Australia Post and Beyond Blue have launched an expanded campaign to support mental wellbeing, designed to reach over five million mailboxes across Australia, including rural areas. Research indicates that nearly one in three Australians grapple with loneliness, especially in our remote and regional areas. This initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to combat loneliness and promote community connection. The two-part ‘connection postcard’, featuring artwork by Australian artist Jocelyn Proust, includes mental health information and a prepaid postcard for personalised notes. New South Wales will receive 1,047,000 of these postcards this May. Beyond Blue ambassador, Brad McEwan, encourages participation, emphasising the impact of such small gestures. Messages on the postcards prompt recipients to share thoughts, memories, and stories, fostering meaningful connections. Beyond Blue Chief Executive Officer, Georgie Harman, underscores the importance of community support and accessible mental health resources. Australia Post has an ongoing partnership with Beyond Blue that aims to provide vital mental health information and support to millions of Australians. 

Kiama is gearing up to host book lovers and literary enthusiasts from far and away for the Kiama Readers’ Festival over the weekend of 19-20 July. This year, the festival promises two jam-packed days of literary discussion, insightful author talks, and the opportunity to mingle with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the written word. The festival has been organised by the volunteer group Friends of Kiama Library, which supports the Kiama public library service and the local community. They have done it spectacularly by creating a stimulating and enjoyable program for members and the local area alike.Day one of the program focuses on food and literature, welcoming authors such as Fiona Weir of Buena Vista farms, Kirsten Bradley and Craig Castree. The evening sees Fred Smith deliver a performance and discussion called “The Dust of Uruzgan,” at Kiama Library. Day two features appearances by renowned authors Hugh Mackay, Sue Williams, Chris Hammer and others. For the final session, Chris Hammer and Michael Brissenden will discuss Australian crime writing. The festival will conclude with dinner at the Kiama Leagues Club where attendees can join writer and social commentator Jane Caro, who will be the guest speaker. For those eager to spend a weekend enjoying reading and writing delights, visit the Kiama Library website: for tickets and the full program.Keep an eye out in The Bugle for exciting updates leading up to the festival!

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure as 'The Perfect Plate 2024' competition makes a grand return for its fourth annual showdown! The competition celebrates the quality and range of cuisine available at clubs throughout NSW. It also aims to recognize the immense talent of chefs in the industry while enticing patrons to explore the culinary delights offered by clubs. Public voting runs from 30 April to 16 June (11:59 pm).We recently visited the Kiama Leagues Club to savour their delectable entry - the 'Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder.'The club’s apple cider braised pork shoulder was a delightful blend of warmth and flavour, featuring a subtle apple infusion that complemented the dish perfectly. The generous portion size and the tender, mouth-watering pork were highly satisfying, priced at $30 for non-members and $28 for members; it offers great value.Also throwing their hat in the ring for Kiama are the Cedar Cutters Sports Bar, presenting their enticing Braised Beef Short Rib with Dauphinoise Potato, Herb Pea Puree, and Braising Marrow Jus, and the Kiama Bowling & Recreation Club Limited Summit Bar & Grill with their Pork Knuckle. Here's how you can participate and indulge in this gastronomic competition:TASTE: Visit a club near you and savour a ‘Perfect Plate’ competition dish.VOTE: Show your support by scanning the Perfect Plate QR code at the club or search from the provided list. Keep your receipt handy for verification.WIN: Get a chance to win daily $100 dining vouchers or a 'Foodie Getaway' for two valued at up to $3,500. The more dishes that you vote for, the higher your chances are of winning.SHARE: Share your Perfect Plate Awards experience by posting photos using the hashtag: #perfectplate2024This year, culinary expert Matt Moran and Masterchef finalist Courtney Roulston serve as ambassadors for the Perfect Plate competition. Awards include 13 regional winners based on dish scores, three state winners categorised by club size, and one statewide winner for the best dessert. Winning clubs receive commemorative plaques and top three statewide winners get advertising campaigns worth $10,000 each.The Bugle wishes the Kiama Leagues Club every success once more. To explore more participating restaurants and dive deeper into the Perfect Plate experience, visit: perfectplate.com.au.

