On 19 May, Jones Beach will once again host the 2024 NSW Junior Regional Series (South Coast). The cut-off date for entering is Friday 10 May, and young surfers in particular are encouraged to register.The South Coast region covers Minnamurra in the north to Lake Tabourie in the south.“Many athletes from this region have gone on to compete at Aussie titles and World Juniors, such as Keira Buckpitt from Ulladulla Boardriders. I would encourage every young surfer to enter this event via the Surfing NSW portal,” says Jo Collinge, who has recently taken on the voluntary role of Surfing NSW Regional Director for the South Coast. “Numbers in each division are small, and Ocean and Earth are donating some great prizes,” she continues.Lani Cairncross, who went on to place third at Australian Titles after progressing through State Titles. Photo credit: Kirsten Cairncross.The 2024 NSW Regional Series serves as the initial pathway to the 2024 NSW State Titles Junior Surf Series and the 2024 Australian Junior Titles.“Traditionally, this region has had a strong presence progressing to Aussie titles. Often, these surfers have had to work harder for that success because we don’t have access to elite coaches and opportunities that are available to Sydney and North Coast athletes,” says Collinge.Collinge has enjoyed putting on the event for three consecutive years with the help of Jones Beach Boardriders, where she previously served as secretary for the past eight years.“I’ve been driven to provide a professional event for our local surfers to test their surfing skills at an entry-level competition on their own beach,” she says. “Generally, surfers need to travel to Sydney and even further up the coast to Northern NSW to get a taste of competition surfing, which comes at quite a cost to parents for travel and accommodation.” Enter online at 2024 NSW Junior Regional Series (South Coast). Registrations close on Friday, 10 May at 5:00pm AEST.SponsorsSurfing South Coast is also looking for sponsors wishing to support surfing in the local community to ensure this event can continue in its current format for future years. “I want to continue to create and provide opportunities for young surfers that weren’t available to my kids five to six years ago, and build an inclusive community that provides equal access for surfers of all abilities,” Collinge explains.For more information, please contact: [email protected].

With Mother’s Day just around the corner on 12 May, I want to focus on ways of staying active for women in their middle age (45-64 years old) – an important but often invisible group in our community. Middle age is a crucial time for staying active, as it is when our physical capacity starts to naturally decline. Unfortunately, many during this stage may become less physically active. Women in middle age have unique barriers to being physically active, which makes them less likely than men to exercise regularly. For example, while women make up 47 percent of the paid workforce, they also perform three quarters of the unpaid domestic and care work. Often described as the ‘sandwich generation’ because of their multiple roles caring for ageing parents and their own children, twice as many middle-aged women than men are primary carers. With so many competing demands, prioritising self-care often goes out the window in the service of caring for others. Exercise may be considered a luxury or self indulgence.My argument to the women that I regularly see in my physiotherapy practice, who find themselves suddenly unable to fulfil their myriad duties due to an injury or illness and struggle to be regularly active is this: they must put on their own oxygen mask first. If they don’t take care of their own health, including being regularly physically active, then eventually they will be no help to the people who rely on them when they themselves become incapacitated.  Re-framing exercise not as self-care, but as a necessity to continue to serve others is one way to prioritise physical activity without the guilt that women so often feel when doing something for themselves. If you would like help to get more physically active, my research team is evaluating a new program aimed at supporting women aged 50 and over to become more physically active. You can find more information out about it here: activewomenover50.org.au or by scanning the QR code:

When you think of Venice, you might have idyllic images of gondolas cruising down the grand canal guided by Venetian men in striped shirts. This will not be the case for four local ladies who will be taking place in a 33-kilometre race around the islands of Venice. The Vogalonga (which is a Venetian expression for a ‘long rowing race’), has been organised yearly since 1974, when it began as a protest about the damage caused by motorboat traffic in the Venice lagoon. There are now 2000 non-motorised craft and over 7,000 participants taking part in the event. The big day is 19 th May.Four members of the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club: Heather McAlpine, Annie Boulton, Julie Campbell and Ann Harrison will be joining others to accept the challenge in a 20-person dragon boat. The other 16 paddlers come from Jindabyne, Moruya and Narooma Clubs. Going under the descriptive name of ‘Dragons Downunder’, they will be ready to wave the Australian flag in this race, open to all countries and all types of non-motorised boats. There’s such an array of rowing boats – Venetian and English styles along with dragon boats and kayaks. There are even SUPs!“International events bring such a dynamic mixture of training towards the goal. It’s an exciting time to be part of a team,” Heather says. “But there’s bonding and team camaraderie in any event. Each year we compete in the Lunar New Year Festival on Darling Harbour, and the Sydney International Regatta Centre. We also have interstate competitions.” But there are other local options for those interested in trying dragon boating. The club trains regularly on Lake Illawarra. “I’m such a nature lover, and most training sessions we get to see a massive black swan community in flight or just chilling around us, as well as egrets and pelicans. Although I don’t broadcast this loudly,” she says with a chuckle, “as we’re supposed to be focussed in the boat!”One of Heather’s annual dragon boating highlights is being part of the Shellharbour Festival of Sport. “This competition includes community teams, such as schools and sporting clubs. Last year, even our church in Kiama created a team,” she says.Anyone interested in finding out more, please visit the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club at www.idbc.org.au. 

