After 25 years in the high-pressure corporate world, self-made businessman Jamie Lobina traded the hustle of Sydney for the tranquillity of Jaspers Brush/Kiama. Leaving behind the corporate stress, he sought a ‘semi-retirement’ that would allow him to give back by mentoring medium-sized business owners. Now, Lobina focuses on guiding others, helping them navigate the complexities of business. “It’s like having another lens or set of eyes on your business – like a non-executive board member,” Lobina explains.Lobina’s rise in the corporate world was meteoric. After a challenging upbringing, he began his career as a truck driver at 18. By 21, he had become Area Manager, and by 22, State Manager, working with major companies like PepsiCo and Arnott’s. By 26, he was National Account Manager, a testament to his passion and drive.At 27, Lobina launched Superior Sales Force, specialising in FMCG field sales and marketing with over 250 employees. His company worked with industry giants like Schweppes, Kellogg’s, and Procter & Gamble, helping to elevate several brands. After 19 successful years, he sold the business to Clemenger, a large ad agency, which turned it into an in-house hub for field marketing and merchandising.Moving south and away from the ‘blue-chip world’ was Lobina’s way to regain balance and avoid working himself into an early grave. His plan was simple: to help other businesses thrive. Today, he manages a number of companies and works six days a week—still busy, but with far less stress compared to his former life in Sydney.Lobina’s current ventures include a business mentoring company, a property maintenance business, a national franchise where he holds a 50 percent stake, and a real estate investment portfolio. With over 25 years of experience, he understands the unique challenges faced by small-to-medium businesses, where owners often wear many hats - boss, HR, marketing, finance, logistics, and more.These days, Lobina prefers to coach and work with small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), imparting what he calls “an inspiring entrepreneurial mindset.” He believes in ‘disruption’ - challenging business owners to think differently and adopt innovative approaches.“It’s critical for any business owner to understand their ‘what’ and ‘why,’” says Lobina, emphasising the importance of motivation and clarity in driving success.Currently, Lobina is mentoring an engineering firm, a real estate agency, and a grass manufacturing company in Sydney and Wollongong. His sweet spot, however, is working with businesses capitalising between $2-10 million. For Lobina, practical experience is the key to providing valuable insights - there’s no textbook or handbook that can replace it.One of his core philosophies is building a positive culture of engagement and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of employees - knowing “who is on the bus.” He points out that different roles require different mindsets and skill sets. For example, a sales representative and an accountant need distinct skills and personality traits.To better understand key staff members, Lobina employs tools like D.I.S.C. profiling, which identifies Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness traits. Interestingly, only 3 percent of business owners exhibit high Dominance and high Conscientiousness, a combination Lobina finds crucial for leadership.At the heart of his work, Jamie Lobina simply wants to make a difference. His coaching regimen typically involves one-hour sessions every fortnight, held in-house at the client’s premises. Initially, these sessions are with the CEO, gradually expanding to include senior staff. Between sessions, Lobina maintains momentum with bi-weekly phone calls, ensuring accountability and progress.When asked about the common pain points for businesses, Lobina highlights that it’s not just about external factors like the economy. The real challenge lies in how businesses approach growth and expansion - timing, strategy, and sometimes, downsizing or preparing for sale to improve their financial standing.Lobina’s top five tips for business owners:Work vs. Home Balance: Keep work at work. Home should be a safe space, not an extension of your office. The ‘work-from-home’ trend has blurred these boundaries.Mental Fitness: Recognise when you need help. Small practices like daily meditation can help manage stress and improve well-being.Passion: If you lack passion for what you’re doing, it’s time to reassess. Understanding your ‘why’ is crucial to staying motivated.Physical Habits: Movement is essential. Physical activity stimulates the brain and boosts creativity. Find at least 30 minutes a day for exercise.Team Building: To drive momentum, ensure you have the right people on board. Identify who’s committed, and don’t hesitate to make changes if necessary.Jamie Lobina’s transition from a high-powered corporate executive to a business mentor in the quiet surroundings of Kiama reflects his commitment to helping others succeed. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the challenges faced by SMEs make him a sought-after mentor. As he continues to guide and inspire, Lobina remains focused on making a lasting impact on the businesses he works with, one entrepreneur at a time.

Kiama-based building company Crump Constructions has been recognised for their quality of work at the recent Master Builders Association Southern Regions Excellence in Building Awards.The company won in their category for a recently completed new home in Kiama.  After being judged alongside homes in the region, which stretches from Wollongong’s northern suburbs down to the Far South Coast and inland to the Southern highlands and Snowy Mountains, the panel of experts deemed the house to be the best.“The judges commend the project for its innovative design, high quality finishes and exceptional craftsmanship,” the judging panel said at the presentation.The win was announced in front of over 300 builders and industry representatives at a gala dinner held in Ulladulla on Saturday 27 July. Company principal Nathan Crump was on hand to receive the award.“It was a big surprise when I heard my name announced and it was a very proud moment to be up on stage,” said Nathan Crump.“After many years in the industry it is nice to be recognised by the Association when compared to so many other quality builders. I feel it shows my small scale, hands-on approach results in high quality projects.” 