Kiama MP, Gareth Ward, has delivered a Private Members Statement in Parliament, acknowledging and commending the bravery and dedication of local emergency service personnel during the flooding that occurred in Kiama throughout the weekend of 6-7 April 2024.With almost 2,000mm of rainfall in the community over an exceptionally short period, flash flooding was inevitable and with it came enormous damage to homes, roads and infrastructure. Many locals were forced to flee their homes due to their floors, which saw sewage and stormwater entering homes and rendering them uninhabitable.Ward expressed his gratitude to Kiama’s State Emergency Service (SES) unit when he visited Kiama SES unit volunteers following the events of the storm and again in his Parliament address.“I acknowledge Kiama unit commander Chris Warren, Shellharbour unit commander Ray Merz, and local commander John Wall. I also acknowledge Nowra unit commander Jo Allen, and local commander Adam Carney.“I acknowledge Shoalhaven SES headquarters in Nowra, the Jamberoo RFS and all other emergency responders that played a critical role in assisting with the latest natural disaster to beset my community,” said Ward.  Among the heroes recognised was Mitch Rosser, a local tradesman whose quick thinking and bravery saved a life amidst the chaos of the floods. Rosser acted quickly and selflessly when he heard cries for help on his property on Saturday 6 April, successfully rescuing a man from flood waters with his pool scoop. Check out our article on Mitch Rosser here. Ward commended Rosser’s courage and nominated him for Premier’s Award. Reflecting on the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change, Ward has emphasised the importance of investing in preparedness and recovery efforts. He announced plans to introduce a bill imposing fines on those who recklessly drive through flood waters, proposing revenue is directed to support the SES volunteers risking their lives in rescue operations. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the community in rebuilding after the disaster, Ward thanked the NSW Reconstruction Authority and several government officials for their support in disaster recovery.Despite the extensive damage the community experienced and the ongoing recovery left to be done, Ward has expressed optimism for the resilience and restoration of Kiama and its surrounding areas.

Youth Week 2024 (11 - 21 April) has been hailed a success by both young people and their families. Hosted by Kiama Council’s SENTRAL Youth Services team, Youth Week was packed with a variety of activities and events to provide entertainment and a sense of community for people aged 12-24 years. The festivities boasted a variety of engaging options, such as classic favourites like a day at Zone Bowling, which included laser tag, arcades games and bumper rides. Other events included an outdoor movie night and gaming sessions at the SENTRAL cottages. SENTRAL also encouraged the creative side of young individuals, providing an array of workshops including 3D printing and painting. Other events fostered exploration and appreciation for our environment, such as fishing outings that provided an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about marine life. For those seeking more adventurous experiences, an overnight camping trip featuring kayaking and bouldering offered a chance to develop survival skills, resilience and teamwork. The theme of Youth Week 2024 was ‘Express, Empower, Get Loud!’. SENTRAL services did a great job providing opportunities for young people to emulate these values, providing them with experiences and educational opportunities to build skills and feel empowered in a safe and inclusive environment. The young participants got to have their say for future Youth Weeks, with suggestions such as deep sea fishing, surfing, rock climbing, and biking all at the top of the list for next year - a challenge the SENTRAL team is more than willing to accept.  

Kids Helpline, run by yourtown, has unveiled a new mental health care platform called ‘My Circle,’ in response to the growing demand for mental health support digitally. In collaboration with several stakeholders, including the Bupa Foundation and the University of Sydney’s Cyberpsychology Research Group, My Circle offers a free, private, and anonymous social network, moderated by clinical professionals and provides a safe space for peer support. The platform introduces a new level of accessibility for how young people access and receive mental health assistance.Tracy Adams, CEO of yourtown, emphasises the urgent need to address mental health challenges that young people face today. “We cannot allow mental ill-health to become the new norm in children and young people,” she states.Supported by a $1M investment from the Bupa Foundation, the platform has already gained significant traction with nearly 4,000 new users last year, 70 per cent of which falls within the age group 13-17. With an age range of 12-25 years old, young people in the Kiama area are encouraged to join the free platform. My Circle has seen a lot of growth since it began in 2021 and is a safe and private way for our youth to connect on matters that are prevalent to their peers with qualified Kids Helpline Counsellors monitoring. With its innovative approach, involving young people in the design and implementation of the platform, and commitment to empowering young people, My Circle represents a significant step forward in the provision of mental health support for teenagers in Australia. Fore more information and to join the platform you can click here.

