The Kiama Council is thinking about future generations, according to Mayor Neil Reilly on Kiama Community Radio.“We have to have a generational mindset. You can slap up some cheap houses, which will fall down in two years' time but that’s no good,” Mayor Reilly said.“We have to start thinking about housing for future generations. We have the Akuna Street development, which will take some of the pressure off housing,” he said on the Breakfast Show on Tuesday, 21 May.“Council also has areas of landholding where with the simple stroke of a state government pen, we could build in Spring Creek.”Mayor Reilly flagged the Bombo Quarry area had the capacity for 3000 houses.“Anything we do in that area is going to be a vast improvement. I have a mayoral minute which will seek from the landowners, Boral and Transport NSW, to plot the future with us.”Last year, the Council wrote to the NSW Planning Minister and requested an update on the Bombo Quarry site to be used for development as part of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.The NSW Department of Planning replied that, “any future housing or employment is unlikely to occur in the short to medium term.”As The Bugle reported at the time, “with residential development at the site years away – and Business Illawarra’s recent Affordable Housing Solutions report showing 20,000 key workers are experiencing housing stress right now – calls for short-term fixes to Kiama’s housing crisis are likely to grow louder.”Mayor Reilly told listeners the Council was not anti-development.“I would rather be building up in the centre than out at the edges. I don’t want to lose those green rolling hills for future generations.”“Mexican jumping beans” – former council financesMexican jumping beans - accounts with a life of their own.Mayor Reilly explained the complexity and danger the council faced more than two years ago when invalid accounts disguised dangerously low liquidity.“In the past, we had a set of financial figures which on the surface, looked okay, such as our internal and external restricted reserves.”“Those reserves were moving around like Mexican jumping beans and were being used to pay for this and that."“In the end, we came up with an operations budget, which was so low on cash we only had $200k to pay for power and wages … that was frightening."“The CEO and myself spoke to TCorp, as at the time we owed them $60M (now $15M). We said something has gone very wrong. Money had been used for the construction of Blue Haven Bonaira.”Mayor Reilly said they now have to use some extraordinary methods to get Council finances going again.“Blue Haven consolidated costs us about $3M a year – about $11K a day,” he said. “We were lucky we had some land to sell for a rainy day and it has been raining not only from the sky but from our finances.“That’s why we are doing service reviews on the leisure centre, the waste business, holiday parks and more. We will make them much more efficient and more valuable to the community. They will take the pressure off the community and generate monies for Council.”

Shellharbour City Council’s Aboriginal interpretive play space, Yirran muru, wins two awards at the recent 30th annual National Trust Heritage Awards 2024.The annual awards ceremony celebrates outstanding practice and excellence in conservation of Aboriginal built, natural and cultural heritage.On 17 May, the play space won the Education and Interpretation Category, and Highly Commended in the Aboriginal Heritage Category.It is another milestone for Yirran muru, securing first place in a non-Aboriginal award category and seeking state recognition for its contribution to education and interpretation.With the addition of these two news awards, Yirran muru has received a total of four awards since it officially opened in April 2023.The Dharawal Language Wheel. Photo credit: Shellharbour Civic Centre.In April, the play space received the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Excellence Awards. It has also won the 2023 Landscape Excellence Awards.“The Aboriginal interpretive play space is an incredible addition to our city. To be recognised with four prestigious awards is absolutely wonderful,” says Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer.“It is an amazing achievement and a credit to the collaboration between our local Aboriginal community and Council staff.”Yirran muru, which means ‘many pathways’ in Dharawal, is an authentic Aboriginal interpretive play space, which shares local Dharawal culture through Aboriginal methods of learning. It is located in the native gardens behind the Shellharbour Civic Centre.Encompassing landscapes from high in the escarpment to the sandy beaches of the Illawarra, it is designed to take people on a cultural journey following the historical seasonal movements of local Aboriginal people.“Yirran muru is a celebration of Dharawal culture, a unique space in which local Aboriginal culture is shared with the community through play and nature,” Mayor Homer says.“It’s a beautiful space. If you haven’t yet visited Yirran muru, please go and check it out.” 

