The Pavilion hosted a full house on Thursday as Business Illawarra welcomed NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope and Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James for an exclusive members’ forum.Business Illawarra director Coralie McCarthy moderated the wide-ranging conversation, which covered the challenges facing small business, housing pressures and the state’s infrastructure priorities.Speakman described the Illawarra as “one of the most magnificent places in NSW,” before outlining his party’s economic platform.Mark Speakman and Serena Copley with local business leaders and Council representatives. Photo: Business Illawarra“Small business is the engine room of our economy. Our ethos as Liberals is to help business - our job as government is to make it easier for businesses to generate jobs, opportunities and growth.”He warned of “headwinds” for business, citing high energy costs, rising premiums, sluggish demand and record insolvencies. He also criticised the government’s budget approach, predicting cuts to infrastructure would hit regional communities hardest.Housing affordability and stamp duty reform were also in focus. Speakman flagged incentives for downsizers and restoring the option of a property tax for first-home buyers. He has also pledged a $26 million upgrade to Kiama Sports Complex and support for freeing up Spring Creek land for housing.Audience members raised concerns about cuts to tourism funding, rising workers’ compensation premiums, and the need for social and affordable housing. Local councillors, business leaders and tourism advocates stressed the importance of government support for the region’s economy and liveability.While the next state election is still 18 months away, Speakman said the Opposition would continue to put forward policies “progressively to the people,” noting, “the best predictor of what we’d be like in government is what we’ve done in the past.”

The Micro Business Showcase organised by Kiama Business Network, last Thursday brought together local entrepreneurs, community members, and supporters for an evening of networking and promotion at The Pavilion in Kiama.The event gave micro businesses a platform to connect directly with the community and each other.With catering provided by Culinarius Catering & Fine Food, the event was co-hosted by a range of local businesses including Bryant & Co Lawyers, Creative Kooks, eMerge Business Support, Expressive Art Experience, Gutter Knight Illawarra, Kiama Chocolate Company, Known Designs & Print, Resolve Business Coaching, SurfCoast Pilates and Surfing, and The Wildflower Studio. Guests were treated to live chocolate making by Kiama Chocolate Company, with fresh samples gobbled up throughout the evening. Expressive Art Experience featured live painting by local artist Tiffany Springett, and attendees were invited to join in and contribute their own brushstrokes to a shared artwork.Known Designs & Print added a creative touch by gifting branded items, including rulers, key rings and sticker sheets displaying the logos of participating businesses.The night had a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, giving businesses the chance to showcase their products and services in person. As part of the Business Connect initiative, the event highlighted the strength and diversity of Kiama’s micro business community, and reinforced the value of supporting local as well as introducing a new retail promotion Walkbuy. Tiffany creating a masterpiece. Photo: The Bugle

Kel Swan didn’t want to see another empty stopfront in Kiama when the owner of White Earth didn’t want to renew her lease due to the rising cost of rent.Kel and her partner Karen Wilson took over the eco-conscious store on Terralong Street themselves, reopening it as The Sea & Beau on 5 July.“We thought we would take it on because you look up the street and there's so many shops for lease and it looks so bad,” said Kel.“We already had heaps of beautiful customers and it would have been sad to see it go.”Kel’s journey to owning The Sea & Beau started during the COVID pandemic, Kel and Karen were both in the travel industry and were made redundant as no one was travelling. With twin boys Cody and Lennon only 15 months old, Kel applied for a part-time position at White Earth simply as a way to get out of the house.“I applied to have a job here, just mostly for social. And then ended up loving it. Like, didn't realise how much I would love it,” she said.“All the customers are awesome, we've become good mates with a lot of people just from being here for the last four years.”Kel grew up in Kiama and her connection to Terralong Street starts with her first job at 14 at Scoops, and she has memories of her current store being Classy Lady, a boutique store in the 1990s.“My mum used to come here all the time and I used to sit out the front waiting when I was a kid,” she said.“I've actually got heaps of memories from this shop, but I just didn't realise it was the same one.”The store’s new name holds a special meaning to the couple, with Sea or ‘C’ representing Cody, and Beau being Lennon’s middle name. The store’s palm tree logo represents the boys as Kel says “they keep fighting over who's the tallest one”.Kel and Karen are locals who are proud to be raising their children in Kiama and giving back to the community. Their focus on community is evident with their Father’s Day window display with drawings and messages from local children to their dads.“The kids are all really proud. People with kids have come and gotten photos next to their picture,” said Kel.The Sea & Beau Father's Day window displayThe business supports local causes like school raffle donations and has also introduced three new Illawarra-based brands since taking over.Having previously worked at Kiama’s Visitor Centre, Kel understands the importance of having a vibrant shopping scene for the town’s success.The Sea & Beau is open seven days a week and located at 96 Terralong Street.

