By Stephanie Kemp A new member for Gerringong Sunrise RotaryA new year and a new member: at one of our February meetings, Gerringong Sunrise was excited to induct a new member, Steve Simpson. He was formally welcomed by president Graham St Clair and received his certificate of membership and, most importantly, his barbecue apron.If you would like to get involved or find out more about Rotary’s projects, local and international, our meetings with visiting speakers and our social activities, please get in touch: [email protected] years of living and holidaying at Werri BeachAt the same meeting, Geoff Webb from the Gerringong and District Historical Society (GDHS) told us about the forthcoming Werri 100 Exhibition. The inspiration for the project was the poster for the auction for the Werri Beach subdivision found in a drawer at the local museum. It took place on 30 January 1926 and 18 lots were sold for between 45 and 107 pounds. The original agents’ contracts books have been located at the State Library of NSW and are being lent for the exhibition.The land was originally part of the Hindmarsh property and was then sold to James Muir Miller who executed the subdivision. With the Depression and then World War II coming, it was over 20 years before all the blocks found owners and for a long time Werri was a separate village from Gerringong with its own station, Omega, and shops. Timber for building the new houses was delivered by train to Omega Station and then walked across the wetlands to where it was needed.The Werri 100 project group put out the call to Werri Beach residents for memorabilia, photos and stories about their houses and the owners with a view to mounting a centenary exhibition. This treasure trove of information is being digitised to become a permanent historical resource and a 200-page book is being produced to support the exhibition. It will include local history and the stories of some of the Werri Beach families, like the Medenis family, who migrated from Latvia and set up the local vet practice and a Polish refugee who moved to the area and made the bricks and tiles for a number of the early houses until the council stopped him because he did not have a DA to operate a business from his property! A number of artists set up their studios there, notably Loyd Rees and John Downton and their work will be reflected in the exhibition.The main exhibition will be at the Gerringong Museum, but a particular focus will be the Weekend at Werri on 18-19 April. Activities based at the Gerringong Progress Hall on Pacific Avenue will include a walking tour of the area with signs to point out key features and buildings and a sausage sizzle.

It’s the end of an era of more than 50 years with the announcement that the Gerringong Mayflower Nearly New Shop will close its doors.The Op Shop started in the early 1970s as one part of essential continuous fundraising in the early stages of the development of Mayflower Uniting Village in Gerringong. But with the current committee all in their 80s and Uniting needing to reclaim the land for the shop’s sorting shed, the tough decision was made by the Gerringong Mayflower Volunteers incorporated organisation’s executive to wind up operations in June.Trevor Hamblen, the retiring president of Mayflower Volunteers Inc, fellow committee members Lyn and John Rolfe, and Mena Sharpe and shop manager Jennifer James assembled for a photo outside the shop for The Bugle during the week, as did the dedicated volunteers at the sorting shed as they worked through the many donated items that needed to be arranged for sale or further distribution.The genesis of the shop came more than half a century ago when due to age and ill health, a parent of members of the Gerringong Congregational (now Uniting) church was in need of residential care. This man had lived in Gerringong all of his life and wanted to spend his final days near his family, but the nearest suitable option for him was in Sydney.The hard-working volunteers hold items at the sorting shed. Photo: The BugleReverend John Robinson, the church’s minister at the time, and his wife Helen, decided to organise the building of a nursing home in Gerringong. They were joined by enthusiastic parishioners in forming an organising committee with other churches and the whole Gerringong community getting involved.They held art exhibitions, rummage sales, coffee mornings, sold cookbooks and later, staged a major fete each year.The shop started in a local resident’s garage before moving to the current premises in Fern Street. Hamblen said the shop provided quality cheap items as well as funds for the continuing growth and support of the village.“The Nearly New Shop was and still is run entirely by volunteers, including the shop itself, the sorting shed where volunteers meet every Tuesday morning to sort, clean and price donated goods, and the drivers who transported the goods between the sorting shed and shop. “Seven years ago, the group running the Nearly New Shop became an incorporated organisation as we wanted to be sure we and the shop were fully covered by insurance.”He praised Uniting for its help over the decades.“Uniting have been very good to us, allowing use of their valuable large block of land on the corner of Belinda Street and Rowlins Road for many years for $1 a year. “They now need the land. Most reasonable people will understand that we couldn’t expect Uniting, at a time when finances are tight, and other Uniting buildings require the same upgrade as we got a few years ago, to continue to have this valuable land only used Tuesday mornings. “Attempts to find another suitable shed have so far come up with nothing definite.”Hamblen said that when the new Nursing Home was built, Mayflower no longer had the same urgent need for funds. In the past seven years, only around 37% of profits from the shop have gone to Mayflower Village, despite the fact our group spent $77,500 on initial equipment for the Mayflower Gym. After Mayflower needs were fulfilled, the committee was able to donate to other charities in the local area and beyond, includingSalt Care in Nowra, who provide care for the homeless.Homestead of Hope Kiama.KBECET for Kiama High School Breakfast program.Jacaranda Cottage for young mums needing shelter.A community mental health program in Gerringong for parents of children and teenagers.Light Home, a facility in India for destitute Darlic people, which is visited annually by members of the Gerringong community.The Nowra Town Band.Food and Friends program at West Wollongong Anglican Church.Lifeline.Dementia Awareness Group in Gerringong.“The Mayflower Auxiliary that used to coordinate all of the fundraising ceased many years ago. This left just the current “Mayflower Volunteers inc.” running the nearly new shop,” Hamblen explained.“It will be disappointing to many that, at least in the short term, the Nearly New Shop will close. “Any individual or group who is disappointed, or even angry about this current shutdown are welcome to get it going again. “Don’t be negative and blame the current ageing committee who want to retire after many years of service, in one case around 60 years of volunteering for Mayflower. “Don’t blame Uniting, who have to be good stewards of the land they own. Don’t blame the council, who tried to find us another shed. “Those who complain have the option to form a group, incorporate yourself to ensure you are legally formed, re-hire the shop, find a suitable sorting shed and get the shop going again.“The huge number of volunteers who have kept the shop going since the 1970s deserve our grateful thanks.”

