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23 OCTOBER - 29 OCTOBER 2026 Kiama Minnamurra Kiama Downs Jamberoo Gerringong Gerroa

Ripper of a nipper season!

Myah Garza

oards under their arms, mates by their sides and the surf waiting ahead – for hundreds of South Coast children, Sunday mornings at the beach are about to become

a summer ritual. Nipper season is already underway at Kiama, with Gerringong set to officially kick off this Sunday, bringing children together for mornings of catching waves, building friendships

Nup to the cup!

and learning to navigate the ocean. Behind all the fun, however, are skills that could one day help save a life. At Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club's pre-season skills day last Sunday, children

practised paddling boards, catching waves and learning to recognise rips ahead of the season start. For junior activities coordinator Mitch Payne, who joined the club as a five-year-old and has been involved ever since, watching

children grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of the program. “You might jump in and be a little bit anxious to begin with, but it’s just about spending time in the water and on boards and just learning,” he

The Great Kiama Fires of 1899 ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS

ksmr@bigpond.com 21B Barney St, Kiama

Continued on Page 3

Guy Morgan exhibits in Kiama

p8 p11

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said. “The more practice, the better you get.” Sometimes, those lessons matter sooner than anyone expects.

Log book Servicing Brake & Clutch repairs Auto Electrical repairs Registration Inspections

p13 SMASH REPAIRS All major insurance companies accepted Private work welcomed Windscreen replaced Towing assistance arranged

Servicing the community for 20 years 2006–2026

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

Welcome to The Bugle I’m declaring it: it’s officially the start of Scorpio Season! Which, in my mind, marks the funnest period of the year kicking off with Halloween, then straight into festive season, school holidays, summer and that glorious period of a few months when the days get longer and you lose track of time. The coloured caps sprinting across the sand for the start of nipper season is another marker – which we cover this week - along with Melbourne Cup, which is a big day of celebrations for many and a critical day for animal rights advocates, so it’s great to hear from both sides. Plus, we learn all about a historic fire in Vee’s Vault, spend time with local character Steve Swane, interview Archibald finalist Guy Morgan, go deeeep on Home & Away adjacent content and speak with a mix of best-selling authors like Ryan Butta and Fiona McIntosh. Next week is our first Halloween edition, so keep your spooky lil eyes peeled … M xx @maria___lewis

The Bugle newspaper is brought to you by locals weekly and available free throughout the Kiama LGA. Get daily news updates and the digital edition anytime via The Bugle app or at thebuglenews.com.au Published by: The Bugle News

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The Bugle News is bound by the standards of practice of the Australian Press Council. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human. Content does not necessarily represent The Bugle’s view.

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The Bugle acknowledges the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and tell stories, and pays respect to Elders past and present.

Kiama loves the nightlife, but does it get to boogie?

Maria Lewis

ince COVID concluded, ‘night-time economy’ has been the buzzword about town as businesses and locals alike have campaigned to rejuvenate Kiama’s once bubbling evening atmosphere. Yet Kiama’s nightlife plans proved particularly difficult to wrangle during Kiama Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, October 20. With a packed agenda covering a plethora of topics important to the local community, it was item 15.3 – the establishment of a Kiama Town Centre proposed Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) – that took up the bulk of the mammoth three-plus-hour session. Everything from decibel restrictions to the exact geography of the SEP was discussed in detail, with Mayor Cameron McDonald agreeing to a “relaxation of the rules of debate” in order for “everyone to have an opportunity to get their opinion out on the floor of the chambers”. The proposal is a key

action of Kiama’s After Dark Strategy, which was conceived to encourage live music, hospitality, and diverse opening hours in order to strengthen the evening economy in the town centre. However, as several local business owners flagged on Monday, October 19 in the Public Forum, while the core ideas of the precinct being confined, incorporating a large number of venues and being walkable, the colourcoded map outlining where different entertainment sound levels would apply has sparked debate. "Why is an area containing residential retirement housing classified for higher entertainment sound levels, while areas containing existing licensed entertainment venues face tighter limits?” asked Becky Guggisberg of popular venue Fillmore’s. “What planning evidence supports this decision?" Cin Cin’s Michael Bowden – who recently ran for council - also spoke, with the testimonials of the business owners referred to during the lengthy back and forth

on Tuesday, which also cited community questions over the inclusion of retirement accommodation - Cedar on Collins - listed in a highersound zone while some established live music venues – such as Fillmore’s and The Grand Hotel - fall within a more restrictive area. “I know there are many creatives, local business owners who have been engaged in this process for a number of years,” said Deputy Mayor Councillor Stuart Larkins. “I know there are some in the local community who wanted a larger precinct size to encompass certain areas or have had feedback about sound levels and business times. “It is important recognise that this first step is a trial and that council has the grant funding timelines it must adhere to when it comes to establishing a SEP. “This SEP would allow the seed and growth of live entertainment, arts and events in the areas that the community would like it to go towards.” While councillors stressed

the SEP does not override existing DA conditions and the amount of information, maps, and guidelines “can be difficult to work through”, this process was essential. “I think people need to accept that this is something that we need to trial and it is only a trial,” said Councillor Stan Jarrett. “There are opportunities through the evaluation process to have changes implemented … Community can be assured comments will be taken very seriously.” Mayor McDonald also put it to councillors to see if there was any appetite to consider increasing the proposed area of the SEP. The initiative is supported by $200,000 in NSW Government funding to develop the night-time economy strategy with the SEP to create the framework for entertainment sound conditions and expanded trading hours within a designated area. The motion was ultimately carried, with Mayor McDonald congratulating councillors on being able to take the next steps towards the SEP trial.

