Kiama Council has issued a warning to ratepayers to be aware of some solar companies who may be contacting residents and falsely claiming to represent Council or the ISJO Community Solar Bulk Buy Program.Council's only endorsed partner for the solar and battery bulk buy program is ShineHub. This company was selected for its proven track record in delivering trusted, community-based renewable energy programs. ShineHub has gone through an in-depth procurement process designed to ensure residents are confident and protected, and the products and services offered through the program have been thoroughly vetted.They do not engage in unsolicited engagement with residents. This means no cold calls, door knocking, or unrequested visits to your home. All communication from ShineHub will occur only after a resident has registered interest in receiving information about the program through official Council or ShineHub marketing channels.If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent Council or the ISJO program without your prior consent, please:● Do not share personal or financial details.● Take note of the company name and representative name and report it to Kiama Council at [email protected]● Visit shinehub.com.au/ISJO or contact ShineHub directly at [email protected] to confirm legitimate program details.

The Akuna Street developments are causing concern at Kiama Council and in the community but Mayor Cameron McDonald is confident that the proposal for the Council depot site opposite the Bowling Club known as the Shoalhaven Street Precinct will be a major plus for the town.A 450-home residential community is in the pipeline for the Council depot site and acquired land bordered by Shoalhaven, Barney, Belvedere and Noorinan streets.NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Kiama Council announced the rezoning proposal on Wednesday for infill housing on the two-hectare former gasworks site.Council owns the property and under the rezoning proposal, there will be:new buildings ranging between 6 and 8 storeys in height,at least 10 per cent affordable housing,approximately 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors andopportunities for active transport options, such as walking and cycling paths.“The Shoalhaven Street proposal is very exciting,” Cr McDonald told The Bugle.“It's part of our Local Housing Strategy. And Council’s Planning Team have been working with the State Government for over almost 12 months now to rezone the site from industrial to residential.”Council’s director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson said this means all the planning costs would be absorbed by the State Government at the community’s benefit.“Doing a planning proposal like this would normally take Council around two years, so to see my team work strategically with the State Government to bring this together in a matter of months is fantastic,” he said.“The Shoalhaven Street Precinct is one of our ‘catalyst sites’ that’s talked about in the Housing Strategy. It is a perfect location for infill development that fits with our town character.”Cr McDonald added: “We also control the site as we move forward - it doesn't become a State Government venture, its development remains in the ownership of Council and we’re thrilled to be working with the NSW Government to ensure there’s ongoing discussion with the community about what that the site will look like.”Council CEO Jane Stroud said the project would also deliver on affordable housing in perpetuity.“We know that the Illawarra Housing Trust and others have been advocating for our LGA to have more affordable housing for a long time, so it’s heartening to see progress being made on this important community need,” she said.“It’s a strategic block to lock in a minimum 10% affordable housing products for our community. And if you’re talking 450 dwellings, 45 affordable housing options is a really impressive number for this LGA.“This Council made a brave financial move to invest in the adjoining parcel of land and embark on the planning proposal for the site’s rezoning.”“The ROI projections for the site have trebled anything that we expected – which shows Council invested wisely and made the right decision.”Cr McDonald added: “Council has owned the site for 100 years and the depot has been operating there for decades. We all know the depot is no longer fit for purpose and needs a more appropriate location.“A Works Depot in the middle of the urban frame is not a great long-term solution for a growing community, but housing that includes affordable dwellings is.”Scully described the proposal as “an exciting opportunity to unlock up to 450 homes close to jobs, the beach, shops and transport, helping boost housing supply to give key workers and families a choice in where they live”.Kiama MP Katelin McInerney added: "rezonings like this are crucial to provide diverse housing options in our community.“We are fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of regional NSW but, even here, finding a home, particularly one that suits their needs and is well located, is a barrier for many.”The NSW Government is seeking feedback on the draft proposal, which is on public exhibition until 3 December before it is finalised midway through next year.For more information or to make a submission, visit https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-exhibition/kiama-depot, phone 1300 305 695, email [email protected] or attend a community drop-in session, which will be heldfrom 1-4pm on 11 November at Joyce Wheatley Community Centre3-6pm on 12 November at Kiama Farmers Markets and9-11am on 13 November at Joyce Wheatley Community Centre.

