Dylan Longbottom has surfed massive 50-foot waves in Nazaré and 30-foot waves in Teahupo’o, but in the documentary film The Blind Sea, he faces his biggest challenge yet - making sure a blind surfer can safely tackle big waves and make it home to his wife and children.Longbottom, who spent part of his youth in Kiama and now owns a surfboard manufacturing business in the Illawarra, specialises in big-wave surfing. His team ensures that every wave is tackled safely, including designing and shaping boards to handle those massive swells.It was this expertise that led Matt Formston, a paralympian and four-time World Champion Blind Surfer, to approach Longbottom when he decided to take on big-wave surfing as his next challenge."Matt was a keen surfer even as a blind athlete, and he started getting into bigger waves. Since I’ve always been into big waves and shaping boards, one of the guys he worked with connected us about five years ago," says Longbottom."Over the years, I’ve worked on his boards and taken him surfing in Australia, Fiji, and Indonesia. We developed a strong relationship, and Matt just kept pushing for bigger waves."Kyle Richardson with Matt and Dylan behind the scenes of the film. Source: Bonsai FilmsLongbottom was determined to help Matt reach his goal and even tried surfing blind himself. "I tried surfing blind, and it was probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever done - more terrifying than surfing the waves in Nazaré or Teahupo’o. It was seriously intense," he says.After gaining some experience surfing big waves, the idea emerged to take Matt to Nazaré, and this would become the focal point of The Blind Sea."The producer of the film asked me, Do you think Matt could handle Nazaré? We’d considered other waves, but they were too close to rocks, and with Matt being blind, it was too dangerous," Longbottom recalls."But Nazaré is a massive beach break that comes out of the canyon, and everything there is beach break. It’s probably the heaviest wave in the world for hold downs, but I thought if any big wave could work, it would be that one."With Matt excited to take on the challenge, the movie centered around the tension of whether a blind surfer could manage the brutal conditions at Nazaré.The film's drama was amplified when Dylan had an incident while testing the waters at Nazaré before Matt’s turn. Although it was a real moment, it added enormous tension to the narrative."After that happened, Matt said to me, Oh my God, if that can happen to you with your experience, what’s going to happen to me?" Longbottom says.Longbottom admits that the responsibility he felt was immense. "I had a lot of pressure on me because I knew how much Matt’s family depended on him. I really felt the weight of bringing him home safe - making sure he didn’t get injured or worse. I was terrified; I had a lot on my shoulders," he says.A still from the film. Source: Bonsai Films.To find out whether Matt succeeded in his big-wave challenge, you’ll have to watch the film. But for those wondering why anyone would put themselves in such dangerous situations, Dylan says it’s all about facing your fears.“If you can get through your fear, you can achieve things that other people can’t. Pushing yourself to the limit is an incredible feeling. It’s dangerous, but we’re experienced, and we know what we’re doing to handle these situations," he says.Dylan in his surfboard workshop in Port Kembla.The Blind Sea was Longbottom’s second major film experience - his first being in the 2015 remake of the classic film Point Break, where he worked as a stuntman and shaped the boards used in the movie."That was unreal. When they asked me to be a stuntman for the remake, I couldn’t believe it. The original Point Break is one of my favorite movies, so working on a Warner Brothers film was one of the best experiences of my life," Dylan says."Hollywood stars, giant sets, we were filming in Tahiti - one of the heaviest waves in the world. They wanted me to do this crazy stunt, and they also asked me to shape all the boards for the surfers. It was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. You can spot me in the film because of my surfing style - they put dots on my neck and face and matched them to the actor’s face."The Blind Sea is available on Netflix now, but the film’s sensational sound design and depiction of giant waves should be seen on the big screen. If anyone is interested in screening the film, you can contact Bonsai Films at [email protected].