Blue Haven financial-report bid ruled out of order

request to examine six years of Blue Haven Terralong’s finances did not reach a vote at Kiama Council’s Ordinary Meeting after Mayor Cameron McDonald ruled the motion out of order over its lack of an identified funding source. Councillor Yasmin Tatrai had sought a detailed account of the Council-owned retirement village’s income, expenditure, maintenance and reinvestment before any final decision about its potential sale or disposal. Instead, CEO Jane Frawley said she would prepare a report for the November meeting. The distinction matters: Council did not adopt Tatrai’s request for the six-year financial report, and the discussion did not establish that all the information she sought would be supplied in

November. Tatrai’s motion requested annual revenue and operating results, routine maintenance spending, capital works, unspent maintenance budgets and details of any village income used elsewhere within Council. It also sought information about outstanding maintenance and renewal needs. Her written motion stated that the work would not involve expenditure outside the budget. However, the staff response said it would require additional human and financial resources and raised legal, strategic, policy and financial implications. At the meeting, the Mayor gave Tatrai an opportunity to amend the motion or identify funding before proceeding with his ruling. Tatrai said she had expected

the information to be readily accessible. “I assumed that all of the information would be readily available,” she said. She acknowledged the procedural issue and said she was happy to defer the matter. The Mayor clarified that it would instead become the subject of a CEO report in November. Frawley said her role was to administer the process in accordance with Council’s meeting rules and reiterated her offer to help councillors develop notices of motion before submission. The written staff response in the agenda had proposed a confidential November report because of the subject’s commercial nature. The meeting did not establish how much information would ultimately be made public. The discussion comes while

Council undertakes a separate business case for Blue Haven Terralong under the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order. That work is intended to assess the village’s longterm operating options, including retention, leasing, partnerships or potential disposal, alongside capital costs and fire-safety requirements. McDonald acknowledged residents’ concerns and emphasised that Blue Haven Terralong was their home. No decision to sell the village was made under this item. For residents and their families, the next questions are what November’s report will cover, whether it will address the financial history Tatrai requested and what findings can be released publicly.

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

Ripper of a nipper season returns to South Coast beaches Continued from pg 1

ayne recalled an incident last season when an 11-year-old nipper noticed another child getting into trouble in the water. The boy paddled over, helped the child onto his board and brought them back to shore. “It was him being aware of where he was, noticing that someone was in trouble, paddling over and getting them back to shore,” Payne said. “That's the sort of stuff that you want to see. And it happens all the time.” Payne said people could underestimate the ocean's power, particularly when conditions appeared calm. “I've seen people get

caught in a rip when it's been dead flat,” he said. Teaching children to recognise hazards is particularly important, he said, with three drownings at Gerringong beach in the past two years. Gerringong had about 250 nippers last season, one of its biggest groups, and Payne expects similar numbers this year. Families travel from across the region, including Bomaderry and the Southern Highlands. The club is also seeing some of its long-time nippers approach the next step, with about half a dozen children Payne has worked with preparing to begin their Surf Rescue Certificate, a pathway towards

becoming volunteer surf lifesavers. “It's exciting that we're going to have some of the kids that I've been working with for six, seven years who are going to become lifesavers,” he said. At Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, junior activities coordinator Michael Earl said preseason proficiency sessions had drawn a strong turnout, with new and returning nippers ready for another season. Earl said the program is about building friendships and giving children a sense of responsibility, while helping secure the future of volunteer surf lifesaving. “Nippers is the gateway

into the surf club and is the foundation for ensuring we have a strong future as a club and keep the red and yellow flags flying on the beach.” For the kids themselves, the appeal isn’t so drastic. “I love catching waves with my mates and learning about the surf,” said Lewie, 11. And Daisy, six, loves getting into the water to “dive under waves and get washed around”. As another summer of beach days begins, Payne hopes children will take both the fun and the lessons with them. “Just trying to make sure that kids do it in a safe and responsible way ... and they know how to respect the ocean,” he said.

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

Steve Swane’s secret to ageing well after eight decades:

South Coast trains chugging towards a new timetable Myah Garza

ore frequent trains and a more reliable service. That has long been the promise for those critical of South Coast train services, with the Minns Labor Government announcing that those criticisms have been heard and improvements are on track. Come November 15, peak services between Wollongong and Sydney will increase every 15 minutes, with off-peak services doubling to run every 30 minutes instead of every hour like they were previously. "This is the biggest improvement to South Coast train services in more than a decade,” said Minister for Transport John Graham. “Boosting peak services to every 15 minutes, rolling out more Mariyungs and clearing the bottleneck closer to Central will have a big impact on the everyday lives of hundreds of thousands of peoplealong the South Coast Line. "By separating South Coast and T4 services between Arncliffe and Central, we're able to increase capacity and remove a key problem that caused reliability issues.” Rebuilding rail reliability

and increasing services was a key election promise for the Minns Labor Government, however not everyone is pleased with the changes. South Coast Liberal candidate Serena Copley said some passengers could face longer journeys and less convenient connections with the timetable shift which sees South Coast trains now bypass Wolli Creek and terminate at Central rather than continuing to Bondi Junction. “More services should mean better journeys,” she said. Ms Copley added that while additional services were welcome, there needed to be clearer information about how the changes would affect travel times and connections, particularly for passengers travelling to Sydney Airport or destinations beyond Central. She also raised concerns about the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity on trains, attributing it to insufficient investment in supporting infrastructure. Under the new timetable, there will be 200 additional weekly South Coast services, with stops at Sydenham that will provide a direct connection to the Sydney Metro.

Myah Garza

here are at least 50 jobs Steve Swane could point to around his 64-hectare Berry property that need doing. The trick, he said, is knowing which ones need doing today. “None of them have to be done today,” he said. “If I don’t get them today, I’ll do them tomorrow.” It is a philosophy that has served him well across a life spent building, farming, travelling and rowing surf boats. It has also taken on a different meaning since a farm accident about 20 months ago left him without a leg. After celebrating his 81st birthday this past weekend, Steve is still finding ways to work around the property he shares with wife Carol, even if jobs that once took minutes now require considerably more time. Where he once walked along a fence line fixing broken sections, he now repairs a little before climbing into a side-by-side buggy to reach the next section. “I can, but they take so much longer,” he said. The adjustment has been substantial, but Steve is not one to dwell on what he has lost. “You could bear a sad sack all you like, can’t you?” he said with a laugh. Instead, he has worked out how to operate farm equipment one-legged, adapted his daily routines and continued travelling, including a recent trip through Canada that involved four days on a train. “I’d do it all over again,” he said. He started rowing at 15 and spent much of his life as a surf boat sweep, steering the crew through the water. He continued rowing until his accident. A Vietnam veteran and former builder,

he has spent decades learning practical skills, solving problems and keeping busy. The Berry property has been part of his family for generations. His father bought the land after moving from a larger property at the top of the mountain, and Steve and his brothers helped clear lantana, blackberries and rubbish from the neglected grounds. Steve and Carol have lived there full-time for about 10 years. There is always another fence to repair, another patch of lantana to tackle or another job around the shed. His routine includes tending cattle and moving electric fencing to give them fresh grass. Since his accident, Carol said more of the work has fallen to her, but they continue to manage the property together. Their determination to keep travelling has also meant learning to navigate a world that is not always designed with accessibility in mind. On their recent Canadian holiday, Steve needed suitable shower facilities, rails to help him stand and chairs with arms so he could get back up. The four-day train journey brought its own challenges. Carol had to take the top bunk because Steve could no longer climb the ladder. The shower cubicle was another challenge: without the right facilities, he struggled to keep his prosthetic leg dry. “I’d walk back down the hallway trying not to ‘squish, squish, squish,’” he laughed. But that was only a fragment of their excursion. From the train’s dome car, they watched the scenery roll past and encountered a snowstorm that Steve remembers as being “like being inside a snow globe”. “It was really good to think that we could actually do these things,” he said.

keep moving ...

