St George Illawarra Dragons' finals hopes are hanging by a thread after a narrow loss to the Roosters loss at Kogarah on Saturday night.They are now four points off eighth spot in 11th place with a 6-10 record and probably have to win seven of their remaining eight matches to have any chance of sneaking into the finals.The Dragons put up a gallant fight against the star-studded Roosters but ended up losing 31-24.Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart made a comeback from a week out with a concussion, playing 21 minutes off the bench and getting through 19 tackles in a typically busy stint from the rookie lock.The Dragons conceded the first try to Daniel Tupou but equalised when Tyrell Sloan crossed the stripe in the seventh minute.After another Roosters try to Tupou, the home side went 18-12 up when young winger Sione Finau touched down twice in the space of four minutes.The Roosters drew level when Maroons centre Robert Toia outleapt Queensland teammate Valentine Holmes for a bomb and they took a 19-18 lead into the break after Sam Walker snapped a field goal just before half-time.Roosters centre Billy Smith extended their advantage to seven early in the second half before second-rower Jaydn Su'A, in his 150th NRL game, set up a thrilling finish when he notched a try with 15 minutes remaining.The visitors sealed the win three minutes from the final siren when lock Victor Radley scored next to the posts.Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said they paid the price for a slow start to the game when they allowed two tries within the first 10 minutes."In the end, that's the game," he said."After that, we got in a bit of an arm wrestle, played some good football but you can't gift any team, let alone the Roosters, 12 points at the start of the game."The Dragons face another tough task next Saturday when they tackle the third-placed Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.

Lauren Murphy from Travel Focus was invited on a Colorado “famil” in February, (short for “familiarisation trip” – an industry perk where travel agents are hosted to experience a destination first-hand).She expected the usual suspects: snowy peaks, buzzing ski towns, and the odd mulled wine by the fire. What she didn’t expect was how much this trip would shift the way we talk about Colorado.For starters: the sunshine. Three hundred days a year, apparently. Not something we associate with ski holidays but stepping off the plane into blue skies and crisp, dry air set the tone straight away. This wasn’t going to be your average alpine escape.Lauren’s trip took her from Denver to the snowfields of Steamboat, Vail, Aspen and Telluride - each with its own personality. While the big-name resorts of Aspen and Vail delivered as promised it was the lesser-hyped towns that left the biggest impression.Telluride had this warm, small-town vibe that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.Steamboat, on the other hand, looks like it’s been plucked straight from a western film set, only with world-class champagne powder and scenery that stops you in your tracks.There were plenty of moments off the slopes that really stood out and you don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy Colorado.One of Lauren’s highlights was snowmobiling in Telluride. Open trails, barely another person in sight, and that feeling of being completely out in nature.It was equally peaceful and thrilling. Another unexpected favourite was a visit to Kemo Sabe in Vail, a well-known Western outfitter specialising in custom boots, belts and cowboy hats.Lauren got to design her own hat from scratch, picking the shape, band, stitching, even branding it with initials.It was fun, personal, and a great option for families, small groups, or anyone wanting a break from the snow without feeling like they’re missing out. There’s a lot to do even if you never step foot on the slopes.In Aspen, The Little Nell hotel made a strong impression. With its unbeatable location right at the base of the lift and a team that gets what skiers need, it’s the kind of place where everything just works - easy, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming.And here’s a tip for Aussie skiers: grab an Epic or Ikon pass before you go. Not only does it unlock Colorado’s top resorts, but it also gives you unlimited lift access at ski fields in Australia, including Thredbo and Perisher.Colorado is a place where the scenery stuns, the experiences stay with you, and the people make you feel at home. There’s something here for everyone, on or off the mountain.If you’ve ever considered a ski trip to Colorado, or just want to hear more, get in touch with Lauren at Travel Focus Group. Email us at [email protected] or call 02 4209 2044.

True to their name, Slow Dough bakery took a while to get going but they are rapidly growing in reputation and impact in the Kiama community.The Manning Street bakery was named the Outstanding New Business at the Kiama Business Awards last week, well deserved recognition for owners Lucy and Richard King after years of hard work both before and after opening their doors.Slow Dough was created when Richard got into baking during the pandemic and in late 2021, he started selling the varieties he had come up with by mail order from the garage of their Gerringong home. “I think it’s safe to say that we’re elated to win the award,” Lucy said. “It is really important to receive recognition from your local community and it’s a real acknowledgement of the hard work we’ve put in.”Richard added: “We were really surprised - we’ve been very focused on our own patch, head down, bum up. We feel like we’re doing all right but relative to what?“So when we’re put up against extraordinary other businesses, to come out on top was pretty humbling.”When he started baking, he would send a message to his mailing list to say what was going to be ready each Saturday and people would respond to say which option they wanted.That grew to the point where they needed a bigger permanent location and it was tough to find a spot with space large enough for a bakery and a small area for customers to savour the treats. The old minister’s cottage at the Uniting Church had been used by the Men’s Shed but they had moved to a more suitable location for them, so Slow Dough pounced on the opportunity, opening their doors in early 2024.It took them more than a year to wade through the development applications paperwork and complete renovations to make it fit for purpose but it has proved to be the ideal location for them. “We both come from a corporate background,” Lucy explained.“Rich had always been interested in baking but had never got the opportunity to do it. So when we were in what seemed like a never-ending lockdown at the time, it allowed him the chance to get into making it.”Lucy King, Susan Spence, Jo Aspinall and Richard King at the Kiama Business Awards. Photo: The BugleHe said his initial offerings would have been “better for building than eating” but after lots of practice, he refined his craft.“Neither of us have done this before and are still learning every day in terms of baking and building a business,” Lucy added. “We just want to acknowledge the Kiama community and our customers who have really supported us. Everything we do is new. It’s just been so wonderful the way the locals have rallied us on because it’s been tough at times.“They’ve been open to what we do because we do things a bit differently. They’ve been willing to come along this journey with us. We’re very grateful.”They were also a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category, an essential part of their set-up.“My background is in corporate sustainability so it’s something that’s really important to make sure we’re integrating that into what we do as a business,” Lucy said.They partnered with Kerryn McInnes from The Passion Project at The Pines in Kiama and they collect Slow Dough’s compostable waste for her permaculture garden.“It’s a nice example of closing the loop within our local community and ecosystem of businesses,” Lucy said. “We do generate a fair bit of waste but we make sure we do as much as we can to reduce that.”Slow Dough’s cardboard packaging, including the coffee cups, is compostable and included in this program to help reduce landfill.