What was meant to be a simple, cheerful set for the Sing Australia Kiama choir at the Gerringong Community Expo turned into something no one present will ever forget.Like usual, the choir had a handful of songs to perform last Saturday – a relaxed crowd, home in time for lunch. Nothing formal.But conductor Maree Shepherd had a small suspicion that this might not be an ordinary gig.A few days earlier, choir member Ray Lind had casually asked if he could bring “some visitors” to watch the performance. It wasn’t an uncommon request. The week before, Ray’s wife Annette had attended another Sing Australia event with friends – one of whom turned out to be a familiar face from television’s Neighbours.So when Lind mentioned visitors again, Shepherd joked “are you bringing another celebrity?”“Well … you might know her,” he replied. “It’s Jacinda Ardern.”Shepherd wasn’t entirely sure it would happen. There were no elaborate arrangements, no announcements, no security details – just a quiet possibility. Just in case, Shepherd printed copies of the New Zealand national anthem – in both Māori and English – along with a backing track.Right on cue at 11am, as choir members gathered outdoors to warm up, Shepherd asked them to hum the NZ anthem.They looked at her blankly.“It’s not Anzac Day! What was going on?”And then they saw her.Walking towards them, relaxed and smiling, was the Hon. Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.Ray Lind, The Hon Anette King, The Hon Jacinda Adhern, Garry Funnell, Maree Shepherd“She just came up and was so delightful,” Shepherd recalled. “I asked if we could get a photo and she was so gracious.”Jacinda was visiting Ray and his wife, Annette King, herself a former long-serving New Zealand MP and mentor to Ardern. In fact, Shepherd had only just finished reading Ardern’s biography weeks earlier and had been struck by how often Annette’s name appeared in its pages.“That beautiful and generous spirit of hers just came through at the Expo,” Shepherd said.“Just hearing people talk and the thrill it gave them to just be able to meet and greet her like she was just another person, but knowing what a special position she had – particularly during COVID, that Christchurch massacre – she handled with such dignity and empathy I thought was extraordinary.” Not only did Ardern happily pose for a group photo, she stayed for the entire performance. Smiling, she sang along and encouraged the choir. Then, to everyone’s delight, she joined them in singing the New Zealand National Anthem in Māori and English. For years, the group has performed at Anzac Day services, local expos and community events – often inviting audience members to join in. They’ve learned the Māori version of the New Zealand anthem, sometimes guided by members of the local New Zealand community.“I’m not sure they were looking at us,” Shepherd laughed. “I think they were looking at Jacinda Ardern!”The Hon Jacinda Adhern and Ben WongBut it wasn't the star-struck spectacle that defined the morning. “There was a real sense – no matter what people’s politics – that the office of Prime Minister deserves respect,” Shepherd reflected. “And after reading her book, I was so moved by her heart in office. That beautiful, generous spirit just came through at the Expo.”After singing, Ardern didn’t slip away. Instead, she wandered through the expo, chatting with stallholders, posing for selfies, greeting library staff and volunteers.One Lions Club member, busy at the sausage sizzle, told Shepherd meeting Jacinda was “the highlight of my life”.“She made it all feel so natural,” Shepherd said. “It wasn’t formal … she was just happy to say hello to people.”What began as a modest appearance became a vibrant, joy-filled celebration – a moment where music dissolved formality and titles, and everyone simply sang together.“As I was leaving, people were just absolutely chuffed,” Shepherd said. “You could see what it meant to them.”The choir will next be performing at the Shellharbour Seniors Expo at the Civic Centre next Tuesday at 11am and next Friday at Hindmarsh Park, as part of Kiama Council’s Seniors Expo.

