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Gerringong Gazette


Pit toilets at Foxground Public School
Pit toilets at Foxground Public School

19 October 2024, 8:00 PM

Toileting may not be the most pleasant of topics from yesteryear.Today most people have the luxury of flush toilets. However, before this modernisation, pit toilets were the only type you had. At a homestead you would have a ‘dunny’ in the outhouse down the back. It would be a hole in the ground covered by a pan. At night you had to be careful when walking out there with a lantern. Very unpleasant during a storm or in the middle of winter. Blowflies would be a curse in summer! I’m reminded of the old song, ’There was a redback on the toilet seat when I was there last night’.. Toilet paper might consist of cut up newspapers. If you're lucky!For me personally the only experience I had of pit toilets was when setting up camp in the bush. As a scout you had one as an essential item of a well set up camp. We had strict rules as to how far from the camp or a river it had to be.Gerringong Public School 1935.Which brings me to the toilets at school. Never the most pleasant place even today. However, the toilet blocks that students now use are a luxury compared to those of 100 years ago. Flush toilets were a dream of the future. No, there was great rejoicing if a pit toilet appeared in the playground 100 years ago.  Here is a tale from Clive Emery of such an event at Foxground Public School and a subsequent incident. Anybody who says life at school was their best ever time has a very selective memory. Although Foxground was a ‘bush’ school, I imagine it was not any better in the inner city.Now you also need to recognise that in one teacher schools there was often not a teacher on duty in the playground during breaks. The teacher usually lived in a house next door to the school and would go there to have lunch. Life for students in an unsupervised playground may not have always been pleasant.In the tale below the names have been changed to protect the innocent -and the guilty!Jackie down the Hole - by Clive EmeryThose who lived in Foxground at the time will remember the tide of progress which brought us a pair of pit toilets at the old roadside school in the late twenties.Indeed, not even the pending Great Depression could hold back this wave of expenditure by the Education Department, for in the same year the one-roomed, one-teacher school was painted, and an extra water tank installed, and two, one-hole toilets erected.Now the Foxground Primary school toilets were, to the little Valley community, a milestone which turned into a millstone as successive new seasons' hats disappeared down the holes, and culprits were made to stand out behind the weather-shed on Friday afternoons when the rest of the school had story-reading. Your scribe lost one, as did Esther Cullen and a number of other pupils. Esthers was first chucked up in a gum-tree, but it blew down in the wind, only to descend to its inevitable lonely grave at playtime.The fascination of a huge pit being dug was an absorbing event for the Foxground kids, as ’Kempy’(the teacher) appointed prefects in the playground each lunch hour to keep the little ones away. What the prefects got up to while Kempy was down at his home having lunch was another matter, for a Kangaroo Court procedure of the otherwise lawless groups elevated some of them to magisterial might, trying those accused of minor offences, and handing out instant sentences.And so it came to pass that young Jacky, a habitual offender whose daily appearances for judgement taxed the imagination of even the Foxground school prefects, was given the ultimate sentence- and why hadn’t they thought of it before? … Jacky was to be lowered down the hole!It was immediately questioned as to whether he would fit through the fixed seats, and would it be more punitive lowering him into the girl’s pit (as the boys had only just begun operating) and was more or less clear and brand new? Devious young minds posed the question, a couple ran up with a ruler and measured the hole and then across Jacky’s shoulders- Jacky standing calmly, not believing his fate.Yes- he would fit alright…and Jacky froze on the spot!The big boys grabbed him and took him into the tin enclosure while some of the bigger girls and a few boys started to have slight misgivings. What if he drowned in it? What if the rope broke? Suppose they couldn’t get him up again before Kempy got back?No, they’d lower him till his feet touched IT, and then pull him up! The frightening sentence was carried out with sadistic shrieks from the executioners, but happily for this story, and young Jacky, the rope held; he was hauled to safety, and it was quite safe to assume that if ever Old Kempy heard of it, it would not be Jacky who told him!