Berry business Totem Eco, founded by a husband and wife team, took home the top prize at the Clean + Conscious awards for their brand’s natural deodorant.Toby and Katie Gibson’s brand, Totem Eco, won Gold for Best Deodorant at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2025 with their Blue Gum Natural Deodorant Stick. Totem Eco also secured Silver in the Sensitive category for their Kakadu Rose Natural Deodorant Stick.The Clean + Conscious Awards highlight the most sustainable and ethical products in Australia and New Zealand, with winners undergoing testing by leading experts across health, beauty, sustainability and media.“We were up against some of the brands that we'd really respected over the years and who were sort of the trailblazers and are still doing great stuff in this space,” said Toby.“But to take home gold and being in that company was just a huge achievement for us, given we're just a little family business and they're very big and established players.”Totem Eco launched after Toby and Katie relocated to Berry from Sydney as a way for them to reconnect with their roots and for their children to have more of a grounded upbringing. The couple started becoming more aware about the products they had in their household and how safe they were around children.“Having kids makes you a little bit more conscious of the products that you have in your house and that you're using on your body,” said Toby.Both Toby and Katie made the switch to natural deodorant some time ago and felt as if they could make a difference in the space with their own product. Despite being relatively new and coming up to their “three-year mark”, the couple have made a splash in the industry and put their skills together, Toby having been a genetic scientist and Katie being a hair and makeup artist.Toby explains that not all natural deodorant brands are the same, and many tend to be bi-carb based, whereas what sets them apart is their magnesium-based formula.“It's really more effective on odour control and gentler on your body…We like to say you only need to use it once a day at most,” he said.“People sometimes might balk that it's maybe potentially more pricey than say their roll-on that might be on special on the shelves”.“One of our sticks will last you between three to four months and you can't really put a price on your health and the planet”.As Totem Eco grows, the couple still maintain their local connections by regularly going to markets to sell their products and remain dedicated to their founding principles.More information about Totem Eco and their products can be found online at totemeco.com.au.

At 69, Daryl Henson holds the unique title of being the youngest resident at Cedar on Collins, Kiama’s premier retirement village. Having lived in Kiama since he was in Year 8 in high school, Daryl’s deep connection to the area made his choice to retire locally an easy one.After a long career with Sydney Trains at Bombo Quarry and years spent in a house with a sizable yard on Shoalhaven Street, Daryl found maintaining his garden increasingly demanding - especially after a health scare linked to overexertion. Seeking a retirement option that combined ease with community, he discovered Cedar on Collins.“It felt like a resort from the moment I toured it,” Daryl said. “The location is unbeatable - right in the heart of Kiama with everything just a short walk away. “Plus, living on a flat block is a relief after years on a slope.”His stylish two-bedroom apartment features a generous balcony where he enjoys outdoor time without the hassle of upkeep. Daryl is also a fan of the village’s concierge service, and appreciates the convenience of having the front desk staff.Beyond comfort, social connection was key. Monthly outings and themed events like the recent Italian night foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere. “I’ve met lots of interesting people and absolutely love the ‘oldies’,” he laughs. As a history enthusiast, Daryl relishes conversations about Kiama’s past with fellow residents.He acknowledges that safety and peace of mind are assured with an emergency call system in each apartment, offering reassurance to those with health issues.Cedar on Collins appeals mostly to locals, with easy train access drawing interest from surrounding areas. For Daryl, moving here meant simply changing his address - his vibrant Kiama lifestyle remains wonderfully intact.“What’s not to love about Kiama?” he smiles. “Great cafes, the Leagues Club nearby, the supermarket, and Hindmarsh Park just across the road. It’s home.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns has admitted his government needs to do more for small and medium-sized businesses while addressing local business leaders at The Pavilion in Kiama on Monday.Minns made his fourth visit to the Kiama electorate in the past 11 days to lend his support to Labor candidate Katelin McInerney’s campaign to win the vacant state seat at the 13 September by-election.Along with Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, he spoke to a large group of Business Illawarra members on a range of topics.“I come to these meetings with a little bit of reticence, particularly in the middle of the by-election, because I can see some people's eyes rolling and saying, well, the election's on, so you're down here, which is a natural human response,” before adding that he had conducted similar forums all across the state over the past couple of years.“We think it's a really important part of being a government that's responsive to the biggest employers in NSW, and that is small and medium-sized enterprises.“And we need to do more. We want you to grow.“We want you to invest in your community. We want you to know that you've got a government that recognises that it's been a difficult few years, and that you need help in certain instances, in certain parts of the economy, and in other areas you just need to get out of the way.”Minns told the forum that NSW had been left behind compared to other states, particularly Victoria, when it comes to getting their fair share of national revenue from the Federal Government.‘We need sharper elbows when we're dealing with the feds, particularly for NSW’s share of Commonwealth money. We've got major infrastructure projects right across NSW,” he said.“We're currently in the middle of building Shoalhaven and Shellharbour Hospital, putting billions of dollars into our health network."But it might surprise you to know that not withstanding the fact that NSW has about a third of the country's population, we get about 24% of the infrastructure spend for the country. And that difference is a massive difference for our state.“It means that there's a limit on how much we can grow and how fast we can grow. For the GST split, it's even worse.”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald thanked Minns and Mookhey for making the time to engage directly with the local business community but was unhappy with the lack of clarity provided on local issues.“With a by-election now underway in Kiama, it was disappointing that we heard little about the issues directly affecting our community,” he said.“Voters in Kiama want to know where the Government stands on the projects and priorities that matter to them.”Council recently adopted its State Government Advocacy Plan, which highlights the most pressing local priorities requiring state support, including:The Kiama Sports Precinct redevelopment: upgrades to ageing facilities supporting more than 5,500 club members.Urban Expansion Area Structure Plan: strategic planning for up to 4,500 new residential lots.Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility upgrade: urgent investment to support housing growth and protect the environment.Removal of the Spring Creek restrictive covenant: unlocking Council-owned land to restore financial sustainability.Premier Chris Minns, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Business Illawarra director Coralie McCarthy. Photo: The BugleKiama main streetscape renewal and Harbour revitalisation plan: modernising public spaces and activating underutilised precincts.Education and early learning facilities: flood-free preschool for Jamberoo and more providers across the LGA.Improved road and public transport links, including reclassification of Jamberoo Mountain Road.Special Entertainment Precinct: to support Kiama’s live music and night-time economy.Attendees at the forum. Photo: The Bugle“These issues are critical to the future of Kiama,” Cr McDonald said.“As Mayor, I again extend an open invitation to the Premier and Treasurer: come to Kiama, sit down with our community, and tell us where you stand on these priorities. Our residents deserve to know.”

