Saltwater has emerged as the winner of the ‘Most Outstanding Restaurant’ award at the Illawarra & South Coast Local Business Awards 2023, held on 13 September.Gülçin Töpel, the driving force behind Saltwater, also earned recognition as a finalist in the 'Business Person of the Year' Category.Upon receiving the award, Gülçin expressed deep gratitude. She said: "First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to my exceptional team, my loving family, and the remarkable Kiama community. I want to express my sincere thanks to those who have tirelessly worked day in and day out, transforming Saltwater into one of the most renowned restaurants in the Illawarra & South Coast."Gülçin reminisced about the journey that led to this proud moment. Taking over Saltwater in May 2021, she faced the immediate challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, which dramatically altered the small business landscape. "It was a tough time for us, as it was for everyone," Gülçin disclosed. "However, I was fortunate to be surrounded by my invaluable staff and the supportive Kiama community."Saltwater boasts a dedicated team of 24 employees, primarily locals. Gülçin praised them by saying, "They are truly exceptional. Their dedication extends far beyond these walls, with many of them pursuing education and their future dreams. Being part of this team is immensely gratifying. We are thrilled to bring this prestigious award to Kiama!"The Bugle extends a heartfelt congratulations to Gülçin and her Saltwater team.

The winners of the 2023 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards will be announced at a gala at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday 13 October at 6:30pm.A huge congratulations to everyone who entered, and for those who have made it to the finals! This includes the following members of the Kiama District Business Chambers, who are finalists on the night: Outstanding Employee, Natalie Allan - MMJ Real EstateExcellence in Small Business: Burnetts on BarneyExcellence in Large Business: RMB Lawyers and Jamberoo Action ParkThe Bugle wishes these businesses the best of luck to win their category and we look forward to a positive result on the night.  

 Cameron Thomas, proprietor of Central Perk café, has a love and passion for food. He also has an interesting and varied past. Chef by trade Cameron has been in hospitality most of his life and was 26 when he opened his first café in Mulgoa in Western Sydney. For some 10 years he successfully operated the café, and a ‘before and after school’ care centre, plus a wedding venue. All businesses did well.Always drawn towards working in a stimulating workplace, and at age 39, Cameron decided on a career change and joined the Police force. “Being a Policeman was an invaluable life experience,” he said, “It’s definitely NOT a ‘9 to 5’ existence.”He recalls, “After eight months training in the Police Academy, as a 40-year-old thrown in with a bunch of 25-year-olds, I was looking forward to my first posting.”Cameron was stationed in Marrickville, in Sydney’s inner west, and spent six years in the force.After frequent holidays to the South Coast, Cameron grew to love the area. In 2017 he bought property in Shell Cove, and in 2020 he moved in. Cameron wanted a complete life change, so he bought a café at 84 Terralong St, Kiama, which he renovated, and renamed ‘Central Perk’ – his own concept. The focus was, and will always be, on great food and good friendly service. He can’t help it – Cameron is a total ‘foodie’ and wants to promote local produce and goods.“It was a lot of hard work to recover from the pandemic effects on the hospitality industry”. Cameron describes that period “like being hit by a truck”. He felt that the whole concept of hospitality had gone by the wayside over that period, so he redoubled his efforts to create an outstanding café. “The problem with many hospitality venues is the lack of interaction with the customers. Perhaps staff are too disengaged?” he wonders.Cameron selected the right team with the right attitude toward hospitality and gave them the best training. He is proud of his team and what they have achieved together. Central Perk was selected out of well over 100 café nominations to become one of the 17 finalists for ‘Outstanding Café’ in the Precedent Local Business Awards 2023. Central Perk was one of only three selected from Kiama!The awards are held on 13 September at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow. Before then the finalist businesses are visited by an incognito judge who acts as a customer and evaluates the products and service. Central Perk should do well, especially since the whole mantra of the business is to provide good service, good food and good value. Cameron recognises that “People come here to enjoy the experience.”Whether Central Perk wins the Local Business Awards or not doesn’t really matter to Cameron. The recognition of becoming a finalist was already a huge reward and has let him know that he’s on the right track with the café. “Winning,” he says, “would just be icing on the cake!”Mural artist: Benjamin Ross @BENROSS_ART

