Gareth Ward has urged Kiama locals to speak up while they still have the chance, calling on the community to make submissions to Kiama Council’s Draft Local Housing Strategy before the 27 April deadline.In a fiery speech to Parliament, the Member for Kiama said it was time to put “Australians first” in the midst of a worsening housing crisis, pointing to long public housing waitlists, skyrocketing rents, and a growing number of people sleeping in cars or couch surfing. He called on the community to get involved in shaping local housing decisions, rather than leaving the future of the area to “big Sydney developers”.“The strategy anticipates that an additional 6917 people will call Kiama home by 2040, only 15 years away,” Ward told Parliament. “The NSW Government has set a five-year housing target for the Kiama local government area of 900 additional dwellings. I want to see more homes, but they need to be in the right locations, and these locations should be decided by our community.”Ward also renewed his push for the Bombo Quarry site to be redeveloped in a master-planned, community-led way, describing it as a prime opportunity to offer “a variety of different housing types” that reflect the needs of locals. He welcomed current collaboration between Kiama Council and the Department of Planning on this project.But while backing new housing where appropriate, Ward did not shy away from criticising the NSW Government’s broader approach. He questioned the Government’s handling of immigration, foreign property ownership, and what he sees as a weakening of local planning powers.“There are plenty of people in this place who oppose all development without offering a solution. I do not want to be one of those people,” he said, proposing a list of sites and policy changes that could be explored to help meet the region’s growing housing needs. These included:Masterplanning the old Shellharbour Hospital site for key worker housingRezoning the Nowra CBD to increase height and densityUsing Government-owned land for housing those delivering essential services.Ward also took aim at the NSW Rental Commissioner, questioning the independence of the role and calling for more accountability and real action to help renters in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.“Growth needs to be balanced against the maintenance of village character and the need for people to have a say in the future of our urban and natural environment,” Ward said.You can read the draft strategy and make a submission by visiting Council’s website. Submissions close Sunday 27 April.

OpinionIn 2021, The Bugle reported strong criticism of Kiama Council’s failure to respond to the region’s growing housing affordability crisis. At the time, Michele Adair, Chief Executive Officer of The Housing Trust, gave Council an “F” for its lack of action, arguing essential workers were being priced out of the community. Kiama Council’s new Draft Local Housing Strategy Version 2 is now on public exhibition but does it deliver on the promise of affordable housing? The answer is mixed. On the positive side, the draft strategy clearly acknowledges affordability is a major issue in the municipality.It notes the region’s high purchase and rental costs, and the pressures faced by key workers, older residents and young families. It outlines potential tools councils can use, such as partnerships with community housing providers, use of Council-owned land, and planning mechanisms including inclusionary zoning. It also includes a specific action to develop and adopt an Affordable Housing Policy and implementation framework. Kiama Council has confirmed it is investigating potential partnerships with community housing providers on “appropriate catalyst sites”. It also points to planning controls, such as the limited height allowances in R3 medium density zones, as a barrier to larger-scale mixed-tenure projects, like those being trialled elsewhere. “Scale is required to achieve mixed tenure,” a Council spokesperson said. “Our draft strategy includes an action to review planning controls associated with the R3 zone to increase feasibility of mid-rise and small-unit development.” As for the absence of clear targets or land allocations, Council says this is under investigation during the draft’s public exhibition phase. It notes affordable housing targets often apply to large-scale developments (over 50 dwellings), which are uncommon in Kiama, but concedes that “every little bit helps”. Still, for many advocates, the strategy may not go far enough. There are no affordable housing targets in the current draft, no committed partnerships or earmarked parcels of land. Council has also not identified funding sources to support delivery, leaving the strategy without a clear implementation pathway. In contrast, other parts of the state are already showing what is possible. Charlie Daoud, a board member of The Man Walk and a developer specialising in social and affordable housing, spoke to The Bugle at the recent Man Walk gala about the success of his Northsea Apartments, Wollongong project. This development is the first in Australia to integrate social, affordable, and private housing within a single building, using shared entrances, communal areas, and consistent design standards throughout. “There are no red doors,” he said. “You do not know who lives where, and that is the point.It breaks the stigma.” Daoud argues that models like his should work everywhere, including places like Kiama. “Why can’t it be in suburban streets? Beautiful design, great landscaping, heritage context - done well, it fits in.” He is now working with the NSW Government to transform older housing estates into mixed-tenure neighbourhoods where social housing is integrated among private dwellings, revitalising communities without isolating people. Adair’s comments from 2021 remain relevant. “What the Local Strategic Planning Statement says is that whoever wrote this statement believes the barista making their coffee, someone changing the sheets in the Sebel, none of these people can live in the Kiama community.” While the updated strategy marks a shift in tone and acknowledges housing stress more clearly than past documents, critics may find it too cautious.For now, it reads more like a preface than a plan. If you want to shape the future of housing in our area, now is the time. You can read the draft strategy and make a submission by visiting Council’s website. Submissions close Sunday 27 April. And if you do not feel the engagement process is strong enough, it is your right to raise that with your elected councillors. Housing affects all of us. So should the way we talk about it.