This review coughs up a rather a shameful confession: I may have regularly – albeit unknowingly – littered work emails and team meetings with cringy corporate jargon and proudly paraded an important-looking lanyard around my neck to give the ego a bit of a stroke – particularly in younger years.  Thanks to the hilarious guys from Wankernomics – As Per My Last Email, James Schloeffel (The Shovel) and Charles Firth (The Chaser), I can now recognise this faux pas and ‘drill down’ on my journey to recovery – and have a hard-earnt laugh at my own expense!  However, I’m not alone embarking on this revelation. Approximately 730 corporate comrades filled almost every seat at Wollongong Town Hall to watch Schloeffel and Firth’s latest rendition of this side-splitting satire unfold on Friday, 3 May.  No doubt, this ‘workshop’ triggered flashbacks of long-winded meetings in which no parties are particularly clear on either purpose or outcomes, colleagues awkwardly passing the buck when put on the spot, recollections of many emails kicked off with a token (but no doubt often well-intentioned), ‘I hope this finds you well’, and copying in countless unnecessary people to make a point. Not to mention the impressive lingo on LinkedIn profiles and mission statements that quite literally could have been plucked out at random using a prize wheel, as Schloeffel and Firth demonstrated that evening with a brave patron who revelled in a crash course on everything she needed to know to ‘upskill’ for success. Hilariously, the random end result spat out by a few prompts and spins of the prize wheel quite likely reflected mission statements outlined by many modern organisations.  Enthusiastically tossing mentos to the audience, who had cooperatively ‘accepted the invite’ to the workshop, these guys presented the most refreshingly light-hearted lesson on ‘how to outmanoeuvre your colleagues with nothing more than an obnoxious LinkedIn profile, a passive aggressive email, and the phrase circle back. In a world where we often take ourselves and corporate lives too seriously, this presented the perfect reminder to laugh and lighten the tone.  And then … Wankernomics sent my over-analytical brain into overdrive, that led me way down into a deep rabbit hole – pondering how all of this corporate poetry per se happened to come about. And so, the ‘googling’ about the evolution of office jargon began. One write-up on TeamBonding claimed that office jargon came to the fore in the 1950s with the goal of office cohesion. It was around this time that three Massachusetts Institute of Technology professors, Douglas McGregor, Edgar Shein and Richard Beckhard, developed the field of organisational development, which saw buzzwords bulldoze through workplaces at lightning speed.  However, as demonstrated in Wankernomics, this evolution of talking in office tongue – often containing components unique to certain industries – commonly causes mass miscommunication. [1]  Given Firth in fact joked about using my emails as material for the show (although, that could disgracefully be legitimate!), I suppose it is only apt to sign off with a ‘kind regards’ or ‘best’, and then ‘loop in’ my network for a spot of team bonding to catch them again when they return to Wollongong Town Hall in December for War on 2024. In the meantime, head to www.wankernomics.com for witty tips and tricks about how to nail your professional persona!

Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) protecting and serving Gerringong, Gerroa, and surrounds since 1948. New membersCongratulations to our newest firefighters! Six new members completed their bush firefighter practical training and assessment on 19 May, 2024. They will now join us on the road at incidents and other activities in our local area.If you are interested volunteering with the Gerringong RFS Brigade, please contact us via: [email protected] or head to our Facebook page at: Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade. Bushfire mythsMyth: It won’t happen to me.Fact: No one can guarantee that it won’t happen to you. If you prepare and nothing ever happens, then you haven't lost anything. If you don't prepare your family and home to best protect them from a bushfire, you may not live to regret it.Myth: Filling the bathtub when a fire is approaching to sit in.Fact: The NSW RFS recommends that you fill your bath and sinks with water, in case the water supply to your home is cut off. This water can then be used to put out small spot fires that may start in and around the home.Myth: Standing on my roof, hosing it down with water will help.Fact: During a bush fire more injuries occur from people falling off rooves than from burns. Filling your gutters with water and hosing down your roof will help stop spot fires due to ember attack, but any hosing should be done from the ground.Myth: A house can explode, if it catches fire.Fact: Houses do not just explode; it is what you have stored under your home that may explode. You should consider what flammable and explosive items you have around/under your home and where you should store them to reduce the risk to your home.Myth: If I know the back streets in my suburb or town well, it will be ok for me to leave at the very last minute.Fact: Smoke from a fire can limit visibility. You may become confused or disorientated. Power lines and fallen trees on roads may be hard to see making driving dangerous. It is always better to leave early before the fire arrives.Myth: I’ll be fine, the bush is a few streets away.Fact: Most houses are burnt in bushfires because of ember attacks. Embers can cause fires many kilometers in front of the main fire and can start falling up to an hour before the fire arrives at your home. You need to make sure that your home is properly prepared to withstand ember attacks.Myth: There will always be a fire truck available to fight a bushfire threatening my home.Fact: There will never be as many fire trucks as there are houses. Do not depend on a fire truck being available at your home.Most importantly, in an emergency always remember to: Call triple zero (000). If you are deaf or have a speech or hearing impairment, call 106.

