Kiama’s retail community is about to get a major boost, thanks to the Walkbuy app designed to bring shoppers and local businesses closer together.Launching in Kiama this month, Walkbuy is a free app created to connect residents with real-time updates from their favourite local shops and services. Whether it’s a cafe letting you know the muffins just came out of the oven, or a clothing store with new stock on the rack, Walkbuy brings local shopping to you and encourages you to shop around the corner, not just online.“It’s all about connection,” says Walkbuy founder Peter Walsh. “Retailers get a quick and easy way to reach people nearby and shoppers get a simple and interactive way to discover what’s available locally, right now.”Walkbuy is launching in Kiama, with the support of the Kiama Business Network. To make it even better, it’s free for shoppers and retailers. Kiama retailers can list their business and start posting updates immediately.The idea is simple but powerful: build stronger local economies by helping people rediscover the value and convenience of shopping in their own community."We are very committed to Kiama, and the success of Walkbuy in the region, and excited about achieving our core goal of generating awareness and connectivity in the local retailing community", says Charlotte, who is head of marketing for Walkbuy.Walkbuy is available now on the App Store and Google Play. If you live in Kiama, now’s the perfect time to download it, support your local businesses and be part of something made for your community, with a vision for communities nationwide.Please note - this is paid content

Spring is here - though you wouldn’t know it from the wet and windy weather that’s battered us through the final days of the Kiama by-election campaign. Candidates have been popping up everywhere: online, on the streets, even down the alleyways with their superiors and entourages. After months without a local member, Kiama is ready to have someone in the seat again.Curiously, no party has promised the return of New Year’s Eve fireworks. For many locals, that annual celebration was more than just a spectacle - it was a symbol of community, a reward for making it through the year together. At around $95,000, the cost might sound steep, but as one commenter pointed out online, that’s about the same as a luxury SUV. The reputational damage of cancelling our long-standing fireworks, though, is far greater. Tourists plan months ahead, book accommodation, and expect Kiama to deliver.Some have suggested alternatives for the future - laser shows like Sydney’s Vivid, for example - but they come at an even higher cost and would need much more sponsorship. Thankfully, Kiama is rich with event expertise, and ideas keep bubbling up. No doubt something will be salvaged. Still, it’s a sad thought that 2025 will dawn without that shared moment by the harbour.In the meantime, there’s plenty to celebrate this weekend. Folk By The Sea will light up The Pavilion with a three-day program of music, community, and connection. From the lively barn dance at the Anglican Church on Friday night to the stellar line-up across the weekend, the organising team deserves real applause for pulling together such a feast of talent. If you haven’t already, grab a ticket online or at the gate - there’s truly something for everyone.Log on to The Bugle app to have a full program of the Folk By The Sea events at your fingertips.The Bugle published a four-page guide to the festival recently and these will be available at the concert venues.Sunday will also bring a splash of chrome and colour as the hot rods roll into town at Black Beach Reserve for their 10th anniversary - covering the grounds with gleaming paintwork and polish. They’ll gather at the Lighthouse on Saturday morning before heading off on their annual social road run - a chance for enthusiasts to get up close before they roar off down the coast.And, of course, don’t forget to vote. Polling stations will be open across the electorate on Saturday. Whatever the outcome, let’s hope a fresh wind blows through Kiama - one that restores community pride, champions our traditions, and celebrates what makes this place so special.

I’m standing as an independent candidate in the Kiama by-election because our community deserves better and this by-election is a once-in-a generation opportunity to deliver it.Across the Kiama electorate, our three independent councils — Kiama, Shoalhaven and Shellharbour — are under the pump. Rates rise, roads crumble, coastal risks grow, and the cultures can get toxic. The reflexive response is our national sport of council bashing. The true story is local government is created and constrained by NSW law, and the funding architecture councils rely on has been eroded and gamified over decades to benefit our major parties. If we want reliable services and resilient communities, as local MP I am determined to tackle the root cause of council challenges and use the power of the position to fix the system.Most people don’t realise councils exist under the NSW Local Government Act. Their powers and obligations are set in Macquarie Street. They deliver local public goods - roads, libraries, parks, waste, stormwater, local planning - from a revenue mix they don’t control: rates capped by a state-set peg, fees constrained by regulation, and grants determined by postcode for political gains. When the state shifts costs or changes rules, councils wear it first.Here’s what’s brokenFederal Financial Assistance Grants once sat near 1% of Commonwealth tax revenue; today they’re about 0.51%. Restoring the pool toward 1% would almost double predictable, untied funding - meaning planned maintenance, not photo ops.Cost shifting: responsibilities pushed down without matching, permanent funding - from parts of emergency services to new compliance burdens.The rate-peg straitjacket: annual caps rarely keep pace with construction, insurance and disaster repair spikes. Constraining special variations leaves ageing infrastructure unfunded.The Emergency Services Levy (ESL): councils must pay a fixed share of the state’s emergency services budget. When budgets lift mid-year, councils cop unplanned bills - every dollar diverted is a dollar not spent on roads, drainage or coastal protection.Disaster “replace, don’t improve”: recovery funds too often rebuild what failed rather than building back better to prepare for the next event.Competitive grants that gamify investment: projects follow political calendars, not logic or need, and too often projects start without the enabling works in place.We’re living the consequences. Kiama faces structural deficits and serious coastal risks. Shoalhaven carries a huge roads and bridges backlog after fires and floods. Shellharbour’s delivery is dragged by governance “noise”. These aren’t unique failures - they’re predictable outcomes of a narrow, volatile, politicised funding model.This is where an independent MP can make all the difference.I’m not bound by party factions or backroom deals. I can name the root causes and fight to fix them. I already have strong relationships with Independents in the NSW Parliament, including Alex Greenwich MP, Jacqui Scruby MP and Judy Hannan MP. They’ve shown what’s possible when you aren’t tied to a party machine - from landmark reforms in Sydney to millions delivered for Wollondilly. They encouraged me to step forward. If elected, I’ll bring those connections to work for Kiama from day one.An Independent MP’s job is not to splash money to shore up support for a major party, it is to ensure that money goes where it’s needed, not where it suits the party in power.That means insisting on planning-led synchronisation: when the state funds highways and hospitals, the local enabling works - feeder roads and bridges, sewer and water upgrades, public transport links, and social and key-worker housing - must be funded and timed together so projects open ready to help, not hurt liveability.It also means making building back better the default in disaster recovery: drainage upgrades ahead of storm season; resilient pavements and bridges; coastal adaptation that protects public and private assets; bushfire buffers designed for today’s risk.Rebuilding to yesterday’s standard or putting on more band-aids is a false economy.And we must clean up governance so councils become safe, stable workplaces that retain good staff and deliver for residents. That requires independent complaints handling for top roles and a standard integrity framework that targets real misconduct (fraud, corruption, undue influence).As an independent here is the reform agenda, my priorities will be:Restore grants toward 1% of Commonwealth revenue on a clear timetable - we need realistic base funding for reliable services.Stop cost shifting and urgently reform the Emergency Services Levy so responsibilities match funding.Replace the rate peg with a transparent, needs-based framework tied to real input costs and growth.Modernise developer contributions so existing ratepayers don’t subsidise profit-driven growth.Swap pork-barrel competitive grants for a predictable, independent, needs-based pool that allows multi-year planning.Mandate synchronisation between state “big builds” and local enabling works.Embed betterment as the default setting for disaster recovery and preparedness.Lift standards with independent integrity processes and simpler, outcomes-focused reporting through a much more active Office of Local Government.Over recent months, I’ve been out listening to residents, small businesses, community groups and experts to understand what matters most, what the state can actually change, and what needs urgent attention. NSW has a proud tradition of independents who lift integrity and accountability for everyone. John Hatton AO, the “father of ICAC,” proved what one determined Independent can achieve and has endorsed me as the best person for the job. “Kate Dezarnaulds is the only candidate in this race with the independence, integrity, and courage to speak up for her community—without fear or favour,” Hatton said. “She’s not here to climb a party ladder. She’s standing to serve the people of Kiama, and I believe she will do so with honesty, transparency and a genuine commitment to public service.”This by-election is a once-in-a-generation chance to put Kiama back at the centre of decision-making. We don’t need to be grateful or dependent. Funding and integrity settings are statutory responsibilities, not favours. If we stop the council-bashing and fix the architecture, we can turn “broke and broken” into stable and delivering - vibrant streets, reliable services and homes people can actually afford.That’s how we protect what we love and prepare for what’s coming next.My name is Kate Dezarnaulds. I’m asking for your support to be your independent voice for Kiama - to fight for the systemic fixes that the major parties won’t, and to deliver the community-first outcomes we need.Kate DezarnauldsCommunity Independent candidate for KiamaPlease note - this editorial is paid content

