Kiama's table tennis enthusiasts have found a new reason to look forward to Mondays as the Kiama Table Tennis Club ramps up its Monday night meetings, promising an exciting array of activities for players of all skill levels in 2024.The club, known for its vibrant community and welcoming atmosphere, is extending its playing hours from 6:30 to 8:30 pm every Monday, aiming to accommodate those unable to attend the daytime sessions held on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.Phil Beddoe, the Monday night coordinator, expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded schedule, stating, "We're thrilled to offer this extended time slot to cater to the diverse needs of our members. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there's something here for everyone."The club's offerings include coaching sessions tailored for beginners, complete with supervised use of a table tennis robot machine to hone skills. Additionally, players can engage in friendly social competitions suitable for both novices and experienced players alike. The club encourages participants to enjoy both doubles and singles matches, fostering camaraderie and a sense of community.For those without their own equipment, the club is prepared to provide a limited number of table tennis bats at no additional cost, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in the fun.Membership fees are kept affordable, with adults paying just $5 and students under 18 enjoying a discounted rate of $4, making it accessible for all to join in the excitement.So, if you're looking to spice up your Monday nights with some fast-paced table tennis action while forging new friendships, why not join the Kiama Table Tennis Tribe? Whether you're aiming for victory or simply out for some good-natured fun, Monday nights at the Kiama Table Tennis Club are not to be missed!Monday Nights are Big for the for the Kiama Table Tennis Tribe.Kiama table Tennis Club has continued on with its Monday night meetings and is looking to build in 2024. The club hopes that the 6.30 – 8.30 pm time slot will attract those who can not make the Monday or Thursday 12.00 -3.00pm times. Monday night co-ordinator Phil Beddoe said  -The club offers coaching for the less experienced including the supervised use of a table tennis robot machine, social competition for both beginners and the more experienced and the opportunity to play both doubles and singles matches, all in the spirit of friendship and fun.For those without a table tennis bat, the club has a limited number it can supply at no cost.The cost is just $5 for adults and $4 for student under 18. Why not join the tribe on Monday nights and have some TT fun?

Kiama Primary School held a family fun night Friday 22 March, packed with an array of activities and entertainment for the whole family. The attendees enjoyed various games, explored stalls, and were treated to live music. Kids had the chance to get creative with paints at the 'Expressive Art' stall and the local fire brigade came in tow with two trucks and helmets provided, allowing the kids to climb on board and explore.Always a great time for the school’s parents and teachers to come together and celebrate the community. Expressive Art - Michelle & Tiffany Springett George Hicks & Andrew McKenzie

What began with a bucket, a brush, and a mop has blossomed into a thriving enterprise thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of 13-year-old Harrison Hallams. At the tender age of 11, Harrison embarked on a mission to raise funds for a new mountain bike. This gung-ho spirit ultimately led to the creation of his bin concierge business. Now, two years later, alongside his father, Lloyd Hallam, the father and son team clean bins from Jamberoo to Shellharbour, and have transformed one of the most mundane of chores for any householder into a flourishing business venture for themselves.Cleaning bins is a task that many would baulk at, with its unpleasant encounters with maggots and sickly odours. When asked about the most challenging aspect of the job, Harrison didn't hesitate to point out, "the smell… Especially in summer!"Despite the challenges, Harrison and Lloyd dedicate two hours every day after Harrison finishes school to clean bins, the duo often tackling five bins daily. Balancing extracurricular activities and school pick-ups, Lloyd emphasises the importance of making the time for their growing business. Although they started with just a bucket and brush, their dedication and success led them to invest in a trailer attachment for their car, equipped with specialised bin cleaning equipment. This upgrade not only streamlined their operations but also increased the number of customers they could serve effectively. What initially began as a means to acquire a mountain bike quickly evolved. Such is the success of their business that they've had to enlist the help of another worker to manage the workload from Tullimbar to Shellharbour.For those tired of dealing with smelly bins, Harrison and Lloyd offer a solution worth considering. By supporting these local superstars, not only are you ensuring a fresh and clean environment, but you're also championing the entrepreneurial spirit of a young innovator and his dedicated father. Find their heartwarming updates on Facebook or Instagram. 