The last CMRI Quilt & Craft Show marks the end of an era
The last CMRI Quilt & Craft Show marks the end of an era

18 October 2024, 9:00 PM

This year, we celebrate 32 years of fundraising at our biggest CMRI event—the Annual Quilt and Craft Show—held at Gerringong Town Hall on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November, from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 10th November, from 10am to 2pm.32nd Quilt & Craft Show - by the Children's Medical Research Institute - GerringongAdmission is $5, with morning and afternoon tea and lunch available. The event features a quilt raffle and a wide range of stalls offering quilting supplies, crafts, clothing, children’s wear, jewellery, homemade cakes, sweets, slices, and more. Great Christmas gift ideas await!This year’s Quilt & Craft Show will be the last, marking the end of an era. Since its inception in 1991, under the guidance of CMRI Life Member, the late Dorothy Hanbridge, the show has been a successful fundraising and community event.Gwennie Wishart and Sue DmetresonThanks to the continued support of locals and visitors, the profits from this event have been significant. Along with funds raised through catering, the Jeans for Genes campaign, and special events such as movie screenings, High Tea, and Melbourne Cup luncheons, the CMRI Gerringong Committee has contributed an impressive $2.3 million since 1959—a fantastic achievement!Mena Sharpe and Joyce SharpeThe success of the Quilt Show and all our fundraising efforts is built on the hard work of dedicated members who cook, serve, sell raffle tickets, and organise events. The most popular stall has always been the Craft Stall, featuring exquisite handmade children’s wear, toys, satin-embroidered coat hangers, quilts, carry bags, toiletries bags, hand towels, Christmas runners, and decorations, as well as baby clothes. These items have been sought-after Christmas gifts, treasured for their quality fabrics, workmanship, and creativity.The Monday Ladies Group has met every year since 1991 in homes across Gerringong and Willowvale. Now, with some members in their 80s and 90s, the time has come to put away the sewing machines and enjoy a well-earned rest.Barbara Donald and Suzanne St ClaireLooking back on years of remarkable work are Dawn Miller, Marg Weir, Edith Burgess, Mena Sharpe, Joyce Sharpe, Gwen Wishart, Suzanne St. Claire, Sue Dmetreson, and Barbara Donald. Their contribution to fundraising, attention to detail, and flair for design and colour is beyond compare. Their deep friendship, sense of fun, and commitment to medical research have made a lasting impact.Life Members Kate Quinn, Marg Weir OAM with Professor Roger ReddelSpecial tribute is also due to Life Member Rhonda Bailey, who has been a key organiser of the Quilt Show and Jeans for Genes for over 34 years. Don’t miss this final CMRI Quilt & Craft Show! Along with the stunning display of quilts and wall hangings, there will be handmade felt, wool, teddy bears, fabrics, threads, buttons, cutting boards, sewing machines, and patchwork books available for purchase. The quilt raffle will be drawn on Sunday 10th November, with the prize being a beautiful wall hanging crafted by award-winning quilter Merelyn Pearce. The design, based on Margaret Preston’s woodcut Cinerarias, measures 127 x 127 cm and features a hand-appliqued centrepiece bordered by Australian flora, including waratahs, wattle, bottlebrush, grevillea, and Geraldton wax. This stunning prize has been generously donated by Merelyn Pearce. Merelyn Pearce and Rhonda BaileyRaffle tickets will be available at IGA Gerringong on Thursday 24th, Friday 25th October, and Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd November, as well as at the Quilt & Craft Show.REMINDER:The CMRI Melbourne Cup Luncheon will be held on 5th November at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.Check out our What's On here: CMRI: Melbourne Cup Luncheon

Floral arrangements, quilts, and outings: A memorable month
Floral arrangements, quilts, and outings: A memorable month

17 October 2024, 9:00 PM

By Lesley Berry Guest speaker Leanne Stewart from Rose Valley Farm was warmly thanked by member Diane, who presented her with a beautiful bunch of handpicked roses from her garden. Leanne shared her expertise in creating floral arrangements, showcasing the stunning native flowers she grows on the farm. She generously donated one of her arrangements as a lucky door prize, which was won by Roger.Guest speaker Leanne Stewart from Rose Valley Farm was thanked by member DianeClub member Marilyn kindly brought along her handmade quilts and runners to the meeting. She spoke about the countless hours and love poured into each patch, and proudly mentioned displaying one of her patchwork pieces at Darling Harbour, where it won a prize.Jan and Dennis enjoyed a morning matinee at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, featuring the Royal Navy Band playing music from stage and screen. This was followed by lunch at the North Nowra Tavern.Marilyn a member of our club was kind enough to bring along her hand made Quilts and runners to the meetingOther outings enjoyed by our club this month included a day trip to Bundeena, attending the Nowra Players' production of *Steel Magnolias*, and participating in Probus club liaison activities such as bowls and croquet.If you'd like to join us for a meeting and take part in the fun, fellowship, outings, and lunch, held on the third Wednesday of each month, please contact us:  Email: [email protected]  Secretary Jackie Woollcott - 0401 194 408

