In a world that often feels like it’s spinning too fast, “slow travel” is making a major comeback. It’s the type of travel that values connection over checklists, taking the time to truly experience a place rather than rushing through it.Slow travel is about how deeply you engage with a destination. It’s the difference between ticking off the Eiffel Tower and spending an afternoon people-watching from a café in Montmartre, chatting with the waiter about his favourite local bakery. It’s wandering through a Tuscan village at your own pace, getting lost down cobblestoned lanes and finding a family-run trattoria that doesn’t appear on Google Maps.When you travel slowly, you notice the small things, the rhythm of daily life, the scent of freshly baked bread, the sound of church bells marking the hour. You give yourself space to connect with locals, to learn a few phrases, and to understand a place’s traditions beyond the tourist surface. These moments become the memories that last long after you’ve returned home.There’s also a sustainability benefit. Fewer flights, longer stays, and locally owned accommodation all help reduce your footprint and ensure more money stays within the community. Many travellers are now choosing to base themselves in one region and explore by train, bicycle, or even on foot, experiences that not only support the environment but also reveal a more authentic side of travel.From our years in the travel industry, we’ve seen the way slower travel transforms people. Clients return not just with photos, but with stories. For example, the Swiss innkeeper who shared his homemade cheese, the Moroccan guide who invited them to his family’s home, or the quiet joy of a sunrise in the Bolivian salt flats. These experiences don’t happen when you’re racing from A to B, they happen when you take your time.Our owner, Peta, has just returned from her own slow travel, multi-generational family holiday through Italy and Greece. Four weeks of long lunches, engaging with the locals, a weeklong houseboat experience around the Venetian islands, another week on a Greek island without cars, and of course shared discoveries. Her journey reminded our team why this style of travel matters. Feel free to reach out to hear about it. For help planning a journey that’s truly about the experience contact Travel Focus Group on 02 4209 2044.Please note - this is paid content

By Stephanie Kemp From denying to thriving – ocean photographer’s journeyOcean photographer Jaron Oshannessy recently treated us to a slide show of his photography and also shared his journey to acceptance of his autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder through nature and his art.While in hospital, he reflected on a childhood fishing trip when he caught a 4kg snapper. On that trip he saw a whale with a baby, grabbed his mother’s camera and took his first ocean photograph.A stroke of luck led him to a pop-up shop of works by Ray Collins, another ocean photographer. Ray offered to mentor Jarod and has been teaching him and shooting with him for five years. They shoot together on land and in the water. Shooting in the water involves swimming with a 2kg waterproof camera tied to him so he cannot lose it.Over five years in and out of hospitals, Jarod met a variety of people and came to accept his illness. Acceptance opened the door to recovery and he is now passionate about sharing his story to help others. People with mental health issues are still people – they just feel more acutely. They need to feel heard and loved like we all do.Moving to the South Coast helped Jarod as he found himself surrounded by the beauty of nature. He joined Christian Surfers and has at last found somewhere he belongs. His photos can be seen on Instagram, Facebook and on his website.Cath Winley - a wholehearted therapistCath moved to the Gerringong community four years ago with her children after she was widowed. She finished training as an art therapist in July and sees therapy as a way of giving back to the community. She wants to help people unpack their stuff so that they can live their lives to their full potential and become the best version of themselves. Cath Winley. Often we follow the same pattern in our interactions and make the same mistakes again and again. Cath wants to help people realise these patterns so they can move beyond them and lead a fulfilling life, at whatever stage of life.Her particular interests are in helping the elderly and young boys. The beauty of art therapy is when people’s hands are busy doing something, it is easier for them to open up than when they are sitting across the room from a therapist. She gave the example of a World War II veteran who was colouring in poppies.Gradually he opened up about his war experiences for the first time to the point where he asked for help buying a suit so that he could attend his first Anzac Day.She described the satisfaction she finds in group work in care homes, where residents come out of their rooms and begin to form friendships, revisiting and comparing memories of the mischief they got up to in the 1950s and 1960s. Often music provides the stimulus to refresh the memories and help conversation flow.She also shared an instance where she helped a teenage girl overcome her fear of getting in the water. Often when she is working with teenagers, she takes her two poodles and finds that they help young people relax into the session.For further information on Cath’s practice, Wholehearted Therapy and Healing, go to www.healyourheart.com.au. Future speakersFuture speakers at our Wednesday morning meetings in Gerringong Town Hall are publicised on our website - https://gerringongrotary.com.au. Visitors are welcome – please arrive in time for a 7.30am start.Over the next few weeks, we are welcoming:19 November: Dr Zara Fulton, speaking on “Innovation and Impact in Disability and Health". Dr Fulton is the Head of Investment at Remarkable, the startup accelerator run by Cerebral Palsy Alliance, where she supports technology shaped by lived experience to create a meaningful impact for people with complex disabilities.3 December: Meryll Faulkner, speaking on "The Art of Makeup and Mentorship". She is a professional makeup artist and educator, principal of Making Faces Makeup Studio, Kiama and has over 20 years experience in film, TV, and education. She trained under Oscar-nominated artists and mentored many of Australia's leading makeup professionals. New members and friends always welcome - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact [email protected].