Katrina Hodgkinson, the Nationals’ Candidate for Whitlam, has pulled out of the race less than a week into the election campaign.Ms Hodgkinson said when the Nationals asked her to run for Whitlam “it was the last thing on my mind as I was engaged in a variety of other roles” but she eventually agreed, announcing her candidacy in February.“Since then, it has become clear that the campaign for Whitlam will be between the Labor and Liberal parties, and I want to do everything I can to help enable a change of this seat and the whole of government to the Coalition," Ms Hodgkinson said.The former state MP says she put her name forward due to her concerns about “the hardship that families and small businesses in our region are experiencing with the ever-spiralling cost of living” but in a change of heart has now decided to clear the way for the Liberals' Ben Britton.“I will step aside from the role of candidate in order to keep the focus on the main game, and that is to win government for the Coalition at this election,” she said. Labor’s Stephen Jones, who has held the seat of Whitlam since 2010, announced his retirement from politics earlier this year. The Disability Trust chief executive officer Carol Berry was anointed as his successor, with Prime Minster Anthony Albanese announcing her candidacy during a visit to the Illawarra in January.

“You are not alone. You are not a burden. You are worthy of life.”For the past 460 days, Kiama’s Alex Glover has been walking across Australia, quietly yet powerfully changing lives. His mission, Strides Against Suicide, is more than a personal journey. It is a moving, step-by-step call to talk openly about men’s mental health and suicide prevention.Alex has covered more than 16,000km on foot. Tasmania, the latest leg of the walk, was added with intention.“I figured, yeah, it's a state, so it needs to have the same respect given to it.”Respect is what drives him - for people, for place and for pain that too often goes unspoken. On quiet stretches of road, Alex invites conversation simply by being there. A man with a backpack, a mission, and time to listen."It's a lot easier to open up to a stranger than to someone you know and love," he says. “Hopefully, that encourages them to talk to their friends and family too.”His first day on the road brought an unforgettable reminder of unpredictability.A car burnout happened just metres from where he was camped.Alex Glover being interviewed in Lenah Valley. Photo: Steven White"It was a powerful reminder that you are where you are, and you must accept your surroundings."Since then, he has crossed deserts, coastlines and cities. In Tasmania, he chose a more intimate route, walking anti-clockwise from Hobart and exploring the small towns off the tourist trail. Flying in, rather than catching the Spirit of Tasmania, meant lighter gear and safer walking on narrow country roads.He wandered through remote forests, hiked rugged ridgelines, and lay awake at night listening to the wild, eerie cry of Tasmanian devils.On Black Buff in the Alpine region, he pushed through sleet, wind and rain, falling again and again until his foot gave way.“I think I’ve torn a few ligaments,” he admits, almost casually.But there is no pause in the mission. With about 1500km to go before returning home to Kiama, Alex is still walking, still waving at passing cars, still stopping when someone pulls over and says, “Hey mate, got a minute?”He has already raised more than $13,000.His bigger dream is to fund nature-based camps for boys facing mental health challenges, creating a space where connection can grow and healing can begin.For Alex, each step is an invitation to speak.Each conversation is a lifelineAnd for the strangers who meet him on the side of the road, his presence is a quiet reassurance that someone cares enough to walk this far, just to listen.📹 Watch the interview here.