The Parkinson's Dance Exercise Class, held at the Masonic Hall in Collins St every Friday from 10:00 to 11:00, is not just a routine exercise session. Led by the experienced dance instructor Doug Newton from Wollongong Dance World, this class is a new way for seniors to navigate the challenges of Parkinson's disease. In a journey that can often feel isolating and daunting, this class offers more than just physical activity; it provides a therapeutic escape through the sheer joy of dance. With a nominal fee of $10 for participation, all one needs to bring are their dancing shoes and an eagerness to learn.Doug Newton, a senior himself, understands the limitations faced by older individuals, especially those with neurological conditions. His expertise coupled with a selection of groovy tunes that instantly incites movement, creates an environment where participants feel the urge to dance, making exercise not just beneficial but enjoyable.Dancing Doug NewtonDance therapy has long been recognised as a powerful tool in managing Parkinson's disease. Recent studies have shown that dance interventions can significantly enhance motor function, including stretching, stepping, and balance. Participants in dance programs have demonstrated improvements, notably in balance, compared to those in regular exercise groups. These improvements are attributed to the nature of dance, which involves repetition, direction changes, and step sequencing, all of which translate into effective gait patterns. Moreover, the rhythmic movements in dance activate the basal ganglia, a section of the brain crucial for motor control, and are enhanced by the auditory cues present in music, aiding coordination and movement.The significance of dance therapy goes beyond its physical benefits. Dance has been an integral part of human culture since ancient times, serving as a form of self-expression, communication, and communal celebration. Indigenous peoples of Australasia have long practised dance as a healing art, recognising its therapeutic potential. In the 20th century, dance therapy emerged as a formal practice, emphasising the interconnectedness of mind and body. In Australia, the development of dance therapy owes much to the pioneering efforts of figures like Hanny Exiner, a dancer and educator, who laid the foundation for the profession in the 1970s.The Parkinson's Dance Exercise Class in Kiama offers a holistic approach to managing Parkinson's disease. Beyond the physical benefits, participants find joy, camaraderie, and a sense of liberation through movement. As the class continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of dance therapy in enhancing the lives of individuals living with Parkinson's disease. 

In the week before Easter, many local parents will be preparing for the Easter Hat Parade. On 28th March, both Minnamurra Public School and Kiama Public School will host their Easter celebrations, which include a chance for young students to create a hat and parade it in front of an audience. The tradition will also be celebrated in many of Kiama’s childcare centres. The concept comes from New York in the 1870s when the social elite would parade their Easter fashion after the day’s church services. Over the years, it has evolved into an excuse for school kids to get creative. But, in 2024, the tradition is being updated.As homemade hats have become more extravagant, with fairy lights, flashing eggs and even motorised parts, steps are being taken to reduce overstimulation for students, and to ensure that everybody can enjoy the celebrations. The disability organisation, IDEAs has published advice for schools planning a ‘disability inclusive Easter.’ Tips include, ensuring the parade route is clear of clutter and easy to navigate; practising what will happen on the day in advance, and containing cheering to only part of the celebrations. Since COVID-19 restrictions eased, many schools have continued to hold their Easter parades outside instead of holding them in a school hall. This enables people with disabilities to navigate the space more easily and for participants to feel less overwhelmed. At local schools, students with a disability are being encouraged to wear noise-reducing headphones if they feel distressed by loud noises. They can even incorporate noise-reducing headphones into their hat designs.At Minnamurra Public School, one of the highlights for young students is an Easter Colouring Competition. It’s a chance for children who aren’t excited about getting dressed-up to get into the Easter spirit in a way that isn’t as performative. But what about another Easter tradition: the Easter egg hunt? The disability service provider Scope has advice for making it more inclusive: keep eggs within easy reach for people with mobility limitations, tie balloons to eggs to make them easier to collect and always include chocolate alternatives. Woolworths offers a range of dairy-free Easter eggs and bunnies, as does speciality grocer Stocked on Terralong Street, although, get in quick as they’re expected to sell-out fast. This year, Kiama Farmers Market is also expected to return with its annual tradition – the Easter Spud Hunt. Children can search for potatoes hidden on Surf Beach, and then swap them for strawberries or chocolate, or keep the potatoes.In the spirit of Easter, traditions are being reborn and renewed, making it more accessible for all.