Working at the Gerringong museum the other day, I was having a joke with a lady saying that to be regarded as a local in the town you have to have lived there for more than 40 years.The lady laughed and said that no, you have to have a street or park named after your family. All good fun to pass the time.Like just about every person reading this, there comes a time when you have to clean out the possessions of a family member who has passed away.Often there are many papers and documents to be sorted, some valuable and others less so.When my father died, my family had to do this. I collected all the valuable, interesting stuff and put it into a couple of suitcases.Now to digress for a moment. When the Kiama LGA was first established, Kiama was in charge of the whole area, as it is the case today.The old Walker residence in Gerringong.However, in 1871 the Gerringong residents were not happy with this and established the Gerringong Municipal Council which ran until 1954.That is a story for another day.Going through the suitcase at the GLaM the other day, one piece caught the attention of the assembled (small) crowd.What I found was an Electoral Roll for Gerringong Municipality in 1914.Some names are instantly recognisable and would have many members represented on a similar roll in 2025.Other names have all but disappeared. Maybe the families moved away but another reason could be that there were a lot of girls in the family.As the girls married, the family name disappeared. Speaking of females. Most are mentioned with the occupation of “domestic duties”. Compare that with today.Anyway, I would like to mention just a few. Many of you out there must have lots of other stories to tell from the names. We would like to hear from you.Thomas Bergin is one important one that comes up. He was a man who owned and ran what is now Cronin's pub and is a direct descendant.The Blow family was one my father remembered fondly.The Campbells are a big family in Gerringong, particularly in real estate.I have read so much about the Deverys, especially in the Gerringong CC.The Hindmarsh family, of course, with the famous Alnebank property.Who can go past the Millers.Other names come up: Gray, Johnston, Walker, Langton, Noble and so many others.I could go on with numerous stories about prominent families, either still an important part of Gerringong life today or lost in the mists of time.I suppose I could have offended somebody by not mentioning their family name.Well, if that is the case, or even if it is not, as I said earlier, we here at the Bugle would love to hear some stories about these people who lived so long ago. They all deserve to have their story told.

Remembrance Day commemorates the signing of the armistice when the guns fell silent on the Western Front in France and soldiers laid down their arms. The end of the First World War was declared at 11am on the 11th of November, 1918.Over 60,000 Australians were killed and over 156,000 were wounded in this war. Given Australia’s small population at the time this loss was to be felt for generations to come. Traditionally, a minute’s silence has been observed throughout Australia at 11am where people would stand still wherever they were.Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch invites the local community to commemorate and honour the sacrifice that was made to achieve peace and our way of life. A ceremony will be held at the Flag Pole on the Gerringong Headland, where Gerringong’s Anzac Day is held each year, starting at 10.45am on Tuesday, 11 November. A minute’s silence will be observed at 11am and a short wreath-laying ceremony will follow. After the ceremony, refreshments will be served at the Gerringong RSL Hall, on the corner of Fern Street and Belinda Street. Everyone is welcome.This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe and in the Pacific.

Gerringong Historical Society recently brought local history to life with its ‘Defining Images of Australia’ exhibition - a celebration of the nation’s icons and stories.The event, held in collaboration with the National Museum of Australia, began with museum provided panels showing definitive Australian symbols such as the wattle, the kangaroo and the humble suitcase - representing migrants arriving in the 1950s.“Our curator reached out to the community for items that represent Australia,” said Historical Society president Geoff Webb. “The response was enormous."Photo: SuppliedLocals contributed everything from 1850s table decorations shaped like palm trees to thongs found on Werri Beach with a bottle opener cut into the sole in the shape of Australia.Vintage Women's Weekly cookbooks, Jenny Kee jumpers, and Arnott’s biscuit tins also featured among the nostalgic collection.Students from Gerringong Public School added a creative touch, crafting Opera House inspired artworks and papier-mache models deco Gerringong rated with fireworks.Local artist Anna Glynn from Jaspers Brush spoke about her works exploring Australian flora, fauna and colonial historyA highlight of the night was an English trunk from 1785, lined with pages from Hansard, believed to have links to the Berry family.The event also showcased a quilt voted by Marilyn Pearce inspired by Margaret Preston’s wildflower paintings which is being raffled to support community projects.Photo: SuppliedLooking ahead, the society is preparing for the centenary of the Werri Beach estate next January, with an exhibition and walking tours planned later on in the year.“People think history is old,” Webb said.“But it’s happening every day. Our job is to remember it for future generations and share it with the community.

Saturday, 15 November will be a big night of fun at Gerringong Town Hall for music lovers and funseekers. The Sonic Journey Music Trivia Night sold out quickly as Glen Isemonger and Bruce Wallace reprise the event that had a long and successful history in raising money for Surf Aid before the Covid pandemic brought a sudden stop to the fun. The music, dancing and good cheer will now be held in support of CMRI.Saturday, 6 December is a date to remember if you want to buy a great value Christmas cake made by CMRI members. The cake stall will be outside the pharmacy in Fern St Gerringong from 8.30am. Be early as these cakes sell out quickly.On Sunday, 7 December from 8am at Bunnings in Albion Park, members will sell sausage sandwiches and there will also be a cake stall featuring a range of homemade cakes, slices and biscuits.Monday, 1 December will be the last meeting for the year and a celebration as the year’s achievements are highlighted.Research updateThe Gerringong Committee of Children’s Medical Research Institute has been fundraising continuously since 1959. By the end of 2024 a grand total of $2,333,842 was raised by Gerringong committee. There is more to come from this year’s efforts. Members are committed to the cause and recognise that medical research is the key to ensuring better health outcomes for all children. 1 in 20 children face a birth defect or genetic disease. The key research areas for CMRI are: cancer, neurobiology, embryology, genomics and gene therapy.The Procan research has created the world’s largest database of cancer and is on track towards being able to identify the best treatment option for each patient. Drug development, gene therapy and the Telemere Analysis Centre help to provide new and better cancer treatments with fewer side effects.By-election bluesTo ensure the ongoing success of CMRI, the Gerringong and Kiama community gives very generously to support our fundraising.Special mention must be given to Marilyn and Sarah Atkins of Bombo Clothing, who were set to launch this year’s Fashion Parade (the first was in 2024) with all proceeds going to CMRI. Tickets were selling well but alas, the event scheduled for 13 September at the Uniting Church in Kiama clashed with the state by-election. Sarah Atkins.The church is a major polling booth. Generous ticket buyers donated the cost of the tickets they had already purchased to our cause and over $1300 was received. Hopefully, Bombo Clothing’s Fashion Parade can be held in 2026.Thank youThank you to our community for such generous support, positive feedback and loyalty. Thank you to all of the businesses who donate prizes for the raffles, display our posters, print posters for events and help to further the cause. The consistent hard work of our members can’t be underestimated! New members are always welcome. Contact [email protected] or visit the Gerringong Children’s Medical Research Institute Facebook page.

