The voices of 1000 rural women are being sought for a groundbreaking new documentary on Australia’s rural, regional and remote women.Rural Daughters, the feature-length documentary by award-winning CheekyMac Productions, will follow the personal journeys of some of Australia’s most inspiring rural women in their efforts to overcome barriers, effect change and live a successful, purpose-driven life in the regions.In addition to their stories, a nationwide 1000 Rural Women Survey has been developed to capture the experiences of rural women on a broad range of topics from natural disasters, health and domestic violence to societal attitudes, racial prejudice, Tall Poppy Syndrome, community life, leadership and female role models.Women of the Kiama region are welcome to participate. The documentary and survey is the brainchild of producer, director and writer Danielle McAlpine Johnson, herself a rural woman from Gippsland, Victoria. Mrs McAlpine Johnson aims to garner more than 1000 survey responses to provide a statistical snapshot of rural women.“Surveying 1000 rural women is a bold target, but we hope women take this opportunity to tell us about their lives and be a part of a collective voice in the Rural Daughters story,” she said.“These women are the backbone of rural Australia and we are putting our heart and soul into telling their stories – how they overcome adversity, find purpose, break limitations and lead in their communities in the most unique and innovative ways.”The survey has been developed by Federation University’s Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre, together with CheekyMac Productions – both organisations led by rural women. Commissioned by the Community Enterprise Foundation, the survey is expected to be the largest and broadest of its kind.“Our involvement in this documentary is an opportunity to showcase that a regionally-based university can make a difference with regional communities and, in particular, advocate for rural women on issues that matter,” CERC Professor Joanne Porter said.The documentary and survey results are expected to be used to inform policy and develop educational resources in Australian schools.The survey is available online between August and September and can be found at cheekymac.com/rural-daughtersTo request hardcopies, contact [email protected]

After a three-year hiatus, the Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day is back on Sunday, 27 October, according to a media release from Kiama MP, Gareth Ward. This year’s show, a key feature of the Jamberoo Big Weekend, will be held at Jamberoo’s Kevin Walsh Oval with approximately 500 classic cars on display.“In addition to a display of over 500 classic vehicles, the show will include a display from NSW Police and Fire & Rescue, as well as the opportunity for children to sit in a Boral cement truck,” said Committee Member, Steve Whitworth. “Show favourites, the children’s farmyard & bouncy castle, will also be returning along with live music and various food & drink outlets.  Look out for Jamberoo Valley Meat’s special ‘Show Sausage’!"A popular happening since it began a few years ago, it raises funds for the Jamberoo Rural Fire Brigade.There will also be other local events running during the weekend of October 26-27, including the Jamberoo Village Markets, Jamberoo JAM street festival, Illawarra and Shoalhaven Festival of Roses and St Matthew’s Church Annual Book Fair.

Adult Ballet: a Fun and Effective way to stay FitThe Australian Ballet have highlighted that adult ballet classes offer more than just improved muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. As we age, our balance tends to decline, increasing the risk of falls. Practicing balance through ballet can enhance mobility and stability, potentially preventing serious injuries. Mastering an arabesque on demi-pointe could, quite literally, help save your life!The Studio Kiama echoes this sentiment, emphasising that "it’s never too late to get to the barre!"A glimpse into adult ballet classesCurious about how adult ballet classes run? Here’s what you can expect:The Studio Kiama describes their sessions: "Our adult ballet class begins with a quick dynamic warm-up before we move to the barre for technique-building exercises." Barre work starts with pliés, a knee bend, and gradually progresses to more expansive movements like grand battements (big kicks!)From the barre, dancers transition to the centre, challenging their balance, strength, and artistry with more complex combinations, finishing with turns and jumps. The studio notes, "Our ballet classes are open to both experienced dancers and beginners. We adapt our classes to suit the experience levels of our participants, providing adjustments as needed."The essence of adult ballet classesAdult ballet offers a fun and creative way to stay active. Ballet enhances strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It also reconnects those who danced as children with their inner child.For those new to ballet, adult classes provide a gentle, low-pressure introduction to the art form. "Our classes are casual but technique-focused, so there's no pressure to wear a leotard and tights (although you can if you want to)," says The Studio Kiama, which aims to create a supportive and relaxed environment where participants feel confident to work hard and develop unique skills.Why choose ballet over other forms of exercise?"Ballet doesn’t feel like exercise!" says The Studio Kiama. These classes allow you to move in new, creative ways while engaging with technique, artistry, and musicality. It's easy to forget the effort you're putting in and simply enjoy the moment.Ballet classes offer a much-needed disconnection from the world, providing time to focus on oneself. Dancing as adults not only improves physical health but also cognitive health, helping to stave off conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. As proponents say, "Nothing feels better than having a dance."For more information, visit The Studio Kiama, which also offers yoga, pilates, stretch, jazz, contemporary, junior ballet, acrobatics, heels, musical theatre, troupe, and commercial (a blend of jazz, hip-hop, and modern styles).

