It’s hard to overstate how grateful the community can be to have Council Counsel, a regular segment hosted by Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio (KCR).These open and informative interviews keep the community up to date on key council matters and give councillors the chance to speak directly to residents about what’s happening in our LGA.In her Tuesday conversation with Cr Stuart Larkins, listeners heard about:Cr Larkins’ participation in the Regional and Rural Local Government Summit, including a conversation with the Mayor of Wingecarribee about shared management of Jamberoo Mountain Road and local bushwalking tracks.Minister Ron Hoenig’s comments on the possibility of expanding rate categories, including changes to short-term rental classifications.Minister Rose Jackson’s feedback on Kiama’s water infrastructure needs and the role of Sydney Water, highlighting the fact that unlike most regional councils, Kiama does not manage its own system.The ongoing debate about whether developments like Springside Hill can be adequately serviced by existing infrastructure.Upcoming road closures on Minnamurra Street (19 May), Gipps Street (19 to 20 May), and Manning Street (21 to 25 May).National Road Safety Week reminders and the importance of road user awareness.A reminder that the Volunteer Expo returns to Kiama Farmers Market on 21 May, with more than 30 local groups attending.Reflections ahead of National Sorry Day (26 May) and Reconciliation Week, including Cr Larkins’ personal connection to the Stolen Generations and an open discussion about cultural healing.A call to better protect Indigenous heritage sites, which Bernie has committed to following up in a future program.Progress on masterplans for South Werri and Kiama Sports Complex, funded by the federal government. See 20 May Council Meeting Agenda Item 16.3 here Long-awaited upgrades to the Kiama Sports Complex, with multiple concept options to be considered before Council moves to the next stage.Broader precinct planning for the Leisure Centre, emergency services, and the Havilah Place site.Council’s resolution to demolish Havilah Place, with a subdivision report still pending to guide the site’s future use.Listen to the podcast here To hear more from Council Counsel, tune in at KCR.org.au or on the KCR app. Thank you to Bernie for making sure our community stays informed.

The Bugle thanks Howard R Jones for this summary of the 20 May Council Business PapersMay 2025 COUNCIL MEETING INFORMATION – Tuesday 20th May at 5 pmThe full Agenda, Business papers and Enclosures for the May 2025 Council meeting can be downloaded here.The Supplementary Agenda can be found here The Table of Contents of the may 2025 Council Business Paper can be downloaded here.Items of interest from the Business Paper are listed below with the item available for seperate download in each case. Some smaller items have been left out. Refer to the Table of Contents and the full business paper if needed.Item 6 – Minutes of previous meetings include the minutes of April Ordinary meeting. Download them here.Item 12 Minutes of Advisory Committees. These are the Finance Advisory Committee Minutes from 6th February and 3rd April. Down load them here.Item 13 Report of the CEO. Includes:13.1 public exhibition of the Draft Fraud and Corruption Control Policy and Statement of Business Ethics and 13.2 Quarterly update of current legal matters as at 31st march 2025 Download them here.Item 14 Report of the COO. Includes:14.1 Acknowledgement of the Bluehaven Advisory Committee. 14.2 Quarterly Budget review and March Financial Statement, 14.3 Statement of investments for April 2025 and 14.4 Statement of Borrowings. Download the report here.Item 15 Reports from the Director of Planning, Environment and Communities.15.1 Community Facilities – current status and future directions It can be downloaded here.15.3 Determination of DA 10.2025.16.1 6 Terracing Street Kiama. It can be downloaded here.15.4 Quarterly compliance report and 15.5. Quarterly Planning and Development report. They can be downloaded here.15.6 Round 2 of the Community Grants and Donations Program. It can be downloaded here.Item 16 Report of Director Infrastructure and Liveability. Includes:16.1 public exhibition of Draft Lease and Licence Policy, 16.2 public exhibition of Draft Property and Asset Recycling Strategy and 16.3 public exhibition of Draft Kiama Sports Complex and South Werri Reserve Masterplans.. Download these reports here.16.5 Post exhibition endorsement of the Community Land Plan of Management. Download full report and final POM here.16.6 Suspension of the Jamberoo Cycleway Project. Download report here.16.7 Traffic Management Traffic committee report. Download here.Item 17 Reports for Information. There are 9 reports for Information:17.1 – Rural and Regional Summit conference, Councillor report,17.2 – Domestic Waste Management future service review, 17.3 – Local Housing Strategy update on exhibition and timeline for finalisation, 17.4 – Questions with notice register, 17.5 – Youth Week 2025, 17.6 Council resolutions register first quarter, 17.7 – Forecast and Actual cash receipts from sale of assets 2023 – 27, 17.8 – State of the assets register including Gerringong Surf Club and all Council held assets, 17.9 – Jamberoo Pool fees. Download the reports here.Item 19 Questions with Notice. Includes answers to:19.1 DAs called in to be dealt with by the whole Council, 19.2 Peace Park matters, 19.3 Roundabout at Spring Creek Drive and Jamberoo Road and 19.4 Section 7.11 and 7.12 fees and charges. Download the report here.Item 20 Notices of Motion. Includes: 20.1 from Clr Brown regarding Local Surf Clubs, including Gerringong and including a request for reclassification of the Surf Clubs lands, 20.2 from Clr Cains regarding Kiama Harbour and Kiama Showground Management Plans and 20.3 from Cle Draisma regarding the Drug Court NSW. Download the report here.Item 22 Confidential reports. Includes: 22.1 Bluehaven Update for April,22.2 Catalyst sites update, 22.3 Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club and 22.4 Service reviews update. Download the report here.