They would have been cowering in fear and desperately ringing triple zero, if only they had known.The security camera footage is startling.Three cars were parked in the garage at the luxury residence in Gerroa. There were obviously people at home.But that didn’t stop the brazen attempt at a home invasion recently.The security footage shows two young men in hoodies, with masks covering much of their faces. They arrive on the property shortly after 2.50am and can be seen trying the front door, two windows and a side door at the rear of the house.Fortunately for Ian and Janice Dolan, the owners of this magnificent property, and equally fortunately for their three female visitors, all the doors were security-locked and the windows safely secured.To this day, they are shocked by the blatant nature of it all.The footage shows the would-be home invaders checking all the car doors at the front of the house, unfazed by the lights coming on.Without any alarms being triggered, the Dolans slept through it all.They only discovered the terrifying incident – which could have ended very badly for both of them – through happenstance.Ian’s sister-in-law, a meticulous person, kept insisting someone had been in her car and stolen her remote.He brushed it off at first, but she kept insisting. Finally, he got to thinking: she’s not the sort of person who would misplace anything.That led him to check the security camera footage.“It is bloody terrifying,” says Ian. “As people get older they feel more vulnerable. How would you like to be an octogenarian and have a stranger roaming through your house?“They were so casual. The lights came on at the front of the property and they didn’t even hesitate.“It feels like you lose a lot of your freedom. You should be able to relax and feel free in your home. It is an awful proposition.”He is thankful there were no young children in the house.“My wife had broken her foot and couldn’t walk at the time. What am I going to do? I am not going to move while they are holding a knife at my wife’s throat. They have no fear. They don’t care whether they kill you or not.”Janice says they are now diligent: “We live in such a beautiful place, you are always a target. We’re religiously checking; everything is locked all the time.”Ian has dropped leaflets throughout his neighbourhood, warning everyone of what has happened. As a result, residents are updating their cameras and their security.One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was thinking of getting a Bull Terrier. Her security footage shows the would-be thieves walking past her home at 3.01am.“They were so brazen,” she says. “They were rattling the doors of one of my neighbours. It is frightening.”Potential thieves know the enclave – with spectacular views down Seven Mile Beach – is wealthy. The Dolans bought their property in 2003 for just over a million dollars, then a record for the area.“It was more than I could afford at the time,” says Ian. “There were dolphins jumping out of the surf as the auction was going on, and I got auction fever.”A million dollars gets you nowhere anymore, with small blocks of land on the ocean side of the street fetching more than five million.That sort of money attracts thieves, making locals nervous. Some of Ian’s friends, even with their doors locked, routinely sleep with baseball bats or iron bars beside their beds.“One day those thieves are going to wake up the wrong person,” Ian says. “Nothing good is going to come out of this.”The footage of the incident, along with the number plate of a car circling the block at the time, have been passed to the police.According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, only 13 per cent of break and enter offences in the state are ever solved.Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said the NSW Government was focused on ensuring peace of mind for residents, which is “why we are delivering extra Police assigned to the Lake Illawarra Command this year”.“I know any attempted break-and-enter would be deeply worrying to local residents and distressing for the family impacted and it is important for the community to know that the Police not only take these matters seriously but are acting to arrest individuals found committing these crimes,” she told The Bugle.“When I spoke to Superintendent Commander Darren Brand, Lake Illawarra Command, about this matter and the community’s concerns about recent break-and-enter events, he confirmed Police have already investigated a number of these cases and that Police have made a number of arrests related to break and enter in Kiama over the past few weeks.“I will continue to work with our local command and support the community in this as we all want the same thing – safe streets, secure homes and peace of mind for our families and neighbours.“Superintendent Brand also reiterated that simple steps like locking your doors, securing your home and vehicles, as well as reporting suspicious behaviour can make a real difference.”McInerney said residents should call Crime Stoppers, contact the Police Assistance Line or visit Kiama Police Station, which is open daily between 9am to 5pm, and she also recommended downloading the Protect Your Home document from the NSW Police website for tips on keeping your property secure.Lake Illawarra Police District and Kiama Council were requested for comment but declined.

A young girl came into the Gerringong Museum the other day and spent some time looking at all the history while waiting for a train back to Sydney. She was so impressed with the Kiama district, the history and the scenery. She made the observation that artists must flock to this place as it is so beautiful. I pulled out my phone and showed her a set of paintings by an artist from Gerringong. She was very impressed.His name was John Downton.I first came across John when he opened Hilltop Gallery as my sister was one of a group of artists who exhibited pieces there. Other artists who did the same were Michael McCarthy, Leonard Long and Vinh N Trieu. The gallery was located on the first hill as you come into Gerringong from the Omega bridge. The Mercure Resort is there now.John was born in San Souci in 1939. His father was a veteran of horrible battles on the Western Front in World War I.He first moved to Werri Beach when he was eight and immediately began a lifelong love affair with the beach and the sea. A glance at a lot of his paintings will confirm this. One great memory he has is of the old steam trains and the whistle they made as they passed the Omega station nearby. In fact sometimes John joined Bob Holman who was the fettler on the local railways, and they would run the length of the line checking all the bolts and sleepers.Another great memory John has from his time at Werri was when he built a boat in his house! “I built a sailboat in the lounge room of my Werri Beach house - the house I had bought from Jack Holman,” he recalls. “I wasn’t married then, otherwise this probably wouldn’t have happened. “We had a job getting the sailboat out of the house when it was finished, but we finally succeeded.”Even though John, with his family, or by himself, has moved away from Werri at different times, such as a move to Eden, he always seemed to return.His first job was as a watchmaker. One day he met a REAL artist, Leonard Long.Long was a brilliant landscape artist in his own right and was still painting when he was 100.He was a watchmaker, like John, in Bowral but sold the business to become a full-time painter in 1955. He had many successful exhibitions and was awarded the Order of Australia in 1993.John was so impressed he was spurred on to become an artist himself. Long encouraged him and helped John whenever he could. Often both of them, with other artists such as Michael McCarthy would go for road trips around the country to find beautiful scenery to paint. Judging by their paintings they were very successful.Leaving watchmaking, John started his painting career in 1973. He attended art classes at the Royal Art Society of NSW.To outline all of the achievements that John has attained in his long and rich career would take three or four full page articles in the Bugle. I will try to outline just a few highlights.John received an Australian Navy award in 1987 and he has had a long association with the Australian Navy. He was the Navy artist in East Timor in 2000. The Navy named a gallery inside the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra the ‘John Downton Gallery’. John has painted numerous images of ships and sailors.He was the first artist to be invited to hold an exhibition at the Mitchell Library in Sydney.John has received numerous accolades from countries such as Japan and Ireland. The Japanese awarded him cultural awards in 1989 and 1999. The Irish invited him to hold an exhibition during a historical celebration in Dublin.Westpac used his painting on an international Christmas card and many companies have used his paintings on their calendars.He has conducted successful exhibitions in a large number of places including the abovementioned Hilltop Gallery each year.He has won the Caltex Art Award three times. John received an OAM in 2017.This is but a small snapshot of his achievements. Through all this he has remained a quiet, friendly, lovely person.Gerringong and the Kiama district have attracted many brilliant artists, and John has to be included in that list.He certainly is my favourite. At my home we have many paintings of his adorning our walls.I will make mention that most of the information and pictures for this article have come from John's book, ‘The Dirty Big Red Book’. When talking to him I referred to it as The Big Red Book. ‘No no no no’, he said, ' you might get into trouble if you call it that!’

