Probus is all about fun, friendship and fellowship. There is nothing more fitting for that criteria than Barefoot Bowls at the Gerringong Bowling Club, topped off with some excellent coaching instruction from several of our champion bowlers.Lorraine JolleyAt the April meeting: Jennifer Philps – Community Relations Manager - Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI)Peter Jeffrey with Jennifer Philps CRMI Jennifer made the CMRI community of Gerringong feel very appreciative of their service for raising funds for Children’s Medical Research since 1959. Jennifer has been awarded a medallion by the Governor-General David Hurley – as well as being made a Life Member of CMRI for her tireless work supporting volunteers and advocating for their scientists. Jennifer is the heart and soul of CMRI. The realisation that we are on the cusp of changing the lives of millions of children and adults through gene therapy and DNA repair is phenomenal. The next decade will see profound changes to medical health.

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

Kiama property prices have risen by a whopping 80.7 per cent over the past five years with a 10.3 per cent rise in the last 12 months, according to the latest Domain House Price Report.The median house sale price of $1.5 million surpasses Byron Bay and shows no signs of leveling off.The report shows Kiama is only $128,000 behind Sydney’s new record median of $1,628,000 and eclipses Byron’s median price of $1,327,500.Even so, Michele Lay, Founder and Licensee in charge of Ray White Kiama, says the real estate world is, ‘a very fickle place.’“The growth that we have experienced over the past four or five years is not what we are seeing at the coalface,” Ms Lay says. “Properties are spending more days on the market and purchasers are making multiple offers on properties to hedge their bets.” “Anything below the median price currently of $1,500,000 seems to be selling well if a vendor is realistic.”Craig Higbid, the Founder and Director of South Coast Prestige Properties, says Kiama is a highly desirable area.“With house prices in Sydney still rising 11 per cent over the past year and 2.1 per cent in the last quarter, it means sea-changers have enough equity in their city homes to purchase local properties and still have money left over,” Mr Higbid says.“Whether these prices continue will hinge on interest rates and inflation. It would be good to get some clarity around those variables.” Mayor Neil Reilly has been promoting Kiama’s natural beauty, its businesses and people for many years.“There are so many reasons why Kiama is a most desirable place to live. There is the natural beauty of the area, the temperate climate, its proximity to Sydney, but for me, it’s the people,” Mayor Reilly says.“We take pride in the area; we take pride in each other. We are there if our neighbours need us, we are willing to help and support each other. We are all aware of the pressure to develop, but wary of the consequences of overdevelopment.” “Which is why we’re working hard to create our Growth and Housing Strategy, in consultation with our community and other stakeholders. We want to ensure our Municipality continues to be a place to thrive, surrounded by people who care." Ryan Jamieson, his partner Roxy and daughter, Scarlett.Yet, it’s not all economic sunshine for some.Kiama local Ryan Jamieson and his family are living in his mother-in-law’s one-bedroom granny flat in Kiama Downs. They’re desperate to find a long-term rental in Kiama.“My partner and I sleep on the pull-out sofa and our eldest daughter shares a bed with her grandmother,” Ryan says.He has been looking for a place to rent since the start of February and can pay $650-700 per week.“I reckon we have been knocked back for a rental property around 15 times, mainly I think because of the dog who lives outside.”“Some rentals have been taken even before people inspect them and that seems unfair.”

Make a lifesaving difference this National Volunteer Week, 20-26 May 2024, by rolling up your sleeves and donating blood. Local resident, Lynne Strong, has launched the Volunteers to Lifesavers - Every Drop Counts Initiative to inspire more people to donate blood in support of the many recipients in need. Their lives might depend on it. “In partnership with Lifeblood, we are proud to launch a special campaign aimed at first-time blood donor volunteers,” says campaign manager, Strong.“We are calling on healthy individuals aged 18 and above who have never volunteered before to join us in a powerful act of community service: donating blood. With just one hour of your time, you can help save up to three lives.”During National Volunteer Week, the Volunteers to Lifesavers Initiative will offer education sessions about the blood donation process and its immense impact and support to first-time donors to ensure their experience is both rewarding and comfortable. Appointments to donate at Wollongong Lifeblood can be made via their website.Unable to commit to donating during National Volunteer Week? Volunteers to Lifesavers have you covered, also conveniently providing the opportunity to donate blood via a Mobile Donor Centre in Kiama which can be booked via Lifeblood’s website for the following dates and times:Tuesday 11 June: 12:30pm - 7:15pmWednesday 12 June: 12:30pm - 7:15pmThursday 13 June: 12:30pm - 7:15pmFriday 14 June: 9:30am - 4:00pmSaturday 15 June: 9:30am - 2:00pmGrateful individuals who may benefit from your donation include accident and trauma survivors, surgical and cancer patients, pregnant women and new mothers, babies and young children, and those impacted by medical conditions such as anaemia, fractures and joint replacements. So, please, grab your friends, family or colleagues, and make a heartfelt contribution today - it only takes one hour to potentially save a life. For further information regarding this initiative, contact Volunteers to Lifesavers - Every Drop Counts campaign manager, Lynne Strong, via [email protected] . 

