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Rajasthan not for the faint hearted but well worth the effort
Rajasthan not for the faint hearted but well worth the effort

27 April 2025, 10:00 PM

For years, I had dreamt of exploring incredible India, but at this time in my life, the prospect seemed elusive.The reality was that Hubby and I were running a small business, which, in itself, was a daily adventure.We had four children, making it even more challenging. And so the idea of flitting off to India for a few weeks on our own appeared to be out of our grasp.And then it happened.Attending a weekend travel expo in Sydney's Darling Harbour, we found a small Indian travel company, family owned and run, which specialised in designing affordable, individual itineraries to clients' requirements, and we were instantly hooked.Now was our chance - there was a small window of opportunity to have someone babysit our children and our business so we grabbed it.There was only one slight hiccup.It was June, and temperatures in India were sweltering.Visiting India in June is not for the faint-hearted but we were undeterred.Weather, no matter how uncomfortable, was not going to get in the way of our great travel adventure.And so, in mid-June of 2007, we arrived in Mumbai.The culture shock hit us like a brick. Over 12 million people in one city, a seething mass of humanity.It was hot and noisy, and the air was thick with vehicle fumes and blasting car horns. Initially it was an assault on the senses but in relatively little time, we adjusted because it was so utterly different, so vibrant and exciting.Wherever you walked in the streets there were food vendors, sweet tea vendors, snake charmers, richly coloured saris, people sleeping on the pavements, monkeys, and a distinct smell of spice.And we loved it.Over the ensuing two weeks, we travelled around Rajasthan, mainly in an old, breakdown-prone Ambassador, but also by motorboat, plane, elephant and camel.The driver, Mr Shand, was a local tour guide, and I have written about him in an earlier story, A Tale Of Tourguides.He was quite a character. He not only ensured by way of his terrifying driving that we had a hair-raising adventure, but he also spun us tales about various sites we passed by, which more often than not were completely made up on the spur of the moment."Is that a temple Mr Shand?""Oh yes, Miss Carol, that is a temple!"We'd find out later it was a school.He was however, scrupulous on timing, and would find the most crazy way to drive around the odd goat herd or donkey that dared get in his way. Through potholes resembling mini mountain ranges, he forged ahead. Hence, a few hours spent here and there on our journey in various mechanical workshops with no aircon. As I'm writing this memory I'm laughing. The sheer joy of it all, now, as I look back! Wasn't so joyful at the time.Throughout our trip, we ate the most amazing, predominantly vegetarian food - our favourite being the Thali, a platter with small bowls consisting of rice, lentils, curries, pickles, raita and pappadums or roti.We drank, generally warmish, beers and G&Ts. Apparently, refrigeration couldn't quite keep up with the weather. And ice was rare.As we made our way from Mumbai to Udaipur, to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner close to the border with Kashmir, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi, we slept overnight in Maharajah's palaces and merchant's houses, called Havelis, paying a pittance, as we were generally the only occupants; tourists usually don't like temperatures in excess of 50C. One night we had to wait until after 8.30pm to eat our evening meal; staff needed the temperature to drop to 45C before they could prepare our meal. We were the only guests .We visited temples and gardens and forts and tombs and stupas and museums.We saw precious stone jewellers and miniature painters working at their trades, and holy men in the lotus position, praying beside the Mother Ganges, while a funeral pyre sent flames and smoke soaring high above the river.We saw the sun rise above the Taj Mahal, and were astounded by the beauty of this special place. No photograph or video will ever do it justice, it is magnificent.But it was the people we remember most. Young men, university graduates guiding us through palaces and forts, and also talking to us about their family lives and customs; little children in the streets, carrying tiny babies, and begging; gorgeous saris; traders selling all manner of goods, and inviting us to haggle.And we had some fun with these traders.Now I know what you're thinking. Haggling over already cheap prices is horrid. In actual fact, haggling is expected, and Indian traders and shopkeepers are highly talented, play us like fish, and generally come out on top. Or at least with us they did. Every time.Except for the following funny incident.There we were in a vast market which sold silk items, scarves and pashminas. We were very obviously tourists. A young Indian man, who appeared to be the store owner, swaggered over to my husband and started a conversation . He asked if we were Aussies, and when my hubby said yes, he immediately started talking about cricket.This was not a new thing to us. Everywhere we went in India, if we were recognised as being Aussie, the next topic of conversation was cricket. And fortunately we both love the sport.The young man had the gift of the gab and was boasting to us that he was the greatest fast bowler in Rajasthan.He was quite a legend. In his own mind.Without batting an eye, and with a straight face, my hubby retorted that he was, in fact, Ricky Ponting's brother. The young man's posturing almost immediately turned to reverence. We left his shop having purchased many scarves, and leaving him awestruck.On another cricket-related occasion, in fierce late afternoon heat we were set to ride camels in the Sam sand dunes in the midst of the Thar desert. The young boys leading our very frisky camels were far from friendly. In fact, they were totally silent,almost hostile ... until cricket was mentioned. And hubby couldn't resist. He became Ponting's brother for the second time. Well, those boys became as frisky as the camels! And there was nothing they didn't know, stats wise, about any of our current Aussie cricketers. We were instant besties, ah, the power of sport! And the power of being related to an Aussie cricket legend, even if this was not in any way true.Incredible, exotic, amazing India was a two-week sensory experience . We learned, we laughed, we most certainly sweated our way around Rajasthan, and to this day, when I hear the name Ricky Ponting, I smile.By Carol Goddard

