Roo Theatre in Shellharbour is running the popular pantomime Beauty and the Beast until 26 August. The famous fairy tale tells the story of a Prince who is cursed to live in the body of a horrid Beast until he learns to love and show compassion. Belle is an avid reader from the local village who must rescue her father from the castle of the Beast. The show started Friday 11 August 2023 and will continue until Saturday 26 August 2023 with both a matinee and evening performance on Saturdays. Renne Brighton and Brian McGinn direct the production with Belle played by Lily Savelli, Gallstones by Lachlan Whitehead and the Prince by Samuel Dobell. Well-known Kiama local Darren Parlett has a twirl as Monsieur Ferme La Bouche.The story was made into a well-known Disney musical film starring Emma Watson as Belle. However Pantomine is a particular style popular in England, especially around Christmas, usually inspired by well-known fairy tales. Beauty and the Beast is one of the oldest and most popular pantomimes created and performed worldwide. The content typically comprises of cheesy puns, suggestive undertones, and humorous anecdotes that appeal to individuals of all ages, particularly children. The character Widow Twankey from Aladdin is one of the most recognisable characters and usually involves gender-switching as is common in pantomime. Check out online Sir Ian McKellen in one of his funniest roles as the Widow Twankey on stage! While Roo Theatre is in Shellharbour Village it has strong roots in the Kiama area.34 years ago, Gordon Streek, founder of this organisation, brought his experience from acting in England, including on the popular series Z Cars, to create something special. One of the early highlights was the original musical "We Shall Work and We Shall Live," which celebrated the lives of Kiama quarry workers in a lavish production. In the 90s, the Roo Theatre company moved to Shellharbour hall after the library moved out. To buy tickets click here.

A large and enthusiastic crowd of over a thousand Kiama Matildas supporters, many in Matildas scarves of green and gold, watched on the big screen in Hindmarsh Park a tense but ultimately disappointing match with the Matildas losing the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals 3-1. England are now into the finals to face a strong Spanish side. The World Cup is not over for Australia as they have a playoff with Sweden for third place.The home-ground advantage of a roaring crowd lifted the Matildas but it was English striker Ella Toone who scored giving England the half-time break in the lead. Waving the flag to support the Matildas on the night are River, McKenzie, and Charlotte who are players in the KJFC U8 Pink Team.Not long after the break, Sam Kerr scored a powerful goal in the 63rd minute from outside the box, leveling the score and giving Matildas fans hope for a short while that Australia might go all the way to the final against Spain.However, Lauren Hemp for England scored and then, to close the gate completely for the Matildas, Alessia Russo scored a third, giving England an unassailable lead with 3-1. In the second half, Sam Kerr had two near goals, but these missed opportunities failed to finish. The Lionesses are jubilant with the win, as it is the first time England have made it to a final in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Australia and Sweden will battle it out for the third spot on Saturday 19 August at Suncorp Stadium near Brisbane. The final game between Spain and England will take place at Stadium Australia on Sunday, August 20. Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward successfully organised an event for the community in Hindmarsh Park in just two days. The event featured a giant screen and six food vans, all conveniently located near the Orry Kelly stage.Gareth Ward introduced the special guests on the night before the film: Bec, Brooke Perkiss, Tanika Paton, Chloe Young and Hanna Hannson Blackwell, who are members of the The Kiama Quarriers, a local club with two female teams in the grand finals. The First Division Ladies Kiama Quarriers FC earned a spot in the finals after beating Fernhill 5 -0 on the weekend. O30 Ladies Kiama Quarriers FC also beat Albion Park 6-2 and are also off to the grand final in their division.A short film was played before the match telling the story of Kiama Baptist Pastor Grant Wilson called ‘I’m Not Finished Yet.’ It tells the story of Grant’s recovery from a shocking bike accident in 2021 which caused him a C4 incomplete spinal injury, leaving him a quadriplegic to today where he can stand on his own for short periods. The short film is in the Open Entrant-Documentary section of the Focus on Ability Film Festival. The film festival asks for filmmakers to focus on the ability of people with a disability, and last year had 281 finalists from 19 countries.The Spain versus England final will take place at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday August 20, 2023. The game between Sweden and Australia is on Saturday 19 August at Suncorp Stadium near Brisbane starting at 6 pm.