The trip also made him more aware of the everyday barriers people with disability face. Before his accident, he said, accessibility was not something he thought much about. Now, he assesses a room not just by where he can sit, but by whether he will be able to stand up again. The couple have travelled widely, from Norway to the United States and around Australia. They make a point of taking an annual holiday, with Carol joking: “Once a year, I decide in my wisdom, spend the kids’ inheritance.” “If you get holidays, don’t stay at home and do anything. Just go,” Steve advised. The couple also shared a tip for people travelling around Australia in caravans or camping: make use of the camp kitchen. “You go to the camp kitchen and you meet other people,” he said. “And then you start having a drink, and next thing, it’s midnight. Still sitting around telling stories and finding out things.” The couple have collected quite a few friends from camp kitchens themselves, and have visited them in their home countries – including Canada! It’s evident Steve and Carol not only enjoy seeing new places, but meeting people

and collecting stories along the way. Back on the farm, Carol has found her own ways to stay occupied, including turning photographs from their travels into diamondpainting kits. Their days still involve work, animals and the landscape around them, while neighbours have provided practical support during difficult periods. Asked if they have a secret to staying happy and healthy as they age, Carol offers no elaborate formula. “We’re both workers,” she said. Steve agrees that keeping active matters, whether that means working outdoors, exercising or finding something to occupy the mind. He points to the masters rowing crews he knows, whose members are all over 70 and continue rowing because they enjoy it. Neither he nor Carol suggests life always goes to plan. Their own has changed dramatically in recent years, and some things take more effort than they once did. But they continue making plans, travelling and finding ways to do the things that matter to them. For Steve, there is no grand secret to ageing well: keep moving, stay curious and don’t wait for every job to be finished before you enjoy the day.

THE BUGLE NEWS

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

Blow your Bugle! Interest not the only rate rising

or Kiama households, a possible special rate variation raises a straightforward question: why should residents pay more, and what assurance is there that this time their money will be managed differently? Kiama Council will now consult our community on a special rate variation that will test the temperature on a 20 per cent increase. As Council confronts its ongoing financial pressures with the State Government Performance Improvement Order, this prospect demands more than warnings about the consequences of doing nothing. For someone paying $2,000 annually in ordinary rates, a 20 per cent increase would mean another $400. That’s the equivalent of a quarterly utility bill, half a week’s rent or a fortnight of groceries. In the midst of rising interest rates, mortgage repayments and cost of living pressures, the timing is not great, though a special rate variation never is. Residents are entitled to expect this council to mark a departure from past financial troubles. But that makes its own investment decisions, and not just inherited problems legitimate subjects for scrutiny. Consider the $6.3 million purchase of the Shoalhaven Street property adjoining

Council’s existing depot. Announced in November 2024, the acquisition was unanimously supported by the newly elected council, with payment spread over three years. Council presented it as a strategic opportunity linked to depot relocation and future residential development and no doubt saw significant dollars to be had, similar to the Akuna Street carpark divestment. However, concerns about remediation were raised immediately. The United Services Union questioned whether the costs of cleaning up the existing depot’s former gasworks site, relocating operations and delivering the overall project had been adequately demonstrated. Curiously, now Council is advocating for the NSW Government ‘to assist in funding the decontamination of the site’. This request for funding is new and is in addition to a raft of other projects that Council cannot fund with the existing revenue base including the Kiama Sports Precinct. If external remediation funding is needed to make the project viable, residents deserve to know what happens if that funding never arrives. But the question remains, has this purchase added to the rates problem? Regardless, a special rate variation is coming

and outrightly refusing any increase is not within the realms of reality. Rates support roads, libraries, parks and other everyday services. As the revenue and rates base has stagnated due to a lack of significant population growth, so too has Council’s finances. The question now, is how much, and for how long. Given Council knocked back a proposal from Councillor Yasmin Tatrai to freeze any variation to 12 months, this points towards any increase being more than just a blip on household budgets. The test is the community will now impose on Council is accountability. Before seeking more money, Council should publish householdlevel examples, identify savings already delivered, explain alternatives and specify which services an increase would protect. It should clearly distinguish inherited liabilities from decisions made on its own watch. The NSW Government requires a break-even operating budget for 2027–28 without relying on asset-sale proceeds. Residents should demand an equally clear bargain: any additional rates payments must purchase demonstrably better financial management – not merely postpone the next crisis or fund another round of promises.

If you want to write a letter to the editor, email editor@thebuglenews.com.au (max 150 words)

ow incredibly stupid of your Council, charging the Kiama Historical Society $380 to run walking tours around Kiama Harbour. ('Now you sea it, now you don't' by Veronica Bardsley). Doesn't

iama Council has asked the community for ideas about how it can raise the additional revenue it needs. Kiama’s Council’s Draft Revenue Improvement Strategy places much of the burden back on to residents and local businesses through a possible Special Rate Variation (+20%), higher fees and charges supplemented by paid parking for visitors. At the same time, Council has adopted a Visitor Economy Strategy that aims to increase visitation by more than 53% and visitor expenditure by more than 82% by 2035. More visitors will mean greater use of our roads, public toilets, parks, beaches, waste services and other public infrastructure. Council’s revenue and visitor strategies should be entirely aligned.

Council realise that history belongs to everybody so why should they charge anything for something the community already owns? And don't they realise that activities such as this (which necessitated 7 walks to be

run) attract visitors to the area, who then spend money which supports the area? (which is more than can be said of the bean-counting Council). Peter Lacey President, South Coast History Society.