Labor MP Fiona Phillips encourages residents of Gilmore to get their annual influenza vaccine now, ahead of the peak flu season which usually occurs between June to September. In a recent statement, Ms Phillips explained that most residents can now access a range of vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 shots, through their accredited community pharmacy. With vaccines now available through many pharmacies in the Gilmore district, it conveniently saves time and any additional costs associated with visiting a GP. Residents can make appointments online through their local pharmacy website.Vaccines can save lives and prevent individuals from becoming seriously unwell. Ms Phillips urges residents to take advantage of the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP).Some people are eligible to get the flu vaccine for free, including children aged six months to under five years old, individuals aged 65 years and older, Aboriginal people, pregnant women, and those with serious health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and immune disorders. The flu is a serious respiratory virus that circulates widely in Australia over winter and can cause more serious complications, including hospitalisation and death – even in healthy people. Ms Phillips emphasises the importance of getting annual flu shots to protect yourself, your family and your community, particularly amidst a 40 per cent increase in flu cases this year, compared to last. 

Mother’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive to be impactful. These inclusive ideas will warm the heart of your mum and mother figures in your life.Share the LoveIf words of affirmation are a mum’s love language, putting thoughts on paper is priceless. ‘Love Jars’ are a cost effective gift that little kids will love – upcycle an empty jam jar, cut up paper strips and encourage children to write down or draw things they love about their mother, grandmother or caregiver. After you give the jar as a gift, your family can continue to fill it with things they’re grateful for or happy memories. The online design tool, Canva has free templates, you can fill in and print out – just log onto the website and search their templates for ‘things I love about you.’ canva.com.auSay Their NameThe first Sunday of May is known as Bereaved Mother’s Day – a day that honours mothers who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. But Mother’s Day on 12 May is also for these mums too. Meagan Donaldson is the author of the book, Still a Mum, having experienced infant loss with her first child, Violet and third child, Remy. “You can help include a bereaved mum simply by just remembering them as a mum,” she told The Bugle. “Saying their baby’s name is something most bereaved mums love to hear. A text message as simple as, ‘Violet is so lucky to have you as her mum’ means the world.”Embrace their HobbyOn 12 May, how can the whole family get behind a mother’s passions and interests? This could mean joining a mum for their morning ocean swim – with minimal complaining about the cold water. Or, putting the kids on their scooters and bikes, so the adults can go for a run together. The annual fun-run, the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, will be held again in Wollongong this year, with money raised for breast cancer and ovarian cancer charities. You can even download a free ‘tribute bib’ to showcase the person you’re running to remember. mothersdayclassic.com.auCelebrate your ‘Bonus Mums’In addition to celebrating the woman who gave birth to you, Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate and thank the mother figures in your life. Although the term ‘bonus mum’ is commonly used to describe a step-mother, its origins are much wider – any woman who offers the love and support of a mother. Thanks to the diversity of modern families, you can buy ‘Bonus Mums’ cards, including e-cards, which can be text or emailed – just search Google, and celebrate your ‘other mothers’ too.

Gerringong has many facilities for people of a ‘mature’ age to assist them in their later years. These may include retirement villages or nursing homes. In some cases, however, nurses or other people may come to an elderly person’s own home to assist with daily tasks including preparing meals, housework and gardening so they don’t have to move out. Of course, many elderly people live with relatives through choice, but the point is just that: many now have a choice.These choices were usually not available many years ago. Care of the aged and infirm invariably fell upon the shoulders of family members. A single family member may have often had to ‘sacrifice’ part or all of their own life to do this ‘duty’. This ‘sacrifice’ was usually given freely and without complaint.As a Chittick, I can remember part of my own family history, which was pretty typical of the time. A family in Ireland on a farm in the mid eighteen hundreds. Dad died leaving mother and large family destitute, being unable to run a farm properly. Mother then sold the farm and left with all the family and what possessions they could carry on a boat to Australia. On the way out, she died.As a result, the eldest girl, Ellen, no longer had a life of her own. No marriage. No children. No career. No, her life was one of duty, caring for her siblings. All we have of Ellen Chittick is a photo and a Bible.Ellen Chittick’s BibleI remember reading biographies of family members which would often state that, ‘Auntie so and so spent the last five years of his or her life living with their sister’s family’. My father wrote a story about such a duty. And often the duty fell upon a selected female member of the family. His name is Clive Emery, and this is his story …It has never been my privilege to understand just what represents a level playing field in a person’s lifetime. How some members of a family can seem to have a dream run, lots of opportunities in work and relationships. Other members of a family can seem to have a life of duty and service. How inequities seem to appear, often through no fault of any person.Take the case of two maidens, sisters of my acquaintance who would normally work on their father's farm until they married.  At sixteen and eighteen their grandmother fell ill, and this was where the inequity began. The grandparents lived and farmed a long way from their neighbours, in a town 10 kilometres distant.They did not have the convenience of a car. The road to their mountain farm was rugged in the extreme, so the only connection with civilisation was by sulky or cart.  There was no electricity and no water, except what gathered into a tank off their roof. They called on their daughter for assistance because she could easily spare one of her two daughters as a housekeeper and companion for granny. But, which one?The decision did not come from the toss of a coin. It came from the need, and from their individual accomplishments, such as who was the best worker and could milk the cows the fastest! And so the younger girl lost and had to go and look after her granny and grandpa.  For how long? One month … one year? No, five years, until granny's death! It meant being parted from her family during her youthhood. Parted, too, from the comfort and protection of the family unit.It was five years of virtual imprisonment before she was able to return to the fold and be accorded a twenty-first birthday party at her home! How wonderful?! That gap in a young girl's life could not be assumed to be helpful, nor could an equation be reached to evaluate her loneliness - the escapades and jollity of family living, of sleeping in her own bed and the companionship of her two brothers, sister and parents! She went without a word of protest as a silent companion and carer of an aged woman. Try that for size! A level playing field, indeed!Then there was the case of my own cousin, who from 5 to ten years had to sleep in the same bed as granny. When granny died it was the first time she had a bed to herself!She always loved granny, she said. It was a mournful way to spend her girlhood, but at least she had the school days to herself and her playmates.