When Deidre Henham first put down a deposit on Cedar on Collins, she wasn’t entirely sure how things would unfold.Now, settled into the newly built retirement complex in Kiama, she couldn’t be happier with her decision. “It's wonderful,” she says. “The people here are just lovely, without exception.”Deidre’s journey to Kiama began with a different plan.She and her daughters had purchased a house in Bong Bong Street, intending to create a multi-generational home where they could live separately yet together. But the uncertainty surrounding the property’s potential heritage listing dragged on for years.This process took more than 3 years to confirm whether it would be heritage listed,” she explains. “By then, I had already started looking at Cedar on Collins.”What was once an uncertain step turned out to be a perfect fit. One of the first residents to move in, Deidre quickly took the initiative to build a sense of community.“At first, it was just me and one other gentleman. We decided to meet on Friday nights for drinks, and slowly, more people joined in.”Many of the residents are local, making it easier for newcomers like Deidre to settle in.“They already know all the best places,” she says. “The only downside is that when the bus trips are planned, they have already seen most of the sights.”Originally from the Riverina, Deidre spent years in Wagga Wagga before making the move to Kiama in late 2023.A former rice farmer, she speaks with pride about the industry’s evolution.“Farming teaches resilience. If you are married to a farmer, you learn to do everything, from driving between paddocks to helping with livestock,” she says.Her connection to rice farming runs deep, and she still holds shares in SunRice, a company she praises for its success and support of growers.For Deidre, Cedar on Collins is more than just a retirement complex. It is a new chapter filled with companionship and opportunity. “It feels like a hotel,” she laughs. “But you bring your own drinks.”As Kiama’s newest retirement community grows, stories like Deirdre’s highlight what makes it special, a place where people can feel at home, surrounded by friends, and supported in a way that makes ageing an exciting new stage of life.

Hall & Prior Aged Care has officially taken charge of the Blue Haven Bonaira aged-care facility from Kiama Council and they have put local minds at ease by stating they are here for the long haul. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and chief executive officer Jane Stroud met with Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior at Blue Haven Bonaira on Tuesday to officially sign off on the settlement of the deal to transition ownership of Blue Haven Bonaira Residential Aged Care Home, Independent Living Units and associated services.Council has operated the facility for more than 40 years and Mayor McDonald said he was proud of their involvement in providing this essential service to the local community. “I hope our staff and our community feel pride in the facilities, the services and the staff providing those services that we have delivered here at Blue Haven Bonaira and Blue Haven Terralong for many years,” he said.“Blue Haven encapsulates Kiama Council’s strong history of caring for our community. That’s why, when the previous Council resolved to sell Blue Haven Bonaira, we were adamant it should stay open, in our community, and that staff would retain their conditions and entitlements.“It’s also because we care for our community, that we’re handing over Bonaira to aged care specialists Hall & Prior, and we warmly welcome the Hall & Prior team to our area.“The sale of Blue Haven Bonaira is part of the performance improvement order from the state government that we’re still under.“Essentially it was a necessary path that we’ve gone down here. The previous Council made that decision in light of the situation they were in at the time and the current Council has seen the process through.“We’re now looking at a positive future. Our budget in two years’ time will be at break-even which is what the performance improvement order states. In fact, if the state government decides to support us in some of the land sales that we’ll be looking at Spring Creek and Dido Street area, we could almost be looking at a budget surplus this year, a year ahead of time.”Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior assured the residents and the wider community that they would be investing significant amounts to upgrade the infrastructure as part of a long-term plan to continue operating for decades to come.“In the next 90 days we have to get the residents to know the staff and get their care plans under control. The most important thing is the continuity of care for the residents, people in the village and the home care program.“Kiama is a fantastic community, it’s a beautiful place to be and we’re here for at least 20, 30, 40 years. We are very excited about it.“We’re absolutely delighted to take the reins at Blue Haven Bonaira. We acknowledge the effort and spirit shown by Kiama Council and the wider community in creating and supporting this valued service over the years.“We’re excited about the future and committed to enhancing the services and facilities for residents and the broader community for many years to come. “We’ll soon begin a series of upgrades, starting with improvements to the Independent Living Unit bathrooms and Barroul House.“We’re investing $1.2 million in refurbishments that we know residents have been looking forward to.“We’ll also be completing a number of important maintenance tasks to ensure the facilities are operating at their best."There are no job losses as part of the changeover and Stroud said the existing staff members were enthusiastic about the fresh injection of resources from Hall & Prior.Peter Mayes, the chairperson of the Independent Living Units and Residents Committee, said he was hopeful that the switch to Hall & Prior as the new owners would be a positive result for them.“A lot of people here have an emotional connection to this place and we were dismayed when they did decide to sell,” he said.“We still want to make sure we’ve got a voice in what they do. We are hopefully optimistic.”

