A Service Review of the Kiama and Gerringong Library by the State Library of New South Wales has been labelled “generally positive” by Kiama Council, with plans to develop a Library Strategy to support and encourage increased membership and usage of the facilities.As part of the Strategy, Council will explore revenue opportunities, including the hiring of spaces and ‘mixed uses’ within the library facilities. The State Library of NSW encourages all libraries to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of the community. In other Councils, strategies have included offering 24 hour access where feasible, introducing co-working spaces and podcast facilities. Currently, it is unknown if this is an option for Kiama. During the 2023/24 financial year, Kiama Library Service was one of three Council operations put under review, alongside Kiama Leisure Centre and The Pavilion Kiama. Business plans will be finalised during the 2024-25 financial year to implement, where appropriate, the recommendations of these services reviews.Kiama Council has also spoken out about the recent censorship of books relating to same-sex parenting by a Western Sydney Council. Earlier this month, Cumberland City Council banned a selection of books relating to same-sex parenting from the library. The motion has since been reversed after public backlash, but discussions are ongoing.“Kiama Municipal Council has a proud history of supporting free public access to literature and learning for all,” says Chief Executive Officer at Kiama Council, Jane Stroud.“Council is supportive and proud of its diverse, tolerant and strong community.That the actions of one Council serve to swiftly bring all others into disrepute does a great disservice to reputation of the whole sector.”

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.Zara Hall with her mum Fiona. Photo credit: Surf Life Saving New South Wales.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.”Archie Weir with his family (from left to right): sister Darcy, mum Skye and dad Adam. Photo credit: Surf Life Saving New South Wales.Junior lifesaver finalists engaged in a three-day team building and leadership development program at Collaroy, which culminated in Hall and Weir being selected as the NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year.“I enjoyed learning about who we were and what we want to be as lifesavers, what our future is. We had some talks on that,” Hall says.“It’s been amazing, and I want to thank all the facilitators who made it possible.”About what was the highlight of the three-day program, Weir replies:“A very tough question. One of my highlights was definitely being able to meet new people, and make new friends with others also interested in surf lifesaving."Executive General Manager of Tourism for Ingenia Holiday Parks, Matt Young, says that being involved in a program now in its 34th year has given them great pride.“We have a responsibility to ensure the guests who come and stay with us go home happy and having had a safe trip, and part of that is working with Surf Life Saving NSW and helping to grow the new generation of lifesavers,” he says.“I come here at the end of the event really excited to speak to everyone who has participated. They’re all enthusiastic, and it’s great to see this generation coming through so focused on giving back to the community.”

Jamberoo Preschool has sent out a plea to the local community, after an eighth flood at the facility has left the building “not fit for use,” according to the preschool’s Director, Belinda Hibbert. In a letter to parents whose children attend the service, Hibbert informed families that Kiama Council “cannot afford to fix the issues around the flooding” and, as a result, “it is unlikely that the lease will be renewed come 2028”. Currently, the centre, which leases a building on Allowrie Street from Kiama Council, has 67 families in their care and over 100 families on their waiting list. Jamberoo Preschool is a popular option for families in the area, with Kiama Preschool already inundated with applications.“As a community-based, not-for-profit preschool, we are an extremely important service for the Jamberoo community and many families rely on us,” Hibbert told The Bugle. “To lose the preschool would be devastating.”To address the problem, the preschool has put together a sub-committee who plan to apply for a grant from the Department of Education, which could cover the cost of building a preschool, but not purchasing land to build it upon. “We are reaching out to the community for support and help,” says Hibbert. “If you know of any locations or possible land that might be suitable for us, please reach out.”Kiama Council has supported the centre’s flood-recovery, including undertaking a Flood Study in 2021, which recommended installing a ‘flood-proof barrier’ at the rear of the preschool. This work was not undertaken and funding was never made available.A statement from Kiama Council on the situation at the Jamberoo Preschool reads: ‘Due to the repeated flooding of the premises, both parties have agreed this is not a viable long- or medium-term arrangement, and the Preschool is looking at options to relocate.‘In the meantime, Council is committed to assisting where we can, providing staff to help clean-up after flooding incidents and helping the Preschool move into the Jamberoo School of Arts section of the premises if/when flooding is predicted or occurs, if that space is available.’ On 4th April, the NSW Government announced they would fast-track the largest expansion of preschools in the State’s history to deliver 100 preschools co-located with public primary schools by 2027. At this point, it is unclear whether this is an option for the preschool.Whilst sorting through flood-damaged items, educators found a letter written by a child attending the service during a previous flood.‘I remember being knee-deep in dirty water and being evacuated,’ wrote Pippi, who was five-years-old at the time. ‘It was scary and I didn’t know what would happen next. We were carried out across the water and into a waiting fire truck. I am really glad my sister wasn’t there that day.’To support the preschool’s flood-recovery efforts, reach out via their Facebook page. 