Wesley Mission delivers Easter message
Wesley Mission delivers Easter message

16 April 2025, 3:24 AM

It seems like 2025 is both rushing at us and rushing by. Everything seems to be accelerating, the 24/7 news cycle on permanent fast-forward, social media algorithms magnifying a sense of crisis around every corner.Overseas, at breakneck speed President Trump is upending international alliances that have underpinned the fragile geopolitical stability much of the world has enjoyed since 1945. In Ukraine, a miserable war grinds on, while in its rubble-strewn streets, Gaza remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis.Here at home, the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze family budgets to breaking point, all while we continue to come to grips with a housing catastrophe decades in the making and which, truth be told, will take decades to fix. While the rich get richer, many of us are seemingly powerless in an economy that we feel has left us out and left us behind. With a federal election soon upon us, we are being bombarded daily with promises many of us don’t believe.More than a century ago, Vladmir Lenin said that ‘There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.’ Given the pace of change washing over us, and the various crises mushrooming around us, it seems 2025 is a year where, to borrow Lenin’s phrase, decades are happening.In these uncertain and anxious times, many of us are feeling overwhelmed. Through 2024 Lifeline recorded 8 of its 10 largest daily call volumes as ordinary Aussies from every demographic and nearly every postcode sought help. Whether we recognize it or not, many of us are grieving – a dream that’s fading, certainties that are disappearing or hope that’s receding.Jesus, the central figure not only of the Easter story but of human history, was described by a prophet as a ‘man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.’ On the night he would be betrayed, arrested and imprisoned, knowing the unimaginable suffering that lay head for him, Jesus told his friends that his soul was ‘overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.’In that moment in the Garden, Jesus had a choice. He could have let the cup of suffering he was to drink pass him by. Compelled by perfect and pure love, Jesus willingly walked the loneliest roads of suffering, pain and death. Decades after his death, one of his friends recalled Jesus’ own words, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but will have everlasting life.’Whosoever is you and me – all of us, everywhere and across every time – without exception. God’s love for us is without limit.It was love that compelled Jesus to walk the way of suffering, love that stretched out his hands on the cross and love that forgave his enemies with his dying breath.It was love that saw him lay down his life so that we might enjoy friendship with God. There is no greater love than this.It was love that rolled the away the stone of Jesus’ tomb, revealing not only his empty graveclothes, but that in the end, that love has the first and final word – that when all is said and done, love wins.The story of Easter is the story of God’s love overcoming our failures, our sins, our shame, our guilt, and the power of death itself. God’s perfect love is the power than can overwhelm all our fears.In a world changing at overwhelming speed, when we can feel overwhelmed by uncertainty, anxiety and fear – the Easter truth that love overcomes, that love wins – echoes down two millennia of history and stretches out into eternity, and reaches out for you and for me, embracing us with the assurance that God will never leave us, that there is always hope.This truth invites us into a personal and utterly transformative relationship with God. Freely God is offering you his love, and freely you can receive and be forever changed by it.