Religious groups including faith leaders are bringing their message to local MP Fiona Phillips on Friday, May 3 that they want an end to coal and gas projects as part of the government’s action on the climate crisis by holding a protest outside her office asking her to take their message to the Prime Minister.Across Australia, environmental groups and others are holding similar actions outside of Government MPs’ offices between April 29 and May 10 to say that if the Albanese Government is serious about keeping people safe from the impacts of changing the climate such as bushfires and floods, there can be no more coal and gas projects. “This year the Labor Government will decide whether to approve a lot more potential coal and gas projects. The world’s climate scientists have made it clear that a safe climate is not compatible with any new fossil fuel projects anywhere on Earth”, said Rev John Brentnall from Berry Uniting Church. Those attending come from Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church and Buddhist communities. “As people of faith we are united in saying that this is a clear moral issue on which this Government must act.” “Here on the south coast people know only too well how serious it is to keep upping the chances of more bushfires and floods. It’s bad enough what nature throws at us anyway without pouring fuel on the fire by saying yes to new coal and gas,” said Rev Brentnall. The faith communities are joining forces with other concerned local people.“This is something that concerns people of all faiths and none,” said Rev Brentnall. “We’re all deeply concerned.” In recent times, faith communities have been increasingly vocal about the issue. In October 2022 more than 100 senior religious leaders from across Australia and the Pacific sent an open letter to Prime Minister Albanese (https://www.arrcc.org.au/open_letter_climate_justice) calling for an end to new coal and gas projects.Senior leaders from Christian, Muslim and Buddhist faiths followed up on the open letter in November and February by holding meetings in Canberra with the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. They also met Shadow Climate Minister Ted O’Brien.

At just 21 years old, Sam Scobie is already making waves in the real estate industry as a dedicated agent at Ray White Kiama. With a family legacy spanning three generations in real estate, Sam has a passion for his work. This is evident in his commitment to providing exceptional client services. Sam began his journey in real estate less than three years ago, yet swiftly proved his dedication. He was awarded Youth Business Person of the Year in 2022 at the age of 19. Despite his youth, Sam has extensive experience in various roles within the industry. These credentials have allowed him to develop his skills and understanding of the market dynamics. He places great value on client experience and his professional approach exemplifies this. Sam has finished his apprenticeship with Ray White and is now a licensed real estate agent. He finds his young age can occasionally be considered a disadvantage. However, his work speaks for itself. His genuine commitment to the job and his clients serve as a testament on its own.  For Sam, every day in real estate is an adventure filled with new and unique opportunities. He thrives in a dynamic and fast paced environment, and has proven he is not afraid to rise to challenges. Beyond his professional life, Sam talks of his love for the Kiama area. Having grown up in the region with no plans to leave any time soon, he knows the town like the back of his hand. This knowledge and passion enhances his ability to excel in his job. In his spare time, Sam likes to play golf, swim and spend time with friends and family. He has a laser focus for building his career and watching it grow.  Sam is undoubtedly a rising star in the industry. He has made a significant impact in a short time, no doubt with greater things yet to come. Need proof? Check out Sam’s two latest listings in Kiama Heights; a grand waterfront reserve at 42 Elanora Road & a gorgeous three-bedroom house at 24 Kalang Road.Whether you are buying, selling or seeking expert advice, Sam is your go-to agent in Kiama. You can reach him at [email protected] or 0451 523 680.

At parks, bus stops and anywhere that parents gather, the conversation quickly turns to one topic: sickness. In addition to COVID-19, influenza and ‘RSV’, parents in the Illawarra are quickly becoming acquainted with this year’s most-talked about infection — Mycoplasma pneumoniae or ‘walking pneumonia.’In January 2024, NSW Health issued an alert to warn that ‘cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, specifically among children of age 5 to 16 years, have been increasing.’ Symptoms may develop over one to three weeks and include fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat and malaise, according to NSW Health. Globally, there has been an increase in cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children in China, Taiwan, Philippines, South Korea, North America and Europe. This typically occurs every 3-7 years as population immunity wanes.“We call it walking pneumonia because people can be outwardly well, or seem well, but have an ongoing, lower respiratory tract infection,” Dr Michael Bonning, President of the Australian Medical Association, told ABC News. “What we see with this is, it takes quite a long time to incubate and people can be infectious for quite a long period of time.”According to The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, people with Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be infectious for up to four weeks before showing symptoms.Now, the spread is becoming apparent in Kiama and the surrounding areas. For the week ending 28 April 2024, Southern IML Pathology released a report that showed a sharp rise in the percentage of positive tests in the Illawarra, compared to 2019-2023.“For me and my kids, it started with a sore throat and a chesty cough, then headaches, body aches, fever and fatigue,” a mother-of-two from Kiama told The Bugle. After visiting their GP, and being diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, they faced a different challenge — accessing medication. “We had to visit three pharmacies to fulfill our scripts,” she says. “Luckily, once we could start a course of antibiotics, everyone started improving.”Unsurprisingly, local parents are concerned but medical experts say, it’s important to be aware but not alarmed. Mycoplasma pneumoniae generally resolves without serious complications, although a cough and lethargy may persist for more than one month. In most cases, it is readily treated with antibiotics, however, as with all respiratory illnesses, it can be more dangerous for babies, vulnerable people and the elderly.Doctor Tom Hilliar from Kiama Down Medical Practice confirms, there has been a significant increase in local cases. “GPs in our district have seen an enormous amount of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children and adults this year,” he says. “The hugely useful test, which is sometimes forgotten in hospital or even with some GPs, is to do a ‘mycoplasma PCR throat swab’. Most cases can be treated safely at home after a doctor review.”If you are concerned about the health of your or your child, Hilliar has this advice: “Please see your GP or Urgent Care Clinic if you are worried about this illness. If you can't get advice or be seen straight away, calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222 is really helpful.” 