“We were the Wards of Minnamurra Street.” That’s how Isabell Collins remembers her family’s place in Kiama’s history - a presence stretching from bush blocks to backyard veggie gardens, from hauling water by bucket to hosting a 100th birthday party in true community style.Isabell reached her centenary on 8 May, but the surprise celebration came five days early.Family and friends filled the Kiama Leagues Club, while Isabell thought she was just going out for lunch. “I won’t go to heaven now because I lied through my teeth,” said daughter Joanne Lucas, who cancelled appointments and made up stories to pull off the perfect surprise.Isabell has lived all her life on Minnamurra Street, at the Hothersall Street end, back when it was still farmland. “We were in bush,” she says. “Lantana and blackberry everywhere.”There was a spring near where Woolworths now stands, and that’s where the family fetched water in buckets.Her childhood home had no plumbing. Toilet paper was newspaper. Washing was done in an old-fashioned copper, with a tub of starch on the side.Her parents bought land there, and one by one, family homes were built. Her brother Morris lived at the Pacific Avenue end, formerly Thomson Street, and another brother also settled nearby.Her family had the vegetable garden, while Morris and Violet kept chickens. “We passed the veggies to them, they passed the eggs to us. That’s how it worked.”Isabell remembers when almost everything came to your doorstep, including fashion. Travelling salesmen would arrive each month, hauling enormous suitcases filled with dresses, linen and underclothes.“You’d pick what you wanted, and they’d take the order, then return later with your goods,” she recalls. Other men came with shoes, others with saucepans. “They carried everything themselves. No trucks. Just sheer strength and sweat.”Isabell worked at Con Mosckos Café, now the site of the newsagent. She served hot meals until midnight, scrubbed and closed up, then did it all again. “He’d call me in for lunch, or dinner, or breakfast. I loved every minute.”She and long-time friend Norma Stead raised funds to build two extra tennis courts and a two-storey clubhouse. They held lamington drives and fetes, made dolls to sell, and served food from the show caravan. “You just did whatever needed doing,” Isabell says.When a tornado struck Kiama 13 years ago, her parents’ home was destroyed, one of three houses lost on the street. Isabell’s own home, next door, withstood the storm. “That house had stood for a hundred years. Built by hand, cedar boards. Not like the new ones.”Today, Isabell still paints flowerpots and swims at home. “If she’s in the pool too long, I’ve got to get in after her,” says Joanne. “But really, we’ll end up burying her with a paint brush in her hand.”Across the road is a park named Isabell Reserve. It’s a fitting tribute. Kiama has changed. The street has filled.The salesmen have long gone. But Isabell is still here. Still painting, painting and a part of the town she helped build.

A young woman exploring the rocks below Tasman Drive suffered a broken leg and had to be stabilised on site before being stretchered to safety and Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club is concerned at the increase in serious coastal rescues at the picturesque spot which attracts people looking for scenic social media images.Club Captain Simon Sadler believes the growing popularity of locations like Tasman Drive, amplified by social media, is bringing more visitors who may not understand local beach and ocean risks.Long-time members of the Surf Life Saving Club say they’ve never seen so many serious rescues in such a short period. Sadler agrees. The past 12 months have been unusually intense.“We’ve had five really significant rescues. That’s more than I’ve ever seen. People are coming down in huge numbers, often for a quick photo and then moving on. "And sometimes, they end up in dangerous places they don’t realise are dangerous,” he said.The latest rescue unfolded between Boat Harbour Pool and North Werri Pool, just metres from the cliffs beneath Tasman Drive. Emergency crews, including the SES and ambulance service, responded quickly and worked together like clockwork. The helicopter brought in a doctor and landed with extraordinary precision on the narrow rock platform.“He was unbelievable,” Sadler said. “To land in those conditions, right there on the rocks, it was something else.” Sadler and fellow lifesaver Mark Booth were among the first to reach the woman, who had slipped on the rocks and suffered a broken leg.“She was with her mum and brother, visiting from China,” Sadler said. “They were incredibly humble and grateful. "We used a translation app to communicate. It showed just how important it is that we do more to help people feel safe and informed, especially if English isn’t their first language.”Sadler recalled another incident where a group of visitors walked down from Tasman Drive and unknowingly placed themselves directly in a rip. “They had basically parked themselves in the rip at the south end of Werri Beach,” he said.Gerringong SLSC is now actively looking at how to expand its educational role.Most of its interventions are low-key, quiet conversations encouraging people to swim between the flags.But the club is exploring new, culturally respectful ways to share safety messages with the growing diversity of beach visitors.“It’s people from everywhere, people from overseas, people from Western Sydney, many of whom didn’t grow up with the ocean. Some don’t even realise where the rips are. We’ve got an opportunity and a responsibility to meet them where they are,” Sadler said.That might mean partnerships with Western Sydney councils, more translated material, or simple video content shared through the same platforms drawing people to the coast in the first place.“This is about adapting. If our coastline is going to be more popular than ever, we need to make safety just as visible as the views,” Sadler said.