Kiama Council's newly formed Finance and Major Projects Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting this week, marking a significant step forward in delivering strategic oversight and community-focused outcomes.The committee brings together the expertise and energy of community members, Councillors and senior Council staff to guide the financial and major project priorities of the municipality.Mayor Cameron McDonald, who chairs the committee, was enthusiastic about what can be achieved.“There are some big projects on the horizon – including the proposed depot merger and looking at our other identified catalyst sites including Council’s Administration Centre, Havilah Precinct and Spring Creek. "We’ve got the right people on board who are ready, willing and able to tackle these projects.“It was heartening to see all our new committee members roll up their sleeves and get to work this week. I’m excited about what this committee is going to achieve for Council and for the good of our community.”The committee was formed following a Council resolution in August to merge the former Finance Advisory Committee and Major Projects Advisory Committee. The new structure aims to streamline decision-making and enhance collaboration across key areas of Council’s operations.Following a rigorous evaluation process, six community members were appointed to the committee who were selected for their industry experience, community ties, ambition and ability to help deliver on Council’s objectives.Community members appointed to the committee are Multicultural Communities of Illawarra board member Lynette Cuell, Cukuna Sales owner Rob Danby, civil engineer Matthew Dawson, real estate and project delivery manager Marco Maldonado, University of Wollongong Deputy Chancellor Warwick Shanks and Sydney Kings co-owner Paul Smith.The committee also includes Councillors Melinda Lawton and Stuart Larkins, as well as Council’s Chief Executive Officer Jane Stroud, Director Corporate and Commercial Joe Gaudiosi, Director Strategies and Communities Ed Paterson and Head of Implementation Kimberley Norton.

There is a tiny flicker of hope that Folk by the Sea could return one day but as it stands, the popular Kiama festival is all but dead in the water.Organisers made the difficult decision last Friday to cancel the annual festival due in part to Kiama Council's decision to ban camping at Kiama Showground for recent iterations of the event.Festival director Neil McCann wrote to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and Council CEO Jane Stroud to inform them that the annual event would no longer continue after 13 years as a marquee option on the local events calendar.Neil McCann. “We put in awful amount of effort into running the event,” McCann told The Bugle.“And we had between 300-400 paying attendees but that’s not really sufficient to justify the effort that goes into it. “With only that many people, we had to restrict the number of venues, the number of performers and if we can’t increase that number, it’s just not worth the massive effort.”Due to strictly monitored financial management, McCann said the festival was able to break even in recent years even though the camping restrictions affected the number of tickets sold.“In its current form as a Friday to Sunday festival is just not feasible. Whether the concept of Folk By The Sea happens in some form, is always negotiable but in its current form, it’s not going to run.”It was the second annual Kiama music festival in the space of a week to be abandoned after the Changing Tides organisers called off their event scheduled for 22 November and announced it would not be returning next year.“I think the two are connected,” McCann said.“They have a much younger demographic and they can’t afford motel accommodation or cabins so in that regard I think the camping issue is what we had in common.“I do wonder about the impact on business in Kiama with these two festivals being cancelled. They certainly will suffer.“People don’t just turn up to the festival and go home. And they fall in love with Kiama and keep coming back.”In his letter to Council’s top brass, McCann said patronage at the festival had “declined significantly as a result of Council's decision not to allow camping over the past few festivals”."Before the last few years, low-priced camping was readily available around the showground and on Chapman Oval."When camping was prohibited by the Council, Festival patronage dropped significantly, as many avid festival goers see camping as an integral part of the folk festival experience.”McCann said the Illawarra Folk Club was also forced to purchase most of the available campsites at Surf Beach and Kendall's Beach Caravan parks, to provide camping for performers.He added there were also problems with inadequate parking and sporting events.“It was clear that the lack of camping was presenting a significant barrier for the viability of the festival."So, for the last three years we have approached Council, trying to overturn the decision re: camping."Neighbouring festivals such as Bundanoon, Kangaroo Valley and Cobargo Folk Festivals all offer camping to their patrons. They have all seen an increase in patronage. We believe that our festival’s lack of viability is directly related to this issue."McCann went on to say that it was disappointing that the decision around camping appears not to have been made by the elected council, nor with any discussion with the festival organisers as stakeholders."As a ratepayer for over 40 years, and one who fought against the amalgamation of councils several years ago, I am greatly disillusioned by this apparent lack of democratic process, and the short-sightedness of the decision."McCann said the festival over the past 13 years had brought 320 folk performers to the area and had provided locals and visitors with the opportunity to experience high-quality live folk music.Kiama Council issued a statement, countering that contrary to McCann’s assertions, the Council-managed Crown Land Plan of Management was endorsed by the NSW Minister for Crown Lands in April last year and by full Council the following month.The Plan of Management prohibits camping within the Kiama Showground precinct. “We appreciate that in the current economic climate, it is increasingly difficult for festivals and event organisers to absorb rising costs, changing audience preferences, insurance and marketing requirements and so forth,” said Mayor Cameron McDonald.“Kiama Council will continue to do all it can to support events through Destination Kiama and our Community Grants programs."