Wednesday 8 May, the Werri Beach Gerringong Garden Club, will welcome two very interesting speakers, Emma Rooksby and Ailee Calderbank. They will talk about native plants of the Kiama district, and the many advantages of including them in your garden.  So which plants are native to the Illawarra? And why should you grow them in your garden? There are many, many reasons, as you’ll find out at our meeting. Did you know that a lot of our native insects and native birds rely on specific local plants? So, it’s no surprise that growing Illawarra natives helps support our local biodiversity.  Many locally native plants are also just beautiful, another reason for growing local natives.  Emma Rooksby is from Growing Illawarra Natives, a wonderful resource for identifying and learning more about growing our locally native plants.  Ailee Calderbank from Landcare Illawarra will enlighten us on projects about caring for our local habitats (including Werri Beach Dunecare’s work).     There will also be native plants available for sale (cash only). Details: Wednesday 8 May.  Meeting starts promptly at 10:00am, morning tea is served from 9:30am. Cost: $5 Location: Uniting Church Hall, 28 Fern St, Gerringong. Enquiries: Call Barb on 0419 498 072 or email [email protected]

Dr Jane Turnbull’s innovative business Own Words is a form of digital matchmaking; a recruitment platform that matches people’s skills with an employer's needs to get that perfect match.Dr Turnbull, who is based at the iAccelerate building at the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus, developed Own Words to give job seekers an alternative to the one-size-fits-all written résumé. Her business allows users to create digital story job applications, where they can demonstrate their skills using multiple media, such as video, audio and images.“The written word can be limiting for many people,” says Dr Turnbull. “Written text is not always the first choice when people want to share their work experience and skills.”Dr Turnbull knows this first hand. She is dyslexic, and her son has also struggled with writing.“Even people who are pretty good at writing have said to me, ‘I hate writing my résumé, I don’t know how to do it’. This platform actually takes you by the hand and is a step-by-step process that shows you how to create a digital story résumé, using a mode that resonates with the job seeker.”Own Words allows job seekers to create short, two to three minute video résumés to showcase their experience. “It’s an advantage for employers because using traditional written résumés marginalises many groups of people looking for work,” says Dr Turnbull. “Now employers can recruit more widely, and recruit for diversity, by allowing these groups to show employers how they can froth milk or change car oil, for example.” Employers who have used the platform have told Dr Turnbull that, “it supports them to make good recruitment decisions, as you cannot gain insight with the written word”.Dr Turnbull has a background in human resources and adult education. She came up with the idea for her business after, “getting tired of hearing my managers say to me, ‘we’re not going to employ that person because there’s a spelling mistake in their résumé’.“I thought, ‘there must be a better way of doing this’ and I came up with the idea of storytelling.”Dr Turbull, who was studying a Masters in Adult Education, quit her job in human resources and began working on her digital storytelling thesis full-time to get her idea tested through peer review.She received an overwhelmingly positive response from her colleagues and supervisors. The platform was developed and tested at the minimum viable product stage (MVP), where it was well-received by employers and employees.However, Dr Turnbull has found it difficult to reach her target market; those with a disability. This is due to a reluctance by government contracted employment service providers to use the platform. People with a disability are twice as likely as those without a disability to be unemployed, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.Dr Turnbull explains that while a digital storytelling résumé is an easy-to-navigate alternative to traditional résumé writing, many employment service providers have high caseloads, making it difficult to adopt and adapt to change.A passionate advocate for removing barriers to employment, Dr Turnbull took her product to Workforce Australia in Canberra, who agreed it was an innovative tool which could be utilised by employment providers supporting clients through the NDIS.After several years of attempting to break into the employment provision market, Dr Turnbull put it in the “too hard basket” and decided to start her own employment service.“I'm now an NDIS provider and I will be testing the market in Kiama this month, asking employers in retail and hospitality if they would be willing to use the Own Words digital storytelling platform,” said Dr Turnbull.She will hold free workshops for job seekers and employers at the Innovation Campus throughout May and is looking to host workshops in Kiama and Shellharbour, and partner with education and employment service providers. Dr Turnbull also works with Flagstaff, a well-respected local employer for those with a disability. Flagstaff helped Dr Turnbull create her innovative braille embossed business cards.“I want this service to be for everyone,” says Dr Turnbull. “I want to make employment accessible to everyone.”Join Dr Jane Turnble for her upcoming seminar, "Aligning Job Skills with Employer Needs." Catch her from 6 - 8pm on Thursday 23 May at the ground floor of the Kiama Library building. For more information about Dr Turnbull’s digital storytelling services, visit: ownwords.com.au

