Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly has taken temporary leave from his mayoral duties and will take annual leave until the end of March 2024, returning to the role after the Easter Break.Mayor Reilly will take a short stay in hospital to address a health issue that requires additional support, and intends to take annual leave afterwards.During Mayor Reilly’s absence, Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma will fulfil the role of Acting Mayor. "I know Kiama will be in safe hands with Acting Mayor Draisma at the helm during the next month," Mayor Reilly said."I trust the Acting Mayor and Councillors will continue this good work in my absence and very much look forward to returning to my role as Mayor on 2 April,”I am feeling very positive and looking forward to a break and the chance to recharge and relax. Happy Easter to you all."The next Council meeting takes place on 19 March 2024 at 5pm. Residents will have the opportunity to provide input on agenda items at the Public Forum the night before on 18 March at 5pm.The Bugle wishes Mayor Reilly well in making a speedy recovery.

Adélaïde Ferrière held Kiama under her musical spell on Saturday 24 February 2024. The events organiser, Daniel Rohen, welcomed Kiama locals, playfully thanking them for choosing the ‘right’ decision - to be there insead of the rugby! The night consisted of a musical composition of classics, such as Bach, Handel and Debussy and new styles including Blue Smoke, a composition by Michael Burrit remastered for marimba, the first time ever being played in Kiama. Adélaïde, known for her exceptional talent on the marimba, carefully crafted each piece to be compatible with the instrument, adding a new experience for the audience. For compositions I was more familiar with, such as Rhapsody In Blue from Gershwin, it almost felt like a whole new song. The meditative, soft and mellow sounds of the marimba are almost a direct dichotomy from the bright timbre of a piano. Still, Adélaïde played them with conviction, effortlessly navigating the massive instrument with four mallets.A highlight of the evening was the debut of a new arrangement of "Blue Smoke" by Michael Burritt. Those in attendance had the privilege of being among the first in the world and the first in Kiama to savour this rendition. Daniel Rohen expressed pride in the overwhelming community support, evident in the filled church, and eagerly announced the upcoming classical concert on 7 April, featuring the 30th and final tour of Goldner String Quartet. We were very thankful to be able to chat to Adélaïde after her performance. She was ecstatic to be doing her first performances in Australia - and more excited for her holiday here after the tour. She explained to me that the technique of using two mallets in each hand took her ten years to master. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her precision and musicality. Check out these amazing images from the show and keep an eye on our whats on page to stay up to date on upcoming Classical Kiama Concerts.

Clean Up Australia Day returns for 2024 this Sunday 3 March, and the Kiama community is being asked to participate. Collective action is needed to combat litter and pollution, and this initiative is the perfect opportunity for the community to play its part. Gareth Ward MP highlighted the turnout of over 760,000 Australians who actively engaged in the day last year. This year’s event will focus on bringing generations together to tackle litter in local communities and prevent it from entering our natural environments.  Among the most commonly reported items collected on Clean Up Australia Day are vapes, cigarette butts, coffee cups and soft plastics. The initiative aims to address the litter issue and to raise awareness around waste reduction, recycling and a sustainable future. Gareth Ward will be at Mahogany Creek Reserve in North Nowra this Sunday from 9am-12pm where he will be joining local Mahogany Creek Reserve Landcare volunteers. “As a passionate conservationist, I understand the importance of initiatives such as Clean Up Australia, and I am urging local residents and community groups to get involved this weekend and show your support for this fantastic initiative.”Registrations for Clean Up Australia Day 2024 are now open with volunteers to receive a free kit that contains gloves, bags, and other resources. Packs are available for individuals, families and local community groups, with businesses requested to cover a small fee to support the initiative’s costs. Clean Up Australia Day 2024 presents an opportunity for the community to come together, make a tangible impact on local environments and advocate for a cleaner, greener future. 

