We are facing some big changes in the course of our council. They are changes that many of us hope will be a course-correction. Big topics such as sustainability, town character and finances form the basis of some vital and exciting questions: What kind of community do we want to live in? What do we care about and for who? And why? A simple answer to the final question is: ‘The future!’Naturally, I make it my business to engage with all of our community members on these important issues, but I plan to direct a significant amount of interest towards the youngerpeople of our area.To my mind it seems we spend a lot of time on the adults in our society. In development, planning and many other things, I do not want to overlook our future generations.The idea that young people don’t have as much to contribute as adults is ingrained in our culture. As adults, we often perpetuate the same things grown-ups told us when we were young. Young people of all ages can make a contribution whether they’re in school, work, training, or some other arrangement or community organisation. I am taking time to listen and learn from them. And I will do whatever I can to ensure the voices of our youth are included and heard at council.Everyone is busy, including young people. They have packed schedules with school, extracurricular activities, work, and helping at home. Some may be carers – of siblings, parents or other family members – or they may even have young children of their own. If they are going to be giving up some of their time, they need to know it will be time well spent.In scheduling youth engagement, we are mindful of that. Time is a precious commodity.It is often assumed that more experience is always better. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It is very easy to dismiss the ideas and skills of young people as lacking experience, and shut them out of the conversation. We need to recognise that young people have valuable and unique insights and knowledge. We should make room for different kinds of experience and value different perspectives.With this in mind, this year’s annual Youth Engagement Council Meeting on 1 September will take a new format. One that invites participation from young people across our municipality, who will bring a range of talents, understanding and perspective. We will work in groups to discuss strategic goals and council plans that affect us all, much like we did with our Community Strategic Plan workshops earlier this year. No experience is necessary to join in the creation of the future when you’ll own it!I well remember how intimidating it can be to speak up in a group of adults. I’ll make sure that once our youth are at the table, we create an environment of respect that allows their voices to be heard.We’re also keen to include a diversity of gender, age and circumstances to promote better and more meaningful youth engagement. This is absolutely necessary to ensure we’re not making assumptions based on our own beliefs, which may not be the reality for the next generation.And it won’t begin and end with one meeting. I will also be visiting the Youthie (SENTRAL Youth Services) more regularly, seeking advice from our excellent Youth Services staff to make this a successful initiative. This way, we will ensure that the intergenerational conversation keeps flowing.I believe that young people and adults have much to learn from each other because, together, we’re all creating the future of Kiama Municipality.

Mike Cains of the award winning Pecora Dairy, a sheep's cheesemaking farm on the upper western edge of the Kiama LGA at Knights Hill, won a prestigious Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship in 2021. COVID meant that he has only recently been able to undertake his overseas study tour. Here he shares his thoughts on what he saw:On the longest day of the year the sunset seems to go forever in the Netherlands. I find myself on a sparkling crystal-clear June evening, cruising through the Venetian-like canals of Giethoorn. I was travelling in a group, a tour organised as part of my Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship.  Giethoorn is magical, with its other-worldly roadless village, thatched roofs and dozens of wooden pedestrian bridges that we had to duck under. We were on a motorised pontoon with a BBQ, large wooden table and crates of Heineken. It’s all that 6 Aussies, 2 Irishmen a 2 south Americans, a long way from home, could possibly have wanted. As we drifted through the neighbourhood, meandering past cafes, bistros and front yards Kenneth Grahames Wind in the Willows sprung to mind “there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”.Some of the other Scholarship winnersWe had just spent the afternoon touring Pieter Winters 300 hectare farm whose operation is as impressive as his hospitality. I thought I was going to see a potato grower who processes his own raw product into branded frozen fries, but when we get there he doesn’t talk about growing potatoes – he talks about no waste philosophy, about circular farming, about being an electricity generator. You see, to get a bag of perfect potato chips there is a lot of waste – waste that Pieter can’t abide. So, to address this problem all potato waste is now either fed back to chooks or to his on-farm bio-gas plant. 50% of the manure from the 115,000 broiler chickens, on the farm is used for fertiliser and the other half feeds the bio-gas installation. So along with the 7200 solar panels on the roofs of his barns and the energy captured by the bio-digester Pieter's farm creates green energy for 5,500 households – but he still a potato farmer apparently. Pieter's bio-digestersNecessity is the mother of all invention - in the Netherlands farmers have to be efficient with farming practices and frugal with their inputs. They must strictly account for nitrogen use and land is hideously expensive. Ruminating on this on my way to Canada and USA it struck me that it is an oversimplification to equate, for instance, vegetarianism with a “better for the environment” statement – because the more powerful question than “what do you farm?” is “how do you farm?”. Pieter's farm is the exemplar. Feeding the world isn’t a problem we need to grapple with up here on our 180 acres on Knights Hill - so I was intensely curious to see big farm USA. I wanted to see big tractors, I wanted to see robotics, precision farming, artificial intelligence and farm tech. Different mode of transport and farming in KansasWhen Brian invites me for a quick whirl around his Kansas farm, I didn’t expect to be taken to the helicopter. On our way we walk through the biggest farm shed I have ever seen, one of many on this farm near Scott City Kansas. In the pristine layout of the shed, I see 10 John Deere rigs worth about half a mill each and wall to wall caged plastic 1000 litre tanks filled with chemicals like glyphosate (Round Up). These are scientific farmers, there are screens with google earth images, integrated with drone shots – machines are GPS equipped for precision farming, transmitting parameters like yield, soil moisture and location in real time. Through the window of the chopper there are endless miles of perfectly spaced corn, wheat, soy and sunflowers. I come away feeling in equal parts impressed by the scale and the tech but also uneasy with the sheer volume of chemicals that is used on these GM crops.The US leg included sessions at the powerful Department of Agriculture Phil, on the other hand, is an organic crop farmer in Ontario Canada, and is the Director of Soil and Crop Improvement Association. He is growing much the same crops as Brian from Kansas. I am standing beside a huge pivot irrigation system that is standing idle while Phil's dad on yet another huge John Deere tractor is tilling between emerging rows of corn to keep the weeds under control. This also requires precision farming to not damage the plants, and as he goes up and down the rows behind him there are billowing plumes of topsoil. I bend down to inspect and crumble a clump of grey lifeless dry soil through my fingers. This is the opposite of regenerative I thought - it made me sad. If this is how organic pasta or Weet Bix starts out then I am not sure I want it.A sheep farmer in his element It’s obvious to me now that farming is full of trade-offs. There are no absolutes and no easy answers. If you want to feed the world you can optimise for either yield, efficiency, no chemical, soil health or water usage – but you can’t have it all. Finding the right balance still remains the challenge for modern farming.