As National Walk Safely to School Day approaches on Friday 10 May, Shellharbour schools are gearing up to embrace the initiative with open arms. Mayor Chris Homer is encouraging children and their parents or carers to ditch the car and lace up their walking shoes. The initiative aims to highlight the numerous benefits of regular walking, particularly to and from school. Tullimbar Public School in Shellharbour is one such school participating in the initiative. The annual National Walk Safely to School Day is in its 25th year of promoting physical health, the importance of road safety and environmental consciousness due to decreased car dependency that causes air pollutionMayor Homer emphasised the significance of daily physical activity for children’s overall health and mental wellbeing saying, “I have always been an advocate of leading a healthy lifestyle. This initiative is a wonderful way of setting up regular walking habits for children.”  The initiative is championed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia. Their Chief Executive Harold Scruby adds, “Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day.”For more information click here.

By Rev. Jodie McNeillSenior Minister, Jamberoo Anglican ChurchThe Primate of all of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Archbishop Nathan Ingen, visited the Jamberoo Anglican Church as part of his visits to churches in the Sydney region. Archbishop Ingen is the leader and spokesperson for the three million Anglicans scattered over hundreds of remote communities.Archbishop Ingen was invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury to attend the Primates Meeting in Rome, but chose to accept the invitation of the Archbishop of Sydney to nurture the partnership his Diocese shares with like-minded, gospel-centred Anglicans, in fellowship with Gafcon Global Anglicans. The Senior Minister at Jamberoo Anglican Church, Jodie McNeill, hosted the Primate during the Sunday Service on 5 May at 4:00pm, and took the opportunity to interview the Archbishop in front of the congregation.Archbishop Ingen is a rural clergyman, serving as a bishop in the Diocese of Apro Rongo, in a place he describes as, “on the top of a mountain” in the highlands of PNG. During the interview, Archbishop Ingen identified three challenges to his role: “finances, training pastors, and reaching remote communities”. In PNG, the church provides 98 percent of the health and education services, bringing practical care to a country that lacks many of the everyday necessities, which are often taken for granted in Australia. Close to his heart is the recruitment and training of pastors, and Archbishop Ingen remains deeply thankful for the financial partnership provided by churches in the Sydney Diocese, such as Jamberoo Anglican. At present, they are building a theological college in the highlands of PNG, and they are seeking additional funds to set up another ministry training facility in Alotau, near Milne Bay, on the East Coast.

