Kiama Swimming Club will make a splash at the upcoming NSW Country Swimming Championships, with 12 swimmers qualifying for the prestigious event at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from February 14-16. This marks the largest local contingent in a decade, reflecting the club’s growing strength in competitive swimming.Head Swim Coach Greg Miller highlighted the dedication and hard work of the young athletes, stating:“To achieve qualifying times for the Country Championships demonstrates achievement at the top levels of our sport.”The squad includes swimmers aged nine to 15, made up of nine girls and three boys, including one multi-class swimmer. Their rigorous training schedule sees them in the pool at Kiama Leisure Centre most mornings at 5:15 am and again in the afternoons, covering between 3km and 5km per session - totaling up to 1,000km a year.Miller emphasised the team's rapid improvement over the past 12 months, noting that momentum continues to build. He encourages other young swimmers to take on the challenge and see what they can achieve in the sport.Kiama’s Country Championship Swimmers:Ella C-SKye C-STiharna C-SCharlotte GriffinMilla HaythorpeCharlie MillerEloise MillerEmily NicholsIvy Osmond-DreyerAlannah PottageTrae SpencerOlivia TalbotWith strong representation and a dedicated training program, Kiama Swim Club is making waves at the NSW Country Swimming Championships, showcasing local talent at the highest levels of regional competition.

Since 2021, the Freemasons Lodge Kiama No. 35 has built a remarkable partnership with Peterborough Special Needs School, combining efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of students. Through this collaboration, the Lodge, in conjunction with the Freemasons charity arm Masonicare, has contributed significant funds to support the school’s essential services.Masonicare’s Interaction Grants double the impact of the Lodge’s fundraising by matching every $3,000 raised dollar-for-dollar. Between July 2021 and November 2022, Lodge Kiama’s members raised $24,000 through initiatives such as Bunnings Sausage Sizzles. This amount was matched by Masonicare, resulting in a combined donation of $48,000.On October 21, 2021, the Lodge presented the first $6,000 cheque to Peterborough Special Needs School during a Carers Week morning tea. Subsequent $6,000 donations were made in February, July, and November 2022. These funds have been used to maintain and operate the school’s specialized wheelchair-accessible buses, which facilitate student excursions, sports events, and community outings.Beyond the financial contributions, Lodge Kiama’s support has extended to providing sensory Christmas gifts to the school since 2020. This year, at the school’s Celebration Assembly on December 11, 2024, where students performed John Lennon’s Imagine and received awards, the Lodge presented an additional $20,000 donation. A further $1,200 worth of sensory gifts was also given to the school, showcasing the Lodge’s continued commitment to enriching students’ lives.The partnership with Peterborough School follows more than a decade of support for the Kiama Mayor’s Christmas Giving Tree. Now, the Lodge has expanded its focus to assist other local charities. Under the leadership of Worshipful Master Ben Carter-Mouat, Lodge Kiama has chosen to support “Homestead of Hope” in 2025. This Kiama-based charity provides breakfast and vital assistance to disadvantaged community members every Tuesday at the Scout Hall.Lodge Kiama’s dedication to community service exemplifies the enduring Freemason values of charity, friendship, and support. Through their unwavering generosity, they continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those in need.