Dr Tonia Gray, Professor of Education and former Shoalhaven Councillor, brings over 40 years of electorate experience and a fresh perspective to the Kiama by-election as the Greens candidate.With strong intergenerational ties to the area, Dr Gray understands the mounting pressures facing local residents.Her academic background in education and health, combined with practical political experience, positions her to address the critical challenges confronting NSW.Addressing system-wide failures“It’s time we had a new, fresh, clean start in Kiama,” Dr Gray declares, emphasising the need to restore integrity and respect for community through active representation in NSW Parliament.She argues the current government has failed to tackle systemic failures in healthcare, early childhood education, housing affordability, emergency accommodation, and the climate crisis while widening inequality between rich and poor.As a university professor, Dr Gray recognises NSW’s workforce crisis extends beyond breaking point.Tonia Gray with NSW Upper House MPs Abigail Boyd (left) and Sue Higginson (right).Critical shortages of teachers, nurses, and paramedics persist despite years of government warnings.The 2025 Public Health Report reveals patients waiting longer in emergency departments and for planned surgery, while the Australian Medical Association confirms the health system strains under increased demand and budget cuts.Practical solutions for local issuesDr Gray prioritises listening to residents struggling with housing challenges, advocating for increased public housing through Housing NSW.She proposes transforming Kiama Council’s demolished nursing home site at Havilah Place into affordable housing and hub-style accommodation for rough sleepers, demonstrating practical problem-solving approaches.Her healthcare advocacy focuses on securing resources for quality service delivery while addressing workforce retention issues affecting both major service areas.The Kiama electorate is one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW and is forecast to grow by 27% in 2041.Dr Gray is committed to:A midwife-led birthing unit at Shellharbour Hospital as Wollongong Hospital has seven birthing beds and over 2500 babies are currently born every year. How does this add up? It doesn’t.Maintaining David Berry Hospital as a public specialist trauma facility andAdvocating for battery-powered trains connecting Kiama to Bomaderry as a local contribution to the electrification of local communities.Comprehensive policy frameworkDr Gray’s vision encompasses rapid renewable energy transition with public ownership of key assets, expanded funding for world-class education, public housing, hospitals, and transport services.She champions protecting natural environments and agricultural landscapes while restoring political integrity through ending dirty donations.Her platform includes working with First Nations peoples toward sovereignty and meaningful treaties.Dr Gray argues for local infrastructure supporting population growth, and ending preferential treatment for property developers, gambling interests, and fossil fuel corporations.Recognition and commitmentDr Gray’s achievements include an Australian university award as an exemplary outdoor education role model and international researcher recognition in 2019.Her climate action commitment led her to Antarctica with 80 women scientists for climate advocacy, and raising funds for the Climate Council.“Moving to a socially just, ecologically sustainable, and clean economic future for us all are my core objectives,” she states, believing that changing Kiama’s representation can transform NSW’s broken leadership model through community-focused governance that prioritises local voices and environmental sustainability over corporate interests.Please note - this editorial is paid content

With just days to go until the by-election, the message from Kiama Council is clear: our community deserves real partnerships and real solutions, not short-term politics.In the past fortnight, we’ve seen some important wins. The NSW Coalition’s $26 million pledge for the Kiama Sports Precinct recognises how important this facility is for more than 5,500 local players, families and volunteers. The NSW Government’s $200,000 for a Special Entertainment Precinct shows that when we advocate with one voice, government listens.But these announcements are only part of the picture. Our adopted State Government Advocacy Plan lays out the full list of priorities that will shape Kiama’s future, from upgrading the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility, to revitalising our harbour and main street, to ensuring Jamberoo Mountain Road is safe and reliable.Above all, lifting the outdated covenant on our Spring Creek employment lands is the game changer. This reform costs the State Government nothing, but would transform Council’s long-term financial sustainability, free us from the Performance Improvement Order, and give us the means to deliver more for our community.That’s the difference between a handout and a hand up. We are ready to work with any government that’s serious about giving Kiama a fair go. The NSW Coalition has made a commitment regarding Spring Creek but we have nothing yet in regards to this issue from the NSW Government.One year into my term as Mayor, I am proud of the progress we’ve made. We’ve taken tough decisions when needed, we’ve kept pushing our case to government, and we’ve never lost sight of the future we want for Kiama.The by-election is a chance to secure the commitments our community deserves. Now is the time for all parties to step up.Recently, Council voted on whether to spend almost $100,000 we don’t have on New Year’s Eve fireworks. I know this decision is disappointing for many families, locals and visitors. Some councillors proposed plugging that gap by selling public land. At a time when Council is under a State Government Performance Improvement Order to reduce our deficit and live within our means, I could not support that. Using the sale of public assets to fund fireworks is not responsible financial management.This pause is for one year only. The NYE Sky Show will return when we have sustainable funding in place.Please note - this editorial is paid content