Charlie the Cavoodle from Kiama is a reality show tv star after appearing recently on Dogs Behaving Badly on Channel 10. Charlie got help with his escaping problem from the Dog father himself, Graeme Hall who is the star of the very popular UK series of the same name. He has arrived in Australia to produce an Aussie version of the series with Channel 10 having helped over 5000 people and their dogs in the UK. Graeme says his mission is to get families to understand their problem pooches and work with the families to get the best outcome for both them and their best friends.The big task for Graeme on the episode was teaching Charlie not to escape when the gate was open. Charlie the Kiama Cavoodle’s problem was he is a renowned escape artist, repeatedly getting loose and even once got trapped down a cliff in June 2018 in the Sapphire Coast region (between Bermagui in the north and Eden in the south of NSW’s south coast) and had to be rescued down a cliff and nearly died. Charlie was chasing a kangaroo and fell 40 meters and broke his back, needing life-saving surgery which was successful. This inspired Sheree to start and run the Flying Dog Boutique which is found in all Collective Beat sites.  Owner Sheree Bradley is well known in Kiama as the owner/operator of the Collective Beat in Kiama, Gerringong, and Huskisson. 

Kiama Quilters presented founding member Margret Carmichael with a Quilt to mark her 90th birthday at the Kiama Quilters meeting at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park. The Kiama Quilters put on a lovely High Tea to celebrate Margaret Carmicheal’s 90th birthday. For 38 years, Margaret Carmichael has been an essential member of the Kiama Quilters. Unfortunately, the group could not celebrate her contributions due to recent health issues. Kiama and Jamberoo Uniting Church Minister, the Reverend Katherine Merrifield described Margaret as a pillar of her church community and has been a stalwart of many community organisations for years. “Margaret would be the first to say her faith was at the heart of her desire to get involved and make a difference in so many ways,” Rev Kath said. Margaret was presented with a special quilt made by members. She made a short speech, talking about how the Kiama Quilters started 38 years ago and paying tribute to her husband John Carmichael with whom she has shared a marriage of over 70 years. “John has been and always is my rock. When I married him, I knew nothing, and together we taught each other over 70 years of marriage.” Kiama Quilters also had a small fundraiser for R.S.P.C.A during the lunch. The Kiama Quilters met every Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park in Kiama. 

Joan Smart is a line dance teacher who has been holding classes in the Kiama area since 1993. Starting out as a 47-year-old grandmother, Joan thought that it might be an opportunity to bring an old fashion style dance night to the families of the region. She never imagined at that time she’d end up running a business for 30 years teaching line dance.Joan is now a spritely 77 and has certainly achieved some goals. To celebrate 30 years of dance teaching she is organising two functions.Friday night 20 October 2023 a free Dance Night, at the Kiama Masonic Hall from 7pm to 10pm for all her old and new dancers, “who can manage a dance or two!” It’s back to the beginnings at the Masonic Hall with its ‘sprung’ wooden floor, “just made for dancing,” Joan enthuses. Saturday 21 October 2023 from 12pm until 5pm is a sit-down (no dance) luncheon at the Kiama Leagues Club for all people who have ever danced with Joan – one lesson or up to 30 years of dancing – all are welcome. It’s time to catch up with old friends and fellow dancers.October 1994 "Year of the Family" weekend at Hindmarsh Park.Without any social media or website, Joan has gone ‘old school’ and managed to put the word out ‘virally’ via phone calls to old students and friends. So far 120 dancers have booked in, with some guests even coming from interstate and overseas. The venue holds 160 people, so there is still room for more of Joan’s dancers to claim their place at the tables! The cost for the luncheon is $40 per person for a 2-course meal, tea and coffee, “and a huge cake!” to follow. Over the years Joan’s line dancers entertained at many venues from Wollongong to Berry and everywhere in between, at Christmas in July and Christmas parties. The dancers love dressing up and she has oodles of photo albums of the dance groups: “River Prance, Sister Act, Slice Girls, Hocus Pocus, Chicago (for our 10th anniversary) and charity shows were amazing.”The Kiama Bootscooters Club has gifted some $22 thousand to Kiama SES and Kiama Lions Club Cancer Care Fund. The money was raised from the overwhelming support from everyone involved in the dance.Line dancing in Kiama has always had a larger percentage of ladies and many retirees looking for something different to do. “The guys tend to be a little shy about dancing,” she reveals. “Many of the kids who came with their parents to the dance are now parents themselves and when they heard about the 30-year celebration they put up their hand to be there,” Joan adds.Joan still holds classes on Monday and Wednesday at the hall and at present has no plans to retire. Her mantra to all is “Leave your troubles at the door, come inside, join in, and be part of the music, dance, laughter, fun and friendship. Kiama line dancers are a family.”The luncheon at KLC and the Dance Night before will be wonderful celebratory occasions – a time to meet up with old friends and share happy memories. Joan would like “to see all your beautiful happy faces.” To contact Joan phone (02) 4885 2397 or call in at the Hall.