“Vogue bridal here on the south coast”The best kept secret of the South Coast is the Australian bridal label, Bowie Rae, twice featured in Vogue magazine internationally. Designer Manal Waugh launched her debut collection in 2019 and after 5 years of travelling the world, she set up her first studio in Woonona. “It was always on the vision board that BOWIE RAE would eventually live in the heart of Sydney CBD… yet the more time passed, the more it felt right to bring this new kind of bridal over to the South Coast where it was born”. Manal says, “I never imagined BOWIE RAE would have taken off so quickly, In 2019 we were featured in Vogue after our very first bride and muse, Rebecca Burrow wore a custom BOWIE RAE gown”. Now brides who want to do bridal their own way can visit the studio. “The South Coast is booming with the most beautiful and inspiring creatives,” Manal shares. “Teaming up with the other cool kids of the South Coast like Hero Florist, Mrs Gibbons, or the beautiful storytelling of Sea-People Photography and a host of other local creatives, BOWIE RAE has the vision of collating all the local rebel creatives and creating a one-stop-hub for all things cool in bridal”. When it comes to the brand itself and what separates BOWIE RAE from the rest, Manal adds, “We have a very unique but simple philosophy when it comes to bridal… You don’t have to become anything or dress up as anyone else on your own wedding day.  We create a collection of separates that all work together to create your very own bridal look”. After causing controversy in the media over a sheer wedding dress, designer Manal  bares all, “I have nothing to hide when it comes to who and what I design for. BOWIE RAE is inspired by the bold and designed for the daring. We focus on building a stronger, more empowered representation of the bride… challenging the outdated and divisive representation of the storybook bride that excludes and secludes many women. BOWIE RAE wants to broaden this traditional definition of what it means to be a bride and ask, ‘what if a Bride can just be a woman getting married?’ And what if this woman can choose what she will wear on her own wedding day…”We like it! BOWIE RAE studio is now open and available for bookings by appointment onlywww.bowierae.com [email protected]://www.instagram.com/bowie.rae/

Rita Sullivan is a specialist. Her lingerie shop in Kiama provides a much-needed service to ladies who have undergone breast cancer surgery and need to adjust to the physical and emotional challenges that brings. The compassionate and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to assisting women rediscover their femininity and confidence by embracing the changes to their body with love and acceptance. How? The Knickerboxers store has an extensive range of post-surgery bras, pocketed mastectomy bras and breast forms to suit all clients. Their trusted suppliers prioritise comfort, quality, and style to ensure that clients can have access to the best possible options. The products are designed to enhance clients’ natural shape and provide gentle support, and above all boost self-confidence. “We are retired registered nurses; therefore, we have a unique insight into the challenges women face following all kinds of breast surgery.” Rita says. “We are known for our extensive range of sizes - from A cups to K cups!”Rita and her team offer personalised fittings to ensure that each garment fits perfectly. The skilled fitters have extensive experience working with women who have had breast cancer surgery and they take the time to understand the unique needs and preferences of every client. This is in an environment where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered.A small number of women in Fiji that have undergone breast cancer surgery.“Comfort is our mantra,” Rita remarks. “We recommend regular bra fittings for all women.”The Knickerboxers team travel widely to support women who cannot visit the Kiama shop and often have fitting events in Bowral, Ulladulla, Narooma, and Shoalhaven. Rita says. “Age, health, and the tyranny of distance can make it difficult for women to come to Kiama. Our next event is 25 & 26th July in Narooma. Bookings are essential.”Heather Tait from Rita’s team also visits Fiji on a regular basis offering this same service to ladies who need help. “Knickerboxers collects second hand breast forms and bras in good condition and Heather takes them to Fiji for the women following surgery,” Rita reveals, “They get no assistance in Fiji.”Rita holds a breast form that will go into a pocketed mastectomy bra.Anyone needing Rita’s expertise and advice is welcome to contact her directly on (02) 4232 1196 or visit the Knickerboxers shop at 88 Terralong Street, Kiama.Find her under the lights after her Kiama Community Radio debut.

Business Illawarra has commenced an advocacy campaign to accelerate housing supply in the in the Illawarra Shoalhaven. In partnership with key regional stakeholders, they have released a major report outlining solutions to the affordable housing crisis affecting key workers in the region.“There is a role for each level of government, the property sector, Community Housing Providers, major employers, peak bodies and the wider community in supporting the development of new affordable housing – and being innovative in how we do it,” said Adam Zarth, Executive Director of Business Illawarra.The report, based on leading research undertaken by Judith Stubbs and Associates, was launched at two events in Wollongong and Nowra. It examines the underlying causes of the crisis and identifies actions to grow affordable housing in town centres across the region.Mr Zarth said that his organisation was responding to the concerns of local employers and business owners who were suffering acute workforce shortages and attributed them to a lack of affordable housing regionally.  “We knew that the housing challenge key workers face is particularly acute in our region, where they spend on average 40% of their income on rent, compared against the 30% national average,” he said.The shortage of affordable housing has been a cause for concern among numerous local employers and business owners.“Today we have articulated the actions that each of us can take to address this issue, which is hampering economic growth and exacerbating difficult trading conditions for key sectors including hospitality, human services, retail and construction,” Mr Zarth added.The research was supported by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation, Warrigal, MMJ Real Estate, the Housing Trust and the Property Council of Australia (Illawarra). Roger Stephan, CEO, Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation said, “The councils I represent are invested in finding solutions to the regional housing shortage, and in this they must be supported by the state government and the wider community.” Jennifer Macquarie, Chair, Property Council of Australia (Illawarra) said, “The current planning system is overly complex and in dire need of reform. The state government has recently taken some welcome steps that will have a positive impact in our region, but in this report we are urging them to go further.”Warrigal CEO Jenni Hutchins said, “My organisation is now providing housing for our workers, so we know well the impact the current housing crisis is having. Our staff support the most vulnerable members of the community and work in shifts, so it is imperative that we can provide safe, local accommodation to meet their needs.”   Housing Trust CEO Michele Adair said, “We need a commitment from each level of government to help deliver more affordable rental housing, faster and more collaboratively with the private and not-for-profit sectors. We need additional investment, planning reform, and where possible, partnerships on their landholdings.” Natalie Allan, MMJ Real Estate Business Operations Manager said, "There is a pivotal role to be played in community education and engagement to overcome concerns surrounding infill development. By focusing on selecting appropriate areas with proximity to transportation and essential services, we can ensure well-planned growth that serves the best interests of the community."