Kiama currently records around 1.19 million visitor nights a year. A 2% overnight stay levy contribution ($3-5 per visitor per night) would represent potential gross revenue of about $3-5 million in revenue a year, a charge which is entirely normal in large parts of Europe and elsewhere. Council says it needs to find an additional $3.8 million a year, a figure that will increase in each subsequent year. A levy of around 2% rather than an uplift in rates of 20% seems a very logical and reasonable way of sharing the cost burden of infrastructure maintenance and upgrade with overnight visitors. A visitor contribution would require NSW Government involvement and this will take effort. It means having the necessary conversations with the

people who make these decisions, understanding what would have to change and building the case for change. Given the potential value to Kiama and other communities with large visitor populations, I believe these conversations are worth having. Kiama residents have carried Council's financial pressures for years. Asking them to carry most of the costs today, as well as for future visitor growth, makes little sense when the visitor economy itself offers another potential source of recurring revenue. Council has asked the community for new revenue ideas. This is one of them, and it deserves serious investigation. Regards Steve Whitworth Jamberoo

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Getting to know our councillors:

Stuart Larkins

Belle Wood

alking Minnamurra Headland with his beagle, Nundah, is one way Stuart Larkins unwinds. Travelling to Iceland in the middle of winter is another. Kiama’s new Deputy Mayor enjoys an adventure, whether it involves a local bushwalk or exploring somewhere far from home. “I love travelling and seeing new places along with learning new things and cultures,” he said. A trip to Iceland about 18 months ago remains a highlight. He also counts seeing auroras in both the

northern and southern hemispheres among his memorable experiences. Closer to home, the lifelong local and Kiama Downs resident finds a familiar pleasure in the headland, where he walks with Nundah or takes time for mindfulness meditation. “It doesn’t matter what the weather is like or time of the day, it is a beautiful spot,” he said. Cr Larkins was elected Deputy Mayor for the first time at Council’s September 15 Ordinary Meeting as the current council entered the second half of its term. In responses for The Bugle’s councillor series, he reflected on the people who support

him, the challenges of public office and his priorities for the next two years. Asked who keeps him grounded outside politics, his answer was family and close friends. “Sometimes they’ve also been a reason of encouragement and drive for me entering politics, but they also know how to support me personally and help me focus.” That support matters in a role that has involved difficult financial decisions. Cr Larkins identified financial sustainability as Council’s biggest challenge over the past two years, describing this year’s deliberations over budget parameters as personally

challenging. He said he attended every budget briefing and workshop this year, responded to everyone who contacted him about the draft budget and met with residents who raised serious concerns. “I am ultimately proud of the approach I had taken,” he said. “It certainly made me stronger, and throughout my time on Council I know I have made the right calls.” He believes many residents recognise the pressures facing Council, from its finances to development, planning and governance, although he remains concerned that some underestimate their seriousness.

A l o n g s i d e accommodating growth, he said protecting local heritage and character remained essential. He supports retaining heritage conservation areas through the Jamberoo heritage review and undertaking a further review in Gerringong. Library services are another focus. Through his involvement with the SouthEast Zone of the NSW Public Libraries Association, he said he has been advocating for improved state funding and services. Asked about his proudest achievement, Cr Larkins pointed to his commitment to being an active and accessible councillor: attending

community events, listening to concerns and responding directly to residents. Despite the challenges, his optimism rests on the community he has known throughout his life. “I have seen firsthand the people and groups who engage positively and constructively in making our community a better place and I look forward to continuing to work with them.” Read the full Q & A on The Bugle App.

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

Kiama Council backs 20% rates rise, now it’s up to you Belle Wood

iama Council will consult residents on a proposed 20 per cent rates increase after councillors rejected an amendment that would have limited the additional increase to a single financial year. The decision at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, October 20 did not approve a rates increase or settle whether any proposed Special Rate Variation would be temporary or permanent, but did begin the process of further consultation and financial modelling. Councillors also adopted Council’s Revenue Improvement Strategy and Strategic Asset Review, setting a broader direction involving new income sources, property opportunities and the progressive disposal of surplus assets. Deputy Mayor Stuart Larkins moved the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Matt Brown. Larkins acknowledged that a Special Rate Variation would be unwelcome to many residents, but said Council needed to consider its options while addressing its financial problems under the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order.

“I don’t like a special rate variation,” he said. “I know that there are many in the community who wouldn’t like or want it either.” The debate centred on how Council could address its continuing financial shortfall while recognising pressure on household budgets. Councillor Yasmin Tatrai proposed consulting on a temporary 20 per cent variation applying for one financial year only, with the additional increase removed from the rate base afterwards. “The community’s struggling, people are worrying about paying their bills,” she said. Councillor Melinda Lawton seconded the amendment, while questioning what would happen when the additional revenue ended. Staff warned that a oneyear measure would leave the underlying deficit unresolved in the following year and would not demonstrate a sustainable financial pathway. The amendment was defeated. Chief Financial Officer Jose Diaz told councillors that the structure of any application remained undecided. Staff would examine temporary and permanent options through more detailed modelling. He also warned that even a

permanent variation would need to be accompanied by other revenue measures, with modelling indicating Council could return to deficit after approximately five years. Brown argued that councillors should hear from residents and consider the modelling before deciding the duration of any application. Lawton subsequently questioned whether the consultation proposal should be described as “up to 20 per cent”, allowing scope for a lower figure if other savings or income could reduce the shortfall. Staff said 20 per cent was their current best estimate of the increase needed to bridge the gap. Lawton did not proceed with an amendment changing the wording. Councillor Imogen Draisma emphasised that the decision was about commencing a process. “The endorsement of this report is not an endorsement of a special rate variation,” she said. A further report will return to councillors following consultation. The next stage will give residents a further opportunity to scrutinise the proposed rates variation before Council decides whether, and in what form, to pursue an application.

YO U ’ R E I N V I T E D TO O U R F I N A L O P E N DAY FO R 2026 THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 9:30AM – 12:30PM Explore our vibrant community, experience the lifestyle firsthand, and discover why so many residents are proud to call Cedar on Collins home.

TO REGISTER CALL LAURA ON 1800 470 585, VISIT CEDARKIAMA.COM.AU OR SCAN THE QR CODE SPACES ARE LIMITED You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village.