Kiama’s own Mark Foster is one of the most experienced and professional barbers on the South Coast. In his time he has mingled with the rich and famous in the fish and chip shop.Mark is a die-hard Manchester United supporter and when he lived in Manchester, he used to chat with Gary Neville, the captain of Manchester United and David Beckham, over a spread of haddock and chips.People come from Gerroa to Wollongong to sit in the chair and let Mark and Master Barbers Charlotte Powell and David Azevedo, practice their art.Mark opened Premier Barbers in Terralong Street in 2007 and he reckons since he started the business in Kiama, he has cut more than 100,000 heads of hair.“Being a part of the Kiama community for almost two decades, I have seen some of my customers go from their first haircut to starting school, first girlfriend, first car, getting jobs and starting families of their own,” Mark said.The team create all the latest styles from the latest Amsterdam and Korean cuts, textured crops, skin fades to spiky mullets. They do beard trims, razor shaves and more.There’s air conditioning, music, a relaxed ambiance, and white glove cleanliness.Mark has barbering and styling in his blood. His family in England has been cutting men’s hair since 1886. He’s a 6th generation master barber working at the top of his game.“I started my career in the family trade in 1987 and owned three salons overseas before I moved here from sunny Manchester, England.”Mark has employed scores of young local people who want to learn a trade.“It gives me a sense that I’m keeping the town’s economy going and growing.”If you want to know what’s going on around town, take a seat, because all the stories come out at Premier Barbers.“I had a chap in one time said he’d just been into a barbers that said $10.00 haircuts. He then asked me to put up a sign in my window to say we fix $10.00 haircuts.”Premier Barbers. You’ll leave better looking.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has invited community feedback on proposed maximum Opal fares for the next four years.Tribunal Chair Carmel Donnelly said IPART is reviewing maximum fares for train, bus, ferry, light rail, Metro and on-demand services within the Opal network, which includes Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, the Illawarra, and the Hunter.“The maximum fare protects consumers from excessive charging, but the price passengers actually pay is set by the NSW Government and all current ticket prices are set below the current maximum fare,” Ms Donnelly said.“In NSW, taxpayers, not passengers, fund the majority of the cost of providing public transport because it provides broad benefits to the whole community, including reducing congestion on our roads, supporting economic activity, education, social connectivity and environmental advantages.“It is important to balance the need for affordable public transport fares, which many people rely on, with the rising cost of providing safe and efficient services,” she said.IPART is proposing an average 2 percent  increase above inflation to maximum fares compared to current maximum fares set by IPART in 2020.• For bus and light rail, most maximum fares would stay the same, with an increase of 1.6 percent to the 3 to 8 km distance..• For train and Metro, maximum fares would rise between 0.7-4.1 percent, depending on the distance.• For Sydney Ferry services, maximum fares would increase between 3- 4 percent..• The Newcastle-Stockton Ferry maximum fare would increase by 7 percent.IPART is also proposing that the maximum fares set by IPART increase with inflation in July each year using CPI.Ms Donnelly said IPART’s Draft Determination would ensure that passengers only pay for the shortest possible track distance between two train stations, ending an anomaly called the “CBD increment” which put some passengers into a higher distance band when travelling to City Circle stations.The Tribunal has also considered affordability issues and made a draft recommendation for Transport for NSW to expand eligibility for the Opal Concession card.IPART’s Draft Report will be available from Friday 16 August at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au. Submissions on the draft proposals are open until 16 September 2024. An online public hearing will be held on 3 September.IPART’s Final Report will be delivered to the NSW Government in October 2024.The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has invited community feedback on proposed maximum Opal fares for the next four years.Tribunal Chair Carmel Donnelly said IPART is reviewing maximum fares for train, bus, ferry, light rail, Metro and on-demand services within the Opal network, which includes Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, the Illawarra, and the Hunter.“The maximum fare protects consumers from excessive charging, but the price passengers actually pay is set by the NSW Government and all current ticket prices are set below the current maximum fare,” Ms Donnelly said.“In NSW, taxpayers, not passengers, fund the majority of the cost of providing public transport because it provides broad benefits to the whole community, including reducing congestion on our roads, supporting economic activity, education, social connectivity and environmental advantages.“It is important to balance the need for affordable public transport fares, which many people rely on, with the rising cost of providing safe and efficient services,” she said.IPART is proposing an average 2 percent  increase above inflation to maximum fares compared to current maximum fares set by IPART in 2020.• For bus and light rail, most maximum fares would stay the same, with an increase of 1.6 percent to the 3 to 8 km distance..• For train and Metro, maximum fares would rise between 0.7-4.1 percent, depending on the distance.• For Sydney Ferry services, maximum fares would increase between 3- 4 percent..• The Newcastle-Stockton Ferry maximum fare would increase by 7 percent.IPART is also proposing that the maximum fares set by IPART increase with inflation in July each year using CPI.Ms Donnelly said IPART’s Draft Determination would ensure that passengers only pay for the shortest possible track distance between two train stations, ending an anomaly called the “CBD increment” which put some passengers into a higher distance band when travelling to City Circle stations.The Tribunal has also considered affordability issues and made a draft recommendation for Transport for NSW to expand eligibility for the Opal Concession card.IPART’s Draft Report will be available from Friday 16 August at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au. Submissions on the draft proposals are open until 16 September 2024. An online public hearing will be held on 3 September.IPART’s Final Report will be delivered to the NSW Government in October 2024.