Some people are born naturally optimistic. Happy, healthy, productive, they just laugh at the many challenges life throws at us on a daily basis. Not me. Only just last winter, having finished writing the book, Australia Breaks Apart, done a flurry of interviews and revelled in the somewhat unusual sensation of reading positive reviews, I decided I’d celebrate for a week. Go to the pub. Drink, smoke, party like I was still in my 20s. One week turned into another week, and soon enough into a month and beyond. It wasn’t long before I found myself sitting in the kitchen drunk, depressed, smoking way too much. At my age, early 70s, it wasn’t just clinically ill advised, it was downright insane, in effect slow suicide. I was becoming a person I did not want to be: a totally miserable sod.Through the fog one voice kept repeating in my head: “The solution is in front of you.” It was around this time I went down to Bunnings for the odd bits and pieces we all go to Bunnings for, and outside doing the sausage sizzle that day was a funny mob calling themselves the Sudu Dragon Boat club. I stopped, ordered the more or less obligatory $5 drink and sausage package, and asked them about dragon boat racing. It truly was the last thing on my mind. But for some reason, that voice in the head again, I was drawn to it. The people were friendly, funny and encouraging. Now, after all these months, I know them all as separate characters, but back then they were just a bunch. Not long afterwards, I looked up their website, rang one of the organisers, and was invited down to Deakin Reserve on Lake Illawarra at the back of Oak Flats.The legendary Norman, known as a tough task master, took me aside, found a paddle whose length suited me, showed me the basic steps, and all of a sudden I was out on the water with a bunch of people I didn‘t know. That evening I got home and I swear, every muscle in my body ached; muscles I never knew existed. But that voice in the head kept going, “the solution is in front of you”, and I kept showing up for those mid-winter practices in the freezing cold. Slowly, I would have to say very slowly, I got fitter. A repetitive strain injury in my shoulder from years of pounding away at the keyboards as a big city journalist got better. And best of all, I got to know people, after the long isolation of lockdowns, and the equally long isolation of book writing. My work as a journalist was often adversarial, we weren’t out to make friends. While journalism has changed a lot, back in the day we were paid attack dogs. Many of the people we staked out or interrogated were not in the least bit happy to see us. But with dragon boat racing, you have to cooperate with the entire team. You have to keep in time with everyone else in the boat. If you slacken off, the entire boat suffers.At first I really didn’t think I would persist. The failure to succeed at dragon boat racing would be just another reason to cement my misery, to stare at the world through a glass darkly. But I did persist. And I couldn’t be more grateful for it. The fitness that comes with dragon boat racing is a positive, being forced to cooperate with others has been very good for my mental well being, and being out in the early morning on one of the most beautiful waterways in the country, well, that’s a huge plus, soul tonic if you will.So, if you have a voice in your head telling you to get out of the house and get back into life, you could do a hell of a lot worse than joining the Sudu Dragon Boat Club.The Sudu Dragon Boat Club is participating in the Shellharbour Festival of Sport Regatta on Saturday 2 March at Skiway Park, Mt Warrigal. There will be a “Come and Try Day” on Sunday 17th March at Deakin Reserve, Oak Flats, where one and all are welcome to give dragon boating a try (Contact Jody 0412 939 312).  It’s not all that easy, but it’s great fun. And it just might change your life.

** This event has been postponed due to the effects of Cyclone Alfred - Gerringong Music Club is looking to reschedule this exciting event as soon as possible, more updates to come ** Gerringong Town Hall Sunday 10 March 2024 – Estampa promise to enchant audiences with a unique musical experience rooted in the traditions of French jazz and Brazilian bossa novas. Event details:What: EstampaWhen: Sunday 10 March 2024 11am-12.30pm. Doors open at 10.30am.Where: Gerringong Town Hall, 106 Fern St, Gerringong NSW How: Book your tickets online or at the door. Gerringong Music Club, in association with Musica Viva Australia, is pleased to present Estampa to the Gerringong Town Hall at 11am on Sunday 10 March 2024.Evoking visions of Parisian laneways, South American sensuality and the unbridled joy of jazz, Estampa is a group of diverse musicians delivering energetic, internationally-inspired performances. Rooted in the traditions of French jazz and Brazilian Bossa Novas, Estampa provides a unique musical experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve entered a 1930’s Parisian jazz club or the streets of São Paulo. "We are thrilled to bring Estampa to Gerringong for the first time," said Imogen Stewart, the newly appointed Musical Director of the Gerringong Music Club. "Gerringong Music Club has been bringing quality music to the community for 20 years and we’re confident Estampa’s performance will strike a chord with our audience. This upcoming concert holds special significance as it marks the Club’s 20th anniversary since our first performance.” Speaking about the anniversary, Imogen Stewart said, “Many special people in our community have played pivotal roles in establishing the Club and on March 10 we’ll be honouring a select few. Community support is vital to the Club’s success and we’re grateful to see a new wave of locals answering the call to join in leading the Club.” Share the joy of beautiful music and connection with friends and book your tickets online or buy them at the door. Get your tickets at https://www.gerringongmusicclub.com.au  Members, children and students are free. Visitors $30.More information - https://thebuglenewspaper.com.au/whats-on/whats-on/estampa-comes-to-gerringong?id=65dc16c7ea70660029614e2f