You can pledge a donation to the Bugle through our phone number 0412415101 within our business hours which are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. If no one is there to answer your call, leave a message and we will get back to you. You can also pledge online with the link at the bottom of the article.Nobody died and the boat didn’t sink. But nonetheless, the return of the Signa to Kiama Harbour managed to create quite a stir, with locals braving the drizzling weather to occupy vantage points along the foreshore. Many people have memories of the Signa, and a significant number of them showed up in Kiama on May 8 to commemorate its return after two years in dry dock at Albion Park.After an estimated 12,000 hours of volunteer labour, the boat, which was originally launched in 1970, has been lovingly restored to its former glory with new windows, new engines, and new fittings.  Those showing up to mark the event included former charter operators, fishermen who used to hire the boat on weekends and even the children of the original builder of the boat, Bob Riddell, who built the boat in the coffin factory his boss Jack Paton owned. It was one of the first dedicated game fishing boats ever seen in Australia, and large by the standards of the day. Signa being lowered into Kiama Harbour. Photo: John Stapleton.The boat is named after Jack’s wife, Signa. Bob Riddell’s daughter, Jane Dove of Woy Woy, drove down to Kiama for the event. “Just to see the boat is fantastic, my father built it and 50 years later, it is still going,” she said. “We never got a trip on it. My father was a very quiet person, he was just going to work building a boat.”Son Greg Riddell remembers to this day the boat being launched near Silverwater Bridge in Sydney. “My father would have loved to have been here,” he says. The Riddell children might never have gone out to sea in the boat, but plenty of other people did, including, famously, actor Lee Marvin of Hollywood fame, along with Bob and Dolly Dyer of Pick-A-Box, a television program familiar to any Australian old enough to remember the 1960s. For a time, the boat was owned by the famous Sydney restaurant Doyles, which used it for their high-profile customers. A clearly delighted John Hansen, who funded the project, wants above all to pay tribute to the many people who helped restore the boat.Those he wishes to thank by name include his wife Sandra, who has been an enthusiastic supporter, Rex Jones, Richard Roman aka Don, Peter Rook, Lawrie Lovegrove, Graham Williams, Rob Hoffmeister and Geoffrey Farrer. “It was ten times bigger than we thought,” he says. “It was a labour of love. We were all retirees, they all played golf together. And once they started on the boat it was a labour of love, they just loved doing it.”Sandra and John Hansen. Photo credit: John Stapleton.As to how it all came about, John Hansen says he and a friend Rex Jones had previously rebuilt a small fishing boat and as retirees were looking around for another project. The Signa came up for sale, and the rest is history. Except they had no idea quite what they were buying into. The boat was in poor condition, having basically been rotting in the harbour for some time, and having been officially declared unseaworthy. “We suddenly realised when the boat was ours how complicated the project was,” he recalls. “We have basically rebuilt the entire boat.”As Sandra recalls: “The bones of Signa, the hull, was good, it was a good boat, it just needed attention. The deck and the roof and parts of the floor inside were just rotted. We took out nearly two tonnes of rubbish.”Signa is expected to stay at mooring in Kiama Harbour for the next several weeks as the timber boat adjusts to being back in the water, the new engines settle in and the final bits of cosmetic work, including cabinetry and carpeting. “Cosmetic stuff,” Sandra calls the final adjustments. “The kitchen’s been done, the bathroom, all the hard stuff has been done.”Sigma being maneuvered. Photo credit: John Stapleton.And there it is, back in Kiama Harbour, a boat full of memories, as many of those in attendance were quick to recall. Kevin Adams, who went out on the boat with his father, Bruce, who helped build the original refrigeration, said his father, too, would have loved to have been there. “It is amazing what they have done with the refurbishment,” he says. “They have done a great job. At the time Signa was a master, it was one of the biggest boats around built out of wood.” Wayne Hollingsworth, who before he retired to the South Coast used to come down from Sydney with a group of mates and hire out the boat for fishing trips, says: “Seeing it brings back a lot of memories. It was a good boat, solid in the water. I used to see it in the harbour in recent years, it was just rotting away.” One of the most obvious things about the freshly restored Signa is how good the woodwork, including the original teak, looks. Retired carpenter Lawrie Lovegrove, when asked why he was prepared to spend so many hundreds of hours on the project, including countless hours sanding, just shrugs: “Silly old bastard.”Well, thanks to a lot of silly old buggers, Kiama now has a beautifully restored and intriguing part of Australia’s maritime history in pride of place.  DONATE HERE.

Within the last five years, Michael Williams, his best mate Josh Walton, and his younger brothers, Ben and Tom, all played their 200th game for the Kiama Power Senior AFL club. Michael plays in the backline, Josh is a utility, Ben’s in the midfield and Tom’s a forward.They have also won three premierships together: in 2009 (versus the Bomaderry Tigers), in 2011 (versus Wollongong University) and in 2018 (versus the Wollongong Lions).The Bugle reached Michael on an morning off from work to chat about his 200 games landmark moment.1) When did you reach the 200-game milestone?“Myself, I reached it in 2022. Josh and Ben, both did in 2019. And Tom last year,” he says.Brothers Ben, Tom and Michael Williams. Photo credit: Michael Williams.2) How did it feel?“It felt really good.”“Me and Josh have been playing for Kiama since we were 10-years-old in 2000, which was the second year for the Junior club. Josh played in the first-ever year for the Juniors in 1999.”“We both started playing for the senior club in 2006, Ben in 2008 and Tom in 2010.”3) How was it celebrated that you'd played 200 games?“The whole club and team made it a big deal. It was a bit embarrassing. But the others got the same treatment, so it was good,” he chuckles.4) Did you receive anything to commemorate the occasion?“They gave us a beer mug with the 200 games engraved and the Kiama logo during the end-of-year presentation. I got it in the living room, in a display cabinet.”“It’s been a good journey, playing together with my two brothers and my best mate. I feel lucky,” he concludes.

The Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) have teamed up with Bakers Delight for the annual Pink Bun campaign to shed light on the diverse experiences and needs of Australian women, navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. This year’s campaign features three unique narratives from Kansas, Sam and Jill, hailing from different corners of Australia, who have come together to share their stories and the invaluable support received from BCNA. Kansas received her diagnosis as a 24-year-old in rural Victoria and credits BCNA’s Pink Lady Match for her timely diagnosis. The Pink Lady Match acted as a reminder for Kansas to get a lump on her breast checked out. Sam contacted BCNA’s free helpline to share a confronting experience when she went through an airport screening with a breast prosthesis, which prompted BCNA into action to advocate for and help give people like Sam a voice. Jill faced metastatic breast cancer and also benefited from BCNA’s advocacy, with her medication now being subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). These stories highlight BCNA’s vital support in empowering breast cancer patients nationwide. The campaign runs from 9-29 May. During that time, you can purchase a 6-pack of Fun Buns from Bakers Delight. There’s also an option to host Pink Bun Parties throughout the month. The newly opened Baker's Delight store in Kiama is eager to participate in the campaign. The Bugle caught up with the Store Manager on Thursday 9 May who said the community response has already been positive adding that he and his team are happy to be part of such a good cause. With the remainder of May ahead of us, head to Bakers Delight to support the Pink Bun Campaign! Through advocacy, support programs and other community initiatives, much like the Pink Bun campaign, BCNA continues to empower patients and raise awareness about breast cancer in Australia.

A Kind of Hush - The Magic of Karen Carpenter: Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, April 26. The enduring magic of The Carpenters’ music is the combination of Karen Carpenter’s beautiful voice, which had an unusual range of three octaves, and the songs that her brother Richard wrote for her. Unusually, a female singer who decides to sing a Carpenters song must set the key by the lowest note, not the highest. A Kind of Hush - The Magic of Karen Carpenter was billed as a concert rather than a tribute, and clearly that was necessary because none of the headliners could match the range or quality of Karen Carpenter's voice. The show was put together by Katie Noonan, and she was joined on stage by Melinda Schneider, Abby Dobson, newcomer Layla Havana and an ‘all-female’ backing band, which had turned half-male, by this the second last of a 16-show tour. Katie Noonan displayed by far the best trained and controlled voice, but the least suited to the Carpenters’ songs, excelling as she does with precision and control in her highest register and bringing with it her own musical style. Melinda Schneider’s songs by contrast were delivered unceremoniously, completely straight and unadorned but she is such an accomplished performer that I was most relaxed when she was centre stage. Abby Dobson was having a bad night; at least, I choose to believe that because surely she would not have been included in the line-up had she sang that badly all the time. She did mention that she was exhausted and hungry but as an audience member that’s not what I want to hear, implying that the effort she had invested in earlier audiences was impacting on her current performance. At the start the number of notes she missed was jarring to the ear but she did warm up towards the end, singing an unexpectedly sweet version of “The Rainbow Connection.” Ironically, 15-year-old Layla Havana was the only one of the four singers, who hit the mark without fail, with her beautifully clear warm voice. She can only get better as her voice and her confidence matures. The banter between the three headliners was full of in-jokes and shared knowledge, which actively excluded the audience while we assume that their intention was to do the opposite, to include us in their private world. It did not help to be told that half the promised ‘all-girl’ band was absent because they got a better offer. At the end, Noonan gave a speech about how important it is to support independent musicians but in context it sounded more like an apology that everything was a bit amateurish. The audience was generous; however, and eagerly participated in the curated singalong opportunities (“On top of the World” and “They Long To Be (Close to You)”), which was well suited to the community hall vibe of Anita’s Theatre.It was an enjoyable evening but in the end the pips that got stuck in my teeth ended up detracting from the sweetness of the fruit. 