If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it? Or just let it slip?These wise words were enshrined into history by an individual that some consider one of the most significant literary figures of the 21st century.“Lose Yourself”, by Eminem tells a story of making the most of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to obtain that elusive prize.As the Kiama by-election rolls towards a crescendo in a week’s time, it does seem like Mayor Cameron McDonald sees this as the community’s one shot to secure everything its ever wanted (or needed) from the major political parties.And here at The Bugle, we certainly think Mayor McDonald sees and understands the politics perfectly clear, despite what he says!Prior to the federal election this year, The Bugle’s View was titled: “Your vote matters” and the theme of that edition was firmly around ‘show us the money’.While it remains to be seen what the Albanese Government actually delivers for Gilmore, it certainly seems like the Labor State Government and Liberal Opposition have heeded the call to show us the money, for this by-election.At last count, the Liberal opposition and candidate Serena Copley had committed:to the removal of a restrictive covenant over Council-owned land at Spring Creek,$26m for the redevelopment of the Kiama Sports Precinct, and$200,000 to upgrade lighting at Michael Cronin Oval, in Gerringong.Not to be outdone, Premier Chris Minns and a cavalcade of NSW Cabinet Ministers have seemingly made the Kiama electorate their second home over the past week, striving to bring the seat into Government, and one step closer to a majority.They have devoted:$200,000 towards transforming Kiama CBD into a Special Entertainment Precinct (you might remember this funding was initially rejected by the NSW Government, how a by-election can change things!)$3m in accelerated funding for pothole and road maintenance, and$9.6m in road works for the Macquarie Pass.Both parties have committed to a rooftop helipad at the new Shellharbour Hospital which seems like a case of one-upmanship, even though the hospital is not located within the Kiama electorate.When it comes to election commitments, it seems like the major parties have two distinct strategies.The Liberal Party seems to be focusing on the part of the electorate covered by the Kiama Council, whereas the Labor Government is seeking to expend their reach to all parts of the electorate.It remains to be seen which approach will appeal most to the electors, however on pure numbers alone, the population of the local government area is about one-third of the state electorate.Either way, Saturday 13 September looms large, and The Bugle’s View is that we have one opportunity to seize everything we ever needed.Whether it's Labor, Liberal or an independent, we need to make sure that we do not just let this opportunity slip.Your vote matters.

A secure home isn’t a luxury - it’s the foundation for work, family and community connection.Across the Kiama electorate, everyone can feel the squeeze - key workers commuting further, older residents swimming in homes that no longer fit, and young people giving up the dream of raising their families on the coast they grew up in.We are growing. The question is whether we shape that growth - or have it done to us by a government intent on fast, one-size-fits-all outcomes that override local input.Let’s drop the euphemisms. This isn’t just about “affordable housing”.Somewhere along the way, government lost the courage to budget for and build social housing - secure, income-linked homes that give people dignity and stability.We need more of it here, and we need it in the right places.Then let’s get moving on key-worker homes, especially in well-located town-centre areas, so nurses, ambos, baristas, apprentices and disability support workers can live where they’re needed.The state has already shown a credible model with Build-to-Rent in Bomaderry.That’s durable, non-speculative supply our region can scale and repeat along the rail spine.Short-term rentals also need a social licence if tourism is to keep working for locals.The current light-touch approach hasn’t stemmed the drift from permanent rentals.We need more hotel and motel beds, plus STR registration and data-sharing that allow targeted caps where rental stress is worst - so hospitality can keep humming and staff can live locally.That’s not anti-tourism; it’s pro-community.On where we grow, Kiama has a clear mandate: add neighbours near stations, schools and shops - not by pushing pipes and roads into farmland and floodplains.Transport-oriented development can help, but not if it steamrolls local design choices.Let’s build the missing-middle - duplexes, terraces and granny flats - that respect village character.Do it with genuine local input and matching infrastructure sequenced first, not last.The state sets the “how many”; our job is to insist on the where and how. Yes, Kiama has been handed a 900-home target by 2029. Let’s meet it on our terms.The costs of getting this wrong are already visible. Flood-prone roads still need basic resilience works.After ordinary rain, we see sewer overflows from Kendalls to Bombo - a system already stretched.Housing without rail, road and sewer upgrades isn’t “supply”; it’s backlog.That’s why greenfield expansion should be the exception, not the reflex.Look north to Calderwood: thousands of dwellings over decades, with councils warning about unfunded road upgrades and flood and farm impacts unless infrastructure is locked in.Growth that dumps costs on ratepayers isn’t “affordable” - it’s a future bill.We also need to be honest about market incentives. Left on autopilot, the private pipeline prioritises the fattest margins, not the greatest need, which is why downsizers and single-person households struggle to find smaller, accessible homes in town.State leadership should keep approving good infill fast and stop pretending speculative product at the fringes is a civic virtue. That’s not anti-developer; it’s pro-outcomes.And the regional supply blockers are well known: thin builder markets, rising costs and workforce shortages - which is exactly why public-interest projects and steady pipelines matter.And yes, tax settings matter. Stamp duty keeps people stuck, especially older locals who’d happily right-size if the transaction penalty weren’t so punishing.Give residents viable in-town alternatives and a fairer tax path, and you free up family homes while keeping community ties intact.Finally, let’s talk cost and speed. Traditional delivery alone won’t keep up. Welcome modular and panelised builds, adaptive reuse, and simple, code-compliant add-ons - granny flats, tiny homes and land-lease communities - because the point is to house people faster at a standard we’re proud of.Across Australia, employers and councils are already doing this to keep towns staffed and services running. It’s not theory, it’s happening - just not enough here.Kiama doesn’t need to choose between soul and shelter. We should insist the state funds the rails, roads and sewers; that holiday homes don’t take priority; that social and key-worker homes are built in our centres; and that locals keep a real say over how we meet targets we didn’t set.Growth is coming. The election question is simple: will we be the driver - or the passenger? A strong community-backed independent can ensure that we get to choose.Please note that this blog is paid content

