitchen in Gerringong with her husband Dean and their boys, employing 60 local residents. As co-owners, Melissa and her family acquired and restored the historic Gerringong Dairy Co-Op, showcasing her commitment to preserving local heritage and Gerringong’s natural beauty while fostering economic growth.Melissa's deep connection to the community fuels her passion for its people and culture, and her first hand experience in managing successful businesses gives her unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our local enterprises. Melissa’s proven track record of leadership, innovative mindset, commitment to excellence and ability to forge strong relationships make her invaluable to our community. As cornerstones of the local community, Melissa’s businesses also proudly sponsor local football, soccer, and hockey clubs, underscoring her commitment to supporting local sports and youth development. Mark Burns: Mark Burns is a dedicated community member with a deep passion for purpose and contribution. With over 20 years of experience as an owner and clinician at Gerringong and Kiama Physiotherapy, Mark has honed his skills in caring for others and fostering wellbeing. Now, he has shifted his focus toward strengthening community ties and promoting health and connection through various initiatives. Mark is the founder and CEO of The Man Walk Charity, a program designed to encourage men to engage in meaningful conversations and support one another. He serves as the lead facilitator of the Building Young Men rites of passage mentoring program, empowering Year 10 boys to navigate their journey into adulthood with confidence. As a director of the Kiama and District Stronger Community charity, he actively works toward enhancing the wellbeing of the local community.Mark is committed to ensuring a brighter future for residents in our region. With his extensive experience and genuine passion for community development, Mark Burns is an ideal candidate for local office.Derek McMahon: Derek spent his childhood in Kiama before moving to Gerringong over 20 years ago, where he now raises his family. Derek is a second-generation business owner, currently operating two businesses within the Kiama LGA. McMahons Transport (Gerringong) and Lumberjacks Firewood (Minnamurra) employ local people and proudly sponsor several local sporting clubs and the Kiama Show. Derek is highly involved in the community, being the current Chair of Gerringong Bowling Club, an active member of Gerringong All Sports, a founding member of Gezza Cares and the Kiama & District Stronger Community group. For his charity work with the Illawarra Convoy, Derek was awarded the Australia Day Award. Derek is passionate about our local community, especially with regard to future planning and employment. Derek would like to see improved long term planning for the LGA and a return to a financially sustainable council. Derek doesn’t stand back. He seeks advice, makes decisions, takes responsibility, and gets on with the job.

The Kiama Netball Association (KNA) hosted its Indigenous round on August 17 despite the stormy weather from the night before.Fortunately, the morning cleared up and the Indigenous round took place with young First Nations player Sianna Badger performing the Acknowledgement of Country.Sianna Badger performing the Welcome to Country. Source: KNA Facebook.Badger says she was proud to be able to represent her culture whilst participating in the sport that is her passion.“It is important to me and it’s special because lots of Aboriginal people contribute to sport and I have lots of friends who are Aboriginal who do really well in netball. It makes me proud to be able to celebrate my culture whilst doing the sport that I love,” says Badger.Also part of the round was a raffle for a painting called Winter Tree created by another young First Nations player Milly Wall. The inscription on the painting by Wall says: “This painting is called Winter Tree as it is a representation of when trees lose their leaves for winter, but the beauty is always beneath.”'Winter Tree' painted by Milly WallThere was also a sea of hands activity for the other young netballers to participate in.The sea of hands. Source: KNA FacebookKNA President Michelle Gregory believes it is vital that sport associations, no matter how young, support the inclusion and acknowledgement of First Nations’ people and the First Nations’ land that we live on.“I think it’s important to acknowledge First Nations people and to inform the younger generations early on about their culture and Australia’s history,” says Gregory.The indigenous round will be followed by Netball NSW hosting their Koori Gala Day on Sunday, 25 August. The gala day encourages teams of indigenous and non-indigenous players to come together for a fun day of netball.

UPDATED message from the organisers:The Competition organisation is ticking along nicely, with entries being submitted by enthusiastic gardeners. However, we need to inform you that the committee has reluctantly had to alter the date for the presentation. The presentation will now be held on November 22, beginning at 10:30 and running for about an hour. All other dates remain the same. We apologise for this unexpected change but hope that you will still be able to attend the Presentation. An updated entry form is attached for your convenience. -------The annual spring garden competition for the Kiama Municipality is in full swing again. After formally announcing the competition in May, everyone is encouraged to get their entries in. Categories include: Garden over 1,000 square metres - can include whole garden or part of it.Garden under 1,000 square metres – can include whole garden or part of it.Predominantly native garden – Whole or part of a garden with a significant portion of Australian natives.Courtyard, balcony or indoor garden – A courtyard garden refers to a garden almost enclosed by walls, fences, hedging or buildings.Senior living complex garden – This can include retirement villages and nursing homes.Edible garden - Can be vegetable gardens, fruit gardens, culinary herb gardens, bush tucker gardens or a combination of these with an element of sustainability and eco creation such as a worm farm, composting etc.Children’s garden - Created or cared for by a child or group of children. Can include childcare centres, school garden or just a family backyard with a garden space dedicated to the children.The Kiama Garden Club meets on the 4th Friday of the month. Anyone interested in plants and gardening is welcome to attend. Entry forms can be obtained by email [email protected] or phone Jenny on 0414 257 215. Meetings are held at the Uniting Church Hall, Bong Bong Street, Kiama$5 includes morning tea.Membership fee $20.

On August 17 and 18, Kiama Village hosted an event to celebrate the new look of the venue. The event included face painting, a petting zoo, a kids craft corner, balloon twisting, an i98 street team and giveaways. Have a look at some photos of Kiama locals celebrating the completion of the Kiama Village below:Young locals Jean Vaux, Mercy Deans-Telling and Evie Young hanging out with some Guinea PigsFynn and Lyla Hall enjoying the kids craft sectionThe CWA Kiama Evening Branch's stall

The headspace clinic has officially opened its doors to Kiama residents on 11/65 Manning Street.The facility was announced by federal Labor MP for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips last year as a commitment to the Labor government’s pre-election promise to support youth mental health services. headspace Kiama will provide services for young people aged 12-25 and will offer mental health, alcohol, drug, work and study support. The Albanese government invested $839,656 this financial year for the commissioning, managed by Coordinaire Primary Health Network and operation, managed by Grand Pacific Health of headspace Kiama.Inside the new Kiama headspace clinic“We're bringing support and care closer to home for thousands of young people with 89 headspaces services now located across regional Australia,” said Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride.Between 2021 - 2022, NSW spent $91 per capita on community mental health services, less than any other state. Data released in a NSW Health report investigated the disparity between demand for mental health services and the level of services available. Community Mental Health patients have increased by 21% in the past decade and funding is lagging behind with an increase of 13% within the same period.Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore commented on the importance of reducing barriers to accessing mental health services in regional towns.“Youth in the Kiama region previously had to travel to Nowra or Wollongong to access headspace services. This distance placed unnecessary barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care. The opening of a dedicated headspace in Kiama will help to alleviate these barriers.”Headspace offers appointments in person, by video or by phone. To find out more, visit headspace Kiama or phone 1800 650 890.