For me, this has been a more than interesting month.I’ve collapsed at a council workshop, had rides in ambulances, wires in my heart and a rebore on an existing stent. I discovered that I was a grandfather (first time and although unexpected, most welcome!) and have taken some time to reflect on how we’re doing as a Council and how, in my role as Mayor, I can improve things.One decision I have made is to focus more on the strategy than the day to day. Many of us have the wrong idea about strategy. We think it's about workshops and documents, and then struggle to understand why everyone's still doing what they've always done.Much of this stems from a confusion about what strategy really is – spoiler alert: it isn't a document. Strategy is all about how we make decisions, and whether those decisions point us in the same direction. As a Council, we probably already know what needs to happen, we’re just afraid to put a stake in the ground and do it.I do a lot of work away from the office, but to ensure I still feel the pulse of our wonderful area, I plan to have fortnightly slabs of time just to hear your voices. I will schedule open mornings and afternoons as well as offer set times you can share your ideas, fears and tears about Council.I want to be at markets with a sign that says “the Mayor is IN” so I can talk directly with you, hear your views and ideas and listen. More about this soon.For all those who have been concerned about my wellbeing, I am profoundly touched. But know this: my prognosis is good, I will keep being bold, keeping it simple and staying the course. I’m also willing to change it up when required and, to this end, I will continue to reflect on the importance of the civic role myself and my Councillor colleagues hold. Your votes put us here, to represent your ideas and hopes for the future.We won’t always agree, that is the beauty of democracy, but we will strive to make a difference and add value to our municipality and our community.One of the most important roles that councils all around Australia play is in planning our communities: the shape of them, the size of them, the height of them and the kinds of parks, libraries, pools, roads that support them.It’s a complex process, planning, with vision documents, LEPs (Local Environment Plans), DCPs (Development Control Plans) and legislation and regulation heaped on top of each other. Some councils (like us) make decisions on development applications, others have outsourced committees of experts.Regional panels exist, regional plans abound, and beyond that, there is the State, the Commonwealth and the courts. We all play a part in the complex web that constitutes planning for urban and rural communities.Some recent decisions our community has seen made by the State about developing our area have not necessarily aligned with what many of us believe is in the best interest of “our place”. We respect the decision makers but, as I said, we don’t always agree. I believe, as do many in the planning arena and other local governments, it’s time for a change.As we finalise our Town Centre DCP and begin work on important documents such as the Housing Strategy and the Economic Lands Strategy, we need to understand why are we doing this and what are we hoping for.The answer to that is: to give a local voice and local input into what the shape and look for our communities will be into the future. We are more than just housing targets set by others, we are places for communities, spaces for industry and work, and areas for recreation and environmental protection.The newly legislated Greater Cities Commission may be able to help. We know that one size will not fit all, as different areas have different demographics, growth needs and character.What I am interested in achieving is that Kiama Municipal Council finds its place and voice in the region, and among the Greater Cities framework, while still maintaining what is special and unique right here.For too long, local governments have had to surrender control of planning to state governments and silence local voices. It’s time for change, and who better than us to lead the charge. As the saying goes, all politics is local.

In the Mayor’s absence this week, it is an honour to write to you all and I wish him a speedy recovery.In the aftermath of the recent flooding, we have again seen the full effects of La Niña on our coastline, waterways, and the Bombo cemetery.Jamberoo Mountain Road has been severely impacted, with multiple landslides and tree falls, which has resulted in the need for extensive works.Council will continue to work with both state and federal governments to get the road operational again.Thank you to our first responders and Council staff who have again stepped up to meet the challenges of recurrent weather events.A reminder that the Disaster Recovery Payment is now available via Services Australia to all individuals in the Kiama LGA who have been impacted by the recent flooding event: www.recovery.gov.auOn a positive note, our annual exhibit at the Old Fire Station for this year’s NAIDOC Week ‘Get Up, Stand Up and Show Up,’ was a stunning example of Indigenous arts.Also, Kiama Library hosted the Wodi Wodi All Around competition, celebrating the traditional owners of the land on which we live.The theme this year is not just a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, but a call for justice and equality.We all have a duty to ‘Get Up, Stand Up and Show Up’ in our community, and that is something that our Council acknowledged in supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart – reconciliation starts here.

‘Every artist was once an amateur’!This is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American writer 1803-1882.However, Emerson’s most famous quote is - ‘Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but rising up every time we fall’. I often think of these quotes, when painting and remembering the early days of establishing my retirement business, Alexander Art Supplies. The shop opened in 2018 from very humble beginnings, in a $25 per week space (not much bigger than a trestle table) in the ‘Old Kiama Co-op’, which was located opposite the Terraces in Collins St. I opened the shop a couple of years after we retired to Kiama, from Canberra, where I had a 43-year career in education. I always felt connected to the South Coast, as my childhood was spent growing up on a dairy farm at the base of the escarpment behind Dapto. After finishing high school, I completed a Bachelor of Education in Canberra, majoring in Art. Despite my passion for art, I never taught art. Instead gaining employment as a primary & high school teacher, with my final 15 years working as a careers advisor for students at Telopea Park High. With a sea change retirement to Kiama, I felt a sense of belonging to the town, as my ancestor, Francis Alexander emigrated from Ireland to Kiama in 1860 (the same year the Kiama Post Office and Police Station were built). Francis is buried in the Bombo Cemetery with the words, ‘Born County Tyrone’, on his headstone. A few years ago, my husband and I visited Ireland and located his family and farmhouse in Dromore, County Tyrone … a very special time. After years in Education, I pictured my retirement to be immersed in art. Thanks to Ken Tucker’s encouragement, I joined the Kiama Art Society and was soon enrolled in weekly acrylic painting lessons with art teacher, Kathy Karas. Despite having a background in art, I was very much a beginner, as the techniques and materials had changed since I last picked up a brush. I wasn’t interested in purchasing art supplies on line, as I preferred to go into an actual shop and select from a range of quality products. As Kiama didn’t have such a shop, I opened my eyes one morning and said, “I’m going to open an art supplies shop!” My cousin, Kate Broadfoot, a Bulli artist, gave me advice as to where to source high quality art supplies. Kathy Karas gave my lots of moral support, and my husband Rick, supported me with the logistics of setting up my rented space, plus putting together the massive art stands that came in a kit. I also need to give a big thank you, to Tammy and Sean who leased the ‘Old Kiama Co-Op’. They gave me the opportunity to start small, with an unbelievable $25 week rented space! My art supply business slowly gained momentum and was soon able to double the rented space, at a cost of $50 per week! This might seem an insignificant amount, however to a sole trader, who vowed to only grow if the business could support the growth, it was a big step.My shop in The Collective nowWith the threat of the Old Kiama Co-Op closing, due to a proposed new development, I relocated my art shop to The Collective in Terralong St. Once again, I was grateful that such an opportunity existed for a small business to thrive in a collective space with 40 other small local businesses. In my new location inside The Collective, it wasn’t long before my shop floor size doubled again! The Collective Beat, has friendly staff who are always willing to support customer requests. If staff are unable to answer a question, or locate a particular product, they phone me and together we solve the issue. This sometimes means placing a special order with my Sydney supplier. The name, Alexander Art Supplies, comes from my pioneering connection to the Kiama area. My logo is a paint palette, taking the shape of the wooden paint palette used by my brother, Gordon. Sadly, Gordon passed away at 32 years from renal failure. He spent many years connected to a dialysis machine with his colourful wooden paint palette, not far from his side.Gordon's palettePaul Kelly sings, ‘from small thing, big things grow’!This maybe true, however the survival of Alexander Art Supplies in this current financial climate can only happen with the support of many …. including the many wonderful customers who choose to BUY LOCAL.  I recall a customer saying to me, “If people don’t support local businesses, they will wake up one day and say, Kiama once had a high quality art supply shop… I wonder what happened to it!” If you’re seeking advice or purchasing from Alexander Art Supplies, you can do so by: - visiting the shop, located inside The Collective Beat, 100 Terralong St, Kiama.    Open Mon-Sat 9.30-5pm & Sun 10-4pm- purchasing on line – www.alexanderartsupplies.com.au(the website is still in progress, so not all products available are online)- facebook and instagram @alexanderartsupplies- speaking directly with Susan ph 0407 110 853