Julia O’Keefe knows the therapeutic value in taking small steps to effect big change.For the past four years the Gerroa woman has signed up for the Black Dog Institute’s annual walk to raise funds and awareness of mental health and the supports available.The Institute’s One Foot Forward walk, held throughout October, is a way for communities to come together and show their support for those living with mental ill health, while also raising funds for Black Dog to improve national services.Most people know someone experiencing mental illness, or experience it themselves at some point in their life, with 1 in 5 Australians living with a mental illness.According to the Black Dog Institute, of the five million Australians experiencing mental ill health, half won’t seek professional help and this can have a devastating impact on not only those living with it, but those around them.“I originally started walking for One Foot Forward in 2021,” explains Julia.“We had a few tragedies happen within our local community and I started doing it as a way to quietly show my support for those people affected and to raise money for mental health education and support services.”The first year Julia walked in One Foot Forward she set herself a goal to cover 200km throughout October and raise more than $1500.Each year she has increased her goal by 100km and last year she raised a whopping $5499.“This year, I’ve set myself my biggest goal yet – to walk 600km and raise $10,000 to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.”Julia knows first-hand the difference mental health support services can have on those feeling the "black dog”, a term famously used by Winston Churchill to describe his own experiences with periods of severe sadness and low mood.“I suffer with anxiety and I found that by participating in One Foot Forward each year, it gives me purpose, a fresh perspective and a feeling of community joy, strength and resilience,” says Julia.“One of the not so joyous parts about anxiety is that you never know exactly when it is going to hit or how hard.“But what I have realised over the years of participating is that through talking about it and reducing the stigma and silence around mental health, we also reduce its power to take over.“We can let others know that ‘it’s OK not to be OK, you aren’t the only one’ and that there are organisations you can go to for support and education.”Julia says having resources, training and education available to everyone, through Black Dog’s digital platform, is “absolutely life changing, that’s why I love supporting this charity".Over the four years participating in One Foot Forward Julia has covered 1400km, the equivalent of walking from Gerroa to Bundaberg in Queensland, and raised over $13,500.This year Julia will include an ambitious 24-hour walk, covering 100km, as part of her goal to increase funding and support for Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research, education, and digital services.“It surprises me every year how many people say to me when I start to talk about my anxiety that they would never imagine that I would struggle with mental health, because I’m so happy,” says Julia.“But mental health struggles don't discriminate and we all have experience of it, it's just about where on the continuum we are sitting at any point in time.”If you see Julia pounding the pavement with her dalmatian Murray throughout October give her a shout out, or better yet donate through her fundraising page https://www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/juliaokeefe.

By Stephanie Kemp Gerringong Rotary is organising a Trivia Night at the Gerroa Fishermen’s Club on 25 October with all proceeds going to Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC).ROMAC brings medical support to sick children in our region. When there is no appropriate medical equipment on an island, the sick child and their parents are brought to Australia for treatment. They are hosted by a Rotary family while they are here.ROMAC started in March 1988 out of the actions of an Australian Rotarian who, with a group of surgeons, visited Lambasa in Fiji. They found the child mortality rate was as high as 25% in some places and quickly identified that the lack of medical and surgical facilities and skills for children of the island nations in Oceania was a major cause.Today, ROMAC is providing surgical treatment to around 30-40 children from Oceania every year – we are making a huge difference in their lives.Our trivia night is supporting this important work.You’ve got to be Stoic to start a microbrewerySteve Prosser, co-founder of Stoic Brewing in Gerringong, together with his son Andrew, told us his story of setting up a small business from scratch. They founded Stoic in 2018 with a vision of creating a space where the community can come together and enjoy locally brewed beer and cider in among the vats, and at the same time creating a sustainable business for their family to operate in years to come.Steve emphasised the most important thing was a passion for what you want to do. Working for money or recognition will not carry you through the 100-hour weeks that are in store for the small businessperson. You also need a goal, but you will never achieve it – when what you thought was the goal gets close, you realise how much more is possible.The first thing they needed was a location, and fortuitously, Steve already owned an industrial unit with zoning that permitted use as a brewery. The next thing they needed was money and Steve’s tip was that you always need more than you think and you have to get used to the feeling of being massively in debt, especially when you start a business just before a pandemic. They also surrounded themselves with good advisers, but were prepared to discard advice that was not right for them.After finding the location they needed a DA, which required a plethora of licences and approvals for Kiama Council, including electrical, engineering and plumbing reports, fire safety, bushfire and flooding risk, traffic impact, liquor and gaming permits and finally overall sign-off by the certifier and the council. Each one of these reports cost at least $1000 – it was an expensive and time-consuming exercise.Now he is a brewer, Steve visits other microbreweries regularly and has discovered most of them started with an enthusiast working in the garage or someone who had worked for a big brewer wanting to do their own thing. Steve and Andrew were electricians and had run their own electrical business, but had no background in brewing. They experimented and once Andrew could brew a small batch of good beer, they ordered the equipment to scale up to the brewery they have now. Their electrical background saves them significant costs – they can do most of the equipment repairs and maintenance.They are passionate about using the best ingredients and have now employed a professional brewer. Their Belgian-style Amber Ale uses ingredients from Belgium and even the water in the beer is manipulated to mimic the water used in the style of beer they are making. All this work has paid off and their New Zealand Pilsner won a gold medal in the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards against international competition.Where does the name come from? Andrew was adamant that the name should not contain place names, animals or colours. While they were pondering what to call their fledgling business, they were in church and the talk referred to the Stoics, Greek philosophers who believed that everybody should work together for the greater good and that happiness is found in embracing the moment, no matter how great or gloomy. It was a perfect philosophy for the journey they were about to embark on.It is stressful – one microbrewery goes broke every week and the tax and regulatory environment is complex. Working 80 to 100 hours a week, small business is a lifestyle not a job. As Steve put it, they have made lots of friends but not much money! But they love what they do.Wrapping SAHSSI with loveThe Gerringong Rotary knitters and friends have donated a colourful pile of hand-knitted blankets to Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra Ltd (SAHSSI), a specialist service supporting vulnerable women and families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.Behind the daily caffeine fixTwelve Rotarians spent a recent morning at the Daily Grind in Gerringong industrial estate, learning about the coffee business and how Australia’s favourite drink is produced.Daily Grind has a farm in Colombia dedicated to producing their beans but supplements them from other sources. The roasting is done here in Gerringong and the Rotarians saw the whole process from raw bean to drink.Pat and Ricky, of Daily Grind, make their own deliveries to their customers and stack the shelves. This enables them to have a chat and check whether they are meeting the customer’s needs.New members and friends always welcome - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact [email protected].