As Mother’s Day approaches, shops are full of gifts for mothers: bubble bath products, chocolate and scented candles. But there is a ‘must-have’ that more mums need in their lives — affordable mental health support. Perinatal depression and anxiety impacts around 100,000 Australians each year (estimates for anxiety and depression are combined because many new parents experience symptoms of both.) In the first year after birth, postnatal depression (PND) affects one in five women, with symptoms including a sense of sadness or hopelessness, crying frequently for no clear reason, loss of interest in life, and not feeling attached to or bonded with their baby.Despite the prevalence, an Australian study found that parents are still reluctant to seek help early enough due to a, “societal expectation on mums to be able to keep it all together.” There’s also the cost factor and a sense that finding a therapist is overwhelming. This is where the Gidget Foundation wants to bridge the knowledge gap.Gidget Foundation Australia is a not-for-profit organisation, which exists to support the emotional well-being of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care. Since opening a ‘house’ in Shellharbour, they have been providing free, individual psychological counselling sessions for expectant and new mothers in the area.Local mum of three, Lisa Carrick, has benefited from their services — which have no out-of-pocket charge for clients. After the birth of her third child, which coincided with the death of her grandmother, her mental health began to decline.“I remember having a bath with my son,” recalls Carrick. “I was looking at him and felt nothing. I didn’t want to hold him. I was still catching up with friends, putting on a brave face, that everything was okay. But at home I was far from it. Why did I feel so empty?” After experiencing a panic attack whilst she was breastfeeding, she sought the advice of her GP, who referred her to a Gidget therapist.“My psychologist was incredible,” says Carrick. “We discussed coping strategies, I started practising mindfulness, prioritised family time and started prioritising my own physical and mental well-being. How can we look after others when we are struggling ourselves?”To access the Gidget Foundation’s free program, a mother needs to be registered with the service before their child is 12-months-old (although, as long as you are ‘on their books’ before your child is one, you can continue to access their services afterwards).What about the parents of older children? The mental health charity, Beyond Blue provides a free and confidential mental health coaching program called NewAccess, which has recently increased its eligible areas to include Kiama. Katie Peterson is a Clinical Psychologist with the Gidget Foundation. She explains, “Mother’s Day celebrates the relationship between mothers and their children, and the joy parenting can bring but it is important to also acknowledge the challenges inherent in the motherhood journey, including the significance of grief and loss.”As Mother’s Day approaches, one of the best gifts you can give a mum is reassurance that help is available and that she’s not alone.For more information, visit gidgetfoundation.org.au.

The Bugle's View - Value versus worth   As has been widely reported, the median price of property in Kiama has reached $1.5m, a rise of more than 80% in the last five years.   The cost of housing has eclipsed Byron Bay, and we’re now the most expensive place in regional NSW to put a roof over your head.  Not too long ago, anytime Byron Bay was raised in conversation, it would be along the lines of – “I hope we never become anything like Byron Bay”. And just like that, we’re there. On the face of it, we’re not too far behind Sydney, with the price of a swanky luxury SUV that we see swanning down Terralong Street the only difference between the cost of housing between here and Sydney.   This is great news for all property owners (particularly those without a mortgage!) in the area. No doubt that they’ve worked hard to get onto the property ladder, realise their Australian dream and the value of their asset(s) have skyrocketed.  We say property owners, rather than homeowners because we know that there are quite a few properties that are investments for short-term letting, or simply a weekender for a Sydneysider.  The Bugle does not cast aspersions on the right to own property and see its value increase over time – but our View is, what worth does the average price of a home being $1.5m bring to our community? When families are being broken up and young adults are leaving the area taking with them, youth, energy and importantly the next generation of our community, there is a clear difference between ‘value’ and ‘worth’.  Our coverage also heard the other end of the family-unit spectrum. We heard from Kiama local Ryan Jamieson and his family’s own personal housing crisis with no other options but to sleep on a pull-out sofa whilst his daughter shares a bed with her grandmother.  He and his family are just some of the faces of the housing crisis. Our property might have value, but what is its worth, if it means that our community is under constant housing stress with little to no options besides leaving the area? Our people and community are our greatest asset, but if Ryan’s situation is anything to go by, ‘our people’ are under stress and are moving away. It’s no wonder the average age of our local government area is already ten years older than the rest of the State. In Kiama specifically, it is even more stark.  Kiama Council says that in the next 15 years, one-third of the population will be over 65 years old.  Is our community just going to become cashed up Sydneysiders who are selling their expensive property and buying another (albeit less expensive one) in our area? Sure, there’s significant value involved in that transaction, but what is that worth? Premier Chris Minns recently stated that Sydney is at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren, and given the similarities with our housing prices, we appear to be on that same trajectory. Perhaps, superficially, this is what the overarching community wants? But if we delve deeper, is it really? Do we want to be a diverse community with teachers, aged-care workers, families, professionals, entrepreneurs and young people as well as the elderly?  Or do want to have an enclave that is asset-rich and worth-poor?  The Bugle’s View is that we should be happy that a majority of us now have a lot more value to our names, but equally, we need to start thinking about how we increase our community’s worth. 