If you’ve ever wondered whether council meetings can rival reality TV for sheer entertainment value, the latest session at Kiama Council has your answer.Motion 20.4, a seemingly straightforward discussion about companion animals, turned into a purr-fectly hilarious exchange that left some councillors feline amused and others catatonic with disbelief. Councillor Stuart Larkins kicked things off with a serious pitch for developing a companion animal strategy, citing changing housing patterns, updates to the NSW Companion Animals Act, and the state’s increasing focus on feral cat management.A reasonable, well-structured argument, right? Well, enter Councillor Michael Cains, who clearly had other ideas. “I recognise that Councillor Larkins has pounced on this particular strategy,” he began, barely a minute into his speech. “But I’m not feline the same disposition towards this.” The puns only escalated from there, as Councillor Cains questioned the necessity of new regulations, floated the idea of a mayoral cat (in the newly refurbished mayoral quarters, no less), and drew comparisons to the weighty matters of Fabian socialism. “Are we supposed to create some sort of paw patrol? And where do we stop? Are we going to start counting goldfish now?” he asked, perhaps wondering if the council chambers had transformed into an episode of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Kittens. The response was swift. Councillor Larkins, whilst impressed with the feline wordplay, pointed out that the motion was about more than just cats, it addressed responsible pet ownership across the board.Councillor Imogen Draisma tried to rein things back in, noting that COVID-19 had led to an increase in pet ownership and, as a result, more compliance issues. But by then, the cat was well and truly out of the bag. As the debate continued, the council chamber became a battleground of animal references.Councillor Matt Brown declared, “You’ve got to be kitten me,” before supporting an amendment for consultation with the RSPCA. Councillor Yasmin Tatrai circled back to the dogs, while Councillor Erica Warren sought to tweak the wording on household pet limits.Somewhere amidst the chaos, a serious discussion about responsible pet ownership was taking place, but you’d be forgiven for thinking you had tuned into a satirical panel show instead. In the end, the motion passed, with council agreeing to establish a formal pet management strategy.The debate left a lasting impression, not just for its policy implications, but for the sheer entertainment value. If council meetings continue like this, we may have found Kiama’s next must-watch event. Forget Married at First Sight, this is local government at its most unfiltered.And best of all, it’s free to stream here

The Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch is launching a Veterans’ Assistance Centre at its hall on Allowrie Street, Jamberoo - directly opposite the Jamberoo Hotel.Starting Saturday, 5 April, the centre will be open on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to 12 noon, providing free support and advice for veterans and their families.RSL member and veteran Craig “Clarry” Claridge, a highly qualified Wellbeing Support Officer, will be available for consultations. A former Chief Petty Officer Medic with expertise in remote healthcare, Clarry has served with the Royal Australian Navy, Queensland Ambulance Service, and on international operations. For over a decade, he has dedicated himself to supporting veterans and their families in the Illawarra region, helping them access essential services.Craig and his wife, Danielle, also run Better Planning, a Wollongong-based NDIS company, offering free assistance to veterans and their families navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme.In addition to wellbeing support, the centre will provide Justice of the Peace services and a welcoming space for veterans to drop in for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee.For more information, contact Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch President Gary McKay on 0411 574 019 or via email at [email protected].