Local newspapers play a vital role in fostering strong communities by reporting on youth and community news and initiatives. This article highlights how you can contribute to sustaining local journalism and support The Bugle in serving our community.Our mission is to inform you about local happenings, share valuable information, celebrate community achievements, and spotlight areas needing attention to prompt action. We aim to educate readers on relevant issues and ideas, fostering a sense of cohesion and pride among locals.You can all be roving reporters:The Bugle is your community newspaper, and we need your stories and insights to do our job well. You can all be part of our reporting team, helping us keep our readers informed and engaged.How you can help: share your news and ideasFeel free to email us your information and ideas. If there’s something you want to know about, we will explore it. If there’s something you want us to share with others, provide us with the details and images if possible.Ways to get involved:Blow Your Bugle: Share what’s on your mind, similar to "letters to the editor." We can keep your name confidential if you prefer to remain anonymous, but we still need to know who you are.Submit your ideas: Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts and include your phone number so we can follow up for more details if needed.Volunteer: We always appreciate help, especially with delivering newspapers in certain areas. It's a great way to get some exercise!Local contributors: Submit your articles about community group activities, events, and initiatives. Don’t worry about word perfection - just write, and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll edit your pieces for readability but need the facts. Original photos are still required.Attend our public events: The Bugle has recently held a public debate to inform locals about the upcoming referendum. We intend to hold more debates or public information sessions about other important matters into the future. Coming along and getting involved ensures that initiatives like this can continue.Your contributions are essential in keeping our community informed and connected. By sharing your stories and ideas, you help sustain the local journalism that binds us together. Thank you for supporting The Bugle!For any inquiries or to get involved, contact us at [email protected].

On Thursday, August 8, the Kiama Pavilion buzzed with an air of nostalgia as fans of classic rock and roll gathered for a night with Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows. The crowd, a seasoned assembly of music enthusiasts, reflected the enduring appeal of a band that has been shaping the Australian music scene since 1984. Describing themselves as “a loose band of like-minded musicians,” The Black Sorrows continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of soul, blues, and rock.Frontman Joe Camilleri’s career is nothing short of legendary, spanning over 50 years. As a singer, songwriter, saxophonist, and producer, Joe is widely regarded as one of the most genuinely talented figures in Australian music. Even in his mid-seventies, he remains at the top of his game, delivering performances with energy and passion.Fresh off a European tour and now back on Australian soil, Joe mentioned that The Black Sorrows are now on tour in Australia. They still average around 150 shows a year in fact - a testament to their relentless drive and love for live music. Since 2014, Europe has become a regular stop on their touring schedule, further expanding their fan base.The current line up of The Black Sorrows is formidable, featuring Claude Carranza on guitar and vocals, Mark Gray on bass and vocals, James Black on keyboards and vocals, and Tony Floyd on drums. Together, they delivered a mix of classic hits like “Harley and Rose” and “Shape I’m In,” alongside new tracks from their upcoming album The Way We Do Business, set for release on October 18. This will mark Joe’s 55th career album—a milestone that underscores his prolific contributions to music. The band has already dropped a single from the album, “One Door Slams.”Joe shares some insight into the new single: “One Door Slams started off as some ramblings about a Mercury and a Coupe De Ville. It ended up as a tragic love story about a girl who gave away her love too cheaply but just couldn’t handle the curb…‘one more night alone she’s gonna lose her mind. Finally, she realises the world is full of opportunities, and all you gotta do is step inside,’” he explained.One of the night’s highlights, beyond the electrifying live music, was witnessing a spirited older gentleman who danced with abandon throughout the entire performance. His energy was infectious, and it was a reminder of the powerful connection between music and the human spirit. Seeing a crowd so deeply immersed in the music was a joy, Joe’s enduring talent and vitality are truly remarkable.As The Black Sorrows approach their 40th anniversary, Joe Camilleri is also set to celebrate over 50 years in the music. Joe’s music has been covered by the likes of Elvis Costello and John Denver, a testament to his influence and the timelessness of his work.