Salvos' Easter message
Salvos' Easter message

14 April 2025, 2:34 AM

We live in a time where bad news seems to be everywhere. Whether it is international conflicts and politics, a national cost of living crisis or personal devastation, our world seems to sometimes be more focused on the bad as opposed to the good. Indeed, the idea of ‘good news’ often seems like an afterthought; a short segment to wrap up the evening news bulletin, or an attempt at offering a ‘silver lining’ after hearing a story of devastation and loss.However, as we look towards the Easter season, The Salvation Army are preparing to experience and celebrate good news - for us, that good news is found in the Easter story through the death and resurrection of Jesus.When Jesus died on a cross on Good Friday, it was the ultimate bad news for all of those who followed Him. All hope seemed lost, but the story didn’t end there.On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the grave into new life. This good news brought with it hope and joy back then, and this good news can offer the same for us today. We believe that through the good news of Jesus, God can take our tragedy and turn it into joy.For The Salvation Army, every day we have people reach out to us who are looking for help. We are seeing new faces come through our doors, those who have never had to reach out to a charity before, who are only just making ends meet.We see how the most simple things like offering a meal, assistance paying bills, a safe bed to sleep in, or a listening ear, can be the ultimate good news for someone. It is that good news that brings people hope.So, as we all face struggles right across the country, whether they are big or small, perhaps a little good news would go a long way.This is why this Easter, regardless of your faith, the Salvos invite you to explore the good news of Jesus with us. To find out more about your local Easter activities through The Salvation Army, visit salvationarmy.org.au.

Is this housing strategy right for Kiama?
Is this housing strategy right for Kiama?

12 April 2025, 12:04 AM

Opinion by Karen Fowler The Draft Local Housing Strategy could reshape our towns and villages - but is it heading in the right direction?At a recent Kiama Matters Inc meeting, I asked people to ensure they help shape the future of Kiama by engaging with the Housing Strategy process and providing feedback to our Council and Councillors.The Housing Strategy will define the way our urban environment grows and guide priorities for infrastructure and services.  See Draft Housing Strategy V2 hereThe Strategy will determine what our villages will look like in a decade’s time.The Strategy outlines four key priorities - well-located housing supply, diverse housing options, supporting infrastructure, and thriving centres. While I agree with these priorities, the question I would like people to consider is whether the Strategy actually delivers on them.One concern being raised by the community is that the document relies on outdated population projections. It draws from 2022 data suggesting Kiama will grow by 6917 people by 2041. However, updated 2024 figures project growth of just 2180. We appear to be planning for almost double the expected number.  Even using the older figures, the Strategy seems to propose more housing than needed.The plan identifies an existing capacity to deliver 2341 new homes by 2041, mostly through in-fill development in Kiama and Gerringong. To meet the projected shortfall, Kiama Municipal Council has proposed four Urban Expansion Areas across the Local Government Area. The largest - in Kiama - could accommodate 4200 lots yet we only need to cater for 1028 new dwellings to meet the shortfall. This raises important questions about scale, sustainability, and the ability to keep Kiama liveable. Council argues it needs a pipeline of greenfield land because it cannot control when developers build. While I understand this, the community still needs to consider whether the size of this proposed pipeline is justified.There are positives. I welcome the “non-negotiable principles” in the Strategy and the inclusion of a requirement for a Structure Plan to coordinate planning proposals and infrastructure across the area. The actions in the document around infrastructure planning have also been strengthened.Good strategic land use planning requires consideration of not only economic outcomes. It must also weigh up environmental, social and cultural outcomes. Economic outcomes are easy to measure. Environmental impacts can be assessed by experts. But social and cultural values - our sense of place, our heritage, our access to housing and services – the things that create a healthy and happy community, they are harder to quantify and need to be defined by the people that live here. This is why we need your input. Happy and healthy communities come from people feeling safe, supported, and connected. I keep hearing that our cultural values are embedded in our love of green hills, our beaches, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. If we want a future that protects these, we must ensure planning decisions are guided by more than population targets and dollars.I urge residents to read the Strategy. Reflect on whether it reflects our community’s needs. This is more than a plan. It is a vision of our future. Let’s make sure it is one we share.Hae your say here