We’re already a month into the year, and with school officially back, The Bugle has hit the ground running - covering the Lunar New Year, the Kiama Show, and local sporting feats. But would it really feel like the start of the year without another report on skyrocketing house prices?Last week, The Domain House Price Report revealed a surprising statistic: Kiama’s median house price has now surpassed those of Byron Bay and Noosa. At $1.51 million, Kiama has edged ahead of Byron ($1.5m) and Noosa ($1.33m), making it the most expensive place to buy a home in regional NSW.This might come as a shock, given that Byron and Noosa are renowned for attracting Hollywood A-listers - think Zac Efron, Chris Hemsworth, and Matt Damon - who have famously snapped up properties in those areas.So, does this mean Kiama is the next celebrity hotspot? According to local Ray White Kiama real estate agent Michele Lay, it’s already happening. A-listers Hamish and Zoe Blake bought in Jamberoo during COVID in 2022, and other high-profile buyers - whose identities remain under wraps - are reportedly showing interest.One can’t help but wonder what an equivalent "Hemsworth effect" - the property boom that followed Chris Hemsworth’s move to Byron - might do to Kiama’s housing market, especially given where prices already stand. Could the only way be up?We have to ask ourselves what do we want for Kiama? We’re incredibly lucky to live in Australia’s best small town and NSW’s Top Tourism Town, but this raises an important question: Is this the future we want?Of course, we can’t stop people from moving to Kiama, nor would we want to. But we can ensure that young families and essential workers can still afford to live here. The Bugle has previously highlighted concerns about the rise of short-term rentals and their impact on housing availability. While these rentals support tourism and local businesses, they also contribute to rising prices and reduced housing stock for locals.That’s why it was refreshing to hear Mayor Cameron McDonald state outright:“We’d like to think we’re an area that’s affordable for, and welcoming to, everyone.” It’s a noble aspiration - and one that every Australian town should strive for. But achieving it will require real action. Council has already warned that difficult decisions lie ahead and that the community needs to rethink its expectations around growth and housing.So, when it comes to A-listers or affordability, perhaps we should take a page from that old El Paso ad and ask:Why not both?

One of Australia’s leading abstract sculptors, Philip Spelman, will present an exhibition at SevenMarks Gallery from February 8 to March 15.Spelman, whose work has featured at the Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Art Gallery as well as many other spaces across Australia, New Zealand and the USA, will present his exhibition titled Framing Space.“There’s internal space - negative spaces captured within the work - and then there are the positive elements within those spaces,” says Spelman, explaining his creative process.“I've taken this framing space idea and created works from it. Some sculptures have a geometric framework, and I've worked inside those frameworks. They’re not literal picture frames, but they represent spaces that are contained."Spelman’s work often incorporates geometric shapes, which he combines to transform familiar objects - such as tables, chairs, and vases - into something uniquely abstract. "I look at still life paintings and recreate the objects from those works in my style,” says Spelman. “I take vases and tables and, rather than replicate them directly, I translate them into three-dimensional sculptures.”One way Spelman does this is to blend different geometric shapes which combine to create new forms. Relying on intuition, he arranges these shapes until the composition feels right. “I fabricate elements and laser-cut or water-jet cut them to suit the sculptures. I might make hundreds of elements, then experiment with them, placing them in various ways to see if the composition works,” he explains.This abstract approach encourages viewers to use their imagination, prompting different interpretations of the sculptures. "I’ve placed abstract works in regional and rural communities before, and in public spaces, which can be challenging for some people,” he says. “But it’s always interesting to hear the different comments and interpretations. People bring their own ideas to the work, and it’s fascinating to see how they respond.”He is particularly excited about this exhibition at SevenMarks Gallery due to its location and the space itself. "I’m really excited about this regional exhibition,” says Spelman. “It’s important to me, especially since many galleries are closing or moving to online platforms. To see a new gallery opening is fantastic. The space is beautiful and large, which makes it ideal for my work.”SevenMarks Gallery says of the exhibition: “Phil’s vibrant sculptures engage with both natural and defined spaces, reshaping the gallery landscape through their luminosity, depth, and bold silhouettes. These abstract constructions balance, tumble, and float, creating dynamic compositions of positive and negative space.”Don’t miss Philip Spelman’s Framing Space exhibition at SevenMarks Gallery, opening on February 8.