Come and join the Kiama Show Society for their annual Trivia Night on Friday 25th August 2023 at the Kiama Showground Pavilion. The fun-filled evening will start at 7pm with exciting games and amazing prizes for all. You can bring your own basket supper and drinks while sitting comfortably at tables of 8. The tickets are priced at $25 each for members and $30 for non-members. The funds raised from the event will go towards the expenses of the Society's Annual Show which is scheduled to be held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th January 2024.Show committee preparing questions Trevor Phillis, Guy Stern, Jen HampshirePresident Guy Stern has expressed his gratitude to the local businesses who have generously donated prizes for the night. He believes that the success of the Trivia night depends on the support of the local businesses. Such events play a crucial role in offering more entertainment options while keeping the ticket prices as per the 2023 Show.You can easily purchase the tickets online by visiting www.kiamashow.com.au.

Kiama has a new centenarian with Ted Moore celebrating his 100th birthday this week. To celebrate, Ted shared his story with The Bugle.Ted Moore was born on 8 August in Sydney,1923, in Summer Hill. He spent his early years growing up in Roselle in Sydney and attended Fort Street Boys High School - a selective school for those who excelled in mathematics. He then proceeded to a college that specialised in training technicians. His first job was at PMG in Sydney , he then followed a promotion to Wagga Wagga where he met his wife Joan. Next a move to Albury and then to Coonabarabran, where Joan fell pregnant. Then it was off to Taree for a few years and another promotion to Kempsey. Every time he would get a promotion they saw more of the country. Next was Wollongong, where they saved up enough money to buy a house in Coniston and then built a house in Sussex Inlet, which they retired in for 33 years.The next move was to Blue Haven in Terralong Street. Joan and Ted were the main fundraisers to help raise money for the local swimming pool in Sussex Inlet, along with others. They had three children - a son, Ted Jr., and daughters Jenny and Marilyn. Their grandchildren are Daniel, Brad, Rhys (dec.), Renae, Dean, Matthew and Ben. "I have 17 great grandchildren." Ted told us.His favourite singer is Vera Lyn and Ted has had a love of sports like golf, tennis, lawn bowls and cricket. He also enjoy reading and swimming. His favourite topic of discussion is the love and pride he has for his family. 

The Rotary Club of Kiama is holding The Festival of Choirs again on Sunday 15th October 2023 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at The Pavilion 2 Bong Bong Road Kiama. Choirs being featured during our Musical Celebration are: The Southern Lights Vocal Academy Kiama Probus Men's Choir Wollongong Harmony Chorus Wollongong Conservatorium Community Choir ConChords and Hummingbirds Sing Australia Kiama Katandra Womens A Capella Light refreshments will be served. Tickets available at the door. For more information, please call Geoff 0409 771 959 Ticket prices: Adults $30 Concession: $25 Child 5-17yrs:$10. Family of 4: $50