By Damian Morgan, Country Press Australia president  I’m often asked why Meta (owners of Facebook) should be forced to pay compensation to news publishers. It’s a fair question. On the surface, Facebook can be seen as a media disruptor, like Uber upending the taxi industry, or cars replacing horse and cart. It’s easy to think social media is just the “new and improved” media. But Facebook isn’t a modern version of traditional media at all - it’s an entirely different thing. The core business of traditional media is producing content - primarily news and entertainment. We are a product business. Facebook doesn’t produce any content. Zero. Its business model is to “share” other people’s content - without paying for it. This has never been done at scale before. In the early days, many of us curated our Facebook feeds to include trusted news sources.That made the platform more important to us, more credible, and far more valuable. Credible journalism gave Facebook enormous legitimacy. It made the feed worth coming back to - and helped Facebook build its empire. Credit where due - Facebook was a brilliant pioneer of the internet, effectively inventing social media and colonising the World Wide Web. It offered everything for free - until we relied on it.Then they cashed in - creating one of the most powerful and profitable corporations in history. But like all new boom industries, social media’s race to dominate the internet has left regulation in the starter’s blocks. There were no guardrails to protect people and organisations from the consequences of its domination.No recourse for scams or misinformation. No regard for the mental health of teenagers. No thought for the destruction of regional news services. The benefits of social media are clear. But the full extent of the harms caused by Facebook - and the copycat platforms that followed - are still not fully understood, let alone addressed. Facebook’s real “product” is you. Your attention is what they sell. And they’ll serve up almost anything to keep it - along with your personal data - to advertisers, based on what you read, watch, click, and where you go online. Now, with Meta glasses, they’re even tracking what you see and say every day. The potential for harm is staggering. While Facebook deserves credit for innovation, its refusal to engage with regulation is contemptible. Google has behaved differently.   Its core product – search - is also vastly more valuable when it includes journalism from credible sources.For example, when you search for updates on a local bushfire or the war in Ukraine, those results are far more valuable when they include stories from trained journalists at credible news organisations. Without trusted journalism in the mix, Google’s search results would be less relevant, less useful - and far less valuable. That’s why Google agreed to pay Australian news publishers after the introduction of the world-first News Media Bargaining Code in 2021.  Facebook initially complied. Then they walked away. They are now openly defying the Australian government and refusing to pay for the journalism that helped build their empire and continues to drive their profits. The Albanese Government is responding with the News Bargaining Incentive to force them to the table. So far, Facebook has responded with silence and contempt. Let’s put this into perspective as the government stands up to the bullying tactics of Meta. Imagine for a moment that Meta was a mining company. It’s not a perfect analogy, but it’s a useful one. Mining companies don’t own the resources they extract - so they pay royalties because those resources belong to the people. Facebook doesn’t own the internet or the content it extracts - yet it refuses to pay anyone, anything. Mining companies impact the environment, so they pay taxes, levies, and offsets. Facebook has damaged the information environment massively - spreading scams, misinformation, and harmful content - yet takes no responsibility. Mining is dangerous, so companies are required to invest in safety, education, and emergency services. Facebook profits from dangerous content that fuels our mental health crisis - yet contributes nothing to public well-being. Mining companies affect the communities where mines are located, so they invest in those communities as part of their social licence to operate. Facebook has pillaged and damaged local news in regional Australia. Now it refuses to pay for the journalism it profits from. If Facebook were a mining company, we wouldn’t let them get away with it. We’d shut them down.

On Monday morning at Kiama Pavilion, at a hastily arranged Business Illawarra Forum with the Premier and Treasurer, we were told this visit was “business as usual”, part of a series of forums with Business Chambers and nothing to do with the Kiama by-election.It didn’t feel that way.With a familiar campaign gloss - set-piece talking points about hospitals, schools, and long-horizon reforms - the assembled room full of small business leaders was nonetheless taking their rare audience with Labor's economic leadership and bursting with urgent pressures: insurance renewals, energy bills, workforce and housing, approvals that don’t stick, trains that don’t turn up, and support programs that have quietly disappeared.That cognitive dissonance is exactly why I’m running in the Kiama by-election.For years I’ve done the unglamorous work of helping small businesses survive and then grow - listening to retailers, tradies and in offices, connecting operators to each other and to practical support.As president of the Berry Chamber, our community delivered three straight Top Small Tourism Town wins - proof that when local business has a plan and the right scaffolding, a whole town lifts.Later this year I’m a finalist for Business Illawarra’s awards after being named Kiama’s Outstanding Business Leader 2025, recognition that belongs to a region that backs its doers, not just its talkers.Last week in Sydney, I represented Berry as the NSW Government’s brilliant UPTOWN program kicked off for our cohort: catalytic funding designed to help venues and producers extend the weekend into weeknights with music, collaborations, and smarter marketing.Berry’s “Extend the Weekend” plan is now moving from pitch to delivery with $200,000 to activate our struggling hospitality sector - it’s the sort of close-to-the-ground support that turns policy into actual patrons, shifts and gigs.I’m thrilled to see Labor was back on Wednesday to announce that Kiama has suddenly secured $200,000 for the much-needed Special Entertainment Precinct so our live music and hospitality ecosystem can build audience with clearer rules and less red tape.Momentum matters, but so does consistency.If we want confidence to return after four tough years, business needs to know that whatstarts will be sustained.What the forum confirmed is that small business doesn’t need more speeches that admire the problem and shift the conversation back to Macquarie St agendas.We need six practical shifts - now.1. Insurance that works. Stop funding essential services by loading levies onto insurance premiums. The Emergency Services Levy on policies is a textbook perverse incentive that discourages people from insuring properly. And as icare costs spiral, and the system groans under the weight of spiralling mental health claims that trap victims to their tormentors, the answer can’t just be bigger premiums for compliant employers - fix the broken settings and the misaligned incentives.2. Lower energy bills for business. Electrification support has to move beyond households. Help cafés, workshops, and light manufacturers switch equipment, electrify fleets, and cut bills with the same urgency we’ve seen for home solar panels and battery storage. Lower costs would mean more hours, more hires, and more headroom to invest.3. Housing where the jobs are. Productivity isn’t a slogan - it’s a commute time. Get affordable and social housing near transport so essential workers can live close to shifts, and unlock build-to-rent, social housing investment and key-worker supply that also kickstarts the construction pipeline.4. Trains that are reliable, frequent and fast. We need a Sydney–Bomaderry service we can plan our days around - and we need to end the single-track handbrake south of Kiama. Tourism, healthcare, education, and tradies all rely on timetables that don’t crumble weekly on infrastructure and timetables that haven’t improved in 25 years of neglect by both major parties.5. Tailored support that eases cash-flow strain. Reinstate Business Connect - Business owners don’t want another compliance seminar; they want an advisor for eight hours who helps them price, hire, digitise, and sell. Scale precinct programs like UPTOWN and guarantee future rounds for regional communities only just getting started. We need to get the life back into our village streets and see our cafes and pubs filled with mid-week life, live music, local producers, and real customers.6. Commercial and industrial land that’s usable. Open up employment land so operators can expand locally and hire locally. Match planning rhetoric with approvals that stick to evidence, and hold decision-makers to clear, timely benchmarks so investment isn’t lost to inconsistency.If Monday’s forum had one redeeming feature, it’s that the Premier and Treasurer heard the gap - between policy horizons and weekly cash-flow reality.Close that gap and the rest follows: safer streets with active venues, apprenticeships because books are healthy, main streets that hum on Thursdays, and families who can afford to live near their work.Small business is the engine of our regional economy.I’ve seen what happens when we fuel it: three years of top-tourism recognition in Berry, new precinct funding rolling out in Berry and Kiama, and operators ready to turn the lights on if government keeps its promises steady.That’s the work I’ve been doing for years. That’s the standard I’ll hold myself and anygovernment to.Please note that this blog is paid content