Dr Lindsay Sharp, the founding director of the Powerhouse Museum, says state government plans to move priceless objects, including one of the oldest working steam engines in the world, to Castle Hill while the Ultimo site undergoes destructive renovations “is madness”.“This proposal wastes tens of millions of dollars, destroys the campus, reduces exhibition areas by more than half, wrecks the Wran Building and Galleria and creates a completely unnecessary carbon load,” says Dr Sharp.The world-renowned museologist, who lives at Foxground with his artist wife Robyn, is a vocal member of the Powerhouse Museum Alliance.The Alliance, a group of museum professionals, former trustees and design and heritage experts, opposes plans to remove hundreds of thousands of key objects from the Ultimo site and house them in Castle Hill until the Powerhouse Museum reopens in the the city in 2027 and at its sister site in Parramatta in 2025.The original Ultimo museum opened in 1988 but closed to the public in February to undergo a $250 million renovation, with the Minns government scrapping a proposed $500 million rebuild and opting for a less costly “heritage revitalisation”, saying it would create a “world-class museum experience” when it reopens.But Dr Sharp fears that once “magnificent objects” like the Boulton Watt engine are removed from the museum it may never return to its historical home.“To put these incredibly fragile objects in Castle Hill is madness,” he says. “It is culturally unwise, unjustified and not properly planned. “First do no harm, as with medicine so with museology,” says Dr Sharp. “A museum’s collection is its core DNA. If the fragile beam of the Boulton SteamEngine is broken during transportation between Ultimo and Castle Hill it will not only be inoperable but not in a condition for display. We’re talking about a heroic piece of history.”For a museologist the proposed rebuild is heartbreaking, not least because of the risk to the exhibits but also because of concerns about community access.“All those incredible objects that are an integral part of the Powerhouse Museum collection in Ultimo will be rehoused at Parramatta and Castle Hill,” explains Dr Sharp. “That means that people who come from Kiama, or other regional areas, have to go cross country to access a collection that was right near Central train station. Visiting those [western Sydney] sites will be much more difficult, especially for school students. “The fundamental reason why museums should exist is to bring joy, excitement and real engagement to the people who own them, the taxpayers. The top down development of museums is very unwise and elitist. “If you’re going to spend taxpayer’s money you better have a jolly good business case and make sure that’s what the public wants.”Dr Sharp, who has a PHD in cultural history from Oxford University, has been the director of major museums around the world, including London’s national Science Museum Group and the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.His overseas tenure was not without criticism and he admits his detractors accused him of being a “show pony”, at one point earning him the nickname Showboat Sharp. But back home in Australia he was lauded for his work on the development of the Powerhouse Museum. A letter to Dr Sharp in 1986 from the then Secretary of the NSW Premier’s Department Gerry Gleeson states: “Your contribution to the development of this Museum has been the outstanding single force in bringing about its completion. I certainly look forward to the continued association with the Powerhouse Museum because it will be one of the jewels of the Wran era”.There is no doubt the cultural consultant is a passionate exponent of his craft, which is why, for almost a decade, he has continued to fight to preserve exhibits in-situ at the Powerhouse Museum that he helped curate; the “jewels” that tell our history.  “There’s this idea that all museums are old hat, but that’s a very old fashioned view,” says Dr Sharp. “Other museums around the world, in London or Paris, they're doing extraordinary things with immersive experiences, using cutting edge technology, to tell stories and engage people.“If what is being proposed for Ultimo, taking out all those incredible objects and simply replacing them with immersive projections, was earmarked for a museum in London or Paris it would be laughed at by the museological profession.”Dr Sharp believes the pride of the museum's collection, the famed Boulton and Watt steam engine, first installed in a London brewery in 1785 and known as the "Mona Lisa of steam engines", might not survive a move and was effectively uninsurable. Other expert museologists agree.Between 1988 and 2018 roughly 20 million people visited the Powerhouse Museum, many came to see the famous steam engine and Catalina flying boat.“For a relatively small society like Australia that’s a lot of people,” says Dr Sharp. “When I meet people who say ‘I went there with my school and I’ve taken my children there,’ I can’t tell you what a thrill that is.”Dr Sharp’s passion for preserving culture has not waned over the decades since he embarked on his first job at London’s national Science Museum in 1976 as assistant keeper of 2.5 million images.“Museums should engage people to develop their own opinions, thoughts and feelings and have some wonderful objects as well,” says Dr Sharp, recounting the story of Norm Harwood, a colleague who discovered a priceless train carriage rotting in a field in the middle of nowhere.“A fellow museologist, an expert in trains, was driving to somewhere like Tibooburra and spotted a train carriage being used by a local farmer as a chicken coop. He knew immediately it was the third class carriage commissioned as part of the first ever train to run in NSW, from Parramatta to Sydney.“The farmer was happy to be rid of it, he had a brand new chicken coop. So a low loader was procured for 50 quid and the carriage was dragged by a tractor to Sydney where it was lovingly restored over a decade at the Eveleigh (now Carriageworks) railyard.”Dr Sharp tells this story to highlight the importance of society’s understanding of history, heritage and what is worth preserving. For most people that train carriage was a rusted piece of metal, full of chicken droppings. But its history, its story and its cultural significance is so much richer.“I feel the same way about the Powerhouse Museum, it’s worth struggling and fighting for,” says Dr Sharp.His battle, and that of the Alliance, is to ensure that balance between innovation and history occurs at the Powerhouse’s Ultimo site. He singles out the Gerringong Library and Municipal Complex (GLaM) as a benchmark.“This is one of the best municipal libraries in Australia in my view,” says Dr Sharp. “It’s got a lovely, local museum, an incredible exhibition space and some of the most excellent library staff I’ve ever come across. It’s a powerful living example of cultural engagement. And that’s what museums should be doing. That’s what the Powerhouse Museum is designed to do. [Gerringong] is my second favourite library in the world.” His first? Duke Humfrey’s Library at Oxford University where he spent his formative years studying. As for favourite museums the Powerhouse is undoubtedly one of them.Dr Sharp and the Powerhouse Museum Alliance will hold a seminar in Parliament House next month to discuss how to plan great museums.“I will never give up, while I can continue this fight,” says Dr Sharp. “Especially now that the state’s GST revenues will total $12 billion less over the next four years. This is a disastrous result for the Powerhouse Museum proposal, with more money likely to be stripped from cultural programs.” 