94 year old Grace Anstey was shocked when she found out that she had won first prize at the Kiama Show for knitting - especially since she didn’t even know she had entered.Grace, who has been knitting since 1935 when her bedridden grandmother first taught her, stopped entering the Kiama Show after the passing of her husband in 2016. However, in 2025, a volunteer from her retirement home, Blue Haven Bonaira, was determined to help her make a comeback.“After my husband passed away, I felt a bit disheartened and didn’t bother,” Grace says. “This is the first year back. It was only because one of the volunteers asked if I wanted to enter anything. I said no, I didn’t have anything good enough because I can’t see very well and didn’t think it was good enough.”But when Grace’s great granddaughter attended the Kiama Show and saw her great grandmother’s name listed as a winner, she couldn’t wait to tell Grace.“I’d forgotten the show was even on,” says Grace. “My great granddaughter said, You never told me you entered anything in the show. You got a first prize! One of the volunteers had entered it for me. I couldn’t believe it. I had to wait until they brought the award back before I could believe it!”Grace’s prize-winning creation - a beautifully crafted and incredibly warm-looking knitted owl - took first place in the ‘residents from a retirement home’ category. And having lived in Kiama since 1982, this wasn’t the first time Grace had won at the Kiama Show.“I’ve won quite a few prizes at the Kiama Show,” she says. “My husband also won a few for making model ships out of wood.”One of the most memorable moments for Grace was when she and her husband competed in the same knitting category.“I used to spin a lot of wool and won several prizes for that,” she recalls. “When my husband retired, he said he wanted to learn how to spin, so I taught him. That year, we both entered wool in the show - and he won first prize. “I told him, That’s the last time I’ll teach you anything!” she laughs. “He was very particular and very good at things. He liked things done properly.”These days, Grace spends a lot of her time knitting at Blue Haven Bonaira, where she’s a member of the Knit and Knatter group. She’s already knitted 50 woolen poppies for ANZAC Day, 120 Christmas stockings, and contributes to the “Knit with Love” charity by knitting squares.Grace’s room at Blue Haven Bonaira is filled with her creations, from patchwork blankets and rugs to knitted animals.“I have to give Bonaira a lot of credit - they do such a great job,” says Grace. “There’s a group on Wednesdays called Knit and Knatter. We do a lot more ‘knattering’ than knitting, but we knit squares for charity.”Grace’s room at Blue Haven Bonaira is filled with her creations, from patchwork blankets and rugs to knitted animals. It’s clear she has a deep passion for the craft.“It’s creative and it passes the time,” Grace explains. “During the war, my mum, my two sisters, and I had to knit socks for the army. The government would provide the wool, and we’d knit them. I like knitting little things that give people pleasure.”Although Grace suffers from arthritis, she continues to find ways to knit. She’s even been knitting knee warmers to ease the pain in her knees.“I’m finding crocheting a bit difficult because of the arthritis in my thumb, but I have an ergonomic crochet hook that really helps,” says Grace. “I’ve got arthritis in my knees, and the only way to ease the pain is with warmth. You can’t have a heat bag on your knees all the time, so I thought I’d make some knee warmers.”“I knit for a while, then crochet, then do a jigsaw. I have to keep going and do something every day.”Grace has already crafted 50 poppies for ANZAC Day, and we can’t wait to see what she creates next.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is actively investigating the source of debris balls that washed up on beaches, including Kiama’s Bombo Beach in December 2024. The exact origin remains undetermined, but the EPA is considering multiple possibilities.Authorities are examining both land-based sources - such as Sydney Water’s sewerage and stormwater systems - and sea-borne sources, including cruise ships or other vessels. The EPA is also conducting debris sampling and advising local councils on safe management and disposal.What to Do if You Find Debris BallsIf you spot debris balls or any suspicious material on the beach, do not touch them. Instead, report them immediately to your local council or call the EPA Environment Line at 131 555.Kiama Council is responsible for any beach closure decisions, but the EPA provides guidance on cleanup and disposal.For updates and FAQs, visit the EPA website.

Just like many other kids, River is starting school this week. But unlike some who may feel a little nervous, she is more than ready for her first day and can’t wait to make new friends. She’s already made a friend at kindergarten orientation, a boy who, coincidentally, is also named River. “I already have a friend at this school…I just met him and his name is River too,” she says.On the other hand, River’s mum, Sheona, is feeling nervous for her eldest child to head off to school for the first time. She’s certain she’ll be the one shedding tears as River goes to school.“We had orientation and I was fighting back tears when she had to walk away to her classroom,” says Sheona.River is bright and enthusiastic and she's made it clear that she has a very specific birthday present that she wants, a “real-life unicorn”. One of River’s favourite things to do is go fishing with her grandad, who she calls ‘Popcorn’. She proudly explains that just this morning she caught seven fish, but then whispers “Guess what? A pelican ate one of the fish”. As an extroverted and chatty young girl, River is particularly looking forward to singing at school, as well as playing sports. When asked if she was nervous at all for her first day of school, River quickly responded, “no.” While she has been waiting with anticipation, she is helping mum at her salon - The Hairy Tortoise in Edessa Arcade! With her confidence, River will have a great start to her school journey. The Bugle hopes all the young ones get off to a great start embarking on the 2025 school year. 

