School bus 493 caught fire today on Collins Street outside the Kiama Leagues Club. Everyone was evacuated safely.Worried Kiama residents took to Facebook to share photos of the fire when it was happening, but the fire is controlled now and the road is closed. Kiama Council has released a message stating Avcon has been appointed to ensure the environmental management of the incident and stormwater runoff is managed correct to minimise pollution to Black Beach.Council is advising people to avoid central kiama where the fire occured (Collins St, Terralong St, Hindmarsh Park) as emergency services conduct their work.UPDATE: Kiama MP Gareth Ward has commented on the accident via Facebook praising the bus driver, Gary, and the kids on the bus for their bravery."This mornings school bus fire could have been a tragedy in the making. But all were evacuated safely. Thank you to the driver, Gary, for your calm and swift actions and to all the kids for their bravery. No injuries is a blessing and I’m very thankful for the safety of all involved," said Mr Ward.UPDATE: Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have put out a media release stating that there is still no information available regarding how the fire started.They say that 33 school children were safely evacuated from the coach after a blaze broke out at 8:45am. Two fire trucks and eight firefighters found the coach alight on arrival and were able to contain the fire within 15 minutes."Specialist FRNSW HAZMAT (hazardous materials) crews also attended due to the bus carrying 200 litres of diesel fuel. Fortunately, the fuel tanks remained intact, and an assessment of local drains has revealed no contamination as a result of the fire at this stage. Heavy tow services were arranged to remove the vehicle from the area, and alternative transport was organised for the children," FRNSW wrote in the media release.

By Bill Lyons Past and present members of the Lions Club of Minnamurra, along with their partners, gathered at Silica Restaurant to mark a significant milestone: the club’s 25th anniversary since receiving its Charter on November 20, 1999.The highlight of the evening, apart from the fine fare served by the Silica staff, was the presentation of the charter members who received a well earned round of applause from everyone present for their commitment to Lions and the community. John Larkin & Cheryl MosesOver the past 25 years, the club has made a remarkable impact on the Kiama community. Its contributions include construction projects, support for local causes and individuals, disaster relief efforts, humanitarian aid, and medical research. The club also extends its support to national and international initiatives. Jane & Bruce McLeanProudly part of the world’s largest service organisation, the Minnamurra Lions ensure every dollar raised from the public is donated back to the community.Since its inception, the club has welcomed over 90 members who have participated in its fundraising, service, and social activities. As it looks to the future, the club is committed to continuing its legacy of service and growing its membership for another 25 successful years.Anne & Phil AndersenTo learn more about the Minnamurra Lions Club and its work, visit minnamurralions.org.au.Jan & Ken Horsepool