Locally owned homewares and variety store, House2Home in Kiama, will close, but try to trade on in a different form. “After 24 years of business in our little town, the end of the road is near for House2Home Kiama. We have made the extremely tough decision to close down,” the owners said online. “After so long in the game and a very tumultuous last 4-5 years, we just haven’t got any fight left in us to keep facing the continual challenges that small business brings.” It is believed rising power prices and rents may have played a part in the pending closure.“We’re still sure how this is going to play out and we don’t have an end date as yet.” “We are in the process of trying to work out if we can have one more Christmas before we close the doors for good, or whether it will be sooner than that.” “We’re not totally down and out just yet as we still look into some options to continue in some way, even if it is different to the House2Home we’ve all come to know and love. If nothing else comes up, we’re still hoping to do balloons in some way, shape or form.”House2Home in Corrimal shut in October last year and House2Home in Thirroul closed in August 2019. NSW is approaching a record year of business closures fuelled by persistent high interest rates, inflation, and reduced consumer spending. Approximately 3695 NSW small businesses have closed this financial year to April 30, and may overtake the 4,487 business which closed in 2008, during the GFC.

After trading for a year, Artful Pantry on Terralong Street is closing and will move most of its favourite products to the Collective Beat Kiama.Sheree Bailey, the owner of the Artful Pantry and the Collective Beat, said the high rent was the business's biggest challenge.“We absolutely love the store but sadly high rents in Kiama just aren't sustainable for some small businesses,” said Ms Bailey.“The limited foot traffic however at that end of the Terralong street and the building's unattractive and worn-out appearance, added to our difficulties,” she said.“Over the past year, we sought assistance from the landlord multiple times and proposed various changes, including the addition of a coeliac-safe bakery and gluten free patisserie—a unique offering we believe the town needs,” she said.“However, the landlord was unwilling to collaborate or consider any of our requests, including a rent reduction. Regrettably, we are left with no choice but to close down that shop and move out the business.”The Artful Pantry stocked Australian and local foods not normally found at Woolworths.The store created a strong gluten free community and it will stock most of those products in the Collective Beat Kiama and the Collective Beat Berry.Sheree Bailey opened Artful Pantry in June last year and introduced locals to Australian-made artisan produce.Ms Bailey stocked fresh coeliac baked bread from Shellharbour’s Sans Gluten, Kangaroo Valley Olives, Pebbly Path rocky road from Mudgee and, within the gourmet deli fridge, Tilba Cheese, Sydney’s Salame Casareccio and more.Ms Bailey has grown the Collective Beat to four stores in Kiama, Berry, Gerringong and Huskisson.

Kiama welcomes its newest addition to the health and wellness scene with the opening of South Coast Sports Physiotherapy. Headed by the highly experienced Dan Mannix, this new clinic promises to deliver top-tier physiotherapy services to both athletes and the general public.Dan Mannix brings over a decade of clinical experience as a sports physiotherapist to Kiama. Prior to founding South Coast Sports Physiotherapy, Mannix dedicated eight years to working full-time in professional rugby. His impressive resume includes significant roles with the Australian Women’s 7's team in 2018 and 2019, and the men’s national rugby team, the Wallabies, from 2020 to 2023.Reflecting on his extensive experience, Mannix states, "Working in high-performance environments forces you to learn quickly and uphold high standards in your day-to-day practice.”A Canberra native, Mannix's journey into physiotherapy was inspired by his passion for sports, having actively participated in rugby, golf, and tennis during his youth. He pursued his physiotherapy studies at the University of Canberra and later specialised in a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy at La Trobe University. His career has also seen him working internationally with UK rugby teams, including the Cornish Pirates and Leicester Tigers.When asked about the distinction between sports physiotherapy and regular physiotherapy, Mannix explains, “It's the same principles just applied in a different setting. With athletes, there is definitely more pressure to have people return to a higher level of function quickly, but you’re still using the same clinical skills in the private practice setting. You definitely don't have to be an athlete to be seen by a sports physiotherapist.”Mannix emphasises a comprehensive approach to treatment. “We offer a thorough assessment, targeted hands-on treatment, and an exercise program to address the underlying issue,” he says.Conveniently located in the terrace houses on Collins Lane, Kiama, South Coast Sports Physiotherapy is set to become a cornerstone of health and recovery in the community. Whether you're an elite athlete or simply someone in need of quality physiotherapy care, Dan Mannix and his team are ready to assist you on your journey to optimal health.For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.scsphysiotherapy.com