The Bugle newspaper has completed a significant upgrade of its digital delivery systems, thanks to a $59,960 (excl. GST) funding contribution from the NSW Government.The project, which focused on expanding The Bugle App and upgrading the publication’s website, has strengthened local news delivery for the Kiama region and also, all the other independent newspapers that use the app in Australia and NZ. Enhancements included the development of a premium paywall, the creation of content tools for businesses and community groups, and the redesign and testing of a new business listings and community noticeboard page.The funding was used to cover consultant costs associated with app and website development, as well as a capped allocation for project management and administration. Manager of The Bugle, Belle Woodfield, said the funding allowed the regional publication to take an important step forward in its digital evolution.“We’re grateful to the NSW Government for recognising the importance of regional media and supporting innovation in how local news is delivered,” she said. “This investment has allowed us to improve both user experience and the sustainability of our digital offerings.”In accordance with NSW Government funding requirements, the contribution has been acknowledged gratefully. The NSW Government logo and funding acknowledgment also appear in connection with all materials associated with the project.The Bugle continues to serve the Kiama and surrounding communities with locally focused journalism through both print and digital channels.

As Kiama Council faces scrutiny over lost developer contributions and project delays, a new question with notice from Councillor Erica Warren is pushing Council to address the root of the problem and adopt basic governance reforms that should already be in place.At the centre of the issue is the quiet repeal of Kiama’s three Section 7.11 Developer Contributions Plans in December 2023.These plans allowed Council to collect targeted fees from developers to help pay for roads, stormwater, community facilities and parks in areas experiencing growth.In Jamberoo, the Section 7.11 charge was $20,050 per new lot or dwelling.This figure would have applied to a current 50-lot subdivision in the area if a valid plan had been in place.That’s over $1 million in infrastructure funding now gone.Once a Development Application is approved, there is no legal mechanism to retrospectively apply updated contribution rates.Under state rules, councils are expected to review these plans every five years.The work to prepare a replacement for Jamberoo should have started in late 2022. It did not.Instead, the plans were allowed to lapse without replacement, and contributions were quietly shifted to the fallback Section 7.12 scheme.Section 7.12 applies a fixed percentage levy based on construction cost.While simpler to administer, it is not linked to local infrastructure need, and it typically delivers lower returns in high-growth areas.In this case, the shift has left the community with far less funding for essential infrastructure and no say in how it should be prioritised.Cr Warren has now asked Council to urgently engage a specialist consultant to prepare a new Section 7.11 Plan and to include the cost of this work in the 2025–26 budget.She has also called for a register to track expiry dates and ensure renewal work begins well in advance.Preparing a new plan typically takes 12 months and requires review by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Importantly, there is an 8 per cent administration allowance built into the contribution framework that allows Council to recover the cost of preparing the plan.Cr Warren has also urged Council to work more closely with developers who understand the planning framework and can help ensure that Council captures its full entitlements.“We aren’t expected to know everything,” she said. “Leaning on those with experience is good practice and another way Council can collaborate within the community.”These actions are not about fixing a technical oversight.They are about rebuilding the systems that ensure our community receives its fair share of infrastructure investment when new homes are built.The call for reform comes as residents voice frustration over a string of governance failures.The failure to renew contribution plans has already cost the community more than $1 million and contributed to a legal dispute that drained significant Council resources.Two grants totalling $50,000 for Jamberoo Rural Fire Service were also lost due to missed Council signaturesAnd now, $2.4m in cycleway funding is expected to be returned due to missed deadlines and coordination failures.Cr Warren’s question points to a larger issue. Council is not losing opportunities because it lacks resources.It is losing them because it lacks systems. And the cost is not just financial.It is a loss of trust, momentum and potential.The solution is clear. Start early. Work together. And make sure no one forgets to renew what matters most.

Not much separated the scene of Alex Glover’s return at the Kiama Lighthouse on Thursday from his departure way back in January, 2024. On both occasions Alex was joined by family, friends, supporters and the tunes of the Kiama Pipe Band.What separated those two moments was 480 days, over 16,000 kilometres of walking around Australia, $15,000 raised for suicide prevention through Strides for Suicide, and a transformed outlook on life centred on mindfulness and presence.“I don’t actually know how to feel,” Alex admitted when asked what it was like to finish.Moments after Alex's last step.“I woke up the next day thinking, where am I going to walk to? But there’s nowhere to go now. Still, coming back through Gerringong into Kiama with that support felt really special.”Alex’s walk was a mission with a message: “Wait one more minute, take one more step.” It was about suicide prevention, but also about practicing what he preached.“Pilgrimages have existed for millennia around Europe, around Japan, around Russia, China. And I think the beauty of a long walk is, you leave with the necessities and you go to try to walk with a higher purpose,” he says.“We live in a world that's far too rushed and far too chaotic, that we can never really be exactly where we are. And it's quite ironic, because that's the only place that we are. "I think a really important thing for people suffering with mental health issues is just being where you are and focusing on getting over the hurdle that's in front of you right now, not the one that's 10 hurdles down the track.”Alex was unsupported for his walk, which meant it fell on him to ensure he had the essentials each day - food, water, shelter, safety - which left him little time to think about anything else.“The last thing I thought about most days was actually the kilometres I had to cover, and it meant I never really wanted to be anywhere besides where I was. Whether I was having a good time or a bad time,” says Alex.Alex's trusty trailer who joined him on his more than 16,000km walk.One major tool that helped him focus on the present was disconnecting from technology.“I kept a phone for emergencies and the occasional update, but I barely touched social media. It was liberating. I think a lot of people live their lives through the internet - and it doesn't serve us. Switching off helped me actually live,” he says.Even after 480 days, Alex’s message remains the same - and that, he believes, is a testament to its power.“I left with the very simple purpose of encouraging men to wait one more minute, take one more step, and also be open to communicate if they're struggling or have struggles. "And I think the nicest thing about my walk, which I'm really proud of, is it didn't stop at all, not once until I hung up my hat last night and put my trolley down for the last time.“And I relied on my own message at times where I was walking for 30 days between towns to get the next food drop. "It was kind of like, I've just got to listen to my own messages and just wait one more minute, take one more step because you really don't walk a thousand Ks in a day. You can only walk a step at a time”Alex raised more than 15,000 for Strides for Suicide.As he finished his journey, Alex shared one last message for those who are struggling or following his story:“You can't just snap your fingers and be okay. But you can build tools to manage what you’re going through - and that takes time and practice. Please know that it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to talk about it.”If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