Every crisis is an opportunity, and for Kiama Council, the critical findings in the Miller Review and the Discussion Paper on the Draft Growth and Housing Strategy present a chance to set a new benchmark for excellence. While these documents highlight serious shortcomings - vague timelines, unclear strategies, and a lack of measurable actions -they also lay the foundation for something extraordinary: the chance for Kiama to become a leader in best practice governance.At the heart of the Miller Review’s critique is a lack of clarity. The draft Growth and Housing Strategy fails to explain how the council will deliver 900 new homes by 2029—a promise made under the National Housing Accord. Without timelines and actionable steps, this target remains just that: a target, not a reality.However, Kiama Council has signalled its commitment to stepping up and addressing these issues. The Discussion Paper outlines several steps, including aligning the strategy with the NSW Government’s Local Housing Strategy Guidelines, clarifying evidence, and introducing transparent growth principles. The Council has also committed to revising and publicly reporting performance indicators, providing annual updates on housing delivery progress.Additionally, the Council plans to engage more proactively with state agencies and infrastructure providers to ensure that identified growth areas are serviced within defined timeframes. This collaborative approach aims to address past inefficiencies while creating a framework for delivering results that the community can trust.By embedding clear timelines, measurable goals, and transparent reporting mechanisms, Kiama Council has the chance to transform a difficult critique into a legacy of leadership. The question now is whether this opportunity will be seized, and whether Kiama can deliver the necessary changes to achieve excellence in governance and housing delivery.The Discussion Paper sets out timelines for Development Applications (DAs), requiring faster approvals year by year until councils meet an 85-day turnaround by 2027. This is a strong step, but why stop there? Best practice governance means applying these principles across all areas of council operations:Project Timelines: Every action, from infrastructure repairs to community grants, should have a clear deadline.Public Accountability: Regular updates on progress and explanations for any delays build community trust.Strategic Reporting: Performance indicators should be implemented across all departments, with achievements reported publicly.Clear timelines don’t just prevent drift, they demonstrate respect for the people waiting on decisions.The Miller Review highlighted gaps in Kiama’s housing strategy, but those gaps are also opportunities. By addressing the recommendations, council can show the region, and the state, what good governance looks like:Data-Driven Planning: Use detailed evidence to show how housing targets will be met, ensuring transparency and accessibility.Infrastructure Integration: Collaborate with agencies like Transport for NSW and Sydney Water to align housing with essential services.Community-Centred Development: Engage residents meaningfully to balance growth with the preservation of Kiama’s unique character.Good governance doesn’t end with housing. The Miller Review points to a broader truth: councils should operate like professional organisations, with efficiency, transparency, and accountability at their core. This means:Streamlining Processes: Cut through red tape to provide clear pathways for businesses, developers, and residents.Transparency in Decision-Making: Publish criteria for approvals, timelines for decisions, and reasons behind council actions.Community Partnerships: Regularly consult and engage the public to build shared ownership of outcomes.When done right, these practices don’t just improve operations, they build trust.Here’s the thing about being under the microscope: it’s uncomfortable, but it forces you to grow. The Miller Review and Discussion Paper give Kiama Council the roadmap to do just that. By embracing best practice governance, the council can turn criticism into a blueprint for success.Imagine a Kiama where every project runs to time, where residents know what’s happening and why, and where decisions are made transparently and with measurable outcomes. That’s not just good governance, it’s a standard the whole state could look to.This is Kiama’s opportunity. The question is, will the council take it?

The Dapto community has shown overwhelming support for the construction of south-facing ramps on the M1 Princes Motorway, with 97 percent of over 4,000 respondents endorsing the proposal.Transport for NSW conducted a comprehensive consultation between December 2023 and February 2024, gathering 3,851 survey responses, 318 map contributions, and 63 formal submissions. The feedback highlighted the community’s desire for enhanced safety, efficiency, and connectivity between Dapto, its surrounding suburbs, and the motorway.Minister for Roads John Graham acknowledged the strong community backing:“The community has spoken, and it is loudly in favour of the south-facing ramps. The NSW Government has committed $10 million to the planning now underway.“The M1 Princes Motorway is a critical link between Sydney, the Illawarra region, and NSW South Coast, a vital connection for commuters, freight, and recreation.”The proposal’s popularity stems from its potential to ease congestion and provide direct motorway access, reducing the need for detours through the busy Dapto CBD.Member for Wollongong Paul Scully praised the public’s involvement:“The feedback response rate from the community exceeded expectations, and I would like to thank everyone who responded, as this will be invaluable to shaping the project moving forward.“The 4,232 pieces of feedback received during consultation will help determine which option is the best fit for our rapidly growing community.”Early planning efforts include strategic modelling to identify potential ramp locations and assess impacts on the local and broader road network. An options report, incorporating technical investigations and community insights, is expected by mid-2025.Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson emphasised the urgency of the project:“The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region is rapidly growing, but local motorists are forced to travel along the Princes Highway through the Dapto CBD, causing traffic delays and impacting local small businesses.“The community consultation report is an important step in getting work on new on/off ramps underway, so Dapto residents can more easily access the M1 motorway.”Transport for NSW will continue to engage with the community as the project progresses. The Consultation Summary Report and further information are available at Transport NSW’s project page.This project is seen as a significant development for the Illawarra region, promising improved mobility and reduced congestion for its residents.