Three members of the Gerringong Lions Club have undergone initial training to take part in Lions National Children’s Visual Screening Program, considered one of the most comprehensive programs in the country.Free Vision Screening is provided to children from three years old, in childcare centres, schools, sporting clubs or community groups. It is a screening service only. If there is any concern about a child’s vision, a full eye examination by a local optometrist may be recommended. Since the program started in 2018, there have been 56,132 children who have been screened, with 11,556 referrals to optometrists recommended.As part of their training, the Gerringong Lions went to the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club and asked for volunteers to come forward to be screened. Eleven parents consented for their “nippers” to be screened. Three of the 11 were found to have sight issues with a recommendation to follow up with an optometrist.A state-of-the-art piece of equipment, The Spot Vision Screener can be used to identify, myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (far sightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision), anisometropia (unequal refractive power), binocular vision (eye misalignment) and aniscoria (unequal pupil size).Visual acuity is tested to determine how sharp vision is at longer distances. Colour perception is also part of the screening regime and stereo depth perception, to assess binocular function of eyes at near tasks, rounds out the battery of screening tests.Once their training is complete, the Gerringong Lions are hoping to offer the program to local pre-schools, schools and sporting groups.

A widespread decline of the endangered Southern Greater Glider species across the South Coast has prompted Gerroa Environmental Protection Society to call for the expansion of Seven Mile Beach National Park.The Society has spoken with Kiama MP Katelin McInerney about supporting an investigation into the expansion of the national park to protect the complex vegetation and to assist the survival of the Greater Glider population at Seven Mile Beach. A recent study by Garry Daly in the Journal Australia Zoologist provides evidence that the beach may be one of the last strongholds of the Greater Glider on the South Coast. The Southern Greater Glider has suffered severe declines in abundance and distribution across several National Parks, except for Seven Mile Beach, where populations have remained unchanged. Daly warns a minimum habitat of 1000 hectares is needed to sustain a Greater Glider population and while Seven Mile Beach National Park is less than that, there is adjoining freehold and council managed lands that exceeds the minimum size to support a viable population.GEPS secretary Howard H Jones said the study should be a wake-up call for action to be taken before it’s too late.He said koalas used to inhabit the area around the beach in the 1950s but the ongoing loss of habitat led to their demise.“This Glider population is particularly vulnerable. "The problem is the disconnection from other populations in the hinterland and the small area of habitat within the Park available to support the local population,” he said.“We are very concerned that development and sand mining pressure on land adjoining the Park could lead to further vegetation loss and fragmentation, and over time, to the loss of this Glider Population.”Jones said the area is “unusually rich and diverse” and provides a habitat for 13 endangered and threatened species as well as eight Endangered Ecological Communities, including Coomonderry Swamp, the largest Coastal Freshwater wetland in NSW. “Yet much of this biologically important vegetation, including this great wetland, is not protected within the National Park.“There’s a lot of really good reasons to bring this habitat into the park.“Much of the habitat is threatened by sand mining and development. There has been an ongoing reduction of the bushland and we don’t want to see that continue.”Jones said McInerney seemed to be supportive of the Society’s call for an investigation into the issue but that it would likely take time to come to fruition.GEPS conducts nighttime walks through the national park to spot the gliders when they are active.“It’s a thrill to see them,” Jones added.“The best thing is to actually see them glide but that’s a rare occurrence.“Most people never see the glider because they’re very secretive and they only come out at night so it can be hard to generate community awareness.”

The Roll of Honour plaque at the Gerringong RSL Sub-branch for World War II, labelled “The Great War”, reads: “Men Who Answered their Country’s Call. 1914–1918.”Behind every name on that plaque lies a heartbroken family and a deep tragedy that rocked the then tiny community of Gerringong. The official 1921 census recorded a population of just 792.None of those young men who died in the service of their country would recognise Gerringong as it is today, with its high-end properties, smart cars and affluent population.We will never know much about the men behind the plaque adorning the front of the historic Memorial Hall at the heart of Gerringong’s shopping strip:“J.E. Alexander, Died on Service; G.H. Cooke, Palestine; E.A. Cook, France; or Private J.W. Donovan, Gallipoli.” And so many others.“They put their whole life on the line,” says Gerringong RSL treasurer Leanne Mitchell. “I’m a mother, and I can’t imagine sending my children off to die. It was about serving for the betterment of all of us, our way of life.”Fast-forward through another world war, and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Soldiers' Memorial Hall is no longer the bustling community hub it once was.Membership of the Gerringong RSL Sub-branch never exceeded 50 or so after World War I or World War II, yet the branch served as a vital gathering place for military personnel and their families – a place of solace for returned soldiers to remember fallen mates, and for the bereaved. It hosted dances, afternoon teas, weddings and engagement parties, supported by the local Ladies Auxiliary.Now, membership is dwindling due to age and illness, and the Memorial Hall has lost much of its former vibrancy.In an unprecedented step, the group is publicly advertising its Annual General Meeting on Monday, 16 February, declaring:“We would like to invite anyone with an interest in the RSL, or any ex or serving personnel, to attend to meet with us and see what we are about. "We welcome any ideas to encourage veterans and their families to join us.”Gerringong RSL President Mike O’Leary, 78, says they are keen to see the building once more become a community hub for returned service men and women, and for their families.Conscripted for National Service at age 21 in 1967, he wasn’t political and never campaigned against the Vietnam War – or the American War, as the Vietnamese still call it. Nor did he ponder deeply the morality of being sent to a foreign conflict. He simply figured he was unlucky that his number had come up.“I didn’t see it as an adventure, didn’t know anything about war, none of us did,” Mike recalls. “Vietnam was a complete unknown. I thought it would be like Wollongong.”Many who fought in Vietnam returned severely damaged and never fully recovered from what they experienced. Like many veterans of that terrible war, he doesn’t want to talk much about his service.“When I joined in the early 2000s there were still WWII and Korean veterans involved,” Mike says. “They have all gone. Now we are all in our 70s and 80s.“The main thing we are after is to attract more members. You need to have a defence service history, but we also have affiliate memberships.“The Anzac Day Dawn Service, which we organise, attracts large numbers. We had 100 kids this past year. It is the only community event that pulls that many people.“We want to see this place once again become a centre for social events. We are not living in the past. We are trying to get people involved.”