It was a privilege to talk with Premier Chris Minns earlier this month ahead of the 13 September by-election. I used the opportunity to highlight the importance of strong local representation and to press the case for urgent investment in the priorities Council has identified through our Advocacy List.For too long, Kiama has missed out on the government support that neighbouring communities have received, with projects such as the Mount Ousley interchange, Shellharbour Hospital and Shoalhaven Hospital upgrades bypassing our area. That must change.Council has set out a clear list of priorities:• Redevelopment of Kiama Sports Complex and Leisure Centre into a Regionally Significant Sporting Facility (estimated at $110–$150 million).• A structure plan for the Kiama Urban Expansion Area, ensuring proper roads, stormwater, sewerage and services.• Urgent investment in Bombo Treatment Plant, which is nearing capacity and creating odour and overflow issues.• Lifting the outdated covenant on residential land near Spring Creek. • Fairer arrangements for Jamberoo Mountain Road, a regional link that should not be funded solely by local ratepayers.Council has shown progress is possible. We secured movement on Glenbrook Drive and continue to advocate with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation for better access to the new Shellharbour Hospital. But many pressing needs remain unmet.The recent announcement of 100 new preschools, with none for Kiama, underlines how far we are still being left behind.These are not wish lists. They are essentials. Every delay costs our community whether in sport and recreation, in housing, in education, in health or in basic infrastructure.Council has done the work to identify what is needed. I call on all candidates in this by-election to commit to these priorities. They reflect the voice of our community and the determination of your Council. We are ready and willing to partner with state and federal governments.Together, with the right support, we can secure the investment Kiama needs and deserves for the future.

Saturday, 13 September 2025 is shaping up to be a momentous day. It’s the first day of Kiama Council’s household bulky waste drop-off program. If you’re undertaking a spring clean and are not able to reuse, recycle or donate, then we am sure you are extremely excited about the second Saturday in September. Also, on the calendar for the 13th day of September is 1990s country pop music icon LeAnn Rimes, who is performing one night only in Sydney. Rimes is of course responsible for karaoke classics “How do I Live”, and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” and overall reminding us of simpler and easier times. Or maybe you’re a little less practical and nostalgic and will be completely engaged in the Kiama by-election, where we will elect a new individual to represent our interests in the hallowed halls of the Parliament of NSW.The farcical scenes of two weeks ago, where there was a possibility that meeting with our local MP would require a trip up the M1 to Cessnock Correctional Centre (during official visiting hours only) have been averted. Instead, we get to go back to the polls – a full 546 days earlier than we all thought.While candidates have until next Thursday (28 August) to nominate for the election, it looks like the field of four genuine contenders has all been set with three latecomers also added to the ballot who are highly unlikely to get much of the primary vote in Felix Nelson (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party), Kyle Napoleoni (Family First) and independent Andrew Thaler.Labor: Katelin McInerney will be looking to go one better than the 2023 election. Aiming to capitalise on her campaign kick-off with Premier Chris Minns, and the strong and continued popularity of Labor at both a State and Federal level, McInerney is the natural frontrunner.Liberal: Serena Copley is a former Shoalhaven City Councillor who has been part of the community for more than 30 years. The Liberal Party is coming off an extremely low base of just 12% of the vote in 2023, demonstrating that it will be an uphill battle for Copley and the Liberals.Community Independent: Kate Dezarnaulds and her supporters might be thinking it’s Groundhog Day as she goes back-to-back after her inaugural hit-out earlier this year for the federal election. Stylising herself as a true independent, backed by the Community Independent Project, Independent for South Coast and Climate 200, she will once again hope that the community’s belief in an independent Council, translates at a state level. Greens: Dr Tonia Gray, another former Shoalhaven City Councillor, will round out the field for The Greens. Decimated at this year’s Federal election, Dr Gray will be returning to the campaign trail after running fourth in the race for Kiama in 2023. We will be watching with extreme interest over the next three weeks to understand more about these candidates, their commitments and platforms. In a refreshing change of pace, it looks all but assured that a woman will represent the electorate of Kiama for the first time in the history of the seat.No matter who it is, the most important thing is what they stand for. The Bugle’s View is that they should stand for “more”.More investment, more focus, more resources, and more for our community.

It conjures images of pomp and glamour, and serves perhaps as a fitting tribute to one of Kiama’s most illustrious sons.The idea of naming a local street Orry-Kelly Boulevard was floated by none other than acclaimed filmmaker Gillian Armstrong, who proposed the name to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald following the unveiling of the town’s latest Blue Plaque on 26 July.The plaque, which honours Orry-Kelly - Hollywood costume designer to the stars - now graces the old Kiama schoolhouse at The Sebel, a place closely linked to his early life.It’s a grand idea that deserves serious thought.For a small town, we are now home to not one, but two Blue Plaques - a significant feat when you consider how rigorously these are awarded.Sydney might have its fair share, but for Kiama to be recognised two years running after Charmain Clift also received the honour speaks volumes about our rich cultural heritage and the extraordinary individuals who have called this place home.So where should we put a named boulevard? If our LGA agrees on it!A few suggestions have already been tossed around.Could we see the upper stretch of Terralong Street, near the Anglican Church, transformed into a stylish promenade - Orry-Kelly Boulevard - a pedestrian-friendly walkway lined with nods to the golden age of cinema?Or perhaps there's an unnamed street just waiting for a bit of Hollywood sparkle.What about the bottom end of Shoalhaven Street, past Black Beach, where locals and visitors alike stroll with a view of the sea?There’s even been a suggestion for a renamed Pavilion - The Orry-Kelly Pavilion!And let’s not forget the idea of the foreshore pathway - a place where Orry-Kelly himself might have once walked, dreaming up costume designs that would eventually win him three Academy Awards.We’d love to hear your thoughts.What’s your vision? Where do you think this glamorous tribute could belong?Of course there may be a bit of red tape to wade through to actualise it!While we’re on the subject of community pride, it’s been fantastic to see Kiama recognised for the second year running as NSW’s Top Tourism Town. Mark your calendars for September 3, when we’ll find out how we fare in the national awards.Destination Kiama continues to champion our town, encouraging local businesses to enhance their offerings with value-add experiences. A great example is the new cycle tours soon to be launched by Kiama Cycles, catering to both visitors and locals.Our events calendar remains full and vibrant. Changing Tides returns to The Pavilion this November, while the Gerringong Co-op keeps serving up variety, from the South Coast Ceramics Market this weekend to the Disco Revolution in September.There is of course regular Sunday afternoon music vibes at Yves at The Sebel in Kiama and offerings such as Unplugged at Filmores. Cin Cin in Kiama Heights is offering everything from book afternoons to murder mysteries - there certainly is a plethora of activities on our calendars to choose from! There’s also something new in Gerringong: Crooked River Wines has unveiled elegant boutique accommodation - complete with a outdoors jacuzzi and stunning views - perfect for a weekend escape. It’s an ideal spot to relax after their popular Kick back Fridays, which they warmly encourage locals to enjoy.Meanwhile the Orry-Kelly Boulevard idea isn’t just another glitzy distraction, but the start of a genuine conversation about celebrating - and preserving - the things that bring Kiama together. And now with our by-election on September 13, Kiama certainly continues to have so much intrigue, and national attention, on its doorsteps.