For the Baines family, the Kiama Show is more than just an event, it is a cherished tradition, a marker of seasons, and a celebration of creativity passed down through generations.Belinda Baines beams with pride as she recounts the journey of her daughter, Liberty, whose talent in baking has earned her top honours in the sponge cake competition. What started as a summer pastime has blossomed into a passion, carefully nurtured throughout the year."Libby loves to bake, but it's not a last-minute thing. She practices all year round, always with the show in mind," Belinda says. "She’s also into flower arranging, and we’re lucky to have neighbours with stunning gardens. We trade cakes that don’t make the cut for their beautiful flowers."Liberty Baines has been entering cookery, handcrafts, and decorative flower competitions since she was a tiny tot, and despite her age, she regularly triumphs in the open section. Her latest win includes a stunning bag crafted from the prize ribbons she has collected over the years. A true family tradition, Liberty and her grandmother have competed together in the intergenerational cookery class every year since its inception, keeping the spirit of the Kiama Show alive across generations.Liberty’s success is no surprise given her family’s deep connection to agricultural shows. Belinda herself grew up on a dairy farm in Nowra, where showing cattle at the local fair was an annual highlight. "We were always involved in the Nowra Show, washing cattle, preparing them for judging, and soaking up the atmosphere. It was just what we did," she recalls."Now, our family tradition continues in a different way, but the heart of it remains the same, participation, community, and a little healthy competition."But the preparation for the show is no solitary effort. It’s a family affair, with everyone playing their part. Belinda’s mother encourages all the grandkids to enter the show, keeping the tradition alive. Many of the recipes they use have been in the family for generations. Liberty bakes her award-winning sponge using her great-grandmother’s recipe, which calls for fresh eggs straight from the chook house. "It’s great that there are classes in the show to encourage intergenerational baking, as the grandparents hold all the baking, gardening, and sewing tips and tricks!"Belinda’s father, now retired from dairy farming, takes his role as chief taste tester very seriously. "My dad always says, ‘Is this show quality? You can’t put it on the table unless it is.’ Of course, he’d eat it whether it’s show-worthy or not, but it has to be top-notch to enter."As a primary school teacher, Belinda is passionate about encouraging children to enter the show, not just for the competition, but for the invaluable skills they develop. "At school, I try to get kids to think about what they could enter, whether it’s woodworking, art, or cooking. It’s about having a go, learning patience, and seeing their work displayed with pride."The Kiama Show isn’t just about showcasing skills, it’s about community. Belinda is quick to acknowledge the dedication of volunteers who make the event happen year after year. "It’s incredible how the show just comes together. Everyone knows their job and gets it done, and that’s what makes it special. If we want these traditions to continue, we have to be involved and pass them on."For the Baines family, the show is a reminder of where they come from and the values they hold dear. Whether it’s Liberty’s sponge cakes, Henry’s scarecrow designs, or the countless conversations and exchanges along the way, the spirit of the Kiama Show runs deep in their family.And with each passing year, new memories are made, ensuring that this time-honoured tradition continues for generations to come.