A huge congratulations to local Kiama resident Jess Arroyo, owner of ‘Weigh Less with Jess’ who has been named as a finalist in the national AusMumpreneur Awards in the “Best Global Brand” and “Best Wellness Products” categories.The AusMumpreneur Awards presented by The Women’s Business School, recognises and celebrates Australian mums in business who achieve outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation. The awards are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family. A mother of two young children, Ms Arroyo lives on the south coast of New South Wales. She believes that anyone can achieve anything if it’s their passion.  She founded ‘Weigh Less with Jess’, an internationally recognised weight loss company that has helped over 150,000 people worldwide achieve their goals by losing up to 1kg daily through her clean eating lifestyle. With over 1.7 million followers on social media, Jess Arroyo is one of the top 100 social media influencers, according to The Australian.Ms Arroyo is the author of two cookbooks, a feature in a co-written “Change Makers” inspiring women’s book, a product-creator and winner of multiple business awards nationally and locally for her success in wellness, weight loss and outstanding customer service.She is delighted to be named as a finalist and is proud of her achievements, particularly since opening her shop front in bustling Wentworth Street in Port Kembla. There are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood Ms Arroyo reflects, “Small things become big when done with love. Teaching my kids doesn't feel like work when you do something you.” It can be challenging to be a successful businesswoman whilst raising a family, and Ms Arroyo gives this advice to others thinking about starting their own enterprise. “Don’t worry about other businesses who do the same gig as you. How many weight loss companies are there? It’s your magic that will bring your customers to you. Your vibe will attract your tribe.”More information can be found at www.ausmumpreneur.com. The winners of the AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at the AusMumpreneur Awards Gala Dinner in August.

Kiama Sweet Company owner Jennifer James is preparing to take her confectionary business on the road for the first time. Well, at least as far as the Kiama Winter Festival. Her business is nearing its one-year anniversary in July 2023, so we caught up with Jennifer to discuss how the past 12 months have been. “It’s been great, it’s been really well received by the community,” Jennifer told The Bugle. The idea for Kiama Sweet Company actually came from Jennifer’s brother, who has run a similar business in regional Victoria for around 20 years. “My brother has a store called the Echuca Heritage Sweet Store on the border of NSW. It’s much bigger than here but it’s still pretty much the same store. “I wanted to replicate what he’s done here, so with his assistance, I opened it and tweaked it a little bit more because the clients are a bit different.” Jennifer says the main difference between her Kiama clients is the frequent visits from Sydneysiders who are harder to impress. She says she’s landed on the winning formula to keep locals and tourists happy though. “What I wanted to do was really create something that wasn’t just a lolly store. We’ve got a range of Dutch Licorice, European Chocolate, a range of beautiful cordials from Beechworth in Victoria’s high country, so just something a bit different,” says Jennifer. “Being a sweet company, we try to go into everything that’s sweet, although the Dutch licorice is pretty salty. We also have a range of gifts that go with those chocolates like tins filled with yummy things.” Jennifer also prides herself on bringing snacks not just from around the world, but around Australia, to Kiama as well, including fudge from Adelaide, chocolate from Victoria, and all the American imports a kid in a candy store dreams of. Despite being a sweet-focused business, the proliferation of online food challenges involving spicy snacks has led Jennifer to diversify her supply into products attempting to innovate in the confectionery market. “We’ve found that spicy has come around in recent years. So, there’s spicy Tarkis and that sort of thing, but there’s a Mexican range with sweet and spicy, so we have lollipops that are watermelon and mango with a chilli dipping powder. As for why Jennifer chose Kiama to locate her business? She says the choice was easy.  “Spending the last 30 years in Sydney, I had always been coming to Kiama because I have a friend that lives nearby. I had left Sydney [after COVID lockdowns] and didn’t really want to go back into that space. “I was really looking for that relaxed, beautiful town with good tourism and I don’t think you can get better than Kiama. It’s just a divine place to be.” The Kiama Sweet Company is on Terralong Street, near the Collins Street roundabout.