A new tobacconist has been spotted setting up shop at 140 Terralong Street, across the road from Kiama Village where the ‘Framed By Us’ picture framer’s shop was until two months ago.The new business, Kiama Tobacco, is adorned with a multicoloured flashing neon sign that lights up the roundabout leading into Kiama Village. The vivid lights have already attracted the attention of locals, as The Bugle spotted Kiama High School students taking photos of the neon sign this morning.The sign advertises, “tobacco and accessories,” which often means e-cigarettes and vape products, though there is nothing that specifically indicates that Kiama Tobacco will sell vape products at this stage.The opening of a new tobacconist is surprising given the impending introduction of legislation from the Commonwealth Government to crack down on tobacco and vape sales. From 1 April, the general sale of vapes that contain nicotine will be banned, and the only way they can be purchased is from pharmacists with a doctor’s prescription.Even with these restrictions just over a month away from being introduced, the number of businesses selling vape products in NSW has skyrocketed. Research obtained by The Guardian found that more than 600 additional shops began selling vape products in the first half of 2023.Even with the importation of disposable vapes banned at the start of 2024, reports of businesses continuing to sell these products has continued. The number of complaints the NSW Health Department received related to tobacco and e-cigarettes increased from 909 in 2020 to 2,407 in 2022. Between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023, there were 1,654 reports of non-compliance.Receiving approval to sell tobacco products in NSW is easier than selling other restricted products such as alcohol or firearms. Businesses must notify NSW Health of their intention and register their details with Service NSW to receive a retailer identification number, which they must provide to tobacco wholesalers to obtain products. Businesses do not require a DA or permission from council before selling tobacco products.Additional research thanks to Malcolm King

I was just 21 when my hard working and loveable dairy farmer dad died of heart disease. He was 54, the same age I am now. He never saw me marry and his grandchildren didn’t get to meet him.As a teenager in class at high school I was left wondering, not if but when, my father would have another heart attack – or my family waiting until I finished my university exams to tell me dad was in intensive care again.Sadly, coronary heart disease is Australia’s number one killer, with one life claimed every 12 minutes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Like most things prevention is everything.That’s why regular heart health checks are vital for the early detection of symptoms of heart disease. To enable that genuine conversation with your health practitioner and to take action to prevent heart disease. It’s why you will regularly see me out walking with my dogs, riding my bike and enjoying our great outdoors. It’s why I love our fresh local produce made with heart and soul from the South Coast community.And every sunrise and sunset is a reminder of being thankful to be alive. I made a promise to myself long ago, to do everything possible to be around to see my children marry, and one day meet their kids too. It’s also the reason I am the Co-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Rural and Regional Health, to help improve health outcomes for people in my communities and across rural and regional Australia.Last week, Novartis, in partnership with Wesfarmers Health, brought a day of free heart health screening for people to the Nowra Centre Plaza. HeartScreen was literally brought into the community my dad lived in, so more people could get their heart health checked and to spark that conversation with their health practitioner. Tomorrow, in Parliament, Novartis will launch their report “Cardiovascular Disease Impact Model Report” to learn how we can better test, treat, and track Australia’s leading cause of death. We know that Cardiovascular Disease costs our Australian health system more than $10 billion annually and that every dollar put back into prevention, helps save lives.It might be too late for my dad, but if we can help save more lives across rural and regional Australia, then that is definitely worth it.This letter was published with permission from Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore

Kiama Central Precinct’s first meeting of 2024 takes place at 7pm tonight at the Joyce Wheatley Centre with a stacked agenda that’s sure to get the town talking.The theme for the night seems to be town planning and development, with a bevy of topics from the past two months including:DA Subdivision Dido Street - 67 lotsAkuna St DAResubmitted DA Corner Terralong and Collins StreetsSouth Kiama Planning ProposalWest Kiama Proposed Re-ZoningHenry Parkes Drive SubdivisionBland Street, KiamaVariation to Performance Improvement Order from Office of Local GovernmentUpdate on sale process of Bluehaven BonairaThe agenda also includes a discussion on the NSW Government’s involvement in the planning process, asking the question “how can the community have its say?”.Alan Woodwork will also provide an update on the community engagement strategy, and John Greet will discuss the future of precinct/community groups.We’ll see you there!