The exhibition ‘Defining Symbols of Australia’ will open next Thursday (9 October) at the GLaM Gallery in Gerringong, exploring the identity of Australians through objects donated by the community. Included in the exhibition are some stunning works by Anna Glynn, drawing on images from Australia’s rich and complex history. Glynn’s work is beautiful and challenging with its layers of meaning. In keeping with the theme of the exhibition, Anna will arrive at the GLaM Gallery in one of Australia’s favourite historic cars, a 1954 FJ Holden Special sedan owned and driven by Malcolm Lambert.She is a Dharawal-based, award-winning Australian artist whose rainforest home is tucked below the steep cliffs of the Illawarra escarpment. Filled with curiosity, she has a passion for investigating the complex relationships between humans, history, nature, land, place, physical and ephemeral. Her diverse practice includes painting, drawing, video, sculpture, installation, photography, writing, music, sound and international interdisciplinary collaborations between art and science. She has been recognised with numerous awards, including the 2023 International Women’s Day Arts Award, and her work is held in esteemed public and private collections such as the Australian Parliament House Art Collection, the National Museum of Australia Collection, Shoalhaven City Art Collection, Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Kedumba Collection of Australian Drawings.She has an active international practice of projects and exhibitions in Japan, Estonia, USA, Sweden, Norway, Hong Kong and China.Her ‘Promiscuous Provenance’ exhibition toured 2018-2021 to 10 galleries across Queensland, NSW, ACT, Victoria and South Australia with the support of the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program. For an enjoyable evening and the opening of the exhibition by our Patron, Sandra McCarthy, join us at Gerringong Library & Museum: GLaM Gallery from 5.30-7.30pm. Doors open at 5pm and the $10 entry fee includes refreshments.

Have you ever wondered what the animals in your garden are thinking? What their little lives might be like? Local author Diann Rodgers-Healey has and she's bringing that imagination, curiosity, and creativity to her children’s books.Diann is a dreamer first and an author second, sharing her sense of wonder with everyone she meets. She has written several books, but her personal passion project is Shirley’s Imaginarium, a series about a gardener named Shirley and the world of animals that live in her yard.Next Tuesday (7 October), from 10am to 11:30 am, Diann will be reading from one of her books, “When Mr Toad Wanted Everyone To Notice Spring in the Garden”, at Gerringong Library and Museum (GLaM) - followed by a fun decorating session in the new herb garden.Speaking about the book, Diann described how Mr Toad becomes enchanted by the beauty of spring and frustrated that the other animals don't seem to notice. “What afterall is a garden like in spring?” she explained, is the question Mr Toad asks as he launches a garden contest, hoping to get others to stop and pay attention. But, as she noted, “no one's interested,” with the animals “just doing business as usual” - foraging, and going about their day.By the end, Mr Toad's perspective shifts, thanks to Miss Kookaburra, who helps him see that the point isn’t to simply observe nature, but to live in it. “He learns the lesson that it’s not about observing,” Dianne said, “it’s actually about being in it and living in the garden.” The story gently encourages kids (and adults) to connect with nature by appreciating the quiet moments and little corners that are easy to miss.Make sure to bring the kids along for this magical reading and a chance to get hands-on in the garden. To learn more about Diann, check out her work here - https://animaginarium.com.

Close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself standing in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The early morning mist is lifting, scooters weave past in every direction and the aroma of broth drifts through the air. A woman ladles steaming pho into your bowl, scattering fresh herbs on top. You take a sip, and it’s delicate and rich - the flavour of generations past.Culinary travel in Asia offers something special with every meal. Each country, each city, even each street corner, offers something unique. In Bangkok, the evening markets come alive with sizzling woks, skewers of smoky satay and bowls of fragrant green curry. The energy is electric. You find yourself perched on a plastic stool, elbow to elbow with locals, grinning as the spice makes your eyes water.In Cambodia, food takes on another rhythm. Imagine sitting by the riverside in Phnom Penh as the sun sets, the scent of lemongrass and galangal rising from a bowl of Amok, Cambodia’s signature fish curry, steamed in banana leaf. It’s gentle yet bold, the kind of dish that lingers on your palate and in your memory.Further north in Siem Reap, you might wander through a night market, where everything from crispy fried tarantulas to sweet coconut pancakes tempt the curious traveller.Then there’s Japan’s Osaka, where the fun of eating is as much part of the experience as the food itself. You watch a vendor expertly flip Takoyaki on a hot griddle, the golden spheres hiding tender octopus inside. A few steps away, an Okonomiyaki pancake, layered with cabbage and pork, and drizzled with tangy sauce, is slid onto your plate. It’s hearty, messy, and utterly unforgettable.Not every meal needs to be grand. Sometimes the most meaningful ones are simple: dim sum shared with new friends in Hong Kong, naan pulled straight from the tandoor in Delhi or bibimbap stirred together in a bustling Korean kitchen. The act of eating here is communal, warm, and deeply connected to culture.Food has the power to transport us, to slow us down, to connect us with people we may never otherwise meet. Travelling through Asia is about seeing new places, but it is also about tasting them, one dish at a time.If we have made your mouth water, then you may be keen on Travel Focus Group’s women’s tour to Vietnam and Cambodia departing in March, where food plays a starring role. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways we can help you taste Asia. Call the team on 02 4209 2044 to start planning.Please note - this is paid content