Kiama Junior Football Club joined the nationwide celebration of Female Football Week in style last week with eight of its 12 female teams playing at home on Saturday.Female Football Week is a national initiative that celebrates the growth of women’s football at every level and recognises the vital role women play in developing the game on and off the field.Kiama JFC honoured its 12 all-girl teams, featuring 168 players and more than 60 female coaches, managers and volunteers.“We had eight teams playing at home on the Saturday,” says Kiama JFC’s female football advocate Ben Morgan. “There was a great atmosphere - we had a giant inflatable football jumping castle, a photo booth, giveaways, and face painting in club colours. It felt like a really special day.”Morgan said the club had enjoyed a huge increase in female participation, especially in recent years - a shift he credited in part to the Matildas’ success.“I’ve coached my daughter’s team since they were under-6s - they’re under-10s now,” he says The girls in action at Kiama Sporting Complex on Saturday. Source: Ben Morgan“Five years ago, Football South Coast didn’t offer a girls’ under-7s comp. We had to move up an age group just to play with other girls. That same age group now has around 30 teams. It’s unreal.”Morgan said he wanted to continue building on that momentum by creating inclusive and positive spaces that help girls feel confident and motivated to stay in the sport.“There’s still a big imbalance between boys and girls in football. We need to keep raising awareness and encouraging girls to get involved. Some girls thrive in mixed teams, but others can feel intimidated or go quiet when playing against boys. Having all-girls teams gives them a space to come out of their shell and really enjoy the game.”Importantly, Morgan believes Female Football Week is not only a celebration of players but of all women in football, including referees, coaches, administrators and volunteers.“Last year was the first time we really celebrated Female Football Week in a big way,” he says. “We want to keep building on that. It’s also about recognising the women working behind the scenes - the volunteers, committee members, and coaches - who help make it all possible.”As Kiama JFC continues to champion girls’ football, events like Female Football Week play a vital role in building momentum, boosting visibility, and creating a welcoming environment for the next generation of players. 

When Julieanne Ratz and her husband relocated from Canberra to Kiama, they didn’t expect to arrive the day before the COVID lockdown.Nor did they imagine how deeply they would embed themselves in the community they now call home.“We did our research,” Julieanne says. “We rented for three months, went to local meetings, talked to people at the library and the police station, even visited the Information Centre.Everywhere we went, people were welcoming. It wasn’t the stereotype we had heard.”Despite all their careful planning, arriving just as the pandemic hit made it difficult to build connections straight away.Julieanne had been looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities and had tried Vinnies, but it didn’t quite tick the box. That changed at the Kiama Volunteer Expo.“I went just to explore, but it completely changed everything,” she says. “I chatted to people from all sorts of groups, and two things stood out.I joined U3A, and I found my way to the Visitor Information Centre. That was my turning point.”Julieanne brought with her decades of experience in travel, tourism and events management, including senior roles in the Department of Treasury organising major international meetings.She found the perfect fit at the Visitor Information Centre.“I walked in, met Lauren and the team, and they welcomed me like an old friend,” she says. “Now, I get to use my skills, meet people from all over the world, and feel part of something.”Julieanne and her husband also walk regularly with others, which has provided connection, conversation and community from early on.“There’s something about walking and talking that just helps everything fall into place.”Her husband Andrew has also stepped up, volunteering with South Coast and Country Community Transport.But beyond the logistics of volunteering and local life, there is something deeper that motivates them both.“We came here with the intention of giving back,” she says. “Kiama has had its share of hardship, especially among young people. Community connection cannot solve everything, but it can save lives.”Julieanne sees every shift at the Visitor Centre as an opportunity to offer warmth and welcome. “Sometimes it’s a map. Sometimes it’s a chat. Sometimes it’s just helping people feel seen.”Her story is a powerful reminder that volunteering is not just about giving. It is about finding your people, your purpose, and sometimes, your place in the world.And it all started at the Kiama Volunteer Expo, which is on again next week.  