Big possibilities for little learners at Gerringong Public School Belle Wood

rom fire engines to virtual underwater worlds, Gerringong Public School students explored where their interests might take them during Careers Week. The program connected classroom learning with the world of work through hands-on workshops, environmental science activities and community involvement. Students took part in a fire engine workshop, a BEE Inspired workshop and ecoscience activities, while Mindflight7 workshops brought another dimension to exploring the natural world through virtual reality. Principal Kristie Goldthorp OAM said the week was designed to help children discover their interests and strengths while opening their eyes to possibilities they may not have considered. “Career education is important in primary school because students are

already developing ideas about who they are, what they enjoy and what they might like to become,” she said. “By introducing career learning early, we can challenge stereotypes, broaden students’ aspirations and help them recognise the connection between their learning at school and the opportunities available to them in the future.” The activities offered different ways to explore those connections, bringing practical skills, creativity, science and technology into students’ learning. BEE Inspired, winner of Business of the Year at the recent KBN awards was among the workshop providers involved. M i n d f l i g h t 7 ’s environmental science experience uses immersive virtual reality to explore land and ocean environments that can be difficult to visit in person. Its activities introduce students to natural habitats, biodiversity and the pressures facing ecosystems,

including overfishing and climate change. For the school, the broader purpose was to encourage curiosity and help students see the many ways people contribute to their communities. “Through authentic learning experiences, industry visits, parent and community connections, and hands-on activities, students develop an understanding of the diverse careers available and the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to succeed,” Ms Goldthorp said. The week also reinforced that a rewarding future can follow many routes, including university, TAFE, vocational education, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. “Our goal is to ensure every student leaves Careers Week feeling inspired, empowered and excited about the possibilities ahead, understanding that their future is full of opportunities and that the learning they do today can help shape the pathways they choose tomorrow.”

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

History that’s hard to hear Maria Lewis

t was a packed auditorium at Kiama Library as over 80 people turned out to hear award-winning author Ryan Butta speak about his latest book, Blackbirding. Presented by the Friends of Kiama Library and the Kiama and District Historical Society, Butta’s deep-dive explores Australia’s unspoken history of slavery and examines some longignored historical truths. “There is a real appetite in Australian readers to gain a better understanding of our history and look at stories that may have been overlooked or not taught in the curriculum,” Butta told The Bugle. “Encouragingly, this curiosity is

occurring across the spectrum of ages from teenagers to nonagenarians.” With an “overwhelmingly positive” response to the work, which has seen him tour Blackbirding nationally throughout much of 2016, Butta said he was unsurprised to see such a strong turn out in Kiama. “I have always found that within Kiama there is a real interest in history, local and national,” he said. “It was a really engaged audience with lots of questions and interactions.” The author behind other historical hits such as The Ballad of Abdul Wade and The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli, Blackbirding examines the Australian slave trade where more than 60,000 Pacific Islanders were brought to Australia to work in the Queensland sugarcane fields between 1860 and 1906. Forced into

contracts they could not read, unpaid until the end of their service, and denied basic rights, they endured brutal working conditions that led to the deaths of nearly 15,000 people who were taken from their homelands through coercion, deception or outright abduction. “History is a great subject as it is always open to reassessment and review and debate and we are always discovering new things from our past, whether that be the recent past or ancient times,” said

Butta. “I am not sure you can ever ‘know enough’. “The crucial element is people wanting to know and wanting to engage with the past. And I am seeing that.” As one of Friends of Kiama Library and the Kiama and District Historical Society’s “favourite authors”, it’s unsurprising Butta was inundated with further questions following the end of the session and a signing line that stretched across the room.

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23 October - 29 October 2026

Melbourne Nup? Locals opting out of race day Estelle Hakner

he Melbourne Cup is just around the corner. But while most of Kiama gets swept up in the race day bubbles, sweeps, and festivities, some locals are choosing to sit it out. For a small but growing number of Australians, a shifting ethical awareness means the glitz and glam of “the race that stops a nation” is becoming tainted with concerns around animal welfare and gambling harm. Julia Urquhart, a Gerringong-based physiotherapist, told The Bugle that Tuesday, November 3 will be “business as usual” for her and her family. “We don’t celebrate or watch the Melbourne Cup,” she said. As the owner of an ex-racing greyhound, Quinn, who broke her hock in a race two months before her second birthday and was subsequently retired from racing following surgery, Urquhart said the “high stakes” lead to animals being treated as “disposable”. “It is an industry that is built off the suffering of others, animals and humans, and that does not align with my family’s

values,” Urquhart said. For mum-of-two Gabby, the concerns extend beyond animal welfare to the “glorifying of gambling”. “I did celebrate the Cup when I was younger, but now I’m more aware of the awful effects gambling has on many individuals and families and it’s not something I can support,” she said. “I’ll be going about my day as usual, without celebrating the Cup.” Helle Erhardsen, General Manager at Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, said such attitudes are “sort of a sign of the times, I'd say”. “We’re definitely seeing that more and more people are waking up to the fact that this is not glamorous,” she said. Across Australia, a movement known as “Nup to the Cup” has gained momentum in recent years, offering alternative events for people who still want to have fun on Melbourne Cup day without supporting horse racing. “Most people who are attending or betting on the races really just go to have a good time,” said Erhardsen. “They go because their

friends go, not so much for the horse racing.” The first “Nup to the Cup” event was held at the iconic Flemington Racecourse in 2010, with just 20 people attending. Today, the movement has grown to include 10 official events in Victoria, four in New South Wales, three in South Australia, one in Tasmania, one in Western Australia, two in the ACT, and two in Queensland. People also host their own events at home and in workplaces, replacing traditional sweeps with gold coin donations to local animal sanctuaries. With Melbourne Cup luncheons typically including “dress to impress” dress codes, family activities, live music and other entertainment, Erhardsen suggested venues “basically make it into a party”, with horse racing taking a back seat. “We find that races are, they’re taking up less and less room at the races, actually,” she said. Comparisons can be drawn with greyhound racing, which was banned in New Zealand in April and is being phased

out by 2029 in Tasmania. Last week also saw the final race at Wentworth Park in Sydney’s inner west. Closer to home, Dapto Dogs closed last year after the Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society denied Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW)’s request for a 20-year lease extension. “I think it’s going that way for horse racing as well, I have to say,” said Erhardsen. “It’s just moving a lot slower because the industry is much, much, much bigger and there’s a lot more money involved.” If interest in animal racing is dwindling, what keeps people coming back to the Melbourne Cup? “It’s a tradition,” said Erhardsen, “and people like to hang onto traditions, and sometimes they don’t think whether that tradition is upholding something that is not sustainable, something that doesn’t match our values.” In regional communities like Kiama and the surrounding areas, where tradition is a cornerstone of community life, it will be interesting to see whether the Melbourne Cup continues to hold its place on the calendar.