Friends of Classical Kiama,In just under two weeks we can sit back and enjoy classical guitarist Jesse Flowers!  That’s a great way to spend a crisp late winter afternoon/evening. Remember that we have heating these days!Please feel free to share this with friends and colleagues.  Remember that you can buy tickets at the door (but remember - cash only)Several people have asked about the programme so here it is:From Bach (Cello suite in E flat major), MadrigAfro II - João LuizPreludio 2 - João LuizThe Last Song - Clarice AssadStélé - Phillip Houghton (including Stélé, Dervish, Bronze Apollo and Web)Hommage a Charles Bukawski - Petra SzásziSee you on Sunday 18 August.

It starts with a ticklish throat, lethargy, a sneeze and hot breath – although the symptoms vary – and the place to be is in bed.Kiama is being hit by waves of influenza, COVID-19, RSV and Whooping Cough.These viruses are circulating through the community, which is creating a burden on the healthcare system.According to the NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report for the Illawarra Shoalhaven region by the end of July, there were 172 cases of COVID-19, 272 cases of the flu and 51 cases of RSV.These were only reported cases and it was expected real cases would be much higher.According to the health department's National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS), Australia has already recorded over 100,000 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).That’s higher than the 2022 yearly total of 95,949 – and we're just over halfway through the year.According to the NNDSS, Australia has recorded more than 100,000 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza since late June.The flu saw record low levels in 2021 when pandemic restrictions – such as social distancing and wearing masks – were in place.Flu vaccine is available and free for those at risk of severe illness, including children aged six months to under five years.Scientists don’t know exactly how many cases COVID-19 cases are circulating because there is no longer a requirement to report positive RAT results. So few people are getting tested anyway.If you are over 55 or immunosuppressed, make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.Whooping cough rates are at their highest in almost a decade in NSW. The number of young children presenting to hospital with pneumonia is more than double what it was this time last year.The latest NSW Health respiratory surveillance report shows that for every 100,000 people in the state, there have been 103 notifications of whooping cough since the end of June.Stay home if you're unwell and keep away from vulnerable people. Wearing a mask, hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette are important, as is good air quality and ventilation.

In mid to late August, the Kiama Netball Association (KNA) will put the spotlight on indigenous netball players with events over two consecutive weekends.On Saturday August 17, KNA hosts the indigenous round with the involvement of several of their members. “An Acknowledgement of country, artistic works and other features for the round will occur to acknowledge the land we play on in Kiama, the local Indigenous community and in support of the Indigenous members who make up part of our Association,” says KNA president, Michelle Gregory.The indigenous round will be followed by Netball NSW hosting their Koori Gala Day on Sunday, 25 August. The gala day encourages teams of indigenous and non-indigenous players to come together for a fun day of netball. “Registrations are still open, and we are happy to take inquiries via email,” says Gregory.