Following much deliberation and debate, Kiama Council have reallocated their current budget to approve a collaborative, yet conditional partnership, with Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC). The Council will fund $370,00 for the Club to bail them out of a costly mess following detection of asbestos contaminated material at the site where a new state-of-the-art building is being planned. Kiama Council approved development of the new building at South Werri Reserve in April 2023. However, it was done so under no expectations for financial support beyond the minimal yearly contributions Gerringong SLSC already receive from Kiama Council.“We receive an annual grant of about $1,000 for our Christmas patrolling,” said Vice President, Richard Payne. “This equates to about half a rescue board or a third of a defibrillator. And then we also get a grant every three years of about $7,000. That is about a third of a rubber ducky and about a quarter of the ATV that we need to get up and down the beach. We have to do all of our fundraising for all of our gear.”Development of the new facility was initially anticipated to come to fruition utilising $5.5 million funding through the Australian Government Priority Community Infrastructure Program and an additional $490,000 sourced from NSW Government under the Surf Club Facility program.However, the project ran into financial difficulties when the former dilapidated clubhouse was demolished. Asbestos was discovered in early January 2024. This resulted in urgent removal of 1031 tonnes of contaminated materials in alignment with strict government legislation.This left a shortfall of approximately $470,000 for management and disposal of material that no amount of community fundraising, sausage sizzles and raffles could possibly fund.“Over a thousand tonnes of material at $260 a tonne is a lot of material to transport to an approved waste facility,” Gerringong’s SLSC President, Gary George, said. “There are disposal costs, tip costs, transport costs, hygienist costs, the capping layer costs. We had to import 760 tonnes of weathered sandstone from a quarry to cap it.” Gerringong SLSC estimated an additional $420,000 was required to complete necessary decontamination, rehabilitation and re-design works. With a meagre contingencies allowance of $50,000, it was requested that Kiama Council fund the remaining $370,000 to bring this long-awaited dream to life. Following deliberation regarding funding at the Public Access Forum on 18 March, motion was passed at the Council Ordinary Meeting the following evening. However, the decision was not unanimous. Councillors Jodi Keast, Kathy Rice and Karen Renkema-Lang voted against, citing concerns over Kiama Council’s own financial situation. A request was made for deferment to allow for negotiation with various partners and delivery of funding for previously approved projects that may now be put on the backburner until the 2024/25 budget. However, with a final vote of 5-3, the requests and cautions were overridden. According to the President Gary George additional funding requirements became exorbitant largely due to essential additional excavation to ensure all contaminated materials were removed. “Hygienists are pretty non-negotiable when they give you instructions of what needs to be done on site,” he said. “Such measures ensure the site poses no threat to public safety.”Another consideration behind the funding decision is the lifesaving contribution Gerringong SLSC makes to the community. A lifeline they in turn will offer to the community when summer temperatures bring droves of swimmers back to beaches between North Werri and Shoalhaven Heads.“We do about 560 hours of patrol a season, which averages out to be about 70 per member. We have done about 25 rescues in this surf season alone.”Councillor Mark Croxford applauded the Club’s service to the community and lifesaving role and said it would have been “morally reprehensible” for the Council to refuse funding. “They rescue people from the ocean who are in trouble,” he said. “They also form a very important part of their local community, where so many people come together and share stories. That sense of community saves lives.”

Kiama Council have announced the Round Two recipients of their recently established Small Community Event Grants program. Offered bi-annually, every April and November, this initiative distributes a total of $6,000 among numerous local organisations in support of their nominated event. Each event may be allocated anywhere between $250 and $2,000. A hearty congratulations to the following local organisations for acquiring funds from this current grant distribution:Kiama Community Garden, intergenerational initiative - $410 Jamberoo Pre-school, culture visit - $1,200 Life Together, Intentional Living - $350Kiama High School, 70th birthday celebration - $500Kiama Rotary, Walk Against Domestic Violence - $1,140Kiama Rotary, Christmas in July Trivia Night - $900Kiama Rotary, Festival of Choirs - $1,500This is the second successful application for Life Together, who received $350 funding in Round One for their Dealing with Disappointment event. Criteria determining eligibility for funding requires organisations to be not-for-profits based within the Municipality of Kiama, incorporated or auspiced by an incorporated organisation, and able to illustrate how the Municipality of Kiama may be strengthened and benefit by their event.  For further information and to remain informed regarding applications for future rounds, visit www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Services/People-and-community/Grants/Small-Community-Event-Grant. 

The Country Women's Association Kiama Evening Branch, has once again demonstrated their commitment to serving the community by preparing family Easter baskets to deliver to Vinnies. Emphasising the importance of being active in the community, the CWA members have poured their hearts into creating Easter baskets filled with treats and essentials, ensuring that families in need can celebrate the holiday with dignity and joy. Their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others reflects the core values of the CWA, which has long been synonymous with charitable work and community support.In addition to their Easter efforts, the CWA Kiama Chapter is gearing up for another significant event on the community calendar. On Anzac Day, they will be present at the Memorial Arch, where they will be selling 500 knitted poppies and giving away Anzac cookies. Last year, their fundraising endeavours raised over $1000, and they are optimistic about surpassing that figure this year. For those interested in joining this remarkable group of women in their mission to make a difference, the CWA Kiama branch holds their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. These gatherings take place at the Kiama Downs Surf Club, starting with a meal and providing members with an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and plan future initiatives aimed at serving the community.