Even I … have realised: the end is near. And you all know me well enough by now, to be assured, that I don’t force you to sit through an entire evening of Jingle Bells and Rudolphs. Instead, I invite you to a festive reflection on your own year, while listening to live music. Don’t let me fool you with this photo, going against my image. For the music I will play, is directly from Heaven’s Angels: JS Bach, Brahms, Tchaikovsky… featuring special angels such as Irving Berlin, who wrote “White Christmas”. Yes I will play that.But since it is the most... hectic time of the year, we all just need “a moment”. To just sit, let music speak to us, let the mind wander, be allowed to feel whatever we want to, perhaps even be a bit sentimental together at Christmas time. If you would like to take this musical journey with me, then come to Classical Kiama’s “End of the year” concert 2024Sunday December 8 at 5 pm at the Kiama Anglican Church.

Imagine this: you're running a household, and your power bill jumps from $400 to $3,000 in just three years. Wouldn't you be asking questions? Wouldn't you want answers? That's exactly where Kiama Council finds itself with its legal expenses - spiraling out of control and leaving ratepayers in the dark.Here’s the hard truth: in 2020/21, Kiama spent $204,000 on “Other Legal Expenses.” By 2023/24, that figure ballooned to $3.3 million—a 1,515% increase. Total legal expenses have risen from $416 thousand to $3.37 million over the same period. And if that’s not eye-watering enough, recent reports suggest the costs are actually closer to $5 million in 2024. But here’s the deeper problem: when your largest legal cost sits in a nebulous category like “Other,” it’s more than a red flag, it’s a governance crisis. Imagine trying to manage your household finances with such a vague expense. Wouldn’t you demand to know what’s driving those costs? The same principle applies here. It goes without saying that a category of this size must move out of the ambiguous “Other” and be thoroughly broken down. Each expense needs to be categorised to pinpoint what’s driving these astronomical increases. This isn’t just an exercise in accounting, it’s a pathway to accountability.This isn’t just a story about numbers; it’s about priorities. Every dollar spent on avoidable legal fees is a dollar not spent on parks, libraries, or road repairs. It's money taken from the community to plug holes in a system that seems broken.But it doesn’t have to be this way. Other councils have faced similar challenges and found ways to fix them. For example Eurobodalla Shire began providing councillors with quarterly expense reports, creating transparency and accountability. Blue Mountains introduced mediation-first policies for disputes, reducing court cases by 35%.And what about Kiama? Councillors elected by us, must have more oversight. They must be part of the process, asking tough questions and ensuring that every dollar spent reflects the community’s priorities.This isn’t just about tightening the purse strings; it’s about trust. Ratepayers deserve to know how their money is being spent. We deserve a council that’s proactive, not reactive, a council that doesn’t just react to problems but prevents them in the first place.Kiama Council has started the road to commit to transparency. It now needs to conduct an external review of its legal spending and explore preventative measures, like mediation, to resolve disputes more affordably. A model of accountability at every level of governance.Because when you’re entrusted with public funds, the question isn’t just how much you spend, it’s how wisely you spend it. 

By Alex GordonHindmarsh Park is looking fresher than ever, thanks to some creative flair from the Kiama Council maintenance team. Even the humble bins are getting a bright new look, proving that no detail is too small when it comes to keeping our town beautiful.The Bugle caught up with council workers Jack and Ellah as they and their team were sprucing up the park on a hot Kiama day. Jack, with a spray can in hand, could have easily been mistaken for a cheeky street artist. "It’s not graffiti, I promise!" he laughed.The maintenance project aims to revitalise the park’s amenities, making them both functional and visually appealing. The bins might not be the stars of the park, but they’re part of the experience, and it’s good to keep Hindmarsh Park in top shape with all the visitors and locals it is attracting. .The park upgrades have been given the thumbs up by kids and adults alike, with many commenting on the new vibe of the park. The bin makeover is just one of several steps the council is taking to ensure Hindmarsh Park remains a vibrant and welcoming space for the community.So, next time you’re strolling through the park, take a moment to appreciate the hardworking team behind the scenes—proof that even a bin can bring a little more beauty into our lives!