On August 8, Australians come together for 'Dying to Know Day,' a national campaign dedicated to improving death literacy and end-of-life planning. This initiative empowers individuals across all stages of life to take proactive steps in understanding their options and preparing for the end of life. Through personal action, events, and home gatherings, participants enhance their knowledge and make informed choices about their final journey.The campaign for greater grace around end of life scenarios continues throughout the year. A thought-provoking discussion titled "The Kinder Side of Dying" will take place on Friday, August 16, from 10-11 am at Burnett's on Barney, located at 80 Barney Street, Kiama.The session will be led by Michael Barbato, a retired palliative care doctor with a distinguished career. Dr Barbato spent two decades as a specialist physician in rural New South Wales before transitioning to palliative care in Sydney in 1989. Before his retirement in 2012, he directed palliative care services across NSW and the ACT and served as a locum for the Northern Territory Palliative Care Service. His expertise spans holistic care of the dying, end-of-life dreams and visions, the experience of dying, and the moment of death.Dr Barbato facilitates "Caring for the Living and the Dying" workshops for both professional and community groups and has presented at state, national, and international conferences. An accomplished author, he has penned three books on palliative care and has contributed extensively to the field through various publications. He passionately advocates for the Midwifing Death Correspondence Course, which offers participants a profound understanding of becoming a compassionate companion to those nearing the end of life.For many, the need for greater clarity and compassion on this deeply emotional topic is essential. Join us in this enlightening discussion to explore and embrace the gentler aspects of dying.

During the National Tree Day 2024, the local Landcare Illawarra groups hosted plantings at Seven Mile Beach, Kaleula Headland and Bombo Headland.Students from Kiama High School worked with the Landcare volunteers to plant 500 local native trees in only a matter of hours.Landcare also organised the plants, growing the majority themselves through local nurseries.The Bush Regeneration Team also coordinated site preparation and assisted with this great annual event.Lastly, but most importantly, the Minnamurra Lions Club were chefs of the day, adding their barbecue skills to feed the horticultural hordes afterwards.

It’s no secret that development applications in the Kiama region are slowly rising, developers attracted to the coastal scenery know their investment will be worthwhile. A development application has been put forward to council for a mixed use development on Thomson Street. The proposal includes the demolition of two houses to make way for a lower floor commercial premise, basement parking and 17 top-shop housing units.Community members have raised concerns over a separate proposal on Akuna Street, with public interest topics such as visual impact to the town's skyline and traffic congestion.The Thomson Street development, costing approximately $9 million to build, is undergoing referrals to key utility companies such as Sydney Water and Endeavour Energy. Traffic congestion is an issue for a concerned Kiama resident, “Another large development on that already congested Woolworths Corner roundabout will make it almost impossible for traffic to flow smoothly around the area.”Parents and staff of Kiama Public School are no strangers to heavy traffic congestion during the morning and afternoon school rush. Growing frustrations around the Terralong Street thoroughfare have been simmering away in the community, the latest council Kiama Traffic and Parking Study published in 2021 provided little to no hope of improvement. The study found that there is no need for an increase in public car parking in the Kiama CBD within the next ten years. Despite the study acknowledging the ‘parking issues around the town centre’, the school has experienced first-hand the risks of increased traffic congestion for their little ones. The school, bounded by Thomson, Bong Bong and Collins Street sees vehicles using their thoroughfare roads to avoid stand-still traffic, rumble strips and high pedestrian activity on Terralong Street.Cathryn Lyall, President of the Kiama Public School Parents & Citizens Association (P&C) has witnessed first hand the implications of insufficient parking in the centre of town.“Traffic around the school has been an ongoing problem for staff and parents for quite some time. We’re one of the few schools that is surrounded by three busy roads,” she noted.Heavy traffic poses a serious concern for the public school, where pick-up and drop-off time creates a frenzy as parents feel the effects of a lack of designated parking in the area to safely bring their children to the school and collect them at the end of the day. Kiama Public School operates a ‘Kiss and Drop’ zone that accommodates six vehicles during pick up and drop off times. Parking rangers have been known to frequent the school during busy hours and fine parents who go over the two minute maximum queue time. However, there are no options for parents to avoid the busy queue and park safely near the school entrance. “It’s a very fraught process, something that we have raised with the council time and time again,” Lyall continued.The P&C Association advocated for a dedicated crossing on Collins Street and the addition of a lollipop person and were successful. $100,000 was allocated for the installation of a children’s pedestrian crossing on Collins Street, along with pedestrian fencing on Bong Bong Street entrance, the fencing was to help push pedestrians to a safer area and perform a barrier between buses and vehicles.“In accordance with standards and due to the steep grade of Collins Street, the crossing could not be installed at the location”, a Kiama Council spokesperson said. The Council installed additional no stopping zones to improve pedestrian access and road safety around the school, however, no further works are planned for the school at this time.“Adding more traffic on Thomson, which is the main thoroughfare for pick up and drop off… is going to cause significant challenges,” Lyall continued. A concerned parent of KPS took the challenge head on, developing a Road Safety Report with the support of the P&C Association, outlining 30 recommendations to improve school road safety. The report was pitched to councillors who advised they would take the information on-board. At the time of writing, no recommendations from the report have been actioned by Council.Three school teachers are required to chaperone students to the adjoining playing fields, two teachers walk with a crocodile of kids to the fields, while one teacher looks out for any cars coming past the Thomson and Bong Bong Street intersection.According to research from AAMI, more than 360,000 motor insurance claims across the country between 2020 and 2021, afternoon school pick-up hours are the most common time for crashes.  During construction of the Thomson Street development, it is expected that the maximum number of truck movements throughout the day will be just under 40. The truck movements are expected to be staged to reduce impact on traffic flows. 