Gerringong locals call for change at Havilah Place
Gerringong locals call for change at Havilah Place

14 October 2024, 2:30 AM

Gerringong local Annette Pust has experienced the housing crisis first hand as a renter in one of the most expensive LGAs in the country. After seeing close friends leave the township in search of more affordable housing in the Illawarra, Annette felt there weren’t enough options available. She began a petition calling on Kiama Municipal Council to utilise the vacant aged care facility in Havilah Place by turning it into housing stock. She believes the site will help ongoing rental stress, provide emergency accommodation and aid the housing crisis in the second most expensive town in the country. Council have stated that the Blue Haven aged care facility in Havilah Place is in an “advanced state of dilapidation and cannot be repurposed.”A German native and Gerringong local for fifteen years, Annette said she is perplexed by the situation at hand, and feels a part of the solution is right in front of the Council.“It’s been empty for five years… I don’t know how you can have a site sitting empty and have the building rot away in essence, I can’t explain it.”Council voted in favour of receiving a report on the options for a public-private partnership and mixed-use development on the site, ensuring at least 25 per cent is allocated to social and affordable housing — a motion put forward by Councillors Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins last term.The former residential aged care facility on Havilah Place has been deemed as unsafe and unhealthy to enter. Blue Haven has been operating since 1979, the most recent addition in 2019 is Blue Haven Bonaira — which is currently in the settlement phase of being sold to private owner Hall & Prior.Council are in the process of exploring options to subdivide and divest the facility as a requirement outlined in the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order. A business case will be presented to councillors for consideration and a site masterplan will be drafted.Birgetta Smith, a Gerringong local and supporter of the petition, is facing the housing crisis with the added stress of a recent divorce.“We have to sell the house and probably move out of the area.”“My kids have grown up in Gerringong, they would love to stay, but there’s not a chance. There’s no affordable rentals around, it’s not affordable to buy something.”Gerringong has 74 houses available on the market as of September this year — with a median price of $1,400,000 as of July this year. “Any petition regarding future uses for the Havilah Place site would be subject to our Petitions Policy and would need to accord with already resolved decisions and the substantial staff work already undertaken on implementing these decisions, alongside the State required work articulated in the PIO”, a spokesperson for Council said.Property market analyst Propertyology ranked Kiama the second most expensive township, above Australia’s most populous city, Sydney.The petition will be located at Gerringong Pharmacy. 

 Fashion meets philanthropy at Bombo Clothing Co.'s spectacular charity event
Fashion meets philanthropy at Bombo Clothing Co.'s spectacular charity event

01 October 2024, 9:00 PM

On October 28, the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Marilyn and Sarah Atkins of Bombo Clothing Co. in Kiama, hosted a fabulous fashion parade that captivated an audience of 150 in support of the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) Gerringong. Guests were greeted with a glass of bubbles and a delightful cupcake, baked by CMRI members and expertly decorated by local talent Holly Fogarty, setting the tone for a day filled with style and generosity.The parade showcased an impressive collection of casual, formal, and swimwear, offering a little something for every taste. Attendees were treated to a runway of stunning designs, with models strutting in the latest trends, all while raising awareness for a crucial cause. CMRI members Geraldine Spence and Carol Rogers serving cupcakes to guestsThe spirit of giving was in full force, as attendees eagerly purchased raffle tickets, with all proceeds going directly to CMRI's vital research into genetic diseases, birth defects, cancer, and other conditions that negatively impact the health of children.Women of all ages came together to support the cause, creating a palpable sense of community and goodwill. The atmosphere was buzzing with joy, fashion, and philanthropy—a perfect example of how fundraising can be both impactful and fun. As one attendee said, "It's a win-win when you can enjoy yourself while supporting life-changing medical research."Left Kylie Burgess catching up with friend Clodagh O’Rourke at the Bombo Clothing Co Fashion Parade fundraiser for CMRIFor those who missed the event, the next opportunity to contribute to CMRI’s important work will be the CMRI Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Gerroa Boat Fisherman's Club. Tickets for the event, which promises another fabulous day of food and fun, go on sale from Monday, October 7th for $60. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets at TryBooking. See poster for more details.Together, we can support the dedicated scientists at Westmead and help make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.Zali Davis and Cara Whyte enjoying the fashionsHappy winner and also one of the models Belinda Laird of KiamaLiz Jackman and Pauline Mair from Kiama supporting a great cause