Police are re-appealing for information to locate a man who escaped from a correctional facility on the South Coast last week.David Johnson, aged 44, was last seen on The Links Road, South Nowra, about 7:45am on Wednesday 29 January 2025.Officers attached to South Coast Police District commenced an investigation to locate him.He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall, with a medium build, brown hair, blue eyes and a goatee-style beard. He has a number of distinctive tattoos, including a dragon or snake over his right shoulder, a large animal on his thigh and a name across his back, possibly ‘Kayla’.Police have released new images of clothing he may be wearing including a grey singlet, khaki shorts and black thongs.He is known to frequent the ACT, Queanbeyan and Wollongong areas.Anyone who sees Johnson is urged not to approach him but to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Get ready for a weekend of fast-paced, high-energy football as the Jamberoo Sevens returns, promising non-stop action under the lights and in the early morning sun. This year’s tournament is bigger than ever, with 39 different countries represented from six continents, making it a truly global football showdown.President Alan Smith sums it up best: “We start on Friday night at 8:15pm. And then again at 8am on Saturday. The two are very different experiences. Playing under lights has much excitement and atmosphere. You’ll know what I mean when you come and experience it for yourself.”If you’ve ever watched old-school football matches, you’ll notice one thing, speed has changed everything. The modern game is faster, more precise and demands quick thinking under pressure. Research shows that passing rates and ball speed have consistently increased in World Cup matches, and at Jamberoo, you’ll see that in action.Faster play means sharper footwork, lightning passes, and thrilling counterattacks, making Sevens football a perfect showcase for the modern game. The reduced team size increases the intensity, testing players’ endurance, agility and game sense. Whether you’re on the pitch or on the sidelines, the energy is electric.So, whether you thrive under Friday night lights or prefer the crispness of an early morning challenge, don’t miss out on Jamberoo’s biggest football showdown. Come for the competition, stay for the atmosphere - this is football at its most exhilarating.Friday 8:15pm | Saturday 8am | Jamberoo Sevens I Reid Park Jamberoo Download the App Google here Apple here Visit Jamberoo Sevens website for all you need to know 

Got old batteries or rechargeable devices sitting in a drawer? It’s time to recycle them properly and keep our community safe!Quick action by the Kiama Council driver and the RFS contained this recent fire, which was caused by the improper disposal of lithium batteries.Instead of tossing them in your household bin - where they can cause fires and harm the environment - drop them off at the Kiama Community Recycling Centre.📍 Location: 446 Riverside Dr, Minnamurra NSW 2533🕗 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8am – 4pmThis simple action makes a big difference. Batteries contain harmful chemicals that can leak into the environment if not disposed of correctly. By recycling them at the Kiama Community Recycling Centre, you’re helping to reduce waste and protect our local ecosystem.Making responsible recycling easyWe know that habits stick when they’re simple, visible, and part of a shared effort. That’s why the best way to encourage responsible recycling is to make it easy and normal.✔ Clear action - Just drop them off, no fuss.✔ Community effort - When we all do our part, it becomes second nature.✔ A safer Kiama - Keeping batteries out of household bins reduces fire risks.Why not make battery recycling part of your routine? Next time you’re heading out, take a moment to check if you have any old batteries to drop off. It’s a small step that adds up to a big impact for Kiama!For everything you need to know visit the Correctly Disposing of Batteries: A Guide for Kiama Residents here Let’s keep our community clean, safe, and sustainable - recycle responsibly.

Barb Khalifa Werri Beach/Gerringong Garden Club will be enjoying the beauty of succulents when Rachel Gardner of Succulents by Rachel speaks at our next meeting at 10am on Wednesday 12 February. Members and visitors are welcome to come join us as we admire and learn about succulents in a relaxed friendly environment. We’ll have the opportunity to buy plants and pots from Rachel’s extensive selection. EFTPOS available. Succulents by Rachel specialises in creating succulent arrangements, cacti planters and air plant displays, as well as selling a wide range of succulents, cactus, air-plants and funky pots. Rachel is quite the expert! As well as collecting and selling beautiful plants, plant arrangements and pots, she recently won 6 potted plant awards at the Albion Park Show. Her terrarium exhibit was particularly exquisite! Werri Beach/Gerringong Garden Club meet at the Uniting Church Hall, 28 Fern St Gerringong, at 10am on the second Wednesday each month. Our next meeting is Wednesday 12 February.$5 attendance fee helps us cover hall hire, etc. Members and visitors are welcome. Morning tea is served from 9.30am before the meeting, and the meeting itself starts promptly at 10am.  For further details please contact Barb Khalifa on 0419 498 072 or email [email protected]. Or just come along on 12 February and see for yourself!