Acclaimed author Dr Dell Brand started writing books, “by accident”. The former high school PE teacher was looking for a new challenge when her husband John found an advertisement for a freelance journalism course. Dell signed up, and before even finishing the course, landed her first freelance job; a travel piece in the Illawarra Mercury in 1999.“It gave me a new passion,” says Dell, an avid adventurer who wrote about her biking, camping and caravanning holidays (including snow and cave camping) across Australia, Europe and the United States with her husband John.On one of these adventures, Dell and John stumbled across a potter in Pilliga, a town west of Narrabri. Dell wrote a travel piece that changed the course of her career. The steepest learning curve“I said to John, ‘Who am I going to send this story to? So, we scanned the magazine racks in the local Pilliga newsagent and found the Australian Ceramics and Pottery magazine. They published it and wanted more stories.”Over the next five years, Dell, who has three university degrees in education, including a PhD based on a longitudinal study into the impact of outdoor education on learning outcomes, wrote hundreds of pieces about pottery. To say, she stepped outside of her comfort zone is an understatement.“It was a topic I knew nothing about,” she says. “It was the steepest learning curve, but what I was writing wasn’t technical, it was human interest.”Curiosity and an interest in people, along with a love of reading and writing, led Dell on her next big adventure; an author of historical fiction. She was still teaching at Warilla High School but began future planning for her retirement in 2003.Why not write a book?“I realised pretty quickly that this new job as a freelance writer wasn't going to be a money maker,” laughs Dell. “But it was something I was passionate about and I wanted to pursue it. One day my daughter said to me ‘you’re always complaining about kids coming into Year 7 and not wanting to read books, why don’t you write one. So I did.”Her first novel, a children's book called History’s a Mystery, published in 2002. The book was an “amazing success,” and won praise from the Children’s Book Council of Australia.  Dell began visiting schools and talking to students about the book and “found out very quickly that kids like a series.” “There was never going to be a next one,” laughs Dell. “I had used up all my good ideas in this first one. So I started asking the kids what they wanted and they came up with the most amazing ideas for the next three books.”Call for illustrations  From chapters on topics as wide-ranging as Simpson’s Donkey to Jesus, Dell’s books covered all aspects of history, and her loyal readers loved it. The author even put the call out to students to submit illustrations, which are featured in her books.“The number one mistake I made with the first book was not including pictures,” she says. “I wrote the book for reluctant readers, and what does a reluctant reader like? Illustrations.” Dell reached out to her number one fans while doing speaking engagements at schools and asked them to send in their drawings for the next books in the series. “I said to them ‘you’re not going to get paid, but if you want to get your name in print send me your illustrations.’ The kids really loved being a part of the process and all four books in the History is a Mystery series feature their work.”Fast forward a few decades and the former Kiama resident (she now lives on a property in Calderwood) has 13 books under her belt, and is in the midst of writing number 14. Her most recent published work, Wylde Oates, won the General Fiction prize at the London Book Fair. Wylde OatesIt is also the pick of the month for the book club she runs in Kiama. The book begins in Lanark Mill, a cotton factory in Scotland, and follows the journey of a young man who is sentenced to prison in NSW.“John and I visited the mill when we were in Scotland, and I like to write about places I’ve been to,” explains Dell. “That’s why I’m finding this new book difficult to write. I need to get over there.”The “over there” Dell is referring to is Western Australia, specifically the south-western town of Busselton, where her new novel is set.Dell and John were forced to put their travel on hold when John was diagnosed with a brain tumour, just about a year ago. His decline was fast, less than 10 months, and Dell was by his side every painful step of the way.“Everything ground to a halt, first with COVID and then with John’s illness,” explains Dell.“I’m just getting back on the horse.”Write, explore and connectThe horse she is referring to is travel, a life-long passion she and John shared. Now she is adjusting to doing it without her soulmate. Dell has bought herself a new car and small caravan, and along with her best mate, her dog Max, she will get back to writing, exploring and creating connections.“I’m hoping to get on with life on my own, and to travel just like John and I did,” she says, blinking back tears. “Max will be my companion on the road. It’s lonely without John, but I’m very fortunate to have family nearby.” She points out the window of her Calderwood property to her daughter’s house on the hill.Dell is also looking forward to reconnecting with her caravanning family, travellers from around Australia and the world who have been her biggest supporters.“People come up with the most amazing stories, based on things they have experienced or people they know and when I’m travelling and going around to caravan parks there’s always someone happy to have a chat,” she says. Her caravanning familyFellow caravanners are also Dell’s biggest fans, and during her decades on the road she has sold hundreds of her books to other travellers. Despite her success as an author, almost all her novels have won or been shortlisted for prestigious national and international awards, Dell has been unable to find a mainstream publisher in Australia willing to market and sell her books. “It’s really frustrating,” she says. “There are only a few publishing houses in Australia that will even consider historical novels.” Dell will continue to self-promote and sell her books when she hits the road again later this year to research her upcoming novel. When asked to choose her favourite book, Dell says that would be akin to choosing a favourite grandchild (she has five).“John’s favourite was The Weif, set in Tasmania and South Australia,” says Dell. “Botany Boys is loosely based on John’s great Uncle, the first soldier from Botany to die in WWI. He loved that one too.”When pressed to pick, Dell settles on Darwin, a book which has a special place in her heart. “Before I lost John, we would travel to Darwin every year and stay up there for four months,” she says. “I would write and John would fish. I think this is a fantastic book, set between WWI and Cyclone Tracy, and the impact of those years on the people of the Top End.”The hardest book to writeThe hardest book she has ever written is Stina, based on the life of her great-grandmother Christina. Dell spent years painstakingly poring over newspapers and diary entries to piece together Christina’s journey from Sweden to Australia when she was 14 and her family’s subsequent story.“She had the most horrendous life,” says Dell. “She married at 16, had four children by 21. Then her husband died and she had no income, no support and four babies. It was a very hard book to write, I knew a lot about her but I had to fill in the gaps with best guesses.” Key to good researchDell credits her time as a volunteer at the Kiama Family History Centre for more than 20 years (she and John lived near Jones Beach for three decades after they were married) for her impeccable research skills and her love of history. She began volunteering there while researching her own family’s background. “When I'm doing my research, I always try to find original sources,” says Dell. “When I was writing about the gold rush in Cry to the Wind, I used diaries, newspaper clippings and journals written at the time. First-hand information is the key to good research and accurate writing of history.”As is a lived experience, and Dell is itching to get back on the road. She knows it will be bittersweet without her beloved husband by her side. She also knows John would want her to get back to doing the thing they loved best, adventuring.For more information, or to purchase Dell’s books visit: www.authordellbrand.com.au  