Kiama Downs resident Jane Corden was met with well-deserved praise at the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers (SoAP) award ceremony last month.Since its formation in 1933, SoAP has been recognising individuals with careers exceeding 20 years in Australia’s film industry. The exclusive club boasts a community of over 3000 members from all facets of the profession, including production, education, administration, and distribution.This year, Corden was the recipient of the group’s NSW Pioneer of the Year for her groundbreaking approach to production accounting in the screen industry.Just two years into her career at Australian accounting organisation Moneypenny, Corden took the reins as CEO in 1988.Growing listless with the manual effort required for a paper-based system, she saw the potential opportunities within the rise of the internet and advancements in modern technology.Armed with a $10,000 “portable” Apple computer the size of a suitcase, Corden took the audacious shift to digital that would eventually revolutionise the industry.“We were ahead of the time. In the beginning it was not easy and there were certainly lots of sceptics who said ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ ... that whole mentality,” Corden said.Tax offices and state agencies were also getting on board the computer craze, demanding more detailed information with documentation. By speeding up their payroll and incentive processes, Moneypenny was able to examine and itemise data with heightened specificity and deliver more services that helped producers maintain control over their funding and expenditures.“You could manage things more closely. You had more visibility of what was being spent which is very important in [an] industry where you spend a lot of money over a very short period of time,” Corden said. In the years following, Corden and her accounting team at Moneypenny have been the unsung heroes contributing to films such as the Oscar-nominated “District 9” (2009) and Oscar-winning “The Iron Lady” (2011).Moneypenny was acquired by US company Entertainment Partners in 2022. Since then, Corden has overseen an influx in co-productions between domestic and international companies. The audience for Australian-made content is also becoming more globally accessed and popular due to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.“International co-productions are getting more attractive and more necessary, so I think we will see more of Australia partnering with treaty countries,” Corden said. “Like the treaty with India has just been ratified … Canada, the UK, South Africa, everywhere. Lots of potential.”Although she intends to retire before the end of the year, Corden believes the next significant shift in the industry is “on the horizon” and will involve the adoption of AI tools. In the meantime, Corden is helping embrace the local film community and build opportunities with Screen Illawarra.

Shellharbour City Council has promoted from within after announcing Wayde Peterson as the new Chief Executive Officer.He was appointed less than three months after Mike Archer was sacked following an extraordinary meeting to vote on a confidential report containing information that was "provided to Councillors concerning personnel matters".Archer's contract was terminated - he had been on leave since the start of March following revelations that he was under investigation for inappropriate conduct at Council's Christmas Party.Peterson had held the Acting CEO position since February after he previously served as Council’s executive director of business enterprises.Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer was confident Peterson would thrive in the role.“This is a pivotal time for Shellharbour City Council. We are setting the stage for a strong and vibrant future,” he said.“Wayde’s leadership skills, strategic vision and genuine commitment to community will be invaluable in helping shape that future.”Peterson began his career at Shellharbour as an engineering cadet in 2000. The 45-year-old, who was born and raised in the Illawarra, returned for his second stint at Council in 2018. “I’m honoured to be appointed as CEO of Shellharbour City Council,” he said.“Council plays an important role in delivering high quality infrastructure and services that help improve the quality of life of our community.“I am excited to partner with the Mayor, Councillors, our excellent staff and the community to deliver on the vision of a sustainable and thriving City.“Collaboration with staff, local communities, partners and government will remain central to how I lead and the outcomes we achieve together.”A father to two boys - Finn, 14, and Wes, 12 - he is active in the local sporting community as a junior football coach and has been a surf lifesaving volunteer for more than 30 years.