By Lynne StrongKiama Council’s Community Engagement Strategy aims to create a movement to harness the collective wisdom of its residents. The expertise within our community could be the key to unlocking a prosperous and successful future. But there’s a challenge: the complexity of policy making and excessive bureaucratisation often leave citizens feeling out of the loop. For truly inclusive community engagement in policy development and strategic planning the council must not only recognise but also proactively ensure clear, accessible communication, underpinning their genuine commitment to involving the community at every stage. The world of policy development is riddled with technical terms and acronyms, making it daunting for the average person to have their say. This can create a divide, where decisions are made by a few who ‘speak the language’ -- sometimes referred to as bureaucratise – potentially leaving behind those affected.. To bridge this gap, we need to simplify the conversation. Community engagement experts must become translators of complex concepts, making them accessible to all. They should help demystify the process, turning industry speak into everyday language that resonates with the community. By making the dialogue more accessible, we empower every resident to contribute to shaping the policies that will affect their lives. The true success of a policy isn’t just in its economic impact but also in how well it’s understood and embraced by the community. The development of our community in Kiama should be a communal table, where everyone is invited to sit, understand, and shape the future of their home. It’s about creating a legacy of prosperity and well-being for future generations. Let’s ensure that the wisdom within our community isn’t lost in translation but is instead used to fuel growth and innovation across all sectors.Lynne StrongDirector of Ecosystem DevelopmentConsultancy firm Moo Co.

By Bill LyonsMinnamurra Lions Club is inviting local women and men who would like to share strong comradery and fellowship and make a positive contribution for the community to its prospective members night on Tuesday the 9th of April at the Kiama Golf Club. It’s a chance to meet club members, hear about some of their experiences, learn about some of the activities the club is involved in and enjoy a social outing.We provide assistance for local schools, charities, events and individuals while also supporting larger Australian Lions initiatives such as childhood cancer, diabetes and disaster relief.  The Club meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Kiama Golf Club for a social dinner, usually in conjunction with a guest speaker.For anyone new to the area the Minnamurra Lions Club is a great way to meet locals and get involved in our community through fundraising and social events. While the club represents the areas of Minnamurra, Kiama Downs and Jamberoo many of our members live outside this area, from Meroo Meadow in the south to Shellharbour in the North.The Minnamurra Lions club is also close to completing its new website with a formal launch planned for later this year. However it is already fully functional and community members can now access it. On the site you can find some of the latest news on the Club, learn about the Lions organisation and its history, get a feel for some of the projects we are involved in and learn how to seek assistance if required.Anyone interested in finding out more about Minnamurra Lions Club and what we do is encouraged to visit our website at minnamurralions.org.au and if you are then interested in attending the prospective members night click on the contact button, enter your details and one of our members will be in contact. Alternatively, you can contact president Bill Lyon on 0434 567 375 or Secretary Phil Andersen on 0419 491 536.

The GatheringA short story by Jenny EnglandThey found her early in the morning, propped up on a pillow on her bed, eyes closed, motionless, pale and cold. Serenely dead. An open book lay across her chest. She must have been reading until her very last breath. It was the dog barking that alerted Sally, her next door neighbour on the left. The silky terrier, her constant companion, rarely barked. They knew instantly when they heard the barking that something must have been amiss. Luckily the back door was not locked so she could let herself in.     We soon gathered in the street after hearing the sad news. I remarked on the odd symbolism of the open book, as she and her life had been far from an open book. Few of us even knew her name or where she had come from although it was well known that she had lived in the area for over twenty years. Those who were a little more in the know revealed that her name was unpronounceable, leading to various suspicions about her origin. Ted, one very imaginative neighbourhood character indeed, suggested she may have been a Russian spy. As he was never able to elaborate on this wild idea we dismissed it as pure waffle.     The police arrived just after 9 o’clock. Later on we were informed, much to the disappointment of some, that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. She was quite elderly. Vera, from across the road estimated she must have been in her early nineties but no-one really knew for sure.     I often saw her walking her little dog around Black Beach. From my kitchen window I would watch as she occasionally stopped, picked up an odd piece of driftwood or some shells that had been swept onto the shore from a recent storm, and then carefully packed them into a hessian bag she carried on her back.  I used to wonder what she did with all this stuff and how she might spend her days, devoid of human contact.     She did, however, have one visitor from time to time. A young man mowed her lawns every month or so and was occasionally seen doing a little weeding. So I guess she wasn’t into gardening or felt it was too much for her. She never seemed lonely to me but of course I have never lived on my own for long periods of time so I don’t know how it would feel year after year. She didn’t drive anymore. Once a week she would walk to the bus stop, disappear for the day and then return in a taxi with her shopping. Sometimes the taxi driver would help her in with her parcels. I would like to think she met a friend for lunch or coffee and cake, but I guess I will never know.     We all agreed it was a shame we had not got to know her better. We did invite her to our yearly Christmas street party but she never came. The one day I worried most about her was Halloween. The neighbourhood kids usually get together in the street and go from house to house for trick or treats. The young ones are pretty harmless and all finished before dark but the older ones often go on a bit of a rampage, throwing eggs and flour at each other and occasionally fighting.     A few of the neighbours didn’t make it to the gathering. Many had already left before the hullabaloo began. Old Ted, who we all knew was also in his nineties was probably pottering around in his back garden tending to his vegetable patch, totally oblivious to what was going on in the street. He would eventually find out, I was sure, through his daughter, who was a regular visitor.  Or from a death notice in the local paper, if any was placed. I was more than sure that that was not likely to happen.     When the ambulance arrived to take her away we, her neighbours, stood silent and still. Even though some of us would have liked a closer look, there was really nothing to see. They simply packed her into the back of the van and drove off. I wondered if there was a family somewhere that would organise a funeral but it is more likely it will be a private cremation arranged by some remote government department that takes over in situations like this. The little dog was also whisked away by the police. No-one in the gathering offered to take him so he was off to the pound, I suspect.     The gathering started to disperse around 10 o’clock. We all wandered off in various directions, back to our lives. Some off to work, shopping and university, albeit a little late. Others went back to their cosy homes to tend to housework or to their small children, who had started becoming decidedly restless in the street. We all resolved that day to get to know each other better, keep in touch and never to let such a lonely death in our street ever happen again. But I haven’t caught sight of any of them of them since.     As for the book? We never did find out its title or what it was about.