Kiama mural artist Samuel Hall is gaining wide-spread recognition for his most recent mural on the side of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) station in the Southern Highlands town of Hill Top, depicting two of the local brigades longest serving members, Brian Coates and John Matters. Now residing in Corrimal, Hall was commissioned to do the artwork after completing a mural on the regeneration of the area after the horrific bushfires the side of the local general store last year.“These two men are a beacon to the community after a lifetime of dedication to the RFS and both men, who are now in their late 80’s, and with more than 150 years of service between them, went above and beyond to help with their town was threatened by the Wattle Creek blaze,” “As the fire raged, the two men grabbed torches and bravely led the way on foot to allow earthmoving equipment and fire trucks to move through an old track to help build fire breaks from Buxton to Hill Top.” Hall said.According to Sam, the two men were a bit reticient to be part of the project, but in the end were happy to take part. “I met with John and Brian in a local park and we just chatted and I was able to get a few nice candid pics I could use for the project,” he added. The 20-metre-long mural took more than 75 hours to complete and it appears the whole town took special interest in its progress, with many dropping off drinks and food as Sam worked. “In the end it was a very special project and one that is very close to my heart,” Sam said.

The property at 22b Irvine Street, Kiama that remained empty for decades has sold for $1.225 million, or $375,000 above reserve price. The lot was previously owned by Kiama Council and reserved as a park, but the property itself only consists of a large, empty space and a few boulders. The lot spans 644 metres squared and is located at the top of Thomson Street, about 900 metres away from Kiama Village.There were nine bidders registered to buy the property on 17 February 2024, with 86 bids made and more than 23 contracts sent out. First National Coast & Country Kiama, which managed the sale, told The Bugle that the buyers are locals and plan to build a house on the lot. Kiama Council voted to offload the parcel of land, with proceeds from the sale going towards its 2023-24 budget as part of its Strategic Improvement Plan.

Black Beach came alive with KiamaSala on Sunday 25 February, the first major Indian festival in the region. Festival goers were blessed with a dazzling summer’s day as the perfect backdrop to the day’s festivities, where food and market stalls complemented a stage packed with entertainment.Stand out stalls offered Indian fashion, Henna artists, and traditional Homewares and Décor, with plenty to take home. A selection of Indian food kept attendees nourished, with Kiama local JJs a clear favourite.The main stage was the hub of the action. A dynamic MC kept the energy flowing, and excited the crowd with giveaways, facts about India, and Kiama-based trivia, with one lucky person going home with an Adam Gilchrist signed cricket bat.A packed event schedule kicked off with a morning Yoga class and a welcome to country, and later included traditional drum performances, DJ’s and musical talent, and a host of Bollywood dancers. The highlight of the day was the performances by the students from Bollywood Exclusive Dance. In vibrant traditional costumes, they wowed the audience with their blend of traditional Indian and modern western dance styles, and even joined the crowd on the grass to share some Bollywood moves in a joint performance. Dance teacher, Viji, was ecstatic, and had glowing praise for her students.“They’ve all worked so hard in the lead up to this, and they’ve done an amazing job.”For one event goer, this event was a highlight of their year so far.“It’s been such a great vibe. I loved watching the performances, and it was really nice to see everyone get involved”With the success of the event, we’ll be sure to see KiamaSala return next year even bigger and better.