On 28 October, bookworms flocked to Kiama Library for an engaging presentation and signing from Canberra lawyer, poet and self-published author Vesna Cvjeticanin.The event was centred around Cvjeticanin’s new book ‘An Unexpected Life’, which shares the inspiring stories of 12 migrant women, including Cvjeticanin’s own experience relocating from Serbia.Cvjeticanin met the book’s subjects throughout her professional career and when she took a beginner’s English class after moving to Australia in 1990. She said that despite being from different countries–including Romania, Bosnia, Malaysia, South African and South American–they were all in the same situation and connected by common traits.Cvjeticanin told The Bugle that after being inspired by these women, she wanted to exercise her lifelong passion for storytelling and the written word to spread an overarching message of fortitude and optimism.“We didn’t want to have yet another book of struggle, as many [migration] stories are,” she said. “We wanted to reflect that there is light at the end of the tunnel. That was what was driving me: the willingness to share our stories and encourage and enlighten and empower.”Opportunities like her Meet The Author talks at libraries in Kiama and Batemans Bay have made Cvjeticanin realise just how relatable her experiences and these ‘eternal stories’ are to the general public. Cvjeticanin recalls that self-publishing as an unknown author was not an easy or cheap process, taking 2 and a half years of active work before release. However, it allowed her full creative freedom to portray the narrative exactly how she wanted and did not deter her from continuing to follow this career trajectory. She has since released a collection of her Serbian poetry, which she plans to have translated to other languages in the future. “Poetry is more of an outlet for my thoughts and feelings, my emotional and psychological states. [‘An Unexpected Life’ is] more about observations of the world around me, of other people. Poetry is more inward looking, prose is more outwards,” Cvjeticanin said.Despite initially being a difficult project to get off the ground, ‘An Unexpected Life’ won the 2025 ACT Literary Award for non-fiction, an accolade Cvjeticanin is ‘very pleased’ about. Cvjeticanin’s poetry can be read online at https://belongingmag.com/tag/vesnacvjeticanin/ and ‘An Unexpected Life’ can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com.au/UNEXPECTED-LIFE-inspiring-stories-Australia-ebook/dp/B0D1QMY1Y5.

The votes from last year’s Shoalhaven City Council election will be recounted for a third time to find a replacement for Jason Cox.He has resigned, effective immediately, after appearing in Nowra Local Court on Wednesday to face charges of common assault and damaging property.Cr Cox had been arrested by South Coast Police on Tuesday night following an alleged incident in Bomaderry.Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White issued a brief statement on Thursday to announce Cr Cox had resigned after they had met earlier that morning to discuss his situation.“This morning, I held discussions with Cr Jason Cox and following this he has tendered his resignation, effective immediately,” Cr White announced.“There are serious matters before the Court which precludes me from making further comment.”The NSW Electoral Commission will conduct a recount of the Ward 1 votes to determine his replacement.Last November, Mitchell Pakes gave up his spot on Council due to health concerns and Shoalhaven Indpendents Group colleague Denise Kemp replaced him in Ward 3. Fellow Ward 3 Councillor Natalee Johnston resigned in August due to her “fundamental concerns” about the “culture of the elected Council” and the Independent politician was replaced by Debbie Killian from The Greens.Shoalhaven City Council has been in the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons.Last month, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the appointment of former Liberal Party politician Andrew Constance "smacks of political bastardry" after he was named the new Shoalhaven City Council CEO.Cr White admitted to handing out flyers for Constance in his failed federal election campaign for Gilmore earlier this year but claimed that she was not aligned to the Liberals.

Headspace Kiama joined members of the Kiama Lions Club for a special talk as part of Mental Health Month, sharing insight into the vital services available for young people across the region.Headspace Kiama manager Charo Serventy and social worker Emily Nield were invited to speak about the centre's work supporting youth aged 12 to 25 and their families through free counselling and wellbeing programs.“It was a lovely opportunity to connect with everyone at the club over a meal and talk about the new headspace centre in Kiama,” Serventy said.“We want to make ourselves as accessible as possible to the community.”Since opening 15 months ago, headspace Kiama has been actively partnering with local schools such as Kiama High and Corpus Christi, offering regular sessions and wellbeing events like R U OK? Day to help students access support in safe, familiar spaces.The collaboration with the Lions Club goes back further than his month's event.Serventy explained the club once funded a white paper project which gathered youth perspectives on what mental health services were most needed locally.“That work really laid the groundwork for us,” he said. “The Lions have supported us from the start.”Serventy hopes the partnership will continue to grow, with both organisations sharing a passion for empowering young people and building community connections.His message to Kiama’s youth is simple but powerful: “Support is out there.“Everyone’s journey looks different, but whether it’s through friends, family, or us at headspace - reach out. "That’s what we're here for.”