Parts of the Minnamurra Rainforest have been reopened to the public, including access to the famous Minnamurra Falls and the Visitor Centre.Following serious storm damage, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff have been working hard to clean up the damage and re-open as much of the rainforest walks as possible.Visitors can now walk the entire 4.2 kilometre Falls Track as well as tour the Visitor Centre.“NPWS staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre and to showcase all that is still on offer to see,” says Labor Spokesperson for Kiama, Sarah Kaine..The popular Lyrebird Loop Track is still partly closed, with the walk now temporarily a ‘one-way’ path where visitors can walk approximately one kilometre to the surviving bridge and enjoy the subtropical rainforest.April’s storms saw an enormous amount of water flow through the rainforest site. Stream levels were more than four metres above their usual levels and resulted in sediment being deposited around the Visitor Centre, as well as damaging one bridge and completely destroying another.Work is underway to replace and repair both bridges. However, this will take some time as it involves geotechnical assessment, structural engineer designs, and is a logistically and technically challenging job. For updates on the status of the Minnamurra Rainforest, please visit NPWS alerts.

There have been calls from the community for Kiama Council’s Mayor Neil Reilly and CEO Jane Stroud to publicly apologise for their treatment and invalid censure of Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang. The censure took place at the Council meeting on 21 November 2023, following an interview that Councillor Renkemba-Lang gave to ABC Illawarra on 21 June, 2023. The interview covered the impending sale of Blue Haven Bonaira. At the time, Councillor Renkema-Lang said that she had heard numerous concerns from the community regarding the information that had been provided by the Council detailing the sale.  In remarks to Kiama Community Radio on 5 December 2023, Mayor Reilly stated that he was responsible for instigating the investigation that eventually led to the now invalid censure. Mayor Reilly claimed that he also had heard from the community regarding Councillor Renkema-Lang’s comments and that young women had been left in tears. These concerns prompted him to begin the process of a Council-led investigation, which led to Councillor Renkema-Lang being censured in a confidential session at the November 2023 meeting.  At the time, CEO Jane Stroud said, “I hold specific concerns and worry about the worsening functionality of the Council, when in such uncertain times and unchartered territory, what is really required is cohesive and collective effort to correct the course of the organisation.” As a result of the censure, Councillor Renkema-Lang filed proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW seeking to set aside or invalidate the censure. A direction hearing on 22 April revealed that Council had admitted that the censure was invalid. Council has yet to provide comment on this situation, and the media release detailing the censure has now been taken down. In addition, the formal and official minutes of the 21 November 2023 meeting have also been removed from the public record. On or prior to 30 May, the Supreme Court of NSW will advise of its final determination of how the matter will be settled, and what actions Council must take.  Local Government elections will be held on Saturday 14 September, and there has been no formal confirmation from any Councillors as to whether they will be running for re-election.  Several key decisions of Council are supposed to be finalised by formal caretaker provisions commencing Friday 16 August, including finalisation of Council’s Communications and Growth and Housing Strategies. Given the controversy and complexities regarding housing, it is unlikely that the Growth and Housing Strategy will reach ‘draft status’ prior to Council shutdown.  The Bugle has been inundated with comments regarding this mistreatment, and the paper’s view is in line and supports the community’s call for a formal apology by Mayor Neil Reilly and CEO Jane Stroud for their treatment and invalid censure of Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang.