A stunning day for the Pavilion High Tea raising money for cancer prevention and awareness. Hosted by the Pavilion and catered by Central Perk Café the attendees were treated to some brilliant treats against the iconic Kiama back drop. Whilst swimmers swum, and the gorgeous cars basked in the Kiama sunlight with bystanders photographing them, the ladies indulged in a champagne or too provided by Jackie Hall and her team.  Margot the Tarago graced the scene again and she was escorted down the coast by a ‘Convoy to the Coast’ of car enthusiasts, including MazdaACT, Roadster Bros, Mazda 3 MPS owners Australia and RX Nation members.The day also showcased a Show ‘n’ Shine car display, guest speakers and raffles. All in all a great day out! organisers with the tarago

Kiama Tennis Club is home to a community of enthusiastic people with a love for tennis from all ages and skill levels. The club has around 480 members making it the largest tennis club on the South Coast. They are dedicated to hosting an array of social events at various times in the week and there’s something for everyone.  On Sundays from 2pm and sometimes earlier, all members are welcome for social tennis. With a casual atmosphere and the ‘famous Kiama tennis banter’ on the courts. Mixed, ladies, and gents have meetings at various times throughout the week as well.You can access more details on the social meetings here.One such member of Kiama Tennis Club is David Graham who is passionate about the sport and getting the community involved. David remarked on an interesting pattern that emerged in the latest ITF Men’s Tennis Rankings. All of the top 10 players use a double-handed backhand. Last week, Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas dropped out of the top 10 to 11th in the world. Here are the current top 10 players all utilising a double-handed backhand: Novak Dlokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Hubert Hurkacz, Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz.This is the first time this phenomenon has occurred. KTC has only one player who utilises the double-hand technique, which is very interesting to consider. In the golden era of tennis in the 1950s and 1960s legends of the game included Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad, Pancho Gonzales, John Newcombe, Pat Cash, Arthur Ashe and Boris Becker, to name a few. All these players possess a single-handed backhand. This was the way that coaches taught the backhand in that era.Then, Jan Lehane arrived in the women’s ranks. From Grenfell in Central West NSW, her father was a farmer and keen tennis player with heavy weighted racquets. Young Jan, who was keen to learn tennis and follow in her father's footsteps picked up the racquet and started to hit against a brick wall on the farm. She was strong enough on the forehand but couldn’t hit a backhand without holding the racquet with both hands, there was no light junior racquet in the 1950’s. As a junior, Jan was invincible defeating, Margaret Smith from Albury in all the junior finals around Australia, she was the first double-handed player to compete at Wimbledon.Then came Chris Evert, a double-hander who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles in her bag of 157 total titles overall. In the men’s ITF we cannot forget Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe who all play with double-handed backhands. Local tennis coaches tend to prefer younger players to use both hands on the backhand as it seems natural. Children seem to have quicker success. 