Local historian Tony Gilmour’s new book, Rascals and Respectables, delves into the rich history of the hotels in Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong. Speaking with Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio, Tony described the book as a passion project that captures the social fabric of the area.He is celebrating the book’s release with two launch events on Saturday (22 March). From the earliest days, hotels were more than just drinking spots. With no council chambers, police stations, or community halls, they hosted everything from council meetings to sports club gatherings. Interestingly, early hotels were required to provide accommodation, with licensing laws stipulating a minimum number of bedrooms and even ceiling heights.The licensing of hotels was driven by revenue rather than regulation.“State governments couldn’t tax directly, so hotel licences became a lucrative income source,” Gilmour explained. In the 1850s, a surge of new venues led to a boom-and-bust cycle, with many closing within months.Kiama wasn’t always the dominant town. In the mid-19th century, Jamberoo was larger, and an even bigger settlement, Woodstock, has now vanished.“Woodstock was ahead of its time, with a brewery, timber yard, and over 50 dwellings,” Gilmour added. Poor leadership and an isolated location led to its decline, leaving no trace of its existence today.One of Kiama’s most curious tales is The Gold Diggers Arms, a hotel set up by Joseph Pike near Pike’s Hill. A councillor and entrepreneur, Pike nearly bankrupted Kiama Council with infrastructure projects that largely benefited his landholdings.The hotel’s name played into a hoax about gold in the area, briefly fooling residents into believing a rush was imminent.With the mining boom of the 1870s and the railway’s arrival, Kiama’s population surged. This led to the era of ornate hotels, including The Grand, Tory’s, the Brighton, and the Royal.The Royal, once the premier stay for visiting dignitaries, was destroyed in the great fire of 1899, which devastated half of Kiama’s town centre. Tory’s Hotel narrowly escaped the flames.In true Kiama fashion, locals salvaged what they could from the burning Royal hotel, mainly the liquor, and held an impromptu party.“It wasn’t all bad news,” Gilmour laughed.Saturday’s first book launch event is a formal affair at Kiama Library at 2pm with Gareth Ward, which will feature tea and cake.The event will then relocate upstairs at Tory’s Hotel for a more relaxed gathering at 5pm with drinks and lively anecdotes. The book is available at both launches, or from Pilot’s Cottage Museum and local stockists, with all proceeds supporting the Kiama Historical Society.Rascals and Respectables is a lively tribute to our local hotels and the characters who shaped them.

The Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment is leading the way in getting more women onto building sites. With 13 per cent of its workforce female, the project has more than tripled the NSW Government’s trial target of four per cent for women in trade-based roles.It is also ahead of the industry average, where women make up just 13 per cent of the overall construction workforce and a mere two per cent of trades. This project proves targeted initiatives can shift entrenched industry norms.But while women are stepping into construction roles, the same cannot be said for men entering traditionally female-dominated fields.The numbers tell the story. In health and social assistance, women dominate, making up 79 per cent of the workforce. Education sits at 64 per cent female. Administrative and clerical jobs are overwhelmingly staffed by women. Yet men are barely moving into these spaces.Cultural norms still dictate career paths. Young men are steered towards trades and engineering while caring professions are seen as “women’s work.” Pay is another factor. Construction jobs typically offer higher wages than healthcare or education, making them more attractive to men.Workplace culture plays a role too. Just as women in trades face challenges being accepted, men in nursing or early childhood education can feel out of place.Governments have backed programs to boost women in construction, but there has been little effort to encourage men into female-dominated industries. Recruitment campaigns, better career guidance and policy incentives could help shift the balance.The Shoalhaven Hospital project shows change is possible when governments and industry work together. But for true gender equality in the workforce, that change needs to go both ways.

A fresh wave of surfers are making a splash thanks to Werri Beach Boardriders’ Microgroms Competition on Sunday at Gerroa.Kids 4-12 years hit the water for the monthly competition which aims to introduce youngsters to the basics of competitive surfing in a supportive environment.Werri Beach Boardriders secretary and treasurer Jess McGarn said the emphasis was not on the results.Source: Brian Scott“It's more about coming together, having fun, and starting to learn the foundations of competitive surfing.”The competition, which has been running for around 30 years, has helped launch the careers of surfers like Sally Fitzgibbons, Lucy Darragh, Dean Bowen and Holly Wishart.“For those kids who want to take their surfing to the next level and become competitive, this is the first step into that world,” McGarn said. “It provides a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment for them to explore.”Source: Brian ScottBeyond surfing, the most important aspect of the Microgroms program is the sense of community. “It’s about the families and kids coming together and being part of something bigger. That’s what makes it so special.”McGarn also expressed her admiration for the photos taken by The Bugle’s own Brian Scott, which captured the spirit of the day. Source: Brian Scott“What’s nice to see is that a few of the dads in the background of Brian’s photos are actually former Microgroms themselves. It’s wonderful to see that come full circle.”For those interested in bringing their kids to the next Microgroms competition, more information can be found on the Werri Beach Boardriders Facebook page.