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

Central Jamberoo is festooned with red wreaths and Australian Red Cross memorabilia as the local branch puts their best foot forward to mark the 110th anniversary of the organisation’s work. On Tuesday 13 August, Jamberoo Branch is celebrating by asking locals to wear red as a thank you to the volunteers who have been, and always will be here to help. Formed after the outbreak of World War One in 1914, the Australian Red Cross Jamberoo Branch has played a pivotal role in connecting older or vulnerable community members and raising funds for life changing Australian Red Cross programs. Jamberoo Branch President, Barbara Adams, says turning 110 is a milestone worth celebrating. “We are proud of our long history serving this community and of the volunteers and members who continue to deliver what’s needed to those who are most vulnerable. In celebration of this milestone, we’re encouraging the Jamberoo community to wear red to acknowledge those we have stood beside, and those who continue to make our important work possible,” she said. In celebration of the 110th anniversary, from Sunday 4 August, Red Cross memorabilia will be on show in the vacant shop next to Kings Patisserie in Allowrie St, Jamberoo, and local businesses will display an exhibition of images by well-known Jamberoo photographer Linda Faiers, showing past and current Jamberoo Red Cross volunteers in action. Branch members skilled in knitting and crochet will also be yarnbombing and garlanding the village to “paint the town red”. From 10 till 2 on Thursday 8 August, Ms Adams will host the regional Red Cross Zone Conference at Club Jamberoo, with around 50 delegates expected including members from neighbouring Red Cross branches in Kiama, Gerringong, Albion Park, Dapto and Fairy Meadow as well as dignitaries from Head Office. On Tuesday 13 August, Jamberoo Branch is putting on a free community morning tea from 10am till midday in the RSL hall on Allowrie St, with all welcome to join in the celebrations. From 10am that morning, there will also be a drive-by of classic cars through Jamberoo courtesy of members of the Jamberoo Valley Classic Vehicles Club – look out for red and white vehicles in particular. 

On August 2, NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced a new Boating and Infrastructure Dredging Scheme for NSW coastlines. The program will allocate $28 million towards public boating amenities over four years and $16 million for dredging at key locations along the NSW coast.“Our state’s waterways are the most beautiful in the world, and this program will support local communities to plan for, build and maintain waterways infrastructure to keep it safe and accessible for people now and into the future,” says Minister Haylen.NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings says, “We’ve listened to the feedback from the boating community, which highlighted the need for continued investment to support maintenance of local boating infrastructure.”Transport for NSW Maritime have committed to working towards a target of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW Waterways by 2056.Registrations of interest for the grants programs will be open later this year, with successful applicants to be announced in 2025.

New buyers at The Waterfront, Shell Cove, can now enjoy a unique offer: a free berth at Shellharbour Marina, valued at $50,000. This promotion is available for purchasers of land at The Peninsula and apartments at Vela, with a two-year free berth licence. The offer will be launched at the Sydney International Boat Show at Darling Harbour from 1-4 August.To qualify, buyers must enter into a new contract and settle on a property in The Peninsula precinct by 30 September this year. Similarly, buyers of apartments in Vela need to exchange contracts by 30 September 2024.The Peninsula and Vela, both adjacent to the marina, are prime locations within the master-planned community by Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Australia. This offer is particularly appealing to boating enthusiasts looking to enjoy a marina lifestyle.The Peninsula offers a range of land options, including coastal, beachfront, and harbourfront lots, priced between $1,650,000 and $3,000,000. This sought-after location is situated between Shellharbour South Beach and the new 270-berth Shellharbour Marina, surrounded by green spaces.Vela, a luxury five-storey building designed by Candalepas, features apartments with garden, marina, and ocean views. Prices range from $1,850,000 to $2,325,000 for two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments, and $2,325,000 to $3,300,000 for three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. Residents can enjoy amenities such as a 15m heated pool overlooking the harbour, a gym, and communal areas for social gatherings.The Shellharbour Marina, part of a newly engineered 12-hectare harbour, offers first-class facilities including a Marina Services Centre, maintenance area, modern boat ramp, and fuel dock. The harbour is surrounded by 2.6km of boardwalks, linking The Waterfront’s amenities like dining, shopping, a children’s beach, and waterplay area. A future Crowne Plaza Hotel is expected to open in 2025.Frasers Property Australia and Shellharbour Marina representatives will be present at the Sydney Boat Show to meet prospective buyers. Mathew Gulliver, Development Director at Frasers Property Australia, highlighted the appeal of the marina and the unique positioning of The Peninsula, stating, “It’s a unique amenity that allows buyers to walk out of their front door and straight to their vessel for a day out on the ocean. The positioning of The Peninsula land lots, with the beach on one side and the harbour on the other, along with well-established shopping, dining, and recreation options nearby, offers a lifestyle unlike any other in NSW.”Interested buyers can visit The Waterfront Sales Centre or https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/nsw/shell-cove for more information.