The road to financial recovery will not be easy, but we have taken the first steps by following the objectives of our recent council resolution to consider all options for Blue Haven.The financial statements are decoupled...At Tuesday’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) meeting, our financial team, comprising of internal staff and contractors, presented Blue Haven’s notional Statement of Assets and Liabilities. This document and others were developed from the limited information available and are a good guide to inform our future deliberations.Community engagement has begun...We are developing a schedule of community engagement that has started with face to face meetings with the Blue Haven residents and staff. On Tuesday we met with the residents of Blue Haven Terralong. The week before, we met Blue Haven Bonaira residents and carers in the Residential Aged Care Facility and residents of the Independent Living Units (ILUs) at Bonaira.We will soon be holding public meetings with all our community who are interested to come along this journey down the road to recovery. The council website now has a Frequently Asked Questions page that will be updated regularly, as more and more questions are answered. There are many other ways we will employ to listen and learn from our community.Negotiations have started with our bankers...We have put a number of proposals to TCorp, our bankers, and are awaiting their consideration of these.From the limited information available, the sale of our Akuna Street landholdings is well underway and will be brought to council in June. The rest of our assets, such as Spring Creek, Holiday Parks, and other Council facilities and landholdings and will also be scrutinised to determine how we can maximise their use and ensure we maintain the best balance of community services and financial stability now and into the future.Budget...The 2022-23 budget and Long-Term Financial Plan will be presented at our June meeting.Community survey...A qualitative survey of residents and ratepayers will be undertaken to further gauge opinion, views and thoughts as to Blue Haven’s future.Ministerial support...I personally have made arrangements to meet with the new Federal Minister for Aged Care, Mark Butler. Also, through our association with other council bodies, we have made arrangements to meet with NSW Ministers and NSW Shadow Minister for Health seeking their advice.On a similar note, I’ll be reaching out to the Mayors of other Councils that own aged care facilities which are leased out or run as joint ventures, to get their feedback and so we can discuss the challenges we all face as Local Government owners of aged care. Note, Kiama is the only remaining Council in NSW that still both owns and runs a residential aged care facility.Focusing on our future...We will take this journey one day at a time, focusing on our future, learning lessons from our past and dealing with the present. Our process will be guided by experts both within and external to council maintaining governance from the Local Government Act and ensuring we take the community with us.As always, please get in touch with me if there’s anything you’d like to discuss. And watch this space for further info on when and where our upcoming community consultation sessions will be held.

I am new to this role of Mayor and interested in moving council into a new era of openness to enhance our connections with the community we serve. Sometimes this means looking back in honesty, but more importantly, looking forward in hope.We need your help to contribute as well.We have recently put on exhibition our Draft Community Strategic Plan, Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget as well as our Draft Long Term Financial Plan. The exhibition of these documents can be thought of as a picture of our community in the future.We are seeking your inspiration to serve as the framework for what, why, when and how we achieve your council’s plans. Please look at these documents which are on display now for your comment: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/your-say/cspIf you haven’t had your say, now is your chance.Since January, this council has revealed more about its workings than any other previous council, in my experience. I am interested in achieving meaningful change within your council and through successful collaboration and communication.It would be a good idea to briefly look at these important documents.A Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is a whole of community document, with many people needed to contribute to its success. The document describes what people love and value about our municipality and how they want it to evolve over the next decade.The CSP is both the community’s vision and roadmap for the work of Council over the next 10 years to deliver on that vision.The Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget outlines the steps to making the vision a reality by setting specific strategies, plans, actions and measurements.Our Long Term Financial Plan is a 10-year plan for Council’s finances that underpins the work into the longer term. It contains specific information on how we’ll organise our spending and earnings in the first year, a detailed plan for the next five years, and strategic guidelines up to the 10-year mark.The role of communication in shaping council’s future is imperative, is two-way and open. We really need your views to gain insight into how we can build a more inclusive community through these important, guiding documents.We must have an agreed purpose, vision and objectives to drive an impacting and lasting change at a future, desired level. Please help us by having your say.