Helle Erhardsen, General Manager of Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses

Julia Urquhart, Nya and Zara with ex-racing greyhound Quinn

Nup to the Cup event in Sydney

Every day becomes art with Eco-Lab exhibition Myah Garza

ave you ever thought that a bread bag can become a canvas? Roofing tiles worn smooth by the ocean can be jewellery. Discarded wire found on the street can have a new shape. For the 19 artists exhibiting in REMADE @ Eco-Lab, the materials most people wouldn’t bat an eye at are an invitation to look again and change your perspective. Opening at NASA Gallery at The Servo in Port Kembla, the exhibition brings together artists exploring repair, reuse and reimagining through works made from found, foraged, collected and discarded materials. For co-curator Penny Sadubin, who has lived in Gerringong since 2013, the idea is as much about changing how people see

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everyday objects as it is about creating art. “Everything’s had a past. Everything’s embodied energy and, you know, work has gone into creating that thing,” she said. “It’s nice to actually give it another life.” Sadubin and fellow horticulturist Kathryn Morgan developed Eco-Lab through their shared interest in sustainable art practices and connecting people with the natural world. Both are part of Ecology Exchange, an Illawarra-based artist collective established in 2025. The exhibition brings together a diverse mix of emerging and established artists, with work spanning sculpture, painting, textiles, jewellery and poetry. Sadubin’s own contribution includes drawings made on brown paper bags from Kiama’s own Slow Dough

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bakery! Rather than sending the sturdy bags to the bin, she unfolds them, cuts the sides and prepares the paper for drawing, leaving traces of its former life visible. Elsewhere, artist Melinda Young has used terracotta roofing tiles that have spent time in the ocean, their surfaces smoothed by the movement of the water while retaining hints of their original form. Sarah Anderson has created paintings on reused wooden panels from beehive boxes, while another artist, Lucy Pulham, has turned wire collected from the street into a sculptural work. The materials and finished pieces differ widely, but share a starting point: considering what already exists before reaching for something new. “Art with a sustainable kind of ethos behind it doesn’t

necessarily have to look like a woven basket,” Sadubin said. “It can look like all of art practice.” This approach challenges the idea that making art requires expensive materials or specialist supplies. Sometimes, Sadubin said, it begins with picking up an object and imagining what else it could become. Alongside the exhibition, three free – but sold out – workshops were planned to give participants a chance to explore sustainable creative practices, with artists paid through a Wollongong City Council Small Arts and Culture Grant. REMADE @ Eco-Lab is open at NASA Gallery at The Servo, Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, until November 8, Thursday to Sunday. A public artist circle is also planned for the exhibition’s final day.

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23 October - 29 October 2026

“Don’t hate my craft”

Inside Kiama’s most inclusive surf comp

Amy Molloy

wo guys. Two chicks (or non-binary folk). A boogie board, twinnie, thruster and a board that’s eight feet or longer. These are the specifications for teams of four entering Feral Femme’s ‘Clashing of the Genders’ surf competition, which will be held on Saturday, November 14. Despite the name, this isn’t about men and women battling it out in the surf. The team rules ensure that oceanlovers – whatever their combo of chromosomes – have to work together. With the surfing world rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct this week, it’s a well-timed event for Kiama

group Feral Femme Surf, which was created to help women feel safer and more empowered in the lineup. Since launching earlier this year, the “surf cult for girls” as they dub themselves has caused quite a stir with its eye-catching merch, sellout events and girl-powered coaching sessions. “Feral Femme is all about encouraging women to get out there in the surf, take up space and not feel limited or intimidated by male dominated lineups,” says lifelong surfer and Feral founder Paris Chisholm. “Originally I had the idea of doing a women-only comp, but I want to get the whole community involved, because that's how we make change.”

This is also why everyone in a team has to be on a different piece of equipment. “I wanted it to be inclusive,” says Chisholm. “It’s for everyone, whether you’re a woman who hasn’t felt good enough to join a surf comp before or a bodyboarder who has never been able to join Boardriders. Let’s not hate on each other’s crafts. “I'm trying to make Kiama and the South Coast surf community more united and welcoming.” Although the competition is all in the name of fun, she predicts that “people might get a bit competitive on the day”. It costs $100 to enter a team, with a $2,400 prize pool up for

grabs. After the competition, the event will move to Kiama Bowling Club for a film screening and live music, in collaboration with clothing brand and filmmaking collective Frequent Sightings. All profits from ticket sales, priced at $30 each, will go to Orana Women’s Health Centre a not-for-profit organisation whose work includes supporting women and girls impacted by domestic and family violence. Supporting women to feel safe, both in the surf and on the streets, is a timely topic. On October 11, the World Surf League (WSL) confirmed that a competitor on the 2026 Men’s Championship Tour had

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been suspended after the organisation was made aware of “allegations of a deeply serious nature involving the competitor”. According to the statement, “The allegations involve conduct in relation to a private gathering in Tahiti in August. The gathering was not affiliated with the WSL.” Although the WSL has not named the athlete in question, surfer Alan Cleland Jr, 24, has been suspended from the Championship Tour, having joined last year. He represented Mexico at the 2024 Olympic Games. “This week has been so devastating and rattling,” says Chisholm, referring to the rumours circulating. “We

associate accusations like this a lot more with Rugby League, but this week is a reminder that perpetrators can be anyone. “In the surfing world, men can be idolised and seen as the coolest guys ever. But it’s not okay and we need to call out this behaviour.” For Chisholm, the controversy has put a fire in her belly to continue Feral Femme’s work – not at war with men, but in collaboration with them. “That’s why I’ve loved planning this event with Frequent Sightings,” she says. “They’re just all really welcoming and friendly guys.” To buy tickets or enter the competition, visit feralfemmesurf.com.