It was only three short months ago on 16 May when we were reporting on the 2025 federal election outcome.The Albanese Government romped it home, and Fiona Philips MP turned her wafer-thin margin into a dominant and crushing defeat of Andrew Constance that sent him into political retirement.The Bugle's View that day was “Now it’s time to keep them honest” and was a clear signal to all levels of government that our community deserves better.We thought we had a period of relative stability, where there were clear opportunities to make big decisions that would deliver public benefits for generations to come.We said at the time: “We are not scheduled to have another major election until 13 March 2027 which is when the next NSW State election will be held. This means there are around 630-odd days of ‘clear air’ where policy makers, bureaucrats and politicians can make big and bold decisions, allocate significant investment and genuinely improve the livelihoods of people in our community.”How things can change.As has been widely reported, Gareth Ward MP has been found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault.He has now no longer in Parliament, as the Member for Kiama, after resigning on Friday. He had been successful in getting a Supreme Court injunction to block the Legislative Assembly from voting to expel him.But that was dismissed by the Court of Criminal Appeal.Now the longest-serving representative for Kiama has been banished from public life.If he had have been able to keep the injunction in place, Ward could have remained as the Kiama electorate's elected representative, serving our community’s needs from Cessnock Correctional Complex, right up until the next state election in March 2027.It certainly did not pass the pub test.Mayor Cameron McDonald had identified this issue, writing directly to the NSW Government seeking clarity about "what steps the Parliament will take with respect to Ward". He welcomed Ward's decision to quit on Friday.So it's on once again. A forthcoming by-election that brings on political campaigns and slogans, and with candidate corflutes at the ready.Will the Liberal Party dare put a candidate forward, considering the turmoil surrounding Ward? Does Constance come out of retirement?Is Katelin McInerney going to win pre-selection for Labor and re-contest the seat where she was narrowly defeated in 2023? Or might it be some younger blood such as Councillor Imogen Draisma who sees this as an opportunity to enter the big leagues?This issue has and will continue to be the talk of the town over the coming weeks and months.But at the end of the day, The Bugle’s View is that whatever the future may hold – we need to keep calm and carry on.And after the by-election when we elect a new representative, the message is clear: let’s not revisit old issues and go back to the "bad old days".Let’s build upon the good work of the new Council, secure funding for new infrastructure, and ensure Kiama continues to grow in the best way possible.

Suppose for a moment that in your working life, everything you do is recorded. Every email kept. Every decision reviewed. Every offhand comment, whether made in your workplace or at your local café, open to public comment, critique, or condemnation by people who may have no training or insight into your field.Welcome to local government!When I served as Mayor, I found this reality came with the territory. Whether I was shopping, scrolling Facebook, grabbing a coffee or answering an unfamiliar number on my mobile, I could expect a performance review at any moment. And truly, I didn’t mind. Oscar Wilde said it best: “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”But lately, I’ve ve found myself worrying, oddly not for myself, but for others. I worry for the new councillors, who face a wall of online criticism before they’ve had time to find the kitchen kettle. I worry for the staff and volunteers; highly qualified, deeply experienced professionals who quietly keep the lights on, the bins collected, the pools open and the development proposals assessed. I worry because while criticism is easy, understanding is hard. And at the local level, understanding is in very short supply.Recent research shows that across Australia, local government is one of the most misunderstood levels of government, yet it is also the most visible and criticised. One major survey found only one in 10 people felt they clearly understood how their council allocates funding. Another found that a third of people didn’t know who their local councillors were. Yet these same councils are expected to deliver everything from assisted living to animal control, libraries to lifeguards, toilets to town planning and often, to do it with less staff and less budget than people realise.We talk a lot about fairness, but fairness is an abstract concept. It is not even always possible. What is possible (and what I hope to offer) is greater understanding. Not to silence the critics, but to help them see the full picture. A better-informed community doesn’t always agree with its council. But it does know where its roads lead, where its responsibilities lie, and where to direct its passion and protest.So, next time you post a comment or pass a judgment, pause for a moment and ask: do I really understand what they do? If not, let’s explore it together.Let’s take just one example: town planners.These are not clipboard-wielding bureaucrats making arbitrary decisions from behind closed doors. To become a certified planner, you’ll typically need a university degree in urban or regional planning, often with honours or postgraduate qualifications. Many have additional training in environmental law, architecture, heritage management, or community consultation. They navigate a labyrinth of legislation, state policies, zoning laws, and community expectations. Their role isn’t to “approve or reject” development; they assess risk, balance competing interests, interpret shifting regulations, and guide change in ways that serve the whole community, not just the loudest voice.They do this work not in isolation, but amid public hearings, political pressure, shifting policies, and yes, Facebook comments.This is just one profession among many inside your local council. And as this series of articles continues, I hope to offer a closer look at the people behind the roles. Because the more we understand what councils really do, the more confident (and fair) we can be in holding them to account.

By Commissioner Mark Campbell, The Salvation Army August 4-10 marks Homelessness Week in Australia – a time to take a moment to think about those in our community who are facing some of the most challenging circumstances and realise that it may be affecting people that we don’t expect.The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in the country, and in our over 140-year history in Australia, we have seen it all. We support over 8,000 people every month across Australia who are experiencing homelessness, but what can sometimes shock me more than these numbers is the individual stories behind each person that reaches out to us for help.We have seen people reach out to our homelessness services who have been donors to the Salvos in the past. We have seen people who are perceivably “well off”, but due to one unforeseen personal crisis like a family member falling ill, they have slipped into homelessness. Recently, we have started to see increased numbers of women and children reaching out to us. In fact, one in seven people who reached out to us for homelessness support this year have been children under 14. This breaks our hearts.Homelessness isn’t just sleeping rough on the streets. It manifests in a number of ways, like couch surfing, staying in emergency accommodation or sleeping in your car. In a recent survey of people who reached out to the Salvos for financial support, one in five (19%) had couch surfed or lived in their car at some point in the past 12 months.That is why, this Homelessness Week, we want to shine a light on what homelessness really looks like in Australia. At the Salvos, we want to encourage people to reach out to their friends and family, notice the signs, and know where to go if you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness.And where can you go? The Salvos are a great place to start. The Salvation Army are here for those experiencing hardship, including those at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. We don’t judge and don’t discriminate. It has been our privilege to come alongside Aussies in their time of need for the past 140 years, and we look forward to doing so in the future. If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army, please visit salvationarmy.org.au.