John Carnegie, co-host of The Men’s Table in Kiama, is actively promoting the upcoming enrollment night in Berry on 20 August. As men’s mental health gains increasing attention in our local community, this event aims to welcome new members into a supportive network. More details can be found here: Enrolment Night.The Men’s Table: Building Connections and WellbeingThe Men’s Table, a charity established in 2011, began with a simple dinner where a group of men gathered to connect and share the highs and lows of their lives. Meeting once a month ever since, these gatherings have fostered meaningful relationships grounded in trust and acceptance.Belonging to a Men’s Table significantly enhances mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, offering robust support for its members. Each Table is supported by the Kitchen, the central office of The Men’s Table, which became a registered not-for-profit in 2019 under the leadership of co-founders Ben Hughes and David Pointon.Each table has a unique personality, shaped by the Fundamentals which are practical guidelines developed from the experience of existing Tables.Join the Movement: The Men’s Table is actively seeking new members and encourages men to attend the upcoming information night. For more information, contact John Carnegie at 0412 407 006 or via email at [email protected]

A new road connecting Illaroo Road in Bangalee with Moss Vale Road at Bells Lane is now open, creating a crucial link between Cambewarra and Nowra. Fully funded by the Australian Government at $35 million, the Far North Collector Road enhances access to Badagarang and offers an alternative route to the new Nowra Bridge. The new road, named Bannada Way, aims to reduce traffic congestion, noise pollution and travel times. The name comes after consultation with local Dharawal language experts. The word ‘bannada’ is southern Dharawal for Bomaderry Creek or ‘running water.’The Far North Collector Road project was divided into four stages that saw the installation of four new bridges and three roundabouts, providing 250 jobs during the construction. The project involved 60,000 tonnes of bridging and drainage layer, 6,000 tonnes of asphalt and 10,800 tonnes of concrete. Fiona Phillips, MP for Gilmore says, “The new bridge is reducing traffic congestion in the Nowra area, with the Far North Collector Road upgrades ensuring that as this popular region grows, its roads are ready for the increased demands.”