The long-awaited opening of the Bombo Quarry staircase could finally be in sight as contractors started work to rectify lingering issues on Monday 26 February 2024.The work is expected to take six weeks and once completed, contractors can hand back ownership to Kiama Council to officially open and manage the stairs.Initially slated to open to the public in 2022, the Bombo Quarry staircase has sat dormant without officially being declared open for more than a year while the public continues to use the stairs without explicit permission.In September 2023, Kiama Council revealed that the stairs didn’t pass compliance inspections or achieve an Occupation Certificate required before any new buildings or infrastructure can be used. While the stairs are structurally sound, issues such as stair treads need to be addressed before contractors can hand management back to Kiama Council.Kiama Council has repeatedly warned that while the stairs are structurally sound, they still cannot be used until they’re officially opened. That hasn’t stopped the public from continuing to use the stairs, and it’s no secret that walkers have made a habit of ignoring the warning signs while using the track between Kiama and Minnamurra and the Bombo headland.Kiama Council received a $500,000 grant from the NSW State Government for the project in 2018, along with concrete and steel.

We all know that exercise is good for us, and being active every day is even more important as we age. As well as helping us maintain good physical and mental function, regular physical activity can also prevent or manage many health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and dementia. In some cases, it is as effective as medication. Exercise can also prevent falls, improve our sleep and increase our overall feeling of wellbeing and quality of life. What is not to like about that?Unfortunately, despite all this evidence, there is a tendency for us to do less as we get older. And if you haven’t been very active for a while, the idea of getting moving again can be daunting. One of the most common things I get asked as a physio by my older clients is “how much exercise is enough?” Well the physical activity guidelines for older Australians recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days (at least 5) of the week. “Moderate intensity” means that you are puffing a bit but can still hold a conversation. But how you achieve this is up to you. You could swim or play tennis or golf, but regular activities such as walking, gardening or even vacuuming also fit the bill. Doing 30 minutes all at once or breaking it up into two or three bouts is equally beneficial. If that still seems like too much, you can start small and build up slowly. We know that even small increases in activity can improve your health and mobility, and every extra minute will bring extra benefits.  When it comes to preventing falls, exercises that improve balance and leg strength are the most effective. Physiotherapists created the safe exercise at home website, and it is just one of many useful resources. But if you’re not sure where to start, then it is a good idea to seek professional help to select exercises that suit your abilities and health conditions. Talk to your GP, local physio or exercise physiologist. Remember, it is never too late to start, and every little bit counts.Heidi Gilchrist is a local physiotherapist, lecturer and researcher in the field of healthy aging and physical activity at the University of Sydney. She is happy to answer your active ageing questions in this monthly column. 

Josephine Osborne remembers the days when the local farmers used to lead their cows through the centre of Jamberoo. That was 20 years ago, when the picturesque village nestled in the folding green hills at the base of the Escarpment was a centre for the local dairy industry, and tourists were rarely seen. Now Jamberoo is something of a millionaire’s row, the town’s unique ambience attracting cashed up residents from Sydney and the surrounding districts. Josephine’s cottage is smack bang in the middle of town, a two minute walk from the baker, the butcher, a cafe and an IGA, and all of about three minutes from the local pub. Once called Elsmere, nobody knows exactly how old the house is, although it is most certainly more than a century old. Once owned by the local storekeeper, a gentleman named John Nelson, it was passed on to his family after his death in 1921. Through a complicated series of events, Josephine’s husband John, “he was always Johnny to me”, came into full ownership of the house in 2003. Her husband having passed away two years ago, and three of her closest friends having also passed away in the last six months, Josephine decided it was time to heed the call of her family, pull up stumps and head down to Phillip Island near Melbourne. While no one likes getting older, it is now the right moment to spend more time with her four daughters, 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She is astonished to find her humble little two bedroom cottage now worth $1.2 million dollars.“It’s been a wonderfully happy house,” she said. “I have been very very happy here, so happy it has been incredible. I am very sad to leave. There is something about this house, it is a warm, comfortable feeling. It is lovely.”Josephine proudly points out the wood fixtures around the house which her husband installed. “He was a carpenter. Everything is spot on. For him, everything had to be just right. He loved every inch of Jamberoo.”  She said after having met her husband on a paddle cruise at Windsor, she moved to Jamberoo to be with him and immediately shared her husband’s passion for the area. “My first impression, I loved it and thought it was so beautiful. And the people were lovely and friendly.”Selling agent Vivienne Marris, owner of Elders Real Estate Jamberoo, said what made the property so valuable was its uniquely central location in the centre of one of the most sought after areas in the state, but also the fact that it was zoned both business and residential. Her business is directly opposite Josephine’s house, and the two have been friends for many years. “It could be an architect's office, or rooms for a physiotherapist, or an art gallery,” she said. “My favourite idea is that it could become a quirky little outlet for local crafts people.”You can learn more about the property from the Elders website here.