Gerringong dads step up at parenting event
Gerringong dads step up at parenting event

28 September 2024, 9:00 PM

Gerringong Public Schools Parents and Citizens' Association (P&C) hosted an event to help fathers become more hands-on with parenting.Held at Stoic Brewery in Gerringong on September 5, the night featured popular parenting expert Maggie Dent, whose warmth and insight encouraged meaningful discussion. Stu Brunsdon, a P&C member, participated in the event in an effort to get fathers more involved and proactive in their parenting roles. "I think sometimes, Dads don’t dive into the key issues around raising kids, and often, that burden falls on mums," says Brunsdon. "We want to change that narrative and get more dads involved." The event marked the second ‘Dads at Stoic’ gathering, and Brunsdon observed that while the fathers were timid at the beginning of the night, Maggie Dent's charisma gradually helped them open up."Maggie can hold a crowd so well—she’s funny and very knowledgeable," says Brunsdon."At the start, it's a little quiet, and the dads are a bit standoffish, but by the end, some are laughing, some are in tears, and they’re asking amazing questions. The conversation really starts to flow." By the end of the evening, the dads were sharing stories about their children, discussing books and podcasts they’d been reading or listening to, and exchanging parenting ideas. "They’re all talking about modern-day parenting, sharing both successes and failures," Brunsdon adds. The event has proven to be a success, as Brunsdon has noticed a positive shift in how dads are engaging with their children. "I definitely see more dads stepping up—not just coaching soccer, but doing the pick-up and drop-off, and handling other day-to-day parenting tasks," says Brunsdon. "It’s even becoming a topic of conversation, with people saying, I read that book, or I tried that podcast." Participation in events hosted this year grew significantly, with more dads contributing by asking questions and offering ideas. “One guy talked about organising screen-free activities like board game nights, another mentioned gardening projects with his kids, and someone else wanted to plan a camping adventure," Brunsdon says. "In a world full of risk assessments and declining school camps, it was great to see so much enthusiasm for these ideas." All money raised from the event went toward the Gerringong Public School and Brunsdon hopes the event will continue to grow in the future, building even more engagement and conversation around fatherhood.He concluded by thanking the dads who attended and Maggie Dent for donating her time, encouraging other fathers to get involved. “If you’re a dad wanting to engage more with your kids and connect with other parents, join your local P&C, look out for events like this, and check out Maggie Dent’s podcast, Parental As Anything."

Going to the movies at Gerringong Town Hall 50 years ago
Going to the movies at Gerringong Town Hall 50 years ago