More than 25 community organisations will assemble at Gerringong Library and Museum to showcase the wide range of groups and service providers in the region.If you are looking to meet new people, discover a hobby, or get more involved in your local community, the Gerringong Community Expo next Saturday (21 February) is the perfect place to see what is on offer.The free event will feature gardening, craft and music groups, as well as U3A, CWA, Probus, Lions and the Rural Fire Service, aned many other organisations offering something for all ages and interests.Families and community members are invited to enjoy a free pancake breakfast and sausage sizzle, and meet the local group members.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the event, which has received funding from the Australian Library & Information Association’s Community Cohesion Programs grant, was a great opportunity to strengthen local connections.“Our community is full of talented, passionate people who give their time to make Gerringong and the wider Kiama area such a welcoming and vibrant place,” he said. “This expo brings all of that energy together – helping people find new interests, make new friends and discover support networks they may not have known existed. “I encourage everyone to come along and see what our community has to offer.”

There was a lovely article in a recent issue of The Bugle about the 170th anniversary of the Kiama Cricket Club. All congratulations to them. Now it makes logical sense that other cricket clubs would be celebrating something similar such as Gerringong and Jamberoo as of course Kiama needed somebody to play against.But having a dig through the pile of junk in my home I came across an old scorebook from the Gerringong CC from 1895, more than 130 years ago.On the first page was the first match of the season at what is now Michael Cronin Oval. Gerringong were playing Kiama CC. In Kiama’s first innings, they scored 67 with Richardson the top scorer with 30 runs.Gerringong had some luck in getting the opening bat McCaffrey out cheaply for two. More on him later. Gerringong responded with 66 with King and Woods getting four wickets each.In Kiama’s second innings, Gerringong were not as lucky with McCaffrey blasting 53 not out in an innings of 4/121. Gerringong were not able to match it in their second innings, only scoring 91. Sefton was chief destroyer with seven wickets.It is wonderful to sit under the trees at Gerringong and imagine the battle happening in the middle 13 decades ago, with a cool breeze on your face.I wonder how many of these names remain in the Kiama district 130 years later.Not many remain from the Gerringong team although I can swear blind there is a Miller or two around somewhere.

The Gerringong SurfLife Music Festival will return on March 28, bringing live music, coastal culture and community spirit to the iconic Gerringong Town Hall - all while raising funds for youth mental health.After a strong response in previous years, the festival is once again calling on the community to turn up the music and support a cause, with a portion of ticket sales and raffle proceeds being donated to headspace Kiama. The organisation provides vital mental health and wellbeing services for people aged 12-25.Festival organisers say live music and community events play an important role in fostering connection, belonging and shared experience, particularly for young people.The event will transform Gerringong into a hub of live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening, encouraging locals and visitors to soak up the town’s laid-back coastal charm while enjoying performances across multiple spaces.Free live music will feature along Fern Street, with soulful buskers Tayah Larsen and Iris Zarrella setting the tone as visitors explore local shops and cafés. Families are also invited to enjoy the Hour of Power, a free, high-energy session inside the Town Hall hosted by Ocean Wizard, offering music, dancing and fun for children and their grandparents.The festival will also showcase emerging local talent, with youth bands Dirty Merchants and Twisted Arrow taking to the stage as part of the New Kids on the Block segment, delivering high-energy sets and supporting the next generation of live performers.For those seeking a more relaxed experience, ticket holders can enjoy SurfLife Cocktails, Pizza and Grooves, featuring surf-inspired cocktails from the bar team and food by Gerringong Pizza. The chilled atmosphere will be soundtracked by Kane Calcite, Ren McArdell and Night & Day.The evening’s main event promises a high-energy, groove-filled celebration, headlined by indie-folk and roots duo Sunday Lemonade. They will be joined by up-and-coming indie rock-funk act Autumn Sunset and party favourites Hot Pursuit, rounding out a diverse and energetic line-up.Organisers are also encouraging attendees to support the cause further by entering the SurfLife raffle, with a range of prizes on offer.Tickets are on sale now, with community members encouraged to secure their spot early for what promises to be a vibrant night of music, connection and purpose.Event DetailsDate: March 28, 2026Venue: Gerringong Town HallTickets: $50 (Main Event or Cocktails, Pizza and Grooves)Website: www.surflifemusicfestival.com.au