For almost 140 years, Kiama’s Blowhole Point has been a vital source of light helping ships to navigate. But from June 3 to 13, the Point will light up like never before, playing host to the illuminating, exhilarating 2022 IGNITE Kiama Winter Festival, proudly sponsored by Harcourts Kiama. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS FRIDAY 3 JUNEIt all begins on Friday 3 June, as we switch on the lights that will see more than 20 of the iconic Norfolk Pines that dot Blowhole Point sparkle in spectacular fashion.  Book quickly for the VIP experience as Diggies Kiama invites you to a mellow evening, dining in style, or ice skating under enchanting lights, while harpist Yasmin Russell provides the “light” entertainment and sets the mood. A perfect way to begin the festival and a unique evening out for couples and friends alike. THE ICE IS RIGHT DAILY 4 – 13 JUNEAs we just hinted at, starting from 5pm Friday 3 June, an authentic ‘real ice’ rink will be available on the Blowhole Point tennis courts.  Open every day and evening through until the long weekend (Monday 13 June), this rinky-dink ice rink welcomes bookings in 45 minute time slots, with skate hire and fitting on site.  For those less confident on skates, pick up a friendly penguin with your booking who will safely guide you around the rink.  Squint and it’ll be like you’re at New York’s Rockefeller Center at Christmas! Tickets:Adults $20Concession $15Child (under 12) $10Family (two adult/conc and two children): $50Penguin hire $5Groups of 10 adults or more $18 each – offering a great opportunity for Office Team Building or gifts to your loyal customers. School and community group bookings also welcomed. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets: ignitekiama.com We thank Kiama Coast Holiday Parks for sponsorship of the IGNITE Kiama Ice Rink.  HARCOURTS KIAMA - IGNITE WINTER FESTIVAL SATURDAY 4 JUNEThis is the big one. Ignite your senses, imagination and tastebuds as Kiama’s Blowhole Point hosts a winter party that brings together fire, ice, rhythm and feasting – Saturday 4 June, 12pm till 8:30pm. This FREE family-friendly event invites you to rug up and chill out, with an exciting afternoon and evening that will include:·        Two live music and entertainment stages, roving fire and illumination acts, sky and land circus performances;·        Kiama Leagues Club Festival Bar;·        Bush Tucker and traditional indigenous smoking and fire performance;·        Eat Street food market;·        Special performance by Olympic Figure Skater Kailani Crane;·        Guest appearance by Elsa from Disney’s one and only Frozen;·        Fire and Jungle Rhythm Show as the sun goes down;·        Surrounding trees lit up to set the scene;·        Ticketed Ice Skating for all, see ignitekiama.com for how to book!…And no IGNITE event would be complete without FIREWORKS with orchestrated soundtrack and light show! IGNITE promises to be an event unlike anything else seen in Kiama – bringing an entirely new space to life in breathtaking fashion. Whether you’re relaxing on the lawn in front of the Pilot’s Cottage to enjoy the stage acts, slipping and sliding on the ice rink, reaching new heights on the aerial rig or simply enjoying the food, drinks, music and ambiance, this one is sure-fire not to be missed.See a special performance by Olympic Figure Skater Kailani CraneMark it in your diary, tap it in your phone, post-it note it to your bathroom mirror and magnet it to your fridge – because IGNITE is going to be lit! Thank you to the following sponsors:·        Kiama Municipal Council·        Regional NSW·        Harcourts Kiama·        WAVE FM·        Kiama Leagues Club

AP’s founding partner, Garry Pinch, has built his career on taking start-up businesses from infancy to successful ventures.The unwinding of tax concessions for small businesses will create opportunities and challenges for all business owners.The amount of tax at risk is so large it could never have been contemplated by Treasury when designing the concession package. The cost in extra taxes has been made worse by rising property values and the speed at which some businesses recovered from COVID and lockdowns.In many cases the cause of the hidden taxes is highly technical and the impact between business owners could vary. Instant Asset Write-offsDuring COVID lockdowns, businesses were able to write off all their assets to reduce taxes. In many cases, the tax usually paid by business owners was reduced substantially. However, from 2022 many businesses will start to pay extra tax because they have no depreciation left to claim. Further if any of the written off assets are sold or traded in, the proceeds on sale maybe taxable in full.  Cashflow BoostCash Flow Boost paid to employers to meet employees' wages is generally not taxable. However, if paid to a company, it may become taxable when paid as a dividend in later years. ATO announces review of trust distributions to family members Recently, the ATO has advised their intention to tax certain distributions to family members at the top tax rate of 49%. If your business trades as a Trust and you distribute profits to family members, seek advice from your tax advisor before 30 June 2022. Significant Capital Gains on sale of assetsThe last three years have seen substantial gains in residential and commercial property values. Although Capital Gains are taxed concessionally, many gains will be taxed at the top marginal tax rate of 49% this year.  If you have sold a property during the year, it is essential to get some advice before 30 June. Several strategies can be adopted to defer the capital gain to a later year and/or reduce the tax payable. Unused Superannuation Contribution CapsBusiness owners can contribute tax-deductible contributions of $27,500 each year to reduce tax payable. Business owners can also pay the shortfall contributions from previous years and receive a tax deduction in the year it is paid. This can be particularly important to reduce the tax payable on significant capital gains and high-income years. Other tax issues business owners should considerBusinesses should also consider the tax benefits from:Writing off bad debts before 30 JuneValuing stock at the lower of cost or market valueMaking prepayments before 30 June Paying employee superannuation for the June 2022 quarter in June 2022Crystallising capital losses to offset capital gainsMaking superannuation contributions to qualify for co-contributions paid by the governmentReviewing the legal structure of their business before a new year starts.Review the impact on HELP debts, excess tax on superannuation contributions and childcare subsidies if your income is higher than normal in 2022.2022 is anticipated to be one of the most significant tax years for businesses as government stimulus measures start to unwind. Seeking professional tax advice before 30th June 2022 could avoid large, unexpected tax bills.Contact Accounting Professionals for more information. Email: [email protected]