The Kiama Rotary Club is continuing its proud tradition of fostering young scientific talent through its support of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). The annual program, which began in 1984, provides Year 12 students with an opportunity to explore career and study options in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).This year, the club has selected four local students to participate: Nicola Porritt, Macey Guy, and Emma Trudgett from Kiama High School, and Lauren Moss from Smith’s Hill High School. Kiama Rotary will assist with funding for their attendance. Additionally, Berry Rotary is supporting Delmmyr Crockford, also from Kiama High.Kiama Rotary President Phillip Whyte highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting, “NYSF is a not-for-profit organisation running residential programs to inspire young people passionate about science. Over the past 40 years, some 14,000 young Australians have taken part.”The selected students will attend a week-long, live-in program in January at either the Australian National University (Canberra) or the University of Queensland (Brisbane). The forum offers insights into diverse and exciting opportunities in science and related fields.At a recent Rotary meeting, Head Science Teacher at Kiama High School, Hayden McKay, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school. Parents of the students also attended the event, where the budding scientists were introduced to the club.“This year marks a record for Kiama Rotary, with four students selected,” said President Whyte. “It’s fantastic to see growing interest in the NYSF. Students return from the program inspired by the career possibilities and enriched by the friendships formed during the experience.”Kiama Rotary’s support underscores its commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists, helping local students take their first steps toward a future in STEM.

350 nippers from Gerringong, Kiama, Kiama Downs, Shoalhaven Heads and Sussex Inlet swarmed Werri Beach on 24 November for the annual Saddleback Cup.This year's event marked the first time that Shoalhaven Heads and Sussex Inlet joined the competition, adding extra excitement and camaraderie to the already popular event.Now in its seventh year, the Saddleback Cup continues to grow in popularity, with surf clubs from across the region coming together for a day of fun and friendly competition. Despite challenging surf conditions, the event was a huge success, with young nippers eager to get involved and test their skills.Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Vice President Mitch Payne reflected on the day’s success, highlighting the importance of encouraging participation rather than focusing solely on competition.“This year we invited Sussex Inlet and Shoalhaven Heads to get their kids involved and raise awareness for their clubs. It was busy, and the conditions were a bit rough and challenging for the kids, but they all got stuck in and had a blast. At the end of the day, it’s all about having a go and having fun,” Payne said.The Saddleback Cup was created seven years ago by Gerringong SLSC with the aim of increasing participation in surf life saving and fostering a competitive spirit in the region. Initially, it was a small event between the Kiama, Kiama Downs, and Gerringong clubs, with the goal of providing young competitors with a less formal and more enjoyable environment to develop their skills.“When we first started, not many of these clubs were competing in carnivals,” Payne says. “We wanted to help the kids build their confidence, improve their skills, and promote competition in a fun, relaxed setting.”Although the day is not about winning, Payne’s voice did seem to perk up when he announced that Gerringong SLSC ended up winners of the day.“Gerringong did come out at the top, but it was very close. I think it’s getting closer and closer every year,” says Payne.Looking ahead, Payne is confident that the Saddleback Cup is fulfilling its purpose of boosting participation and competitiveness in the local surf life saving community.“I think the Saddleback Cup is working really well,” Payne says. “Every year, we’re seeing more kids getting involved, developing their skills, and getting interested in competing. It’s great to see the enthusiasm growing, and it’s important for the future of surf life saving in the area.”Payne hopes that the event will continue to inspire the next generation of life savers. “We want to develop kids who’ll go all the way and become life savers themselves, volunteering their time to help keep our beaches safe.”A big thank you was extended by Payne to all the participating clubs, and he expressed his excitement for the event’s future.“We’re looking forward to next year and hopefully seeing even more kids getting involved in 2025,” he says.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, has officially launched her annual Christmas food drive, aimed at supporting families and individuals facing hardship in the region.  This year, Mrs. Phillips is supporting two local services, the Shoalhaven Homeless Hub in Nowra and Pivot Point Outreach in Batemans Bay.  “I know many families and individuals are doing it tough, and I know there are many people in our community who want to help take the pressure off this Christmas,” says Mrs Phillips.“By dropping off festive goodies to my Nowra or Batemans Bay office, the people of Gilmore can help spread some love and bring Christmas cheer to those that need it most.” “We live in such a wonderful, supportive community and people are always keen to give.” Mrs. Phillips is encouraging residents to donate items such as cookies, chocolates, or traditional Christmas puddings. “These small donations can help bring a smile to local people who are homeless or who have escaped domestic violence,” Mrs. Phillips says.  The volunteers at the SAHSSI Shoalhaven Homeless Hub, provide year-round support to ensure those in need are cared for, and Mrs. Phillips is emphasising the importance of offering extra care during the festive season. “We know people can feel more alone than ever if they can’t be with family and friends over the holiday season,” says Mrs. Phillips. “The Homeless Hub is a safe place for those in need and I hope that people will give generously.”Similarly, Batemans Bay Uniting Church’s Pivot Point Outreach service offers emergency assistance and supplies to people facing hardship or crises.  “By giving to my food drive, people can bring some Christmas smiles to those doing it tough,” says Mrs Phillips.“I know there are people out there that will be going without this Christmas, and every donation, no matter how small, will make a big difference.”Mrs. Phillips expresses her gratitude to those who have already contributed to the food drive, as well as the volunteers who dedicate their time to helping those less fortunate in the local community. Mrs. Phillips hopes the community’s generosity will help make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need.Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the following locations:  Nowra Office: Next to the Post Office on Junction Street, open weekdays from 9am to 5pm.  Batemans Bay Office: 6–8 Orient Street, open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm, and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.  