There were 12 girls and 13 boys, between the ages of four and 10, trying Tee Ball at the Gainsborough Oval in Kiama Downs on Sunday, May 19. Tee Ball time at the Gainsborough Oval. Photo credit: Kristine Davis.Despite a little bit of mud, the sun shone for us as we introduced the kids to throwing, catching and hitting off a tee for the first 30 minutes. Following the activities, we played an all-ages game of Tee Ball. The adults accompanying the kids were offered cornhole in the carpark to help pass the time, which was well received.Each week, we've decided to offer two games of Tee Ball to cater to the age differences of the children. A game for children aged 3 to 6 with registration costs of $24 for the season. And a game for the older kids aged 7 to 12 cost $46 for the season. Each Sunday, all the children will complete a range of activities together that allow for skill development starting at 9:30am. The two different aged games will be played at the same time, starting at 10:00am.

Federal Government funding for Shoalhaven roads is currently in overdrive, with an additional $8 million Roads to Recovery funding recently allocated for the Shoalhaven in the Federal Budget. Whilst the total Roads to Recovery funding for Shoalhaven now sits at $18.84 million, the total amount of Federal Government funding for essential upgrades to Shoalhaven roads overall is now over $1 billion. Particularly given the lashing and subsequent damage our infrastructure has copped during recent weather events, certain upgrades have become crucial for motorists’ safety. Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, agrees that assigning funds to the region’s roads is money well spent - given we cannot put a price on the safety of our community. “I inspected the work currently being carried out at Lake Conjola with Shoalhaven City Council staff on Wednesday and was pleased to see a 350-metre section of pavement rehabilitation, stormwater drain upgrades and new kerb and guttering underway,” said Phillips.“These projects in and around our villages are important for the safety and amenity of local communities, and are what the Roads to Recovery program is all about.“We know the ongoing heavy rains and flooding have caused significant damage to many of our roads. That’s why the Federal Government is giving Shellharbour City Council a helping hand to ensure the works can be completed.”Phillips praised the Albanese Government for including smaller roads such as the Lake Conjola Entrance Road. The $1.93 million project at Lake Conjola was fully funded by the Federal Government, as were completed works at Meroo Road Bomaderry ($2.5 million), BTU Road South Nowra ($1.9 million) and Bawley Point Road ($907,000).Furthermore, the Far North Collector Road can be completed by the end of June thanks to $2.4 million delivered by the 2024 Federal Budget. And Nowra Bridge works will also be completed thanks to $25.1 million funding. “This comes in addition to federal funding I’ve delivered for local roads, including $97 million to get the Nowra Bypass going, $100 million for the Jervis Bay Flyover, which is well underway, $155 million for the Nowra Bridge, $752 million for the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass and $40 million under the Local Roads Fund,” says Phillips. “As well as Black Spot funding recently announced for Forest Road at Comberton and Woodburn Road near Milton, we’ve provided significant natural disaster roads funding.”Phillips is proud to have worked hard to help deliver over $1 billion in funding for essential roads repairs, and vows to continue advocating for ongoing funds to ensure Shoalhaven roads remain safe.

Felt Out of Colour Exhibition and Sale from the Kiama Spinners, Weavers and Embroiders Club will be held at the Kiama Masonic Hall from 8th to 10th June, 9am to 4.00pm.The exhibition has been named in honour of our late President Margaret Casey who was a very lively person and always dressed in lots of colourful clothing.Come along and see how the members manipulate sheep fleece into fabric and make a variety of items such as bowls, lamps, flowers, clothing and sometimes birds, also members will be demonstrating  making fleece into felt balls and other small items.You may find something that you would like to purchase, also there will be Glenora Weaving and Wool who will have a table where the public can purchase weaving and knitting supplies.