Locals turned out in force last Friday night as Disco Revolution transformed the Gerringong Co-Op into a Studio 54-inspired dance floor. With more than 200 tickets sold, you couldn’t keep punters off the floor as DJ Diggz and the Disco Revolution band served up classics from Donna Summer, Tina Turner, The Bee Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band and more. Glitter was the order of the night, drinks flowed and the atmosphere was buzzing.Jay Jaksa, the female lead vocalist, was an absolute standout. Her striking style and signature big hair lit up the stage, but it was her powerhouse vocals that truly stole the show. She was perfectly complemented by Michael Marino, whose electric energy and crisp voice had the crowd up and dancing from the first note.Of course, no disco experience is complete without a horn section, and saxophonist Mariela Mulder delivered. Her groovy tone and smooth solos added the perfect pinch of disco spice.The band is a tight, well-rehearsed unit that clearly knows how to work together to deliver an unforgettable night.The Bugle spoke to fans who had travelled from as far afield as the Southern Highlands, Wollongong and Shellharbour, all drawn by the chance to relive disco’s golden era in style."What an incredible vibe, colourful, fun and a great atmosphere,” Co-Op event manager Erica Warren said.“Disco Revolution was yet another extremely successful event at The Co-Op Gerringong. “After a string of great events in 2025, we are planning our 2026 line-up. "With just three events left for 2025, Thirsty Merc which is nearly sold out on November 16th, a great day of local music on November 8th and join us for the best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show on December 6th - a great event to do your Christmas Parties and get together."So next up at the Co-Op is Live & Local on Friday 8 November, a free community showcase that promises another big turnout. From smooth soul to funky grooves, the line-up has something for everyone:Tayah Larsen: soulful and captivating.Emma & Ron Davison: harmony-rich acoustic originals and classics.Night & Day Duo: high-energy, genre-hopping fun.Boyznberry: upbeat, funky and guaranteed to get you dancing.Food and drinks will be available all day. Bring your mates, grab a drink, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon that rolls into a lively evening.Best of all, entry is free - just come as you are.

The Catholic community of Gerringong gathered on Sunday, 24 August to commemorate the 143rd anniversary of the start of services at the Church on the Hill.St Mary’s Star of the Sea, on the corner of Fern Street and Jupiter Street, was placed on the NSW Heritage Register in 2011. The foundation stone was laid in November 1875, but the church was not completed until 1882. An earlier wooden schoolhouse and chapel was constructed on the same site in 1864 with the school closing in 1871. From 1866, the Catholic community hosted an annual Picnic and Sports Day for non-denominational district entertainment. This ran for 63 years until August 1929, and at times since then. The first of many news reports is in The Kiama Independent of Thursday, 22 August 1867: “The arrangements for a day’s recreation and amusement were excellent, and all present seemed intent upon making the best of a treat so rare in this tame locality. “Running, jumping, throwing weights, and numerous other athletic sports were engaged in by those desirous of displaying their muscular strength and agility, while others betook themselves to cricket, drop-handkerchief, kiss-in-the-ring and dancing to the enlivening strains of a well-played violin which was kept up throughout the day in a large marquee erected for the occasion.“At two o’clock, the company sat down in real picnic fashion to an excellent repast provided for them: the usual abundant supply of tea, cake, sandwich, ham, roast fowls, turkeys.“An evening social function is first recorded in 1875 after the Catholic picnic took place at the chapel paddock. “Many availed themselves of an evening’s pastime at the soiree at night”, held at the late residence of William Connor at Toolijoua, “which was not over till daylight did appear”. In 1878, “the number that sat down to tea or dinner could not have been much less than 400”. “Before and after tea the company betook themselves to the various kinds of amusements such as dancing, foot-racing, jumping, and other athletic games; while others, principally young gents with their ‘girls’, went for a walk towards the Boatharbour, there to perhaps study the language of the heart.”Races were handicapped. The “big handicap” prize of 15 shillings went to J. Greenwood, with a similar prize to C. Harding for the “maiden plate”. By 1893, the evening festivity was advertised as a Grand Ball, although in 1894 it was called merely a “social”, and was held at the School of Arts in Blackwood Street, attended by about 50 couples. “The costumes worn by the ladies were pretty and becoming”, for example: “Miss Kiley, pink crepon and green silk; Miss R. Carew, black silk and buttercup; Miss Shortis, cream crepon and buttercup; Miss M. Devery, black merveilleux and heliotrope; Miss E. Devery, cream cashmere and green velvet; Miss F. Allen, pink and spangled net; Miss M. Carew, creased muslin and cardinal roses; Miss O’Keefe, black and green velvet; Miss Walsh, buttercup pongee and cardinal; Miss N. Hanrahan, white muslin and lace; Miss E. Hanrahan, buttercup and crepon; Misses Taylors (2), black and jet; Miss Carroll, black and buttercup; Miss Foley, cream serge and lace; Miss Reynolds, pink; Miss M. Allen, pink and black; Misses Connors (2), pink and black; Miss O’Shea, black; Miss Jordon, cream." Two years later, most young ladies were attired in “nuns veiling”; for example: pale blue nuns veiling and cream lace (Miss B. Carroll); cream nuns veiling and chiffon (Miss Foley); eau de nil nuns veiling (Miss Guihan); black nuns veiling relieved with cream satin (Miss Taylor); cream nuns veiling and lace and heliotrope ribbon (Miss L. Taylor); pale green nuns veiling and cream lace (Miss Ciyuch); pink nuns veiling, silk sleeves and chiffon (Miss Short); cream nuns veiling and green satin (Miss O’Keefe). Again in 1897, “by one o’clock upwards of four hundred persons were present” at the annual picnic and ball, “and visitors came in large numbers from all directions”. “When the wants of all had been satisfied an excellent program of sports was negotiated on the recreation ground”: Picnic Handicap (won by James Harding); Hunting Contest (won by J. Hanrahan’s Nellie); Trotting Match (won by J. Kinneally’s Snowflake); Kicking the Football (won by W.Kiley); Throwing at Wicket (won by J. Kenny); Boy’s Race (won by E. Murphy); Hop, Step and Jump (won by W. Bond). “The Ball at night was one of the best ever held in connection with this annual event, about 100 couples attending.” “The music was supplied by Messrs Dan. Condon (cornet), S. Condon (piano), and W. Wallace (violin) who gave every satisfaction.” “Amongst those who were attired in evening dress were many handsome and costly costumes.” In August 1898, the “Catholic Press” congratulated Father Barlow and his committee on “having organised the best day’s enjoyment for many years on the South Coast.” “The picnic was held on Weary [sic] Beach, which is a great improvement on the old recreation ground.” In 1899, first prize for the Picnic Handicap was £8, with £2 for the Hunting Contest, 7/6 for Kicking the Football and the Hop, Step and Jump, 5/- for the Boy’s Race. For Throwing the Weight (56 pounds), the placegetters received a factory can and two buckets. The Annual Ball was held continuously from 1882 until the “One Last Time” theme on 17th August 2012.