The old saying there’s safety in numbers has never been truer, as adventures for solo female globetrotters become one of the travel industry’s fastest growing sectors.Gerringong travel agent Kelly Morrison, one of the many women travelling alone or on female-only tours, has tapped into the growing market with Travel Focus Group’s new business venture – ROAM, a travel experience designed specifically for women. A 2025 travel trends report found solo female travellers are on the rise, with Tourism Research Australia and Austrade data showing women travelling alone made up 40 per cent of the domestic market, with 30 per cent of women heading overseas solo.Morrison, who joined Travel Focus Group as an agent three months ago after moving to the area for a sea change, embraced solo travel after divorcing and becoming an empty nester.But she says there are downsides to going it alone, with clients reporting safety as the top concern for female travellers, not to mention the higher cost of a singles supplement.When Morrison and her sister decided to embark on a Moroccan adventure, they chose to travel with an all-women’s group tour “for the safety aspect”.“It was one of the best trips I’ve been on,” she said.After the group tour ended, the sisters had two days on their own in Morocco’s bustling capital and safety quickly became an issue.“We got followed by a male and had to duck into a shop and hide behind the racks,” she explained.Kelly in Morocco. The safety scare sparked the idea for ROAM and Morrison held the group’s first breakfast recently for like-minded females to travel together.The get-together was a hit, with more than a dozen women registering their interest in the small-group, female-only adventures. The first tour, in November, will be to New Zealand and include good food, fine wine, a health spa and jet boat ride.“There are a lot of adventurous women out there who want to go off the beaten track but still have that safety net of travelling with a group,” she addedMorrison has designed the inaugural itinerary around the things she likes to do as a traveller; a bit of sightseeing, an off-the-beaten track adventure, excellent food and wine and boutique accommodation.“Many organised tours are extremely structured; you have to get up at 6am to be on a bus by 7am to visit multiple tourist attractions every day. Those sorts of tours are very cookie-cutter, very generic.”Her idea of a good holiday involves more peace than pace.“You won’t experience jam-packed schedules or tourist traps on our tours. ROAM is all about leisurely mornings, local culture and meaningful experiences.“My mum did a bus trip through Europe and she said it was the most exhausting holiday she had ever been on. One day she just refused to get out of bed, maybe that’s where I get it from!”ROAM group tours will be much more fluid, allowing people to linger over a nice breakfast before they “go off and do things” and incorporating experiences that allow women to give back to the communities they visit.“On a trip to India or Vietnam we might visit an orphanage and ask women to bring some baby clothes to donate. It’s all about letting women share experiences in a safe environment,” Morrison said.“The beauty of these tours is that they try and cater for everyone’s interests. Travelling doesn’t have to be go, go, go, it’s just as important to slow down, take things in, immerse yourself in the experience so you have a chance to enjoy it while you’re there.”Photo: Lara MathewsonMany solo female adventurers are also looking to link with other women to share the cost of the dreaded singles supplement - an extra fee charged to those travelling alone when booking accommodations or tours designed for dual occupancy.With enquiries on the rise, Morrison also plans to link up solo travellers interested in similar experience, with a view to them sharing the cost of a double room or tours for two.“We’ve had several women in their 80s come in and say I really want to go to Antarctica but they don’t want to travel by themselves,” she explained. “The single supplement is so expensive and we help them find a like-minded person who they can travel with and share a room with to avoid that cost. It’s not only cheaper but much more fun when you share the experience with someone else.”Morrison said all-female group tours are the opposite of a “draincation” - a phrase coined to describe travelling with kids or a partner where the mental load is still high – and involve more wine and less whine.“Travelling with children or a partner is not always a holiday, you still carry the same burdens as at home, just in a different location,” said Morrison. “Sometimes it’s even harder because kids are out of their routine and comfort zone.“On a ROAM tour you don’t have to worry if everyone has packed enough underwear or will eat what’s on the menu, you just get to focus on yourself and the things you like to do. And let’s be honest wine always tastes better with girlfriends.”