Gerroa surfer Sally Fitzgibbons finished runner-up at the Gold Coast Pro final last Saturday, falling just short of her first Championship Tour title in four years.The 34-year-old veteran went up against rising star Bettylou Sakura Johnson, 20, from Hawaii in a high-stakes final at Burleigh Heads.Fitzgibbons gave it everything, surfing an impressive 13 waves in pursuit of the win. However, her two-wave score of 7.83 couldn’t match Sakura Johnson’s commanding 15.33.“I wanted to get it together so bad in that final, but it was Betty’s day,” Fitzgibbons told 7 News.“It’s been a fight and a grind the last few years, but I want to be here. My deep desire is to keep surfing.”Sakura Johnson set the pace early with a strong 8.50 on her first wave, leaving Fitzgibbons playing catch-up for the remainder of the heat. Despite four aerial attempts, Fitzgibbons was unable to land the moves she needed.The victory marked Sakura Johnson’s first Championship Tour win.“This is the best feeling in the world,” she said. “I’m over the moon to have my first win here on the Gold Coast. This is what winning feels like, and I want to keep winning.”Now in her 14th year on the Championship Tour, Fitzgibbons has recovered from a slow start this season, placing fifth and second in her last two events. The Gerroa local will be aiming to break her title drought at the upcoming Margaret River Pro in Western Australia on 17 May.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has blasted Gareth Ward's claims in State Parliament this week regarding Princes Highway Funding as "completely false".The federal member has taken umbrage with the views aired by the Kiama state member who used a Notice of Motion in NSW Parliament to call on state and federal Labor governments to restart upgrade works on the Princes Highway.“Mr Ward’s claims that work and funding for the Princes Highway have 'dried up' are completely false,” Phillips said.Phillips said work was well underway on the Jervis Bay flyover project and, to the south, a contract for the upgrade of the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road had been awarded to MRB Technical Services for the concept design and environmental assessment.“I've delivered $100 million in federal funding for the Jervis Bay flyover, and $400 million for the upgrade of a six-kilometre stretch of the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road,” she said.“The works will include two lanes in each direction as well as upgraded intersections at Hawken Road and Blackbutt Range Road at Tomerong. “This is the next step of the 20-kilometre Princes Highway upgrade between Jervis Bay Road and Sussex Inlet Road.”Phillips said the northbound bridge over Currambene Creek on the Princes Highway at Falls Creek was being upgraded with $2.4 million State and Federal funding to increase the maximum allowable vehicle loading from a HML Semi Trailer (45.5T) to a HML B Double (68T).“The Princes Highway is the lifeblood of the South Coast which is why I continue to lobby for funding to ensure work can progress south of Nowra,” she added.“We all know these massive projects can't be built in a day. They require significant planning, environmental assessments and community consultation, which is why I continue to be involved and informed every step of the way.“I've delivered $97 million to get the Nowra bypass going. Once the initial project planning phase concludes in 2026, the Nowra bypass project is expected to move into its development phase.“This is a crucial infrastructure project that we need to get right to support the growth of the Shoalhaven and improve movements through the region along the Princes Highway corridor."Phillips, who was recently re-elected to the seat of Gilmore after seeing off a challenge from Liberal Party rival Andrew Constance, stood by her record in ensuring roads were maintained in her electorate.“I’ve delivered $752 million for the Milton-Ulladulla bypass, with the contract awarded and community consultation recently completed," she said.“The bypass is a state significant infrastructure project due to its complexity, and will ensure it meets community needs, while also ensuring endangered species and ecological communities are managed appropriately.“Roads are always at the top of my to-do list and I'm immensely proud of the role I have played and continue to play in securing federal funding to get important road projects off the ground.“I will continue to champion for these projects to ensure residents and motorists on the South Coast benefit for years to come.”

Surprising? Shocking? Tremendous? Anti-climatic? These are just some of the words that locals have used to describe the election result for the electorate of Gilmore. After all was said and done, our community along with most of the country sided with Fiona Phillips and Labor.The current count shows a +4.7% swing to Phillips and Labor, underpinned by a first preference swing of +2.3% - similar to the national results. Liberal challenger, Andrew Constance saw his first preference margin evaporate on the night with a decrease in his popular vote of more than 7%. The result in Gilmore in some ways reflected the national mood with the community also shunning the local Greens candidate Debbie Killian.The Greens will lose three out of their four Lower House seats and would have been wiped off the House of Representatives map except for the efforts of Elizabeth Watson-Brown in the seat of Ryan in Brisbane’s western suburbs.Most of the Greens and Liberal vote in Gilmore seems to have been redirected towards Labor and Berry-based independent Kate Dezarnaulds. Whilst initially surmising that she had captured 13% of the first-preference vote prior to campaign officially starting, Dezarnaulds was unable to replicate the independent-wave that was seen in last year’s Kiama Local Government elections and ended up with just 7.7% of the vote. Nevertheless, when it comes to Gilmore, the community has largely rejected the Greens' agenda in favour of a more pragmatic and holistic approach that has been championed by a number of independent candidates.So now the stage is set.We are not scheduled to have another major election until 13 March 2027 which is when the next NSW State election will be held. This means there are around 630-odd days of ‘clear air’ where policy makers, bureaucrats and politicians can make big and bold decisions, allocate significant investment and genuinely improve the livelihoods of people in our community.Big road upgrades like the Nowra Bypass, Jervis Bay Road Flyover, and the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass? Yes, we want them, and quickly.The Nowra Riverfront precinct? Sure, why not.Upgrades to the Kiama Surf club? Yes please.And while we are at it, how about some investment into local services and enabling infrastructure that will help deliver housing? Sewer and water for a start, and perhaps some local road upgrades around our town centres?In periods of political stability there’s great opportunity to make courageous decisions and enact real change. Equally, there’s a possibility of malaise, more of the same and not much getting done at all.The Bugle’s View is that now that the country has delivered Labor a resounding victory and we have quite a long runway till the next possible change in Government – we need to keep all levels of Government, honest and get what our community deserves.