Carol GoddardIt’s hard to deny the undeniable pleasure of music and the power that it brings.From classical to rock to jazz to blues and every other musical genre, the sound, rhythm and pulse make us feel so alive.To quote the late, great Jimi Hendrix: “music is a safe kind of high”. The symptoms are obvious and intoxicating. If you find yourself hip-wiggling, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, swaying or just chilling to music, you've been taken captive.The music has got you in its potent grasp. It has enriched you. There were many examples of this phenomenon at last weekend’s Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. For three glorious days, I was indeed a willing participant. The town was moving to the beat with so many people - young, old, locals and visitors - dancing like no one was watching, whether in our streets, in the cafés,Hindmarsh or Coronation Park, or at our beloved Fillmore’s and the Kiama Surf Club. It was a joyous snapshot of community togetherness at its most beautiful, all because of live music. Each musician gave us a gift by sharing their passion and creativity, and putting uncompromising heart and soul into their performances.They shared their thoughts and dreams, and in some cases, their fears. Julz Parker, a breathtakingly talented guitarist of the Lismore band Hussy Hicks, brought the house down at the surf club by proclaiming that the greatest antidote to fear was groove. Pearl Noire had the crowd spellbound and laughing at the cheeky, sometimes naughty, stage antics she pulled off so brilliantly. There were so many exciting, talented, amazing musicians, both homegrown and international imports in one spot, gorgeous Kiama. Perhaps this says it all: an elderly gentleman, on his own at the festival, told me what the weekend meant to him when I asked him if he got out to live gigs at all: “No, but I will from now on.”

One Kiama boy is proving even the smallest hands can make a difference, and fund a holiday along the way. Eight-year-old Oscar O’Brien has become something of a local hero, recycling 1000 bottles and cans in just two weeks as part of his mission to help fund a family trip to Japan in June. Oscar is learning about recycling, keeping Kiama beautiful and saving money at the same time, motivated by the prospect of visiting Tokyo Disneyland, which is meaningful given his struggle with travel sickness. Until recently, Oscar suffered from severe travel sickness that made even 30-minute car rides a source of anxiety. Last year, a flight to Melbourne boosted his confidence and he is determined to enjoy travel. What began as a small learning experience for Oscar has turned into a community effort. Local businesses including Saltwater Kiama, Tory's, and the Kiama Farmers' Market have rallied behind Oscar's goal, helping him collect bottles and cans. Now, Oscar has set his sights even higher, aiming for 50,000 containers before his family’s trip. For those looking to contribute to Oscar's cause, the O'Brien family offers convenient bulk pick-ups throughout Kiama for eligible containers. Phone 0416 702 996 to arrange a collection.

Kiama Council is taking a hard look at how it manages community assets after several high-profile projects, including the stalled Jamberoo Cycleway, faced cost blowouts, delays, and funding shortfalls. It’s not the only project that has raised concerns.The Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club rebuild and Blue Haven Bonaira aged care project also exposed planning and funding shortfalls, with Council forced to cover unplanned expenses at critical stages.Meanwhile, community groups have grown frustrated with slow asset maintenance, leading some to take matters into their own hands by securing grants or external funding, only to return to Council for final approvals, often without a clear framework in place.A motion put forward by Councillor Melinda Lawton (Item No. 20.3) at the Kiama Council Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, 18 March 2025 aims to fix these problems by introducing clearer policies, better project oversight, and more transparency in how Council manages public infrastructure.The move follows a 2024 internal audit that highlighted gaps in planning, funding, and asset maintenance, leading to frustrations among community groups and unexpected financial burdens for Council. The Jamberoo Cycleway was meant to provide a safe connection between the village and Kiama’s broader cycleway network, but costs surged from $2.5 million to $5.4 million, leaving a $2.9 million funding gap.With no immediate solution, Council is now considering returning the grant to Transport for NSW. Cr Lawton’s motion proposes a State of the Assets report in Council’s annual review, six-monthly updates to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, and a stronger project management framework. The aim is to prevent similar issues from derailing future projects. Council’s CEO Jane Stroud has backed the proposal, recognising the need for more project management resources and stronger governance.The motion will be considered as part of the 2025-26 budget process, with further reports expected. If adopted, these changes could ensure that major community projects, whether led by Council or local groups, are delivered on time, on budget, and without the headaches.