Defining Symbols of Australia is a collaborative exhibition between the National Museum of Australia, the Gerringong & District Historical Society and the local community. The National Museum has identified several symbols that define Australia, such as Uluru, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, wattle and fire, explored through explanatory wall panels. A major part of the exhibition has come from the local community, donated by people in the district who have searched their homes, cupboards and sheds for objects they think represent Australia. One of the aims of the exhibition is to start the conversation of how we think of ourselves.The exhibition is a playful exploration of what makes us Australian and how we express our identity in the objects we have around us. Around Australia, popular motifs of wildlife, plants, people and places have been printed across plates, money, textiles and mugs. Murals have been painted on building surfaces to define one district from another. Large bananas, prawns and pineapples differentiate the entry to coastal towns while inland, wheat silo art now draws tourists into areas to contemplate rural and agricultural identities. The language of symbols and national sentiment is always changing and reinventing itself and the variety of objects donated by the public for the exhibition demonstrates this. The exhibition opens on 7 October, with the official opening two days later with “A night at the Museum” featuring guest speaker, Ann Glynn. She is a Dharawal-based Australian artist from the NSW South Coast, whose imagery creates an Australia you will recognise but have never seen before. Glynn draws on images from the colonial past to give us an understanding of the present through her multimedia skills of layering images. At the opening night, GDHS will also be launching a beautiful work by Gerringong quilter, Merelyn Pearce, who has generously donated one of her works to be raffled. She had no interest in quilting until she pieced her first block in 1989 and saw the unlimited creative potential. Her preferred method of creation is hand applique, which allows for a lot of detail. In 2000, with copyright permission, she began a series which celebrated the work of Margaret Preston. It includes three Best of Australia winners. Her quilts have been exhibited internationally and she has been invited to nominate a quilt to be acquired by a committee seeking to preserve the quilting of Australia.The work to be raffled is from the Margaret Preston series, called “Christmas Bells”, in 2018. The border fabric was chosen to complement the theme of Christmas decorations and will be on display at the exhibition.“Defining Symbols of Australia, GLaM Gallery, 10 Blackwood Street, Gerringong. Open to the public from October 7, 10am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Official Opening October 9, 5.30-7.30pm, $10 entry including refreshments.

Gerringong Rotary is organising a Trivia Night at the Gerroa Fishermen’s Club on 25 October to raise money for ROMAC, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children.ROMAC is a project of Rotary Clubs in Australia and New Zealand. It facilitates medical aid for children in Oceania in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery, not accessible to them in their home countries. As well as organising medical care, ROMAC also organises carer families to look after the patient and a family member during the recuperation period. See their website for stories on ROMAC’s terrific work.Top Blokes indeedGerringong Rotary supports Top Blokes, a charity addressing young men’s mental health issues. Daniel and Jacob from Top Blokes spoke to one of our August meetings to tell us more about what they do.Top Blokes started in Wollongong, then expanded to Sydney and the Central Coast, then elsewhere in regional NSW. In 2020 they moved into Queensland and are now looking at taking their programs to Victoria and New Zealand.Top Blokes focuses on young men’s mental health – suicide is the biggest killer of young men in Australia. Young men are suffering from a lack of good male role models and the pressure of social media and access to pornography, leading to them bringing unhealthy attitudes into their relationships.Poor mental health leads to poor physical health, with sufferers more likely to use alcohol, drugs and vapes. Conversely, introducing healthy routine also improves mental health. Top Blokes teach the importance of the Big 6: Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Water, Hygiene and Routine.With 75% of mental health issues emerging before young men turn 24, early intervention is vital. Top Blokes have three programs, targeting different age groups.For ages 10-13, a mentor goes into school for a term to explore the concept of masculinity.For 14-17, two mentors go in and the program lasts for six months. It is billed as a leadership program and the school selects a mixture of boys from different friendship groups who will benefit from the program, with a view to them then teaching their peers. The high school program deals with alcohol, drugs, mental health, relationships and pornography. Schools that have adopted the program have experienced improvements in behaviour that have flowed through to cost savings for the school from a dramatic reduction in detentions and suspensions.The third program is for young men aged 18-24 and is running with air force recruits. It deals with mental health, body image and gambling. It started in Williamstown and is now being extended to Darwin and Brisbane.Top Blokes gets boys and young men to open up about the mask they feel they have to present to the world – strong and in control - and how they really feel inside.Realising that everyone feels anxious and uncertain is transformative.New members and friends are always welcome at Gerringong Rotary - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact [email protected].