Four local Kiama Power AFL players represented the South Coast on the weekend, helping both the men's and women's teams claim victories over the Hunter Central Coast representative sides.Three women - Dakota Mason, Teneale Keene, and Maddison Aitkin - along with Lachlan Kirk from the men’s side, were selected for the AFL South Coast teams, a strong sign of the club's growing strength in 2025.“Last year, we didn’t have any players selected, so it was great to see some of our own back in the mix,” says Kiama Power committee member Anthony Grady.Lachlan Kirk holding the cup after winning the annual match between AFL Hunter Valley and AFL South Coast. Source: Anthony Grady“All the girls played solidly over the weekend, and they came away with a win. Dakota scored a great goal, and everyone got through the game unscathed and ready to go again this week, which is fantastic.”Both teams won quite convincingly with the women securing a 44-23 win and the men dominating with a 106-84 victory.“Lachlan has been away the past two years, and was put straight back into the South Coast side his first year back and he kicked a great goal as well,” says Grady. The club is proud of its players for representing both Kiama and the South Coast on a bigger stage, building on momentum from Kiama Power’s first-grade team, which notched its first win of the season the previous weekend over last years premiers the Wollongong Bulldogs.“It was a really good win and gave the boys a lot of confidence,” said Grady. “We came out firing in the first quarter - kicked five goals to one. We didn’t maintain that intensity for the rest of the match, so it ended up being a tight finish.”“We won by less than a goal. In the past, those are the types of games we might have lost when the pressure was on. It was especially satisfying considering it was against the Bulldogs, who’ve beaten us by over 100 points the last two or three seasons.”All three Kiama Power grades - firsts, reserves, and women’s - will travel to Bomaderry on Saturday, 17 May, to take on the Tigers and look to extend their recent run of success.

When I told people I was heading to Bolivia for a holiday, the reactions were mixed. Some asked, “is it safe?” Others recognised it as the home of the world’s largest salt flats. A few even thought it was in Africa rather than South America. But now that I’ve been, let me tell you - Bolivia is one of the most spectacular and diverse countries in the world.Yes, it’s remote for us Australians, and no, it’s not particularly cheap or easy to get to. But it is absolutely worth the effort.The landscapes alone are mind-blowing.Imagine standing in front of Laguna Colorada, a red lake full of bright pink flamingos, set against the high-altitude, otherworldly backdrop of the Altiplano. Then, drive just a few hours further and you’ll find yourself at the Salar de Uyuni - the blinding white salt flats that stretch to the horizon. We visited in April, which is the perfect time to catch the famous mirror effect after the rains. It’s like stepping into another planet. And this is only scratching the surface.In La Paz, the world’s highest capital city, you’ll be struck by the dramatic sight of the city tucked into a valley with Mt Illimani rising above it. Wander through the Witches’ Market, where you’ll find dried llama foetuses, herbal remedies, and potions said to bring luck or ward off misfortune. It’s as fascinating as it is confronting.For the adventurous, there’s Death Road, once known as the most dangerous road in the world. Mountain biking down this steep, narrow track carved into the cliffside is not for the faint-hearted, but the thrill (and views) are unforgettable. We didn’t brave this, but encountered many who did and they certainly got their adrenaline fill!Then there’s Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, with tiny islands made of reed full of history and spirituality. Isla del Sol in particular feels like a place suspended in time, with ancient Incan ruins and sweeping views over deep blue water.Everywhere you go, you’ll see traditional Andean culture - bright woven textiles, women in bowler hats and pleated skirts, and a strong sense of pride in indigenous heritage. And don’t get me started on the food: hearty stews, fresh trout, and of course, a daily pisco sour or two.Bolivia isn’t polished or easy. But it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s completely unforgettable. If you’re into colour, nature, culture, and discovering something truly special, then perhaps it’s time to add Bolivia to your travel bucket list.