Local resident and Director of Ecosystems Development at Moo & Co., Lynne Strong, is offering a refreshing framework for how the community as a whole can work together in positively shaping our region’s future. Strong is advocating for camaraderie and collaboration to achieve strategic and inclusive community development, presenting the CommUnity Alliance Framework proposal at the recent Kiama Community Precinct meeting on Tuesday 23 April. With a handful of councillors present, Strong reiterated her intention was not to work in competition with council, but as a cohesive network.As population within the region increases, subsequent pressure is placed on services and systems. Strong identifies the following primary areas that she calls on community members of all ages to collaboratively assess and drive informed action: Infrastructure and utilities: focus on water management, energy supply and digital infrastructure.Environmental and sustainability: address green spaces, biodiversity and climate resilience. Transport and accessibility: explore public transport, traffic congestion and accessibility. Social and community development: look into social cohesion, community consultation and crime prevention.Housing and urban planning: discuss housing affordability, urban design and historical prevention. Health and safety: consider healthcare services and emergency response planning. Cultural and recreational needs: evaluate cultural facilities, recreational activities and public space design. These key factors formed the basis of two short anonymous online surveys created to ascertain expertise and aspirations of the community across all age groups; one aimed at the younger generation aged under 25, and another for remaining demographics. Once this preliminary data has been collated, Strong hopes to unite community members - and their skills and interests - to be active participants in the region’s development. The CommUnity Alliance Framework may allow the community to regain a sense of their voices being not only heard, but also valued and thoroughly considered. “This framework offers a holistic, flexible, transparent, inclusive and accountable approach. It is a framework that values local insights, promotes community ownership, and encourages empowerment,” explains Strong.“Most crucially, it emphasises grassroots-driven engagement as the cornerstone of community planning, ensuring that the community is not merely a subject but an active participant in the narrative of its own development.” Strong reiterates, however, that this framework is centred around one very crucial component: a triad of trust. “Trust is the backbone of any thriving community,” declares Strong.  “The community must place its trust in the processes that guide their collective future. Trust in the process means believing that the system of planning, decision-making and feedback is designed for the common good, allowing for comprehensive and adaptive planning that incorporates the ever-changing tapestry of community needs and priorities.” Of course, the concept of trust does not end at processes, but must extend to people as well. This means having confidence that those at the helm are capable of taking well-informed action in navigating community development.  “It's trusting that they will listen, understand, and act with integrity, holding themselves accountable for the outcomes and ensuring that resources are allocated in alignment with community-identified priorities,” defines Strong. “And trust in ourselves? It is foundational. It is knowing that within the community lies a wealth of knowledge, diversity of perspectives, and an inherent resilience that is more than capable of surmounting the challenges ahead. It's the collective empowerment that comes from the realisation that the people, not just the processes, shape the future of where they live. “By fostering this triad of trust - trust in the process, people and ourselves - the community becomes more than a collection of individuals. It becomes a united force capable of driving change, shaping its destiny, and building a future that resonates with the voices of all its members.” Perhaps this broad notion of trust and community cohesiveness might eliminate – or even simply reduce – the fear some may feel around having no say, power or control in how our community develops; providing a sense of empowerment to step up and unite in the strive for positive change.  Do you want to get involved with the CommUnity Alliance Forum? Start by having your say via the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KMCNextGen for those aged under 25 and https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KiamaLGA for remaining age groups. For further information, contact Lynne Strong on [email protected] .