When Michael Bowden observed that traditional entertainment wasn’t filling seats at his business Cin Cin Wine Bar, instead of doubling down he focused on what Kiama needed.This has resulted in a wholesome approach to hospitality alongside co-owner Melanie Allen, that focuses on getting people to reconnect with others, which has seen events sell out in days.This approach came from Michael’s own journey in mental health advocacy, his involvement with the Man Walk, his social enterprise Rockstar Dads, and years of experience in hospitality (28 years to be exact).“I've always found that being able to connect with other people is one really good tool when it comes to having good mental health,” he said.“I've sort of gone, ‘well, what am I passionate about and how can we bring that into the business?’”This strategy is proving to be effective, with the venue’s ‘The Case of the Kiama Blowhole Mystery’ event selling out in days. The intimate event includes drinks on arrival and a full interactive experience unraveling the mystery of the Kiama Blowhole body.“I thought it was a really good way for people to connect … we advertised it and within two to three days we sold the first one out,” said Michael.Cin Cin’s variety of hands-on experiences also includes paint and sip sessions, clay making, candle workshops, and macrame classes. All of the events that Cin Cin offers have a mutual purpose, building connections.Cin Cin’s Thursday Book Hour is an example of this, running from 4-5pm in collaboration with Kiama Unplugged, people are encouraged to ‘disconnect from your phone and reconnect with a good book’. This has expanded to include knitting, crocheting, board games, and conversation.The partnership with Kiama Unplugged is also working on expanding to unplugged date nights, giving couples the opportunity to put their phones away and connect over dinner. These nights will also include a community table for singles to meet new people and have conversations over dinner.“The main thing is it's just not doom scrolling on your phone, it's about doing something with a purpose,” Michael said.Monthly Barstool Brothers gatherings offer men a relaxed and low-pressure opportunity to connect over a free meal, meeting on the last Wednesday of each month. Michael’s collaborative approach doesn’t stop there, with a project in the works with local resident Tamara Campbell. The project involves a dinner at Cin Cin where a topic is set for the evening and people are encouraged to connect through fun conversations facilitated by Tamara.“I know Tamara quite well and I know her personality, it will bring to the facilitation some fun and some playfulness,” said Michael.Michael is also reaching out beyond just events and into practical solutions, including a new courtesy electric van that provides sustainable transportation for patrons. Michael is using Cin Cin’s new courtesy van to create connections with local businesses, Fillmore’s and Little Betty's, running a circuit between the three venues to get patrons to and from home.Connection is the cornerstone of Michael’s innovative and collaborative approach to his business, and as he says it’s as simple as “being open to having a conversation with just the person sitting next to you”.Cin Cin Wine Bar’s upcoming events can be found on their social media pages or at their website. The Case of the Kiama Blowhole Mystery event runs Thursday September 18, 6-9pm, with tickets available through Eventbrite.

Duncan Hill Real Estate has announced the winners of their Best Shed Competition that celebrates the craftsmanship of shed owners across Kiama and the Southern Highlands.The competition invited entries from tool-filled man caves to peaceful garden hideaways, creative studios and backyard bars, spaces where “human endeavour takes precedence over human comfort”.Taking first place for the Southern Highlands category and winning a $500 Bunnings gift card was Peter’s shed, with his carefully planned and executed workshop. Built entirely by Peter himself, the shed shows thoughtful consideration both structurally and functionally.Peter designed the shed with its view from the house in mind, making sure it fit in well with his garden. Inside Peter’s shed, Duncan Hill describes it as “a place for everything and everything in its place”, with the space set up to be as comfortable and efficient as possible.The shed is completely ply lined, in order to eliminate drafts, with a window above the work bench that offers a view of an orange tree and the sky. Peter has set up a good quality music system to listen to the radio while he works on household projects.Seven Marks Gallery took home second place, earning a $250 Bunnings gift card, with a shed that is a stark contrast to Peter’s workshop. Originally approved as a shed in 1964, this project took 50 years to complete, resulting in a large structure that is divided into two spaces with opposed functions.Seven Marks Gallery. Photo: Madeleine ScarfeThe first space functions as a gallery, it’s intentionally empty, still, and meditative as to not to detract from displayed artworks. The second serves as a workshop, filled with boxes, tables, machinery, half finished works, tools, bits of metal, furniture, beer, and kilns, representing potential and ongoing projects.Madeleine Scarfe was the judge of the competition and stated that entries needed to be a building separate from a house that involved activities that are messy, noisy, smelly, or take up too much space, otherwise why wouldn’t you do it inside a house?All entries shared this common thread whether they were garden sheds, potting sheds, milking sheds, workshops, or storage sheds.Both winning sheds exemplify what Madeleine describes as “love and care and personal commitment” shown through their execution and ongoing use.“Both are essentially Colorbond boxes, graceful in their simplicity and both beautifully represent the function of a shed - a place you can go to do the things you are driven to do, where you occupy your mind and your hands,” she said.Duncan Hill Real Estate expressed their gratitude to all participants including Peter, Sandra, Coby, Chick and all the other entrants who shared their personal workshops and sheds for the competition.