Twenty-five businesses in the Kiama local government area are celebrating after being named finalists in this year’s Local Business Awards. The popular awards recognise excellence across many types of businesses in Illawarra and South Coast, from cafes and restaurants to retail shops and service providers. For many businesses, being a finalist or winner offers recognition within the region. Many familiar names from Kiama have made the cut. From new enterprises to well-established businesses, the list highlights how diverse Kiama’s local scene is. Local business Acai Fix is among this year’s finalists. The popular Acai bar has built a strong following since opening six months ago by Kiama local Amelia Beahan. “It feels pretty amazing that the Kiama community has just pulled together to support my small business. I think it shows how strong our little community actually is," she said. "I've put lots of time and effort into building a community presence, and so for them to show up for me and vote me in to become a finalist, it feels pretty amazing."For Amelia, community involvement plays a key part in small business success. She has sponsored several local sporting teams, including the Kiama Knights rugby league club, the Kiama under-14s rep netball side, and teams from Gerringong."I really like to chat with all of our customers and make sure that they know I'm interested in who they are. They're not just a customer to me,” said Amelia.“I like to make their visit really personal, and I think that has helped me build a really strong sense of community."For all the local finalists, the awards night brings valuable networking opportunities, where other business owners can meet and learn from each other."A business can sometimes be lonely and you feel like you're doing it on your own, but getting to attend these awards nights and come together with other local business owners provides an opportunity to know that there's other people out there doing it with you as well,” Amelia said. Businesses become finalists based on the number of public nominations they receive, and once they are shortlisted they will be judged to determine a winner. There is a clear set of criteria, including a questionnaire where the business shares details about how it is run and its successes, and its online presence. This ensures a fair approach for businesses of all sizes."We also get a secret shopper, so a judge who comes and pretends to be a customer and we serve them our product and they do some judging there,” Amelia said. One of the most rewarding things for Amelia about running her business is not the awards or success but her staff. “I have a team of six young women. So I think watching the girls really come into themselves and become confident, we’re all under 21,” she said.“We're all watching us just pull the business together and see the growth and our hard work really paying off has been one of the most rewarding things.”Winners will be announced at a presentation evening on 2 July, at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow. The event will bring together business owners, staff and supporters for the night of celebration. The complete list of Kiama Municipality finalists for the 2025 Local Business Awards includes: Acai Fix, Belinda Doyle - South Coast Photography, Burnett Trees, Butchers Nook Kiama, Coloured Bubble, Crooked River Estate, Deer Willow, Entwine Glass Designs, Epics Music, Feather & Heart Candle Collective, First National Coast & Country - Kiama, Gerringong Pet Accommodation, HILL to AIR, Jamberoo Valley Meats, Kiama Academy of Early Learning, Kiama Family Before and After School Care, Lucy Rose Flowers, Marketing Movement, Meats and Greet BBQ Kiama, Miss Arda, Native. Kiama, Platinum Solar Designs, The Chronic Creatives, The Collective Beat Gerringong, The Farmer’s Table.

Donald Trump is a name not often associated with politics in Kiama but rival Gilmore candidates Fiona Phillips and Andrew Constance are in rare agreement about the US President’s impact having an effect on the result in the federal seat.Phillips was voted in for a third straight term after the Labor incumbent received a swing of 4.8 per cent on a two-party preferred basis to vanquish Constance.He subsequently announced he would be stepping away from politics after a lengthy career of more than two decades as a state Liberal member and federal candidate.Phillips said there was a nationwide backlash against Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who was replaced earlier this week by Sussan Ley after he lost his own seat, and her read on the situation was that his campaign for nuclear energy was a massive turn-off for the voters. “I think it was a range of things - definitely the Peter Dutton and the nuclear factor was pretty big. We've got comprehensive policies around cost of living relief and things that will really help build our communities like housing. “It just became completely obvious that the Coalition didn't have the policies in place and they were just flip-flopping. From the local angle like a lot of people knew me and they told me they saw me as a hard-working local memberand ther’re things that build up over time.”Phillips said the similarities between the Coalition’s campaign to Trump’s divisive tactics in the US backfired on them.“We got all those corflutes dotted around the towns and along the highways that Labor was weak, woke and sending us broke with a picture of Anthony Albanese.“I think that whole culture war was just such a turn-off. People rejected it. The amount of people that said the signs were just overkill, I like to think that people can see through that and I think they have.“When I knock on people's doors, I ask them are there any issues you are concerned about and a lot of people said ‘my shares are all plummeting because of Trump’. “They were starting to realise that Trump was bad for people locally and they could see a similarity between some of what Dutton was doing in emulating some of Trump's stuff.”Constance stood up for Dutton, claiming the public persona was different to the real person.“Peter Dutton's a wonderful guy. If you meet him and you spend some time with him, he's very different to the way he's been portrayed in the last couple of months,” he said.“There's a responsibility that goes with everything together. And no one should feel marginalised in Australia. But I think it's a combination of things. I'm not going to sit here and just blame the leader. “It's a team sport, politics. Everyone forgets that. You've got to work together as a team. You've got to get the best policies on the table.“Those policies need to reflect the community and where they're at. And at the same time, you've got to listen to people. “We got tarnished with Trump. Australia is not America. Everybody votes here. There's not a large part of the population that doesn't vote in Australia. And therefore our politics is different.“I think it's really important that we don't go down the American path.Constance hit out at the Labor for running a “scare campaign” of their own by insinuating that a Coalition government would eradicate Medicare, which he said has never been and would never be one of their policies.