Local Kiama resident and former plumber Bryan Malone has just returned from his latest humanitarian trip to Rwanda. His journey was not only a mission of goodwill but also an educational venture, where he mentored students from the University of Wollongong (UOW) on various building and plumbing projects. These projects, initiated by David Walker, a former engineering lecturer at UOW, aim to uplift and empower Rwandan communities through practical education and support.Rwanda, one of East Africa's smallest countries, shares borders with Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. Despite its small size, with a population of around 26 million, Rwanda's history is marked by the devastating 1994 genocide, in which 800,000 to one million Tutsi people were brutally murdered by Hutu extremists. This horrific event left deep scars, but the country has been resilient in its efforts to rebuild and heal.Bryan Malone works with David Walker, who has visited Rwanda 50 times, and is dedicated to helping the nation recover from its tragic past. With a background at BlueScope, Walker focuses on providing education and mentoring to foster self-sufficiency within Rwandan communities. Their goal is to enhance the students' understanding of global disparities and the importance of social responsibility.Malone, with nine visits to Rwanda under his belt, took the students to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. He said, “The first place we took the students was to the memorial museum where there are 250,000 people buried in a mass grave”. There, they met Frida Umuhoza, a remarkable genocide survivor. Now living in Melbourne, Frida authored "The School of Resilience: Chosen to Die, Destined to Live," recounting her harrowing experiences and her journey towards forgiveness and hope. Her story of survival and resilience serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation.Communicating through an interpreter during his visits, Malone and his team have completed various impactful projects. They built an office for the teachers out of a shipping container, complete with fencing, and a water tank installed at a school in Babati, Tanzania. In a primary school in Kigali, they also installed a water tank in line with two other tanks feeding a toilet block. They revisited two Youth Centres where they painted walls, and repaired water tanks. These youth centres have been established for the now orphaned students to learn valuable life skills.In one notable act of kindness, Malone's team renewed a tap they had installed in 2022 for Maria, a genocide survivor who had been bedridden for 30 years. Malone said, “She is the only one to have a tap inside her tiny home. Maria remembered us and beamed with delight when she saw us again.” Her joy upon seeing the team highlighted the significant improvement they had brought to her quality of life.Malone's humanitarian efforts extend beyond Rwanda, into Kenya. Stay tuned for Part 2 of his inspiring story in the next edition of The Bugle.

Four local small businesses have been selected as finalists of the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.The four finalists are: Miss Zoe’s School of Dance (performing arts), Miss Arda (restaurant), The Collective Beat (specialised retail small business), and Soul Fit Co (fitness services).The awards, which drew thousands of entries, celebrate women in small businesses all across the country from capital cities to rural towns. It’s the only national awards program of its kind, created specifically to highlight the rising economic, cultural and social contributions of female-led small businesses.The awards program features more than 60 categories across retail, services and manufacturing industries as well as individual categories for the year’s most inspiring female small business leaders.Winners of the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards will be announced on Saturday, 24 August in Sydney at a gala event.The Bugle congratulates all our local finalists.

The global tech outage that hit Kiama and the rest of the world may have caused a few choice words in the office, but it also showed the best in teamwork.With only an hour to go before I was due to hit the airwaves on a regional radio station, the show was looking good. The people we wanted to interview were locked in, the scripts were written, and the remaining time could be used to craft our audio.The grey skies and sudden downpour of rain should have raised my suspicion that despite being prepared, it was about to go downhill.Just as the clock hit three, when I was in the middle of editing audio, the laptop crashed and I unleashed an expletive under my breath. Thinking that I had asked the computer to work too hard, I went about restarting it when out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that my producer’s computer had the old Microsoft Windows Blue Screen of Death.It was in those minutes that I heard a collective surprise from other colleagues as their computers all suffered the same fate. It was a domino effect, as each computer crashed.At this stage of the afternoon no one had any idea that it was a software update pushed through by a cyber security company in the US that had caused the issue. Instead our minds suddenly jumped to the conclusion that we were hacked.Despite the uncertainty, and with the bare basic of systems in operation, the team made a decision that the show must go on. While I familiarised myself with the workings of a CD player, a skill that I hadn’t lost, and pawed through a somewhat vintage collection of CDs, with obscure country artists, the rest of my team were madly writing scripts by hand as we no longer had access to our systems. As the hour of the broadcast drew closer, I was so humbled to see everyone working together in a situation no one had experienced before; no one complaining about the massive task at hand; all working towards a common goal.The outage may have shown the worst in technology when it fails, but it also showed the best in people when faced with a challenge, and at the end of the day, I am so proud to have been able to share the moment with a group of hardworking and dedicated individuals.This is only one story from the global tech outage, and across Kiama, there are many businesses and offices that experienced the collapse of their windows computer. What was your experience? The Bugle Newspaper wants to hear your story.