20 September 2024, 9:00 PM

I saw a wonderful article in the Bugle about ‘Picks and flicks’ in the Town Hall in Gerringong recently. It got me thinking about those times. I would love to take the liberty of sharing some of these with you.Going to the movies was an Australian tradition 50+ years ago. TV was fine and I must admit I spent a lot of time watching Phantom Agents, The Samurai , Combat, The Monkees, Green Acres, Astro Boy and the like.But TV 50 years ago was black and white and anyway, watching big movies like The Battle of Britain just did not look the same on the small screen. It was also the idea of going out. Going to the pictures on a Saturday night was an event.There wasn’t much else to do. Yes, for a child growing up in Gerringong you could go to the Scouts and play cricket but really it was quiet during the school term. Growing up in Gerroa was even worse. Most of Gerroa 50+ years ago consisted of old fibro holiday homes. The shop would open for 15 minutes a day. A mad maniac with a machine gun would not have much effect as no-one would even notice he was there.You did have the beach of course. And yes, like everybody else I had a ‘plank’. I think they call them longboards now. You could catch a wave at Gerroa and have time to ‘walk the plank’ and ‘hang 5’. Reminds me of the song Hanging 5 by the Delltones. You needed two people to carry it down to the beach if you were just a kid.But come that magical period when the old school bell stopped ringing, during Christmas, and the place would come alive. Suddenly you could not even get on the road because there were so many cars, usually with caravans attached. The holiday places filled up and beaches were full of tourists enjoying the sun and surf. Locals would stock up just before the holidays started and hunker down on the farm until the tourists went home.And yes, these tourists were looking for something to do at nighttime with their families, as well as the local youngsters. This is where the Gerringong Town Hall and Harry and Mary Waghorn joined together to provide that.The Gerringong Town Hall is an imposing building, as I suppose all town halls are. All the big events were there. There was a stage with seating facing it. It was next door to the Gerringong Public School and in those days one of my fondest memories was performing on that stage in the annual school concert. I remember I was a thief reading Santa’s workshop.But the screen for movies was on the back wall and the seating had to be turned around. To fit more paying customers seating was put up on the stage so you might be watching a movie in the ‘stalls’. I have never really thought about how hard it must have been to move theose seats up and down the stairs.During the holiday season a movie was on every night and most of them were the ‘big’ movies for the year. As I said above, I was enthralled watching Luftwaffe planes flying across the English Channel before being jumped by Spitfires in big, bold colour set to inspirational music. My sister Merelyn fondly remembers Psycho, the James Bond movies, A Nun’s Story, and the 10 Commandments. The list goes on.A pamphlet was produced listing all the movies for the week, so you could plan your viewing pleasure. There was also a poster board out the front of the hall, about where the street library is now, with billboard posters of the movies.Every night a large crowd would gather outside the hall waiting to buy a ticket to go in. Most of the customers had a curious red glow about them due to the endless days at the beach. Naughty boys and girls would roll Jaffas down the floor. Mind you, Harry Waghorn ran a tight ship and they would get short shrift. It was a place where you took your best girl on a date and hoped to get the chance to hold hands. Nothing else mind you.Athol Noble’s general store. A place to grab a bite during Interval. They also made school lunches for Gerringong PS. Athol Noble collectionThere would always be an interval when you went to the movies in those days. People would stand at the door to the hall handing out passes. You could then go up the road to a ‘milk bar’ at Athol Noble’s store, which was roughly opposite the Anglican Church, or over the street to Aunty Connie’s where the surf shop is now. They opened specially on film nights to catch the moviegoers. Like all moviegoers for the last 100 years you would fill up on junk that you never dreamt of buying normally.On Sunday nights they would show ‘special’ films that youngsters like me weren't allowed to watch. When I got to the required age I went along to a couple and to tell you the truth, I could not see what the fuss was all about.And then at the end of January, it all came to an end. The crowds all got back into their cars, and maybe hooked a caravan on as well, and went back to wherever they came from. And sleepy Gerringong and Gerroa went back to being……well…..sleepy. At least until we did it all again next Christmas. 

Gerringong Lions Club champions local causes and community events
Gerringong Lions Club champions local causes and community events