Not even a mega downpour on 11 May deterred families from heading to the Open Day at Kiama Fire Station, which has become one of the region’s main annual attractions.Five-year-old Lachlan Rossiter had been “waiting for days for the fire day!” And the big day finally came for Lachlan, who attended with his dad, Cam Rossiter, and younger brother, three-year-old Ollie Rossiter. It was the third Open Day at Kiama Fire Station that they’ve attended. The 2024 edition definitely met their expectations. Lachlan shared that he liked holding the fire hose and going into the cab of the fire truck the most.The brothers were proudly wearing their orange ‘Fire and Rescue’ helmets. They do come in handy, if you’re going to help a tall, grown-up fireman or -woman.Because once a year, during the Fire Station Open Day (which is a statewide event), firefighters at Kiama Fire Station get to do a bit of ‘show and tell’ about the fire trucks, station and, above all, the important work that they do in and around Kiama.“Yeah, it’s really good to see everyone here,” said Kiama Captain, Rhys Dawson. “To get a good understanding of what we do, and also ask questions about any fire safety measures that can be implemented in the home.”“For us, to push the home fire safety message in,” he underlined. The most common type of kitchen fireThere was a kitchen simulator on display, just outside the back of the fire station. Deputy Captain, Brian Guillaumier, stood ready to demonstrate what to do and - equally crucial - what not to do if there’s a kitchen fire. It is, as it turns out, the most common type of house fire. “It’s always a handy thing to know, especially when it comes to cooking fires,” said Captain Dawson. “And to make sure that we got those preventative measures such as fire blankets and fire extinguishers (which you can purchase relatively cheaply from somewhere like Bunnings, for example).” Deputy Captain Guillaumier agreed. “That is 12 bucks well spent, if you ask me,” he said. Parents and children lined up under the protection of the roof, close enough so that they could see the sink, but within a safe distance from what was about to happen.On the stove stood a saucepan with only 10 millilitre of oil in it. But it can cause a lot of damage, especially if left unattended.Ablaze. The Kiama firefighters simulate what a fire in the kitchen looks like, caused by only 10 ml of oil.“Just give this a couple of minutes, you can see that it’s smoking already,” explained Deputy Captain Guillaumier. When the saucepan caught fire, firefighter Tristan Reid was at hand to quickly step in. “He’s simply going to put out the fire by putting a lid on it. And, you’ll see. Look at that! He puts the fire out. If he takes the lid off, it’s going to catch fire again.“We don’t use water on a kitchen fire. Use a fire blanket, a fire extinguisher and get out of the house,” stressed Deputy Captain Guillaumier. Make sure to have working smoke alarms in the houseAnother fire safety measure is a smoke alarm.Deputy Captain Guillaumier held one in his hand as he turned to the group. “What happens when they go off?” he asked, and put on the smoke alarm, which immediately started beeping.“Get out of the house to the letterbox,” one girl offered up.“Get out of the house to the letterbox,” Deputy Captain Guillaumier repeated. “Do we go back into the house? Of course, we don’t. We’re outside the house, we stay outside the house and call 000.”If you don’t have a smoke alarm or aren’t sure if it works properly (the alarms have an expiry date and usually needs to be replaced every ten years), call on the friendly team at the fire station who offer free home safety checks. To request one, you can either call the station directly on 02 4232 1222 or go to the ‘Home fire safety’ section on the NSW Fire and Rescue’s website, www.fire.nsw.gov.au. Home safety checks are available all over Kiama. Boys hanging out by the fire truck (from left to right): Lachlan Rossiter, Cam Rossiter and Ollie Rossiter“But anyone from Jamberoo and Gerringong can also request one and we generally work with the RFS (Rural Fire Service) to make that happen,” explained Captain Dawson.Since Kiama Fire Station is an on-call station, they try to coordinate it so that all the home safety checks can be done in one day. That generally translates to once a week.One of the most unusual questions that Captain Dawson was asked during the Open Day is what daily life is like for a firefighter.Wanted: On-call firefightersNow, it’s a bit different because they’re on-call firefighters, which means that they also work other jobs. “In our days off, we carry a pager. The pager activates whosoever is on at that time, we’ll come to the station, we’ll get the fire trucks, go and help the community,” said Captain Dawson.Currently, there’s a full on-call staff of 21 firefighters. Plus the trucks. There are two of them: an urban trucker and a bushfire tanker.“At the moment, we are sitting at 17 and do have a couple of vacancies,” continued Captain Dawson. “If anyone is interested in becoming a retained firefighter, you can log onto the NSW Fire and Rescue’s website and there’s an area where you can apply under, called ‘On-Call Firefighters’. It gets filtered through to the local zone office for consideration.”Family Reid at the Kiama Fire Station (from left to right): Bec Reid, Beau Reid, Tristan Reid and Olivia Reid.He suggested that if you’re interested in applying, remember to check out the criteria. If there are any questions, you can always call the station or the zone office at Wollongong.“But again, if you’re applying, we’re more than happy to have a look anyone. Please consider applying,” he encouraged.Bec Reid’s husband, Tristan, is an on-call firefighter. It’s the second time that she and their two children, three-year-old Olivia and two-year-old Beau, are at the Open Day event. Olivia beamed that she was having fun while she pulled out the fire hose and jumped into the fire truck.Like many others in attendance, Olivia and Beau greatly enjoyed being with their dad at the fire station. It was a day sure to be remembered.Photo credit: Malin Dunfors & Bec Reid

Government proposals to install hundreds of wind turbines off the coast of the Illawarra, impacting on everything from the annual whale migration to the price of real estate, have been met with widespread public opposition, no more so than in the Illawarra. A tinkerer if you will, from the workshop underneath his house overlooking Lake Illawarra, retired truck driver come carpenter Pat Cummins, 78, has turned his talents to help the cause, creating plaques printed with the words: ‘Save Our Oceans’ and ‘No Offshore Turbines’. In the centre of the plaques is a widely used symbol of wind farms, a whale, blue for the ocean, the shape of seagulls and a red line signifying: ‘No’.The design has been widely circulated on car stickers, pamphlets, t-shirts and online.As the global warming juggernaut has hit the reality of massively expensive and environmentally destructive wind turbines, community opposition has risen around Australia. Like many other locals, Pat is utterly opposed to the industrialisation of the coastline. “I have been a surfer all my life,” he says. “And once they started talking about the wind farms, I did my due diligence. And I found they are not viable, they will not work. And they don’t realise the swells we get here.“It is the very big end of town pushing it. Vanguard, BlackRock, they own the media. I enjoyed making the windfarm plaques. A mate gave me the sticker, and I copied the design from there.“The turbines are so high, it’s just going to ruin everything. It is going to affect people and their lifestyles. I am happy to be doing something to help the cause. Anyone who lives near the coast is against it.”Meanwhile, the political and community opposition to windfarms remains strong, with a group calling itself Responsible Future distributing pamphlets across the south coast.It claims achievements of the Illawarra community so far include an extension of the consultancy period with the Department of Climate Change and a record 14,200 submissions in the latter months of last year with the collection of 12,079 signatures on petitions opposing the project.The group is urging concerned citizens to sign a petition to the NSW State Government before the end of this month. The group claims the huge investments in offshore wind projects makes leaders afraid to stop them even knowing they’re a mistake.A spokesman for Responsible Future, Alex O’Brien, said they were expecting the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone to be announced shortly by the government.“We haven’t heard from Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, nor have we heard from our local Labor representatives,” Alex said. “They are indifferent to community response. We want the government to undertake independent environmental impact studies before making the announcement. That stance has been echoed by environmental groups like Sea Shepherd, Bird Life Australia and our commercial fisheries.“Our focus at the moment is to raise community awareness of the risks of floating offshore wind farms through further distributing pamphlets and flyers, further community sessions and consultation with our tourist and fishing industries. “It is clear from the submissions that the Illawarra coastal region is a highly sensitive marine ecosystem and should be approached with extreme caution. “There is no precedent in the world for this number of whales passing this number of wind turbines, and the result could be disastrous. There is a high risk of entanglement and sonar confusion.” For further information go to: Responsible Future: www.responsiblefuture.com.auTo purchase a plaque from Pat Cummins email: [email protected] your say. Email The Bugle at: [email protected]