By Neil Reilly - Unpacking bureaucracy, regulation, political will and community psychology. An essay and some suggestions.The term Invisible Architecture is often used in literary and poetic discussion to describe the underlying, unseen frameworks that give a work its form and meaning.In my retirement, I’ve taken up some writing and literature courses, where I first encountered the phrase. I found it a powerful and versatile metaphor, apt not just for novels and poetry, but also for the planning system in NSW.Our system is shaped by layers of rules, assumptions, and relationships that influence every decision, yet are rarely visible to the public.This invisible architecture determines how, where, and why our communities grow, or don’t.What’s more, I’ve come to believe that the complexity of the NSW planning system is not accidental. It is, in many respects, by design. It isn’t just bureaucratic inefficiency; it is a structure that privileges certain players while locking out others.Land use planning shapes every street, suburb, skyline, park, and paddock. Yet, for most citizens, its workings are obscure, buried beneath acronyms, shifting strategies, and often unintelligible documents. While some see this complexity as necessary, I see an architecture that is long overdue for redesign.Who benefits from the complexity?In NSW, planning complexity often functions more as a feature than a flaw. It benefits some while burdening the rest.Professional intermediaries, planning consultants, lawyers, and lobbyists are among the biggest winners. Their livelihoods depend on navigating ambiguity. When legislation is open to interpretation, their services become indispensable.Simplification would threaten their market.Large developers also benefit. With the financial resilience to absorb delays and the legal firepower to push through disputes, they are well positioned to exploit loopholes or negotiate Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs). Smaller operators are often drowned in paperwork or priced out of participation.The state government plays referee and participant. Ambiguity allows it to override local planning frameworks under the guise of housing supply or state significance. This flexibility means state intervention can be politically convenient but procedurally opaque.Councillors and political actors who understand the system’s grey zones can wield quiet but significant influence. Amendments, referrals, and procedural delays become tools of strategy rather than governance.Certain residents’ groups, often well organised and resourced, also use complexity to their advantage, objecting through appeals, exploiting obscure planning clauses, or delaying projects indefinitely. Heritage, character and overshadowing concerns, while sometimes valid, can be used tactically rather than constructively.Access to influence in planning often depends less on merit than on one’s capacity to engage the system.Are there better models?To reimagine planning, we must look outward. Globally, planning systems fall into three broad categories: mixed, decentralised-flexible, and centralised-directive models. Each offers lessons, some cautionary, others inspiring.Mixed models: Comparable but cumbersomeVictoria & Queensland: These states are structurally similar to NSW. Victoria’s “Planning Schemes” and Queensland’s Planning Act mirror our layered approach. While intended to offer clarity, both systems are equally prone to delay and interpretation. For instance, Melbourne’s inner-north has seen compliant developments dragged through months of VCAT proceedings, often over design minutiae.United Kingdom: The UK combines local development plans with national policy oversight. Ministers can “call in” major developments, overriding local objections. In 2021, a new coal mine in Cumbria was approved this way, despite strong opposition and environmental concerns. However, the North West Cambridge Development shows the system’s potential: a well-planned innovation precinct delivered quickly thanks to consistent policy alignment and community engagement.Canada (Ontario, British Columbia): Canada balances municipal autonomy with provincial oversight. Toronto’s “Eglinton Connects” project rezoned entire corridors around new transit lines to allow mid-rise development, executed through clear planning rules and community involvement. In Vancouver, projects like Olympic Village demonstrate how performance zoning and design review can create sustainable, high-density communities.The lesson is mixed systems like ours can deliver good outcomes, but only when roles are clearly defined, policies are stable, and community trust is maintained.Decentralised and flexible systems: Fast but unevenUnited States: Planning is highly local. In Houston, there is no formal zoning, just development codes and deed restrictions. This has allowed rapid, low-cost development, but also inconsistency and urban sprawl. By contrast, Portland, Oregon uses tight growth boundaries and a “20-minute neighbourhood” model to deliver compact, walkable communities, driven by strong civic values and participatory planning,.Japan: They use uses only 12 zoning types nationally, permitting mixed-use by default. Development approvals are quick - often taking weeks, not months. Despite being the world’s largest city, Tokyo remains surprisingly affordable and liveable. This is a result of low barriers to development, minimal local veto power, and emphasis on small-lot flexibility. The result is vibrant, evolving streetscapes with housing supply that keeps up with demand.The lesson is flexibility and speed are possible, but only if rules are simple, political interference is limited, and development rights are respected.Centralised and directive systems: Clear but authoritarianSingapore: Planning is governed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), which controls land use down to the block. The Marina Bay precinct, built from reclaimed land, is a masterclass in state-led planning: integrated transport, high design quality, and flawless delivery. Yet public consultation is minimal, and dissent is rare.China: Planning is rapid, hierarchical, and economic-growth-driven. Shenzhen transformed from a fishing village to a tech powerhouse in a generation. But speed has come at the cost of transparency. Projects like Ordos, a city built with no residents, highlight what can go wrong when planning is disconnected from community need.The lesson is centralisation ensures coherence, but at the cost of democracy, adaptability, and human-scale nuance.The psychological layer: Community expectations and political willPlanning is not just procedural; it’s emotional and political. Communities expect fairness, clarity, and a chance to be heard. When they instead encounter jargon, delays, or abrupt overrides, frustration sets in. Trust is slowly eroded.Councillors are caught in a three-way tug-of-war: constituent expectations, legal constraints and political alliances. Planning becomes performative, motions deferred, reports commissioned, decisions postponed, not to resolve issues, but to delay accountability.Meanwhile, constant reform, often sold as progress, breeds fatigue. Those with resources adapt; others fall behind. Reform churn makes long-term thinking impossible.Highly visible corrections to the invisible architectureOver years of observing, debating, and working within the system, I’ve kept notes on changes that might help. Reduce discretion: Shift from subjective assessments (“no unreasonable impact”) to clear, objective criteria.Commit to stability: Establish a 10-year legislative horizon with scheduled reviews, avoid reactive, piecemeal reforms.Improve access: Fund plain-language guides, digital planning assistants, and training for community members and councillors.Clarify roles: Define decision-making boundaries across councils, panels, departments, and courts. Too many think they’re the "planning Lion King."Borrow from others: Streamline zoning like Japan. Embrace local autonomy like Canada. Seek clarity like Singapore, but keep our democracy.Pathways to reformThe people of NSW deserve a planning system that is transparent, efficient, and fair, one that delivers housing without endless delay, empowers local voices without silencing innovation, and eliminates the backroom trade-offs that undermine trust.To achieve this, we need a bold reform agenda:Merge LEPs and DCPs into a unified zoning code.Establish an independent Planning Commission to depoliticise decisions.Expand fast-track approvals (CDCs), backed by objective, measurable rules.Digitise the entire planning process, from application to appeal, and enforce strict timelines.Introduce penalties for unjustified delay and enforce transparency in developer contributions.These steps would shift power away from NIMBYs, consultants, and bureaucratic gatekeepers, restoring integrity and clarity to a system too long lost in its own maze.Rebuilding the foundationLand use planning is more than a technical exercise; it reflects how we understand community, growth, and fairness. Today, NSW’s system mirrors the values of caution, complexity and control. But that is a choice, not a necessity.We can design something better: a planning framework that reflects transparency over opacity, stability over churn, and accessibility over exclusion. The Invisible Architecture does not need to stay hidden. We can, and should, bring it into the light.