This year’s Jeans for Genes campaign was the 31st to be launched in Gerringong and the community again supported this fundraising with generosity and goodwill.A total of 180 people attended the Trivia Night at Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club and they bought lots of raffle tickets on the night and at Gerringong IGA prior to the event.CMRI Gerringong members worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success with lots of friendly competition between tables and fast questions by emcees Glen Isemonger and Dave Peade. The Jeans for Genes fundraising target is traditionally around $10,000 for the Gerringong committee and this year the target was met again thanks to our generous supporters. These included the businesses who donated prizes, the Boat Fisherman’s Club, Gerringong Public School students and Kiama Quilters’ Guild which creates and donates a beautiful denim-look quilt each year. The aim is always to support the ground-breaking research carried out by the scientists at Westmead to find cures for childhood diseases: cancer, neurobiology, embryology, genomics and gene therapy. Nationally, the Jeans for Genes campaign was held on 7 August and raised $2.5 million. Families of children living with genetic conditions held sporting events, formal dinners, denim days at their schools and cake stalls. Lucy Hill, President of the CMRI Gerringong Committee geared up for Jeans for GenesThe families of the 1 in 20 kids facing a birth defect or genetic disease are used to hearing words like “incurable” or “lifelong effects”. It doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, we’re working on gene therapy to find cures for previously incurable genetic diseases. Kids just want to be kids, but instead of playing sports with their friends or catching butterflies on a sunny day, these kids are getting liver transplants, taking dozens of medications, or getting their next dose of chemotherapy.Your support helps the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute find cures, so these kids and millions more like them can go back to being kids. Gerringong Breakers players Romy Christiansen and Louis Astin helped spread the news about the Trivia NightAlessia is one of the 2025 faces of Jeans for Genes the iconic fundraising day that supports the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute so scientists can do work today to change lives tomorrow.She was born perfect in the eyes of her parents Adriana and Adam but one call, when she was two weeks old, delivered devastating news. Alessia had become the first child in NSW to be picked up for Spinal Muscular Atrophy on the newborn screening test.Mum Adriana said Alessia who had the severe form of the disease, was pre-symptomatic, and they had to act fast.“The natural course of the condition is that the nerves connecting to her muscles would waste away, and it would affect her ability to sit up, to crawl, to walk, to meet all of her milestones, to the point where she would lose the ability to breathe,’’ Adriana said.“Ultimately it would take her life! As a best case scenario, we were looking at a lifespan of two years.’’ As Alessia’s parents tried to comprehend this news – they were told something equally life-changing! NSW was taking part in a trial of a new gene therapy following its success overseas. With one injection, Alessia’s genetic error could be corrected within her cells, effectively curing her condition.“I couldn't believe what I was reading with gene therapy,’’ Adam said. “It was truly amazing. Reading about it was incredible, but then for it actually to be happening in front of our eyes was, next level.’’Alessia slept through her gene therapy infusion and went home. Over the next few years her parents waited and watched as she reached many childhood milestones that should never have been possible, and today, she is a happy and healthy seven-year-old lacking only a small amount of muscular strength in her legs.To find out more about the research a monthly Discovery Day held at the Westmead CMRI laboratories allows members of the community to tour the labs, meet the scientists, learn about the research and enjoy a wonderful lunch. To book a Discovery Day visit contact CMRI on 1800 436 437 or email [email protected].

Do you consider yourself a travel packing expert, or rather a serious over-packer who could use some great advice? Either way, these tips from the latest ROAM* Breakfast Travel Club are designed to make packing less stressful and more efficient.Packing doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a little planning, you can travel light, stay organised, and have plenty of outfit options. Here’s how:1. Choose a Colour Palette. Select a few core colours that work together. Every item packed should coordinate, allowing for mix-and-match combinations that maximise outfit options without adding bulk.2. Plan Outfit Combinations. Think in terms of combinations, not single outfits. For instance, 4 tops and 3 bottoms create 12 potential outfits. Adding a couple of dresses or jumpsuits increases variety without overpacking.3. Pack Multi-Use Layers. A lightweight wrap or scarf is incredibly versatile. It is perfect for the plane, cooler evenings, or as a cover-up at cultural or religious sites.4. Limit Shoes to Three Pairs. Bring just three pairs: one for travel, one for walking, and one dressier option. Ensure all are comfortable and well-worn to avoid blisters or sore feet.5. Skip “Just in Case” Items. Avoid last-minute additions for hypothetical scenarios, they rarely get used.6. Pre-Plan Outfits with Photos. Take photos of each outfit and save them to a phone album. This makes getting dressed easier, reduces decision fatigue, and helps when jet lagged.7. Use Compression Packing Cubes. These cubes save space and keep clothing organised. Include one with a full change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed.8. Separate Dirty Clothes and Shoes. Use a laundry bag for worn clothing and individual bags for shoes to keep dirt away from clean items.9. Mini Toiletries & Tech Organisation. Transfer toiletries into travel sized containers to reduce bulk. Keep chargers, cords, and adapters in a single pouch to prevent tangles.10. Pack a Foldable Tote. A lightweight tote is perfect for markets, day trips, or spontaneous shopping. It takes up minimal suitcase space but is highly useful on the go.For more travel tips and insights, join the next ROAM* Breakfast Travel Club, held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Travel Focus Group office. It is a relaxed gathering for women who love travel. Head to www.travelfocusgroup.com to register your attendance for our next meet-up and to place your complimentary coffee order!