Jamberoo resident Colin Hollis has received the prestigious T.A. Stuart Memorial Award, the highest accolade awarded by the Rose Societies of Australia and New Zealand.The award honours individuals who have provided outstanding service to the promotion and cultivation of roses across Australasia. Colin was presented with the accolade at the National Rose Championships and Conference, held recently in Melbourne.Reflecting on the honour, Colin described it as "unexpected."With over a decade as President of the Rose Society of New South Wales, Colin also serves as National Vice President of the Rose Society of Australia. He is also a dedicated member of the Illawarra Rose Society, which boasts 100 members—the largest in the state—and serves as the volunteer coordinator at Kiama’s Peace Park.Despite challenges, including the park’s shady conditions and pervasive tree roots, Colin and a small team of 6–8 volunteers maintain the garden with dedication each week - making do without the shed that they wanted to house their tools in. Colin humorously notes the garden’s unsuitability for roses with all the tree roots, yet it remains a well used feature, attracting locals and visitors alike. The Illawarra Rose Society provides all the roses for the space, while Kiama Council handles basic grass maintenance. Peace Park also serves as an educational space, with preschool children helping to plant flowers during term visits. A great bonding experience for both the children and the volunteers. The garden has further been enhanced by a brick paved walkway, an initiative spearheaded by Winsom Barker. The project, funded through the sale of personalised bricks, celebrates community spirit while contributing to park improvements. Bricks are still available for purchase via the Council website.The National Rose Society, comprised of representatives from each state, meets annually. While Melbourne hosted this year’s event, Brisbane will take its turn in 2025, with New South Wales welcoming delegates to Camden in 2026.Recently there were some rose thefts at the garden but the culprits have not come to light as yet. Disappointing after all the effort the volunteers put in. Colin’s dedication for 21 years underscores the vital role volunteers play in fostering a love of roses and enhancing public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