The humpback highway is busier than ever before with citizen scientists counting a record number of whales, including almost 150 off Kiama, during the latest annual census.More than 5000 whales were spotted across the east coast during this year’s event on June 29, organised by volunteer rescue and research organisation ORRCA.The census encourages community members - dubbed citizen scientists - to count and log whale sightings from their favourite viewing spot, with the data used by ORRCA to track the population size and types of species migrating north.ORRCA president Ashley Ryan says this Whale Census Day was the most successful in its 26-year history, with more than 600 volunteers across 159 locations - from Tasmania to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast - registering for the count.“Over the course of the day more than 5000 humpback whales were officially sighted by volunteers at various vantage points, including 142 off the headland at Kiama Heights,” said Ryan.She believes the huge community involvement likely contributed to the increased number of whale sightings with “records broken on every front”.“So many people were out for the count and this is testament to the growing passion Australians have for their marine environment,” said Ryan. “Every set of eyes made a difference.”Experts believe more than 40,000 cetaceans, predominantly humpbacks, traverse Australia’s east coast during their northern migration to warmer waters.Ryan said the annual census played a critical role in identifying individual whales, mapping habitat use, and informing broader conservation strategies.“Citizen science is powerful not just because of the numbers, but because it brings people into the story,” she says.“This year’s data will directly contribute to ongoing research and protection work. It's science made stronger by the community.”Kiama’s David Finlay knows the value in environmental interaction and education.The industrial chemist by trade has been a citizen scientist for decades patiently documenting the best Mother Nature has to offer through a camera lens.He has captured the stunning Aurora Borealis off Gerringong, glow worm colonies in Helensburgh, fireflies at Macquarie Pass, ghost fungi mushrooms in Kiama frontyards and bioluminescence in the harbour.Most recently he captured incredible footage of the humpbacks “playing tag” with a pod of dolphins off Kiama’s Blow Hole point on the weekend of the census.“I’ve never seen whales and dolphins play so purposefully together, and for such an extended period, they were playing tag,” said Finlay who filmed the breathtaking scenes from his drone.“This behaviour went on for over an hour. The six whales just chased the dolphins everywhere, and the dolphins were teasing them with their speed and manoeuvrability."It was like a long trip with a car full of kids and taking a playground break. It was such a joy to watch.“The more people that you can teach how to enjoy being in nature, while also preserving it, the better we all are.”Data collected by citizen scientists during the census is collated and used in ORRCA’s East Coast Whale Migration Research Program, which helps document and understand the movement patterns of humpback whales along the state’s coastline.Research and data will also be used to better manage whale strandings, a distressing phenomenon that is not fully understood, with the state’s latest stranding on Wollongong’s City Beach on Tuesday.ORRCA volunteers and National Parks and Wildlife Service tried to refloat a female melon-headed whale after it was spotted circling unusually close to shore.Despite the best efforts of rescuers the whale could not be saved.

Jeans for Genes Day is coming up on 8 August and all funds raised by Children’s Medical Research Institute Gerringong Committee will support the research that is finding cures for genetic diseases.One in 20 children face a birth defect or genetic disease.Tickets for the Trivia Night at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club are on sale from next Wednesday (14 July) at http://www.trybooking.com/DCRXB. Cost is $30 per person with tables of up to eight people. Nibblies are provided, drinks at bar prices and a courtesy bus can be booked through the club. There will be a multi draw raffle and denim quilt raffle tickets for sale and drawn on the night. The quilt was created by the Kiama Quilters Guild and donated to CMRI. Jeans for Genes pens and badges as well as quilt raffle tickets will be sold at IGA Gerringong on 1-2 and 7-8 August. Students at Gerringong Public School will be helping us to raise funds by having a mufti day and gold coin donation. Local businesses also support the cause with donations for the raffle and by selling merchandise. Come to the Trivia Night and enjoy a fast game with music trivia included and comperes Glen Isemonger and Dave Peade keeping the fun and the questions moving! It’s all about raising funds for research that gives us the cures.Every day, Ollie’s parents are thankful for the cancer research that saved their son’s life, but they won’t stop campaigning for more to be done for the families who have lost their children. “The importance of research and the importance of Jeans for Genes Day is that it benefits the families who – like mine – have a sick child and make it through their journey,’’ Nathan said. “But there are families we’ve met along the way who don’t get that outcome. They receive the information that the treatment hasn’t been effective and that they have to go home, knowing that their child will fall asleep, and pass away.’’ Ollie is one of the 2025 faces of Jeans for Genes the iconic fundraising day that supports the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute so scientists can do work today to change lives tomorrow. Ollie was a happy and seemingly healthy child when he complained to his mum Naomi about hearing problems, dizziness, headaches and double vision. When his right eye dramatically turned, she knew something was wrong. His parents took him to hospital where they performed scans and found he had a tumour in his skull. Ollie was then diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. “They said there is tumour in your son's head,’’ Nathan said. “And half the things that he said, I didn't hear. Everything stood still. It scared the living hell out of me.’’ The family of five had to move to Sydney and live near the hospital for almost two years. Surgery was not an option due to the location of the tumour, so Ollie had 67 rounds of chemotherapy and 32 rounds of radiotherapy before he went into remission. While Ollie used his incredible talent as an artist to get through, his parents have put their energy into advocating for better investment in medical research. “I just started envisioning Ollie finishing high school and doing a year 12 speech about his journey and about life and about his future, and that gave me optimism that Ollie will be alive, and he will beat this. “I know that if the research done prior to our diagnosis wasn't done - it scares me to think that if we didn't help scientists learn more about the specific cancers, learn more about the treatment processes, he might not be here today.’’Nathan said he remembers taking part in Jeans for Genes Day when he was at school and now realises that it went to help the cancer research being done at Children’s Medical Research Institute and he loves the idea that his gold coin helped Ollie. “It's interesting to feel and to think that my gold coin donation that I made years and years ago actually had an effect on the research that was done that kept my son alive.’’ Jeans for Genes is one of Australia’s oldest charity days and this year it will move to the first Thursday in August – after finding that many of our capital city streets and offices are quiet on a Friday. It may be on a different day but the challenge of finding treatments and cures for 1 in 20 Aussie kids with conditions like cancer, cystic fibrosis and other devastating genetic diseases remains the same. Jeans for Genes Day allows labs to stay open, science to continue and lives to be saved.