Love Letter to Budapest.I state without hesitation that Budapest is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Maybe I say that because my trip there in 1972 was driven by a romance I was having with a Hungarian in Australia. He and his family escaped Budapest in 1956. When I decided to go to Europe, he suggested that I visit his old hometown and report on its status. In hindsight, that was quite a reckless suggestion, because at that stage in history we were in the middle of a cold war with Russia and the very words Communism or Soviet sent shivers down the spine.Val and I were hitchhiking all over Europe. When we got to Vienna, we decided to hitch to Budapest, three hours away. The border crossings were not at all like the punitive experiences we were expecting. Hungary had ‘soft communism’ and the customs officers were very friendly. In that era, Hungary was reported as ‘the merriest barracks in the block’. To get a visa, one had to check in to the police every day, hand over our cameras and stay where they dictated. They put us in the Fisherman’s Bastion that was (in 1972) a forlorn antiquated building on the banks of the Danube. At night we heard the hollow notes of a tinny piano and looked across at the other building to see a young ballerina practising in the warm orange light that contrasted to the darkness surrounding us. Like everything in the city, it looked as though WW2 and the ’56 revolution had only just happened. The buildings were a sooty black and covered with shelling craters. Statues stood faceless or headless. There were no privately owned cars, except a few that had been hand built from scrap metal. At night there was a complete absence of street lighting. There was but one very heroic little dress shop that had its windows lit up. The restaurants operated out of basements and were wonderful meeting places with gypsy music, the local ‘Bulls Blood’ wine and the hottest goulash I had ever had. This was where the locals went to escape the misery and sadness of the empty streets.Budapest was built in the last days of an exhausted and eroding empire. The grandeur of her architecture reflected one last gasp of defiance. The sort of defiance that made it not only survive but thrive under repressive regimes. Despite the generally depressed atmosphere, the city and its people exuded a pride and energy of unique ambience. Their resilience shone through. It was a heady brew of heroism and capitulation, sophistication and abrasiveness, demure and wild. Its resolute and sardonic spirit was constantly reinforced by the ever present Danube River, bisecting the city. Imagine my delight when almost 50 years later I flew into Budapest and saw her in all her former glory …  almost harking back to the splendour of the Hapsburg years. My abode of 1972, the Fisherman’s Bastion, was gleaming, as were all the other ancient buildings near The Chain Bridge. The night lights never seemed to go out. When it comes to Baroque architecture, the endless stunning buildings sometimes overwhelm the senses. It is often compared to Vienna, but there is a flighty tension, excitement and passion in the air that is missing in the more sedate European city. Plodding and staid, she is not.Budapest! I lived here! Among spirits! All soul! All Flesh! Coffee houses! Ecstasy! Wondrous night gone down in flames.Poem by D.Kosztolanyi

Zara Hall of Moruya SLSC and Archie Weir of Kiama Downs SLSC have been named the Ingenia Holiday Parks Junior Lifesavers of the Year.“I did not expect to win and I was so surprised when I got it,” Hall said. “I went through all the emotions, I was nervous, I was excited, but it means so much to me to represent the Far South Coast and my club, Moruya here.”Weir added, “I’m ecstatic, it’s been a bit of a dream of mine for a while. I’ve been in lifesaving since I was a little Nipper and it means so much to come here to this camp and be with likeminded people, it’s really expanding my horizons.” Formally recognised on Friday, 26 April, after a three-day team building and leadership development program on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the pair represented the South Coast and Far South Coast with distinction, proving that NSW is blessed with talented young lifesavers along the entire coastline.An enthusiastic and motivated lifesaver with a bubbling personality, Zara is passionate and gives so much to her club, Moruya SLSC. There she actively supports the “Same Wave” program for all-inclusive lifesaving and passes on her knowledge to younger members.Judges noted she places a strong value on education, hoping to establish a program at her club that raises awareness of the beach to those visiting from inland.“It makes me so happy to represent Moruya when I think about the things the club is a part of, like the ‘Same Wave’ program,” Hall said.“I love just being at the ocean, around the club, I love competing, I love patrolling, I love everything about Surf Life Saving.”Kiama Downs SLSC's Weir, meanwhile, has several years of club experience. The panel noticed his desire to constantly improve his skills and his understanding of the important role lifesavers play on our coastline.“It was important to me that I showed that I have leadership qualities and the different ways that we can show compassion to the community through lifesaving,” he says.“Lifesavers are that sense of safety for the community and by being a lifesaver, I also get a really strong sense of belonging.”

After 12 weeks of training, it was Rodney Zarif’s turn to step into the ring during the Battle of the Businesses boxing tournament at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday, 20 April.Zarif could give both Adonis Creed and Rocky Balboa a run for their money. The father of three, and manager at KD Cellars in Kiama Downs, who got involved with the Battle of the Businesses purely on a whim, won by technical knockout (TKO) inside the first round.“It was a very successful event and especially for myself,” says Zarif, whose fight on the night was upgraded to a belt fight.The event, which raised money for the i98FM Illawarra Convoy, had its first outing last year and became an instant success.There were 40 businesses battling it out, including Rebecca Moystn of Mostyn Legal, Steve Lozenkovski from Bears Auto Group, Tiarna Katrivesis from Fitness Express Shellharbour and Rob Mitchell from A Class Building.The Battle of the Businesses boxing tournament was sponsored by Tiny Tins, Wollongong Crane Trucks and Grechys Boxing & Fitness.