Vincent Sherrell was 16 when he walked into the library at his high school and heard something different. Not your typical assembly but a conversation, about manhood, responsibility and mental health.He didn’t know then that signing up for the Building Young Men program would change the way he moved through the world.Each Wednesday, in place of school sport, he joined a group of boys and mentors in a quiet circle. They talked and listened, and week by week, trust replaced hesitation.“One of the biggest takeaways was connection,” says Vincent, now 17. “How a group of people can build each other up.”They walked for 24 hours. At first it felt impossible. But they finished it, together. And that’s the point of the program: not to test boys, but to show them who they are when things get hard.At the centre of it all were the mentors. Some in their 20s, others much older.“They shared their mistakes,” Vincent says. “They showed us how to treat people. What to avoid. What matters.”This is not a story about saving boys. It’s about giving them space to grow. It’s about recognising that in an age of constant pressure, especially online, belonging can’t be assumed. It has to be built.Vincent has built new friendships, confidence and a sense of purpose that extends beyond school. He’s studying hospitality, finishing his work placement hours at a local café, and imagining a career in outdoor recreation, shaped, in part, by the wilderness camp he attended through the program.“Wednesdays became the highlight of my week.”In the quiet circle, boys speak truths they might never say elsewhere. What they find is not judgment, but a kind of steady, unspoken respect. That, more than anything, is what helps them stand up straighter.Young men today face a lot of pressure to be everything at once, be strong but sensitive, be confident but humble, be successful but relaxed, be resilient but emotionally open. Society often sends conflicting messages about what it means to be a man. Instead of always having to live up to those pressures or expectations, what young men often need most is a place where they don’t have to perform or prove anything , where they can just be themselves, be accepted, and feel safe.Each year Gerringong Golf Club hosts the Sam Matters Cup in honour of the talented local footballer and golfer who took his own life five years ago.The Sam Matters Cup will be held on September 12. Call Gerringong Golf Club Pro Shop on 4234 3333 to book.All money raised will go to The Saving Sammy Foundation which will again fund the mental health mentoring program, now in its fourth year, to support Year 10 students at Kiama High School during a critical stage of their development.Anyone seeking support can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au (all services are available 24/7).

From: Gerringong Community Action Group for Youth There’s been no mention of funding for youth facilities and programs in the upcoming Kiama By-Election, other than funds to upgrade existing sporting facilities. Is this because youth doesn’t have a vote?The Liberal Party’s Kiama candidate, Serena Copley, is pledging $26M for the Kiama Sporting Complex, funding the first stage of Council’s draft masterplan to upgrade its sporting facilities. The Kiama Mayor, Cameron McDonald, is requesting $110 to $150 million dollars to upgrade the Kiama Sports Complex and its sporting facilities. On Monday morning Serena Copley announced a pledge of $200,000 to upgrade the lighting at Cronin’s Oval in Gerringong. Labor candidate, Katelin McInerney, has announced that the State Government will provide $200,000 to establish a special night entertainment precinct in Kiama, and $3M to fix potholes and repair roads. Labor’s “plan for our community” leaflet identifies one item, Number 30, on their map for Gerringong. It states: “Gerringong Golf Club: New facilities are being provided for golfers.” Funding is concentrated in Kiama itself and does not appear to flow to other populated town centres outside of Kiama. Gerringong/Gerroa has a population of over 5,300 people with more than 600 under the age of 18. There are a number of sporting fields for young people to participate in traditional sporting activities. There are a number of community facilities located in Gerringong including the Surf Life Saving Club, the Library, the Museum, the Bowling club, and the Gerringong Town Hall. However, these facilities are not designed, or suitable, for recreational activities and programs for young people. Margaret Lester, Chairperson of the Gerringong Community Action Group, said there is a need for a designated Youth Centre in Gerringong. The South Werri Beach Reserve would be a suitable location, near the Surf Life Saving Club, the Bowling Club, the tennis courts, the basketball court, and the Skate Park. The proximity to the beach would make a youth centre very attractive to young people. Kiama’s current Draft Masterplan for the South Werri Reserve proposes the redevelopment of the Reserve with wetlands, walking pathways, tree plantings and picnic areas for visitors. The Draft Masterplan has not identified the opportunity, or the need, to earmark space for a Youth Centre for Gerringong. Margaret Lester stated that many young people experience difficulties in making the transition from childhood to adulthood during their teenage years.Not all young people, or their parents, enjoy competitive or contact sports. Youth centres around Australia and overseas are being designed by architects specifically to meet the needs of young people. Youth centres are designed to cater for recreational and creative activities and programs for the general youth population without stigmatising young people’s participation. Youth Centres have been established in local communities and are primarily funded by local and State Governments. Currently the process of designing and constructing new youth facilities is very much concerned with involving as many young people as possible - high school students, school leavers and youth workers, determining the colours and materials to be used in the building and the activities to be provided. The process is important, not only to gain the best outcome that will attract participation but also to foster ownership by local youth. Youth centres today are designed for multipurpose use, catering for small and large groups as well as for individuals. Youth centre designs have separate spaces for recreation and rooms for creative arts, music, computers, and even a climbing wall, outdoor spaces for BBQs, fresh air, sunshine and a small vegetable garden to accompany the kitchen for cooking skills and healthy eating. Given there are no designated Community Centres or Neighbourhood Centres in Gerringong it would be advantageous to utilise the proposed youth centre for other community groups and adult use, when not in use for youth, such as when young people are at school or at work or studying. After researching architectural designs for youth centres a concept design has been proposed. A floor plan showing what could be provided for young people attending a Gerringong Youth Centre has been attached to this paper. A Community Action Group for Youth has been established in Gerringong to inform the community and government bodies of the need to plan ahead for a designated youth centre for the growing population of Gerringong.Kiama Council has recently approved a land release for housing on the western side of Elambra Estate. In 5 years’ time, Gerringong/Gerroa’s population could be as high as 7000 people. Margaret said that the group is determined to take this issue to the next State and Federal elections.