Thank you to all of our supporters who came along to the 2023 CMRI Trivia Night that was the highlight of this year’s 30th Jeans for Genes campaign. With around 170 people making up 20 teams the function room of the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club was a scene of excitement and anticipation.Left comperes Dave Peade and Glenn Isemonger taking a break at the end of the game.The trivia teams enjoyed the fast pace set by comperes Glenn Isemonger and Dave Peade. The many and  varied questions provided by Kathy Cronin, Cathie Bax, Wendy Isemonger and Wendy Quinn ensured great team involvement and competition. Sue Reid tallied all the scores as the rounds were completed and judged .Left Simon and Colleen Reece of GerroaThe music questions kept everyone happily guessing and singing along. The winning table was declared by a margin of one point! Dave Peade’s joke telling helped relieve the tension as Sue worked feverishly to complete the tally.Congratulations to Kerri Schwartz, Peter Heffernan, Rob Mitchell, Ellen Mystegniotis, David and Tarnya Jenkins , Ian and Gill McCardle who were the winners!This year’s denim quilt , designed by Cinzia White and made and donated by Kiama Quilters’ Guild was won by Christine Taylor of Kiama.The multi- draw raffle was well supported and lucky winners selected from prizes, including gift vouchers , donated by Gerringong Hotel and Smith St Foods, Oak Home, The Core Store, Maggie Dent, Forrest Clothing, Sea Horse Ocean View restaurant , Holy Spirit Yarn Group, Noeleen Thistle, Merilyn and Bill Porter. CMRI Gerringong is always grateful to our generous community and sponsors. Thank you Ray White Real Estate for printing, Cronin’s Liquor for wine and the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club for hosting the event free of charge.From left Wendy and Chris Cutting with Sanch Giar in the spirit of the game!From left Kerri Schwartz, Peter Heffernan, Rob Mitchell, Ellen Mystegniotis, David and Tarnya Jenkins, Ian and Gill McCardle were this year’s winners!Life member, Rhonda Bailey, organised the Jeans for Genes campaign again this year. Rhonda has ordered the merchandise, distributed it to local businesses and service groups, coordinated the raffle and merchandise sales at the Gerringong IGA and collected the money every year for 30 years! Fantastic work by Rhonda and the whole CMRI team. Special thanks also to Gerringong Public School who organised a mufti day in support of the cause.All funds raised for the Jeans for Genes campaign and throughout the year ensure that the research at CMRI helps scientists to understand the genes important for health and development and the underlying causes of disease .Research will enable the discovery of new treatments for childhood diseases and in some cases prevention of disease.1 in 20 children worldwide is born with a congenital abnormality or genetic disease.From left Belinda Greaves, Lisa Brown, Kate Cutri, Kate Coleman and Bec Ainsworth enjoying the night!DATES for your calendar : CMRI Quilt & Craft Show---Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November.

Kiama Council has created a new Signature Community Event Grants program which will provide a funding pool of $40,000 per annum for community festivals and signature community events.Director Planning, Environment & Communities Jessica Rippon said: “Our Signature Community Event Funding stream will help event organisers to plan and deliver events that provide significant benefits to our community, demonstrate value for money and align with our community plan, strategies and goals.”“We have responded to feedback received from event organisers which told us that although our Destination Events Funding Program has successfully funded ‘Major’ or ‘Destination’ Events in the past, the criteria and reporting requirements have been difficult to meet.”“This new funding stream will address a gap identified – providing funding opportunities for events held within our community – and enhance funding for events that create great community outcomes.” The Signature Community Event Grants process gives a clearer pathway for applicants seeking funding from Council, with criteria that reflects the intent and outcomes of community events.Applications can be made through Council’s grant portal, Smarty Grants, which is a more straightforward and easier process for community members to follow.“This funding stream provides an exciting initiative that strengthens the support we provide for community events in our municipality,” Ms Rippon said.The current funding round is open now until 21 August.For further details and to apply for a grant, visit our Signature Community Events funding portal click here.

Gather your team of trivia enthusiasts and join Gerringong Children's Medical Research Institute Committee at the Gerroa Boat Fishermans Club on Friday 4 August for a Jeans for Genes fundraising campaign. It is the biggest Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) Gerringong event nationwide! Wear your jeans, buy a badge, and support the cause! By supporting Jeans for Genes endeavours, you will be helping scientists at the Children’s Medical Research Institute to make further groundbreaking progress. Here are some of the ways you can help: $1 - fight cancer, $5 - treat epilepsy, $10 - crack the causes of blindness, $500 - help cure liver disease, $1,000 - make a new discovery, help scientists test a new drug that could treat cancer, epilepsy or other neurological conditions. An unexpected discovery that has the potential to save millions of people from the need for transplants and dialysis is a drug that CMRI developed to treat epilepsy and may also cure kidney disease (see www.jeansforgenes.org.au) CMRI Gerringong will sell merchandise at IGA Gerringong on Friday, 28 and Saturday, 29 July, Thursday, 3 and Friday, 4 August. A denim quilt designed, made, and donated by the Kiama Quilters’ Guild will be raffled this year. It features a striking red and blue geometric theme that will appeal to all ages. The raffle will be drawn at the Trivia night. 