In a melodic twist of conservation and creativity, The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has announced an exciting collaboration with acclaimed singer-songwriter and Koala Army Ambassador, Andy Penkow.Shades On Me, Andy's latest album was released on May 10. Two dollars from each album and vinyl sale will go directly to AFK. The contributions will play a crucial role in supporting the AKF’s ongoing conservation projects, and research initiatives.“Being a Koala Army Ambassador is an honour, and it’s a cause close to my heart. Koalas are an essential part of our national identity, and it is our responsibility to save them,” says Penkow. “Music has the power to inspire change, and through this partnership, I want to contribute to the AKF’s mission in a meaningful way. I hope when fans listen to Shades on Me, they reflect on the koalas of our land and enjoy that their support is making a real difference.”Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation says, “Andy has been an incredible supporter of the AKF and the koalas so far. As a Koala Army Ambassador, he’s been advocating for the safety of koalas and spreading the word of the vital work that we’ve been doing.” “This partnership is a perfect match, as it brings together creativity and conservation - something that I truly believe can be world-changing,” Tabart says.There are several ways that fans, supporters, and environmental enthusiasts can join Andy Penkow and the Australian Koala Foundation's mission to safeguard koalas:Purchase the physical album: Fans can buy Andy Penkow's album, Shades On Me from various locations, including his website, festivals and venues where he performs, JB HI-FI, and other outlets. Every sale of a CD or vinyl directly contributes to the preservation of Australia’s native species.Donate to the Australian Koala Foundation: Supporters can make a significant impact by donating directly to the AKF. These contributions will directly fund crucial initiatives such as the Koala Kiss Project, along with research and conservation projects dedicated to protecting and preserving koala habitats.By joining the mission, individuals can play a vital role in ensuring the welfare and survival of one of Australia's most beloved animals, the koala.In The Bugle article: “Food for thought on Threatened Species Day” (published on the app on 7 September, 2021), the research of environmental scientist Norm Robinson shows koalas were historically found at the Minnamurra Rainforest and Seven Mile Beach. Robinson says that there haven’t been a confirmed sighting of any in these areas since 2005. With creative initiatives like these, we can hopefully start to see more wildlife in our area.  Have you had any recent sightings of koalas in our area? Let us know at: [email protected].

When asked to write about the Gerringong Rotary Markets I was intrigued, having in another life worked as the Manager and Assistant Manager of Sydney’s Rocks Market – by contrast a huge operation (150 plus stalls at the time – most ‘permanent’) and decidedly ‘for profit’. Most casual visitors to the monthly Gerringong market would be unaware of its original raison d’etre, and ongoing clear focus, while they browse the eclectic range of stalls, bask in the relaxed coastal vibe, and sample its tasty food offerings. In July 2007, a group of Gerringong Rotarians started the market to raise funds for local, national, and international charitable projects and programs. The market was founded by then Rotary President Sandra Hainsworth with the help of then Market Manager Neil Miller, and with strong support from the then Mayor of Kiama, Sandra McCarthy, OAM.The market is staffed solely by a team of unpaid dedicated volunteers (mostly Gerringong Rotary members, with several ‘Friends of Rotary’), who also man the popular market barbecue – from which emanates enticing aromas of the legendary egg and bacon rolls and sausage sandwiches, to warmly welcome visitors. A range of talented local volunteer musicians generously provide music to add to the market’s ambience and support its aims. Town Hall indoor stallMarket committee member and regular volunteer duty manager, Christa Wood, a retired University of Wollongong academic, expresses her appreciation of the local Gerringong community, who are “very supportive of all their community organisations.”Wood wears many hats, including Gerringong Rotary Treasurer and Vice President Berry Writers Festival. She says she’s, “always amazed at the support and assistance we get from community members.” Most sites cost $55 per day (with no price rise in about the last ten years), of which the market currently pays Kiama Council an $11 fee. All profits are donated to an extensive and diverse range of charities and charitable projects, which to date included programs and activities involving:at-risk youth;young people - to reach their full potential (such as leadership and career opportunities) including apprenticeships, exchange students, and an international school in Tanzania; refugees;medical charities providing assistance to developing countries (such as Interplast Australia & New Zealand, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children and Operation Cleft); homeless and disadvantaged people - including SALT and Homestead of Hope;disaster areas, through direct donations or Shelterbox;locals living with dementia and their carers, such as Dementia Inclusive Dancing and the Alchemy Chorus; local NFP organisations, such as the Rural Fire Service (RFS);local sporting clubs in need of funds;environmental projects, such as Adopt-a-Tree; andindigenous projects, including a sporting program for Aboriginal students, and an indigenous newspaper in Ngukurr. Organisers reserve two (or more, if able) unpaid stall sites each month for local charities/not-for-profits, including the Gerringong Red Cross. Their popular Devonshire teas, served in the Town Hall, draw dedicated regular repeat fans, including a committed group of seniors from Uniting Gerringong.  Vibrant rosemary, sage, bay and cinnamon herbal space clearing sticksWith a quality, boutique feel and prioritising local and handcrafted goods, the market aims to be ‘more Paddington than Paddys,’ according to market committee member, volunteer duty manager (when I visited), and retired Gerringong vet, Andrejs Medenis – in a reference to well-known Sydney markets. Trading with an average of 50-60 stalls (more in summer, less in winter and extreme weather), the all-weather market offers a wide range of products, including unique fashion items, quality second-hand clothes, bags, leather goods, jewellery (from costume to high end), handicrafts and small furniture pieces, skincare and cosmetic items, hair accessories, ceramics, homewares, baby/toddler items, toys, eco-friendly wares, pet products and plants. Tempting food offerings include fresh local produce, honey, nuts, delicatessen items, cakes and pastries, pies/sausage rolls, Gozleme and dumplings. Popular market entertainment The Southern StompersAlong with casual walk-in tourists passing through, the visitor demographic includes a strong local customer base – including from the Shoalhaven and Illawarra, and regular visitors from Greater Sydney staying in holiday homes and caravan parks. Many visitors come back regularly to pick up specific product favourites. The market is also popular with families – kids can play safely in the onsite playground, while parents browse nearby stalls or relax and enjoy a sausage sandwich or other culinary delight.Renowned Rotary BBQGerringong Rotary Markets is on the third Saturday of each month at the Old School Park and Gerringong Town Hall, in Fern Street.Prospective stallholders are encouraged to make contact via an application form on the Gerringong Rotary website: https://gerringongrotary.org.au/.