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23 October - 29 October 2026

Local flavours and festive fun on the calendar at The Sebel Kiama

here are streets in Kiama where you can go for years without seeing a sale board on the grass. Families move in, raise their kids, retire there, and only leave when they really have to. When I ask long-term owners why they’ve stayed, the answer is rarely the house itself. It’s walking to the beach before work, knowing the neighbours by name, and a street quiet enough for the kids to ride their bikes out the front. Once you’ve had that, it’s hard to trade it for a bigger kitchen somewhere else. William Street is a good

he Sebel is leading off the festive celebrations as they promote their upcoming events. A showcase of local producers, Christmas celebrations and a New Year’s Eve White Party are on the calendar at The Sebel Kiama. Leading the November line-up is The Social, a South Coast wine, beer and spirits festival taking over the hotel’s garden courtyard on Sunday, November 22, from 12pm to 6pm. Visitors can meet producers, sample their offerings and purchase favourites to enjoy on the day

or take home. Around 10 local suppliers are expected with the event planned for the same day as the markets, the aim is to encourage visitors to explore more of Kiama’s town centre. Sultans of Spin will provide the afternoon’s soundtrack, while food and additional drinks will be available to purchase from Yves Social. Tickets are $25 and include entry, a branded tasting glass and a tote bag. Many tastings will be complimentary, although individual vendors may charge a tasting fee. The festive plans include

don’t always follow the wider market as closely as you might expect. If you own in one of these streets, it’s worth knowing there’s often a queue of quiet interest you never see. And if you’ve had your eye on a particular street, get your finance in order and let a local agent know what you’re after, so you’re ready when the right home comes up. If you’d like to know what’s been happening in your street, I’m always happy to have a chat. Sam Scobie, Ray White Kiama

the celebrated New Year’s Eve White Party after it’s success last year. This year there will be the Kiama fireworks as well – a great ticket to have in town! Front row for 9 pm fireworks with this cocktail styled event. Meanwhile, Yves Social’s Sunday Sessions offer live music closer to home every week, with Cameron Little scheduled for October 25, from 2pm to 5pm. For event information and bookings, visit The Sebel Kiama’s What’s On page or call 02 4230 7500.

THE SOCIAL the sebel kiama X yves social affair

22 nov

example. It sits about 300 metres from Kendalls Beach and a short stroll from the cafes in town, and homes there don’t come up often. So when one does, like the threebedroom home at 8 William Street that I have just listed for sale, it's safe to say that many of the people will come through after watching the street for years. That pattern holds across a lot of pockets in Kiama and the greater postcode. On some streets with few sales, buyers tend to be patient, well prepared and very clear on why they want to be there. It also means these streets

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Thursday 29 October 2026

ANDRE LAUS · GABZAK free entry, various venues across Berry NSW

Friday 30 October 2026 *

IMMY OWUSU · PAUL A. GEORGE MOUSSA DIAKITE · THE CONDIMENTS TRIO ELEMENTAL GROOVE + DJS

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Sunday 1 November 2026

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All ages, free entry, various venues across Berry NSW.

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23 October - 29 October 2026

tel on right – re 1899 fires, Royal Ho 1899 Terralong St befo e, credit Kiama Library Courtesy of Tony Gilmor

Veronica Bardsley

n 1899, Kiama was home to fewer than 2,000 people. In the space of just ten weeks, two devastating fires tore through Terralong Street, destroying 22 businesses. With no fire brigade to call upon, residents were left to battle the flames themselves. Can you imagine? The thing is, Kiama already knew it needed a fire brigade. It just took two devastating fires for something to finally be done about it. The Sydney Morning Herald – 2 October 1899 DISASTROUS FIRE AT KIAMA. FIFTEEN BUILDINGS DESTROYED. DAMAGE OVER £6000. THE WANT OF A FIRE BRIGADE.”

1899 during the fire credit Kiama Libra ry

HOT PROPERTY IN 1899 Hotel. But while residents were desperately trying to save Terralong Street, others were apparently helping themselves to the Royal Hotel's alcohol! The Kiama Independent reported about it the following Thursday, reporting "several instances of pillaging from the stores of shopkeepers," and saying the "unscrupulous individuals who interested themselves in this way deserve to be hounded out of the town." There were also, the paper noted, "cases of beastly drunkenness on the part of one or two who found easy access to some of the 'assorted waters' rescued from the Royal Hotel." Kiama Historical Society vice president Tony Gilmour also discusses the incident in his book Rascals and Respectables: A Social History of Kiama Area Hotels. The Historical S o c i e t y describes the 1899 fire as leading to widespread drinking of stolen alcohol. The fire eventually burned itself out, with the dawn revealing a large section of Terralong Street in ruins. Australian Town and Country Journal, on Saturday October 7 1899 described the scene. “The scene at dawn looked extremely weird, everything being demolished except a score of iron tanks and 18 brick chimneys, which stood like silent sentinels to mark the desolation.” According to the Sydney Morning Herald, around

In the early hours of Sunday, October 1, 1899, Kiama experienced a fire unlike anything the town had seen before. But, as it would turn out, it wouldn't be the last. At approximately 2.20am, flames were discovered at the rear of Wood Brothers' premises on Terralong Street. With many of the surrounding buildings constructed from timber and standing close together, it didn't take long for the blaze to spread. The Sydney George Prott outsi de his shop… or Morning Herald chimney. (Kiama Library) reported that the flames travelled with extraordinary speed, leaving r e s i d e n t s scrambling to save what they could. With no fire brigade, no fire engine and little water available, the townspeople were 12 families were left largely powerless to stop the homeless, with the estimated destruction. cost of rebuilding running Among the buildings lost into thousands of pounds. was the much-loved Royal It also described the blaze as

“The most magnificent sight of the kind ever seen in this district.” Despite the destruction, no lives were lost. Fortunately, all occupants of the hotels escaped, although some managed to take only a few belongings with them. The news even made it all the way to my homeland, Aotearoa!

New Zealand Mail – 5 October 1899 FIRE AT KIAMA FIFTEEN BUILDINGS DESTROYED FORTUNATE CHANGE OF WIND” But Kiama wasn't out of danger just yet. Just ten weeks later, another fire would tear through Terralong Street. At approximately 4am on Friday, December 15 1899, another fire broke out in Kiama's commercial precinct. The town was still recovering from the October disaster, which had destroyed the Royal Hotel and numerous businesses along Terralong Street. This time, the flames spread through another group of shops and residences. According to the Broughton Creek Mail of Thursday, December 12, 1899, the second fire destroyed five business premises and residences, including two shops belonging to Simmons Brothers. Kiama Library's historical account puts the combined destruction from both fires at 22 businesses. Tory's Hotel stood on the corner of Terralong and Shoalhaven streets, close to the second fire. During the blaze, the hotel's balcony eaves reportedly caught fire, and parts of its timberwork were scorched.

The building was saved using a hose connected to a pump behind the hotel. What's particularly remarkable is that Tory's Hotel had already survived the first fire in October. And during that earlier disaster, its proprietor, Mr Tory, had reportedly supplied refreshments to the residents battling the flames.