Kiama’s Parfait Patisserie has taken home four awards at the National Artisan Baking Awards, including best croissant.Owner of Parfait Patisserie, Troy Hindmarch, and baker Alex Miller claimed the awards at the Baking Association of Australia event in July. Troy won first place in the white sourdough category, and Alex secured first place for croissants and second place for flavoured sourdough.Alex’s winning croissant scored highest out of all Viennoiserie products, earning him the overall Champion Viennoiserie award.“It feels amazing that we’re being recognised for something that we've always thought we could do,” said Troy.The team's success is even more impressive considering they entered the exact products that they sell daily in their shop.“We didn't have anything special as one-offs, we took the exact same croissants we bake in our shop every day and entered them in the competition,” Troy said.“We all feel in our team that we just have a great product range as it is, we just want to focus on what we do day in, day out, and it's paid off.”Troy explains that what sets Parfait Patisserie apart is that they do all the “fundamentals really well”, utilising the right procedures to make a great product.“Using the right ingredients, no shortcuts, and just skill and a lot of years of practice have definitely gone into it as well,” he said.The competition format allowed them to bake in their own kitchen environment before driving the finished products to Sydney for judging, rather than baking the product in front of judges.Troy plans to enter the team into more regional and state competitions in the near future, explaining that it's beneficial for apprentices to compete in lower-level competitions to gain experience.“When you do a competition it forces you to learn some new skills,” he said.“It’s going to grow their knowledge a lot faster and just give them a more well-rounded understanding of the industry.”Kiama locals are the clear winners here, with award-winning pastries available fresh daily at Parfait Patisserie.

Kiama’s Lime Building Group has won an unprecedented nine times at the 2025 Master Builders Association Regional Excellence in Building Awards, the most successful night in the company’s 15-year history.The business is led by local builder Joel Stewart and specialises in custom luxury home construction across the South Coast and Southern Highlands, with projects ranging from Wollongong to Mollymook.“I normally win one [award] every year that we go … I don't think I've won nine in my whole career,” Joel said.The awards won by Lime Building Group included major categories such as Master Builder of the Year 2025, Best Contract Home Over $6 Million, Best Contract Home $5 to 6 million, Best Kitchen Project $100,000 to $200,000, Best Bathroom Project $50,000 to $75,000, and Best Swimming Pool over $500,000 as well as Best Residential Fit-Out, Best Outdoor Living Area Project, Best House Additions, Alterations & Renovations $2 Million to $3 Million.“It makes me really happy because it wasn't just one house that won. It was four different projects we'd done,” he said.“It really shows that we've got a really strong team to be able to win so many awards across so many different categories.”'The Autumn House' by Lime Building GroupIn an industry that is becoming increasingly reliant on subcontractors, Lime Building Group operates with over 50 full-time employees and many of them have been with Joel for 7-10 years.“To deliver what we're doing, you've got to run that model, which is how they used to run building companies 10 or 20 years ago,” he said.Joel said it can be difficult when hurdles happen, like when there's multiple days of rain - he can’t simply send his workers home, he needs to find work for them.But the payoff of this is consistency and continuous improvement as a team.“It's like, ‘hey guys, last time we did that, we did pretty well, but next time I reckon we can do it better.’ And then we just keep learning and evolving with that,” he said.Growing up in Foxground helped Joel develop an understanding of rural infrastructure that serves him well when they work on larger properties in the area.Joel’s vision remains the same from when the business started, delivering quality projects without compromise.“If we do something we're not happy with, we just pull it down and do it again. And if it costs me money, the boys just know that we just do it again and I'll wear the cost,” he said.Lime Building Group will now head to The Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence Awards in September as finalists, where they’ll be up against elite builders across the state.

Kate Dezarnaulds was genuinely surprised when her name was called out at the inaugural Kiama Business Awards.The WorkLife founder took home the Outstanding Business Leader award, a recognition she describes as “absolutely delightful”.“It was very unexpected from my point of view,” Dezarnaulds said.“The camaraderie of other business owners is a real joy, and the respect and acknowledgement that's implicit in the award is so gratifying.”The Kiama Business Network established the awards this year as a way to recognise outstanding business achievements in the area. WorkLife was also nominated in the Excellence in Small Business category, dual recognition that shows the company’s impact in the region.Dezarnaulds admits that she used to be cynical about business awards but made the decision to enter multiple awards the past few years. The recognition has been valuable to the business considering the financial challenges many small businesses face.“Small business is really full on and risky, and the last few years has not been very profitable,” she said.“To take a moment to take stock on what you have achieved when you feel like the usual measure of success is dollars in the bank … it's been great to be able to actually say, no, it's OK, we've done some really great things.”The journey to this success began when Dezarnaulds founded WorkLife in 2017 after getting tired of her Berry to Sydney commute for work that she’d made at least 882 times. She tried working remotely from home and a local cafe, both of which weren’t working for her, so then she opened WorkLife’s first co-working space in Berry.After WorkLife’s success in Berry, they expanded to Kiama and Coledale, though they lost their Kiama location during COVID, they bounced back by opening a space in Picton in 2023.“We've got a lot of Kiama-based businesses that are working out of our location in the area at the moment,” Dezarnaulds said“I think part of my surprise was the acknowledgement of the role that we play in the wider region here.”Looking ahead, Dezarnaulds wants the small business community to build better connectivity with young people in the region.“I would love for the small business community to build better connectivity with our young people in the region so that we can keep their energies and their intellects close to home,” she said.