19 September 2024, 10:00 PM

Fathers’ Day RaffleThe Lions’ Fathers’ Day raffle came and went. The four winning tickets were all held by locals.Ray Worboys won first prize of a set of TVS Ear Buds valued at $680 from Sound Solutions in Kiama.Second prize of a Makita Recipro saw and a Makita hammer drill donated by Gerringong Hardware and a Stoic Brewery voucher, was won by Ross Wraight.Ross Wraight receiving his second prize in the Fathers Day Raffle from Lions President Steve PottieThird prize of a hand made, single bed throw quilt, donated by Janice Mark and a voucher from Stoic Brewery, was won by Marion Hinkley.Fourth prize went to Clare Arnie, a $100 voucher from the Seahorse Oceanview Bistro at the Gerroa Fisherman’s Club, a $50 voucher from Bambinos in Gerringong and a Stoic Brewery voucher.Over $2000 was raised by ticket sales and The Lions Club boosted it to $3000. These proceeds went to SALT at Nowra, a charity for assisted housing for the homeless, the socially disadvantaged and young people at risk.SAHSSI (Supported Accommodation and Homeless Services Shoalhaven and Illawarra)Lions have formed a small committee to support SAHSSI. Collection points are being set up for donated items of need for the Women’s Refuge group in Nowra. You may have noticed a trolley at Khan’s IGA at Gerringong, near the checkouts, where items could be donated.This will be an ongoing project with items donated, being regularly collected and every 2 – 3 months delivered to the Nowra refuge. Prior to these deliveries, SAHSSI will be contacted to ascertain if they have urgent items of need and The Lions Club will endeavour to purchase a reasonable supply of these items.Items for donation include, women’s clothes and shoes (new or used condition), new underwear, socks, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, children’s books and non perishable food and grocery items.Upcoming EventsIt’s back!! The Gerringong Xmas Street Parade. Lions have committed to resurrecting the once famous event. Hopefully it will not have the notoriety it achieved, when Lions were previously involved with it, when a parachuting Santa missed the School Park and was taken by the famous Werri Nor/Easter to smash through the rear window of the car that was first prize in that year’s Xmas Raffle!So mark down Saturday 21st December in your calendar and suss out a good viewing point in Fern St - you never know who you are likely to see in this year’s parade.Planning has also commenced for next year’s MotorFest / Car Show at Cronin Oval on Saturday 15th February. Invitations have been sent out to numerous car clubs and Lions are anticipating about 400 cars of all makes and vintages to come along.Lions President Steve Pottie presenting a cheque for $1000 to Harper Payne to assist with her Rugby Tour to Japan.Junior Sport AssistanceLions have committed to help fund two young Rugby players, Harper Payne and Charlotte Gamero, who have been selected in The Australian Raptors 14 yrs Female Rugby Union Tour of Japan.

Gerringong Public School shines at Southern Stars
Gerringong Public School shines at Southern Stars

17 September 2024, 12:00 AM

Gerringong Public School (GPS) students dazzled at the 2024 Southern Stars event, taking place over Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August. Two choirs and two dance groups (Berkley and WEC) from Gerringong assembled at the high school ahead of the event, 19 students involved in the choir performances and 39 across the two dance groups. Gerringong Public School Teacher, Michelle McPhillips said her favourite part of the event is seeing the students come together.“Watching the joy on the students' faces during show week and how excited they are to perform…How the students mix with others and learn new skills, and students push themselves even though they are scared of performing and their excitement when they do it.”One student tried out for the Southern Stars performance company and one for the First Nations Dance group Yanggaa Garaba Dance Group.“I loved the community aspect of it and how the children got to talk and make friends from other schools and how we could see the kids shine in a way that NSW Public Education does so well on a large scale”, says Kate Egan, GPS teacher.Southern Stars began in 2001 with a determination to provide students in the Illawarra area and beyond with performing arts opportunities. The event has since grown into a spectacular that has seen over 50,000 public school students perform since its inception. Schools, students, and communities were all encouraged to be part of Southern Stars, the annual event is held at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong and all public school students across NSW are invited to showcase their dance, drama and musical performances.“It was amazing and fun as we could watch the show, and I could see my parents when I performed,” GPS student Leesha says.  With an annual audience of around 12,000 people, Southern Stars has cemented itself as a highlight in many schools’ annual calendar.The Bugle congratulates the children on a job well done, and also their dedicated teachers for all the coaching that went into it.

Doors open at Buriburi Playgroup
Doors open at Buriburi Playgroup

06 September 2024, 3:00 AM

A dedicated playgroup for Koori children has opened at Gerringong Public School.A smoking ceremony was conducted with a special assembly today, Thursday 5 September, with parents, teachers and traditional owners present. “It is a very significant event, and it is a historical event…. This school is going to open the Buri Buri Aboriginal Playgroup for all our First Nations students,” Dharawal Elder and Aboriginal Healer Aunty Gwenda said. Supporting staff members will travel to the school from Nowra on Thursdays to run the playgroup programs.The Buriburi Playgroup will be open to children between the ages of 0 - 5. Gerringong Public School also announced the introduction of the Koori Kids Tucker Program, providing breakfast and lunch for kids on Fridays. Aunty Gwenda has lived in Gerringong all her life, she addressed the school today saying most of her work has been in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra. “I’ve been waiting 20 years to work in my community… Today we put Gerringong on the map,” she said. Aunty Gwenda and kids cut the ribbon to the new playgroupKristie Goldthorp, Principal of Gerringong Public School said the name Buriburi is a way to honour the culture of the traditional owners of the land.“Choosing an Aboriginal name for a playgroup is a wonderful way to honour and celebrate the culture and heritage of the local Aboriginal community,” she said, “our little brothers, sisters and cousins can join the Buriburi playgroup and flourish together.”The name Buriburi comes from the significant spiritual figure of a humpback whale for Aboriginal people from Coastal Sydney to the Shoalhaven, the Dharawal people.