A powerful moment of mateship and inclusion has captured hearts at Minnamurra Public School, where a Year 6 student with multiple disabilities was cheered to the finish line by his fellow classmates in a moving show of support.Eleven-year-old Viaan only began attending Minnamurra Public School six months ago after moving to Kiama from Melbourne in late 2024.Born with a rare neurological condition known as MPPH syndrome, Viaan also lives with ASD, ADHD and an intellectual disability.Viaan with mum Priya and her partner, Mark, on holiday in Fiji this week.Despite those challenges, he took part in the school’s athletics carnival held just before the winter break in late June.Viaan’s parents, Priya and her partner Mark Houghton, were initially unsure whether he would even attend the carnival.“We actually got a call from the school in the morning saying Viaan was feeling unwell,” Priya recalled this week.“He was excited about our upcoming trip to Fiji and wanted to come home early. But we decided he could stay and do one race before leaving.”That one race turned out to be a 200-metre event organised by one of Viaan’s favourite teachers, Miss Hughes. What happened next stunned Mark, who recorded the race on his phone, and those watching on.“There was a whole group of boys rallying together, saying, ‘Viaan’s racing, who wants to run with him?’,” Mark said.“Viaan ran the first 50 metres, then walked most of the next stretch. But as he came around the final bend, something beautiful happened.“Several boys who had already completed the race doubled back to join him. They clapped him on, offered encouragement, and jogged beside him down the home straight.“Seeing the way the kids got around Viaan and were cheering him on was amazing. I got emotional.“Even after I stopped filming, parents were coming up to me saying how amazing it was to watch.”When Priya later saw the video, she described it as “electrifying”.The moment came just a day after Viaan’s classmates gave him nearly 20 handwritten cards wishing him well ahead of a short placement at the Aspect South Coast School, before he rejoins his Minnamurra mates at Kiama High School next year.“So, this level of support wasn’t just about one race. It showed how inclusive and kind this school community is,” Mark said.“We had been quite worried about Viaan getting bullied and him not being included before he started at Minnamurra. But it’s been the complete opposite.”Priya said the environment at Minnamurra Public had helped her son grow.“From a social point of view, Viaan can be very introverted,” she said.“But this experience has helped him come out of his shell. It’s helped him grow as a person, which is great.”Minnamurra Public School principal Linda Wilbraham said the closing moment of the 200m race spoke volumes about the school’s values.“When I saw the video, I was touched by how naturally and spontaneously Viaan’s peers stepped in to support him,” she said. “They saw a mate in need of encouragement, and they were by his side.“Everyone has their strengths, and at Minnamurra Public School we value a culture of inclusivity, kindness and care, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, knowing they belong.”Carol Goddard, a regular contributor to The Bugle, watched the race unfold after enjoying her grandchild compete at the athletics carnival earlier in the day.She said it was a moment she would never forget after tipping The Bugle off about this wonderful story.“A young boy, clearly struggling at the 150m mark, was surrounded by fellow students who’d already crossed the finish line. “They walked with him, clapped him on the back, and cheered him to the end,” she said.“If I saw nothing else at the athletics carnival to gladden my heart, this did. And it made my day.”

Rail commuters will face disruptions on the South Coast line until next Friday with buses replacing trains until next Friday (18 July).Buses will be used instead of train services between Thirroul and Sutherland. Express buses will also run between Wollongong, North Wollongong and Sutherland, where passengers travelling to the City can join a T4 Illawarra rail service. T4 services will continue to run between Bondi Junction and Cronulla and Waterfall.Sydney Trains is carrying out planned critical upgrades and essential maintenance work. The South Coast Line is vulnerable to bad weather due to its topography, particularly between Waterfall and Thirroul. In a statement, Sydney Trains said "we are proactively working to improve the resilience of the South Coast Line with our ongoing maintenance programs". "Sydney Trains undertakes an extensive maintenance program across the rail network to ensure passenger journeys continue to run smoothly and safely."To minimise disruption to passengers, the work is being carried out during the school holidays when fewer people are travelling on the network."Sydney Trains apologises for the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience as we carry out this essential work."The work includes ballast cleaning between Waterfall and Coalcliff, cutting and embankment works at Waterfall and Scarborough, cyclic track maintenance at Helensburgh, drainage and vegetation maintenance, and defect removal and routine inspection for electrical, signal and track assets.

Kiama’s Winter Street Festival will bring warmth, wonder and a whole lot of fun to the heart of town while supporting local businesses and enriching the community.Terralong Street will transform on Saturday into a vibrant pedestrian precinct filled with art, live music, dance, wellness, workshops and interactive performances, plus delicious food and late-night shopping under a wintery wonderland glow.Backed by the Transport for NSW’s Open Streets Program, the festival is a celebration of the season where locals and visitors can rug up to experience the magic. “Events like the Winter Street Festival, backed by state funding, are a great example of how we can deliver vibrant, high-impact experiences that align with our Tourism and Events Strategy,” Kiama Mayor, Cameron McDonald said. “By focusing on our off-peak period, we’re supporting year-round visitation, boosting local business, and doing it all in a way that is sustainable and financially responsible.”Destination Kiama chair, Councillor Matt Brown encouraged local residents and out-of-towners to get out and about.“By partnering with our local businesses and holding the festival during the off-peak tourism period, we’re not only bringing energy and life to the town centre but also supporting our economy when it’s needed most. "It’s a great example of what can be achieved when we collaborate with purpose.”Among the highlights of the festival are: Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonyi98’s breakfast host Christian as emceeLive art and interactive workshopsSilent disco in Hindmarsh ParkFree pop-up sauna and stretch classesBest dressed pup paradeOutdoor libraryLive music and dance performancesKids activity zone, including rock climbing, snowboarding, a winter maze and more. Preview of the Kiama Sculpture TrailStreet dining and late-night shoppingAttendees are encouraged to use public transport due to limited parking. If driving, motorists can park at Kiama Leisure Centre for a $5 donation to Jamberoo Rural Fire Service, then catch a free shuttle bus downtown.Terralong Street will be closed between Collins and Shoalhaven Streets to traffic from 10am–10pm, with detours in place.Further information can be found at the Kiama Council website.Kiama Council was successful in receiving $349,998 in funding under the Open Streets Program 2025-28 to host the three-year event series.