From $1.76 in the bank to multimillion-dollar listings on Kiama’s coastline, the multi-talented Marnie Beauchamp has gone from rock bottom in 2005 to a post-pandemic renaissance.Now back in her home town and thriving once again as a real estate agent, Marnie’s return marks a full-circle moment in a career defined by resilience.During an interview with The Bugle last week, Marnie said: “It wasn’t the place that was the problem, It was the place I was in. I just needed time to heal.”In 2005, Marnie faced a trifecta of devastating personal trauma: a divorce, a draining six-month court battle, and the sudden death of her father.Her daughters were just five and eight when she sold her local real estate agency to spend more time with them.But a dispute with the franchisor led to a Supreme Court lawsuit, which cost her everything she had worked so hard for and leaving her in serious debt.“I remember sitting in the park one day and my girls asked for an ice-cream,” she recalled.“I had $1.76 in my bank account. I couldn’t even afford that. That’s how bad it got.”Bankruptcy and liquidating her company were options, but they weren’t options she could live with.“I couldn’t give up on the company I’d worked so hard to build,” she said.“And I didn’t want anyone else to suffer the financial hardship I was facing. So I made a promise to myself that I’d pay back every cent. And I did, even though it took me over 5 years to do so.”Still reeling from the court battle, Marnie then lost her beloved father. He was her mentor and rock, and passed suddenly at just 58.“I didn’t even get to say goodbye. It was horrific,” she said.Despite the grief, she returned to work. Within a year, she was ranked number 12 statewide in her real estate network.But the burnout that followed eventually caught up with her. By 2018, she stepped away from the industry and left the region.“I did solo road trips, spent time overseas, sat on beaches… I basically hid from the world,” she said. “But that space gave me clarity.”During that break, she wrote Unread Pages, a deeply personal book reflecting on trauma, healing, and the struggles behind public success.She also developed a real estate app, began mentoring, and became immersed in wellness - physical and emotional. Today, she lives by the principles of fasting, whole foods, and natural therapies - habits that restored her energy and focus.“When you give the body a break from toxins and constant consumption, it heals,” she said. “Just like your mind does with space.”That renewed vitality brought her back to Kiama. And back to real estate.She officially relaunched in November 2024. In less than a year, she has re-established herself, securing high-end listings and rebuilding a business largely through repeat and referral clients.“The majority of my work is with people I’ve helped before. That’s a great feeling,” she said.“It’s growing naturally, and I’m loving it.”Marnie’s connection to the region runs deep. She moved to Kiama at 21 and spent five years working in property development, including early work on the Shell Cove estate and other major subdivisions in the region.She said that Kiama was a “unique” property market.“Kiama has always had a strength that other areas don’t,” Marnie said. “We’re surrounded by farmland and ocean. There’s only so much property. That limited supply, plus the lifestyle, means we tend to recover quickly from downturns.”Despite broader economic pressures, she remains optimistic about the local property market.“In the last four weeks, enquiries have definitely picked up,” she said.“It’s still not translating to big sales volume just yet. But that always follows. I think we’ll see the Reserve Bank move to cut interest rates next month. That will trigger more confidence.”She describes the current climate as cautious, a reflection of cost-of-living pressures more than property fundamentals.“People aren’t going on holidays. They’re not spending freely. And that flows through to real estate,” Marnie said.“But Kiama holds firm. During COVID, places like Gerroa saw 60 per cent growth in property values in a year. That’s huge.”.“The market always rises. It just moves in cycles. Kiama is on the map now more than ever. People from Sydney and even overseas are looking here,” she said.Her market outlook for the next year is promising.“I think we’ll see renewed confidence before the end of the year,” she said. “Interest rate certainty will help. And Kiama always bounces quicker than most.”For Marnie, coming back to Kiama was about more than business. “My kids were raised here. I’ve previously lived here for many years," she said.“Coming back wasn’t just a career decision. It was about being where I feel most grounded.” 