The Rural Fire Service recommend several tasks to help keep householders fire safe this winter. Most importantly don’t fight the fire – get out and stay out and dial ‘000’ immediately.Fireplaces and chimneysHave your chimney serviced prior to using it by a qualified tradesperson.Purchase a fire screen if you do not own one. Fire screens should always be placed in front of fireplaces when in use.Ensure your wood pile sits at least a metre away from the fireplace.Choose a safe place to store matches and lighters where children cannot reach and that is at least a metre away.HeatersCheck your electric and gas heaters before you use them. If you suspect a fault have the item checked by a qualified repairer or replaced.Check all cords for fraying and damage. Plug heaters directly into wall sockets only. Do not overload power boards. Ensure everything is kept a metre from the heater. Install any new heaters and use as per manufacturer’s instructions.Check your portable outdoor heaters before use and have serviced or replaced if required. Ensure that the area where you plan to use them is level, well-ventilated and away from awnings and other combustible materials. NEVER use any outdoor heating or cooking equipment inside your home including those that use ‘heat beads’ or LPG as a fuel source. This type of equipment is not suitable for indoor use and can lead to a build-up of lethal gases which could be deadly. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before use.Electric BlanketsTest your electric blanket before use by laying it on top of your bed, feeling the internal wires for any abnormalities and inspecting cords/controls for damage.Turn it on for 5 minutes and then feel for any uneven hot spots. If you notice any of the above the electric blanket should be replaced.Electric blankets are not designed to be used while sleeping. Consider adding additional bedding to keep warm if needed.Wheat bags Check your wheat bags for signs of wear and tear or scorching. Replace if needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when heating, using, and storing. Wheat bags can easily ignite or burn if overheated and need to completely cool on a non-combustible surface before storing. They are only designed to be applied directly to the body and should never be used in bed or while sleeping.Rowlins Road GerringongHow you might be warned about a stormSevere Weather Warnings and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to alert communities to the threat of severe weather.   These warnings are provided to media outlets and are also available on the BOM website – www.bom.gov.au   or by using the associated apps on your devices. When a warning is issued for your area (but before the storm arrives), there are a few things you can do to help protect your family and property:Move indoors, bringing children and pets with you.Have your emergency kit handy in case you lose power or need to leave.Park your car under secure cover and away from hail, trees, power lines and drains.Secure or put away items from around the house, yard, or balcony that could blow around in strong winds.Check to see if your neighbours are aware of the warning.When flash flooding is likely, leaving low-lying homes and businesses well before flash flooding begins (evacuation) is the best action to take, but only if it is safe to do so. If you are trapped by rising floodwater, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building. Stay there and call '000' (triple zero) if you need to be rescued.DO NOT drive through flooded waters.Listen to your local radio station and other media for information, updates, and advice; andUnplug and avoid using electrical equipment connected to mains power, landline phones and modems.Most importantly always remember in an emergency If you see a fire without a fire truck in attendance, please call Triple Zero (000) and if you are deaf or have a speech or hearing impairment, call 106.

The 2024 netball season officially kicked off on Saturday, 26 April in great company, with new president Michelle Gregory, former president Rhonda Beedles and lifetime member Karon Dawson at courtside. (Dawson started the Kiama Netball Association with Val Brunker in 1986. Unfortunately, Val couldn’t attend the President’s round as she wasn’t feeling well). Together, these women: Brunker, Dawson, Beedles and Gregory, represent close to 40 years of local netball. The three present for the President’s Round share their thoughts about the sport – the past, the present and the future. “I’ve been here from day 1,” Dawson says. “We’ve had stability over 40 years.” The association has been fortunate in having three wonderful presidents, she stresses.“Val laid the groundwork. It was really lucky that Rhonda took over and grew this further. The NSW government added a lot of restrictions and regulations. Rhonda helped us to become a member of the South Coast Blaze, which plays in the premier league in Sydney. She was instrumental in that. Michelle has newly taken over, and already put through some innovative things.”  Outgoing president Rhonda Beedles held the office for nine years. Before that, she had 23 years on the committee and was involved with her club for seven years. “My oldest one asked to play. The coach asked if I could manage. I started coaching and then got an admin role in the association,” she says. “I’m one of those people who like to help. It’s much more to volunteering - not just work. It’s a lot of fun.”She’s been president for nine years.“It’s great to have a new president taking over the reins. Taking over social media and all those aspects. We have to modernise. Keep up with the times.”What is new president Michelle Gregory looking forward to? “That’s a big question,” she says with a smile. “Just getting the girls back on the court and having fun.”Gregory’s been in Kiama for seven years and became involved with the local netball community when she started as a registrar. “I love the sport. My daughter loves the sport,” she says.

Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang has finally felt some reprieve following a public battle with Kiama Council over comments she made on a radio interview with ABC Illawarra on 21 June 2023. In the interview at the centre of the storm, Cr Renkema-Lang openly discussed her opposition surrounding Council’s intentions to reclassify land that the controversial Blue Haven Bonaira site occupies to enable it to be sold.Based on allegations that Cr Renkema-Lang had acted unethically and improperly, and that her comments had potentially brought Kiama Council into disrepute, Council subsequently made the decision to censure Cr Renkema-Lang on 21 November 2023. At a Supreme Court directions hearing on 22 April 2024, Council agreed that the resolution to censure her is invalid. Cr Renkema-Lang had sought orders from the NSW Supreme Court in February 2024 to revoke Council’s intentions to censure her based on the grounds of failure to follow the procedures for assessing allegations of misconduct, denial of procedural fairness and apprehended bias.In the court orders issued on Tuesday the conduct reviewer also agreed that the final investigation report, and recommendations and determinations within it, is invalid. Kiama Council has undertaken to remove the public statement regarding the censure motion originally published on their website on 22 November 2023. The proceedings are listed for a hearing on 30 May 2024 in order for the NSW Supreme Court to consider each parties’ evidence and submission and formulate a final determination regarding how the matter will be settled. In the meantime, all parties have agreed that the Court may make orders without a hearing if it rendered it appropriate. Kiama Council currently have no comment regarding the matter.

A jam-packed Kiama Bowling Club hosted the 2024 season launch of the Kiama Central Netball Club in the evening of Friday, April 26. For any lover of netball, it was the place to be.Around 120 people – players, parents and siblings, sponsors, umpires, volunteers and committee members alike – came out to celebrate the new season, which officially began the following day (Saturday, April 27).“The girls are still getting to know each other. They’re in their teams but they haven’t met that much outside,” says a spokesperson for the club.Excited players gather for the season launch.Indeed, there was electrical buzz in the air, and hardly a single seat to come by. Friends and families happily caught up, passing around soft drinks and bowls of chips. A long line stretched out to the entrance, with people signing up to participate in the 100 Club and the lolly guessing competition. “For five years, I’ve been president of this amazing club. And we have over 150 players,” president of the club, Kelly Schofield, notes as she welcomes everyone. The 2024 season is about having fun, she says, and “obviously, we want to win.” The last line is met with cheers and laughter.What else is in store?The netball season runs right up until September, which is when both the semi-finals and the grand finals take place. Throughout the season, there’ll be a couple of events going on, such as a pie drive (a fundraiser for the club) on 20 May and a bingo-themed night on 10 August.The club also has a new home at the Kiama Bowling Club.Devrat Rathore, Shaambhavi Rathore and Vertika Rathore from Penny Whistlers.“The bowling club is a new sponsor. They’ve just come aboard this year, and that’s why we’re having our season launch here,” says a spokesperson for the club.One of the bowling club’s goals is to sponsor community sports, underlines Wayne Richardson, board member of the Kiama Bowling Club, as he takes to the floor.“I’ve been involved with a lot of sports. You can’t beat team sports. You make lifelong friendships,” he says. “I don’t have any girls, just two boys,” Richardson adds.“You just got a 100 new girls,” someone jokes with him.All of the club’s existing sponsors have come on board again for this year: the Kiama Rotary Club, BaiMed, First National Coast & Country Real Estate, Penny Whistlers, The Pines, and Gerringong Storage. “It’s fabulous,” the club’s spokesperson says. Wayne Richardson from the Kiama Bowling Club and Kiama Central Netball Club president Kelly Schofield.Finally, the club wishes, “all the girls the best of luck through the season. And, thank all of our volunteers because we got around 30 volunteers in the club.”“Plus the mums and the dads that cheer us on each week. A thank you to all of those people because obviously without them these things don’t happen.”