Kiama’s town centre could be dwarfed by three multi-storey developments on Akuna Street with one proposal potentially ending up as high as 14 storeys.Due to changes in the NSW Government’s planning processes, Kiama Council has effectively been sidelined by the Housing Delivery Authority when it comes to putting limits on height restrictions in the local government area.Sydney-based developer Level 33 has submitted an Expression of Interest to the HDA for a 32.5 metre development at the eastern end of Akuna Street which would replace the eyesore that is the derelict Kiama Independent site and car park on the corner of Shoalhaven Street. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council had settled on seven storeys as the limit for the Level 33 development but that height could be doubled if the HDA and Planning Minister Paul Scully give it the green light.Council and Level 33 are engaged in a long-running legal battle which will resume next month in the Land and Environment Court.Irrespective of the outcome in the courtroom, the Minister can still issue a declaration to make the proposal a State Significant Development to go up to 14 storeys. There is also an application for a six-storey residential and commercial building from developer Charlie Daoud’s Traders In Purple for 66 Collins St, on the corner of Akuna St, which is also double the height that Council had approved. A third project from PSEC Project Services on the south side of Akuna St is currently before Council, which is assessing that through its normal processes - that project is for a three-storey development with 30 units, including commercial premises on the groundfloor.Cr McDonald said Council objects to being “completely removed from any decision-making process” with regard to the pathway for developers involving the HDA and NSW Planning Minister. The old vandalised Kiama Independent building. Photo: The Bugle“Council is relegated to the comments section with members of the community during the public 14-day exhibition process down the track when they've done all the work about what the development might look like. “We don't have a decision-making role, and Council and the community aren't genuinely consulted with regards to that process. “So that's the real issue, and this is symptomatic of that planning pathway, and we're dealing with that as a local community with regards to 14 storeys.” There are fears among local residents that Kiama will be turned into a mini version of the Gold Coast if it is inundated with high-rise developments.Council CEO Jane Stroud said there were 156 high-rise buildings at the iconic Queensland holiday destination and over 100 of them are over 36 storeys.“Fourteen storeys, three storeys, six storeys is not 80 storeys … so no, this is not the next Gold Coast. A little bit of realism goes a long way in community discussion,” she said.“But the look and feel of Akuna Street, basically from opposite the Arch and up the hill, and down the main street, is going to profoundly change.“Local governments play a really strong and unique role in planning for local communities. It's how we get local outcomes, and it is a tremendous shame when local voices and local government are removed from that process.”Cr McDonald said when you look at proportionality, the impact of the proposed development would be monumental.“You can understand where the concern and the angst in the community is coming from - 14 storeys is a significant change to the character of the main street and grossly in addition to anything that we've got as a proposal on that site currently,” he said.“I would prefer to not think that it's a fait accompli. "Even though our ability to comment on the actual proposal is limited at this stage, that won't limit us from advocating and from putting our best foot forward for the community.”The artist's impression for the original Level 33 development.Kiama Council director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson said they were confident they would have the infrastructure to cope with the approved proposals that go no higher than seven storeys but it would a real concern if a development double that size were to be approved.Kiama MP Katelin McInerney called on Level 33 to listen to the community over their fears about over-development.“I share the concerns of the community with the proposal,” she said.An artist's impression of the proposal for the south side of Akuna Street.“A declaration for this project to be assessed as State Significant Development has not been made, as there is an existing proposal for this site currently before the NSW Land and Environment Court.“The proposal would need to be withdrawn from the LEC process prior to a declaration being made. “Level 33 must engage with the community so that concerns can be appropriately raised and addressed and that any future development of the site takes into account community and Council feedback. “The Minns Labor Government is committed to addressing the housing challenges in NSW and is working with Kiama Council on the [separate] proposal for the Kiama Depot to deliver well-designed, well-located and diverse new homes for our community,” she added in reference to the joint project with Council for the two-hectare site further south on Shoalhaven St, opposite the Bowling Club.Kiama Matters Inc, which represents more than 500 local residents, is concerned about the prospect of high-rise developments in the town centre creating a range of problems.Committee members John Greer and Dr Lenore Pennington told The Bugle that Kiama Matters had invited McInerney to their next meeting on 26 November at 7pm at the Kiama Anglican Church to discuss their fears over the prospect of over-development. Dr Pennington said many local residents were “appalled and horrified” by the possibility of multi-storey buildings at Akuna Street and Shoalhaven Street. They are worried about the impact on traffic, parking, public transport and other key areas of infrastructure like water and sewerage.“The main concern is parking. We have minimal public transport, there’s no taxis anymore and limited Ubers,” she said.“Do we have the infrastructure to cope with more high-rise buildings?“And how many people are going to use this new housing to live in and how many are going to use it as a weekender or an airbnb. It might bring more tourists in but reduce the housing supply for locals.”Greer said Kiama Matters was keen to inform local residents about what is happening with development in the town “to raise questions and point them in the right direction” so they are not blindsided by proposals after they have been approved.