 Kiama community invited to join Landcare coastal walk
Kiama community invited to join Landcare coastal walk

08 April 2025, 12:00 AM

Landcare Illawarra is writing to invite you to join part of the Landcare Kiama coastal walk on Saturday 12 April, from the Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland. The full walk is approximately 9km, but there is no expectation to complete the entire distance. You are welcome to join at any of the four Landcare sites along the way and walk a section that suits you.The walk is part of the Kiama Coastal Community Planting Program, supported by the BUPA Healthy Cities Landcare grant. It will highlight the work being done by our five local Landcare groups to restore native vegetation and care for the coastal environment.We would love to walk alongside you, even briefly If you would like to take part, please register here and let Landcare Illawarra Coordinator Meredith Hall know which section you are most interested in. Meredith will coordinate approximate timings and can send a message on the day when we are around 15 to 20 minutes from your preferred meeting point.This is a great opportunity to meet volunteers, hear their stories and see firsthand the quiet, consistent impact of community-led restoration along our coastline.Estimated timings 8.30am Meet at Little Blowhole9.00am Kaleula Headland (South Kendalls)10.00am Bombo Beach10.45am Bombo Headland11.15am Jones Beach /Kiama Downs (no Landcare site here)11.45am Minnamurra Headland12pm Morning tea at Minnamurra site.We’d love to see you there.To take part or find out more see the event flyer here Landcare Illawarra Coordinator Meredith Hall can be contacted on 0499 027 770 on the day.

Kiama's draft housing strategy
Kiama's draft housing strategy

02 March 2025, 11:45 PM

Opinion I don’t think our community is well informed about the extent of the potential impact the Kiama Draft Housing Strategy on our town of Kiama (currently on exhibition).Originally it proposed to increase the municipality’s population by a third, but with the addition of the State Government mandated Springside Hill development and the inclusion of existing land available for development, we will see nearly 5000 lots available for development in Kiama alone, doubling both its size and population. This will mean that most of the land west of the bypass in Kiama will be covered in houses, including the land behind Spring Creek and Bombo, south Kiama adjoining the high school, and the ridges and valleys of west Kiama.I think that most people would accept the need for housing growth, but this Strategy crosses a line and is truly excessive.The most alarming aspect of the Strategy is that the Springside Hill development at West Kiama was opposed by both Council and the community, but the State Labor government imposed it anyway without consultation or regard for environmental impacts. This development alone will significantly impact our scenic landscapes, heritage listed stone walls, high quality agricultural lands, Spring Creek wetlands and biodiversity.    I know that times are changing but is Kiama going to accept this without a whimper?? Howard H Jones(Secretary Gerroa Environmental Protection Society The image below taken from the Strategy does not include South Kiama

Shoutout to Jamberoo Football Club for another stellar Jamberoo Sevens!
Shoutout to Jamberoo Football Club for another stellar Jamberoo Sevens!