On May 8 each year, World Red Cross Day is observed globally, celebrating the people who make up Red Cross: over 14 million staff and active volunteers around the world who work to alleviate suffering and provide comfort and support when times get tough.    May 8 was chosen because it is the birthdate of Henri Dunant, Swiss businessman, humanitarian and social activist. In 1859, during the Austro-Sardinian War, Dunant travelled to Italy to speak to Napoleon III about a business document he needed. He arrived in the city of Solferino on the evening of June 24, on the same day a battle had occurred nearby between the French and Austrian sides. Forty thousand dead, dying and wounded remained on the battlefield and there appeared little attempt to provide care. Dunant took the initiative and persuaded the civilian population to provide assistance, caring equally for the wounded from both sides of the conflict. Returning to his home in Geneva, he wrote a book “A Memory of Solferino” which he sent to leading political and military figures throughout Europe. He advocated the formation of national voluntary relief organisations and called for the development of an international treaty to guarantee the protection of medics and field hospitals on the battlefield. A meeting of Dunant and four other men, on February 17, 1863, is considered the founding date of the International Committee of the Red Cross. On August 22, 1864, the First Geneva Convention was signed, guaranteeing relief to the wounded regardless of nationality and protection of medical personnel and establishments in armed conflicts. Subsequent Conventions and Protocols have strengthened International Humanitarian Law.  Please join us, Gerringong Red Cross, at our upcoming fundraising efforts: our Devonshire tea stall at the Gerringong Markets on Saturday May 18 and each Sunday evening in May, from 5pm, for the community raffle at the Gerringong Bowlo. All enquiries to Ann on 0412 011 352.

A surge of opposition is mounting against the proposed large-scale wind turbine venture off the Illawarra coastline, as a fresh campaign spearheaded by a newly formed community advocacy group gains momentum. Last year's fervent outcry from locals against the Federal Government's plans is evolving into a more concerted effort, with a range of strategies aimed at informing the public and stalling the project.Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc., the recently established community advocacy group, is dedicated to articulating local apprehensions regarding the proposed venture. It aims to consolidate the core community resistance that emerged in late 2023 upon the revelation of the government's intentions.As Minister Chris Bowen's impending decision on the wind farm zone approaches, the rejuvenated campaign in the Illawarra is set to commence with a community gathering on April 30, 2024."The community's apprehensions about the magnitude and impact of this project, along with the significant risks posed to the Illawarra and its environment, persist," remarked Jenny Cullen, President of Responsible Future."This is an ongoing concern. Behind the scenes, we've been diligently assembling a professional coalition to oppose this project, building upon the robust community opposition expressed last year, and initiating a series of community dialogues on the project's risks in a mature, fact-checked manner.""We encourage all community members to join us on April 30th to stay updated on the proposed developments that threaten to irrevocably transform the Illawarra," Jenny added. "At Responsible Future, we are committed to advocating for a better, more accountable future for our region.""This event is crucial for the community, and we are eager to share our extensive research on the offshore wind industry, its associated risks, costs, and the developers behind the project," stated Alex O'Brien, media spokesperson for Responsible Future (Illawarra)."Our position isn't against renewable energy; rather, we believe that sustainability should not come at any cost.""Groups like Sea Shepherd echo our concerns regarding the delicate nature of the Illawarra marine ecosystem and the unprecedented impact of an offshore wind farm in the humpback whale migration route," he added."If politicians fail to engage in substantive energy discussions, it falls upon groups like Responsible Future to ensure that the community is informed and empowered."The upcoming community session will provide attendees with the latest updates and insights into the risks associated with the project. Key features of the event include:- Current Information: An overview of the offshore wind farm proposal and its implications for the Illawarra region.- Interactive Conversations: Discussions on community-led initiatives to oppose the proposal and ways in which individuals can contribute.- Official Launch: The formal introduction of Responsible Future and its mission to advocate for the community's interests.The event is scheduled as follows:Date: Tuesday, April 30thTime: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:45 PM)Venue: Wests Illawarra, 1 Hargreaves St, Unanderra