OpinionAlbo finally names the date but here’s why we’re still a bit crankyCommunities doing the real work deserve better than election limboIt’s official. We’ve got a date. The federal election will be held on 3 May.Thanks Albo. But next time, could we not wait so long?Because while you and your strategists have been playing political poker, we’ve been stuck holding off on sausage sizzles, postponing Mother’s Day high teas for children’s medical research support and rethinking the raffle roster at the Gerringong hall.It’s been a scheduling nightmare.Polling places aren’t just civic buildings wheeled out for elections.They are community hubs, funded by cake stalls and barbecues, powered by volunteers, and booked months in advance for events that matter.Not party launches. Not press conferences. Real community work.It’s no small thing, planning a fundraiser.It’s hours of unpaid labour, borrowed urns, handmade bunting, and spreadsheets for who’s bringing gluten-free.And all of that gets thrown in the air when the election date is kept secret like the location of the crown jewels.We get it. Election strategy is a game. But out here in the Kiama region and across the country, we’re not playing.We’re doing. Raising funds for local services, filling in where government budgets fall short, and keeping community life ticking over.We shouldn’t be the collateral damage in anyone’s media plan.So yes, 3 May it is. And we’ll be there, doing our democratic duty, making sausage sandwiches with onions on the bottom like true patriots.But let’s not forget who’s really doing the heavy lifting between elections.Next time, give us the date early. We’ll work around it - we always do - but respect us enough not to make us wait.The country’s best work doesn’t always happen in Canberra.Sometimes, it’s in the local hall with a tray of scones and a purpose.

Liberal candidate for Gilmore Andrew Constance has called on incumbent MP Fiona Phillips to match his commitment to deliver $840,000 in funding to complete the Gerry Emery Oval clubhouse project.The Gerringong District All Sports clubhouse is home to the Gerringong Breakers Football Club, the Gerringong Jets Cricket Club and the Gerringong Touch Association.More than $360,000 was raised by the local community for the project which has helped with the installation of dressing rooms for female athletes but more is needed to complete the renovation, including the function area and toilets upstairs, a lift for people with mobility challenges and a stairway.Constance said the comprehensive upgrade of the clubhouse was long overdue. “Securing this $840,000 commitment is a fantastic win for our community,” he said. “People living outside the big cities deserve quality sporting facilities and this funding commitment makes it clear that the Liberals will deliver for the South Coast. “This commitment to modernise the clubhouse at Gerry Emery Oval will only encourage greater participation in local sport and bring our community together. “I would like to thank the Gerringong District All Sports board and membership for all of their hard work in bringing this project to life and for supporting my advocacy to secure this commitment.”Kiama Council Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters and CEO Jane Stroud also attended Constance’s announcement at the clubhouse on Tuesday, along with Gerringong District All Sports president John Trevenar and members of the sporting clubs..“When John approached me four or five months ago, it was very obvious that the need to build on what the community had already delivered,” Constance added.“It's exceptional to think that a community such as Gerringong can come together and build an amenities block, which for the first time actually starts to cater for women's sport in particular. “Up and down the coast there is just this massive deficiency in female sporting amenities, and it's got to get fixed.“You'd think by 2025 we'd be doing better with disabilities, with women's facilities, with juniors. Andrew Constance with John Trevenar. Photo: Supplied“So today I'm announcing that if elected, we'll deliver $840,000 to finish the job. And that caters for everything. It caters to fit out of this room, the bathroom facilities, disability access, the whole lot, to get the job done for all the sports that benefit from Gerry Emery Oval.”Constance wants Phillips to match his promise so that if Labor retains the seat of Gilmore, the funding will be delivered.“I'm calling on my Labor counterpart to actually pull a finger out and actually match the funds,” he said.Andrew Constance with Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters. Photo: Supplied“There's thousands upon thousands of people who will benefit from these facilities and they do need to be upgraded.”When told by The Bugle about Constance calling her out, Phillips responded with: “I am certainly looking forward to seeing the detail on that. I haven’t been provided the information on that as yet.“I’ll definitely take a look at it. It’s a great project. I’ve actually provided significant funding to Gerry Emery Reserve, $960,000 for upgrading the reserve and the synthetic cricket pitch that’s there. “I provided Kiama Council with funding through the Local Roads and Communities infrastructure program that went to the upgrade of Gerry Emery Reserve.”The incomplete Gerry Emery Oval clubhouse. Photo: Supplied