Mother’s Day has ancient beginnings and a good place to start is with the Romans, who honoured Cybele (the Great Mother).She was the goddess of nature, fertility, mountains and wild animals. Raucous celebrations were held in spring, which included games, feasts, sacrifices and eunuchs.The early Christians held a celebration on the fourth Sunday of Lent for the Virgin Mary, although with less sacrifices and eunuchs. This was called Mothering Sunday and it’s still part of the Catholic tradition.The modern celebration of Mother's Day grew out of calls for peace after the American Civil War (1861-65). The writer and women's rights activist, Julia Ward Howe, wanted women to unite and bring peace throughout the world.The idea didn’t take off until 1908, when Anna Marie Jarvis, an American woman, held a church memorial to honour the legacy of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a pacifist and abolitionist.Anna pushed to have a day set aside to honour all mothers. Her campaign paid off when in 1914, US president Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May to be Mother's Day.Mother’s Day was captured by commercial interests in the 1920s in favour of a more benign celebration of mothers, with breakfast in bed, a card and a red rose.The Suffragette vision of women rising as a political class with important political and social roles to play outside the home was bypassed - but not forgotten by women in the 1960s and 70s.UK Suffragettes in actionIt wasn’t until 1924, following the slaughter of World War I, that the first Mother's Day was held in Australia.Sydney woman Janet Heyden started the tradition after seeing so many poor and lonely women in the Newington State Hospital. Many were left widows after the Great War.Historian and Emeritus Professor Richard Waterhouse from Sydney University says Christmas Day, Easter Sunday and Mother's Day, still bring people together.“In a secular society, those days have lost their importance as occasions for religious celebrations but (they) are still significant for the purpose of family gatherings,” Professor Richard Waterhouse says.“Mother’s Day will continue to be important but the role of mothers will be celebrated in different ways. Women are no longer regarded as the moral guardians of the home but equal workplace participants with their husbands.”“Mother's Day is not just about thanking women for their domestic contributions to families but also their wider contribution as wage earners and equal partners in family life.”

Mother’s Day RaffleThe Lions continue to sell tickets in their Mother’s Day raffle each Saturday on Fern St and outside the IGA. There are four great prizes. First prize is a $300 voucher from Blue Swimmer restaurant at Gerroa; a $100 voucher from 34 Degrees Gerringong and a $30 voucher from The Collective Beat at Gerringong. Second prize is a $200 voucher from Norfolk & Co Gerringong and a $100 voucher from Tilda and Cacao Gerringong. Third prize a $150 voucher from Tonic Facial Gerringong and a $100 voucher from Curries and Spirits restaurant, Gerringong. Fourth prize is a rug valued between $200 and $300 from Holy SpiritYarn Group in Sydney. All proceeds from the sale of tickets are going to the SAHSSSI Women’s Refuge in Nowra.Training Day for the LionsIncoming President, Steve Pottie, along with incoming Secretary, Peter Jeffries recently attended a training day at Dapto to bring them up to date with their obligations and procedures as they prepare to take over the administration of the club for 2024/25. Outgoing President Peter Jeffrey joined them and all three commented on what a positive experience it had been.Steve Pottie, Peter Jeffrey, Peter Jeffries at Lions WorkshopNew MemberGerringong Lions welcomed a new member last week. Greg Schultz, who relocated from Sydney was welcomed into the best Lions Club in Gerringong by President Peter Jeffrey and was inducted by Lion Mark Westhoff.Peter Jeffrey, new member Greg Schultz, and Mark WesthoffAnzac Day CeremonyA very moving ceremony was held at the Dawn ANZAC Service on the headland last Friday with MC Mike O'Leary doing a great job and the very large crowd appreciated the singing from Merryn Lee Perez & Chris Cutting, plus the Gerringong Public School Choir. Many groups and organisations laid commemorative wreaths, including the Lions Club of Gerringong, which was represented by President Peter Jeffrey.Lions Club President Peter Jeffret with wreath at the Anzac Day CeremonyThe return of the Rugby BoysMarc Booker, (left), Henry Cleare (centre) and Jacob Booker (right) had come straight from training, to attend a recent Lions meeting at The Blue Goose to report back on their representative Rugby tours.In April 2023, Marc, Jacob and Henry along with other Junior Rugby Union players from all over the state and interstate were selected in The Australian Raptors Academy Rugby sides.Marc Booker, Henry Cleare, Jacob BookerThe three local boys had collected recyclable items and utilised the Tomra Return and Earn reverse vending machines to aid in their efforts to raise funds for this journey in their lives. The Lions Club of Gerringong, through their own Return and Earn project, thought it fitting that funds from this project be utilised to donate $1000 to each boy to assist in their quest to raise sufficient funds for their sporting adventure.Marc was selected in the Under 15 boys side and embarked on a life-altering journey through the rugged terrains of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, North England and Scotland. This wasn’t just a rugby tour, it was a cultural exchange and a chance to form bonds with peers from lands steeped in rich rugby traditions. Similarly, Jacob and Henry were part of the U16 Men’s team, and journeyed to California to experience international competition. They played in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.It was obvious to the Lions present that their assistance had been well worth it, as the boys impressed with the way they spoke and related what this journey had meant, not only for their playing careers but also for their personal development.