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with the latest news and views from our local South Coast community.Our top story centres on concerns over the plans for three developments in Kiama which will dwarf the town centre if approved.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREMayor Cameron McDonald has spoken out against the prospect of the State Government potentially approving a 14-storey building on Akuna Street.Sydney-based developer Level 33 has submitted an Expression of Interest to the HDA for a 32.5 metre development at the eastern end of Akuna Street which would replace the eyesore that is the derelict Kiama Independent site and car park on the corner of Shoalhaven Street. There is also an application for a six-storey residential and commercial building from developer Charlie Daoud’s Traders In Purple for 66 Collins St, on the corner of Akuna St, which is also double the height that Council had approved. A third project from PSEC Project Services on the south side of Akuna St is currently before Council, which is assessing that through its normal processes - that project is for a three-storey development with 30 units, including commercial premises on the groundfloor.You can also read plenty of great community stories, including plans for Shellharbour Council to introduce a drone show for New Year's Eve, the cancellation of the Folk By The Sea festival and a local doctor retiring after 36 years of service.In sport, you can read about Kiama's dominant win in South Coast cricket, a Gerringong junior re-signing with the Dragons and how locals fared at the World Triathlon Championships.

Kiama Council has confirmed its Post Office Box was compromised sometime between 9:30am on Monday and 9am on Tuesday earlier this week.This means mail sent during that period may not have made it to the right hands.Because the affected items were still in transit and hadn’t yet been received or registered, Council says it’s unable to confirm what may have been impacted.Anyone who has recently posted mail is urged to check that it arrived safely by contacting Customer Service or the intended recipient.And if this postal hiccup has you considering the digital route, you can ditch snail mail by setting up online payments or getting in touch via phone, in person, or online atkiama.nsw.gov.au/contact-us.

Miss Zoe's School of Dance has once again been named a finalist in the 2025 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards, marking its third year of national recognition.“I was really excited and proud because there’s no guarantee you'll be a finalist again just because you have been before,” owner Zoe McCarthy said.The dance studio, which is located in Kiama, Wollongong and Coledale, is competing in the Champion Performing Arts category - one of the largest, featuring 18 finalists across dance, music, drama, and singing.Miss Zoe’s holds the honour of being the only performing arts school representing the Illawarra and South Coast.She believes their success stems from their strong community focus.“We really aim to empower young girls and help out in the community wherever we can,” she said. “That sense of community and inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do.”Celebrating its 20-year anniversary next year, Miss Zoe’s has built a reputation for being fun, inclusive, and non-competitive, making dance accessible to everyone regardless of background, body type or experience.Reflecting on her journey as a female business owner, Miss Zoe described it as “a rollercoaster - but a wonderful one.”She credits hard work and passion as the keys to longevity in the creative industry.“If you want it to work, you've got to put in the hours,” she said. “Not every day is easy, but most days are pretty amazing.”Her message to aspiring women in business: “Just go for it. Work hard, believe in yourself, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Kiama Council has announced $62,000 in funding for events that support the visitor economy, with the opening of the second round of the 2025–26 Destination Event Funding Program.Council’s Destination Events funding is targeted to support events bring vibrancy and social value to our community, while contributing to the local visitor economy.Whether you’re planning a well-loved returning event or introducing a fresh experience that reflects Kiama’s character, this funding round is designed to help bring your vision to life.Eligible events can apply for up to:$20,000 for major events$10,000 for destination eventsMulti-year funding is also available for events that demonstrate long-term value and community impact.Applications close at 5pm on Sunday, 11 January 2026.Council is looking for events that:Encourage visitors to experience Kiama and its surroundsGrow our overnight economyReflect and celebrate the unique character of our regionContribute to the energy and appeal of our towns and villagesProvide opportunities for local businesses, creatives and community groupsKiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said: “We have hosted some top events to date and we encourage organisers to put forward thoughtful proposals that reflect Kiama’s identity and contribute to its long-term vibrancy.”Councillor Matt Brown, who is the chair of Council's Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, added: "The Destination Event Funding Program continues to support events that bring real value to our community and local economy. "From the Kiama Triathlon to the South American and Latin Fiesta and the Winter Wine Festival, we’ve seen how well-run events can attract visitors, support local businesses, and showcase the best of our region.”Applications can be made via the SmartyGrants website.

Join the community to honour those who served and sacrificed on Tuesday for Remembrance Day. All are welcome.Kiama and JamberooThe Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch will hold a service at Hindmarsh Park Memorial Arch from 10:30am. Attendees are asked to be seated by 10:25am.Poppy sales will take place at the Kiama Village supermarket on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday prior to Remembrance Day.GerringongThe Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch invites the community to its Remembrance Day Service at 10:45am at the Memorial Headland Flag Pole, eastern end of Belinda Street.Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will follow at the Soldiers Memorial Hall, corner of Fern and Belinda Streets.For wreath-laying enquiries, contact Mike O’Leary - 0425 310 025.Albion ParkAlbion Park RSL Sub-Branch will host a Remembrance Day service located at Hamilton Road & Illawarra Highway.Guests are asked to arrive at 10:30am for the 11:00am service at the Memorial in the car park of Albion Park RSL Club. After the service, lunch and refreshments were provided to members, families and guests.HuskissonThe Huskisson RSL Sub-Branch will hold a service at Voyager Park Memorial from 10:45am.Community members are encouraged to attend and observe the minute’s silence at 11am.Sussex InletSussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch will conduct its annual Remembrance Day Commemoration on 11 November at Jacobs Drive.The service begins at 10:30am and concludes around 11:15am at the Sussex Inlet RSL War Memorial, 200 Jacobs Dr Sussex Inlet.Refreshments available and Commemoration Luncheon to follow at noon at the Sussex Inlet RSL Club.Lest we forget.Wear a poppy, arrive early, and join your community in remembrance.