Australia Post and Beyond Blue have launched an expanded campaign to support mental wellbeing, designed to reach over five million mailboxes across Australia, including rural areas. Research indicates that nearly one in three Australians grapple with loneliness, especially in our remote and regional areas. This initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to combat loneliness and promote community connection. The two-part ‘connection postcard’, featuring artwork by Australian artist Jocelyn Proust, includes mental health information and a prepaid postcard for personalised notes. New South Wales will receive 1,047,000 of these postcards this May. Beyond Blue ambassador, Brad McEwan, encourages participation, emphasising the impact of such small gestures. Messages on the postcards prompt recipients to share thoughts, memories, and stories, fostering meaningful connections. Beyond Blue Chief Executive Officer, Georgie Harman, underscores the importance of community support and accessible mental health resources. Australia Post has an ongoing partnership with Beyond Blue that aims to provide vital mental health information and support to millions of Australians. 

When we explained to our children, aged 3, 5 and 7, that we were going to plant trees before our friend’s wedding, they were excited as it was an excuse to get muddy. A close friend, the presenter and environmental educator Laura Wells, was getting married and, as part of the celebration, she and her husband had partnered with Shellharbour City Council to plant over 3,000 trees with their wedding guests at Blackbutt Forest Reserve.My husband works in the environmental sector and, in the early days of our relationship, we spent our weekends volunteering with Illawarra Intrepid Landcare — a group of young volunteers who undertake conservation projects. Since becoming parents, we have let our commitment to ‘eco-volunteering’ ebb; however, on this rainy day in Shellharbour, I remembered why I was drawn to it. According to a study by the Australian Health Promotion Association, environmental volunteering has a number of ‘co-benefits’ — meaning it benefits the planet and the people who are doing it. For volunteers, it can enhance mental, physical and social health, and strengthen their connection to the environment. It can reduce ‘eco anxiety’ and feelings of helplessness around climate change. It’s also a fun, free activity for the entire family.“It’s great to see families attend [Bushcare sessions],” says Bronwyn Anderson, team coordinator for Bushland Management at Shellharbour City Council. “Parents get to see their children discover how to nurture nature, and they get to learn valuable information about weeds and natives that they can take home with them or share with friends.”Currently, there are seven Bushcare and Landcare groups operating in Shellharbour, including Warilla Dunes Bushcare and Tullimbah Landcare, working to rehabilitate and preserve native bushland. Although Kiama does not have an active Bushcare program, it does have multiple Landcare groups, stretching from Jamberoo to Foxground.The main difference, according to the Illawarra Landcare website, is that Bushcare groups are supported by funding and resources from local Councils. In May 2022, Shellharbour City Council’s Environment Team successfully secured $160,000 in grant funding, as part of the Flying-Fox Habitat Restoration Program. This funding will support the planting of 30,000 trees, including the ones my children dug into the ground.For families, the commitment is not overwhelming. Most Landcare and Bushcare groups meet once a month, on a Saturday or Sunday, with projects that suit different capabilities. For children, they can learn by doing.“If you are a parent with young children and are interested in getting involved, I would say try it once,” says Anderson. “We want it to be a rewarding experience and not a task, so, there’s no commitment pressures. Every little bit counts towards helping the environment.”Register your interest in planting trees on the Shellharbour City Council website.There you can also register for an event celebrating the National Tree day on 28 July. For more information, visit shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or landcareillawarra.org.au.

Kiama is gearing up to host book lovers and literary enthusiasts from far and away for the Kiama Readers’ Festival over the weekend of 19-20 July. This year, the festival promises two jam-packed days of literary discussion, insightful author talks, and the opportunity to mingle with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the written word. The festival has been organised by the volunteer group Friends of Kiama Library, which supports the Kiama public library service and the local community. They have done it spectacularly by creating a stimulating and enjoyable program for members and the local area alike.Day one of the program focuses on food and literature, welcoming authors such as Fiona Weird of Buena Vista farms, Kirsten Bradley and Craig Castree. The evening sees Fred Smith deliver a performance and discussion called “The Dust of Uruzgan,” at Kiama Library. Day two features appearances by renowned authors Hugh Mackay, Sue Williams, Chris Hammer and others. For the final session, Chris Hammer and Michael Brissenden will discuss Australian crime writing. The festival will conclude with dinner at the Kiama Leagues Club where attendees can join writer and social commentator Jane Caro, who will be the guest speaker. For those eager to spend a weekend enjoying reading and writing delights, visit the Kiama Library website: for  tickets and the full program.Keep an eye out in The Bugle for exciting updates leading up to the festival!