Caroline Hartline is the force behind Kiama's quiet achiever. Her eyewear brand, Ozeano Eyewear, stood out from the competition to win the "Excellence in Sustainable Business” award at the inaugural Kiama Business Awards recently.With a 20-year professional background spanning corporate marketing, management consulting, non-profit leadership and eCommerce, Caroline brings a wealth of experience to the table. Caroline Hartline with her award for Excellence in Sustainability. Photo by Peter IzzardHer broad expertise and passion for purpose-led business inspired her to take the leap and build something of her own. In 2024, she acquired the assets of Ozeano Eyewear and set out to bring her vision of a sustainable, socially conscious brand to life.As she describes it, her goal is “a new mission that gives back, more along the lines of a social enterprise.”Ozeano Eyewear focuses on timeless designs, avoiding fast fashion trends to promote thoughtful consumption. The brand proudly supports environmental projects, including the Seabin Foundation, 1% for the Planet and the annual Ocean Film Festival. Indy wearing the 'Coolum Leopard Seal' glassesA new line of plastic-free eyewear accessories is also set to launch soon.Even with their promise to sustainability, they have made an effort to remain affordable without compromising on quality. In fact, the materials used in Ozeano eyewear surpass those found in many products on the market that sell for up to three times the price.For Caroline, building a sustainably focused business was never in question.“I love small business but never wanted to be responsible for additional landfill as a result of running a business,” she explains. Giving back has always been part of her ethos - she has worked with organisations such as the United Nations in Jordan, as well as the Australian Red Cross and The Salvation Army.“I’ve always been interested in humanitarian work and the environment but I also just have a general dislike for plastic. And once you dive deep and realise the havoc it wreaks on the environment and on the human body, it’s hard to overlook,” she said.Upon receiving the award for Most Sustainable Business, Caroline expressed genuine surprise. “I was very shocked to receive the award! It’s genuinely humbling as we are really such a little business and therefore, our impact is quite small. “It’s also a huge morale boost as often the hours put in the business aren’t reflected in the profits.”She also has practical advice for other businesses looking to prioritise sustainability:1. Start with your packaging. “Sustainable packaging is not only better for the environment but customers also appreciate it when your packaging can be put in the yellow or green bins instead of clogging up their red bin!”Ozeano Eyewear's sustainable packaging2. Review your supply chain.“If you’re selling products, have a look at your supply chain - who makes the products, what their sustainability certifications are and whether they’ve had any third-party audits like BSCI or Sedex.”3. Dig deeper into your materials.“Who supplies the materials/textiles that make up the products and how sustainable are these materials? Seek out certifications like Oeko-Tex or FSC, GOTS (for organic cotton) and GRS (Global Recycling Standard). Ask your suppliers and manufacturers how they’re transporting their products to you (often it’s in a lot of unnecessary plastic wrapping). They can switch to no plastic, use cloth, or there are also many cost-effective bio-based biodegradable plastic alternatives available these days (for garment bags, for example).”4. Create a sustainability policy. “It’s a good idea to draft and adopt a sustainability policy for your business including an ethical supplier and sourcing policy. You can get input from staff and also use it as a working document to show you areas for improvement. I’d be happy to provide any local businesses with advice around this.”5. Think beyond recycled plastic and share your journey.“Sustainability means different things to different people but for me, I think it’s about getting back to natural materials where possible. “I think there is a bit of a ‘recycled plastic’ trend going on at the moment but I question how sustainable it really is - because it’s still leaching microplastics into the environment and impacting human health. And then you have the issue about how traceable it really is. “Clothing and eyewear made of plastic bottles doesn’t impress me too much because it still creates a toxic product and a reliance on plastic use. Some people argue that plastic is more durable, but durability is a double-edged sword - it takes centuries to break down, shedding microplastics into the soil and ocean in the process. “Customers are increasingly choosing brands that reflect their values, so even small steps can build loyalty and impact. And importantly - share your progress honestly. It’s OK not to be perfect.”James & Zara wearing Ozeano glasses'in MinnamurraThe main message Caroline wants to share is every choice matters. “Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, a student, the way we consume and produce things shapes the world we live in.“I would encourage people to look at the tags of their favourite brands, how much polyester and nylon are in the clothes and how much plastic is used in its packaging. And also consider - can I wear this item for years to come?“We are so blessed to be surrounded by so much beautiful water and ocean here in the Kiama area. It’s not going to last though at the rate we’re consuming and producing plastic.”Caroline isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Next month, she will be launching a new business for kids and teens called Billie Green, offering undergarments made without any polyester or nylon in the fabrics, the new range will follow the same sustainable principles.To step up your eyewear fashion and support a local, sustainable business, visit the website here or find them on display at The Collective Kiama and regularly at the Kiama Seaside Markets.

When Kane and Hayden Presland were thinking about naming their new café, they immediately thought of their grandparents’ last name on their mother’s side: Beck. Their mother is one of two sisters, meaning the name was likely to die with them. Wanting to keep it alive, the brothers named their new venture Beck’s - only to discover they weren’t the first in the family to do so.“After we opened, my mum's auntie, who lives in Hungary - Beck is a Hungarian name - found out that my mum's great-grandfather used to own a Beck's Coffee House in Budapest in 1912,” said Hayden.So, it turns out the story of their new café on Tingira Crescent, replacing the much-loved Little Earth, began long before either of them were born.More than a hundred years later, in December 2024, Kane (26) and Hayden (21) were chatting when the idea hit them to open a café together. Beck's cafe in all its glory. Photo: Wilson Featherstone.Just two months later, as though the universe was listening, the owner of Little Earth - a close connection - asked if they’d be interested in taking over the space.“It was too good of an opportunity to miss,” said Kane. “It’s such a good location. It has north-facing sun with an ocean view, and it’s out of the main town of Kiama. “So it was perfect. We’d always had the idea of opening a café in the back of our minds, but we’d never found the right space to do it. This was the first time we could actually see it working.”The two went back and forth deciding on the layout and vibe, but Kane was set on letting the brand create itself rather than pushing a concept onto people. “One of the things we wanted was to not launch the brand too hard. We wanted it to evolve organically, to create itself.”Little Earth had its last day of service on 29 June, and just six days later, on 5 July, Beck’s was open and ready for customers. “We got the keys at like 6pm. Sunday night. Then we opened at 6:30am the next Saturday morning,” said Hayden. “It was 16-hour days. We’d get in at 6am and sometimes leave at 11pm. We painted everything, put in new floors, new tiles, new lights, and fitted out the retail room. We pretty much took the whole place apart and then put it all back together,” said Kane.The brothers have been surprised by how much support the community has shown, and they feel they’ve achieved their simple goal: to create a space where everyone feels welcome. “It’s been sick. We’ll be full inside, full outside, and there’ll be 30 people just standing around, drinking their coffee. We wanna be the kind of place where people will pull out camp chairs or milk crates and sit on them - or even just lay on the grass and watch the whales,” said Kane.Customers enjoying the sun and the coffee at Beck's Cafe. Photo: Wilson Featherstone.“We’re also really big on the customer experience when people come in,” added Hayden. “And making sure we stay consistent. If someone brings their friend in a week later, we want it to be the exact same experience for them too.”Also part of the café is a small surf store, filled with surf-related apparel - something both brothers are passionate about. “We wanted to showcase some of our favourite brands,” said Kane. “We’ve got boards from a local guy who shapes surfboards, merch from local brands, as well as clothes and jewellery. It’s all up-cycled stock and handmade, and we wanted to share that with other people.”In the future, they hope to expand by opening at night and getting a liquor license, helping turn their street - which also features Cin Cin Wine Bar - into more of a local nightlife hub. But for now, you can find the two brothers serving up high-quality coffee (still using the iconic Little Earth beans) and simple, fresh food from 6:30am to 2pm, Monday to Sunday.