I was out to lunch on Saturday when the conversation turned to the recent surfing tragedies along our coast. A couple of people at the table said something that got me thinking."We’re a tourism destination," one of them pointed out. "We invite people here. A lot of them come from Western Sydney, where they don’t grow up with the ocean. They don’t get the same chance to understand the surf or learn beach safety."They were right. We do invite people here. Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa are magnets for visitors, particularly in summer, and many of those visitors have little experience with the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Rips, changing tides and shifting sandbanks aren’t things you necessarily think about when you haven’t grown up near the beach.We proudly tell the world that Kiama is the destination. The question is, what can we do to ensure visitors enjoy it safely?Some councils and surf clubs in coastal areas have started partnerships with inland communities, delivering beach safety education before people even set foot on the sand. Could Kiama do the same? Imagine a program where lifesavers visit schools in Western Sydney, giving kids a practical understanding of rips and surf safety before they even book their summer holiday.Technology could play a big role in preventing tragedies. ResQVision, an emerging real-time monitoring system, could be a game-changer. QR codes at beach entrances could link to live surf conditions, warnings in multiple languages and expert safety advice. Visitors could scan a code and instantly see the latest updates on rips, tides and swimming conditions before stepping onto the sand.But nothing beats human interaction. Should we have more visible surf safety ambassadors, volunteers or trained staff at our busiest beaches during peak times, approaching visitors before they enter the water? Could a combination of ResQVision technology and face-to-face guidance make a real difference in reducing preventable drownings?What if we partnered with a city like Penrith, where many of our visitors come from? A structured program between councils, surf clubs, St John’s Ambulance and schools could create a pipeline of education that doesn’t just reduce risk but builds long-term awareness. Perhaps even exchange programs where young people from Western Sydney spend time with surf lifesavers here, learning firsthand.The ocean belongs to everyone, but so does the responsibility for keeping people safe in it. We can’t put all the pressure on lifeguards and volunteers when the reality is that prevention is the best tool we have. If we’re inviting people to our coastline, we need to make sure they have the knowledge to enjoy it safely.Kiama is the destination - but are we doing enough to make it a safe one?

Compassionate Communities Illawarra-Shoalhaven, in collaboration with the Kiama Municipal Library, is set to host four Death Café events in 2025. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for open, relaxed discussions about death and dying, accompanied by cake and coffee.Local resident Carolyn Vaughan says, “Many times, we might have thoughts on the subject swirling around in our minds but don’t give ourselves the space to talk about it. What we offer is that space, and we’re grateful for our partnership with the Kiama Municipal Library. I highly recommend everyone attend when they can.”The Death Café events will be held on the following dates:Friday, 14 March, at Gerringong LibraryThursday, 19 June, at Kiama LibraryThursday, 18 September, at Gerringong LibraryThursday, 20 November, at Kiama Library All events will run from 2 – 4 pm.There is no agenda at these gatherings. Participants can share a story, listen, or simply observe, depending on their comfort level. With diverse experiences and expectations surrounding death, the Death Café offers a chance to discuss this inevitable life phase in a supportive, sacred space.The initiative encourages community members to take a more active role in supporting one another through life’s challenging moments.Please note: The Death Café is not a grief support or counselling session and may not be suitable for those grieving a recent loss.To book your spot, visit www.library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/events or call 4233 1133. For more details, contact Carolyn Vaughan at 0418 480 690. We look forward to seeing you there!

When powerful institutions limit media access, the need for independent, community-driven journalism becomes even greater. The recent decision by the Trump administration to remove major news outlets from Pentagon workspaces may seem like an issue confined to the United States, but the principle at stake is access to information, which affects everyone. Local journalism plays a vital role in holding power to account. When governments make controversial decisions, whether it is large-scale public spending, allocating funds for discretionary projects, or restricting public input, journalists step in to ask the tough questions. Without a free and fair press, authorities could operate with little scrutiny, making decisions that impact communities without challenge. This is not just a theoretical issue. The Trump administration’s move to replace established media outlets with pro-Trump platforms reflects a broader attempt to control the narrative rather than encourage transparency. When journalists lose access, the public loses too. History shows that when governments sideline independent journalism, trust declines and misinformation fills the void. That is why independent journalism remains essential to ensuring communities stay informed and engaged. If governments seek to replace independent scrutiny with more favourable coverage, they should expect the opposite. A strong and independent press, whether local or national, exists to serve the public, not those in power. We will keep asking the hard questions. 

As Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Snake, the NSW Government is celebrating with the latest addition to its popular Chinese Zodiac Birth Certificate series.Whether you were born under the sign of the Snake or are welcoming a new family member in 2025, you can commemorate the occasion with a beautifully designed birth certificate featuring the striking landscapes of Mungo National Park.The Snake is the fourth Chinese Zodiac animal to be showcased in the commemorative collection offered by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Since the series launched in 2022, nearly 10,000 certificates have been purchased, with the Year of the Dragon proving the most popular so far, selling a record 3,428 certificates since February 2024.Commissioned artist Lucy Wang travelled across New South Wales to capture the essence of each Zodiac sign within the state’s most iconic landscapes. Mungo National Park was chosen to represent the Snake, as it is home to one of Australia’s largest reptiles, the Carpet Python (Morelia spilota). With its intricate black and brown patterns accented by golden spots, the Carpet Python holds cultural significance in the storytelling traditions of First Nations communities.Lucy Wang’s artwork for the Year of the Snake certificate portrays the python gracefully resting on a tree log, gazing upward, against a backdrop of the Wall of China rock formations in Mungo National Park. The warm hues of a lavender and orange sunset add to the striking composition, blending nature and culture in a way that embodies the Snake’s intelligence and mystique.NSW residents born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025 may find special meaning in this release, as these years are associated with the Year of the Snake. People born under this sign are often considered intuitive, graceful, and deeply connected to their inner strength.In 2025, the Snake is associated with the Wood element, symbolising creativity and growth. The Carpet Python’s wise and gentle nature makes it a fitting representation of the Year of the Wood Snake in Australia.The commemorative birth certificates are available to anyone born or adopted in NSW, offering a unique way to celebrate both personal milestones and cultural heritage.

The Gerringong sporting community is celebrating a major milestone with the official opening of the upgraded clubhouse at Gerry Emery Reserve, a project made possible through a $466,000 grant from the NSW Stronger Country Communities program and an additional $75,000 from Kiama Council. Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and President of Gerringong District All Sports John Trevenar marked the occasion, praising the collective effort that brought the project to fruition.Mr Ward, who secured the funding in 2023, described the upgrade as an investment in the future of local sport. Gerry Emery Reserve in Gerringong official opening “This is more than just an infrastructure improvement -it’s about creating opportunities and enhancing accessibility for athletes of all ages and abilities,” Mr Ward said.“The hard work of John Trevenar, committee members, and the broader community has been truly inspiring. Their dedication has ensured that this vision became a reality.”The upgrade focuses on improved female and accessible facilities, a crucial step in making the venue more inclusive. The enhanced clubhouse will support a variety of sports, including cricket, touch football, soccer, and Women’s Oztag. It will also serve as a venue for Gerringong Public School’s sports carnivals and cross country events, as well as combined high school sports days.John Trevenar highlighted the three years of planning, fundraising, and hard work that went into the project.“These new facilities will make a real difference, ensuring that female athletes and individuals with disabilities feel welcomed and supported,” Mr Trevenar said.He also acknowledged the vital role of local businesses, sponsors, and community members in achieving the project’s funding goals.“This is proof of what can be accomplished when a community works together. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a reality.”Mr Ward echoed these sentiments, commending the leadership of Mr Trevenar and the dedication of local sporting clubs.“This project showcases the strength of community spirit in Gerringong. I look forward to seeing these facilities enjoyed by generations of athletes to come,” he said.

KIAMA JUNIOR CRICKET UNDER 11 A COMPETITIONKIAMA BLACK A 141 d ALBION PARK GOLD 123

THE SEVERNE EAST COAST WAVESAILING TITLESGERROA