Take a trip down beautiful Boyd Street in Minnamurra, and you will find a heart-warming Free Little Art Gallery, calling for customers and contributions. Developed primarily by eleven-year-old Evie van Wel and her thirteen-year-old brother, Ollie, this gem has tonnes of trinkets for the taking (or making, if inspired!) - keyrings, stickers, canvases containing pebbles from the nearby river, incense and ring holders, and more.Much like their Mum, Belinda, Evie and Ollie display abundant creativity and compassion. Having been stuck at home with COVID-19 last summer, they decided to join forces in building the gallery in their front yard.“Mum saw one on the internet. All of us really liked it, so we decided to build one straight away,” says Evie, who was thrilled to receive the backing of her school community at Minnamurra Public when they heard about the project.“When the teachers heard that it was happening, one of them dropped some clay sculptures in. Everyone loved those, so we don’t have too many left. And another teacher made some little bunnies,” she says, proudly showcasing the items. Belinda reiterated that this act of kindness and giving comes with no expectation to swap or donate in return. “Sometimes, kids will come past and say they really like something in there, but feel like they can’t take it because they have nothing to swap it with. You don’t have to give in return. If something takes your fancy, grab it,” she encourages. “Evie and Ollie get so excited if they come out and find something is gone, that someone has liked something they made enough to take it.” The family are encouraging the community to spread the word of their project and pay frequent visits. Initially, local children popped in most days to marvel at available artworks. However, in more recent times, visitors have been sparse. “At first, we had lots of kids who would come over with their parents. They loved that it was here. It made me really happy that everyone liked it and that we had so many people coming and enjoying it,” recalls Evie.  Belinda adds that, “Evie and Ollie would love to see it as a place for the wider community to share and swap their mini-artworks.” So, what is Evie’s next creative venture to be placed alongside more spray painting masterpieces from Ollie? “We just started a little painting on canvas of a bunny looking up at the moon. I can probably finish that in one night,” she beams. Essentially, the take-home message from Evie and Ollie is this: come one, come all. Head over to Boyd Street, Minnamurra, and get involved in whatever capacity you like - give, take, or simply just have a browse. The door is always open at the Free Little Art Gallery!

When Noura Shoukry and her husband, Mahmoud Ahmed, who met at dental school, brought their children to watch the Kiama New Year’s Eve fireworks nine years ago, they turned to each other and said, “I think this is the place.” Within a year, they had relocated from Sydney and, five years ago, opened Dentocalm Dentist on Manning Street. Describing herself as a ‘cheerful dentist’, Shoukry is on a mission to make dental care a more positive experience for children, breaking the cycle of dental anxiety experienced by one in seven adults. A new report, commissioned by the Senate, has found that tooth decay and gum disease have increased across Australia, with a lack of care during the pandemic leading to ‘covid cavities.’Around 40 percent of Australians avoid or delay visiting a dentist, and around 23 percent forgo recommended treatment – and this fear can trickle down to our children.“As a mum of five, I noticed that, in all the kids cartoons or movies, the dentist is always portrayed as really scary,” says Shoukry. “This ideology of making kids scared of the dentist, even in a comical way, needs to change.”Instead, she focuses on building trust and sharing information in a way that is relatable. With teenagers, she talks to them about the link between dental hygiene and bad breath; with younger kids, she is calm but always honest.“You have to treat children like little grownups and never lie to them,” says Shoukry. “If you explain everything to kids, they will accept it and surprise you. Lying to kids makes them lose trust in you.” With one anxious adult, Shoukry met him first on the beach, then at the park, then the coffee shop opposite the clinic, then finally in the chair. Now, he’s so relaxed, he sometimes falls asleep during appointments. “I didn’t think that was possible, until I saw it,” she exclaims.If a child doesn’t like the sounds of the surgery, they provide headphones. Netflix plays on a screen attached to the ceiling, also offering a ready distraction. For parents, it’s important to be positive before an appointment, especially if it’s your child’s first time. “Tell them it’s fun,” says Shoukry. “The dentist will count your teeth and make sure everything is fine. A first appointment can just be an ice-breaker.”If any dental work is needed, Shoukry is passionate about eliminating ‘mum guilt’. “I’m a multitasking mum too and I’m here to tell you: don’t you ever feel guilty,” she says. “Teeth are fixable. Habits are fixable. Your victory will be when you find a problem and solve it. I’d never make any fellow mum or dad feel guilty. We are trying our best; we learn from our mistakes and try again.” Photo Credit : Dentocalm