The Kiama Lighthouse will be just one of Australia’s iconic landmarks to be lit up in yellow light to mark National Road Safety Week 2024, from 5 May until 12 May.The lighthouse will be bathed in yellow each night, from 8:00pm to midnight, to commemorate the 1,200 people who die on Australian roads every year. During National Road Safety Week, everyone can take an online pledge to not drive distracted, not speed, and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Click here to take the pledge. There were 62,359 pledges made at the time this article was written. 

The exciting news about town is that Kiama has been crowned as a finalist for the title of NSW’s Top Tourism Town – and deservingly so, as a rare gem boasting stunning beaches and lush rolling hills. Kiama is admittedly against some stiff competition from other areas in our beautiful state, including Ballina, Bathurst, Grafton, Newcastle, Murwillumbah, Orange, Shellharbour and Ulladulla. However, Destination Kiama is confident we have what it takes to win the fitting title … but community backing is needed to help bring this dream to life. As such, Destination Kiama has pledged for all to lodge their vote. “If you’ve ever experienced the magic of this town, whether it’s been through memorable beach holidays, day adventures to the blowhole, indulging in ice-cream by the harbour, strolling along the iconic coastline, or exploring its historic streets, we invite you to share your love by casting your vote.”Tourism and Marketing Lead, Belinda Williams, said the Top Tourism Awards required Destination Kiama to submit a comprehensive ‘bid’.“This ‘bid’ includes a detailed application, with an itinerary for a specified target visitor market and a video that encapsulates the essence of the destination,” said Williams. “Happily, we are now a finalist in the 5,000 plus population category. This stage is more of a popularity contest, where the public can vote, which counts as 25 percent of our overall score.”So, jump on board and vote now for the gorgeous town many of us are lucky to call home. Voting is open until 13 May 2024 at 5:00pm and can be registered via the Business NSW website. 

A media release from the Office of Dr Sarah Kaine, Labor's Duty Member of the Legislative Council for Kiama, on 1 May announced the sporting groups in the Kiama electorate who have shared in $4.4 million in NSW Government funding, following the awarding of grants in the Local Sport Grant Program.The program provides up to $20,000 to individual clubs and associations, with $50,000 available in each electorate. The goal is to increase participation in community sport, with 579 projects awarded funding in this year’s program.“This funding will help our local sporting groups in Kiama and their army of volunteers to provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” says Dr Kaine.Three projects were awarded funding in the Kiama Electorate for new equipment, programs and facilities: • Gerringong Bowling & Recreation Club, which received $6,494 to update the bowling greens and purchase bowls. • Kiama Cricket Club, which received $18,585 to renovate the cricket training pitch and net. • Shoalhaven City Archers Incorporated, which received $6,597 to cater for their growth.“With the critical role sport plays in keeping people healthy, active and socially connected, this funding is vital to community health, wellbeing and sense of identity,” says NSW Sports Minister, Steve Kamper.For further information, please visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program.

One of the fondest memories I have of growing up as a kid is the floral scent of Mum's fresh sheets on the bed or the towels in the bathroom.When I left home, it was a way to combat homesickness, and I would often cruise the supermarket aisle, sniffing many fabric softener bottles, looking for that lavender scent. I am surprised that I wasn't arrested for opening so many bottles.I don't mind admitting that throughout my adult life I have poured litres upon litres of fabric softener into my washing machine compartment until I heard a radio interview.The caller to the radio show was chastised for not only using a full scoop of washing powder but also fabric softener due to the adverse effects it has on towels, reducing moisture absorbency, coating them in chemicals and leaving a build-up in the washing machine.From that life-changing day in the car, I vowed to replace my fabric softener with vinegar and reduce the scoop of washing powder with two tablespoons of bicarb soda.Ashley Iredale is the team leader of whitegoods at CHOICE and says: "Fabric softeners are largely unnecessary, expensive and have a number of downsides."As far as we're aware, all fabric softeners reduce the fire retardancy of clothing, reduce moisture absorbency and don't make your clothes cleaner."For years, this advice has stuck with me, forcing me to close my eyes and resist the temptation when I venture down the supermarket's washing aisle.I have been adding two drops of essential oil to my vinegar to squash my desire for a bouquet cemented in my clothes, but it's just not cutting it.Over the last 12 months, a feeling has been growing inside me: a desire to seek out those coastal scents of Kiama on my towels, a Tasmanian lavender-scented field on my bed sheets, or the exotic aroma of an unnamed tropical fruit on my dressing gown.The last month, I have felt tempted, as if there were a vanilla and patchouli-scented carrot dangling in front of my face. Softener beads are all I can seem to think about.These little balls of goodness promise in-wash scent boosting that will last up to 30 days, and in return, I need only take out a small personal loan each time I visit the supermarket.As we approach winter, and I look towards a summer-smelling scent to remind me of the warmer month, I am torn between the eye-watering cost of scent beads, reflective moisture-absorbing fabric softener, or the gentle approach of vinegar and essential oils.The quest for that childhood scent lingers, and I fear I may succumb to temptation at any moment. Am I going soft in my battle against fabric softener?