Taxi battle continues with Ward petitioning for a new trial
Taxi battle continues with Ward petitioning for a new trial

30 August 2024, 7:00 AM

The battle for an appropriate taxi service continues with the announcement of a petition for the NSW Government to support and fund a taxi trial that could see the services return to Kiama. Barry, 84, said without a reliable taxi service in Gerringong, many residents at his aged care facility struggle to maintain their independence, “If I want to go up to Kiama to see my doctor, my daughter has to travel to come and take me,” he said.Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, called upon the Minister for Transport to increase public transport in the region in May of this year.Ward continues to appeal for a stable taxi service to return to the Kiama region, with a recent announcement that he has joined forces with local council candidate Yasmin Tatrai with a petition calling upon the NSW government for the return of cabs to the community.“Yas and I want to see taxi services return to Kiama. I have been inundated by locals who need public transport and really rely on this service. As a person with a visual impairment, I understand this frustration very personally”, Mr Ward said.Barry believes the existing options are not good enough. Neighbouring residents with greater mobility issues aren’t able to use the existing public transport options within Gerringong, and must find their own alternatives through loved ones providing a helping hand. Not only are the options limited, with the available bus service requiring a volunteer driver when someone wishes to go outside of the aged care facility. The closure of Kiama Cabs in May of last year resulted in community outcry for the essential service being removed from the town. “Kiama taxis used to come, but now we don’t have a reasonable taxi service”, Barry said. Over 25 percent of Kiama’s population falls between the age range of 60 - 85 and above. A study showed that the transport needs for older people vary, Kiama is known as being a car-dependent area with limited use of public transport by local residents. Residents that are unable or no longer able to use a car for their personal transport, the range of mobility options are crucial to reducing social exclusion.Older people who are required to decrease or cease their driving can cause a ‘significant decline in mobility and increase in physical and mental health risks if appropriate transport alternatives are not available.’“From older people, people with disabilities or people who don’t drive, we need a taxi service and this petition will help pressure the NSW Labor Government to stop cutting services and start investing in our community”, Ms Tatrai said.

Gerringong Community Garden flourishes
Gerringong Community Garden flourishes

30 August 2024, 12:37 AM

Since last October, when The Bugle reported that Gerringong Community Garden had a new president in Sue Daniels, the garden has doubled in size, offering a bounty of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and bee-friendly flowers.Daniels, who previously spent eight years with the Kiama Community Garden, brought her self-taught gardening skills from the UK, where she managed an acre of garden. She now leads the Gerringong group focusing on sustainability and permaculture principles. The garden avoids harmful pesticides, relying instead on natural methods like banana peels, eggshells, and garlic spray to deter pests.Composting plays a crucial role in the garden’s success. The group maintains ten compost bins, supplemented by organic waste from the local Perfect Break Café and seaweed collected from the beach. This rich compost reduces the need for store-bought fertilisers.The group, consisting of about 12 members, meets every Tuesday morning to work in the garden. After a few hours of toil, they enjoy tea and homemade cake. Daniels keeps the team motivated with charming, poetic texts outlining the day's tasks, adding a touch of fun to their routine.One of the members, an engineer, designed an irrigation system to keep the plants hydrated during warmer months, addressing the challenges of weather fluctuations. The garden yields a variety of produce, including bananas, blueberries, and blackberries, and the group hopes to expand to raspberries, avocados, and olives.However, the garden's expansion has brought financial challenges. Every year, the group needs new soil, seed-raising mix, and protective nets, but as they are not a registered Not-For-Profit organisation, they struggle to secure funding. This raises the question of whether they could join a larger NFP to access grants.Beyond gardening, the Gerringong Community Garden group is a close-knit community. If you're interested in joining or just want to see the garden, you're welcome to visit the Gerringong Bowling Club on a Tuesday morning after 10am to meet the group.

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