A lagoon-like beach surrounded by vigorous greenery, blue waves rolling toward the shore, a tribe of people preparing for a surf at their own private paradise, nature and humans working in harmony as though we lived in some sort of utopia. These are some of the images and stories that South Coast artist Stan Squire conveys through his incredibly detailed artworks - and yet he doesn’t say a single word.Even when The Bugle contacted the SEVENMARKS art gallery, who are presenting Squire’s work, about a possible interview with Squire, gallery director Cobi Cockburn replied, “Stan is quite a reclusive artist and not really the one to talk about his own works. I have spoken with him and he is willing for me to discuss the works on his behalf.”Maybe it is not so surprising to learn that Squire is a solitary individual when you look at his work. Most of the pieces are filled with this sense of observation. That Squire is watching moments, but isn’t quite present in them - as though he is removed from the work completely.“I look at them and you do see people interacting, but for me they lack a perspective or a judgement. I don’t see Stan putting himself in there, it's more of a reflection of things. And Stan is an incredible observer, I think anyone who goes to that level of detail within their work has got to have a very attuned eye,” says Cobi.Squire’s work is nostalgic and almost unreal in some ways. The way he pauses moments, you almost think he wishes he could pause reality in the same way. You definitely get the sense that he perhaps wishes he could turn back the clock to a more simpler way of life.“I think he longs to live in a time that was slightly quieter and less hectic and definitely less people out in the surf, I think he'd like that. Like any intriguing mind, I think he'd like to have a view back to that place and be able to go back to that place. Whether or not he generally wants to be there or not, I’m not sure. There is always that intrigue of what was this like before we came and were so invasive? What are these raw elements about and how do we navigate that?” says Cobi.Squire was a finalist for the landscape prize at the Wollongong Regional Gallery in 1995. He’s held exhibitions all around Australia and won the Basil Sellers art prize in Moruya in 2010. Most recently, in 2019, he was a finalist for the Megalo international print prize in Canberra. He’s been doing it for a long time and Cobi believes Squire is the type of artist who doesn’t do it for any other reason than that he has to. That was why she felt he would be good for the SEVENMARKS gallery.“The main objective of the gallery is to continue to show artists who we believe are really important and should be seen. Stan is someone who I’ve always admired for his ability to continually work on a body of work and reflect and stay true to who he is and not get caught up in the commercial art scene. He’s done it for the right reasons I believe. I find it intriguing and I find that there’s a depth there,” says Cobi.Squire’s work will be showing at the stunning SEVENMARKS gallery from August 3 to September 1. Tickets and more information are on the website.

Josh Walton from Kiama Downs became fifth overall in the 54km of the Summit Shoalhaven 2024 trail run, held on Sunday, 28 July. With a finishing time of 04:30:58, Walton placed fifth overall for the distance and third male overall.The trail run, which drew close to 600 competitors to Mount Scanzi, was the largest Summit Shoalhaven to date. A majority of runners were from Newcastle and the Greater Sydney area but 11 runners came from Kiama/Kiama Downs.The 21.1km, the half marathon, was the most popular distance.54km competitors crossing the causeway at Bugong Creek. Credit_ Russell Pittaway_GeosnapshotWeather-wise, there were no showers, although a little bit windy. But parts of the course were still wet from rain leading up to race day, making it more challenging for the competitors.54km trail run – overall1) Gemma Jenkins, 04:04:53 2) Steph Auston, 04:10:293) Dan Redman, 04:26:254) Nick Walker, 04:30:555) Josh Walton, 04:30:58Full results from all distances:https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/summit-shoalhaven-2024

On Saturday 3 August, the Kiama Softball Association held their annual TG Cup at the Chapman Oval Kiama, which has been our home ground for the last 40 years.The TG Cup began in 2011 as a fun gala day in memory of Tanya Gehrmann, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2010, and of all the women that we have lost over the years.Credit: Kiama Softball Association.It was a sensational day, full of crazy dressed-up themed teams all vying for the prestigious ‘Cup.’Interested in playing softball? Then, check out Kiama Women's Softball Facebook page round May 2025 for registration details.