The sister of Rachelle Childs, a victim of an unsolved murder in 2001, has called upon New South Wales Police to boost the reward from $200,000 to $500,000. The intention is to rekindle public interest and possibly unearth new evidence in this long-standing cold case.Kristy Morris, Rachelle's younger sister, who was only 18 at the time of the tragedy, expressed the enduring pain caused by losing her quick-witted and beloved 23-year-old sister. A lively and cherished individual, Rachelle left an indelible mark on those who knew her. "The petition is about raising the reward to $500,000, which is definitely not unheard of — it's quite common," Ms Morris said. "The reason why is because we want people to be talking about it.”"We want people thinking about that time, where they were, if there are any details they can remember, and just raising the award will get Rachelle's case back into the public eye, which is what we are hoping for."Rachelle's father, Graham, passed away in 2021 without learning who took his daughter's life. The family remains hopeful that the mysteries surrounding the case will be unveiled in due course, allowing Graham to find peace.About the crime-On the evening of Thursday, 7 June 2001, 23-year old Rachelle Childs was last seen driving her 1978 Holden Commodore, registered as GV-2000, from her workplace in Camden to her residence in Bargo at approximately 5:15pm. After concluding her duties at her work, a car dealership, located about a 20-30 minute drive away, Rachelle returned home.It is believed that she then travelled a short distance to Bargo Pub, possibly to meet someone. Later, her 1978 Holden Commodore was discovered abandoned in the parking lot behind the venue. Notably, during the police investigation, the driver's seat and steering wheel lock of her car were found in an unusual position, prompting scepticism about whether Rachelle had last driven the vehicle or if someone else had taken control of it.At 2:2 am on 8 June, Rachelle's still burning body was found in Gerroa, 60 miles from her home. The discovery, made by a security guard, was nothing short of traumaticFiona Shaw, a colleague of Rachelle's at Camden Holden, arrived at Rachelle's home on the morning of 8 June, unaware of the gruesome discovery. Rachelle's house lights and television were left on, leading to concern about her whereabouts. The family was informed two days after the discovery of Rachelle’s body. A 2008 coronial inquest, prompted by statements from Rachelle's former boss, Kevin Correll, reportedly said that Childs' fingers had been cut off because of her ‘interest in bikies’. Rachelle's body was exhumed and state coroner Jane Culver concluded that her fingers were severed before she was burnt. Culver assumed Rachelle's death was a homicide. Ms Culver also made an extensive list of recommendations during her inquest on how police should conduct murder investigations in future. These mainly involved better cooperation between local detectives and the Homicide Unit."The police investigation in the early period following Ms Childs' death unfortunately was not able to capture some items of evidence which are no longer available to the current investigating police," she said. I was unable to find out what specific evidence she was referring to. Police identified nine possible suspects, focusing on one as the potential perpetrator. To date, eight have been ruled out, with no further details provided.Her family says their greatest fear is that her killer may only be caught after the person strikes again.In 2018, Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said “The movement of Rachelle’s car is of particular interest to investigators, and while it was 17 years ago, her car was distinctive and we believe this could refresh a memory,” Det Supt Cook said. “We believe her car travelled to the Gerroa area and was driven back to Bargo – so we are very interested in speaking to anyone who was on the road around that time and may have seen her car”“Further, we know that her body was burnt with petrol, so we are also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen her vehicle at a service station between Bargo and Gerroa that evening.“Someone out there knows something, so, if you know anything that may help us provide answers to Rachelle’s family, now is the time to free your conscience and speak to us."The late Graham Childs fondly recalled how his daughter cherished her horses, dogs, cats, and family, emphasising that there wasn't a single day when they were unaware of her whereabouts. The heinous act committed against this beloved sister and daughter, who had her entire life ahead of her, points to the presence of a sinister and malevolent force. If you have any information regarding this crime or details about her car's movements on the critical night, we urge you to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Your assistance could be vital in finally bringing closure to this tragic case.