A historic piece of Kiama’s original Cottage Hospital site has hit the market, now transformed into one of the town’s most luxurious properties.Perched on 1,739 square metres in a peaceful cul-de-sac, 1 Elouera Place occupies land that once formed part of the original Kiama Cottage Hospital site, first established in the mid-1800s to support the booming population of quarry workers in the area.The hospital was opened at the top of Barney Street in 1887, before Kiama Hospital was moved to Bonaira Street in 1930.The site at 1 Elouera Place retains historic links through its original dry-stone walls and majestic fig trees.“This isn’t just a magnificent home, it’s a piece of Kiama’s story,” selling agent Helena Crumpton, of Stone Real Estate, said.From its rich past to its contemporary luxury, 1 Elouera Place now blends European elegance with relaxed coastal living, a combination Helena describes as “peaceful, private and perfect for entertaining”.The first Kiama Cottage Hospital was opened at the top of Barney Street, close to what's now 1 Elouera Place, back in 1887. Pictures: The BugleAt the heart of the estate is a five-bedroom residence with soaring cathedral ceilings, herringbone oak floors, and full-length windows that flood the home with natural light.French doors open to a broad terrace overlooking the in-ground saltwater pool, framed by sweeping district views that stretch all the way to the ocean.“The layout is designed to bring the outside in,” Helena said. “Whether you're hosting friends by the cabana or enjoying a moment under the fig trees, it’s all about lifestyle.”Inside, the home features a Carrara marble island kitchen with SMEG appliances, a walk-in butler’s pantry, and seamless flow to open-plan dining and living zones.The beautiful five-bedroom property on the historic Kiama site.There’s also an electric fireplace, ducted air-conditioning, and solar panels to boost comfort and efficiency.The estate includes two additional structures - a gorgeous two-room studio with a kitchenette and bathroom perfect for a wide array of purposes and a ‘tiny home’ like no other complete with kitchen, two modern bathrooms and a large entertaining deck.One of the standout outdoor features is a custom-built cabana with an outdoor kitchen, perfect for long summer lunches or evening gatherings. There’s even a heritage-inspired outdoor shower built into the base of an old fig tree - a nod to the land’s past life.The walkway, between two magnificent fig trees, to a tiny home like no other.But it’s not just the home turning heads, it’s the agency that’s marketing this spectacular property, which has a price guide of $4.9 million to $5.3 million.Stone Real Estate Illawarra, which covers Thirroul to Gerroa, has recently become the No.1 selling agents in the region.The Kiama patch - from Minnamurra to Gerroa, and west to Jamberoo - is led by the Crumptons, Helena and Greg, who have helped propel the office’s strong results.Views from the main bedroom on the second storey.“Our office has had over 400 sales transactions over the last 12 months, and our office as a whole has just leapfrogged other leading brands that have been going well for many years,” Greg said.While Stone is now a growing national brand with more than 70 offices, the Crumptons believe it’s their grassroots reputation that sets them apart.“We’ve been very conscious since we moved to Kiama just over five years ago about building and maintaining a very good reputation and we have been really well received by the local community,” Greg said. “Our whole office is ethically driven, and Stone is very strict with procedures and compliances.”With a premium home, a prized location and a well-performed local agency behind it, 1 Elouera Place represents the rarest of real estate combinations: heritage, luxury, and growing market confidence all in one.For further details or to arrange a private viewing, contact Greg (0418 557 185) or Helena Crumpton (0415 119 019) at Stone Real Estate.

This week's edition of The Bugle brings you the heart-warming tale of a local boy with disability who was cheered to the finish line by his classmates at his school athletics carnival.It was a powerful moment of mateship and inclusion has captured hearts at Minnamurra Public School, where a Year 6 student with multiple disabilities was cheered to the finish line by his fellow classmates in a moving show of support.Click here to view The Bugle digital editionEleven-year-old Viaan only began attending Minnamurra Public School six months ago after moving to Kiama from Melbourne in late 2024.Born with a rare neurological condition known as MPPH syndrome, Viaan also lives with ASD, ADHD and an intellectual disability.There is also a feature on the whales who frolicked off our coastline with dolphins recently and all articles on the winners from the inaugural Kiama Business Awards ceremony last week as well as a bunch of social photos from the night.You can also read plenty of great community stories including an update on Kiama's Housing Strategy, a historical real estate listing in Kiama as well as a column by former Mayor Neil Reilly.And there is more on a local cafe getting a revamp under new ownership, a female travel service, the Gerringong Gazette, the upcoming Folk Festival and all the latest in local sport, including league, rugby, AFL and a teenage surfer who is making a name for herself.Gerringong surfer Lucy Darragh has risen to the top of the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series rankings following her standout victory at the Nias Pro in Indonesia.Our intrepid photographer Brian Scott has taken lots of pictures of our local sporting community, there is a full list of What's On in our region and our puzzles page filled with brain teasers.And for the greenthumbs, we also have our first column from gardening guru John Gabriele about pruning roses with a video as well.

Welcome to The Bugle’s new gardening column with local expert John Gabriele, helping you get the best out of your patch year-round.We’re kicking things off with a winter must-do: pruning your roses.If you’ve got roses in your garden, now’s the time to give them a good cut back. It might seem daunting but it’s easier than you think when you do it correctly.Winter pruning is one of the most important things you can do to keep your roses healthy and blooming beautifully come spring. The trick is to follow a few simple rules.First, get yourself a good, sharp pair of secateurs. And gloves! Those thorns can do a number on your hands.Step one is removing any dead or diseased wood - that’s always the starting point. Then we move on to shaping the plant. The goal is to open up the centre of the bush so air can flow through, which helps prevent fungal diseases in the warmer months.I like to prune fairly hard. Roses are very forgiving and respond with strong, fresh growth. Always cut back to an outward-facing bud on a 45-degree angle to direct water away from the bud.Once you’ve finished pruning, it’s time to apply lime sulphur.This acts as a fungicide and helps protect against black spot, rust, and other common rose diseases. Make sure you cover the cuts, spray the bush, and treat about a metre around the base to eliminate any spores hiding in the soil or mulch.Give your secateurs a clean and sharpen before packing up - and you’re done!Come spring, you’ll be rewarded with lush new growth and stunning flowers.What to plant nowNow’s the perfect time to get into your veggie patch.I recommend planting oriental cabbage, pak choi, sun choi, Asian broccoli - and two of my favourites: snow peas and sugar-snap peas.You can grow peas from punnets or seed. I like to soak the seeds in seaweed solution for 20 minutes before planting.Space them about 5cm apart and make sure they’ve got something to climb on. A strip of fencing wire is ideal.It’s a great way to get the kids involved in the garden, too.