In a ceremony held this week to celebrate Education Week in the Hunter, Lynne Strong, a local resident and former Kiama Electorate Woman of the Year, received the prestigious Community Person of the Year Award. This accolade recognises Lynne's significant role in strengthening relationships between schools, parents, and the broader community, a connection proven to greatly enhance young people's chances of thriving.Lynne has a distinguished history of designing and delivering programs for schools and teachers that ensure students are engaged and aware of the real-world impact of their education. Upon receiving the award, Lynne expressed her gratitude, noting the importance of her work in today’s polarised world."Schools are in crisis; teachers are overwhelmed, students are disengaged, and mental health and well-being issues are on the rise. It is so important to give young people hope," Lynne stated. "The programs my team and I design and deliver give young people the opportunity to investigate the world, appreciate diverse perspectives, communicate confidently, and take action on issues that matter to them and their community. It has been a great pleasure to support schools in the Hunter in achieving this."Lynne's dedication to creating educational programs that build school networks and demonstrate the real-world impact of classroom learning has been a cornerstone of her efforts. Her work ensures that young people are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills and confidence to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

It’s Homelessness Week and the nation’s peak body, Homelessness Australia, is calling for action, as the housing affordability crisis continues to push more people out of stable accommodation.Homelessness Australia released a report this week which found more than 76,000 children under the age of 18 sought help from homelessness support services across the nation annually. Almost 16,000 of these children were alone - unaccompanied by a parent or caregiver - and many were fleeing domestic violence, abuse or neglect at home.In Kiama, on any given night, 139 people are experiencing homelessness and 1282 households are on a waiting list for social housing according to the ABS census and NSW Parliamentary data. A further 2297, or 39 percent, of households are in rental stress.Peter Dover, founder of Salt Care, a charity providing services to those who are homeless or socially disadvantaged, says more and more people are relying on support services like Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, run by Salt, and sister charity Safe Waters Ulladulla, for food, shelter and basic needs.The NSW Regional Housing Needs Report, released by Shelter NSW last year, found that the Shoalhaven scored 9/10 for people experiencing financial stress associated with housing. According to the report rental stress primarily affects low income earners, with many paying more than 30 percent of their income to cover their mortgage or rent.But service providers are also doing it tough with Salt Care and the soon-to-be opened Safe Waters Shoalhaven, missing out on funding promised by the NSW Government in its most recent budget, according to Kiama MP Gareth Ward.In August last year Safe Shelter Shoalhaven and Safe Waters Ulladulla each received $250,000 in funding from the NSW Government to continue to deliver services to help break the cycle of homelessness.Member for Kiama Gareth Ward says Minister for Homelessness Services Rose Jackson failed to deliver on her promise of an additional $250,000 for Salt Care and Safe Waters Shoalhaven.Mr Dover says the services will now have to put in a tender application through the NSW Government’s Homelessness Innovation Fund - a new funding stream announced in the May budget as part of the government’s social housing and homelessness investment strategy. Mr Dover is “disappointed the government hasn’t come good on its promise”.“These two services have now been advised that a Homelessness Innovation Fund has been established and they can apply for that once it comes out,’’ he says. “Without knowing the timeframe of when these funds will be available or how much will be available, it places these services in an extremely vulnerable position. We only have enough money in the bank to last us four months and then we will need to close our shelter if we can’t receive funding.”However a spokesperson for Member for South Coast Liza Butler said the funding was delivered “in full” following the election of the Minns Government. “During the 2023 State campaign, the Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson and the Member for South Coast, Liza Butler, made a commitment to Salt Care and Safe Waters, that if elected we would provide a one-off funding injection of $250,000 to each service,” says the spokesperson.  “Following the election of the Minns Labor Government, this commitment was delivered in full. In the most recent budget, the Minns Government established the Homelessness Innovation Fund; this fund is to ensure that homelessness service providers such as SALT and Safe Waters, have a streamlined process going forward to help with securing government funding. “The homelessness sector's peak bodies are in the process of establishing the funding application criteria, including how much and how often money could be allocated to individual services. It is imperative that the process is fair and also ensures that services receiving Government funds, especially those that deal with the most vulnerable in our communities, are accredited and have stringent policy and procedures.”Safe Waters, who have a shelter in Ulladulla, planned on opening a second shelter in the Shoalhaven in the coming months. But Mr Dover said the uncertainty around funding “places us in a difficult position”. “Current staff are already over capacity in their workload, a rapid growth period and an upcoming shelter to be opened – we were relying on these funds and now we have nothing,’’ says Mr Dover.“This is totally unacceptable,” says Mr Ward. “This means that two Shoalhaven Homelessness services will no longer be able to provide the level of care they have previously provided to our region.”