Representatives from the Kiama Council’s Strategic Planning, Community Engagement and Cultural Developments teams spent time with students at Kiama High School on 15-16 May 2024, offering workshops in contribution to their Growth and Housing Strategy. The Council had previously quizzed Kiama High School’s Student Representative Council (SRC), who co-facilitated these sessions, about how they could obtain the best answers from teenagers in the community. These workshops indicated that the Council not only listened to their answers, but were committed to implementing the results. The two days involved a series of 10 workshops of 45 minutes each, containing 180 students in total across Years 9-12.“Each workshop included a brief introduction, followed by several interactive activities that asked the students to share insights on what they loved and what they thought could be improved about Kiama LGA and housing (general and specific),” stated a spokesperson from Kiama Council.Kiama High School students appreciated their opportunity to contribute to Growth & Housing discussions. Relieving Head Teacher Wellbeing, Gemma Crane, explained that students were asked to identify places and things they like and dislike about Kiama. “They were then asked what their priorities were for the community for the future and what they felt we needed more of. Answers ranged from entertainment and sport, to environmental considerations,” she detailed. Crane said the students particularly loved the interactive part, at the end of the session, where they got to share their ideas and visions around priorities in their future homes through LEGO-building. Students shared their visions through LEGO building.According to Kiama Council, “the objective (of the workshops) was to gain insight into the needs and wants of our young people to inform the development of our Growth and Housing Strategy, guiding future development in the Kiama LGA.” Crane praised Kiama Council for their efforts to engage with our community’s younger generation. “Students liked feeling heard and giving feedback on big issues impacting the community,” she said. This notion was cemented by the School Captain, Thomas, who said: “Our youth are the future of our community, so being heard is something that is very important to today’s society. This program has really nurtured youth’s voice in a positive manner.” Vice School captains, Ruby and Jack mirrored Thomas’ appreciation. “It was an engaging program for the students to have their opinions on issues in the Kiama LGA heard, and suggest improvements that can be made to benefit young people,” said Ruby.Jack added that the sessions were, “an amazing interactive experience, as it allowed the future of the community to have their say on relevant and future issues.”Kiama Council continues to welcome input from the community, with the engagement period and associated survey open until 31 May. For further information, head to: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Growth-and-Housing-Strategy 

Kiama faith communities will receive funding through the Safe Places for Faith Communities Program, which the NSW Government introduced to ensure that places of worship across the state are safer and more secure.“I am pleased of the Government’s commitment to the safety of all faith groups in NSW, including those in the Kiama electorate,” says local Labor MP Sarah Kaine in a media release.As part of the first round of the program, the following organisations have received funding:All Saints Albion Park Anglican Church: $49,987.00 in funding for a security upgrade.Salt Ministries: $18,318.00 for its safety and development training.“We know that everyday thousands of people right across NSW gather in their houses of worship or significant religious centres,” comments the Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper.Developed in consultation with faith- and religious groups and experts across the state, and the Multicultural NSW’s Community Resilience and Response Plan (COMPLAN) Committee, the program supports prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures at places where faith communities gather.

Kiama faith communities will receive funding through the Safe Places for Faith Communities Program, which the NSW Government introduced to ensure that places of worship across the state are safer and more secure.“I am pleased of the Government’s commitment to the safety of all faith groups in NSW, including those in the Kiama electorate,” says local Labor MP Sarah Kaine in a media release.As part of the first round of the program, the following organisations have received funding:All Saints Albion Park Anglican Church: $49,987.00 in funding for a security upgrade.Salt Ministries: $18,318.00 for its safety and development training.“We know that everyday thousands of people right across NSW gather in their houses of worship or significant religious centres,” comments the Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper.Developed in consultation with faith- and religious groups and experts across the state, and the Multicultural NSW’s Community Resilience and Response Plan (COMPLAN) Committee, the program supports prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures at places where faith communities gather.