When the waves breach the seawall and soak the park behind Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, even the most seasoned locals take notice.Kiama SLSC executive member Dave Griffin, a long-time patrolling volunteer, said this week’s swell was the biggest he has ever seen.“We had a few east coast lows in 2021 and we sandbagged the club then,” he said.“But, back then I didn’t see waves breaking over the beach retaining wall and into the park like this is definitely the biggest I’ve seen.”The swell was so strong that a wave burst through the lifeguard door at the front of the club. Locals recall the water reaching Manning Street in the 1970s, making this likely the biggest surf event in 40 years.“Even when the beach is closed, we still have a responsibility to be here,” Griffin explained.“During the week, that’s the council lifeguards, and on weekends it’s our Kiama Surf Club volunteers.“Most of the time, it’s people unfamiliar with the ocean who get into trouble – they don’t realise how unpredictable and dangerous these conditions can be.“Some are fishing off rocks where waves can suddenly surge much higher than expected. Others are chasing the perfect action shot, then find themselves in real danger.”When that happens, it is not just the individuals who are in danger.“In conditions like this, it’s not just your own safety on the line,” he said.“Lifeguards and lifesavers are here to help people stay safe – not to put themselves in danger rescuing someone who ignored the warnings.”Kiama Council Lifeguards and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club volunteers are here to help people stay safe – not to put themselves in danger rescuing someone who ignored the warnings.Griffin has been part of the club’s executive for several years, running the nippers program and now working with cadets aged 14 to 18.“Our team of volunteers all contribute in different ways. And you don’t have to be a great swimmer or even go in the water. There are so many ways to be part of the club.”As the surf peaked just after high tide, Griffin was already helping the Kiama Council team with the next task.The beach closed warning flag had been knocked over again and the sandbags were running low.But the commitment from this volunteer crew remained as steady as the tide.KSLSC gym and nippers storage was flooded when waves breached the door

When the waves breach the seawall and soak the park behind Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, even the most seasoned locals take notice.Kiama SLSC executive member Dave Griffin, a long-time patrolling volunteer, said this week’s swell was the biggest he has ever seen.“We had a few east coast lows in 2021 and we sandbagged the club then,” he said.“But, back then I didn’t see waves breaking over the beach retaining wall and into the park like this is definitely the biggest I’ve seen.”The swell was so strong that a wave burst through the lifeguard door at the front of the club. Locals recall the water reaching Manning Street in the 1970s, making this likely the biggest surf event in 40 years.“Even when the beach is closed, we still have a responsibility to be here,” Griffin explained.“During the week, that’s the council lifeguards, and on weekends it’s our Kiama Surf Club volunteers.“Most of the time, it’s people unfamiliar with the ocean who get into trouble – they don’t realise how unpredictable and dangerous these conditions can be.“Some are fishing off rocks where waves can suddenly surge much higher than expected. Others are chasing the perfect action shot, then find themselves in real danger.”When that happens, it is not just the individuals who are in danger.“In conditions like this, it’s not just your own safety on the line,” he said.“Lifeguards and lifesavers are here to help people stay safe – not to put themselves in danger rescuing someone who ignored the warnings.”Kiama Council Lifeguards and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club volunteers are here to help people stay safe – not to put themselves in danger rescuing someone who ignored the warnings.Griffin has been part of the club’s executive for several years, running the nippers program and now working with cadets aged 14 to 18.“Our team of volunteers all contribute in different ways. And you don’t have to be a great swimmer or even go in the water. There are so many ways to be part of the club.”As the surf peaked just after high tide, Griffin was already helping the Kiama Council team with the next task.The beach closed warning flag had been knocked over again and the sandbags were running low.But the commitment from this volunteer crew remained as steady as the tide.KSLSC gym and nippers storage was flooded when waves breached the door

The Ulysses Club’s inaugural Ride for Rheumatoid Arthritis recently rolled into Kiama, with Gerringong’s own Cheryl and Patrick Maheady leading the charge.The South Coast members of the Ulysses Club met up with the Melbourne riders in Marulan, before riding through Bundanoon, Kangaroo Valley, and down Cambewarra Mountain into Kiama.A total of 43 Ulysses Club members stopped for dinner in Kiama, and on Friday, 21 March, a smaller group gathered at Kiama Harbour before heading north for the next leg of the journey.The ride was dedicated to raising funds for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) research, a chronic condition that affects approximately 514,000 Australians each year. RA causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints, as the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining the joints.It is estimated that the ride has raised between $10,000 to $15,000 for RA research.Gerringong local Cheryl Maheady, who was diagnosed with RA seven years ago, became the face of the ride for South Coast members of the Ulysses Club. She and her husband, Patrick, were part of the crew that assembled in Kiama.The Ulysses Club in front of the Kiama Lighthouse. Photo: Supplied“I’m very pleased to say that with the help of the local Gerringong community, we’ve raised just over $3,600,” she said.She expressed heartfelt thanks to all the local businesses and friends who had donated and purchased raffle tickets, including: Natural Necessity Surf Shop, Oak Home Gerringong, AMX Warrawong, Core Store Gerringong, Beyond the Beach Gerringong, Bunnings South Nowra, First National Gerringong, Gerringong Pharmacy, Gerringong Physiotherapy, Gerringong Family Medical Centre, Gerringong Post Office, Gerringong Rotary Sunrise, Soulfit Co Gerringong, Rosemary Rolles, and all the wonderful friends who generously supported the cause.