The Illawarra Ramblers Club has grown and developed in both size and range of activities since its inception in 1991 as a small WEA walking group. In 2015 it became an incorporated association dedicated to the enjoyment of the Australian bush and the great outdoors, which currently comprises around 250 members.The club’s activities include walking (including bush, coast, mountain and town/city), cycling and kayaking - both locally in the Illawarra and much further afield, and other social events such as group lunches.Activities are on offer most days and range from gentle rambles or bike rides along coastal paths and cycleways and paddles on Lake Illawarra - to more challenging adventures throughout NSW and other states and territories.There is a range of trips away including international treks andactivities. Upcoming trips away include Kayaking and Camping On Cockatoo Island and walking in the Western Snowy Mountains. 2024 trips away include a seven-night trip - bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling on Lord Howe Island and four-week trip hiking Everest Base camp.Each activity is listed in date order and clearly states the activity type (ie. Walk, Paddle, Cycle, Training, Trip away etc), level of difficulty (from 1-Leisurely to 5-Energetic), location, duration, activity leader, required and recommended equipment and any other important information to help interested participants decide if the activity is right for them.The website includes a comprehensive activity grading explanation and guidelines, equipment and clothing recommendations and important safety and other useful information. It also provides a wealth of visual inspiration via a large gallery of picturesque photos of past activities, as well as enticing descriptions of upcoming activities and trips.Publicity Officer Julie McDonald said the club caters for all interests in the great outdoors. ‘Our members value the positive social connections as much as the physical activity, many having been with the club for years. Another benefit is the amazing range of knowledge, skills and expertise individual members are happy to share with the group, on subjects such as local flora, fauna, birdwatching and the natural environment’.Membership is open to anyone over 18. The club caters both for those who are working full time (with weekend activities) and those with more flexible schedules (weekday activities).Anyone interested in becoming a member can attend two free trial activities with full insurance cover, prior to joining. If you’d like to take part in a trial activity, please contact Anne on 0490 963 180 for further information. There is also a contact form on the website. For more information, inspiration and to view the extensive upcoming program, visit www.illawarraramblers.com.au

On Sunday 30 July the town of Gerringong will begin its quest to involve as many locals as possible in the popular 5 x 5 walking program. Healthy Cities Illawarra has partnered with local fitness legend Korin Koutsomihalis from SOL FIT CO to bring this weekly opportunity for the community to walk on country by Werri Beach together to enhance their health, exercise and mindfulness through movement. 5 x 5 stands for 5km per week for 5 weeks. The 5 x 5 walking program is inclusive to Australians of all ages (toddlers to supercentenarians), backgrounds and abilities including local businesses and community groups like Gerringong Bowling Club and Gerringong Rotary. “I think people appreciate a little bit more support and camaraderie through the cooler months of Winter to keep active, so we hope that we can provide a fun and engaging event to do this,” said local 5x5 facilitator and SOL FIT CO leader, Coach Korin.Kelly Andrews, CEO of Healthy Cities Illawarra, said that walking of any kind is a great physical activity that people can do at their own pace. However, walking outdoors in nature is even better, with evidence of mental health benefits such as improved mood and stress levels simply by being in green space, or in the case of our coastal communities, blue space.Together with Healthy Cities Illawarra and local Gerringong Fitness community SOUL FIT CO, there is a team of motivated volunteers who are ready to walk every Sunday morning at 8am in the beautiful ocean breeze and sun by Werri Beach. All are welcome to join the movement starting this Sunday 30 July meeting together outside Gerringong Bowling Club at 8am. Enjoy moving your body outdoors with a beautiful community for better health outcomes! Register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/653563515067 When: Sun 30 July, then every Sunday in AugustWhere: Meet outside of Gerringong Bowling ClubTime: 7.45am. Please Bring appropriate clothing and water bottle.