How can you prepare for an important job interview?Congratulations! You’ve been invited to interview for a job role that you’ve applied for, showcasing your mastery of the application process. Now, it’s crunch time. How well will you stack up verbally against the other candidates?We've all been there – facing a panel of interviewers throwing questions to see how well you can think on your feet. Instead of being stumped by curveballs, you can prepare ahead of time for the likely questions you’ll be asked. This preparation can make you stand out as the preferred candidate over others, who might hesitate and cobble together responses on the fly.Deducing likely questionsOne effective strategy is to examine the job advertisement carefully. Look for sections like “About You,” which describe the qualities the employer seeks. You've already met the educational requirements, as evidenced by the invitation to interview. Now, focus on the other attributes mentioned. Here are some common qualities employers look for and how you can prepare to discuss them:1. Leadership experience If the job ad mentions “a broad range of previous leadership experience,” prepare to give an overview of your leadership roles. Reflect on your professional experience and list the industries you’ve worked in (e.g., hospitality, recruitment and business). Then, identify the leadership skills you have utilised in those roles. Some examples include:Keeping the team focused on their goalsEncouraging team members to share views and ideasUpskilling colleagues and fostering their talentsProviding counsel, advice, and maintaining an open-door policyInspiring, guiding, and motivating individuals and the teamPracticing collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment.Tie these skills to specific occasions where you demonstrated them, making them more accessible during the interview.2. Attention to detail is the basis of another likely question. For qualities like “high attention to detail in both written and verbal communication,” recall roles and examples that showcase your meticulousness. For written communication, think about drafting, reviewing, and editing documents. For verbal communication, focus on preparation, practice, eye contact, and a measured tone of delivery.3. Ability to work under pressure is a classic. When asked about your ability to work under pressure, provide examples from your current and past roles. For instance, meeting deadlines, staying calm and focused, prioritising tasks, and assisting others can all illustrate this ability.4. Customer service excellence is highly likely to elicit a question. If “proven experience offering a high level of customer service” is a requirement, reflect on what good customer service means to you. As someone who has walked more than five decades on the planet and been the recipient of both good, bad and ugly customer service, I don’t think you can beat three simple rules/skills at the crux. These are ‘listening skills’, ‘politeness’, and ‘timeliness of response’, assuming of course that the response is also accurate. When I think back over my hospitality career, success also came from having good observation skills, empathy and a friendly demeanor. No one wants to wait, and wait, and they expect to get what they asked for, with a smile. If workers are not focused on each customer during the transaction, then mistakes are made. It happens all too often. I also consider it rude if the server also doesn’t look me in the eye and provide basic ‘professional warmth’.So your focus needs to be on key elements such as listening skills, politeness, and timely, accurate responses. Draw on your experiences from various roles to highlight these skills. In hospitality, focus on empathy, observation skills, and maintaining a friendly demeanour. In financial services, emphasise timeliness, accuracy, and politeness. In health and wellness, highlight empathy, patience, and building trust.Additional tip: To further prepare, enlist the help of a clever friend to brainstorm possible questions and practice your responses. Here are some additional questions to consider:How have you improved efficiencies in the workplace?Can you provide an example of leading a team to achieve a specific goal or project?What drives you to become a successful leader? How do you measure your success?When it's your turn to ask questions, what will set you apart from other candidates is the quality of your questions. Be specific to demonstrate your expertise in the field.Wishing you the best in your interview! Remember, preparation and practice are key to success. By anticipating the interviewer’s questions and reflecting on your experiences, as well as having researched the company so that you have some quality questions of your own, you can confidently demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