A philosophy of serving up local produce fresh on the plate to customers has propelled The Farmers’ Table to Outstanding Café honours at the recent Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards. Nestled among Kiama’s historic Collins Street terraces, the cafe thrives on its communal spirit, which owner Alan Smith insisted upon when he acquired was was Amaki Cafe last year.“The place was falling to pieces. People were falling through the floor, it was that bad,” he said.“And it’s a heritage-listed building, which was part of the whole plan for buying it because it takes us back to a time when we all used to sit down and eat together and work together and help each other.“Community meant something back then so it all sits with the story of why we're doing what we're doing.”Alan is from the UK but his wife, Rachael Heald, is a local and when he came to Jamberoo for the annual sevens soccer tournament 15 years ago, she decided it was time to move back to the area.So they relocated from Sydney for a tree change and “The Farmers’ Table is an extension of our farm here in Jamberoo,” he explained. Alan had no prior experience in hospitality but with the help from locals, including architects and tradies, the cafe was fully renovated.“Originally, we were going to do the shop on the farm and get people to come here but it turned out to be far more difficult than we wanted it to be. So we decided to take the farm to town,” he said.“The idea is to get good Australian food, straight off the farm, straight into the cafe and we give the chefs the raw ingredients and they just create something marvellous.“They've got their take on various things. You think to yourself an egg is an egg but it isn't. “We use local seafood and produce and put it on a plate. If we can't supply it then we find somebody local who can.”Alan is in the process of getting chickens onto his farm while growing the size and scope of their market garden of herbs and vegetables.“The idea is to try and make our farms more productive. Keep our hills green because people work them get paid some decent money for their work,” he explained. “If you come to the Farmers’ Table for a meal, you're not just helping me, but you're helping everybody else in the local food chain.” Twelve of the cafe’s 15 staff live locally as well.“The feedback is what a great idea - the food is really good because we have chefs, we don’t have cooks and it shows in the quality of the food,” he added.“You're getting good, honest food straight off the farm. That's been cooked by someone who cares really knows what they're doing.”Winning the award at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow after such a short time in operation was a thrill for Alan and his crew.“I was really taken aback because there are a lot of cafes in the Illawarra, there’s a lot in Kiama. To win it, I was really rocked back in my chair there for a minute because acknowledgement by your peers and customers is phenomenal,” he said.“You can say whatever you want about your own stuff but it's what other people think. Being recognised by people is a humbling experience because you're giving people something that they really want.“It's very nice to be recognised for the effort that the team has put in over the last year because there's been some long hours.”

In an event not to be missed, two of Kiama’s top chefs are coming together to cook a dinner celebrating the importance of local food.“Lauren Brown of Blue Swimmer Gerroa and Luke Basic of Silica in Kiama have generously donated their time and devised an amazing menu for the night,” says Slow Food Saddleback’s convenor Celia Wade.“Both are committed to the Slow Food principles of good, clean and fair food, and have been recipients of our Snail of the Approval for many years.“Slow Food Bites will be an evening to feast on food made by two of the region’s leading chefs, while finding out more about the importance of regenerative farming.”Previous dinners hosted by the local branch of the world’s leading real food advocacy movement have proved very popular events.“This year will be even more special because we are collaborating with people from the Grow Love Project, who have made films about local food producers,” said Celia.“These short films will stimulate discussion about the importance of knowing where your food comes from, and the issues involved with regenerative farming.“We’re sure they will spark conversation and give insights that will have people thinking next time they go food shopping.”The event is Slow Food Saddleback’s major fundraiser for the year. Money raised by the branch not only supports Slow Food's international and national projects and programs, but helps local efforts to foster greater food choice through Business Development Awards.“Over the years we’ve been able to use the funds we’ve raised to help food growers and makers do things they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do – like attend conferences and buy pigs to aid on-farm sustainability,” Celia added.“They’ve told us how encouraged they feel to have people backing what they are doing and how much they appreciate our support.”Three more awards will be presented at the dinner.Slow Food Bites: Sunday 3 August, from 5.30pm, The Pavilion KiamaTickets ($80 or $75 for Slow Food members) - available now at www.trybooking.com/DDAVC - include a three course meal and welcome drink. Other drinks are BYO.