Trusted medical practitioner and popular media personality Dr Cindy Pan, who you may have seen on Channel Seven’s ‘Sunrise’ and ‘The Morning Show’ will be headlining the ‘IAMPOWER Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit’ at The Sebel, Kiama on 25 May. Her expertise in women’s health is extensive, and extends across many areas such as sexual health, women’s medicine, stress management, relationships, and family issues. Speaking at this inaugural event - the first of its kind in the Illawarra, Dr Cindy will be sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience to enlighten and empower women. On the day there will be several accomplished speakers in the field of women’s health, such as Sulin Sze, women’s health naturopathy expert, Desiree Savage journalist, broadcaster and editor, Juliana Scopel wellness movement specialist and renowned psychologist and founder of The Shellharbour Clinic, Natali Lazaroski.This first ever Illawarra summit is the brainchild of two passionate, Illawarra women - Deborah Devaal and Sonia Houria who both work in the mental health arena – Deborah is an accredited art therapist and well-being coach, while Sonia is an apnea survival instructor, spiritual and empowerment coach. She is also well known within the Illawarra as the visionary behind ‘Women Make Waves’ - a venture bringing together an array of spiritual practices, mindfulness, breathwork and tools borrowed from the art of surfing to guide women on their transformative journeys. The pair have teamed up to create an event that will raise mental health awareness, empower women, and make a positive impact on the well-being of women.Deborah and Sonia explain this collection of speakers has been carefully curated – to ensure their expertise and specialties embody the theme of the event. This summit has been created to offer women the tools they need to transform their lives and reignite their spirit. The focus is on raising awareness, providing education, a supportive community and fundraising, to help women feel empowered and able to take control of their mental health and wellbeing. It is important, says the pair for this event to be designed by women and to feature inspirational women as it is rooted in the celebration of women, their talents, creativity, and abilities.The summit offers keynote speakers, step by step exercises, engaging Q and A sessions, bonding time and group exercises, real life stories and a delicious morning tea and lunch provided by the talented chefs at The Sebel Kiama. And be sure to look on Facebook and Instagram for an early bird giveaway where one lucky ticket holder will win a luxurious one-night stay and breakfast at The Sebel Kiama!Deborah adds “when you look at the statistics surrounding women’s mental health, you can see how necessary it is to have an event for women specifically. 50% of women in Australia are dealing with mental health issues- with depression the most widespread. That is why we will be donating a percentage of sales to ‘The Liptember Foundation’ an Australian charity dedicated to women’s mental health and research.”Tickets are limited to 100 people only and available online (details below)THE IAMPOWER SUMMIT 2024:When: Saturday 25 May 2024 from 10am – 4pmWhere: The Sebel, KiamaTickets are available online at www.iampower.net

Kiama residents have a clearer understanding of what the proposed $66 million development on Akuna Street will look like after the developers, Level 33, made a trove of new documents available for exhibition.Last month, Level 33 lodged its initial development application, which will see 344 basement car parking spaces, 24 retail premises, two supermarkets and 82 residential units built on the property.With the latest round of documents lodged, residents will have some of their lingering questions answered, while other issues remain unresolved, such as what residents and workers who currently park their cars at the Akuna Street car park will do once construction begins.VisualsOne of the most immediate aspects of the development that will impact everyone, from residents to workers to tourists, is the visual amenity.Kiama Council controversially agreed to raise the building height limit for Akuna Street to six storeys after selling the property to Level 33, leading residents to question how much of the town’s skyline the new building will occupy.The latest Visual Impact Assessment created by Urbaine Design Group shows exactly how much of the horizon will be blocked, especially for those already living on Akuna Street where the building height limit was not increased.TrafficOne of the recently lodged documents was a Traffic Impact Assessment commissioned to Traffix, which shows that 163 of the planned 344 parking spaces will be reserved for residents of the above dwellings, while 181 parking spaces will be set aside for supermarket and retail shoppers and workers. The development will also include 21 adaptable car spaces for residents, and one accessible car space for visitors. For the retail component, there will be eight accessible car spaces.The Traffic Impact Assessment also looked at the impact that increased traffic will have on the centre of the town, stating that “...the development proposal will not result in any unacceptable traffic implications, and all nearby critical intersections are expected to continue to operate satisfactorily, and as such, there are no road improvements or intersection upgrades required.”The report showed that there will be 136 additional vehicle trips per hour (cars going in and out of the car park) during the morning peak period, and 490 trips per hour during the afternoon peak.The Bugle has previously asked Kiama Council and Level 33 about where workers who currently use the car park will park during construction. We will update readers if we hear a satisfactory response from either party.EconomicsHillPA Consulting was commissioned to provide an Economic Impact Report, which found the Akuna Street development will generate around 170 jobs on the site, including 111 in the two supermarkets and 54 in other retail shops. These employees will contribute around $9.6 million to the local economy each year. For a wider context, potential retail sales in Kiama’s town centre is expected to increase from $242 million in 2022 to $371 million by 2036, according to HillPA.The report also states that “there will be no adverse impacts on other centres” like the CBDs of Gerringong and Jamberoo. “Given that the site is inside the Kiama Town Centre the overall impacts of the development for the town centre as a whole will be net positive,” the report states. The report however does not take into account the impact on the existing businesses on Terralong Street which the new development will overlook.You can check out all the planning documents for yourself on Kiama Council’s Development Application Portal here. You can also provide your feedback to Kiama Council and Level 33 directly from the portal.The Development Application for Akuna Street is on exhibition until 15 March 2024. The Southern Regional Planning Panel will have the final say on approval for Akuna Street, which is composed of experts appointed by the State Government and Council.