At tomorrow night's council meeting, councillors will vote on whether to withdraw from the Jamberoo Cycleway project due to increased costs that exceed available funding.If endorsed, council will formally notify Transport for NSW, return $2.5 million in grant funding, and submit a final claim to recover $170,000 in project expenses.Council will also explore future grant opportunities under better financial conditions.Council secured $2.5 million in 2021 to fund the construction of the 7-kilometre Jamberoo Valley Cycleway, which was planned to link Jamberoo with the rest of Kiama’s cycleway network.Council secured $2.5 million in 2021 to fund the construction of the 7-kilometre Jamberoo Valley Cycleway, which was planned to link Jamberoo with the rest of Kiama’s cycleway network.Construction was scheduled to begin in the 2023-24 financial year, but council cited staff turnover and a shortage of project management resources as factors contributing to the delays.According to council the full design documentation was completed in December 2024, and now Council must decide on the next steps, as the project funding remains critical.The most pressing issue is the updated cost estimate, which now stands at $5.4 million, $2.9 million more than originally planned.With the funding gap still unresolved and limited options available for securing additional resources, Council faces a choice: proceed and find additional funding or withdraw and return the grant.What if the funding had been used when first allocated?Would the project have been completed before costs escalated?The first stage opened in 2012 with a vision to extend the cycleway to Jamberoo.At the time, council determined a preferred route and secured funding that included land acquisition.Some landholders raised concerns about fencing, flooding, and the impact on their operations.In response, funding was set aside to provide compensation and land acquisition support, similar to the approach taken for the coastal walking track.As the project progressed, council reconsidered the route and explored an alternative along Swamp Road.This approach reduced the need for land acquisition and addressed concerns raised by some landholders.The latest extension brought the cycleway to Browns Road, but it stops short of Jamberoo.Cyclists and walkers now have to join the busy tourist road, creating a safety risk at Fountaindale Creek Bridge.Cyclists and walkers now have to join the busy tourist road, creating a major safety risk at Fountaindale Creek Bridge.Cyclists who use the route say this is a challenging part of the journey.For Jamberoo, the cycleway is more than just infrastructure, it is an opportunity to boost local business and create a safe, accessible link to the coast.Regular cyclists and visitors already use the existing sections, but without a complete connection, Jamberoo cannot fully benefit.Local resident Kim Ryan, who regularly cycles in the area, believes the cycleway would bring a much-needed economic boost to the village."You will have group gatherings, they will eat and have coffee, they will bring money into the town. So why would you not extend the cycleway and make it safe for all these people?It's not only for cyclists. There are people who run, people who walk, people who walk their dogs, children who walk," she said.A scenic ride through rolling hills, farmland and rainforest. Photo source KBug websiteWith project costs now exceeding available funding, council is considering whether to withdraw and return the remaining grant money.Some in the community are questioning whether returning the funding is the right approach.A recent comment on social media highlighted concerns about how grant money has been managed in the past."The cycleway funding was reallocated in 2021 from leftover funds from the Minnamurra River Boardwalk project, which had originally been allocated $4.5 million to $5.4 million, depending on government reports at the time.The boardwalk project was ultimately abandoned due to cost blowouts. If the cycleway is also cancelled, it would mean that only one of the four projects funded from that reallocation has been completed."The comment also raises the point that Transport for NSW has verbally agreed to extend the grant deadline to March 2026, suggesting that there may still be time to reassess options.Given the safety concerns for cyclists and walkers at Fountaindale Creek Bridge, some argue that a staged approach to completing the cycleway could be considered rather than returning the funding.The idea of a fully connected cycleway clearly has community support.Some see potential tourism benefits, while others focus on the safety and wellbeing aspects of a dedicated pathway.Landholder concerns have been an important factor in decision-making, and any future plans would need to consider both community needs and private property impacts.What if a way forward can be found?Could a revised design allow the project to continue?For now, the future of the Jamberoo Cycleway remains uncertain.But what if the conversation is not over yet?The Bugle will update you tomorrow after council deliberations. 