A former detective delayed the trial of Kiama Independent MP Gareth Ward on Thursday after failing to show up by the required start of proceedings.The NSW District Court was scheduled to convene at 10am at Darlinghouse Courthouse but when former detective senior constable Cameron Bignall did not show up to appear in the witness box, the trial was delayed until 2pm.Ward is facing five charges and has pleaded not guilty to each of them: sexual intercourse without consent, common assault and three counts of indecent assault.Bignall led the investigation into allegations following complaints against Ward from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an alleged incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago. He has also been accused of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.Bignall told the Court that he had an unavoidable commitment in the morning and had told that information to a police officer who is part of the case under the impression that this would be enough for him to be excused from the trial until the afternoon.Ward’s barrister, David Campbell SC, suggested that Bignall’s disregard for following due process was an attitude that he had carried throughout the investigation.He disagreed with that assertion but admitted he had made an off-hand comment to police that he would be “happy to be arrested” for not appearing at his scheduled time.“It certainly wasn’t my intention to be disrespectful,” he said.Campbell has also questioned Bignall, who resigned from the NSW Police Force last year, about why his investigation team did not interview a man who shared the Potts Point apartment with Ward when the alleged assault occurred in 2015.He could not explain why the third man had not been interviewed and conceded that Police had taken years to check taxi records from the 2013 alleged incident to verify the complainant’s claim that Ward had paid for a taxi to his Meroo Meadow home.By the time the Police requested the records from the taxi company, it had changed ownership and the information was no longer available.The trial, which is in its seventh week, before Judge Shead continues.1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Last Thursday was an opportunity for our local businesses and businesspeople to shine under the spotlight of the inaugural Kiama Business Network Awards.After all, local business is the backbone of the economy and is the main contributor to our community winning the gong for the NSW Top Tourism Town in back-to-back years.While it is only in its first year running, the awards are a testament to the fact that our community is always punching above its weight.Our ability to leverage natural amenity and landscapes with local expertise and artisanal creativity is a reason that we continue to attract significant visitation across the entire year – rain, hail or shine.However, the revelry of the Awards was somewhat undone when Kiama Council announced it would not be funding the annual Kiama New Year’s Eve Sky Show fireworks display – one of the country’s largest regional fireworks events.NYE Sky Show brings in approximately $1.7m into the local economy and can be one of the biggest trading days for our local businesses.The decision has been justified as “fiscal responsibility” with Council still under the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order (thank you to the previous Council(s) for this truly unforgettable memento).While there is no specific reference to the NYE Sky Show (trust us, we’ve looked) in the Performance Improvement Order, Council is required to “ensure (it) can move to surplus operating budgets and ensure its long-term financial security”.Translation: Spend less and earn more.However, the Sky Show is more than just dollars and cents. As The Bugle reported last weekend, the generosity from attendees provides critical funding for community organisations such as South Coast Surf Life Saving and local branches of the Rural Fire Service.It is estimated that around $15,000 is raised every year for vital community and local services.At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is still biting and we should be rallying around our community, it does seem a little off kilter that boffins and politicians in Sydney should dictate how Council spends (a relatively small amount of) money.To put things into context, Kiama Council advises that the fireworks cost upwards of $95,000 to put on.The Sky Show attracts visitors from all around the region, the state and beyond, and last year the event generated an economic impact for the town to the tune of $1.75m.That is a benefit cost ratio of 18:1 which is on par with the Sydney Harbour Fireworks.For those playing at home, a benefit cost ratio that is 1:1 means that for every $1 you spend, there is $1 of economic benefit.So the higher the ratio is, the more that investment is making money, and is therefore a good investment decision.Some public sector investments have a BCR that is negative – so at 18:1 the Sky Show is the definition of a no-brainer.So why are we risking this sound economic decision and why is our local community having to rely on a benefactor or sponsor to ensure the Sky Show happens this year.In our last edition of “The View”, we lamented the fact that the NSW Government had dolled out not a penny, specifically for our community.Surely Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has a spare $95,000 in his $127 billion budget?Or perhaps the Transport Asset Manager (the new rebrand of the old Transport Asset Holding Entity) might want to sponsor the event and hold the fireworks at Bombo Quarry.What a great opportunity to showcase what the future of the quarry could be as a great public place.Either way, The Bugle’s View is that NYE Sky Show 2025 must happen and if a generous sponsor cannot be found, Council or the State Government must come to (fund) the party.

A new era of local storytelling at The Bugle has arrived, and it’s presented on YouTube. Click on the YouTube link to view our first episode.The Bugle Bulletin, our brand-new weekly news and sport broadcast, launched on Thursday at 5pm on The Bugle News Kiama YouTube channel.Airing every Thursday at the same time, the bulletin will bring you the best of the week’s local community news and sport, with footage to match the stories.Our first episode leads with one of the most heartwarming moments you’ll see all year: the powerful vision of an 11-year-old Minnamurra Public School student, who has multiple disabilities, being cheered across the finish line in a 200m race by his classmates.It’s a raw and beautiful act of mateship, captured on video.Also in this week’s launch episode is stunning drone vision of whales cruising just off the Kiama coastline, plus a fast-paced local sport wrap to keep you in the know.The Bugle Bulletin is proudly produced by locals, for locals. And we’re just getting started.Subscribe now to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube and don’t miss a moment.

Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club celebrated their members’ contributions from one of the busiest and most significant summer seasons at their annual presentation night recently. With the completion of their new clubhouse and a season marked by five major incidents, the club’s 500 members had more than a few reasons to reflect. Club president Gary George said it was the perfect moment to pause and celebrate.“It was the first annual awards night held in our new clubhouse - a fantastic way to mark the end of a long and demanding season,” said George.“Everyone's invited, and it’s a chance to look back on the highlights and acknowledge the people who keep the club running all year round.”More than 100 attendees joined the celebrations, including Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, and Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce.Yasmin Tatrai, Gary George, Fiona Phillips, Cameron McDonald and Steven Pearce at the Presentation Night. Photos provided.George described how intense the season had been for patrolling members, with some contributing up to 100 hours over the summer.One of the most significant categories on the night was Outstanding Rescues, reflecting the five major incidents that occurred along Gerringong’s stretch of coast - each of them outside of regular patrol hours.“Two of those were broken leg rescues,” George explained. “Tragically, a woman drowned despite the efforts of Mason Ring and Hudson Alchin, who found her while surfing and brought her back to shore where CPR was performed. Sadly, we couldn’t revive her.”Another tragedy struck at Werri Lagoon, where a young boy drowned. Members of the Werri Boardriders were first on the scene.“And then there was the dramatic rescue in three-metre-plus swell,” said George. “Simon Sadler and Mark Booth went out in the dark, in massive surf, to locate a surfer who’d been swept out. These were all emergency call-outs - beyond patrolling hours.”Two major awards closed the evening: Club Person of the Year, awarded to Gary George himself, and Junior Club Person of the Year, awarded to Harry Wicks.“Harry was involved in nearly every one of our major rescues this year. He’s just always there - ready to help when it’s needed,” said George.As for his own award, George was humble.“I feel incredibly honoured, but any of the other eight nominees would’ve been just as deserving. What matters most is the culture of the club. Everyone pitches in. It’s a team effort - and really, the whole club deserves recognition.”2025 Gerringong SLSC Presentation Night Award WinnersClub Person of the Year: Gary GeorgeJunior Club Person of the Year: Harry WicksOutstanding Club Service: Wendy QuinnSenior Patrol Person: Cameron SteelJunior Patrol Person: Zac GilletRowers Rowlock: Bec HamiltonCow Cup: The NapsOutstanding Rescues: Mason Ring, Hudson Alchin, Harry Wicks, Mark Booth, Simon SadlerSpecial Recognition: Rose Leamon, Sam Papesch