This article contains discussions of end-of-life care, voluntary assisted dying (VAD), and related medical processes. Content may be sensitive and emotionally challenging for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) has been legal in NSW since 28 November 2023. It stands as an option for individuals grappling with intolerable symptoms at the end of life. This legislation marks a significant milestone in the state’s approach to holistic healthcare. NSW is the last state in Australia to approve legislation of this kind, following in the footsteps of Victoria who was first to commence in 2021 with Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland following suit. In the last month, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Compassionate Communities and the NSW Government worked together to provide information sessions in Kiama to facilitate understanding and education about the new legislation.The ‘ask anything’ sessions gave members of the community the opportunity to come and discuss the topic in a confidential and respectful environment. Key points discussed during the sessions include the voluntary and person-centric nature of the process. VAD complements the right to high-quality palliative care and also the importance of informed consent when making decisions about a person’s own medical care.There is a lot of information on legislation and the safeguards in place to ensure the process of voluntary assisted dying is conducted ethically and safely. There are several requirements for the multiple medical assessments, clear eligibility criteria and strict procedures for administering the medication. The process involves several medical practitioners who follow the patient through their end-of-life care, conducting the assessments and steps required. Healthcare professionals who are involved in the process undergo specialised training to ensure they understand the legal and ethical implications of the process. NSW typically provides support services for patients considering VAD, as well as their families and carers. These services may include counselling, information about alternative options and assistance with accessing palliative care or other forms of support. The support follows the patient and their family from the beginning until the end.There is a structured 11-step process that is required to receive the end-of-life medication. There are a series of assessments, consultations and waiting periods. The initial request starts the process when a patient expresses their wish to access VAD medication. The request must be clear and unambiguous. Following this there are several assessments and waiting periods that take place before the medication is dispensed. There are several ways the medication can be administered, all depending on the patient and their wishes. This decision is highly sensitive and intimate and takes place during an extremely vulnerable time in life. Overall, the legalisation of Voluntary Assisted Dying in NSW marks a significant milestone in providing end-of-life options for those facing intolerable suffering, ensuring dignity and autonomy in their final moments. The legislation says the cause of death resulting from VAD is not recorded as suicide but attributed to the existing condition the individual is suffering from. This guarantees the decision to pursue VAD gives individuals a sense of empowerment and control over their circumstances. It’s a personal process that is extremely sensitive and unique to the individual. Many legal and ethical considerations are in place throughout VAD legislation in NSW to address legal and ethical considerations, such as protecting the rights of healthcare professionals who object to participating in the process, and ensuring that patients are fully informed about their options and rights. There is a wealth of information on Voluntary Assisted Dying available here.Compassionate Communities also host a ‘death cafe’ meeting each month. The next one is set for 18 April at Kiama Library and encourages people to come for an open discussion about death.

Tragedy struck the Burnetts on Barney community earlier in the week as they mourned the loss of one of their own, Debra East. The Jazz Festival performances became a touching tribute to her legacy, turning the stage into a canvas of remembrance adorned with flowers and a portrait of Debra. Elizabeth from Burnetts, with a heavy heart, delivered a moving speech before the performance, dedicating the stage to Debra. In addition to honouring her memory, the event served as a platform to raise funds for the Lions Club Of Kiama Cancer Care Trust. Strawberries, drinks, and delicious food were sold, with all proceeds contributing to this charitable cause in Debra's name.The sudden loss of Debra left many in the community grappling with sorrow, as expressed in Burnetts' Facebook post: “Deb left too soon and without time for goodbyes, but the memory of her welcoming smile and gentle, selfless kindness will remain in our hearts forever.”Tom Harrigan, who graced the stage with his wonderful acoustic performance, empathised with the audience, sharing his own recent loss of his dear nan. His heartfelt condolences resonated with the crowd, making his set a memorable and emotional experience. It was evident that the Jazz Festival had become a platform for shared grief and healing.Despite the sombre circumstances, Debra's close family bravely attended the event, choosing to celebrate her life amidst the sorrow, and enjoy her love of live music. Burnetts expressed “We will miss her sway when she was listening to music playing in the quarry. She loved the Jazz Festival above all else and this Saturday our Jazz Festival music will play in Deb’s memory.

It’s the third year for Beach Tag in Kiama, aptly organised by locals Keiron Duncan and Steve Emmett. Held at Surf Beach initially and successively at Kendall’s Beach, the event has attracted over 75 teams of juniors and seniors competing in the round-robin event. It will be a jam-packed day. There will be parachute landings, live streams, food trucks, the Hilltop bar, and some NRL legends – yet to be named- will be showing up to give autographs and spend the day with the crowd. The mix of ex-Dragon and NRL players will be going up against the Oztag international team at 1:20pm.It's a community affair with the Kiama Surf Club on beach patrol and the Kiama Knights hosting a barbecue. The Lions Club is helping with car parking and there is live music and lots of food trucks.  With $25,000 in prize money, you can be assured of tense competition! All in all a fantastic excuse to get down to the beach this weekend and soak up all the action.