National Volunteer Week (20 to 26 May 2024) is just around the corner, and Kiama Council urges any local volunteer organisations wishing to take part in this year’s Volunteer Expo to ensure their registration is submitted by 5:00pm on Friday 10 May 2024. The Volunteer Expo will take place at the Kiama Farmer’s Market on Wednesday 22 May from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. No doubt this event will showcase the region’s strong community spirit and compassion similar to the 2023 event. “Last year, we had nearly 30 volunteer-based organisations take part in our first-ever expo, which was an amazing turnout for such a small community,” reflected Deputy Mayor, Imogen Draisma. “The vibe on the day was unbelievable, both from the community groups, not-for-profits, service groups and charitable organisations, as well as the locals turning up to see the many and varied ways they could lend a hand for a worthy cause. The Volunteer Expo is an outstanding example of how a small council such as ours can play a large role by helping our local community groups and charities recruit more people to support the important work they do.”Local organisations who are keen to spread the word about their heartfelt mission, and perhaps recruit some new volunteers or recipients, are encouraged to head to the Kiama Council website to register by 5:00pm on Friday 10 May 2024!

On 19 May, Jones Beach will once again host the 2024 NSW Junior Regional Series (South Coast). The cut-off date for entering is Friday 10 May, and young surfers in particular are encouraged to register.The South Coast region covers Minnamurra in the north to Lake Tabourie in the south.“Many athletes from this region have gone on to compete at Aussie titles and World Juniors, such as Keira Buckpitt from Ulladulla Boardriders. I would encourage every young surfer to enter this event via the Surfing NSW portal,” says Jo Collinge, who has recently taken on the voluntary role of Surfing NSW Regional Director for the South Coast. “Numbers in each division are small, and Ocean and Earth are donating some great prizes,” she continues.Lani Cairncross, who went on to place third at Australian Titles after progressing through State Titles. Photo credit: Kirsten Cairncross.The 2024 NSW Regional Series serves as the initial pathway to the 2024 NSW State Titles Junior Surf Series and the 2024 Australian Junior Titles.“Traditionally, this region has had a strong presence progressing to Aussie titles. Often, these surfers have had to work harder for that success because we don’t have access to elite coaches and opportunities that are available to Sydney and North Coast athletes,” says Collinge.Collinge has enjoyed putting on the event for three consecutive years with the help of Jones Beach Boardriders, where she previously served as secretary for the past eight years.“I’ve been driven to provide a professional event for our local surfers to test their surfing skills at an entry-level competition on their own beach,” she says. “Generally, surfers need to travel to Sydney and even further up the coast to Northern NSW to get a taste of competition surfing, which comes at quite a cost to parents for travel and accommodation.” Enter online at 2024 NSW Junior Regional Series (South Coast). Registrations close on Friday, 10 May at 5:00pm AEST.SponsorsSurfing South Coast is also looking for sponsors wishing to support surfing in the local community to ensure this event can continue in its current format for future years. “I want to continue to create and provide opportunities for young surfers that weren’t available to my kids five to six years ago, and build an inclusive community that provides equal access for surfers of all abilities,” Collinge explains.For more information, please contact: [email protected].

The popular Mother’s Day Weekend High Tea is sold out! Thank you to all of our wonderful supporters for buying tickets for this fundraiser. Also, many thanks to The Bugle for helping us to promote the event. It will be lots of fun and the roster is out, the cooks are planning ahead and the Gerringong Town Hall will, once again, be transformed into a sea of colour.With Mother’s Day approaching, everything that being a mother entails is recognised and celebrated. It is not always an easy experience. The following story is from the CMRI 2023 Year in Review publication. This is a true story:Teddy’s storyWhen a child is diagnosed with a genetic condition, it can be overwhelming for parents to understand the science involved. But young mum Lucy found it extremely reassuring to meet the researchers.At five months, Teddy was diagnosed with CTNNB1 Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs randomly and is not usually inherited. Teddy was one of the faces for Jeans for Genes last year and Lucy was so grateful for the support the campaign received from the public.“The best part about being part of the Jeans for Genes 2023 campaign was getting to tour the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute and meeting the incredible scientists who are working to find a cure for Teddy,” Lucy says.“I think that our participation in Jeans for Genes brought genetic diseases to the forefront of our friends’ and family’s minds. They also learnt that research gives Teddy hope for a better future, thanks to incredible scientific breakthroughs that are difficult to imagine.”Discovery Day is a regular event at CMRI. Members of the public are taken on a tour of the labs, meet the scientists and learn about the many research projects that are underway.Contact CMRI on 1800 436 437 or via email: [email protected].