On Sunday 30 July the town of Gerringong will begin its quest to involve as many locals as possible in the popular 5 x 5 walking program. Healthy Cities Illawarra has partnered with local fitness legend Korin Koutsomihalis from SOL FIT CO to bring this weekly opportunity for the community to walk on country by Werri Beach together to enhance their health, exercise and mindfulness through movement. 5 x 5 stands for 5km per week for 5 weeks. The 5 x 5 walking program is inclusive to Australians of all ages (toddlers to supercentenarians), backgrounds and abilities including local businesses and community groups like Gerringong Bowling Club and Gerringong Rotary. “I think people appreciate a little bit more support and camaraderie through the cooler months of Winter to keep active, so we hope that we can provide a fun and engaging event to do this,” said local 5x5 facilitator and SOL FIT CO leader, Coach Korin.Kelly Andrews, CEO of Healthy Cities Illawarra, said that walking of any kind is a great physical activity that people can do at their own pace. However, walking outdoors in nature is even better, with evidence of mental health benefits such as improved mood and stress levels simply by being in green space, or in the case of our coastal communities, blue space.Together with Healthy Cities Illawarra and local Gerringong Fitness community SOUL FIT CO, there is a team of motivated volunteers who are ready to walk every Sunday morning at 8am in the beautiful ocean breeze and sun by Werri Beach. All are welcome to join the movement starting this Sunday 30 July meeting together outside Gerringong Bowling Club at 8am. Enjoy moving your body outdoors with a beautiful community for better health outcomes! Register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/653563515067 When: Sun 30 July, then every Sunday in AugustWhere: Meet outside of Gerringong Bowling ClubTime: 7.45am. Please Bring appropriate clothing and water bottle.

The Rotary Club of Kiama celebrated its 70th Changeover lunch recently. Errol Chopping has taken the reins from last years’ President Carol Jagger.The lunch was attended by 68 guests and was held at the Sebel Harbourside, where Errol, the new President, announced his Board for 2023-24. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Fiona Phillips MP, Gareth Ward Member for Kiama, and Mayor Neill Reilly and other Rotary dignitaries were also there. The ‘Paul Harris Award’ which acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1000 were made to Murray Smith, and Bob and Annette Young.  John Clarke received the ‘Robert East Award’ which recognises Council employees who have made significant contributions as volunteers in the community. President Errol Chopping, Rotary Governor Tonia Barnes and Federal Member Fiona PhillipsA special mention to Kiama's own Rotary Member Tonia Barnes, who is now the ‘Rotary Governor of District 9675’.  Tonia is the first District Governor to be nominated from the Kiama club.  “The District Governor role is all about leadership, more than directive,” Tonia says. “The DG is responsible for 58 Rotary clubs stretching from Sydney Harbour all the way down the south coast, from St Marys and Sydney’s west and far west to Wollondilly and Canberra, so it’s a wide geographical and socio-economic spread.” District Governor is a huge role and Tonia can’t do it on her own; she is assisted by ten Assistant Governors that each look after five clubs, split into regions. They all work together on the various projects. Rotary is a volunteer organisation where the main aim is to serve communities, and they do this by identifying what is needed.  Currently there is a focus on supporting mental health – especially for children, and the international president Mr Gordon McInally has set the directive to clubs to focus on peace in the world – especially in conflict areas.  Demonstrating this Rotary has made significant donations to the Ukraine and to Syria.The Kiama Rotary club wants to move in the direction that best benefits the community, so they hold focus groups amongst various age groups from teens through to businesspeople and the aged.  They encourage and welcome new members with fresh ideas.  Open meetings are held regularly, so you can go along to find out if joining Kiama Rotary and getting involved with worthwhile initiatives is something that holds appeal. The Bugle acknowledges all award recipients and sends good wishes to the new President in his year ahead, and to the new District Governor in her four-year term ahead.