Who have been the South Coast’s most significant women?That’s the question South Coast History Society is asking as it attempts to identify them. The Society’s search began at a local market when a lady asked its President, Peter Lacey, to identify the parts of their book, ‘Extraordinary Histories: Amazing Stories from the NSW South Coast’, that related to women from the NSW South Coast. This led to the inclusion of biographies of 10 interesting South Coast women in an expanded second edition of the book to be released later this year.‘It's a very easy task to nominate the historically significant men from the South Coast. They are well known,’ Peter suggests. ‘But coming up with a list of the area’s important women and recording their stories has been a real challenge because, surprisingly, not a lot has been written about them. And, whilst a little has been recorded about some pioneer women, the contributions of outstanding local women in the 20th and 21st centuries have largely been ignored.’A little digging has so far identified 22 significant women – the 10 being included in the second edition of ‘Extraordinary Histories’ plus another 12 whose stories are included in the June issue of ‘Recollections’ magazine.‘But,’ Peter added. ‘We have a very uneasy feeling that there are probably as many significant South Coast women again whose great stories we have missed. So, we’re now asking the community to help us identify other women who rightly deserve to be recognised.’ So, who are the South Coast women being featured in the second edition of ‘Extraordinary Histories’?They are author Charmian Clift, nurse Pearl Corkhill, pioneering woman Elizabeth ‘Granny’ Sproats, contralto Eva Mylott, carrier Emily Wintle, Aboriginal activist Jane Duren, ‘The Three Ladies of Tathra’ who were conservationists, shopkeeper Mrs Mac, newspaper editor Olive Constable, and world-renowned economist Persia Campbell.‘And I wonder how many of these illustrious women the average South Coast person knows of?’ Peter asks. ‘I suspect, for most people, it would be just one or two.’And who features in the June issue of ‘Recollections’?Four additional authors or journalists – Olga Masters, Mare Carter, Kate O’Connor and Jackie French; the soprano Marie Narelle; pioneer woman Rose Hunt; hoteliers Ann White and Sabina Pike; nurses ‘Kitty’ Porter and Bernice Smith; doctor Dagmar Berne and, because her death had a significant impact on the Eden area, Flora MacKillop who was the mother of Saint Mary MacKillop.Peter was then asked to nominate the most interesting South Coast women he had identified to date. ‘That’s easy,’ he replied. ‘An extraordinary schoolteacher by the name of Bridget Johnston. And I bet you’ve never heard of her!’‘She was the teacher at a one-teacher school in Eurobodalla village (which has since disappeared) from 1882 to 1927. Her boast was that no pupil, however reluctant a student, would ever leave her school without being able, at the very least, to write, read and be arithmetically competent.’‘Her abilities became widely known. Students were sent to board in tiny Eurobodalla, and one family even erected two tents near Bridget’s school so their child could receive his education there. One tent housed their young son, the other a female carer.’ ‘Bridget, being the only teacher in a one-teacher school, was required to teach all levels from kindergarten to matriculation. And every year, one of her students would receive one of four scholarships available from the local inspectorate, enabling them to stay at school past the Intermediate Certificate to study for the Leaving Certificate.’‘One year, her students won all four scholarships! So, the Education Department sent an Inspector to investigate. He examined the successful four scholarship winners, while Bridget took the remaining pupils out to the playground and conducted classes there.  Two hours later, the Inspector emerged, thanked and congratulated Bridget – the scholarships had been correctly awarded! Three of those boys subsequently became doctors, the other successfully completed an Arts degree.’‘Bridget married while teaching at the school. No woman when married could then be employed as a teacher unless ‘there are special circumstances which make her employment desirable in the public interest’; retaining Bridget as Eurobodalla School’s teacher clearly was ‘in the public interest’!’‘And when Bridget reached the normal retiring age of 65, she was asked to continue teaching…which she did for a further three years.’‘Eurobodalla village also benefited in other ways from having Bridget in town. She was a driving force behind the construction of the village hall, the village cricket pitch and the village tennis courts,’ Peter added. Copies of the free South Coast Women ‘Recollections’ magazine will be available from this week at all South Coast libraries. An email copy will be provided to anyone sending ‘Send Recollections’ to [email protected] information or to make a Nomination?  Contact Peter Lacey at the South Coast History Society on 0448 160 852 Or Email: [email protected]  Charmian Clift, one of the 12 South Coast women featured in the June issue of ‘Recollections’.