While the Kiama Council posted a $7.7m loss for 2022-23, there are green shoots rising through the ledger, as this is a $2.4m improvement compared to last financial year.Yet, serious issues remain with council spending more than it earns, a continuing failure to verify some of its assets and accurately track the movement of monies in previous financial years, according to its newly released annual financial statement.Blue Haven Terralong posted a $2.54m loss for the financial year.Some of the achievements were:Progress towards accurate and complete financial reporting on fixed assets. Ninety percent of the total Infrastructure, Property, and Equipment balance has been verified and audited (value $521m), andRestricted and allocated cash movements were verified, except for the opening balances (previously disclaimed) of the Domestic Waste and Crown Land Reserve balances.“The improvement is due to a focus to improve operating performance and financial sustainability,” CEO Jane Stroud says.“This drive will continue over the next few years, as Council seeks to reduce the loss position, produce a balanced budget and operating result, and meet the requirements of the NSW Government Performance Improvements Orders.”“Our finance team has worked diligently to prepare these statements following on from the significant challenges of presenting the 2020-21 and 2021-22 statements.”“That is a monumental achievement and one which finally gets Kiama Council back to real-time financial data, and a normal cycle of financial year end and audits,” Ms Stroud says.The statement flagged Council was in negotiation with a potential buyer for Blue Haven Bonaira which was, “expected to be finalised by June 2024.”Ms Stroud says no new issues were raised by auditors and some key matters from the previous audits had been progressed or cleared.The Kiama Council building.Even so, Independent Auditor Michael Kharzoo had reservations about the accuracy of some figures.“The disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022 affected my ability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on the opening balances at 1 July 2022.” “This is a limitation on the scope of my audit as I was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to determine the impact on ‘Depreciation, amortisation and impairment’ in the Income Statements of the Declared Business Activities,” he wrote.Mr Kharzoo could not assert the, “completeness, accuracy, valuation, existence or condition of the asset classes.”Council stated it could not verify $56m of assets such as roads, land improvements, recreational assets and more, in the financial statements.It also could not verify the movements of some balances for infrastructure, plant and equipment for the year ending 30 June 2023.This lack of clarity on the council’s financial situation was why the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman, issued an Performance Improvement Order in October 2022.Minister Tuckerman was concerned about the council’s use of “funds other than the restricted purpose,” which may refer to council’s alleged access of resident’s deposits to build the $109m Blue Haven Bonaira facility.The council statements can be found here.

The Gerringong Music Club is excited to present James Fortune and Georgia Lowe, a flute and harp duo, at the Gerringong Town Hall on Sunday, 19th May 2024, from 2 pm to 3.30 pm. Located at 106 Fern Street, Gerringong NSW, the event promises a delightful afternoon of popular opera arias and art songs.Imogen Stewart, the Musical Director of the Gerringong Music Club, shares, "Audiences can expect a program of opera arias, art songs arranged by Georgia Lowe and a recent Australian commission. The concert will be followed by the Club’s Annual General Meeting, where we will discuss exciting plans for the upcoming year. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow members, express your ideas and actively participate in shaping the future of the Gerringong Music Club.”Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the door. Members, children, and students enjoy complimentary access, while visitors can secure their seats for $30. To reserve your spot, visit Gerringong Music Club's website.Founded in 2003, the Gerringong Music Club is dedicated to enriching lives through music. Their commitment to curating an exceptional annual concert program has made them a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in Gerringong. Join them for an afternoon of musical enchantment and community engagement with James Fortune and Georgia Lowe.

IntroductionThe Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal language group were the main Aboriginal inhabitants of the Illawarra area, and a clan was centred around Werri Beach and Crooked River/Gerroa. Here is a great story of a cricket team, which was formed from the Crooked River area 130 years ago. It’s an important piece of Gerringong history.The formation of the teamThere is no record of the cricket club being formed, and the reasons why it was created.However, it can be surmised that ‘King’ Mickey Weston was the person behind the formation of the team. Mickey Weston was the Elder who oversaw the tribes from the Illawarra to Seven Mile Beach (at least) and he would regularly travel to these places. I imagine that he had a great interest in cricket and was keen to put together a team.Was the team just made up of indigenous men from Crooked River? It is possible, but it is also likely that some came from other places. There were mentions of Sims and Longbottoms in the team. The Longbottoms were prominent at Kiama and the Sims at Werri Beach.The name Crooked River was not always used as well. Sometimes, it was mentioned that the team came from Gerringong or maybe the South Coast. However, it may have been a convenience as I imagine the name Crooked River was not well known outside the Gerringong District.A sure thing is that one of the first challenges for Mickey was to get the proper playing equipment. One thing that is consistent with most of the games played was that the team would, ‘put on a show’ after the game. This might include a corroboree and a demonstration of boomerang throwing. The ‘hat’ was taken around to collect money from the spectators. Often, there was a ‘goodly’ crowd there to watch the match and the entertainment. Another thing that seemed to happen at most games was that the Indigenous team were always the visitors and, as such, were entertained to a luncheon/afternoon tea. Apparently, on one occasion against Gerringong, this did not happen and the players were most put out according to a letter to the editor!Apart from newspaper advertisements announcing the coming games, the first mention of an actual game report was from Saturday, 27 January 1894, reported in the Kiama Independent and Shoalhaven Reporter. Thank you to Trove.CRICKET.(From a Correspondent.)A match was played at Gerringong on Wednesday last between Mickey Weston's Team of Aboriginals and a 2nd team of the local club which resulted in a win for the former by 22 runs. The scores were:           GerringongA, Wilson, b Cummins ........ 13M. Hanrahan, lbw,b Sutton ... 7J. Wilson, b Longbottom........31R. M. Miller, b Button........ 0J. Fields, b Cummins ......... 0J. W, Francis, c and b Cummings3T. Hanharhan c Simms, b Longbottom......- ..........      0B. Johnstone, b Cummings ...  3M. Burke, b Cummings ........ 2T. F. Seage, not out .........8R. Gordon, c Matto, b Cummins.0- Sundries …                  17Total .....                   87Aboriginals.B. Hoskins, b Wilson .....,     4Sutton, b Wilson                0Walker, b Wilson ......... . .. 0W. Broughton, b Wilson ....     8Hunt, b Johnston                1T. Simms, b Wilson .....        8G. Longbottom, not out         51Judson, b Wilson ........       4Matto, c Fields, b Miller..     6A. Cummings c Hanrahan b Miller 5Edwards, b Wilson ...        . 12Sundries ...... ...... .       13                               109A Cummings appears to be a very good bowler!The next game mentioned comes up in the paper 3rd February in a game against Jamberoo. The ‘Gentlemen of Colour’ arrived with plenty of time for the match and were entertained at lunch by ‘the white fellows’. They were one player short, and a Gerringong white boy substituted during the game.Micky Weston’s team scored 31 in the first innings and 77 in the second. The Jamberoo team got 84 and were 2 for 27 when stumps were called.After this the large number of spectators were entertained by a demonstration of boomerang throwing. It was noted that the crowd was the largest that had been to any Jamberoo game that season.The visitors were then entertained at ‘tea’. A collection was taken up to help the team and 1 pound, 7 shillings and sixpence was collected. The next match was only a few days later at Kiama. There was an extensive report on the proceedings in the paper.   The next mention is a game between Gerringong CC and the Crooked River CC on 17th February with Gerringong scoring 128 and the Aboriginals 69. W. Sutton scoring 27no.On 22 March, the Gerringong Aboriginal CC, as it was called in the article, travelled to Shellharbour to play a match. The Aboriginal team won the game scoring 78 to Shellharbour’s 40. Top scorers were T. Simms and Joe Dixon, who both scored 20. It does not mention how they got there.The next game mentioned was a trip to Wollongong. A ‘goodly crowd’ was in attendance. The papers were all in praise of the Aboriginal team, displaying great skills. The team was described as ‘Mickey Weston’s team from Gerringong.’ The Aboriginals scored 36 and 8 for 25 and Wollongong 78. When they travelled to Comerong on May 8 to play, they were called the South Coast Aboriginal Cricket team. In this match, they scored 35 and 31 as against Comerong with 44 and 70.This is the last game mentioned in 1894 and the last mention of the Crooked River team. Mickey, however, appears to have put together another team of Dharawal men and played in the Wollongong areas in later years.Joe Dixon was the best player from the team. He forged out a career with Gerringong CC.