What a brilliant day it was at the recent Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day.More than 500 cars rolled into Jamberoo, and the place was buzzing with families, music, food and plenty of good vibes.From shiny vintage classics to souped-up modern machines, there was something for everyone. And for us at KCR (Kiama Community Radio), it was a big moment - our first live broadcast from Kevin Walsh Oval, with brand new gear and loads of excitement.The KCR crew was out in full force. Madeleine, Gabriella, Karen, Felicity and Bernie arrived early, chatting with car owners, stallholders and families as the day got underway.Back in the studio, KCR chair Glenn Shepherd, known to many as Shep, kept the music flowing and the updates coming. It was a real team effort, with voices bouncing between the oval and the studio, bringing listeners right into the heart of the action.We were all amazed at what a fantastic day it turned out to be. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and it was a real joy to be part of it.There really was something for everyone. Felicity had a blast in the navy helicopter simulator, while a few of us were completely fascinated by the enormous transformer installation that had kids and adults stopping in their tracks.The cakes from the Jamberoo CWA were delicious - proper homemade treats - and it was lovely to chat with stallholders, car owners and families who were just soaking up the day.There was a real buzz around the KCR broadcast too. People stopped by to say hello, ask about the gear and share their own stories. Some had never tuned in before and were curious to learn more, while others were long-time listeners who were thrilled to see the team out and about.It felt like the station was truly part of the community, not just on the airwaves but right there in the middle of the action.The raffle was a crowd-pleaser, with plenty of people gathered around as the prizes were drawn. Sharon took home the top prize - a four-wheel-drive autodrive lawnmower generously donated by Kiama Golf Club.Her family told us they were thrilled, especially with a big lawn to mow and a bit of friendly competition going on in the street. That mower is sure to get a workout.We were pleased to spotlight the Jamberoo Fire Service and everything they do for our community.Captain Hannah McInerney and her dedicated team of volunteers were offering safety demonstrations, guiding families through the trucks and chatting with visitors throughout the day.These are the people who respond during bushfires, storms and emergencies, and they also spend countless hours educating the public, supporting local events and keeping the region safe.We were proud to support Jamberoo’s fundraising drive for local charities, especially the valuable work of the RFS, and it was heartening to see so many people stop by to show their appreciation.The whole event ran like clockwork thanks to the Jamberoo Car Show committee, led by president Dave Wiggins.From signage and parking to stallholder coordination and safety, every detail was handled with care.Their teamwork and planning made the day smooth and enjoyable for everyone, and it was clear how much heart had gone into making it a success.With the gear now tested and the team energised, KCR is looking forward to more live broadcasts from local markets, festivals and community events - and hopefully many more days like this one.It’s a new chapter for the station, bringing voices, stories and music right into the heart of the community. The airwaves have never felt more local or more alive.“We’re just glad to be part of it,” Glenn said. “Sharing stories, meeting people and doing what we can to support the community.”His words captured the spirit of the day: local voices, shared moments and a genuine sense of connection.

Croom Regional Sporting Facility in Albion Park is now home to a brand new dog park after Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer officially opened the new hangout for hounds last Thursday.The Croom Dog Agility Park is one of three in the Shellharbour LGA, joining Oak Flats and Flinders. But after stepping through the gate, Cr Homer is convinced that “we’re evolving them”. “The landscaping here is quite extraordinary. We’re getting better and better at this,” Homer said.The enclosed area features equipment for furry friends of all skill levels to practice their jumps and weaves, as well as a platform, a bridge and plenty of running space on fresh turf. Outdoor seating, shaded picnic areas, water stations and bins are also at the park to cater for every pooch’s needs. Structural ideas and designs for the project came directly from the community via the “Let’s Chat Shellharbour” forum to ensure the development would be a popular stop for dog owners and a worthwhile investment.Cr Homer said in Shellharbour there were more than 22,000 registered dogs among 30,000 households, which he said “stresses the importance of providing appropriate open spaces that cater to dog owners”.The new dog park is adjacent to the BMX track at Croom Regional Sporting Facility,.