The Kiama community is stepping up to help those doing it tough this winter. Kerry Fahey, owner of local Kiama business Kerry’s Klothes, knows what a difference a cosy blanket, pair of socks or woollen beanie can mean to those doing it tough. So she and a like-minded cohort of community members, including Margie Tweedie from Care Essentials, have taken action at a grassroots level.In June, Kerry and Margie, along with a host of other volunteers, started a winter donation drive for those in need of some winter warmth. She put out a call to the community for donations of winter woollies including blankets, socks, beanies, sleeping bags, doonas and toiletries. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.“It not only warms them up physically, but warms their heart, knowing there are people out there who care,” says Kerry. “Really I’m the lucky one. I get to see the joy on their faces.”The cost of living crisis is biting hard for everyone, but it’s lower income earners who are feeling the pinch the most, with many being pushed out of stable housing due to rising rents. Families across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven are struggling to make ends meet, with many going without essentials like heating and food due to the rising cost of electricity, gas and groceries. Others are unable to afford stable housing, living out of their cars, couch surfing, relying on transitional housing with family and friends or homelessness support services.Monday August 5 marked the start of Homelessness Week and peak national body Homelessness Australia is calling for Homelessness Action Now. In June, when the bitter winter cold began to bite, Kerry reached out to people in Kiama, Berry, Shoalhaven Heads and Gerringong for donations via social media and she describes the response as “absolutely extraordinary”.Each Sunday Kerry joins the Nanak Free Community kitchen - where members of the Sikh community cook heartwarming curries for those who need - to distribute donated items. “People have just been wonderful,” says Kerry. “It’s been a delight to see how thoughtful people are with what they send me. One lady gave me backpacks, others gave me 32 brand new sleeping bags.“My friend Margie also started helping out when she heard what we were doing. Margie runs Care Essentials and she has a wonderful network of people, including knitters, who donate beautiful blankets, scarves and beanies.”Care Essential provide packs to those in needSeven years ago Margie started Care Essentials in Sydney where a team of volunteers collected scarves, beanies and coats throughout winter, and put together care packs of toiletries and other essentials year round for those in need. When Margie moved to Kiama three years ago she continued to put together care packs for those in need. She met Kerry when the Kiama businesswoman was collecting donations for people impacted by the Lismore floods.“We work well together,” says Margie. “Recently Kerry was able to source some donated handbags through one of her suppliers in the shop and I had some lovely toiletries and gift items that have been donated. So we put together 43 bags to take to women’s shelters in the region. We’ve also been able to donate backpacks with toys and other small comforts for families arriving in shelters to escape domestic and family violence. “We can’t thank the community enough for their contributions. Every donation big or small, makes a difference to someone, and all are given directly to the homeless, women’s refuges or homeless hubs to help those in need. Kerry and I hope to create more beautiful handbag donations and children’s backpacks for women’s refuges as a Christmas project, and would really appreciate any donations for these.”The Kiama and surrounding communities have been so generous with their donations that Kerry has had to take over her husband’s man-shed to store all the items until she has a chance to distribute them. “I’ve got about eight tables full of donations set up in the shed,” she says.As well as handing out donations alongside Nanak, Kerry has also donated goods to Salt, a community group in Bomaderry that provides support to those who are homeless, Safe Waters Ulladulla and the Wollongong Homeless Hub. Kerry has asked that the community hold off on any further donations until mid-August. Margie has called on the community to buy a few extras like deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes and small toothpaste, small soaps, tissues, bandaids, combs, razors, hand sanitiser and lip balm, during their shops to donate to Care Essentials. You can find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careessentials1