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure as 'The Perfect Plate 2024' competition makes a grand return for its fourth annual showdown! The competition celebrates the quality and range of cuisine available at clubs throughout NSW. It also aims to recognize the immense talent of chefs in the industry while enticing patrons to explore the culinary delights offered by clubs. Public voting runs from 30 April to 16 June (11:59 pm).We recently visited the Kiama Leagues Club to savour their delectable entry - the 'Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder.'The club’s apple cider braised pork shoulder was a delightful blend of warmth and flavour, featuring a subtle apple infusion that complemented the dish perfectly. The generous portion size and the tender, mouth-watering pork were highly satisfying, priced at $30 for non-members and $28 for members; it offers great value.Also throwing their hat in the ring for Kiama are the Cedar Cutters Sports Bar, presenting their enticing Braised Beef Short Rib with Dauphinoise Potato, Herb Pea Puree, and Braising Marrow Jus, and the Kiama Bowling & Recreation Club Limited Summit Bar & Grill with their Pork Knuckle. Here's how you can participate and indulge in this gastronomic competition:TASTE: Visit a club near you and savour a ‘Perfect Plate’ competition dish.VOTE: Show your support by scanning the Perfect Plate QR code at the club or search from the provided list. Keep your receipt handy for verification.WIN: Get a chance to win daily $100 dining vouchers or a 'Foodie Getaway' for two valued at up to $3,500. The more dishes that you vote for, the higher your chances are of winning.SHARE: Share your Perfect Plate Awards experience by posting photos using the hashtag: #perfectplate2024This year, culinary expert Matt Moran and Masterchef finalist Courtney Roulston serve as ambassadors for the Perfect Plate competition. Awards include 13 regional winners based on dish scores, three state winners categorised by club size, and one statewide winner for the best dessert. Winning clubs receive commemorative plaques and top three statewide winners get advertising campaigns worth $10,000 each.The Bugle wishes the Kiama Leagues Club every success once more. To explore more participating restaurants and dive deeper into the Perfect Plate experience, visit: perfectplate.com.au.

The much-anticipated Enchanted Forest light event has been postponed due to the prediction of heavy rainfall. The new opening date will be Friday, 24 May. Event organisers have inspected the Blackbutt Forest site and deemed it unsuitable for vehicle access. The team is unable to get the necessary equipment on site without impacting the waterlogged terrain. The Enchanted Forest 2023. Photo credit: Laservision.Ticket holders for sessions between 17-23 May will be contacted by Laservision to reschedule their booking. Laservision CEO Shannon Brooks says the postponement is unfortunate but unavoidable. Chris Homer, Mayor for Shellharbour says, “unfortunately, we can’t control Mother Nature,” but emphasises that the community is still excited for the Enchanted Forest to return to the city. For more information, and to reserve tickets, visit: www.theenchantedforest.com.au.

As Mother’s Day quickly approaches, NSW Fair Trading has issued a warning against potential shopping scams and urging consumer diligence. Whether it be flowers, chocolates, or other gifts, consumers must take responsibility for what they buy and where from. While Mother’s Day usually calls for showering mothers with gifts, it also brings about an increased risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Natasha Mann, emphasises the importance of informed consumer decisions in light of the increasing cost of living pressure. “A little bit of research could go a long way to avoiding a Mother’s Day headache,” says Mann, adding the need to scrutinise terms and conditions, refund policies, and expiry dates before making any transactions. Mother’s Day serves as an opportune moment to cultivate new online and in-person shopping practices, ensuring protection against unnecessary spending or data breaches. The mantra remains the same: Avoid impulsive purchases, stick to budgets, and verify the credibility of websites.Shoppers across the region are advised to compare prices diligently, check business reviews for credibility, and exercise caution when opting for gift cards. Last year, there were 376 complaints lodged surrounding gift card purchases. For further guidance on consumer rights and savvy shopping tips, you can visit NSW Fair Trading: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/. In the midst of celebrating mothers across the nation, consumers must stay vigilant when shopping both online and in store.