Wednesday 8 May, the Werri Beach Gerringong Garden Club, will welcome two very interesting speakers, Emma Rooksby and Ailee Calderbank. They will talk about native plants of the Kiama district, and the many advantages of including them in your garden.  So which plants are native to the Illawarra? And why should you grow them in your garden? There are many, many reasons, as you’ll find out at our meeting. Did you know that a lot of our native insects and native birds rely on specific local plants? So, it’s no surprise that growing Illawarra natives helps support our local biodiversity.  Many locally native plants are also just beautiful, another reason for growing local natives.  Emma Rooksby is from Growing Illawarra Natives, a wonderful resource for identifying and learning more about growing our locally native plants.  Ailee Calderbank from Landcare Illawarra will enlighten us on projects about caring for our local habitats (including Werri Beach Dunecare’s work).     There will also be native plants available for sale (cash only). Details: Wednesday 8 May.  Meeting starts promptly at 10:00am, morning tea is served from 9:30am. Cost: $5 Location: Uniting Church Hall, 28 Fern St, Gerringong. Enquiries: Call Barb on 0419 498 072 or email [email protected]

As Mother’s Day approaches, shops are full of gifts for mothers: bubble bath products, chocolate and scented candles. But there is a ‘must-have’ that more mums need in their lives — affordable mental health support. Perinatal depression and anxiety impacts around 100,000 Australians each year (estimates for anxiety and depression are combined because many new parents experience symptoms of both.) In the first year after birth, postnatal depression (PND) affects one in five women, with symptoms including a sense of sadness or hopelessness, crying frequently for no clear reason, loss of interest in life, and not feeling attached to or bonded with their baby.Despite the prevalence, an Australian study found that parents are still reluctant to seek help early enough due to a, “societal expectation on mums to be able to keep it all together.” There’s also the cost factor and a sense that finding a therapist is overwhelming. This is where the Gidget Foundation wants to bridge the knowledge gap.Gidget Foundation Australia is a not-for-profit organisation, which exists to support the emotional well-being of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care. Since opening a ‘house’ in Shellharbour, they have been providing free, individual psychological counselling sessions for expectant and new mothers in the area.Local mum of three, Lisa Carrick, has benefited from their services — which have no out-of-pocket charge for clients. After the birth of her third child, which coincided with the death of her grandmother, her mental health began to decline.“I remember having a bath with my son,” recalls Carrick. “I was looking at him and felt nothing. I didn’t want to hold him. I was still catching up with friends, putting on a brave face, that everything was okay. But at home I was far from it. Why did I feel so empty?” After experiencing a panic attack whilst she was breastfeeding, she sought the advice of her GP, who referred her to a Gidget therapist.“My psychologist was incredible,” says Carrick. “We discussed coping strategies, I started practising mindfulness, prioritised family time and started prioritising my own physical and mental well-being. How can we look after others when we are struggling ourselves?”To access the Gidget Foundation’s free program, a mother needs to be registered with the service before their child is 12-months-old (although, as long as you are ‘on their books’ before your child is one, you can continue to access their services afterwards).What about the parents of older children? The mental health charity, Beyond Blue provides a free and confidential mental health coaching program called NewAccess, which has recently increased its eligible areas to include Kiama. Katie Peterson is a Clinical Psychologist with the Gidget Foundation. She explains, “Mother’s Day celebrates the relationship between mothers and their children, and the joy parenting can bring but it is important to also acknowledge the challenges inherent in the motherhood journey, including the significance of grief and loss.”As Mother’s Day approaches, one of the best gifts you can give a mum is reassurance that help is available and that she’s not alone.For more information, visit gidgetfoundation.org.au.