Police have found what they believe to be the body of a missing six-year-old girl in bushland at North Nowra.South Coast Police were notified after the girl, Airlie Montgomery, went missing around 2pm on Sunday in the North Nowra area.Officers immediately started a wide-scale search with more than 100 members of the public helping in the search for the North Nowra Public School student.The police used a helicopter in the search with emergency services personnel focusing on The Grotto at Shoalhaven River, a popular hiking trail and lookout area.Around 6pm a body was located in bushland. Police are not treating Airlie's death as suspicious and believe it was a case of misadventure gone wrong.The NSW Department of Education issued a statement on Monday to say it was "deeply saddened by this tragedy" and “our thoughts are with the family and all those affected”. "We are providing support to students and staff and will continue to do so for as long as it is needed."Police have launched an investigation into the death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The disabled toilet at Reid Park in Jamberoo is permanently locked, requiring users to obtain a key from the local IGA or Jamberoo pub.Public disabled toilets are meant to provide dignity and accessibility, yet too often they are locked due to vandalism.For people with disabilities, this creates an unnecessary barrier to accessing essential facilitiesI recently covered Disabled Surfing Association event in Gerroa and the Kiama Lions Club’s support of the Australian Lions Club Mobility Foundation (LCMF).These two very inspiring community events run by volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that disabled people have the best life they possibly can.Their efforts highlight the need for public facilities that are not only available but genuinely accessible for those who need them.While the MLAK (Master Locksmiths Access Key) system is designed to provide controlled access, requiring individuals to leave the location to fetch a key is impractical.Rather than relying on outdated key-based access systems, councils could explore more modern solutions, such as digital access codes, QR-activated entry systems, or automated timed locks that allow for secure yet accessible use.Councillor Erica Warren highlighted that“Not every improvement needs to be costly. Technology and innovation are driving new possibilities for accessibility. The future is about making independence a reality for all.”Ensuring disabled toilets are both available and easy to access is a fundamental issue of fairness.“Councils and businesses that invest in accessibility are investing in people,” Cr Warren added. “It’s about creating environments where wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges can move with ease.”Locked toilets, like the one in Reid Park, highlight the need for change. A mix of better technology, community involvement, and smart policy decisions could ensure that disabled toilets remain accessible, secure, and practical for those who rely on them.Kiama and other local councils have an opportunity to rethink how disabled toilets are managed to strike a balance between accessibility and security.

Marine Rescue NSW has begun deploying volunteer flood rescue and support operators, along with staff, specialised vessels, and equipment, to Northern NSW as part of the NSW Government’s response to assist communities expected to be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.Marine Rescue NSW currently has 6-metre multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) and specialised crew located at Tweed Heads (Point Danger), Coffs Harbour, and Nambucca Heads.Two multi-purpose vessels departed Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters at Cronulla this morning, along with the Mobile Incident Command van, while another MPV from Marine Rescue Port Kembla also began the trip north, crewed by volunteers from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet and Shoalhaven.Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie are ready to be tasked, while Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) are in position at Marine Rescue Brunswick and Coffs Harbour. An IRB is also being transported north from Marine Rescue Hawkesbury.Marine Rescue NSW Superintendent Dan Duemmer said Coffs Harbour is the initial staging point for the Service’s flood rescue and support operators and assets.“Marine Rescue NSW began pre-deploying multi-purpose vessels from the Lemon Tree Passage and Tuggerah Lakes units yesterday.“Our flood rescue and support operators are highly trained and committed to supporting the multi-agency response when tasked by NSW SES,” he said.Superintendent Duemmer advised boaters to avoid going out on the water until the weather system has passed.“Conditions will be very dangerous on our waterways. It is not worth endangering yourself or others for a day out on the water.“The forecast winds and swells will make boating hazardous – don’t risk it.“If safe to do so, boaters should ensure their vessels are moored securely and anchored safely,” Superintendent Duemmer said.For assistance, contact Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or call Triple Zero (000).Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALLSENIOR SECONDARY - PURPLE