Who would have thought that an iconic band could be right within our grasp? Unlocking The Doors, hailing from Wollongong, is just a skip and a step away! Recently, this author had the opportunity to witness their performance at the Airlie Beach Hotel, even sharing a ride on the airport shuttle bus with the band, fostering instant South Coast camaraderie!The band, comprising of Richie, Mick, Sandy, and Lee, has crafted a distinctive group paying homage to Jim Morrison’s legendary band of yesteryear. Richie, adorned in his signature leather pants and belt, sporting Jim's moves, could easily be mistaken for a mature version of the iconic frontman. His stage presence and moves authentically channel the spirit of the late, great Jim Morrison.Having performed together for the past six years, Unlocking The Doors is widely regarded as one of the most genuine Australian tribute acts, capturing the energy, mayhem, and psychedelia of the late 60s, bringing Jim’s music and poetry vividly to life. Unlocking The Doors roadie, Paul, a local from Kiama, plays an essential role in ensuring their magic reaches the stage. He is a regular in Kiama with his mother still residing in the area."We aim to showcase the brilliance of The Doors and the captivating stage presence of Jim Morrison," says Rich, also known as 'Jim,' a lifelong admirer of The Doors who delivers a heartfelt performance, embodying the enigmatic allure once possessed by the band's iconic frontman. At a turning point in his life, Rich decided to pursue his music passion and has not looked back!One distinctive trait of The Doors was their performance without a bass player, a role adeptly filled by Sandy on organ and keyboard. She masterfully reproduces the authentic live sound of Unlocking the Doors, dedicating herself to emulating Ray Manzarek's dual keyboard wizardry, seamlessly blending hypnotic bass fills with stabbing syncopation and signature melodies.Drawing on his background in classical guitar and rock, Mick skilfully manoeuvres his Gibson SG standard, employing finger-picking techniques to replicate Robbie Krieger's beautiful legato tone. From the ethereal tremolo of 'Riders on the Storm' to the raw intensity of '5 to 1,' Mick pays homage to Krieger's distinctive sound, defying categorisation.Completing the lineup on drums is Lee, who channels John Densmore's unique fusion of jazz, rock, and Latin beats, an integral component of The Doors' iconic sound. Lee faithfully recreates Densmore's original style, providing the essential backbeat crucial for honouring the band's impressive catalogue of classics.More than 50 years since their debut album, The Doors remain a cultural phenomenon, continuing to captivate audiences with their timeless music and provocative lyrics. Unlocking The Doors transports us back to an era when 'The Lizard King' reigned supreme, introducing a new generation to the mesmerising allure of The Doors and helping new listeners break on through to the other side.So next step - we need to open some doors to get the group down to perform in Kiama so we can all enjoy a trip down memory lane! 

The Enchanted Forest, an award-winning storytelling and lightshow experience, is back from Friday 17 May to Sunday 9 June with an all-new out of this world adventure. Tickets are now on sale.Last year, The Enchanted Forest was a runaway success, delighting over 66,000 attendees and receiving ‘Best Small Regional Event’ at the Australian Event Awards.The spectacular Luna Light Journey will transform Blackbutt Forest Reserve, Shellharbour with a feast for the senses.Attendees will follow an immersive trail through the forest, where the new theme, ‘Lost Astronaut’, will be brought to life by LASERVISION’s skilled creative and installation teams.The family-friendly event is presented by LASERVISION in partnership with Shellharbour City Council.LASERVISION’s CEO, Shannon Brooks, believes the forest canvas will create a truly unique experience.“Bringing the ‘Lost Astronaut’ to life is a long-term wish of the Creative department, and I couldn’t think of a better setting than the Forest for this journey to be unveiled. Expect interactive projections, lasers, space-themed holograms, light sculptures, UV light displays, hanging light curtains, custom soundscapes, special effects and more along the trail, as a lost astronaut embarks on rebuilding his ship to escape the enchanted, alien forest he crashed in”.Shellharbour Mayor Chris homer said that he was thrilled to be partnering with LASERVISION for another year and was looking forward to seeing them bring the event to life.“I have no doubt that The Enchanted Forest will be another outstanding success. Last year it brought joy to many people, bringing families and friends together from near and far,” Mayor Homer said.“You don’t want to miss out on experiencing this exciting new theme for yourself, so be sure to grab tickets,” he said.For more information and to reserve tickets, visit www.theenchantedforest.com.au.

The iconic Penny Whistlers cafe is well known for its delicious food and stunning outlook across Kiama’s colourful harbour. A firm favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, the beloved establishment has been serving patrons for close to a decade. Last month welcomed the cafe’s new owners, Bhanu Rathore and his family. Born in the vibrant city of Jaipur in India, Bhanu, along with his wife Vertika and their two children, bring with them vast experience and a vision to further enrich the community through their commitment to excellence. "Our native place Jaipur (Pink City) is known globally for its warmth, rich art, culture and heritage, along with its iconic palaces and forts which are standing examples of the royalty and honour of the people of the state,” reminisced Bhanu. Following their move to Kiama, Bhanu admired the beauty of the region whilst finding the strong sense of community increasingly familiar to that of his hometown. "When we came to Kiama, we were mesmerised by the picturesque beauty of the place. As we started spending some time here, we were pleasantly surprised by the extremely positive vibes of the place and the warmth of the community," shared Bhanu. "I had read somewhere that Kiama is one of the best places to live in NSW. Now I am an advocate of this theory and claim."Bhanu recognises the legacy of the café and aims to build upon its foundation of excellent food and hospitality. "A business is as good as its team, and Penny Whistlers’ is a classic example," remarked Bhanu proudly. "Most of our team members have been with us since inception and have been continuously working towards targeting an outstanding customer experience."With a keen eye for promising ventures in hospitality, Bhanu was drawn to Penny Whistlers’ historic performance and its commanding position in the local area. "A combination of excellence in its segment and adorable scenic views of Kiama harbour make it a unique business opportunity, which I could just not miss out on. It struck my heart and mind both at once," he affirmed.Backed by their commitment to quality and community, Bhanu and his family along with the management duo, Eddie and Nick, are ready to infuse new energy into Penny Whistlers Café, promising an unforgettable dining experience for all. Penny Whistlers cafeSunday - Wednesday: 7:00am to 3:00pmThursday - Saturday: 7:00am to late (10:00pm)Now available on UberEats