Back in October of last year, I was approached by Linda Birchall from the Kiama Icons and Artists group to assist with the planning of an event honouring the legendary costume designer Orry-Kelly.Fast forward nine months to 26 July, and the Orry-Kelly: Dressing Hollywood Gala and Exhibition came to life at The Sebel in Kiama, with around 480 people attending one or both parts of the event.My role was relatively minimal - mainly contributing articles to The Bugle and drafting a couple of press releases. So, while I was expecting a wonderful evening and an engaging exhibition, I was completely unprepared for how spectacular it would truly be.The exhibition itself was only on display for a single day. Painstakingly curated and assembled by the Kiama Icons and Artists team, it was set up and packed down within 24 hours. But you’d never have guessed that from the presentation.Walking into the room, it felt as though the exhibition belonged there permanently. It was seamless, as if the space had been designed specifically to house this tribute to Orry-Kelly, rather than the exhibition tailored to fit the room.The exhibition featured stunning dress recreations, informative plaques, life-sized cardboard cutouts, famous quotes, and even a film playing on a projector. The centrepiece of the Orry-Kelly exhibition - Olivia De Havilland's gown from The Private Lives of Elizabeth and EssexDespite the modest size of the room, there was more than enough content to hold your attention for at least an hour.And then, there was the Gala.Guests walked a red carpet into a space lit with the grandeur of a classic Hollywood premiere. Two towering Oscar statues guarded a stage backed by oversized film strips - an atmosphere perfectly set even before a single guest arrived.One of the highlight dressed of the night, the newspaper dress, photographed on the red carpetBut it was the people who made the night unforgettable. Attendees brought the glamour in every form imaginable - some dug deep into their closets, others opted for high or low fashion, and several even created their own outfits. Among the most creative were a dress made from newspapers and another fashioned from Kodak film cartridges.Once the crowd had settled, the energy spiked with a surprise performance from the Brent Street Dancers, weaving through the guests with the energy and polish of a Broadway number.The dancers from the Brent Street DancersThe event also welcomed an impressive lineup of special guests, including the team behind Women He's Undressed - producer Damien Parer, writer Katherine Thompson, and director Gillian Armstrong - as well as acclaimed Australian costume designer Wendy Cork (Predestination) and a special video appearance by the Australian with the most Oscars (surpassing Orry in 2013), costume designer Catherine Martin.They spoke candidly about the process of making the film, Orry-Kelly’s legacy, and the shared experiences that shaped their creative lives - from dressing up dolls as children to staging backyard plays.The entire evening was a deeply fitting tribute to Orry-Kelly, more than 50 years after his passing. And it was also something more: a vivid reminder of how the arts can unite and inspire a community.Some attendees of the Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala in front of the photo wallIn her talk, Gillian Armstrong shared a pointed reflection: “We remember our best batsman, yet we forget our artists.” It’s a sentiment that lingers. Ask any young person today who Gillian Armstrong is, and chances are, they wouldn’t know.Events like this Gala are a chance to change that.They give our artists - and the important Australian stories they tell - the recognition they deserve. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of more celebrations of creative legacy, right here in Kiama.

Kiama has been grappling with shock and division in the past few days following the guilty verdict delivered last Friday against the local state MP, Gareth James Ward. The independent Member for Kiama was convicted of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault, stemming from incidents involving an 18-year-old in 2013 and a 24-year-old political staffer in 2015. As the electorate processes the news, residents are torn between Ward’s legacy as a dedicated local representative and the gravity of his convictions.The verdict has left many in the community reeling. The charges, involving serious allegations of sexual violence, have sparked heated discussions at local cafes and in offices. Many are struggling to reconcile Ward’s public persona with the court’s findings, which detailed power imbalances and the courage of victims who came forward years later. “The court has made its decision and proven that he’s guilty,” a local retiree told The Sydney Morning Herald, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. “He absolutely should resign. Anyone with a sketchy idea of right and wrong shouldn’t be a member of parliament.”Ward, 44, has been a familiar and energetic presence in Kiama since his election as a Liberal MP in 2011, later serving as an independent after leaving the party in 2021 after it emerged that he was the subject of a police investigation. Known for his tireless engagement, Ward has attended virtually every community event, from school fetes to surf club fundraisers, earning praise for his accessibility. Locals describe him as someone who “never missed a beat,” responding promptly to every email, letter and text, and publicly celebrating constituents’ achievements, from sporting victories to academic honours. His visibility and dedication made him a popular figure, reflected in the hundreds of supportive letters he has received since the charges emerged in 2022.“He’s been there for us, always,” say long-time Kiama residents and Ward supporters. Their sentiments echo those of many who voted for Ward in 2023, re-electing him as an independent despite a 10.7% swing against him and the looming trial. For these supporters, Ward’s convictions feel like a betrayal of the approachable MP who championed the Illawarra and South Coast.Ward’s popularity in Kiama is rooted in tangible contributions. These efforts, alongside his advocacy for infrastructure like the Shellharbour Hospital plan, have left a lasting impact, making it challenging for some to reconcile his crimes with his achievements.Despite the gravity of his convictions, a segment of Kiama’s community remains steadfast in their support for Ward. This loyalty mirrors broader societal patterns, such as the support for US President Donald Trump, where followers prioritise policy wins or perceived strength over personal scandals. In Kiama, some residents, particularly business leaders, value Ward’s ability to deliver funding, with one social media post noting that “upstanding business people” supported him for “delivering barrels of pork”. Psychologically, this can be explained by cognitive biases: once trust is invested in a leader, withdrawing support feels like admitting personal error, a difficult step for many. In Kiama’s tight-knit community, group dynamics further reinforce this loyalty, as supporters align with like-minded peers.Ward’s extensive history in the area - born in Gerringong, educated locally, and involved in politics since his teens - foster a sense of familiarity that is hard to shake. This connection may explain why some Kiama’s support persists, unlike the broader Australian public’s condemnation, as seen in national calls for his resignation.Ward’s legal troubles are not his first controversies. In 2017, he faced an alleged blackmail attempt in New York City after arranging a massage. In 2018, Liberal MP Ann Sudmalis accused him of bullying and branch stacking. In July 2024, he made headlines for arriving at Parliament House in his underwear to retrieve a spare key after locking himself out, an incident he claimed was exaggerated. These non-criminal incidents were largely overlooked by supporters, highlighting a pattern where Ward’s charisma and local impact overshadow his missteps, unlike how similar behaviour might be judged elsewhere.Ward’s convictions carry a maximum penalty of seven years for sexual intercourse without consent and up to five years for each indecent assault. His bail was revoked on Wednesday and he has been imprisoned at Silverwater Correctional Centre as he awaits sentencing on 19 September. Ward faces mounting pressure to resign. NSW Premier Chris Minns called his continued status as a sitting MP “ridiculous,” while Opposition Leader Mark Speakman labelled his position “untenable”. Both leaders support an expulsion motion, which could trigger a by-election in Kiama within 60 days if Ward does not step down voluntarily.For Kiama, the prospect of a by-election adds uncertainty to an already turbulent time. In recent years Kiama Council has been in the spotlight for local governance issues and on the other hand, accolades - twice winning the best tourist town award. Some question the timing of the allegations, pointing to past disputes like the 2018 Sudmalis accusations, which he denied. “He’s been targeted before,” said one anonymous supporter. “People here still believe in him.”As Ward considers an appeal within the 28-day window, Kiama faces a defining moment. An expulsion motion, backed by both major parties, could reshape the electorate’s future, but legal challenges may delay resolution. Constitutional experts note that Ward’s potential incarceration would complicate his ability to serve, strengthening the case for his removal. For now, the community remains divided, dealing with the loss of the MP they thought they knew while confronting the reality of his crimes.The Bugle invites readers to share their thoughts on this developing story as Kiama navigates the next few weeks. Email your Letter to the Editor via [email protected].