Kiama real estate agent Marnie Beauchamp has returned to the industry, and the town she loves, after stepping away for several years “to heal emotionally, physically and spiritually”.Several years ago, the successful business woman moved from Kiama to Sydney. A series of traumatic events and a mid-life evaluation prompted her to take stock of her life and make some changes, including writing a book, Unread Pages: The Silent Struggles Behind Every Success. The book is a raw account of her struggles, including losing both her parents, surviving financial ruin and two divorces, battling an eating disorder, undergoing spinal surgery and helping bring a stalker to justice, “which was pretty scary”.It is little wonder then that the self-confessed workaholic needed some time out from the daily grind of 15 hour days, seven days a week.“I went overseas, did solo road trips, I laid on the beach and I basically hid away from the world,” she laughs. But the break proved life-changing and reminded her how much she missed Kiama and the real estate industry. “It wasn’t the place that was the problem, it was the place I was in. By giving myself some space I was able to get clarity around where I wanted to be and it’s definitely here in Kiama. Sometimes you need to move away from something to really appreciate it.”Marnie had been working ridiculous hours “her whole adult life,” buying her first real estate agency at 27 while nursing a newborn. She juggled running a business and raising two young children for the next five years until her marriage broke down. When she decided to sell the business, the transaction went pear shaped and ended up in court. Marnie was being sued for damages and came out of the process “hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from having to fight the claim”.“I lost everything,” she says. “Financially as well as physically, as my health deteriorated.”Marnie put her company, named after her daughters, into voluntary administration. But she couldn’t bring herself to declare bankruptcy or liquidate her business.  “I’m a fighter, I didn’t want to take the easy way out,” she says. “I decided to get back into it and pay every cent back. At the time, I had $1.76 to my name, that's how bad it was. I was sitting in the park and I couldn't even buy my girls an ice cream. It took me about five years to pay off the debt, but I did it.” Around the same time, Marnie’s beloved father passed away suddenly, at just 58 years old. Her dad was her inspiration to find the strength to rebuild her career and her life. Despite vowing to never open another business or franchise again, she did both in 2009, “starting from scratch”. Over the next several years she won a raft of awards, including business person of the year, most outstanding real estate agency, number one agent of the year, and business of the year. Marnie successfully “clawed herself out” of both debt and despair.“You only fail if you give up,” she says. “Failure has been the catalyst for the biggest successes in my life. If you want something bad enough you find a way. A lot of it is about mindset, you just have to be willing to do the hard yards.”Resilience is the underlying theme for Marnie’s book, a project she began working on after taking a career break from the real estate industry and moving away from Kiama in 2019.“For the last few years I haven’t done much at all,” she says. Not much at all for Marnie includes writing her book, industry coaching and business mentoring, guest appearances on business podcasts and, most recently, developing a performance-based app for the real estate industry.“Writing the book was cathartic and very emotional,” says Marnie. “Revisiting all the things I’ve been through was hard, but the book gave me the opportunity to breathe, reflect and think.”Marnie recently signed on with Belle Property and is back home in Kiama, her “happy place”.Marnie will launch her book at Belle Property Berry on August 8 at 6pm. All are welcome for book sales and signings. 

Coolangatta Floor Sanding (CFS), a family-owned and operated business, has proudly served the Shoalhaven region for 26 years, establishing itself as the premier local floor sanding and polishing company. Under the new leadership of Dane Hamill, who recently took over from his father Glen following his retirement, the business continues its tradition of excellence and quality service.Dane, who has been perfecting his craft since graduating high school in 2006, brings extensive expertise in floor sanding, cleaning, and timber maintenance. His proficiency includes providing valuable advice and performing restoration work to repair scratches and recoat floors, significantly enhancing their longevity and overall lifespan.CFS collaborates with contractors, builders, and architects across Shoalhaven and its surrounding suburbs, including Berry, Nowra, Shoalhaven Heads, Kiama, Kangaroo Valley, and Jervis Bay, to deliver exceptional service and expert guidance. Dane proudly notes their use of state-of-the-art European sanding and buffing equipment, which features large belt sanders for expansive areas and smaller edging sanders for intricate work in corners and alongside boards."I have witnessed remarkable transformations in the homes we've worked on," Dane shares. "The results significantly enhance the property's value, as polished floors are a highly sought-after feature in real estate marketing."Homeowners not only seek to improve their living spaces for aesthetic appeal but also to protect their investments. "Our entire team takes great pleasure in seeing our clients' reactions to the finished product," Dane adds.Dane is also knowledgeable about the 'whitewash' technique, which can be applied in various ways. Floors can either be painted with full coverage white paint followed by a clear coat in matte, satin, or gloss finish, or a light tint can be added to the coating to prevent sun-induced discoloration. Additionally, other colour options are available.Whether for domestic or commercial applications, Dane and his team at CFS are invaluable resources for expert advice and floor improvement potential. It is highly recommended to get in touch with them for a quote and experience their exceptional service firsthand.