By Stephanie Kemp Even the men sat up and took notice when Merryll Faulkner, makeup artist and owner of Making Faces Makeup Studio in Kiama came to speak to us.One of her longest engagements has been making up the priests on “Mass for You at Home” on Channel 10. While initially resistant, Merryll convinces them to give it a try with her natural approach. They always enjoy it and never end up “looking like chicken tandoori” on screen.She trained with Max Factor in the 1980s. After starting in promotions in a department store, Max Factor offered her a job and she was part of a travelling team that included two makeup artists going from store to store. After a number of years, she decided to formally qualify and studied with Patricia Hutchence (mother of Michael) in North Sydney. She then went freelance, which worked well with being a mum because she could work the hours that suited her, like doing makeup parties in the evenings.She was invited to join the makeup team for the Sydney Olympics, doing the entertainers and then did a film makeup course in Los Angeles. Her most recent film work has been the award-winning “Frances” about women’s homelessness with Screen Illawarra.In 1998 she started her own studio in Mortdale in Sydney and also started teaching. She did more training in France with Atelier Macquillage, whose natural looking products she still sells. With her team of six makeup artists and hairdressers, she specialised in weddings. In 2002, she reduced her operations and moved to Kiama where she sponsored the show girls and did their makeup for a number of years and continued doing weddings until the Covid pandemic intervened. She now mainly teaches, doing one-on-one consultations to help older ladies update their look to suit their changing complexions and to give younger girls that much needed confidence that they look good.Her list of must-haves for every makeup drawer comprises lip balm, matte sunscreen, eye cream and night cream – good makeup starts with the skin underneath. Tools are vital to applying make-up well and a good set of makeup brushes will last a lifetime.Rotary celebrates ChristmasAs well as their annual Christmas lunch, Rotarians showed up in their colours to participate in the Gerringong Christmas parade, while running the barbecue at the last markets for the year.It was a bumper market with 51 stalls and so many sausage sizzles that we had to go back to the butcher for more sausages.New members and friends always welcome - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact [email protected].

Something lovely is happening in the way women are travelling. More and more Australian women are choosing to explore the world, and they’re choosing to do it together.We’re seeing it every day. Women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who have raised families, built careers, supported everyone else… and are now finally saying, “It’s my turn.” For many, this stage of life brings more freedom, more confidence, and a clearer sense of what they actually enjoy.With over two million women aged 45–70 in Australia now single, divorced, widowed, or simply embracing a more independent chapter, it makes sense that travel is changing too. Gone are the old days where trips were about rushing around or ticking off landmarks. Now the focus is on connection, culture, comfort and enjoying the journey as much as the destination.Women’s group travel is growing quickly, and not because it’s trendy. It’s because it works. Small-group trips offer the best of both worlds: everything is taken care of, but nothing feels rushed or rigid. Think beautiful boutique hotels, unhurried days, great meals, local experiences, and time to actually sit, talk, laugh and breathe.Many women are swapping big family holidays for trips with friends. No logistics manager role. No compromises. Just shared experiences, good conversation, and the kind of laughter that only happens when you’re truly relaxed. And for women who don’t have a ready-made travel companion? These trips often start with strangers and end with friendships.What’s really interesting is that plenty of women in happy relationships are doing this too. Not because they want to get away from their partners, but because travelling with other women offers something different. It’s a chance to reconnect with themselves, nurture friendships and come home feeling refreshed rather than needing another holiday to recover.At Travel Focus Group, we see this shift constantly. We talk to smart, capable women who know what they want and what they no longer want. They want travel that feels easy, warm, well organised and genuinely enjoyable. That’s why we created ROAM*, our women-only touring brand built around connection, comfort, great food and meaningful experiences.If this sounds like your kind of travel, we’d love to meet you. Join us for a relaxed chat over coffee at our next ROAM Breakfast Club in Gerringong.There’s no sales pitch, just good conversation, shared stories, and a little inspiration for what might be next. Find out more at www.travelfocusgroup.com/roam/.A thought to leave you with - the best trips aren’t about escaping life, they’re about enjoying it.Please note - this is paid content