They say it takes three weeks to form a new habit. And in WEEK 3 of Kiama’s REVEL IN MAY festival, people are well and truly in the habit of being entertained. With many events SOLD OUT or close to full, you’ll want to be quick to reconnect, reinvigorate and REVEL this week. Here’s your run down of events.THE KAZADOR REACHES ITS KRESCENDO! BUBBLES! LEG WARMERS! COMEDY! For the past few weeks, THE KAZADOR has become a familiar sight on the harbourside skyline – this mini-Speigeltent providing the epicentre of mirth, magic and mayhem during REVEL IN MAY. And so, as the festival turns for home in the back half of the month, the Kazador is under full steam through to its final event on 26 May. Don’t miss your last chances to REVEL under the ‘big top’!The Kazador final line-up:Wednesday 25 May 6pm: YEAH THE GIRLS! Comedy show!Wednesday 25 May 7:30pm: Adult comedy with DIANA MCLAREN IS DELICIOUS Thursday 26 May 5pm: Paint ‘n’ Sip workshop (SOLD OUT)Thursday 26 May 5:30pm: THURSDAY WINE DOWN Kazador farewell party!Thursday 26 May 7:30pm: FINALE comedy from GARY ECKBook yours here. Remember you can use your Discover vouchers that are running out soon. SOULFULL MOON THIS FRIDAY 7-9pmThanks to this week’s clear skies, the FULL MOON RISING has been a highlight. So come and end the week at Jamberoo School of Arts (on the left before the shops) for the FULL MOON CACAO CEREMONY – a “full moon circle” that invites you to draw upon the energy of the full moon while sipping on cacao. New to it all? No problem! Let Tayla and Bess guide you through this ceremony of connection. Simply bring along a blanket & cushion, journal & pen, water bottle, mug for your CACAO and a small item of meaning (e.g. crystal, feather etc) to add to the altar. Men and women welcome – limited tickets available so book yours here.SAY “I DO” TO KIAMAYour wedding and Kiama – it’s a match made in heaven! And this Saturday, you can do more than daydream about it, with Kiama’s annual KIAMA I DO wedding trail. From 10am to 3pm, you’ll be able to visit the venues (including The Sebel Harbourside Kiama, The Pavilion Kiama, Mercure Gerringong and Crooked River Wines) and sample the suppliers – more than 60 local providers ready to make your special day memorable. If you’re engaged, this is the engagement for you!EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST VINEYou may have heard about this event on the grapevine. That’s right, it’s REVEL THROUGH THE VINES – a unique private tour and tasting event this Saturday 21 May at Crooked River Winery. Choose the tour time that suits you (10:30am, 12:30pm or 2:30pm) and join senior wine maker Pete for a tiptoe through the vines, with a “behind the grapes” look at how the magic happens – plus live music and of course a tasting. This experience has never been offered before, so WINE NOT? Tickets are $35 and can be found here. REV UP FOR SURFLIFE MUSICSundays are for live music – and what better venue than Gerringong Bowling Club as the upcoming SurfLife festival (June long weekend) presents a preview line up to get you through the day. Featuring Calcite, Sitting Down, The Huneez and solo artists including Val Ceruli, this is the feel-good Sunday sesh you’ve been craving. Hey, what are you still doing reading this? Get out there and REVEL in the free and ticketed events – fill up your dance card, split open your sides with laughter and most importantly, reconnect, reinvigorate and REVEL IN MAY!

Council has made the momentous decision to sell our aged care business, Blue Haven. We did not come to this lightly, indeed many councillors expressed their support or otherwise for the decision in very emotional terms. And yet, it is a decision made for the right reasons – to ensure Blue Haven’s future and to keep Council solvent and able to focus on providing services to everyone in our community.Forty years ago, when Kiama Municipal Council first got into the business of aged care, it was also done for the right reasons. There was a lack of aged care provision in our regionand a strong community feel that the Council should step up. The Council did step up, but we didn’t do it alone. There was much fundraising, goodwill and effort put in by so many.This will never be forgotten.As we have moved through the years, Blue Haven has been a source of pride and comfort to many in our community. Pride in what Blue Haven has meant for Kiama locals – to be ableto age in place in the municipality they love and call home. And comfort, because aged care is not some esoteric concept that is unlikely to touch many people’s lives. It’s a stark reality that most of us will require the services offered by Blue Haven and other providers at some point, if we’re not using them already, either for ourselves or our loved ones.I know many long-term locals will have fond memories of visiting and being part of Blue Haven over the years, either through school, as staff, as volunteers, or as a resident or visitor to the Residential Aged Care Facility or one of our 262 Independent Living Units, or as a recipient of our Home Care packages.It is for all these reasons that the councillors, and myself, voted with heavy hearts on whether it was time for Council to sell Blue Haven.The aged care sector has changed dramatically since the decision to build our new facility.The reforms that came as a result of the Royal Commission, while very welcome, have added complexity, as have changing landscapes with the NDIS and other assistance packages. This, compounded by the global pandemic and vaccine mandates, have resulted in huge staff turnover, while the staff that remain are overworked and expensive agencies must be called in to fill the gaps. Things need to change.It has become untenable for Kiama Council to continue to run Blue Haven in this environment. Local Governments fulfil many functions in our communities. Most of these functions cost money and, despite what some seem to believe, Council rates can not cover it all. Blue Haven is operating at a deficit, and so is the Council. While we’re proud of Blue Haven’s wonderful new facility at Bonaira, we now need to repay our debts. If Council is to continue providing all the other important services that a Local Government needs to, we must sell Blue Haven, and other assets as well, to balance the books. Kiama is the only remaining Local Council in NSW that is still providing aged care. Every other Council in our state has moved out of this business. For the right reasons – we cannot split our focus or our finances to run both the Council and Blue Haven in today’s marketplace. Thankfully, unlike 40 years ago, there are now many other aged care businesses operating in our region, which can be laser focused on the core business of providing excellent services to those in their care.Blue Haven will not close down. We are committed to ensuring that it continues to provide the world-class and much-needed services it does. However, I am convinced that a new owner, with aged care expertise, focus and capacity, will best serve Blue Haven right now.The process will involve community engagement, multiple valuations, consultation with residents, unions, staff and plenty of time. We think six to 12 months.Social media has been a vehicle for false and inaccurate information. This has upset some our most vulnerable residents, and some of our more robust ones as well. We have been and will continue to be transparent. We’ll release as much of our Forensic Report as we’re legally allowed and as much information as we have now, and more as it comes to hand. We are also embarking on an up-front campaign of talking to groups and individuals, and we have a created Blue Haven sale information page on our website. You can also call me and I’ll come around and speak to you personally.The residents of Blue Haven are part of our community and will remain so. Our focus will be on them as we restore our finances and continue to provide the services our community expects.We got into aged care more than 40 years ago for the right reasons. We are justifiably proud of what we have achieved. We are now stepping back from Blue Haven, so that Kiama Council can continue to provide the entire range of services a Local Government must offer to us all equitably, now and into the future. It’s the right thing to do, at the right time, for the right reasons