KIAMA JUNIOR GRADING DAY - GROUP 5

The fate of Kiama’s old nursing home site in Havilah Place remains unclear, even as the council continues to spend an estimated $600,000 plus annually on security for the vacant building. With no designated date for demolition, concerns are mounting over the ongoing financial burden and lack of direction for the prime piece of real estate in central Kiama. The old nursing home, once a key aged care facility, is now sitting empty, its facilities unused and deteriorating. Despite the building no longer serving its intended purpose, the council has employed round-the-clock security, including two guards on shift 24 hours a day, at a reported cost of $35 per hour each.  This level of expenditure has sparked criticism from community members, questioning why the site remains in limbo while funds are being drained to protect an unused structure. Given its central location, the site holds significant value, and redevelopment options have been floated.Some experts believe that an eight to ten-storey retirement complex could be a feasible project, catering to retirees looking for a central, convenient lifestyle. The site’s position within the former quarry means that such a development could proceed with minimal landscape impact while adding much-needed housing stock to Kiama’s property market. However, the council’s financial struggles raise questions about whether it could afford to undertake such a project or if selling the site to a private developer would be the most viable option. If the council is unable to fund redevelopment, selling the site could generate significant revenue, with estimates suggesting it could fetch $20 to $30 million. However, the question remains, what is the best use for the land? With the ongoing security expenses and no clear plan in place, calls are growing for the council to take decisive action rather than letting the site continue to sit in costly uncertainty.

OpinionKiama MP Gareth Ward has called for the Rental Commissioner to be made truly independent, arguing the current system is failing renters and acting as little more than a political tool for the government of the day.Speaking to The Bugle, Ward expressed frustration that the Rental Commissioner has not responded to his correspondence and appears to be selective in engaging with communities.“They just do the bidding of the government, whoever that government might be. If they were genuinely seeking policy reform, they would be visiting regions, listening to communities, and responding to requests from all members of parliament, not just government MPs,” Ward said.He believes the structure of the commission, as it stands, is fundamentally flawed. “It is just another public servant, not an independent voice for renters,” he said.Ward is particularly concerned about the lack of accountability for landlords, citing local cases where rental properties have been left in shocking conditions with little oversight. “We are seeing anything thrown on the market by estate agents, sometimes from completely different LGAs. Imagine if there were no local agents at all, just online agencies with no real person to speak to. It is a serious issue.”His concerns are reinforced by new data from the latest REA Group Rental Affordability Report, which confirms New South Wales is experiencing its worst rental affordability crisis on record.Sydney rents have reached an unprecedented $780 per week for houses and $700 for units, making it the least affordable state in Australia.“This report validates what 67,900 people seeking homelessness support last year already know – housing in NSW has become completely unaffordable for many,” said Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe.With rising homelessness in the region, Ward pointed to a stark disconnect between political rhetoric and real-world outcomes. “Titles do not matter to someone sleeping in a tent or in the back of their car. What matters is actual outcomes. And I do not see what outcomes this commission has achieved.”Ward is now pushing for reforms, including making the Rental Commissioner independent and ensuring renters in regional areas, such as Kiama, have their concerns heard.“I will be raising this at my next cross-bench meeting and suggesting we bring the Rental Commissioner in for a briefing. If they are supposed to be a voice for renters, they need to be listening.”As the housing crisis deepens, the question remains.Will the government take real action, or will the Rental Commissioner remain little more than political window dressing?