Sitting around the dinner table or in an easy chair, most elderly folk enjoy telling a yarn about people or places from long ago.My father was no exception. He would regale us with stories about old family members, Gerringong identities and great events in Gerringong history.One day I went to visit him and he brought out a large wooden serving plate he had picked up from a woodturning shop in Berry.In the middle of the plate was a grain as all wooden products have. If you look closely at this and use a bit of imagination, on the left it appears to show the image of Seven Mile Beach as if taken from the Kingsford Smith Memorial. To the right it appears to have a face as if looking over the beach. Dad said that the face belonged to Joe Dixon as he looked over his home.I first came across Joe’s name when researching the history of the Gerringong Cricket Club. He was a member of a cricket team ‘King’ Mickey Weston (an important elder in the Dharawal nation) put together mainly from Wodi Wodi people living in Crooked River (Gerroa) in 1894.Joe then carved out a distinguished career with the Gerringong Cricket Club.Dad met him much later but he had a great effect on him. He wrote a collection of Gerringong stories, including memories of Joe. My father would love to know that his memory is to be honoured with the publication of his story on the great man in the old Kiama Independent, which has now been replaced by the Kiama Bugle. Many other people in Gerringong held fond memories of Joe, including the original member of the Gerringong Historical Society Clive Emery.All these great characters, who helped make this region the place it is today, have passed away. That is a good enough reason to honour their memory now.From Clive Emery, longtime Gerringong residentWhen I first looked into the eyes of Joe Dixon they were red-rimmed as if from an open fire at his camp site on the bank of the Crooked River. Joe kept wickets for the Crooked River Cricket team on the Saturdays of 1923, and you can be assured nothing passed him by. His eyes could brighten in a flash.With a charcoal complexion and hair greying at the temples from under bushy brows, he surveyed the world with a kind of tired acceptance, as if accepting there was little he could ever do to change it. Like his parents before him, he was a hunter and gatherer, and the coming of the white man had brought many changes to himself and his kinsman.Joe was not a tall man, about medium height I would say, rather solidly built with greying hair on his sturdy arms. He wore the clothes of a white man, mostly flannel shirt and woollen trousers and sockless feet fitted into leather boots, with a felt hat showing signs of age pulled tight over his forehead. Often, he would be seen with his pants rolled above his knees as he prawned in the shallows of the river. Joe never took from the river more than was needed to fulfil the requirements of himself and his family. Their needs were not great and in those days there was plenty for all.He knew the tides that beat upon the shore of Seven Mile Beach and the waves that broke upon the rocks of Black Head, for even as he slept, he was conscious of the undertone of the sea. He knew the relevance of the moon on the tides, and the fish of the slumberous river and the restless sea. He harvested the pipis in the littoral zone and the shellfish of the rocky shoreline.With his family he lived in a tin humpy on the bank of the Crooked River, where the forest growth gave a measure of protection from the whims of the weather. For how long it would be hard to say. A couple of dogs of indifferent breed were always lounging about the campsite. Nearby was the camp of the Bloxomes, and as Joe's brother-in-law John Bloxome joined him in the collection of sustenance for their families. Between them the combined brood were mostly girls; Jimmy and Les, Annie and Louie the only ones I knew. That aside their numbers equalled the white school children along the Crooked River Road on school days. They were very happy and full of fun.Joe, the top man in the camp, was well versed in the comings and goings of King Mickey from Minnamurra under whose “Kingship”' they existed. Joe was able to point out where King Mickey used to camp on his infrequent visits to the area and called the spot "King Mickey's Island".Joe frequently worked for my parents at gardening and on the farm. Often I would watch him when he was tussocking on the side of the hill facing Seven Mile Beach. When he wanted a spell, he would turn and face the sea and sit upon his hoe handle and dream of days gone by, when the lobsters came to the rocks to breed in their season and fish could be speared in the shallows of the river beside his camp.He was to fashion a boat from a cedar log brought down by the floods. Sadly it was destroyed by a terrible fire in the Roundbrush in 1925 together with their camps. I only remember the blackened sheets of iron left after the fire after the families moved away.It is remarkable that Joe should return in ghostlike form to watch forever over his beloved home, Seven Mile Beach, immortalised in a piece of Cedar, along with the Coolangatta Mountain and the long curving shoreline with the wavelets kissing the golden sands of the beach in an everlasting procession of journey's ends.