It’s week TWO of REVEL IN MAY – and while the temperature may have dipped, it’s a great excuse to show off your favourite scarf, hat or fluffy onesie. And a lack of dress code is just one of the many things you can look forward to as we reconnect, reinvigorate and REVEL all month long!KAZADOR EVENTS: FLUTES! MAGIC! OH MY! THE KAZADOR is Kiama’s very own harbourside mini-Speigeltent and the epicentre of creativity, comedy and chaos during REVEL IN MAY. Some events are free, some are ticketed (use your NSW Discover voucher before they expire in June!) and ALL are worth a look. This week’s Kazador line-up:Thursday 12 May 5:30pm: ABSTRACT ART – Paint ‘n’ Sip workshopThursday 12 May 7:30pm: Kiki comedy interview with DEBRA OSWALDFriday 13 May 5pm: FRIDAY WINE DOWN with Cha Cha Del MarFriday 13 May 6:30pm: Kiki comedy interview with BOHMER TREESFriday 13 May 8pm: Live music from GEORGE WASHINGMACHINESaturday 14 May 2pm: Acclaimed duo ANA DE LA VEGA & DANIEL ROEHNSaturday 14 May 4pm: BUGLE Gin Tasting SCARF FundraiserSaturday 14 May 7pm: Och Aye! It’s a Scottish CEILIDH PARTY!Sunday 15 May 4pm: Liam Power’s MAGIC OR REALITY show. Oooooh.Sunday 15 May 6pm: Adult Comedy with PETER BERNERTuesday 17 May 7:30pm: ALL GOOD COMEDY LINE-UPWednesday 18 May 9am-12pm: OWN YOUR STAGE presenting workshop  “40-YEAR-OLD POP STAR” AT FILLMORE’SEnjoy a night of original music and comedy this SATURDAY from 8 till 10pm (you’ll be already in the mood after your Scottish CEILIDH at the Kazador!). Presented by the ultra-talented Alli Butler, it’s a show not to be missed. You’ll find it at Fillmore’s (which you’ll find down the lane alongside Parfait Patisserie).YOUNG REVELLERS WELCOME!REVEL isn’t all about sipping wine and naughty jokes. Check out these events aimed specifically at the younger generation:Thursday 12 May 4:30-6:30pm, Old Fire Station: DECORATE DAISY the COW. Budding artists aged 12-25, learn lettering and design from talented local mural artist The Marker (Gill Dinh) and get to paint Daisy!Friday 13 May 4-8pm, Gerringong Library: DIAGON ALLEY Young Makers Twilight Market. Fans of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and magic assemble!Saturday 14 May 1 or 2pm, Old Fire Station: VIRTUAL REALITY ART WORKSHOP for ages 12-25. Master the art of Tilt Brush VR Painting on an unlimited canvas. So much fun! PAVILION PARTIESAnd let’s not forget the PAVILION, where you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the following headliner acts this weekend:Thursday 12 May 7:30pm: COMEDY FOR A CAUSE, featuring acts from the international festivals and raising funds for Kiama Lions.Friday 13 May 8pm: CARIBÉ brings you Cuban-infused music and dance all night long. If you loved the musical vibe of the Street Soiree, you’ll be on your feet dancing to these Latin-Jazz inspired beats!Saturday 14 May 1-11pm: Groove Society presents SUNDIAL, an afternoon and evening of local bands, solo artists and DJs. Supporting local tune-makers! Phew! WHAT A WEEK AHEAD. So, grab that extra layer, grab a friend (or three) and RECONNECT, REINVIGORATE and let’s keep REVELLING ALL THROUGH MAY!Check out the full program here.

Last weekend’s Street Soiree was not only a smash-hit successful party, but also the gateway to an entire MAY of feel-good fun including live music, food and wine, film, comedy, sport, culture and MORE. It’s a chance to reconnect. To reinvigorate. To REVEL!The dictionary defines REVEL as “to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way”. But hey, it’s not just a verb – revel also means the actual event where this fun takes place. So don’t be surprised throughout May to see people across Kiama revelling at a variety of revels – with a lively and noisy mix of free, ticketed and sponsored events. Here are your first week highlights (check out the full program here):SUNDAY LUNCH IS SORTEDJoin us at The Pavilion Kiama this Sunday 8 May 12-3pm for THE FARMED TABLE – as master chef Brendan Cato and Slow Food Saddleback team up to serve you an exclusive and delicious five course luncheon. This special event will showcase a bounty of food from local farmers, producers and artisans, matched with Brendan’s own wine. Includes a Q&A with Brendan AND live music by Mark Crotti. A wonderful Mother’s Day treat for the family – book your table today! Foxground's Farmed Table is doing a pop-up at The Pavilion on Mother's DayOUR KAZADOR IS ALWAYS OPENThe epicentre of much of this month’s mirth and merriment is THE KAZADOR – a mini-Speigeltent installed at Black Beach. This impressive venue captures the European vibe of traditional Belgian dance halls and similar structures are commonly used as pop-up theatres at some of the biggest festivals in the world. And you can use your discover vouchers!Full details and tickets here. This week’s Kazador line-up, including MOTHER’S DAY:·        Friday 6 May 5pm: Live Music with Frank Sultana·        Saturday 7 May 5:30pm: Kiki comedy interview with Fiona Phillips·        Saturday 7 May 8pm: Comedy with Lindsay Webb·        Mother’s Day 3pm: Champagne Comedy for Mum·        Mother’s Day 8pm: Joe Mungovan Mum Lovin’ Live Music·        Tuesday 10 May 7:30pm: Open Mic Comedy NightTake your mum to see Joe at the Kazador FEEL MORE AT FILLMORE’SAlso happening this weekend as part of REVEL, enjoy an arvo and evening of LIVE FRINGE MUSIC at Finding Fillmore’s (down the laneway alongside Parfait Patisserie). The fun kicks off 2pm Saturday 7 May ($15 entry), with a line-up that includes:·        Soul diva with a difference, Hannah Tregret·        Jazz & Blues favourite, mystery man Dan Isaac Bennett·        Proto-rock, acid punk duo all the way from Kiama, De4d·        Folky apocalyptic vibes from Manson Family Values·        The unstylish, sometimes cathartic 4-piece band, Peter Fonda·        Also, vintage clothes and vinyl on saleAnd hey, we’re just getting started. Tell your friends or make new ones as we level-up by revelling up a storm all throughout May. 

Ownership. Equity. Opportunity.These three words describe my philosophy of how council must be run. They are not randomly generated text, nor a cute slogan from a self-help book, they come as result of fourteen years lived Council experience; pages of trying to capture the goals and objectives of the role of council, distilled into three paragraphs and ultimately those three words.Whatever decision I make, or ask others to make, these are the three words by which I judge the outcome. Civic leadership has many, many outcomes. In one day I may welcoming the Governor General, another I might be holding a meeting with our valued residents of Blue Haven. I might be chairing a meeting, or taking a call about an unemptied bin. Dealing with diversity is the key to this job. This means owning the issue, ensuring an equitable outcome and grasping opportunity when it arises. It’s not always possible, but these are the measures. As mayor, I must have grounding in the present, and an eye to the future. Sometimes a huge change comes along and effects all our area, and others and not all the facts are known, but what I do know is we must own it, ensure there is equity and exploit any opportunity for Kiama. That is the Greater Sydney Commission.The Greater Cities Commission will create the ‘cities’ of the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, Central Coast, Greater Sydney and Illawarra-Shoalhaven. Following the passing of the Greater Cities Commission Bill, the Commission will finalise a new Region Plan by the end of 2022. Each ‘City’ will have a City Commissioner. Representing your interests, I have become actively involved in this process and sought to be part of the interview and selection process that will find the right Commissioner who will work with our ISJO Councils, our communities and report directly to the Premier. No mean feat! I am looking forward to being part of this decision and in exploring what this new direction and new understanding of the interconnectedness of the City to its regions is about, and what it means for our home here in Kiama Council.I know our community is passionate, engaged and skilled and I hopeful we will find someone who understand and values our views, appreciates our strengths and can represent our unique interests in this new world of planning.I know the model has worked well globally in places like the UK and San Francisco and closer to home in regions like South East Queensland. That’s fine, but my goal is to make it work for us here, in Kiama, Minnamurra, Gerringong, Jamberoo and rest of best. So as I write this column I reflect on the changes our communities are facing – a new CSP, new delivery plan, new long term financial plan, a new direction, with the continued certainty that your council is here to represent you and a role to play in the shaping of a new approach to planning our ‘city’. We’ll get where we need to be, with Ownership, Equity and Opportunity.