Kiama’s pharmacists are more than healthcare providers.They are trusted members of the community, offering vital services that extend far beyond dispensing prescriptions.From vaccinations to urgent treatments, medication advice, and community initiatives, their role in our region is indispensable.Local MP Gareth Ward emphasises the importance of recognising the contributions of pharmacists, particularly during Thank Your Pharmacist Week.“Today is important to highlight the critical role that our local pharmacists play and to understand how supporting pharmacists means better healthcare access. As your local State MP, I will continue to fight to strengthen our local pharmacists' role in our healthcare system and the many benefits they provide for our region,” says Mr Ward.Pharmacists in Kiama are stepping into expanded frontline healthcare roles.Many now administer flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as travel immunisations, and provide medication for urgent conditions, ensuring patients receive timely treatment when they cannot get same-day access to a doctor.Chris Mills from Kiama Destination Pharmacy in the Woolworths Shopping Complex, Siab Mohamed from Blooms Chemist in Terralong Street, and Megan Kelly from Kiama Pharmacy in Manning Street all recognise the importance of accessible healthcare. They offer expert guidance on medication management, helping patients take medicines safely and avoid harmful interactions.Medication reviews are also available to assist those managing complex prescriptions.Our pharmacists are often the first line of support for minor ailments, mental health concerns, and chronic disease management.Many also offer home medicine delivery services, ensuring vulnerable members of the community receive the care they need.Beyond healthcare, Kiama’s pharmacists are deeply involved in initiatives that make a tangible difference.Kiama Pharmacy actively collaborates with community groups, including fundraising efforts such as the Lions Club charity stamp collection program, the Christmas Cake drive, and the ever-popular Apple Drive, where fresh apples sourced directly from farms are sold in local businesses to raise funds for community programs.Pharmacies in Kiama also provide collection points for various recycling and charity programs. Blooms Chemist and Kiama Pharmacy have taken the initiative to privately fund a needle disposal program, ensuring safe disposal of used sharps after the council discontinued the service.“We do not charge for collection. People can bring their used sharps in, and we ensure they are disposed of properly.The small fee for the containers simply covers the cost of the private company that picks them up,” explains Siab Mohamed.Additionally, Blooms Chemist has established a drop-off point for empty prescription blister packs, helping to divert this difficult-to-recycle waste from landfill.This service is in high demand, with disposal bins sometimes needing to be replaced daily.With pharmacists providing a growing number of frontline health services while supporting local charities, their contribution extends far beyond the pharmacy counter.They help people manage their health with confidence while ensuring their communities are well cared for, both medically and socially.This Thank Your Pharmacist Week, take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and expertise of our local pharmacists.They are more than just healthcare professionals.They are integral to the wellbeing of the Kiama community.

Events across the Illawarra and South Coast are set to benefit from a $1.5 million funding boost as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Event Fund for the 2025/26 financial year.Event organisers can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support new and existing events that enrich the state’s event calendar and drive increased overnight tourism to regional communities.Managed by Destination NSW, the fund is designed to strengthen regional visitor economies and is available through three key funding streams:Incubator Event Stream – Up to $20,000 for new events in their first or second year to help establish them as major tourism drivers.Flagship Event Stream – Grants of $20,000 for events running for more than two years to help boost their profile. Events that have previously received three years of funding can apply for $30,000 over three years.Event Development Stream – Up to $50,000 for established events that have completed the Flagship Event stream’s three-year funding cycle.Boosting Local Communities and TourismMinister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, highlighted the importance of supporting regional events, which bring communities together, attract tourists, and strengthen local economies.“The Regional Event Fund has already supported over 530 events with $14 million in funding, helping turn events like the Deni Ute Muster and Parkes Elvis Festival into must-visit experiences,” he said.Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, emphasised the impact of the funding on local economies.“Events bring business, jobs, and tourists to our small towns, providing a fantastic economic boost to the Illawarra and the South Coast,” he said.Previous Funding Successes in the RegionThe Regional Event Fund has already supported numerous events in the Illawarra and South Coast, including:Big Country Festival, BerryThe KISS Arts Festival, KiamaWaterfront Food + Wine Festival, Shell CoveYours & Owls Festival, WollongongNational Freestyle Mountain Bike Championships, TongarraUltra Trail Jervis BayApplications Now OpenApplications for the 2025/26 Regional Event Fund close at midnight on Sunday, 6 April 2025. Eligible events must be scheduled between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.For more information or to apply, visit: www.destinationnsw.com.au.