Get ready for some great tunes this Friday as Glenn Shepherd returns to the airwaves. Born in Cessnock in 1956, Glenn has held a lifelong passion for radio. At the age of 17, he aspired to become a radio presenter and created a series of demonstration tapes. However, in those days, attending Radio School was the only pathway into radio, and as he couldn't afford that route, he started working at the Port Kembla Steelworks in 1976 as a trainee metallurgist. This marked the beginning of a 40-year journey in the industry.Within the BlueScope organisation, Glenn held various supervisory roles, including Departmental Manager and Safety Manager at Port Kembla. He concluded his career as the Safety and Business Improvement Manager, overseeing responsibilities across Australia and New Zealand. His focus on safety and improvement made a significant impact on the industry, and he travelled extensively during this time.After retirement, Glenn shifted gears towards community service, actively volunteering in the Aged Care Industry. His dedication extended to his position on the Board of the Kiama Golf Club, a role he has held for a considerable time.As a founding member of Kiama Community Radio and the current Chairperson of KCR, Glenn played a pivotal role in shaping the station into a significant community service. KCR, which streams 24/7, has become an integral part of the Kiama local government area, fostering connections and providing a platform for community voices. Glenn's commitment to KCR is evident in his role as the host of both the Friday morning breakfast show and his "Around the Arenas" sports program, reflecting his love for all sports.Glenn envisions the expansion of KCR into the FM frequency, aiming for a broader reach within the community. His dedication to the station reflects a belief in the power of community radio to bring people together.Beyond his professional accomplishments, Glenn finds fulfillment in family life. Married to Kerry for 42 years, Glenn is a proud father to a married son, Ben, who is a doctor, and he is now a loving grandfather to two wonderful grandchildren, Jack aged six and Charlotte aged four years. Dr. Ben Shepherd is currently working as an Adjunct Lecturer at James Cook University, specialising in emergency, prehospital, and retrieval medicine.Tennille Baird is just one local who has been impacted by Glenn’s generosity. She said, “He is a pillar of Kiama and a genuinely nice guy. I have known him most of my life, and he has always been interested in helping the community, volunteering in all manner of ways. He was our swim coach when we were young, running squads at the crack of dawn. He was always so encouraging.”Glenn experienced serious health problems last year when an annual visit to the skin check doctor prompted urgent hospitalisation. He was shocked to discover that he required immediate heart surgery. Much to the relief of family and friends, he is now in full recovery, and you can bump into him any morning as he walks around the Blow Hole. On Friday mornings, he joins the Man Walk. It may have to be half a walk now that he is back on air!In Glenn Shepherd, Kiama has not only a dedicated radio presenter but a community figure whose life story reflects a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact. As he continues to guide Kiama Community Radio towards new horizons, Glenn remains a testament to the enduring power of passion, hard work, and community connection.Catch Glenn this Friday from 7-9 am on KCR.org.au. Around the Arenas is broadcast on Monday 5pm, Tuesday 2pm and Saturday 11am.