The newly formed Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour welcomed the community to a poignant Remembrance Ceremony held at Coronation park on Monday 25 November to honour the lives affected by domestic abuse and herald the start of 16 days of activism.Organised in collaboration with local partners, the ceremony was a community effort. Special thanks were extended to Lyndell Farmer of Artimus Girl for her sound bowl contribution, Brendan Comber from R&R Productions for sound support, Pearl Noire for her performance, Kate Riordan from the Wildflower Studio for sponsoring the flowers, and the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club for providing an alternative wet weather venue.The ceremony served as both a solemn remembrance and a call to action. As part of Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, the event highlighted the ongoing crisis of domestic violence. The campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10 and aims to mobilise global efforts to address gender-based violence.Sobering statistics presented during the ceremony painted a stark picture. One in six Australian women and one in 16 men have experienced violence at the hands of a current or former partner. Overall, one in five women and one in 20 men have experienced sexual violence. Alarmingly, one in four children in Australia are exposed to domestic violence, often suffering emotional and psychological trauma that can have lasting effects. On average, one woman every nine days and one man every month loses their life due to domestic violence. Despite the prevalence of abuse, it is significantly under-reported, with studies showing that around 60% of female victims do not contact police due to fear, shame, financial dependence, or lack of support.The ceremony’s most poignant moment was a symbolic display of shoes, each representing a life lost to domestic violence in the past year. Attendees were invited to read the stories attached to the shoes, providing a personal connection to the tragic impact of abuse. The audience also heard the harrowing story of Hannah Clarke and her three children, whose lives were cut short in a horrific act of domestic violence in 2020.Lyndell’s sound bowls created a solemn ambience and stirring performances of Let It Be and Hero by Pearl Noire offered moments of solace and reflection. Guests were invited to lay flowers in remembrance as the names of victims were read aloud, reinforcing the importance of honouring those who have been lost while advocating for change.Acknowledgement was also given to organisations like SAHSSI, which supports women fleeing domestic violence in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and to first responders—police, paramedics, and firefighters—whose swift actions save lives and provide critical support to families in their darkest moments.The Zonta Club expressed their gratitude to the community for standing together in solidarity and reaffirmed their commitment to ending domestic violence. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for awareness, support, and meaningful action to create a future where no one suffers from violence and all individuals can live in safety and dignity.For more information about Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism, visit Zonta International.

The NSW Government has announced a $100,000 funding boost for The Man Walk Australia, a men’s mental health charity dedicated to improving well-being through physical activity and social connection founded by well known Kiama local Mark Burns. The Man Walk Australia operates over 40 locations across the state, including regional hubs from Albury to Tenterfield. Its mission is to address mental health challenges and suicide risks by fostering supportive relationships and reducing social isolation among men through regular, accessible walks.Participants can join at their convenience to connect with like-minded men, engage in healthy conversations, and experience a sense of community. This model has proven especially effective in encouraging men, who traditionally seek help for mental health at lower rates than women, to feel more comfortable accessing support.Ministerial SupportHealth Minister Ryan Park praised the initiative, stating:"The Man Walk Australia creates a welcoming environment for men to get together, feel part of a community, and get active. This funding will help the charity reach even more men across NSW."Park emphasised the importance of breaking down stigma around mental health, adding:"By creating a positive environment free from pressure, The Man Walk helps men feel comfortable accessing support."Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson highlighted the critical role of community organisations in addressing loneliness and social isolation:"Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15-44. Organisations like The Man Walk offer a vital lifeline, providing a space for men to connect and feel less alone."A Growing MovementThe Man Walk Australia, founded by Mark Burns, has already made a significant impact, with over 2.3 billion steps taken by participants statewide. Burns expressed gratitude for the funding, noting:"This $100,000 grant will help us grow our existing walks, establish new locations, and enhance our Mental Fitness for Leaders program offered to Manbassadors and walkers."In the past three months alone, 5,000 men have joined walks, including 300 first-time participants. The funding will also support collaborations with organisations like Relationships Australia to provide resources on emotional management and reducing gender violence.Support and ResourcesIf you or someone you know is experiencing distress, support is available through:Lifeline: 13 11 1413YARN: 13 92 76Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 (available 24/7)Transcultural Mental Health Line: 1800 648 911 (Monday to Friday, 9 am–4:30 pm)For more information about The Man Walk Australia, including how to join or start a local walk, visit themanwalk.com.au.