Despite ongoing discussions surrounding the need for greater diversity within Australian politics, young women reportedly remain reluctant to engage at various levels due to primary concerns regarding inequality and misogyny.  A recent study conducted by Monash University revealed that women were reluctant about becoming a Member of Parliament (MP) due to stereotypes surrounding the male-dominated profession, and subsequent self-doubt in their ability to execute the role and associated tasks.  This study utilised information gathered from 47 Queensland-based 28 to 29-year-olds in the weeks leading up to the May 2022 election. The 27 females and 20 males were questioned about their views on Australian politics, particularly regarding representation and ambitions among young women. Alleged sexual misconduct within parliament leading up to elections was a frontrunner regarding safety concerns for women, and subsequent disinterest in engaging.  A particularly troubling revelation was that whilst participants expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of play and subsequent avoidance, there was no desire to actively stand up for correcting such concerns to create an equal playing field.  As such, Head of Politics and International Relations at Monash University, Dr Zareh Ghazarian, concluded that gender-based inequality of opportunity continues to decrease the drive for young women to enter politics. “This highlights a deeply unhealthy element in Australian politics, whereby individuals, especially women, are choosing not to participate in democratic processes. It is critical that greater efforts be made to advance the political ambitions of women to stand for election to the Australian Parliament,” said Dr Ghazarian.   Ultimately, the research cemented what many already assume: more must be done to create a safe environment which demonstrates equality to entice women to enter the profession with longevity. Promoting confidence and opportunities for active participation is vital, alongside challenging negative attitudes and stigmas regarding diverse political involvement.  Monash University suggests this shift may be achieved through school-based education programs and empowering advocacy projects. “Without addressing these entrenched issues, women’s politics under-representation and an exclusionary masculine culture will continue to mar young people’s political ambitions and the practical operation of Australia’s liberal democracy,” says Dr Ghazarian. It is important to recognise that many males working within the sector encouragingly mirror Dr Ghazarian’s sentiments regarding the  crucial role of women in politics, including Director of Places and Strategy at Locale Learning, Steve Thompson. “A representative spread of people from all walks of life is critical. This is particularly the case at the local council level,” says Thompson. “Young women bring practical, real-life experiences that directly relate to key service areas such as open spaces, community facilities and services that are not always experienced in the same way as men.” According to Women for Election, women remain under-represented in every level of Australian government, considering 37 percent of across State and Territory assemblies are female, 44 percent within Federal Parliament and 38 percent within councils nationally.  Founder of Locale Learning, Emma Broomfield, believes change is happening but slowly. “In the last local government elections in New South Wales (NSW), women accounted for 39.5 percent of all councillors. This was an 8.5 percent jump on the proportion of women elected in 2016/17. Whilst this was a positive shift in the right direction, there is still some way to go to reach gender parity in representation within local government in NSW,” she says. Broomfield also identified common barriers experienced by women which prevent gender parity, such as feeling unqualified, difficulties juggling family and work commitments, lack of paid parental leave, and investment of time and money. Additionally, perceived culture of council conduct remains a primary concern, with female candidates and elected councillors reportedly experiencing more negative behaviour compared to male colleagues.  “This includes receiving offensive emails, texts or social media posts, and being subject to demeaning, rude or derogatory remarks about their gender during election,” Broomfield elaborates.  “In local government, like other levels of government, there has been a long-standing belief that some behaviour is excusable because it is ‘politics’. However, there is growing recognition that this approach is not consistent with the expectations of modern workplaces, and if left unaddressed, it can lead to dysfunctional and toxic cultures.” Broomfield urges women to not allow political dreams to be thwarted by common concerns, and maintain awareness of the vast benefits of embarking on leadership roles such as a local councillor.  “This includes being a part of creating change and having a positive impact on your local community. Especially on issues that directly affect women, young women and girls, parents and families that may otherwise have an underrepresented or skewed representation,” she encourages.  “There are also opportunities to learn new skills and acknowledge it can be a stepping stone to a future political career at a state or federal level.” Broomfield, however, is not just about rallying for women to enter politics, but also offers education and guidance throughout their journey. Women considering running for civic office can gain immense clarity from Locale Learning’s free of charge 7-day candidate launchpad challenge. Following that, coaching for appointed councillors to thrive in their role is also available.  With the next local government election in NSW taking place on 14 September 2024, opportunity awaits to help curb the underrepresentation of young women in politics. For localised information, Kiama Council is hosting a pre-election candidate information session on 14 May 2024. Perhaps you or someone you know could be part of creating the change?