Are you like me and use emojis without really knowing what they mean? You’re not alone. And you might want to tread carefully, because the little zipped-mouth face can pack quite a legal punch.Back in the day, LOL meant “lots of love”, not “laugh out loud”. A single smiley could brighten someone’s day, not launch a courtroom drama. But in 2025, our new hieroglyphic language - those innocent-looking emojis - is getting more complicated by the day.Just ask Sydney lawyer Zali Burrows. As reported in the Sydney Morning Herald she is currently in a legal standoff with fellow barrister Adam Houda over a single emoji he posted on Twitter (sorry, X). No insults, no caption, just that zipped-mouth face. 🤐Burrows claims it was defamatory. The judge says emojis can indeed convey serious meaning, especially if the context is juicy enough. So now, one zipped mouth might be enough to open a whole can of legal worms.But forget the courtroom for a moment. This story is about us. The emoji enthusiasts. The accidental over-sharers. The digital optimists who throw hearts into group chats, thumbs-up our way through work threads, and nervously guess our way around Gen Z’s “crying laughing skull” emoji.We thought we were being friendly. But what if we’ve been sending mixed signals all along?Maybe it’s time we brought back words. Or at least kept one eyebrow raised next time we hover over a cheeky monkey or aubergine.Just saying.

Wild wearther has lashed South Coast shorelines with Kiama Council warning residents to steer clear of strong and dangerous surf conditions with waves and water washing into adjacent parks and across footpaths.Surf Beach has been closed after Coronation Park experienced significant water washing over the beach into the park, creating huge puddles and putting several footpaths under water.Residents are reminded to keep a safe distance from the shoreline and do not drive, walk or cycle through floodwaters.Council is also advising carers to prevent children from playing in parks near water as conditions are potentially hazardous, with the tide coming in and large waves continuing to wash over the beaches and into shoreline areas.Hazardous conditions are also occurring at Jones, Bombo, Kendalls, Easts, Werri, Surf and Seven Mile beaches, the Minnamurra River, Crooked River and other watercourses.For emergency assistance, please contact the SES on 132 500.

Volunteers removed 14 fallen trees and responded to multiple emergencies during extreme weather on 30 MarchAs winds gusted over 105km/h in the early hours of Sunday, the Jamberoo Rural Fire Service swung into action. Overnight rain had already softened the ground, setting the stage for trees to topple across the region. By sunrise, calls were coming in thick and fast.“Even though some parts of the region received up to 400mm of rain, our biggest issue wasn’t flooding, it was wind,” said Hannah McInerney, captain of the Jamberoo brigade.“We had trees coming down across the entire area. Hot spots included Barren Grounds, Curramore, Jamberoo Mountain and Knights Hill.”Over the course of the day, the Jamberoo brigade removed 14 trees, while others were cleared by Kiama Council and the SES. On top of that, they responded to a triggered fire alarm, flat car batteries, and oil spills.While some areas like Swamp Road experienced flooding, the wind’s persistence posed the greater threat. “The gusts started early and stayed with us until about lunchtime,” Hannah said. “It was the combination of rain-loosened soil and ongoing wind that made conditions so tricky.”The Jamberoo crew were busy on Sunday. Photo: Linda FaiersThe Jamberoo brigade volunteers had been up since 5am and didn’t finish until well into the afternoon. “The last crew stood down after 1pm, after restocking gear and supplies,” she said.In some cases, RFS members couldn’t even get to the station. “It works both ways,” said Hannah. “Some of our team were cut off by flooded causeways. Others of us got out and then couldn’t get back in.”The brigade also relies heavily on public reports during events like this. “We do try to post updates on social media, but the same people doing the updates are also out on the trucks,” said Hannah. “There’s no app that tracks every fallen tree or closed road in real time. It really is a community effort.”Hannah McInerney. Photo: Linda FaiersShe emphasised the RFS depends not only on the public to notify them of hazards, but also on the community to help spread the word.“We see locals sharing updates, starting shuttle threads, alerting others. We rely on that just as much as they rely on us. Everyone plays a part.”Shuttle threads are informal message chains, often shared in local Facebook groups, where residents offer each other lifts or real-time updates when roads are blocked. “Someone might say, ‘Tree down on Jamberoo Mountain,’ and that can make a real difference,” said Hannah.Residents are urged not to hesitate when it comes to calling for help. “Please call Triple Zero even if it’s just a tree down,” Hannah said. “It may not be a fire, but it’s still a hazard. A blocked road can lead to an accident.”She also offered a reminder to those living in tree-dense areas. “Make sure overhanging branches are checked and trimmed. If you’re concerned about access or safety, now’s the time to act.”Despite the challenging conditions, Hannah remains proud of her team and the community they serve. “We’re here to help. And we’re grateful when people call in hazards. It’’s how we know where we’re needed.”Show your support: attend the Jamberoo RFS charity concert The volunteers who protect our community need our support too. Join them for a night of live music, food, and fun — and help raise funds to keep the brigade strong and ready.📍 Jamberoo School of Arts Hall 🗓️ Saturday 24 May 🕕 7 pm till late 🎤 Live music, singing and dancing 🍷 Food and drinks at bar prices 🎟️ $40 tickets from Humanitix