10 February 2025, 1:53 AM

A huge round of applause to the Jamberoo Football Club team for their outstanding organisation and professional delivery of another fantastic Jamberoo Sevens. From seamless scheduling to ensuring everything ran smoothly on and off the pitch, the effort and dedication of the club’s volunteers made this tournament a huge success.A special shoutout to Club President Alan Smith - a man who, despite not making it to Manchester United (thanks to an untimely haircut), still brings Premier League-level passion and commitment to local football. Born in Manchester, Alan is one of the rare United fans actually from Manchester! These days, he’s just as well known in the community as the man in the middle, keeping matches in check as the club’s senior referee.A big thank you also to Vice President Kristin Nisbet, who has poured years of dedication into the game. From coaching junior teams to managing women’s squads and playing in three grand finals (winning none, by her own admission!), Kristin’s passion for the sport is unmatched. Now, she’s found her football home at Jamberoo, balancing her role as a player, manager, and advocate for female participation in the game—all while occasionally sharing the field with her daughter.The success of the Jamberoo Sevens is a testament to the hard work of Alan, Kristin, and the entire Jamberoo Football Club team. The community spirit and love for the game were on full display throughout the weekend, making this tournament yet another unforgettable one.Well done to all involved - see you next year!

Celebrating The Bugle and the value of community notices
Celebrating The Bugle and the value of community notices

03 February 2025, 10:21 PM

Letter to the EditorThank you for the great coverage of the Kiama Show. The Bugle has been providing interesting background stories, and it feels like the paper is returning to the style of The Independent. I used to look forward to picking up the local paper each Wednesday to see what had been happening in town and what events were coming up.Until recently, I was happy just reading The Bugle on the app, but now I really want a printed copy!I’ve also noticed a couple of funeral notices in recent editions. This is such a valuable service, as it has become increasingly difficult to know when people have passed away. These days, most announcements are made on Facebook or shared only with close family and friends. Sometimes, I hear about a passing months or even years later. I hope more people use the paper to notify the community about funerals. Is it expensive to place a notice? Perhaps you could advertise the rates.Birth announcements used to be included in local papers as well. I really think you should promote a Personal Notice Section - Hatches, Matches, and Dispatches!Congratulations on making The Bugle such an interesting read. I love reading people’s stories, and I’ve particularly enjoyed the articles about days gone by. The old photos are fascinating! It’s a welcome distraction from council news.We live in a beautiful town, full of interesting people—both locals and blow-ins. It’s wonderful to read about them.Sue Cox

Community alert
Community alert

02 February 2025, 10:32 PM

A concerned pet owner visited The Bugle to share a troubling discovery outside his home on Thomson Street. After taking his finding to two veterinarians, it was identified as Just One Bite - a highly toxic rat poison. Disturbingly, similar bars have also been reported in Terralong Street and Hindmarsh Park over the weekend.Just One Bite is an agricultural-grade bait containing bromadiolone, a fast-acting poison lethal to rodents. However, it is also extremely dangerous to humans and non-target animals, as it has no antidote. Due to its potency, its use is restricted to agricultural settings.The product is available in chunks, pellet packs, and bars.The pet owner, and others who have come across these bars, are concerned that someone may be deliberately targeting dogs in the area. When the matter was raised with the Council, they reportedly stated it was out of their jurisdiction, and the local police station was closed at the time.How to dispose of hazardous chemicals Kiama Municipal Council offers residents a safe and environmentally-friendly way to dispose of hazardous household chemicals, including rat poison, through their Household Chemical Clean Out events. These events are held periodically, providing an opportunity to dispose of unwanted chemicals responsibly. Visit kiama.nsw.gov.auIf you cannot attend the scheduled event, consider reaching out to the Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility at 446 Riverside Drive, Minnamurra to inquire about alternative disposal options. Additionally, neighbouring councils may offer similar services that you can utilise. We urge the community to stay vigilant. If you come across these baits, please ensure they are safely bagged and disposed of and report any findings to the police online or by phone. You can also contact us at The Bugle via email: [email protected]’s work together to keep our pets, children, and community safe.

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