Pedestrian power will reign supreme this Saturday 30 April as the Terralong Street block between Collins and Shoalhaven says “no” to vehicles and a resounding “YES” to music, dining and family-friendly entertainment. It’s being dubbed the Kiama Street Soirée and it kicks off a jam-packed May calendar of Destination Kiama events known collectively as “REVEL”. WORD ON THE STREETSo, what happens when you close the main street of Kiama for a 4-hour long street “swah-ray”? Well, considering this section of street has NEVER been closed before, no one’s quite sure actually. But one thing that IS guaranteed is giant helpings of FUN – rain, hail or shine – as locals and visitors alike “reclaim the streets” to enjoy the festivities. Soirée-ees are invited to come and experience the novelty of seeing shops and eateries spilling out onto the street, while dancers and musicians entertain all under magical festival lights. From the Memorial Arch to the Old Fire Station, this block of Terralong will be transformed into a pedestrian precinct, with fun installations and activities on offer. TERRALONG MAY WE PARTY! It’s not every day that a town’s main street gets closed off to be enjoyed by the people, so we’re going “all in” on this opportunity! Join us from 4pm to 8pm for:Dining out on the street, under the lights – dinner with a difference!Junkyard Beats providing electrifying entertainment for the whole familyJazz and hip-hop dance performances on stage.A DJ bringing the vibes throughout – definitely (and ironically) not “middle of the road”!Daisy the Cow, all dressed up and setting the mooooood.A bunch of fun discoveries and activities that will surprise, delight and entertain big and little kids – from bubble machines to smoke machines to cold spark machines and even classic car machines!Local shops will also open into the night, getting in on the fun.Crossing the street on those cobbled crossings without waiting for a single car!And plenty more surprises!Music, dancing, the shaking of booties, the tapping of toes and an all-round electric atmosphere (it’s the lights you see – they’re electric). The Kiama Street Soirée promises to be a night to remember – and you’ll want to say that YOU were there the day that the people took over Terralong. Get set for a truly immersive street festival experience. A non-vehicular spectacular. A pedestrian party that’s anything but pedestrian. It’s the Kiama Street Soirée – and you won’t want to miss it! 4pm–8pm Saturday 30 April 2022FREE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – Terralong StreetMORE INFO: https://kiama.com.au/listings/events/kiama-street-soiree

AP’s founding partner, Garry Pinch, has built his career on taking start-up businesses from infancy to successful ventures. A combination of rain out days and COVID absenteeism is challenging the cashflow of many businesses in the building and construction industry in the Kiama region. So, what can a business owner do immediately to help cash flow concerns and what are the medium to long-term solutions? Immediate Cash Flow ReliefOrganise a temporary overdraft facility with your bank – call your bank at least one month before you need the temporary facility. Calling your bank one day before wages are due, without enough cashflow to pay employees leaves your bank with no confidence in the business owners cashflow management skills.Call the ATO for a tax payment plan on any outstanding tax and superannuation debts. The ATO will not generally grant tax payment extension plans if you have outstanding lodgements.Confirm payments terms with customers and accounts receivable; reconfirm payment plans the day before a payment is due; If payments have not been made, seek an explanation from the customer a day after payment was due.Request a loan repayment holiday from your bank for between one to 12 months whilst the business cash flow recovers. Have a clear understanding of your cash flow needs, the bank will want to see support for the period of loan repayment holiday you have requested.Seek extended credit payment terms with suppliers from 30 to 90 and 120 days or more. Most suppliers will provide extended credit terms where they have a trusted relationship with their customers.Sell assets like stock, equipment and vehicles that are in excess to exiting requirements.Reduce orders of replacement stockStand down casual employees and contractors and redeploy permanent employees to fill the vacant positions.Eliminate unnecessary expenditureSeek out any government assistance that is generally available, and ensure whether specific assistance is available for businesses in your industryDraw down on personal finance sources using non-business assets as security Medium to Long Term Cashflow relief Apply for a government supported SME guarantee loan with your bank. The interest rate and payment terms on SME guarantee loans are very favourableDon’t take on jobs with low margins or unfavourable terms, just to keep employees deployed. These jobs invariable make your cashflow position worse by not paying at all for work completed or require additional work which is outside of the scope for the initial job.Review your pricing strategy to ensure all jobs completed are profitable. Many businesses undertake marginal profit work for long term benefit, but this is not sustainable when cashflow is short.Seek out any longer-term government assistance through Industry based Grants and SubsidiesFocus on your core business and making it profitable. Consider pivots connected with your core business like online sales channels, etc. Avoid pivots into business that is not closely connected with your core businesses. Often businesses pivot to new business opportunities which are unprofitable or are a detriment to their core business.Consider simple low-cost strategies to increase sales. Increase prices. Most business owners are far too sensitive to pass on price increases. Rarely do customers leave solely due to price increases.Irrespective of the strategies you adopt to create cash flow relief, it is critical business owners measure, monitor and manage cashflow.Successful management of cashflow is a long-term constructive strategy rather than relying on luck or a perfect strategy that improves cashflow overnight. So managing your cashflow by monitoring a cashflow budget is critical. Contact Accounting Professionals for more information and your free cash flow management spreadsheet. Email: [email protected]