Kiama's CBD is set for a population explosion with a 450-home residential community unveiled for the Council depot site off Belvedere street with three multi-storey projects on Akuna Street also in the pipeline.NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Kiama Council on Wednesday announced the rezoning proposal for infill housing on the two-hectare former gasworks site bordered by Shoalhaven, Barney, Belvedere and Noorinan streets near Kiama Bowling Club.Council owns the property and under the rezoning proposal, there will be:new buildings ranging between 6 and 8 storeys in height,at least 10 per cent affordable housing,approximately 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors andopportunities for active transport options, such as walking and cycling paths.“The Kiama Depot Rezoning proposal is an exciting opportunity to unlock up to 450 homes close to jobs, the beach, shops and transport, helping boost housing supply to give key workers and families a choice in where they live," Scully said.“The proposal also prioritises affordable housing, setting out a 10 per cent minimum to make sure it will boost both the number of homes in the region and the diversity of the housing offer.“This is another great example of the Minns Labor Government increasing the housing pipeline to address the state’s housing challenges.”The NSW Government is seeking feedback on the draft proposal, which would reclassify the site from industrial to residential to enable new homes and better use of public land.Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said "rezonings like this are crucial to provide diverse housing options in our community".“We are fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of regional NSW but, even here, finding a home, particularly one that suits their needs and is well located, is a barrier for many," she said.“It is particularly exciting when NSW Government and Council can collaborate to unlock the potential for additional, much-needed homes through infill development on underutilised land in town.“This development will enable current residents greater choice and options to downsize, supports essential workers into affordable housing options and allows the next generation to stay in the community where they grew up.”The proposal is on public exhibition until Wednesday, 3 December and the community is encouraged to attend a local drop-in session and provide their feedback.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the proposal would enable Council to realise the potential of this land to deliver more homes in the heart of Kiama.“Council strategically acquired land in this precinct and identified the precinct as a catalyst site in its adopted Local Housing Strategy," he said.“We’ve worked closely with the NSW Government to deliver the plan and I encourage the community to come along to one of the pop-up sessions and have their say.”The rezoning is expected to be finalised in 2026.

If you were lucky enough to secure a ticket to Opera in the Valley at the Jamberoo School of Arts on Saturday, you already know what a wonderful night of music and laughter it was. If not, you have 11 months to make sure you don’t miss out on next year’s performance, set for 7 November 2026.This was my third year attending, and each time I’m struck by the seamless precision and warm hospitality of the Jamberoo CWA team. Like a well-oiled machine, they deliver an evening that runs effortlessly - from the supper spread to the smiling service. The audience, mostly loyal locals, treat this as a highlight of the year. I had the pleasure of sitting beside Vic and Lesley East, devoted supporters who always dress to the nines for the occasion.At the heart of it all is maestro Glenn Amer, the genial curator of the evening, who not only selects and accompanies the performers on the grand piano - with characteristic flair - but also entertains with his wit and warmth.Returning tenor Matthew Reardon could hardly contain his joy. His radiant smile and soaring voice filled the hall, and it was clear how much he relishes bringing world-class opera to regional audiences. Baritone Ian Warwick, another returning favourite, combined his rich, melodious tone with expressive acting and a cheeky sense of humour that had the crowd laughing between arias.Newcomers (to Jamberoo) Tessa Hayward and Russell Harcourt captivated the audience. Hayward’s powerful soprano rang out with effortless clarity, while Harcourt astonished with his countertenor range - hitting impossibly high notes with elegance and precision. Countertenors, though rare, bring a distinctive beauty and expressive power to opera. Amer’s programming playfully leaned into this tradition, reversing roles so that a man sang a part historically written for a woman portraying a man - a clever comic twist that delighted the crowd.A standout feature this year was Amer’s decision to stage the first half as a complete story: Mozart’s Lo Sposo Deluso (The Deluded Bridegroom). The singers clearly enjoyed the chance to act as well as sing, giving the performance a lively theatrical dimension.After the interval - complete with the customary wine and cheese - the audience was treated to Amer’s exuberant piano interlude, followed by solo and duet performances spanning opera and musical theatre, from Brigadoon to South Pacific.Full credit goes to Cathy Delhaas, who has led the organising committee for 15 years, ably assisted by Jenny Judd, Sue Good, and the ever-capable CWA team. New CWA president Vivienne Marris spoke on the night, joined by former Kiama mayor Neil Reilly, both acknowledging the dedication behind this beloved community event.It was, once again, a night to remember - a perfect blend of world-class music, the spirit of Jamberoo’s community and country charm. Roll on Opera in the Valley 2026!