Have you ever wondered how locations are chosen for your favourite film and tv shows? Then the Locations Management workshop might just be for you! ‘Screen Illawarra’ is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to upskill local, emerging practitioners and provide spaces for networking. They are holding a Location Management workshop on Saturday 22 July at Kiama Library.  The workshop will answer, “What does a Location Manager do? And what are the pathways to working in Locations in the film industry?” and is targeted at anyone serious about getting into location work, including information about the paperwork, the administration, and the need for a creative eye. They are hoping to target school age students, as well as seasoned industry workers, and professionals. Guest speakers at the workshop will be experienced Location Managers Karen Illesca, a Kiama local who works in Sydney as a Location Manager, and Lisa Scope from Screen NSW. They will guide workshop attendees on a practice session through various Kiama locations and cover aspects of the role including accessibility in terms of inclusivity, mental health first aid, sustainability, and more.Karen has experience as a Location Scout as well as On Set Locations and Location manager on both short form and long form content. She is an enthusiastic member of Screen Illawarra and is a founding partner of 2Kats Productions along with fellow member Phillippa Webb.Lisa has successfully scouted locations for some of Australia’s most beloved and respected dramas. Her portfolio includes acclaimed productions like “Love Child”, “Packed to the Rafters”, “Love My Way” and “Rescue Special Ops”. Most recently, Lisa has worked for Marvel and on the production of 'The Fall Guy' starring Ryan Gosling (and many other stars), that had the Sydney Harbour Bridge shut down. It was all over the news at the time. Lisa will be discussing this at the workshop too.Registrations are now open for this highly requested workshop, which is free for current members of Screen Illawarra. For everyone else, tickets are only $10 each. Make sure to get in early, because spots are limited. Link to Come along and meet like-minded people for a great day of networking.This event is sponsored by: Wollongong City Council and the NSW Government (Screen NSW). Interested participants can register on Eventbrite.

Community clubs and associations are all experiencing the same difficulty in finding volunteers to fulfill critical roles and their answers are all the same; if no one steps up, their group will cease to exist.“It’s an ongoing challenge to maintain the appropriate numbers to keep the Gerroa Community Association effectively running,” says President Roy Schmidt, who isn’t alone with three other associations all on the hunt for more members.The GCA, Gerringong Music Club and Illawarra Folk Club have critical roles that aren’t being filled, even the Gerringong Christmas Parade is in jeopardy of not going ahead this year with no new organisers.While semi-retired locals are more prone to joining community groups, young people with full-time jobs are also encouraged to put their hand up as the work only involves a couple of hours a week.“You as an individual will feel positive and good because you’re helping other members of the community,” says Roy. “Then as a result, you become a part of the community.“You get to know other people on the committee and outside at social events, which is a huge benefit. Most of my best friends are people I have met through the committee.”The GCA has been searching for a new hall manager, after they moved to fill the position of secretary, and a general committee member. “You can’t run the Association efficiently with four to six active committee members. You need at least seven or eight to spread the work around and help carry the load,” Roy says, who will be down to six members shortly.  For Gerringong Music Club, they are referring to themselves as ‘lucky’ for finding a new, young musical director after months of searching, however, they still need a publicity officer and, in the near future, a new treasurer.She hopes the new musical director will pull in more younger people, as the majority of their members are over 80 years old.“The Club can’t function without people,” says former musical director Bobbie Miller, noting it isn’t uncommon for lots of organisations to have trouble finding people.“We would have had to close if we hadn’t managed to fill positions on the committee.”Bobbie believes COVID has made people reluctant to get out and be involved in the community, especially the older age group.On social media, the Illawarra Folk Club admitted it has been harder to find willing people to fill their office bearing jobs over the past few years.“Sadly, we are now at a time where we will not have an honorary treasurer,” the post read.The long held tradition of the Gerringong Christmas Parade is, at this stage, not going ahead due to no one stepping up and taking the reins [Gerringong Christmas Parade needs new blood].The Parade has been organised by a group of four local women for the past four years, after the baton was passed on by Gerringong Rotary who ran the event for many years.Organiser Julia O’Keefe says they are still on the hunt and hope someone comes forward soon as the Parade involves preparation in the upcoming months.Roles on offer:Gerroa Community Association – contact President Roy Schmidt for more information on 0418 449 678General committee member and Hall Manager: Caring people who enjoy being involved in community matters.Gerringong Music Club – contact former Musical Director Bobbie Miller for more information on 0413 967 385Publicity Officer: Someone who can design posters, write press releases, and is familiar with social media.Treasurer: Someone who is good with numbers and bookkeeping.Illawarra Folk Club – contact Secretary of The Illawarra Folk Club Graeme Morrison for more information on 0412 358 333Treasurer: A certificate of accountancy from TAFE or a University degree would be ideal, as would a student learning book keeping. A knowledge of accounting standards as well as tax and companies act would be preferable. The position would require about 20 hours a month with more input around Festival time.Gerringong Christmas Parade – email [email protected] for more informationOrganisers: Any local or community group who love Christmas and want to continue the tradition.