It has been a horror season for drowning deaths across the South Coast, with two anglers washed off rocks while fishing at Gerroa’s Black Head. The bodies of the two men were recovered earlier this week after an extensive search for the missing fishermen.About 4pm last Sunday, Lake Illawarra Police District officers were informed of a missing person report, relating to two rock fishermen who travelled from southern Sydney to the South Coast and failed to return.Following enquiries, they established a command post at Black Head Reserve, Gerroa and started a search with assistance from NSW Police Rescue Squad, State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and Lifesaver helicopter.Police were told the two men from Blakehurst and Hurstville – aged 59 and 53 – who were known to each other were believed to frequent the Kiama, Gerringong and Jervis Bay area for rock fishing.Initial inquiries have led police to believe that the body found on Sunday is that of the missing 53-year-old man.About 2.45pm on Tuesday, the body of another man was found north of the Black Head Reserve.The body is yet to be formally identified, but is believed to be that of the missing 59-year-old fisherman.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.There was another incident at Gerroa with a family rescued by first responders nearby less than an hour after the two fishermen were swept off the rocks. The two fishermen were not wearing life jackets. Earlier this month a fisherman was rescued near Kiama Blowhole after being washed off the rocks in large swells. First responders say the man was wearing a life jacket and it likely saved his life, along with recently installed AI technology alerting emergency services who instantly responded.Surf Life Saving NSW South Coast Branch president Shane Wicks said the fact the man swam away from the rock shelf was also key to his survival. “Most fatalities occur when rock fishermen are swept off rocks and then pushed back onto them,” he said.“Injuries from rocks make it harder to survive the conditions. Anglers who are washed off rocks have a much higher chance of survival if they are wearing a life jacket. “In the Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven regions, helicopters and water rescue craft can usually get to people in trouble within half an hour of being alerted to an emergency.“If tgey are wearing life jackets they have much more chance of staying afloat until first responders arrive.”He cited a recent incident where a rock fisherman was washed into the water at 2am off the Kiama coast but managed to stay afloat for several hours until emergency crews were alerted. “A helicopter and rescue craft got there within half an hour of the alert but the man had been in the water for several hours and only survived because he was wearing a life jacket.”Wicks has called on anglers and swimmers to take a moment to assess the conditions before entering the water or rock shelves. “There’s always a safer spot to go fishing or swimming if the conditions are too rough,” he says. “If the conditions aren’t favourable, sit it out and wait until the next day, it’s not worth risking your life.”He also reminded anglers and swimmers to “never turn their back on the ocean or swim or fish alone”.“There is a lot more activity on the region’s beaches and patrolled areas fill up quickly,” he explains. “But what we are seeing is people moving away from the busy flagged areas and getting into trouble.“It’s really important that people, particularly if they aren’t familiar with the conditions, take a moment to assess the dangers before diving in, rely on local knowledge by talking to surfers about the ocean conditions and always swim at patrolled beaches and wear a life jacket while rock fishing.”In NSW alone, seven people drowned in the first five days of the new year - two of those at Jervis Bay, with Christmas/New Year often described as the summer season’s most dangerous period. However, the Australia Day long weekend has proven just as deadly with four fatalities - two anglers at Gerroa and two men drowning in a North Coast river.

For more than four decades Gerringong’s Shane Wicks has kept his beloved community safe as a volunteer surf lifesaver, fire brigade member and medical support officer. Earlier this week, as part of the Australia Day honours, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community through emergency response organisations.He is among thousands of volunteers across NSW who give up their time to make their communities a better place.If you live in Gerringong, chances are he has come to the rescue of you or someone you know as a life member of Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club and Rural Fire Brigade. Wicks got his first taste of community service at the tender age of eight as a nipper at Gerringong SLSC, and as soon as he was old enough he began voluntarily patrolling the region’s beaches.The recently retired paramedic is now the Surf Life Saving NSW South Coast Branch president and is mentoring nippers across the region to become future community heroes. Wicks also serves as the medical support officer for the Gerringong Lions Rugby League Club. Like surf lifesaving, he joined the footy club as a junior and was always the first to put his hand up to help out. In 1990, as a 15-year-old, he joined the NSW Rural Fire Service after a school teacher piqued his interest. And like his beloved surf and footy clubs, has remained a dedicated community volunteer, serving as the Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade captain for several years before becoming the Shoalhaven RFS operations manager, a job he juggles with volunteering. Wicks knows firsthand the importance of volunteers - they are the glue holding together communities and few places can claim stronger social cohesion than Gerringong. “I grew up in Gerringong,” said the 50-year-old. “I want to be able to give back to my community and I’’m passionate about training other people with my paramedicine background.“It’s an honour to be able to pay that knowledge forward to the next generation of young people.”Wicks says the average patrol hours a season in the South Coast Branch is 50 hours. “At city clubs that drops to 20-30 hours because of the sheer number of clubbers to draw from. “Regional lifesavers give up a lot of their time volunteering and it’s a big ask but the social cohesion and skills they learn are invaluable.”While he has saved many lives through dramatic fire, flood and water rescues, his proudest moments have been watching young people thrive and find a sense of purpose through volunteering.When the Gerringong community was left heartbroken after several young people took their own lives in 2020 at the peak of the pandemic, people like Wicks stepped up.He was part of the Gezza Cares community-led support network for young people, wrapping those impacted by mental health and suicide in a collective hug. Wicks continues to be an advocate and spokesperson for Gezza Cares and was instrumental in mobilising the community to adorn trees, letterboxes and gates with yellow ribbons and hearts in 2020 to raise awareness about mental health and the devastating impact of suicude. He cites his role as a mentor to the town’s young people, through surf lifesaving, the football club and fire brigade, as an honour and says passing on the legacy of community service to the next generation is an even bigger win than his prestigious OAM. Asked if there’s anything he doesn’t do, he jokes “my wife says I don’t clean the house”. But he might just get a leave pass while he continues to save lives and mentor the next generation of young people to take up community service so the older crew “can eventually hand over the reins and retire”.

Gerringong RSL Soldiers Memorial Hall was built with public subscription by the Repatriation Committee in 1921 as a permanent memorial to the sacrifices of local servicemen in World War I.The RSL sub-Branch was formed in 1937 and took ownership of the Hall in 1945, and it is currently used by the sub-Branch for its activities. Local groups and businesses also use the Hall on a regular basis. It is a very important part of the Gerringong community.The RSL is finding it difficult to recruit new members from the ranks of ex-service men and women from contemporary service. It is vital we attract new members to ensure the legacy of past veterans is carried on.Our Annual General Meeting will be held in the Memorial Hall on the corner of Fern and Belinda Streets on 16 February at 1pm. We would like to invite anyone with an interest in the RSL, or any ex or serving personnel, to attend to meet with us and see what we are about. We welcome any ideas to encourage veterans and their families to join us.