Before developing our planning proposal for Springside Hill we conducted extensive research and focus interviews to understand how the community thought about certain issues – your desires and aspirations as well as your concerns. We did this because we understand that you are passionate about your community and lifestyle, and we want Springside Hill to ultimately bring more public and community benefits to the area. You told us loud and clear that Kiama’s ailing sewerage system and future capacity was one of your major concerns.In response to this crucial issue, our design team sought out innovative solutions that reduce the reliance on the existing Sydney Water sewerage system and infrastructure, whilst delivering tangible environmental benefits for the local community.Our approach:Our proposed off-the-grid sewerage and water solution involves the construction of on-site infrastructure dedicated to processing all project wastewater and stormwater completely independent of existing Sydney Water infrastructure. By capturing and processing all of this water, we will be able to harness this water, integrate it, and recycle it. The core of this approach is a Local Water Centre, seamlessly integrated into the landscape without emitting noise or odour. It turns wastewater into high quality recycled water suitable for a range of uses, and is supplemented by an expansion of drinking water storage to eliminate additional burden on peak drinking water demand.Established Success of Off-the-Grid Solutions:These off-grid systems  have been successfully implemented in numerous landmark master-planned residential communities that have been delivered by the likes of Stockland and Frasers. It is a proven technology and approach that we think will complement and integrate into Springside Hill seamlessly, whilst reducing the reliance on existing infrastructure. Environmental and Community Benefits:This approach enables Springside Hill to significantly reduce its reliance on drinking water and achieve drought resilience.  Valuable drinking water resources are no longer used for toilets and other external uses such as irrigation of community open spaces. The water cycle and local stormwater management system will now be integrated with this infrastructure and ensure that there will be a positive contribution to Kiama’s pristine natural environment.  With approximately 40 per cent of Springside Hill to be preserved as green open space, the ability to recycle and harness the water cycle will aid in the maintenance and health of these areas, even during periods of drought. This initiative aligns with our broader environmental and social sustainability strategy, which prioritises the restoration of tree canopies on land previously cleared for what is now unviable agricultural production. Community Consultation and Sustainability:Our off-the-grid initiative is just one aspect of a comprehensive environmental and social sustainability strategy guiding the development of Springside Hill. Throughout the planning stages, we remain committed to refining this strategy in consultation with the community, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of our endeavours.We look forward to continuing the conversation with our most important stakeholders, you, the community. 

Too often nowadays, catching up on the news is a profoundly depressing experience. Across the country, we’re faced with multiple, seemingly-intractable crises – on health, housing, and cost of living. Abroad, the world is once again at war, with deadly conflicts afoot in Ukraine and the Middle East, and a conflict possibly on its way in the South China Sea.Even here in Kiama, we’re dealing with our own issues – with locals fighting to get their rates’ worth as Council fights among itself and our rates continue to go down the gurgler. To flick on the radio first thing or turn on the telly at six o’clock is to expose yourself to wall-to-wall woe, and a daily diet of doom. It's why it’s so important to tell stories about good things happening to good people. This is something The Bugle has done so well for such a long time. Our community coverage this week is testament to this. On Wednesday, Brooke Pittman brought us the story of The Quarry Café at Burnett’s on Barney doing its bit to help elderly locals, by driving them to and from the café and garden nursery. Locals supporting locals.On Friday, we showcased the generosity of local Sheila Lyne, who donated high-quality sound equipment to the music department at Kiama High School, as well as a collection of books belonging to her late husband, Ken. Locals supporting our younger generation and passing on knowledge and wisdom. And, just yesterday, we published a story about Brad Jenkins being awarded the Environmental Warrior of the Year award by Shellharbour Council for his work improving water quality at Dunmore Ponds and helping protect the Minnamurra wetlands and river. Locals improving the environment and our area.We know we won’t win a Pulitzer for putting these pieces to print, but we’re proud to bring them to you – because they matter.

Residents in West Kiama had their feathers ruffled this month after receiving letters indicating the nearby Greyleigh Function Centre was expanding its premises.Bugle readers told us they’d received the letter from Kiama Council on 12 February 2024 advising that the owners of Greyleigh, a countryside accommodation and boutique wedding venue on Long Brush Road, had lodged a development application for the property.Council’s letter states: “Under Council’s notification provisions, a person who owns land that the Council considers may be detrimentally affected by the proposed development, will be notified of that development. “The notification plans and associated documents for the development may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker during the notification period only at https://da.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Home/Index.”The Bugle received a number of letters from concerned residents about the development, so we reached out to the owners of Greyleigh to ask about the changes.Greyleigh’s General Manager, Hamish McCallum told The Bugle that the system generated description of the DA may be somewhat misleading. The DA instead represents Greyleigh’s application to host farm experiences and farm stay accommodation.“This application is more for housekeeping purposes. It does not include the erection of new buildings or modification of any of the existing buildings on site,” McCallum said.“It does not increase the footprint of the site, nor does it increase the capacity of the site either. As per our existing approval, we can host a maximum of 250 guests, while our average wedding is around 120 guests.”“We find the system generated DA description to be somewhat misleading and our town planner has contacted council regarding this. Under the definitions of the LEP we have applied for a Farm Experience Premises and Farm Stay Accommodation.”You can find all the documents lodged as part of the DA, and any future documents, from Kiama Council’s DA portal here.