Kiama’s University of the Third Age (U3A) opened in 1999 and is part of a worldwide not-for-profit movement set up to encourage semi and fully retired seniors to remain physically, mentally and socially active. U3A is welcoming, non-sectarian, non-political and community-focussed – and aims to reflect both the specific expertise within, and interests of, the community of each group.Their inspirational motto is ‘Learn, Laugh, Live’.  The U3A movement was born in France in the early 1970s and established in Australia in 1984. NSW’s first group was in the Shoalhaven area. In Australia, there are now over 200 groups and around 100,000 members. Kiama U3A runs informal short courses during school terms and holds interesting talks weekly, all provided by people who have solid life-time skills and knowledge. Course leaders and speakers are drawn from the membership and the community and are all volunteers.A wide-range of stimulating courses are on offer this term, including such diverse subject areas as: Table TennisMedieval HistoryPhilosophyMah JongTai Chi What’s in the News Drama Workshops.Talks, across a variety subjects, are presented for two hours on Monday afternoons.There is also a monthly book club, and an interesting excursion each term.There are no exams or “awards”, just a great opportunity for life-long learning, exploring of new ideas and activities – to keep you physically active and mentally engaged, and to connect with others in your community.   Kiama U3A is run entirely by volunteers with the committee organising course leaders and speakers, and providing a monthly newsletter. Join up, become a volunteer, and enjoy the experience.Further information:Any questions please contact: [email protected] following link, Kiama U3A - Term 3 2023 provides general information, enrolment dates and course registration forms. Newsletters and course outlines are also available on the website.

The Illawarra Ramblers Club has grown and developed in both size and range of activities since its inception in 1991 as a small WEA walking group. In 2015 it became an incorporated association dedicated to the enjoyment of the Australian bush and the great outdoors, which currently comprises around 250 members.The club’s activities include walking (including bush, coast, mountain and town/city), cycling and kayaking - both locally in the Illawarra and much further afield, and other social events such as group lunches.Activities are on offer most days and range from gentle rambles or bike rides along coastal paths and cycleways and paddles on Lake Illawarra - to more challenging adventures throughout NSW and other states and territories.There is a range of trips away including international treks andactivities. Upcoming trips away include Kayaking and Camping On Cockatoo Island and walking in the Western Snowy Mountains. 2024 trips away include a seven-night trip - bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling on Lord Howe Island and four-week trip hiking Everest Base camp.Each activity is listed in date order and clearly states the activity type (ie. Walk, Paddle, Cycle, Training, Trip away etc), level of difficulty (from 1-Leisurely to 5-Energetic), location, duration, activity leader, required and recommended equipment and any other important information to help interested participants decide if the activity is right for them.The website includes a comprehensive activity grading explanation and guidelines, equipment and clothing recommendations and important safety and other useful information. It also provides a wealth of visual inspiration via a large gallery of picturesque photos of past activities, as well as enticing descriptions of upcoming activities and trips.Publicity Officer Julie McDonald said the club caters for all interests in the great outdoors. ‘Our members value the positive social connections as much as the physical activity, many having been with the club for years. Another benefit is the amazing range of knowledge, skills and expertise individual members are happy to share with the group, on subjects such as local flora, fauna, birdwatching and the natural environment’.Membership is open to anyone over 18. The club caters both for those who are working full time (with weekend activities) and those with more flexible schedules (weekday activities).Anyone interested in becoming a member can attend two free trial activities with full insurance cover, prior to joining. If you’d like to take part in a trial activity, please contact Anne on 0490 963 180 for further information. There is also a contact form on the website. For more information, inspiration and to view the extensive upcoming program, visit www.illawarraramblers.com.au