Well, they actually did it. In a vote of 7-1, Kiama Councillors voted to finalise the Kiama Local Housing Strategy and ultimately set in place the growth and development trajectory for our communities, over the next 20 to 30 years. The viewing public was treated to more than one hour and 40 minutes of discussion, multiple points of order, foreshadowed motions and amendments to finally get to a resolution. Somewhat contradictory to the “strategic” nature of the plan and discussion, multiple other land parcels were floated for inclusion and exclusion into the Strategy, seemingly as a result of private discussions with Councillors. The end result of the nearly two hours of discussion? Some minor tinkering of words and actions, and the inclusion of two plots of land to the west of the Springside Hill development. Depending on who you ask, this growth is a conversation that started when the “Kiama Local Strategic Planning Statement” was finalised in 2020. Or it could have been in 2022, when the NSW Department of Planning and Environment finalised the controversial South Kiama rezoning on behalf of the then NSW Minister for Planning and Homes, Anthony Roberts. Or maybe it was when Version 1 of the Draft Strategy formally kicked off discussions in March 2024, to get to where we are. Version 1 could be most appropriately described as a false start as Council itself instituted a review to understand what was right, and what was wrong. But perhaps this false start could be more appropriately attributed to what continues to be an inflexion point where the leadership and direction of our community took a completely different turn: the September 2024 NSW local government elections. When you really think about it, in the space of six short months, we have gone from a conceptual conversation to a fully fledged and mapped out plan for growth. Yes, a lot of the groundwork had been done in terms of the structure of the document. But when it comes to the cut and thrust of hard conversations within Council, or engaging with the State Government, this group has managed to achieve in six months what the previous Council failed to do over a period of almost four years. The growth conversation has undergone a complete 180-degree turn from “lock the gate” to let’s have a genuine and mature conversation. Evidence of this is the inclusion of the two additional lots in Jerrara that are now earmarked for housing, as well as a reference to exploring “innovative methods to achieve infill development within our existing towns”. Ed Patterson, director of strategies and communities, is on the record as saying our historically high land values render redevelopment of sites within town as not commercially viable (with current planning controls). Presumably, this means the “innovative methods to achieve infill development” will make development more attractive.By our estimation, that can only mean one thing: height.Now that Council has acknowledged that greenfield development will be a large part of the growth conversation, it seems like the next battleground might be towers in our town centres. But all that is for another day. The Bugle’s View is that this Council has made another tough decision, and it ought to be congratulated.

The Orry-Kelly: Dressing Hollywood Gala is fast approaching. On 26 July, Kiama will celebrate a man who, despite his incredible achievements, remains largely forgotten in his home town.Arguably, no other Kiama local has reached the levels of international success that Orry-Kelly achieved.He designed costumes for more than 300 films, including cinematic masterpieces such as Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, Some Like It Hot, An American in Paris, and Les Girls. He won three Academy Awards for costume design - making him the most Oscar-awarded Australian until Catherine Martin won her fourth in 2013.Orry-Kelly counted legends like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, and Barbara Stanwyck among his friends. When he died, his pallbearers included Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Billy Wilder, and George Cukor. His eulogy was delivered by none other than Jack L. Warner.He was also openly gay in Hollywood from the 1930s through to the 1960s - a bold and dangerous truth in that era. He’s even rumoured to have had a romantic relationship with Cary Grant.With a résumé like that, Orry-Kelly deserves to be celebrated as one of Australia’s most remarkable talents.And yet, despite all this, he remains a footnote - overlooked not just by Australia at large, but by Kiama itself.Over the past year, I’ve written numerous articles about him, trying to share his story and ignite some pride. But it still feels like the weight of his achievements isn’t being fully appreciated.Perhaps this story hits home for me because I’m also from the Illawarra and dream of working in the film industry. I understand how difficult that path is - especially coming from a small coastal town.But I also think it points to a broader issue: Australia’s struggle to celebrate its own. Take the Elvis Festival in Parkes - a huge annual event for an American star who never even set foot in Australia. I’m not suggesting that Orry-Kelly is comparable to Elvis Presley, but I will say this: Orry-Kelly was one of our own, and his legacy deserves more.So, I hope Kiama takes notice on 26 July, a date that will also mark the unveiling of Orry-Kelly’s NSW Blue Plaque, part of the state government’s initiative to honour influential historical figures.It will also coincide with the 10th anniversary of Gillian Armstrong’s brilliant documentary Women He’s Undressed, which brought Orry-Kelly’s story to a new generation.If you didn’t get a ticket to the Gala, I encourage you to visit the exhibition at the Assembly Hall in The Sebel. Tickets are just $10, and you’ll see original costumes, artwork, and tributes to a man who quietly helped shape Hollywood history.My hope is that this becomes a lasting tradition for Kiama - to celebrate someone who defied the odds and took our small town all the way to the City of Stars.