The Federal Government has today announced plans to merge the names of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo and Minnamurra.Under a barely believable plan which has been kept under wraps until April 1, The Bugle has been informed by an anonymous bureaucrat in Canberra that the proposal has the approval of both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton should they win the election next month.The combined name of the four towns would be known as Kiamberringmurra.Signposts will need to be updated and the Federal Department for Place Names has allocated $12.34567879 million for the project.The government spokesperson said: “It is an ambitious project and you would have to be a fool on this date to believe that this will happen.”They can't be serious.P.S: Our newsroom has been contacted by a "local government organisation" about the money that washed up on Kendalls Beach and is making a claim to the missing millions.Happy April 1, everybody.

When Greg Brown picks up his guitar, it is not just for the love of music. It is for his father, for families facing cancer, and for communities that believe in coming together for a cause.He has called Kiama home since 1985, having spent over three decades running his local business, Kiama Landscaping and Mowing. These days, he has traded in the whippersnipper for a six-string and is on a mission to raise money for cancer charities through music.“My dad died of bowel cancer at 47. I was only 14 at the time,” Greg explains. “I just want to make as much money as I can for the Cancer Council.”Over the past year, he has begun performing live at local venues, with proceeds directed straight to cancer research.“I did a gig here in April last year and made a bit over $2000. Another one before Christmas brought in about $500,” he says. “It depends on how much notice I get. The more build-up, the better the turn-out.”Brown travels with his full kit, including amps, PA system and two guitars, and invites venues to donate what they would usually pay him to a Cancer Council QR code. Others attending the gigs are welcome to scan and contribute as well.Having recently purchased a van, he is now preparing to take his show on the road. “I want to travel around Australia in my van and do as many gigs as I can. I would love to perform at events that raise awareness and funds for cancer. That is what is on my bucket list.”He is also eager to connect with other musicians along the way. “I have been doing this mostly on my own, and it would be great to meet others who are out there playing and sharing their music. I’d love to learn how others organise their gigs, what equipment they use, how they manage recordings and sound, and maybe even collaborate on a few performances. "It’s not just about the music, it’s about building connections and being part of something bigger.”Though his hands are no longer full of mulch and mower fuel, he still volunteers where he can, at Landcare when time allows, and at the Kiama Men’s Shed, where he has been a regular for three years.His message is simple: “Let us use what we love - music, conversation, community - to make a difference. If I can raise funds and awareness, then it is all worth it.”For anyone who wants to support his journey, invite him to perform or help him connect with fellow musicians, he is just an email away: [email protected]

The Albanese Government has pledged an additional $14 million to extend critical community Wi-Fi services at evacuation centres across Australia to prioritise safety and resilience measures for natural-disaster prone communities.Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the extra funding would add community Wi-Fi capability to a further 500 emergency sites, and extend services at 18 existing sites in Gilmore for an additional four years, beyond 2025.“Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has made significant investments to improve mobile coverage and the resilience of communications networks against natural disasters. “We have delivered more than 900 resilience projects just this term, including across Gilmore, with many more to come. “Our Government will work closely with the NSW government to prioritise disaster-prone areas that do not have emergency connectivity solutions to ensure this investment delivers where it is most needed.”  The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program has already installed NBN Co. Sky Muster satellite connections to 1068 locations Australia-wide.  This also includes emergency sites across areas in northern New South Wales and south east Queensland which were impacted during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 