The United Services Union (USU), representing local government workers, has thrown its weight behind Councillor Jemma Tribe’s push for Shoalhaven City Council to disclose the source of funds used to settle payouts for its former CEO and a departing director.The council's response—stating that the matter is under review and details will be shared later—has been sharply criticised as inadequate.Councillor Tribe’s Notice of Motion, tabled for discussion in the council’s Business Paper for November 26, highlighted the financial strain on the council. With the July 2024 accounts showing zero unrestricted cash, the motion sought clarity on how these significant payments would be financed. The council’s written reply indicated the question “will be taken on notice and reported back to Council in due course.” USU spokesperson Stuart Geddes expressed frustration at the council’s vague stance.“This response is simply not good enough,” Mr. Geddes said. “Staff are under immense pressure following the departure of key leadership figures and face the looming threat of job losses due to the council’s financial troubles and the ideological direction of the Shoalhaven Independent Group.”Mr. Geddes called for greater financial accountability, emphasising that both staff and residents deserve clarity on the budget’s direction.“If the council’s financial crisis is as severe as claimed, then failing to answer straightforward budgetary questions underscores just how dysfunctional this organisation is Councillor Tribe’s inquiry is commendable, and it’s vital the community knows how their money is being spent. If funds are being redirected, people need to know what sacrifices are being made to cover these costs.”With tensions rising over the council’s financial transparency, all eyes are on the upcoming council meeting to shed light on the issue.

Dear Bugle readers,“I am encouraging interested local Kiama, Minnamurra, Jamberoo, Gerringong and Gerroa residents to grab their free copy today of the 2025 Seniors Diary which is now available with a strictly limited supply so it's a case of first in, best dressed to obtain your free copy,” Mr Ward said.“This publication combines important legal information with a practical diary and is a very popular and handy resource for our local seniors.“It contains a wealth of useful information, including useful telephone numbers and websites and empowers seniors with information about where to turn for help on issues that are important at this stage of their lives,” he said.“Produced in large font and filled with profound and funny quotes related to ageing, this easy-to-use diary covers a different legal topic every month.“The chapters cover legal information of relevance to older people, including retirement villages, financial, family and consumer issues, as well as elder abuse, disputes with neighbours and future planning.“It also includes helpful information about seniors' rights, online scams, aged care issues and helpful contact numbers for local agencies and services for seniors such as Legal Aid and Service NSW.“As these diaries are incredibly popular, please come on down to my Kiama electorate office today before we run out of a strictly limited supply of diaries,” Mr Ward said.Thank you for taking the time to read this note. If ever I can be of any further assistance, I would be delighted to help in any way that I can.Kind regards,GARETH WARD MP                   

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Kiama is a gorgeous place, but what makes it loveable is the sense of community and kindness that comes from everyone. Everyone is open to share, and to help build one another. Frances Smith is one of those people. Her knowledge and skill in ceramics is something she loves to share with our community, and to teach amongst her students.For 40 years Frances has been experimenting with her hobby in ceramic artworks, and teaching what she has learnt for five of those years in Kiama. Frances describes it as a “therapeutic experience” for those who take a liking to the art form, her students range from HSC students to women in their 60’s. But her work is not limited to those willing to learn, it is presented with pride to the active community.Kiama Fire Station is currently hosting the studio’s fourth showcase, displaying a variety of ceramics from Christmas bowls to beautifully detailed vases. There, it is open to the public to view and purchase pieces. The sale gives the students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and understanding of which ceramics will sell, while also allowing for adequate feedback on their works. Additionally, Frances Smith’s intricate artworks are available for the community.“The Council has been great to give us this space, especially at this time, leading up to Christmas,” Frances explains, grateful for the wonderful opportunity presented. The success of the showcase has been significantly impactful for her studio, and a fun experience for all the foot traffic who wander through.Though, she assures that it won’t be the last showing of her and her student's “obsession”, there's no time to waste in getting down to the Old Fire Station and showing these ceramic artists some love. Frances Smith’s Ceramic Art Studio’s exhibition is on display at Kiama’s Old Fire Station until 4PM 27 November.

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