On a sunny afternoon, Kiama’s Coastal Walk feels like a vision of how things should be.Locals and visitors stroll, joggers nod hello, and dogs pad happily beside their humans. The views are stunning, the signage clear, and the sense of belonging unmistakable.While the track is not designed for prams, wheelchairs or walking aids, it still offers a glimpse of what good public spaces can feel like when they are thoughtfully planned and loved.But take a few steps inland and the contrast sharpens. Footpaths disappear. Roads become barriers.Getting to places like Kiama Fire and Rescue, our playing fields, or even the local schools can feel like a high-stakes game of dodge the traffic.That is why walkability matters. It is not about scenic tracks. It is about how we move, how we live, and who gets to feel safe doing it.And it is our community who know this best.One parent recently stepped up as a human stop sign to help children cross Jamberoo Road near the sports fields. Locals walking with frames have mapped the cracked paths they avoid. Young people without cars know which streets are too risky to use.Some elderly residents say they do not walk at all, not because they cannot, but because they are afraid of falling.A clear example is the crossing at Belinda Street and Rowlins Road in Gerringong, near the school and aged-care village.Despite community petitions, expert input, and a strong advocacy campaign led by the school P&C and local engineer Lewis Browne, the crossing remains confusing and poorly prioritised.What should be a simple safety upgrade has been delayed by bureaucracy, design standards and funding barriers.In the meantime, older residents are discouraged from staying active and children are left navigating uncertainty during school drop-off.As Browne said, compliance does not always mean safety. These lived experiences are a form of expertise.As Kiama grows and planning decisions are made, the people who live here must help shape what comes next.We do not need every walking path to suit every person. But our streets, our neighbourhoods, and our daily destinations absolutely should.Because our coastal walk proves we can get it right when we listen, when we plan for people, and when we put walkability at the heart of a truly liveable place.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has used a Notice of Motion in NSW Parliament to call on state and federal Labor governments to restart upgrade works on the Princes Highway.Ward says he’s concerned that life-saving works and spending on the Princes Highway has dried up with no clear plans for future upgrades south of Nowra.“We hear lots of talk of planning but works on the Princes Highway south of the Jervis Bay Road have dried up. The Princes Highway is a vital link for South Coast locals and it needs ongoing investment.“From Gerringong to Foxground, Foxground to Berry, Berry to Bomaderry, the new Nowra Bridge, and the Albion Park Rail Bypass, these works seamlessly continued for years generating thousands of jobs and making our roads safer and more reliable.“So many local emergency services personnel tell me that they simply don’t get called out like they once did when the Princes Highway was a single carriageway death trap.“The upgrades I secured in Government have saved lives and I’m deeply concerned that Labor has shown no real commitment to continuing lifesaving work further south. "The Princes Highway should receive the same treatment as the Pacific Highway did.“In spite of spending $100 million on planning, we are no closer to the Nowra Bypass either. I’d be interested to know if the NSW Government is considering changing the route for this project. “Labor has a terrible track record on infrastructure and particularly the Princes Highway and it’s time for state and Commonwealth Governments to come clean on future plans."

It was a full house at the Lions Club dinner on last Thursday, but the room fell into deep, thoughtful silence as retired palliative care expert Dr Michael Barbato took the floor.He brought a presentation that was anything but ordinary. His slides were simple, elegant and powerful, drawing the room into the quiet truths we often avoid.As one attendee remarked, “He could teach a masterclass in how to use slides.”Introduced by local GP Dr David Grant, Dr Barbato delivered a message that was both confronting and comforting.None of us want to die, but there is a better, kinder way to do it.He began by addressing the silence that often surrounds death. “We talk politics and religion,” he said, “but not dying.”It is a reticence he understands but believes our communities must face. “Telling the truth hurts,” he said, “but deceit hurts even more.”Among the many stories he shared, one stood out - author Cory Taylor’s reflection that the worst part of dying was not the pain, but the loneliness.In her final book, Dying: A Memoir, Taylor wrote not of fear or agony but of a disconnection from those around her, who often did not know how to simply be present.Dr Barbato described how, just 70 years ago, most people died at home, surrounded by family. Today, medicalised death can too easily isolate people at the exact moment they need connection most.That is why the emergence of End-of-Life Doulas, now a formally accredited service, is so important. These doulas advocate for the dying, supporting them and their families in navigating options, emotions and care.The key, he stressed, is comfort. “When people are in pain, all their energy goes to their body. Only once they are pain-free can they begin to deal with the emotional and existential reality of dying.”Then came the heart of his message - End-of-Life Visions and Dreams.These vivid, often symbolic experiences happen not in delirium, but in clarity. They are not hallucinations. They are gifts.A woman who saw her bags packed and a boat waiting, though no one had told her she was dying.A mother visited in a dream by her own late mother. A young man who saw a figure named Trent sitting on a chair by his bedside.A little girl gazing out the window and smiling moments before she passed.These are not rare, Dr Barbato explained. “They occur in 80 to 100 per cent of dying people.” They bring peace, open conversations and often allow for reconciliation and final expressions of love.But loneliness, he warned, still haunts the dying. Too often, visitors arrive with what one patient called coffin eyes - full of sadness and fear, unable to meet the moment.“The job of visitors,” he said, “is simple: Show up. Shut up. Listen. Be the friend you have always been. These people are living, not dying.”And truth telling? It does not mean announcing the end. It means giving people space to talk about dying, if and when they are ready.“If they are not speaking of dying,” he said, “they are not in denial. They are handling it the best way they can.”Dr Barbato closed by sharing his own near-death experience at age seven, and the moment he witnessed a dying patient sit bolt upright, arms outstretched, in a vision just minutes before she died.His final message was clear.The dying do not need pity or performance. They need presence, permission and peace.