This is not just a walk. It’s a chance to restore the land, learn from local experts and join a movement that’s quietly regenerating our coastal future.The Kiama Coast Walk is already one of our most cherished natural assets. But this April, it becomes something more: a classroom, a nursery, and a place for connection. Supported by a grant from the BUPA Healthy Cities Landcare Australia program, five of Kiama’s volunteer Landcare groups are inviting locals and visitors to join them in a series of guided walks and community planting days, aimed at restoring native vegetation and reviving ecosystems long under stress.“The walk connects you to nature, but also to the people doing the quiet, consistent work to protect it,” said Meredith Hall, Landcare Coordinator with Landcare Illawarra. “This project is about showing the community what’s already happening along the track and inviting them to be part of it.”The program begins on Saturday 12 April with a guided walk from the Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland, led by local plant specialist Carl Glaister, who will highlight remnant species clinging to the cliffs and share stories of the landscape he has known since childhood.Carl, who spent decades working at Wollongong Botanic Garden and now runs a native nursery from his Kiama Downs home, believes learning about the plants fosters a deeper sense of place. “I get a real kick out of rediscovering little plants growing out of rocks that I remember from childhood,” Carl said. “Once you know their names, once you hear their stories, they become part of your own. It changes how you see the coast.”Little Blowhole.The social aspect is just as important. “As much as it’s about ecology, it’s about connection,” Carl added. “We’ve got people joining for the first time who just want to give back. Others come for the chat and stay for the friendships.”That sense of purpose resonates with Michael Forsyth, former general manager of Kiama Council and now a volunteer with the Little Blowhole Landcare group.“There’s a deep satisfaction in contributing to the restoration of degraded landscapes and seeing them returned to the community as places of shared value and beauty,” Forsyth said.“For me, it’s good for the soul and the mind, and it’s also a great way to meet people you might not otherwise cross paths with. That social connection is really valuable.”Throughout May, Landcare groups will host five community planting days across Bombo Beach, Kendalls Beach, Minnamurra, Werri Beach and the Little Blowhole, each aiming to plant 300 native seedlings. The goal is to bring back coastal plant communities such as Bangalay Sand Forest, Littoral Rainforest and Themeda Grassland.The program is supported by Kiama Council and open to everyone, whether you’re a long-time local or simply visiting.“You don’t need to be a plant expert,” Hall said. “You just need curiosity and a willingness to dig in.”Visit Landcare Illawarra website here to view the flyer, full schedule, and registration links.Guided walks• Saturday 12 April – Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland, guided by Carl Glaister• Saturday 3 May – Werri Beach  Guided by local Landcare leader and plant expert Ailee Calderbank.Planting days• Saturday 10 May – Bombo Beach (North End)• Saturday 17 May – Kendalls Beach (South End)• Sunday 18 May – Minnamurra• Saturday 24 May – Werri Beach• Saturday 31 May – Little Blowhole, Kiama

OpinionNearly 60 years ago, residents of Kiama Downs were sounding the warning about beach erosion. In 2025, are we still just warning?The Kiama Downs Ratepayers’ Association raised concerns that sound all too familiar today in an article from the Kiama Independent in March 1967 titled Kiama Downs conference on erosion.Locals warned that “more intensive subdivision of the beach estate will ruin Boyd’s Beach.”Their concerns included heavy rain, poor drainage, outlet pipes discharging into the beach and confusion over who was responsible.It could have been written this week.The Minister for Conservation at the time, WJ Beale, acknowledged: “Drainage is not an easy problem to handle” and urged that it be addressed early.Yet many of those early warnings were never followed through.In the Kiama Downs Beach Erosion Ratepayers Survey, residents documented a tide of over six feet with drainage pipes submerged in sea water.“Commonsense dictates that these levels must be raised if we are to avoid tragedy in the future,” they wrote.Soon after, in an article titled Height limit raised at Boyds Beach, Kiama Council lifted the maximum building height from 15 to 22 feet after developer pressure.In Do stilts hit standards, debates continued about elevated homes that disrupted the coastal character and increased environmental risks.And in Statement on drainage at Kiama Downs, Council and developers were locked in a stalemate.Engineering firms confirmed beach drainage had not been completed. Yet development applications kept rolling in.The Kiama Downs subdivision appeal made it clear that drainage and erosion were still unresolved.Fast-forward to 2025 and we're still hearing about leaking sewer pipes, concerns over development near sensitive coastal zones and the protection of our rolling green hills.These headlines are not just fragments of the past. They are reflections of conversations we are still having.So it raises the bigger question: What do we want our community to look and feel like 20 or 30 years from now?One idea involves using a strong visual symbol, like a crystal ball with the question: “What does our LGA look like in 20 to 30 years?”, to prompt imagination and invite community input.These conversations will be grounded in lived experience and informed by our own history - not as nostalgia, but as a guide for better decision-making.By asking how we got here and where we want to go, we have an opportunity to shift the conversation.The pipes, the beach, the green hills and the decisions of the past are not just background.They are the foundation of the future we build from here.