Kiama’s long-awaited community battery, offering a whopping 445kWh of storage capacity, is now officially live and will allow nearby residents to store and share solar power. Endeavour Energy and Kiama Council launched the battery on Friday 24 May 2024, encouraging 100 residents to sign up and save on household electricity bills. Its rollout follows similar initiatives located at Shell Cove and Western Sydney’s Bungarribee. The Kiama Community Battery, rolled out on the Endeavour Energy network and available through retail partner Origin Energy, is the largest on the provider’s network. The program is open to everyone who has an Origin Energy account, including customers who don’t have rooftop solar and those in rental properties. Community batteries work by storing excess solar not used in homes during the day. The energy then becomes available for customers on the energy provider’s network to use during the evening peak. “Community batteries will help lower costs for customers across our entire region by improving the efficiency of the network,” says Endeavour Energy's General Manager, Future Grid and Asset Management, Colin Crisafulli. “Customers with household solar are expected to see energy costs reductions of up to $270 per year, while customers without solar will see reduced energy costs of up to $180 per year.“Endeavour Energy has been providing power to this region for more than 100 years, and as part of the energy transition we are excited to continue to deliver clean, green storage to the South Coast of NSW.”The battery features striking artwork by Wulbunja woman and Elder, Jodie Stewart. Titled On Country - Where the Mountains Meet the Sea, the stunning artwork features the Birri Birri (whale) totem representing Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong and the black cockatoo, the totem for Shoalhaven.  Aunty Jodie Stewart inspects her artwork (Kiama Council)Kiama Council Mayor Neil Reilly warmly welcomes the battery to Kiama. “We’re excited to see our local community battery – the largest in the Endeavour Energy network so far – now in operation and ready to serve the community in Kiama Downs and Minnamurra,” says Mayor Reilly.“Our community expects their Council to strive for zero emissions, as per our Emissions Reduction Strategy and facilitating a community battery is in line with our goals and targets. It’s an asset that will provide benefits to our community and a real step in the right direction for sustainable energy in our region.”Residents living in the Kiama Downs trial area can register their interest at www.endeavourenergy.com.au or by phoning Endeavour Energy on 133 003. 

Liberal candidate for Gilmore, Andrew Constance, has announced an invitation for supporters in the local community to attend an afternoon tea with Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Senator for the Northern Territory, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, on Sunday 2 June 2024. “This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from Jacinta Price, who has brought a new dynamic to politics in Australia. Her passion, drive and determination to change Australia for the better along with her honest and insightful perspective is exactly what the Australian Parliament needs,” says Constance.The afternoon tea is a Federal fundraising event for the Gilmore campaign, taking place from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday 2 June 2024 at Kiama Pavilion. Attendance can be registered via www.nswliberal.org.au/240602B04 . An earlier morning tea on the same day will take place at 10:00am further south in Batemans Bay. Donations are welcome from those who wish to make a contribution, but may be unable to attend either events. 

A full moon guided visitors through The Enchanted Forest in Blackbutt Reserve on Thursday evening, 23 May 2024, as they were given a preview look. The event, which officially opens on Friday night (24 May), runs through to 16 June and promises to transport visitors to another world. Illuminated like never before, this year's theme Lost Astronaut captivates and beholds, thanks to a combined light- and soundscape that creates an ethereal, interactive cosmic universe here on earth. Visitors wander through the forest, following the lost astronaut’s journey to repair his spaceship, each section a brilliant display of lights, lasers and special effects. The immersive audio enhances the feeling of celestial surrealism, and each bend in the path reveals a new awe-inspiring surprise. Tickets are selling fast, with many people eager to discover this thrilling symbiosis of nature and technology. The Enchanted Forest offers a unique experience for these cold winter evenings for families, friends and space enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply looking for a magical night out, be sure not to miss The Enchanted Forest. Tickets are on sale at The Enchanted Forest. 

Sevenmarks Gallery in Kiama is gearing up to unveil a rare and captivating exhibition, From the Top Road from 1 June to 20 July. This exhibition promises to be a celebration of connection, culture and creativity, showcasing artworks from two neighbouring communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. From the Top Road is more than just an exhibition, but takes the views on an immersive journey into the heart and soul of Indigenous Australia. The title itself comes from the primary route into Arnhem Land, granting access to the Bula’bula Arts Centre and the Maningrida Arts Centre, both vibrant hubs of creativity and cultural expression. Attendees will experience spirit forms, fibre works and intricate woven pieces created by local artists deeply connected to their land, their ancestors, and their traditions.  “Our culture lies in the ground… It lies in the earth, but we are bringing it out…where we can see it.” said Kuninjku artist Ivan Namirrkki.These artworks weave together stories of the natural environment, reflecting on the profound importance of ceremonies, songs, language and family in Indigenous culture, constructing a cultural journey and an open invitation to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Indigenous art and heritage. 