The knock-on implications for Kiama’s older residents and services will be highly problematic if workers in associated services, hospitality and healthcare leave due to a lack of accommodation.“There comes a point where a teacher, barista, nurse or aged care worker can no longer afford to live in Kiama, no matter how beautiful it is,” said CEO of Traders in Purple and the prospective developer of Springside Hill, Brett Robinson.“The average house costs 15 times the median income and private rental consumes more than a third of wages,” he said.Kiama needs more young working women. Credit: Bruce MarsLike many other local businesses, Kiama Council had problems finding staff last year. However, Chief Executive Officer of Kiama Council, Jane Stroud, said the labour shortage has recently improved.“It was really difficult for key workers to afford to live in Kiama and there is no question in my mind that housing affordability plays a role in this equation,” she said back in 2023.A significant component is that Council’s workforce is also commonly working part time and accessing flexible work arrangements to support transition to retirement.According to Council documents, its median workforce age is 47, with an average age of 45.5. Approximately 30.5 per cent of its workforce is over 55 and a further 12.5 per cent over 50.Last year, the AEC Group provided The Bugle with figures suggesting that housing demand in Kiama will almost double between 2023 and 2041, as the population is expected to skyrocket to more than 30,000 people.With the proviso that if there is no new housing, Kiama’s population will fall and the labour market, especially in healthcare, aged care and hospitality, will contract.

During lunch breaks at Kiama High School, groups of year 7 and year 8 students can be found taking part in an unexpected lunchbreak activity — the fantasy role-play tabletop game, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Led by school counsellor and registered psychologist, Chris Scobie, the school has been hosting D&D groups since 2022. In the last year, it has grown in popularity, and even become an unexpected form of therapy.“I started the groups in mid-2022 with a Year 8 boys group and a Year 7 mixed gender group,” says Scobie. “The handy thing about ‘DnD’ is that you can pack up and set up relatively easily. This, combined with DnD being illuminated in popular culture with [the Netflix show] Stranger Things, motivated me to get the groups going at Kiama High.”In case you’re not familiar with the game — which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year — it involves players forming an ‘adventure party’ who explore fantasy worlds together. There isn’t really a ‘winner’ in the conventional sense. As the makers of the game explain: ‘While the goal of many games is to score the most points or win, the ultimate goal of D&D is to tell a story’. You may remember the backlash against the game in the eighties, when D&D was accused of encouraging witchcraft and satanism. Today, its reputation has taken a dramatic up-swing, as the mental health sector explores its therapeutic benefits for people of all ages.A recent Australian study found that, after taking part in eight weeks of D&D gameplay (1 hour session per week), participants demonstrated significant decreases in depression, stress, and anxiety and significant increases in self-esteem and self-efficacy over the period. A separate study from Manchester Metropolitan University suggests the game increases confidence, helps people to express themselves and makes them feel connected. For children, the benefits were even more promising, increasing their empathy, creativity and strategic thinking.Since starting D&D groups at Kiama High School, Chris Scobie has seen these benefits first-hand. “Dungeons & Dragons combines escapism, teamwork, collaborative and creative problem solving, acting, strategy, silliness and fun,” he explains. “It creates good-old structured social interaction around a table, which has become more rare these days with our culture’s obsession with screens.” Since the popularity of the D&D groups, he has also started a ‘Warhammer’ club. Students collect, build and paint miniature figures, and fight strategic tabletop battles. Warhammer offers an accessible alternative to sports-based clubs and activities. “Sport is not for everyone and students who don’t pursue sport often pursue electronic interests,” says Scobie. “A state of ‘flow’ or ‘absorption’ can be achieved in any challenging task, be it sport, music, academic, social or artistic.”For most students taking part, they simply enjoy the adventure. As a Year 8 student from Kiama High School told The Bugle: “It’s just fun! I get to raid a dungeon, purchase a donkey with my loot, then get the donkey to kick down the goblin kings’ throne room door after I persuaded his minions to mutiny”.