Kiama Council’s much-debated Housing Strategy will be presented at Tuesday night’s meeting with a recommendation to be adopted so that the local government area has a clear direction for the future.Council’s director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson will urge Councillors to give the Strategy the green light after a lengthy process which started in March last year.The Councillors will likely debate whether the Strategy is now ready to be implemented before a vote will be held.The second version of the Strategy was placed on public exhibition between February and April and received 280 submissions from the public.In his report to Council, Paterson said the feedback had been considered but there are “only minor changes proposed to the exhibited Draft v2 in the final Strategy”.The changes include:• Update the population projection sections to refer to the housing targets and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan as these are the only statutory requirements.• Greenfield Opportunities have been restructured to provide one consolidated table of greenfield sites and updated information for each site.• Minor mapping changes – update the boundary for Riversdale Road Precinct, Dido Street Precinct, Kiama West (Springside Hill) and 86 Campbell Street Gerringong.• Updated wording of the “Non-negotiable principles for greenfield development”.Paterson endorsed the Housing Strategy as one that identifies the housing needs of the Kiama LGA, along with four key objectives for housing and growth in Kiama:1. Sufficient and well located housing supply2. Diversity of housing options3. Infrastructure is provided to support population growth and vice versa4. Our centres and villages thrive.“The Strategy also includes a vision, information about the Kiama LGA and our community, a housing supply and demand analysis, land use opportunities and constraints, as well as place-based opportunities and actions,” he wrote.“In terms of supply, the Strategy proposes a mix of both infill and greenfield development.“The majority of infill development is expected to occur in and around the Kiama and Gerringong Town Centres, with some also occurring throughout surrounding suburbs.”The Kiama Urban Expansion Area - which includes the Bombo Quarry, Riversdale Road and Dido Street precincts, along with Kiama West (Springside Hill) - has “the potential to deliver approximately 4200 residential lots”.Paterson wrote the area could also be the home to new educational facilities and regionally significant recreational spaces.“The area’s proximity to the Princes Highway and Bombo Train Station presents unique opportunities to ensure future development is integrated with these regional transport spines.”He also listed a raft of “non-negotiables”, which included appropriate road, pedestrian and public transport networks and connections, State Government infrastructure, a Sydney Water system with capacity to provide sewer and water services and that any financial liability to Council is minimised.Heritage places and areas of high environmental significance must be identified and preserved while the provision of social and affordable housing must also be adequately considered.“The Local Housing Strategy will be an important strategic planning document that will guide future development in the Kiama LGA,” he concluded.Tuesday’s meeting will also revisit the issue of Council’s controversial decision to not allocate funding for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which could be cancelled unless sufficient sponsorship is found.Council has appealed to the business community to help bail out the budget for the iconic event.Councillor Yasmin Tatrai will ask whether Council can confirm whether funds allocated to Tourism Kiama in 2017 are available to save this year’s fireworks display.CEO Jane Stroud has indicated that the issue will be resolved at the August meeting following an investigation into the financial resources available.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald will also update Council about a recent review into Section 7.11 and 7.12 developer contributions after Councillor Erica Warren called for an urgent engagement of specialist staff in May to look into whether correct governance procedures were being followed.The review found: “It is be noted that the review determined that there was no wrongdoing by staff and no incorrect information given to Councillors.”

People in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region living with mental illness now have better access to essential supplies to support their wellbeing, thanks to the expansion of Keith’s Closet to Shellharbour Hospital.NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park on Thursday officially opened the new service after an investment of $185,000 by the State Government to open additional Keith’s Closets across NSW, including Sydney, the Illawarra and Northern NSW.Keith’s Closet is a walk-in wardrobe which helps to clothe and support vulnerable clients with everyday essentials and is co-located at Shellharbour Hospital for those people navigating severe mental health or mental illness recovery.The service is open to people who have an arranged ‘shopping visit’ with their assigned nurse where they can select outfits, footwear and toiletries from the donated wardrobe of goods inside.Pioneered by Keith Donnelly, former Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, the program has been running since 2019.Park said the service was centred around practical, compassionate and dignified support.“Since its establishment at Prince of Wales Hospital in 2019, Keith’s Closet has been supporting mental health consumers to access to essential supplies to support their wellbeing.“When patients visit Keith’s Closet, they can choose from a range of donated goods like clothes, shoes, toiletries – all with a view to helping them feel better about themselves so they can focus on their treatment and recovery.“Focused on fostering dignity and respect within the care process, Keith’s Closet is a truly inspiring space.“I’m so pleased to support the expansion of Keith’s Closet to another NSW site where I am sure it will be really beneficial for patients.”Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said the new Keith’s Closet at Shellharbour Hospital would provide comprehensive support.“This innovative model of care builds on the compassionate care health staff at Shellharbour Hospital provide each and every day to these vulnerable patients.”Keith’s Closet founder Keith Donnelly said it was exciting to see the program grow and now benefit consumers in the Illawarra.“During my time as a student and qualified mental health nurse, I recognised that patients accessing our services often arrived at hospital with just the clothes on their backs and with limited access to alternative clothing, toiletries and accessories.“It’s also really important to acknowledge Keith’s Closet would not be the success it is without the amazing support of our volunteers, our sponsors and the wider community.”For more information on Keith’s Closet, visit www.keithscloset.org.