At the 2024 NSW Surfing South Coast Regional Titles event at Jones Beach on Sunday 19 May, the Kiama surfing community showed that they are a force to be reckoned with.Jackson Fraser won the U14 Boys’ division, Rubylee Neill the U14 Girls’ division and Zane Thompson the U12 Boys’ division. Several Kiama surfers also placed in the top four.Zane Thompson wins the U12 Boys' division. Photo credit: Fran Wood.“I love how South Coast Surfing, Jones Beach Boardriders and the surf clubs are working together to provide opportunities for our local youth,” says Jo Collinge, Surfing NSW Regional Director for the South Coast, who ran the event for the fourth year in a row.“After the terrible weather we’ve experienced lately, we were so pleased to see the sun was shining the whole day and the waves were pumping,” Collinge continues.“Conditions were a little tricky for the U12 Boys, who kicked the morning off, but overall the conditions allowed those experienced surfers to shine and showcase their talents.”Collinge gives a major shout-out to Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club (KDSLSC) and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club (KSLSC) for providing water safety and donating their time.“Thank you everyone for an amazing day. Thank you to the judges, volunteers, KDSLSC, water safety commentators, competitors and parents. Well done to everyone who surfed.”ResultsU12 Girls1) Everly Morgan2) Maya EverittU12 Girls' division. From left to right: Everly Morgan and Maya Everitt. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U12 Boys1) Zane Thompson (Kiama)2) Sani Hellman 3) Elijah Boardman (Kiama)4) Zayn EverittU12 Boys' division. From left to right: Zane Thompson (Kiama), Sani Hellman, Elijah Boardman (Kiama) and Zayn Everitt. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U14 Girls1) Rubylee Neill (Kiama)2) Abigail Woods (Kiama)U14 Girls' division. From left to right: Rubylee Neill (Kiama) and Abigail Woods (Kiama). Photo credit: Fran Wood.U14 Boys1) Jackson Fraser (Kiama)2) Banjo Carbone (Kiama)3) Joey Bradley 4) Charlie JamisonU14 Boys' division. From left to right: Jackson Fraser (Kiama), Banjo Carbone (Kiama), Joey Bradley and Charlie Jamison. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U16 Girls1) Lucy Darragh2) Lani Cairncross (Kiama)3) Coco Ramirez Derritt (Kiama)4) Elina Wood (Kiama)U16 Girls' division. From left to right: Lucy Darragh, Lani Cairncross (Kiama), Coco Ramirez Derritt (Kiama) and Elina Wood (Kiama). Photo credit: Fran Wood.U16 Boys1) Jett Bradley 2) Sam Sparks3) Oliver Carson4) Jack RobertsonU16 Boys' division. From left to right: Jett Bradley, Sam Sparks, Oliver Carson and Jack Robertson. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U18 Boys1) Reece Harper2) Koby Jackson3) Dayan Conti (Kiama)4) Jesse BrownU18 Boys' division. From left to right: Reece Harper, Koby Jackson, Dayan Conti (Kiama) and Jesse Brown. Photo credit: Fran Wood.

It’s not everyday that an American journalist walks into The Bugle office. “I used to work in a similar-sized newsroom in Fairfield, Ohio,” Christopher Ryan says.The aforementioned journalist, Ryan, is actually Australian by birth (he was born in Perth), but moved to America at the age of one.His parents moved back to Kiama when they retired. They selected the town because it’s the furthest that you can get from Sydney, and still have a direct train line, Ryan says.He’s here for a visit, coming out about every 10 years.“Australia’s not a weekend trip,” he chuckles. Ryan’s just been for a bush walk with a cousin. They were meant to go camping, but the dreadful weather put a stop to it.Although, he doesn’t mind the rain, Ryan says. He lives in Boulder, located by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, where massive thunderstorms drenches the town during the summer months. After working as a general assignment reporter for local newspapers across Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio and Oklahoma, he switched to the technical side of the newspaper business about a decade ago. Now, he runs FutureOfNews, LLC.“I still consider myself a journalist,” Ryan remarks.Excitedly, he pulls out his smartphone to show how the interactive audio news, which he's set up, works. “Hi, Alexa. Give me the top 10 news in Colorado,” Ryan instructs. Fully automated, it draws stories from Colorado's daily newspapers RSS feeds. Within seconds, he has the biggest stories in his palm, ranging from the Northern Lights setting the Colorado sky aglow to a 50-year-old cold case murder finally being solved.Ryan’s curious to find out more about local journalism in Australia, especially how community newspapers utilise technology. He shows his bag where he’s stocked up on a variety of dailies from the newsagent. There’s a copy of the recent The Bugle in there as well.“I like the diversity of Australian media,” he comments. “Very good.”Safe travels, Ryan, and we hope to welcome you back soon again.