On 30 January 1926, prospective buyers gathered at Werri Beach for an auction that would shape the future of one of the South Coast’s most recognisable seaside communities.On that day, 280 blocks of land forming the Werri Beach Estate were offered for sale, marking the first formal subdivision of the area.As a reporter for The Commonwealth Home wrote at the time: “This is one of the finest places for weekend homes for motorists and those who desire the outdoor life.“We thoroughly recommend our readers investigate without delay, as prices are sure to rise with the many advantages.”A century later, the milestone is being commemorated by the Gerringong and District Historical Society, which is preparing a program of events to celebrate the centenary of the original auction.The 1926 subdivision was undertaken by James Muir Miller, a descendant of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, who arrived in Gerringong in 1838.While the auction reflected an ambitious vision for Werri Beach, early sales were modest, with only 18 blocks sold on the day.The remaining land took more than 20 years to be fully sold, as the area gradually evolved from a sparsely settled coastal landscape into the vibrant community known today.To honour this history, the Historical Society will host a series of centenary events throughout April.A commemorative book, bringing together historical research, photographs, and personal memories, is being prepared.An accompanying exhibition, Werri Beach – Celebrating 100 Years, will be held at the Gallery within the Gerringong Library and Museum complex from 14-24 April and will be open daily.On the weekend of 18-19 April, a self-guided walking tour will depart from the Werri Beach Progress Hall, featuring interpretive signs outside houses and sites of significance, with historic photographs and stories.Gerringong and District Historical Society president Geoff Webb said the celebrations would also recognise Werri Beach’s long-standing creative legacy.“We will be celebrating the work of a number of [historical] artists,” he said.“During the Weekend at Werri walking tour in April, some of our current artists will also be opening their studios.“The allure of living and creating in Werri Beach has been a magnet for artists since the 1940s, and this continues today.”Contributions can be made by contacting [email protected].

On 30 January 1926, prospective buyers gathered at Werri Beach for an auction that would shape the future of one of the South Coast’s most recognisable seaside communities.On that day, 280 blocks of land forming the Werri Beach Estate were offered for sale, marking the first formal subdivision of the area.As a reporter for The Commonwealth Home wrote at the time: “This is one of the finest places for weekend homes for motorists and those who desire the outdoor life.“We thoroughly recommend our readers investigate without delay, as prices are sure to rise with the many advantages.”A century later, the milestone is being commemorated by the Gerringong and District Historical Society, which is preparing a program of events to celebrate the centenary of the original auction.The 1926 subdivision was undertaken by James Muir Miller, a descendant of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, who arrived in Gerringong in 1838.While the auction reflected an ambitious vision for Werri Beach, early sales were modest, with only 18 blocks sold on the day.The remaining land took more than 20 years to be fully sold, as the area gradually evolved from a sparsely settled coastal landscape into the vibrant community known today.To honour this history, the Historical Society will host a series of centenary events throughout April.A commemorative book, bringing together historical research, photographs, and personal memories, is being prepared.An accompanying exhibition, Werri Beach – Celebrating 100 Years, will be held at the Gallery within the Gerringong Library and Museum complex from 14-24 April and will be open daily.On the weekend of 18-19 April, a self-guided walking tour will depart from the Werri Beach Progress Hall, featuring interpretive signs outside houses and sites of significance, with historic photographs and stories.Gerringong and District Historical Society president Geoff Webb said the celebrations would also recognise Werri Beach’s long-standing creative legacy.“We will be celebrating the work of a number of [historical] artists,” he said.“During the Weekend at Werri walking tour in April, some of our current artists will also be opening their studios.“The allure of living and creating in Werri Beach has been a magnet for artists since the 1940s, and this continues today.”Contributions can be made by contacting [email protected].

The Gerringong SurfLife Music Festival will return on March 28, bringing live music, coastal culture and community spirit to the iconic Gerringong Town Hall - all while raising funds for youth mental health.After a strong response in previous years, the festival is once again calling on the community to turn up the music and support a cause, with a portion of ticket sales and raffle proceeds being donated to Headspace Kiama. The organisation provides vital mental health and wellbeing services for young people aged 12 to 25.Festival organisers say live music and community events play an important role in fostering connection, belonging and shared experience, particularly for young people.The event will transform Gerringong into a hub of live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening, encouraging locals and visitors to soak up the town’s laid-back coastal charm while enjoying performances across multiple spaces.Free live music will feature along Fern Street, with soulful buskers Tayah Larsen and Iris Zarrella setting the tone as visitors explore local shops and cafés. Families are also invited to enjoy the Hour of Power, a free, high-energy session inside the Town Hall hosted by Ocean Wizard, offering music, dancing and fun for children and their grandparents.The festival will also showcase emerging local talent, with youth bands Dirty Merchants and Twisted Arrow taking to the stage as part of the New Kids on the Block segment, delivering high-energy sets and supporting the next generation of live performers.For those seeking a more relaxed experience, ticket-holders can enjoy SurfLife Cocktails, Pizza and Grooves, featuring surf-inspired cocktails from the bar team and food by Gerringong Pizza. The chilled atmosphere will be soundtracked by Kane Calcite, Ren McArdell and Night & Day.The evening’s main event promises a high-energy, groove-filled celebration, headlined by indie-folk and roots duo Sunday Lemonade. They will be joined by up-and-coming indie rock-funk act Autumn Sunset and party favourites Hot Pursuit, rounding out a diverse and energetic lineup.Organisers are also encouraging attendees to support the cause further by entering the SurfLife raffle, with a range of prizes on offer.Tickets are on sale now, with community members encouraged to secure their spot early for what promises to be a vibrant night of music, connection and purpose.Event DetailsDate: March 28, 2026Venue: Gerringong Town HallTickets: $50 (Main Event or Cocktails, Pizza and Grooves)Website: www.surflifemusicfestival.com.au