Anzac Day evokes a wide range of feelings with us all. I can remember the ‘clinking’ of my dad’s medals, early in the crisp April morning and I remember later in the day, sitting captivated by the endless ABC broadcast of the Sydney march. I waited for the mysteriously named ‘Second, First Pioneers’ to pass before the camera and saw dad on TV.Historically Anzac Day also has many markers, covering individual bravery and mateship, our national unity and an ongoing legend, honour in defeat, so much sadness and an important aspect of national character.Here in our beautiful municipality, we commemorate Anzac Day in Jamberoo on Saturday with a march, in Kiama with a dawn service and a march and service afterwards and in Gerringong and Gerroa with dawn services. The flags outside the Council Chambers and at Blue Haven will fly at half-mast for the day. Details of the marches and services are listed at the end of this column. I’ll be attending several of these commemorations. I served in the early seventies with The Royal Australian Artillery. The only action I saw was a rather nasty brawl in the Dubbo Golf Club. It was strange for me to feel so ‘at home’, as such a rebellious person, in such a structured group, but I did... much as I feel today being part of your council!For those who’d like to find out more about local military history, Kiama Library’s self-guided tour lets you experience what life was like in Kiama during the First World War. Using your smartphone and the Kiama Library Tours app, you can take the 2.3 kilometre WWI tour at your leisure, stopping along the way to learn about a soldier’s story or a significant site.For instance, in 1916, 2000 soldiers at a time trained at a camp set up around the Kiama showground, then a second camp opened up. All South Coast recruits were initially trained in Kiama at these camps. One the soldiers who trained here, Private Carr, left a lovely poem but sadly was never to return. He was killed in Villers Bretonneux on 23 April 1918. He has no known grave but his words live on:We’re leaving you, Kiama, for a far and distant shoreIn a week or so we’ll say goodbye. Perhaps forever moreThe glimmer from the lighthouse that the lonely sentry seesAnd the Sunday morning church parades, when we get on our kneesThe blowhole and the motor rides we had to JamberooWill always bring sweet memories I know to me and youSo au revoir, KiamaYou have treated us right wellWe’ll think of you in Flanders and we’ll think of you in hell.Anzac Day events across the MunicipalityJamberoo (Saturday 23 April) March from 10.30am from the RSL Hall Kiama (Monday 25 April) Dawn service 5am at Blowhole PointMarch 10.30am from opposite the Old Council Chambers on Manning StKiama Bowling and Recreation Club Anzac Day service from 12.15pm.Gerringong (Monday 25 April) Dawn service 6am, eastern end of Belinda Street.Gerringong Bowling Club Anzac Day service from 11am.Gerroa (Monday 25 April) Dawn service 7am, Gerroa Boat Fishermans Club

It’s 100 days since our new council was elected, and since I took over as Mayor. Now seems a good time to pause and reflect on what I’ve learnt during this latest chapter in my council career as well as consider how I will use these insights to shape the next part of our journey.Sometimes a good look back is helpful to plan the way forward.On Australia Day I prepared my first column for The Bugle. I was keen to be the Mayor and wanted to be a collaborative and listening leader of this council.We had (and still have) art in the chamber and my office. That reminds me that creativity is a significant part of what makes Kiama a better place.As February drew on, the councillors and I visited our villages and listened and you told us what you wanted for our community with our Community Strategic Plan workshops.Come March, we put our Development Control Plan for our town centre on display...another opportunity to listen. On 23 March, councillors worked together to put flesh on the bones of our Strategic Improvement Plan.We’ve come through the worst of weather, COVID lockdowns and some serious financial shocks, all with serious consequences. There may be more to come, but I am still enjoying the role, still enjoying our talented and engaged councillors and our resilient staff.Here’s what I have learned:People are what countStrategic council business aside, at the heart of any council are the people. That’s our community, our staff and the councillors. That is why from day one, I have tried to be open and sensitive to concerns about our future. There is no value in sweeping stuff under the carpet, it’s not fair to anyone.I try to listen beyond what people are saying and sometimes not saying. I try to communicate the way ahead with as much clarity as I can. I have opened up a dialogue with all our people.As I see it, people are the real asset, they are what counts and it’s my job to empower them to achieve things they didn’t think possible.Authenticity wins every timeLike most other Mayors, I have had more than the occasional moment of self-doubt. These are very natural human fears, and if we are honest with ourselves, such thoughts occur in all of us. What helps me most at times like these is the simple knowledge that we have a great CEO in Jane Stroud, great councillors and a great community.I received good advice from a former mayor to let go of who I think I need to be and be who I actually am.Fundamentally, authenticity is when you say and do what you truly believe. That is my approach and it has served me well.Local Government – where the rubber meets the roadI’ve had a lot of conversations over the last 100 days – some fascinating, many thought provoking, some very challenging, all invaluable.We are facing some rough times ahead. There comes a time when, as the Mayor, I have to cut through the noise, weigh up the options and chart a course for the road ahead.We all must develop the ability to focus on what is and isn’t important. I think we have been more open than many thought we could be. Every Sunday, I make it a rule to let all councillors know what I’ve been up to via a weekly bulletin.I speak with the unions regularly, also those in our care at Blue Haven. I speak with our auditors, with the Office of Local Government and the minister, and to other mayors.I’ve seen the work of our finance team, currently being supported by KPMG, and realise our cash flow is not terminal. Our investments are about to be realised and although the road ahead is rocky, we’ll be OK if we remain honest and inclusive.Our Strategic Improvement Plan will be addressed in the open at our next council meeting on 12 April.Some tough decisions will have to be made, but it has been a source of inspiration to me to see people’s generosity and flexibility; this will guarantee our future.

Kiama Council is progressing with strategic work to create a sustainable future and long-term financial security, with myself and the Councillors developing a Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP).We are in early but concerted development of this Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) and have begun work on key issues outlined in the CEO’s recent “State of the Organisation” report including: financial sustainability; organisational capability, culture and performance; and risk and governance.This plan will allow us to immediately focus on what needs to be addressed to stabilise and improve our situation. The SIP will have four focus areas: finance and costs, assets, communications and staff. Different Councillors will take the lead on different focus areas to allow them to play to their strengths and ensure nothing is missed.We are taking a proactive, transparent approach to the issues our organisation is facing. We are working as a team and we’re acting without delay to do this important work.As a first step, we have engaged major accounting firm KPMG to work with our finance team and other groups including the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), Blue Haven Board and Finance Advisory Board, to facilitate this process.We have also recently held workshops for the Community Strategic Plan (CSP), which is a 10-year overarching plan for the Municipality that all Councils are tasked with developing in their first six months of office.The SIP differs from the CSP in that it is a working group for issues the Councillors will tackle to ensure Council’s assets and finances can get back on track.The SIP will address urgent issues that will be the foundation of our future. We will report to the community regularly on our progress and to show our strategy has clear goals and well- defined benefit.It is likely there will be significant financial challenges ahead and some tough decisions around assets that will need to be faced. However, with the SIP, I am confident we have a robust way to undertake this work as a team, one that will ensure the best outcomes for our Council and our community.I look forward to sharing further updates with you about this work, which is an important step towards our long-term stability. As always, if you’d like to get in touch with me, email: [email protected]