The newly refurbished Kiama Village has a new addition that’s quickly becoming a local favourite - The Spot Café. Conveniently located with easy parking, it's a must-visit for coffee lovers and anyone seeking a cozy spot to relax.Owned by Luke Gamble-Smith, The Spot Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee. Luke is passionate about sharing what he calls a "piece of heaven" with both the visitors and the local Kiama community alike. His enthusiasm for creating meaningful relationships with customers, staff, and suppliers is at the heart of his business philosophy.“The little conversations you have with people each day can make a big difference in their life,” Luke shared. Through these interactions, he has formed lasting friendships and connected with many on a personal level.Despite his youth – ‘under 30’ - Luke is no stranger to the hospitality industry. His journey began at McDonald's, where he honed his hospitality skills and learned the intricacies of running a business. Growing up in public housing with a mentally ill single mother, Luke faced significant challenges but remained determined to create a better future. Positive role models instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire to give back to his community.Luke's first business venture, Naturally Tasty in Shell Cove, launched in October 2018. His passion for the Illawarra region has only grown since then. A place to connect: The name "The Spot Café" reflects Luke's vision of a welcoming local hub where people can enjoy great food, excellent coffee, and quality time with friends. His goals are straightforward: provide an exceptional customer experience and consistently deliver high-quality food and coffee.To Luke, customer service goes beyond a simple transaction. He often feels like a friend or counsellor to many of his patrons, sharing advice and brightening their days. His favoritepart of the job is mentoring his staff, watching young employees grow into responsible community members and succeed in their careers.“I believe in giving back to people, treating everyone with respect and aiming to have a positive influence on them. A business is nothing without the people who are a part of it in any capacity,” Luke emphasised.The Spot Café serves Toby’s Estate specialty coffee and offers an inviting space for group meetings. Regular food specials and all-day breakfast are available, with trading hours from 7:30 am to 3 pm daily, extending during the warmer months. Seniors can enjoy a 10% discount with a senior card, and special deals are frequently offered.For convenience, you can order ahead online via Hey You, LOKE (Our website/App), and Uber Eats. With ample parking at Kiama Village, visiting The Spot Café is easy and enjoyable. You definitely need to experience the welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service that Luke and his team provide.

In a proud milestone for RMB Lawyers, Kiama locals Claire Osborne and Tanya Emmett, have been appointed as Partners at the firm, marking a significant achievement in their careers. Their promotions underscore RMB Lawyers' commitment to fostering talent and recognising dedication, leadership, and expertise within their ranks.Claire Osborne's journey with RMB Lawyers began in 2007 when she undertook a work placement as part of her double degree in Arts and Law at the University of Wollongong. She officially joined the firm in May 2008 as a graduate lawyer and steadily advanced through various roles, including associate, senior associate, and divisional leader managing RMB Lawyers’ Family Law team. In 2016, Claire achieved the position of salary partner, a notable promotion that coincided with her maternity leave. Today, she leads the Wills & Estates team, exemplifying her versatility and dedication.Reflecting on her new role, Claire shared, "I think it's a recognition of hard work and commitment but also a big responsibility to continually help the business by mentoring and supporting our staff and delivering results to our clients. Personally, it's about showing my daughters that you can do anything you set your mind to and achieve financial security as a woman."Managing Partner Craig Osborne OAM commended Claire's exceptional blend of legal and business acumen, noting her generosity, community leadership, and clear communication skills. "Claire Osborne has an outstanding mix of legal and business skills, she is generous with her time, is a community leader and a clear communicator. She is trustworthy, has a great personality, and cares very much about her clients and the community she lives in. Claire has consistently earned and maintained the respect of her legal colleagues and clients over a long period of time," he said.Claire attributes her success to consistent hard work, dedication to the team and the Firm, and caring for colleagues and clients. "I also think having interests outside of work, whether it's sport, family, fitness, or meditation, is important to give you some reprieve, balance, and perspective to what a high-stress and demanding job can be," she added. She also encourages aspiring female lawyers, saying, "You can do it. There will be choices and sacrifices, and you may have to be patient as you juggle family life and the law, but if you want to be a Partner, you can do it."Raised in Kiama herself, Claire now raises her own family here. She acknowledges the support of her husband and parents, her fellow partners at RMB Lawyers, and past and present colleagues who have guided and inspired her.RMB Lawyers is equally delighted to announce Tanya Emmett's promotion to Salary Partner. Craig Osborne highlighted Tanya's exceptional technical skills and rapport with clients. "Tanya has an excellent skillset from a technical point of view and a wonderful manner with people – clients love her. Tanya gets outstanding results for her clients’ time after time; leaving aside her glowing skills as a lawyer, she is also an outstanding person," he remarked.Expressing her gratitude, Tanya said, "I’m extremely grateful to the partners and my colleagues for their support over the years. I am very lucky to be able to live and work in a community that I love. Reaching this level in my professional career hasn’t come easy but I have managed to maintain a healthy work/life balance which has been really important."RMB Lawyers proudly congratulates Claire Osborne and Tanya Emmett on their new roles. Their promotions not only reflect their individual achievements but also signify the firm's dedication to nurturing and celebrating exceptional talent. RMB Lawyers looks forward to their continued success and leadership within the firm and the broader legal community.