The Kiama area has dominated the 2025 Wedding Industry Awards for the Illawarra and Southern Highlands Region, with local businesses claiming top spots across multiple categories.Leading the winners, Sharon Campbell continues her outstanding run with Sharon is my Celebrant winning Civil Marriage Celebrant for the fourth consecutive year, and Elopements by Sharon winning Elopements and Intimate Weddings for the third year in a row.The Sebel Kiama won the Hotel Wedding Accommodation award, and also placed top three for Wedding Venue Coordinator and highly commended for Wedding Venue - Four to Five Star Hotel.Greyleigh Kiama earned high commendation in Boutique Wedding Accommodation and top five for Wedding Venue Coordinator. Minnamurra Rainforest also won the award for Wedding Ceremony Location.Creative wedding services shined with Always Flowers Kiama winning Wedding Florist, Making Faces Makeup Studio won Bridal Hair and Makeup, Chloe Marie Artistry taking Wedding Photographer, and Planned by Page winning Wedding Planner and Coordinator.Gerringong businesses also celebrated success, with Meet Mabel Vintage Caravan Bar Service winning Caravans, Trucks, Carts, and Bars, and The Gelato Bike placing top three in the same category, whilst The Wedding Creators won Wedding Content Creator.Additional recognition goes to The Mercure Gerringong Resort (top three for Wedding Venue - Four to Five Star Hotel), The Lodge Jamberoo (highly commended for Wedding Venue - Boutique), Seacliffe House Gerringong (top three for Wedding Venue - Farm and Country), Greyleigh - The Gables (highly commended for Wedding Venue - Farm and Country), The Pavilion Kiama (highly commended for Wedding Venue - Function Centre), and Crooked River Winery (top three for Wedding Venue - Winery).

True to their name, Slow Dough bakery took a while to get going but they are rapidly growing in reputation and impact in the Kiama community.The Manning Street bakery was named the Outstanding New Business at the Kiama Business Awards last week, well deserved recognition for owners Lucy and Richard King after years of hard work both before and after opening their doors.Slow Dough was created when Richard got into baking during the pandemic and in late 2021, he started selling the varieties he had come up with by mail order from the garage of their Gerringong home. “I think it’s safe to say that we’re elated to win the award,” Lucy said. “It is really important to receive recognition from your local community and it’s a real acknowledgement of the hard work we’ve put in.”Richard added: “We were really surprised - we’ve been very focused on our own patch, head down, bum up. We feel like we’re doing all right but relative to what?“So when we’re put up against extraordinary other businesses, to come out on top was pretty humbling.”When he started baking, he would send a message to his mailing list to say what was going to be ready each Saturday and people would respond to say which option they wanted.That grew to the point where they needed a bigger permanent location and it was tough to find a spot with space large enough for a bakery and a small area for customers to savour the treats. The old minister’s cottage at the Uniting Church had been used by the Men’s Shed but they had moved to a more suitable location for them, so Slow Dough pounced on the opportunity, opening their doors in early 2024.It took them more than a year to wade through the development applications paperwork and complete renovations to make it fit for purpose but it has proved to be the ideal location for them. “We both come from a corporate background,” Lucy explained.“Rich had always been interested in baking but had never got the opportunity to do it. So when we were in what seemed like a never-ending lockdown at the time, it allowed him the chance to get into making it.”Lucy King, Susan Spence, Jo Aspinall and Richard King at the Kiama Business Awards. Photo: The BugleHe said his initial offerings would have been “better for building than eating” but after lots of practice, he refined his craft.“Neither of us have done this before and are still learning every day in terms of baking and building a business,” Lucy added. “We just want to acknowledge the Kiama community and our customers who have really supported us. Everything we do is new. It’s just been so wonderful the way the locals have rallied us on because it’s been tough at times.“They’ve been open to what we do because we do things a bit differently. They’ve been willing to come along this journey with us. We’re very grateful.”They were also a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category, an essential part of their set-up.“My background is in corporate sustainability so it’s something that’s really important to make sure we’re integrating that into what we do as a business,” Lucy said.They partnered with Kerryn McInnes from The Passion Project at The Pines in Kiama and they collect Slow Dough’s compostable waste for her permaculture garden.“It’s a nice example of closing the loop within our local community and ecosystem of businesses,” Lucy said. “We do generate a fair bit of waste but we make sure we do as much as we can to reduce that.”Slow Dough’s cardboard packaging, including the coffee cups, is compostable and included in this program to help reduce landfill.

There’s a fresh buzz brewing at one of Kiama’s most prominent cafe spots, with Park Central Cafe on Terralong Street launching under new ownership last weekend.Harpal “Harry” Singh has taken the reins and kicked off a new era on Saturday, introducing a revamped New York-style deli menu, longer trading hours, and all-day service.Leading the front of house and kitchen is Rideika Boney, with a renewed focus on fresh, gourmet offerings and extended breakfast and lunch options.Park Central Cafe manager and chef Rideika Boney.“We're focusing on breakfast and lunch, extending opening hours from 7am to 5pm and keeping the kitchen open all day,” Singh said.“Some of the new additions on the menu are chicken burgers, veggie burgers, wraps, salads, and nachos, as well as protein shakes.“So, we're expanding the breakfast and lunch items, and including waffles for the kids.”The updated menu features sourdough sandwiches, bagels, croissants, artisan pastries, cakes and a wide range of hot and cold beverages. Coffee remains a major specialty.Originally from Punjab in India, Singh came to Australia a decade ago as an international student. He now lives in Wollongong with his wife, Gurpreet Kaur.“We love it here in Kiama and we have some good friends here. So, we didn’t hesitate to take on this business,” he said.He said Park Central Cafe’s location made it an ideal meeting place for locals and visitors. He’s aiming to cater to both with a menu that balances quality with comfort.“This is a popular holiday location, so it’s important that we have the right offerings for visitors,” Singh said.“But we want to continue to look after our local customers and keep growing the business.“We’ll be making everything fresh, and we’ll be expanding the kitchen. It’s all very exciting.”