Taylor Swift might claim karma is her boyfriend, but I'd argue Mr Tory had it on his side long before she came along! The hotel survived both disasters and still stands today, although it is now known as the Kiama Inn Hotel (or Tory’s to locals). The most frustrating thing though is that Kiama residents had been calling for a fire brigade long before either disaster struck. In fact, the first recorded call for a Kiama fire brigade came in 1878, a whole 21 years before the fires. And it wasn't as though residents had forgotten about it. Kiama Independent's historical supplement, Our History in Print, Volume 4 has all the information. In 1888, 30 locals signed a petition calling for a fire

brigade, presenting their request to Mayor Henry Noble at a public meeting in the Council Chambers. Mayor Noble acknowledged the danger. Buildings stood close together, the town had no adequate public water supply, and residents relied heavily on private water tanks. He recognised the need for a fire engine but suggested the cost could be covered by the residents themselves. According to the historical account, the residents of Kiama: “should not be backward in finding money for such a necessary project”. Noble also believed there were plenty of young men in Kiama capable of forming a first-class brigade, and said he: “would now leave the matter in their hands to be dealt with as they thought proper”. And apparently, that's where things stayed. Another 11 years passed, and when disaster finally struck in October 1899, Kiama was still without a fire brigade. Then came December, and another devastating fire. By that point, the need for a brigade had been recognised for more

than two decades. In 1901, it finally happened. The original station was built on the south-east corner of the reserve at Terralong and Shoalhaven streets, a few feet west of the existing fire bell. In a historic twist, 13 years after Mayor Noble received a petition calling for a fire brigade, an announcement of his death appeared directly above the news that Kiama's first fire station had finally been completed. Sometimes, history really does write itself. After more than 20 years of calls for a fire brigade, two devastating fires and the loss of dozens of businesses, Kiama finally had its fire station. And the building cost just £39… And perhaps the biggest question of all: why did it take a disaster, or two, for something to finally be done? Some questions might never be answered… XO Vee P.S I make every effort to get the history right, but there’s always someone who knows more! If there’s something I’ve missed, or a piece of the story you can add, please let me know at veronica@ thebuglenews.com.au.

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23 October - 29 October 2026

Fiona McIntosh’s new chapter began at 40 Emily Crisp

iona McIntosh was approaching 40 when she began to feel she wanted something of her own. She was raising twin sons while running a demanding travel publishing business with her husband, and the idea of writing a novel offered a chance to change the direction of her working life. “It was definitely a mid-life crisis of sorts and the idea of having a go at writing a book caught fire in my mind,” she told The Bugle. “So I gave it a go as I turned 40 and sent it to the world’s largest publisher at the time and they gave me a three-book deal. I was more amazed than anyone and my new career kicked into gear. I’ve not looked back.” Getting to that point meant fitting the manuscript around a life that had little room to spare. For 15 years, McIntosh and her husband had produced a monthly travel magazine, posting 6,500 copies to travel agencies across Australia and New Zealand. Her husband was the publisher and managing director, while she brought in the advertising revenue that paid for each edition. Working from Adelaide meant monthly sales trips to Sydney, where much of the industry’s advertising money was concentrated. It was a small operation with an enormous workload, made more complicated by the practical demands of printing and distribution. “Behind the scenes was often chaotic especially with air strikes or mail strikes. We

have been known to hand deliver all over Adelaide once.” By the time she began writing, McIntosh was ready for a career that would let her spend more time being creative. Finding the hours to pursue it, however, required commitment long before there was any promise of publication. “But I had to still run the business, still get the kids to school and sport, still cook and clean. So the writing had to be done very late at night,” she says. “I had to drive my own selfbelief and confidence that there was a future for this story.” A positive response arrived within days of submitting her manuscript, giving her the encouragement to begin the next book. Her early novels were fantasy, which she considers an apprenticeship in learning how to construct a compelling read. Historical fiction was where she wanted to go, but its research demands made it difficult to pursue while she was still working elsewhere. Selling the business and becoming a full-time novelist gave her the freedom to make that move. Changing publishers in 2009 proved another decisive step. Fields of Gold marked a turning point, while she credits the following novel, The Lavender Keeper, with putting her on the international map. Today, McIntosh writes two books a year, one historical novel and one crime novel, and is generally working well ahead of the book readers are seeing on shelves. Yet she speaks about the work with the enthusiasm of someone who still appreciates what that first publishing offer made possible. “It’s such a great job...a privilege to write creatively and have vast numbers of people eager to read what I write.” Her latest historical novel, The Art Lovers, began with a day ashore during a Mediterranean cruise. Visiting Valletta for the first time, she headed straight for the cathedral, where a painting gave her the starting point

Kevin Mills – photographer Jacqueline Jakeman

BRINGING OUR RAINFORESTS INTO HOME AND MIND for a story. “There I came face to face with Caravaggio’s masterpiece and knew instantly I was going to write a novel based around that painting and that city.” The novel follows Valentina Camilleri, a teenager growing up in wartime Malta whose dreams of adventure clash with the future her family has chosen for her. While air raids force residents into underground shelters, Valentina looks to the Spitfire pilots defending the island and imagines a life beyond the restrictions surrounding her. McIntosh wanted readers to understand the frustration of a young person watching the war consume years of her life, while also facing expectations about whom she should marry. Valentina’s resistance is a theme familiar to readers of McIntosh’s historical fiction. “Most of my lead characters are women from a former era who are pushing back against society’s norms,” she says. “I love that theme because a lot of their problems aren’t so very different from what women are doing today.” McIntosh will discuss The Art Lovers at Shellharbour City Library on Saturday October 24, giving local readers an opportunity to hear how the novel developed and ask about her writing career. The evening forms part of the library’s Visiting Author Series, following September’s sold-out event with Liane Moriarty and Holly Wainwright and an October appearance scheduled for crime author Michael Robotham. McIntosh’s event is presented in collaboration with Shellharbour City Museum and will feature a display of World War II objects from its archives. For McIntosh, public libraries play an essential role in making reading available to everyone. “They are places of the greatest escape, alongside bookshops of course. But libraries encourage people to read, and it costs you nothing to be able to enjoy that escape.” Even as libraries have changed from the more formal places she remembers growing up, her affection for them has remained. “Even then I felt they were enchanted spaces and long may their reign.”

Jane Johnston

n eye-opening book is newly out: The Rainforests of Southern NSW – A Comprehensive Guide. The author is the Jamberoo botanist and ecologist Kevin Mills. Kevin’s name may already be familiar from his earlier book – the remarkable 2023 South Coast Ferns – or his e-newsletters on Illawarra and Shoalhaven botany and ecology, or maybe from the public programs he has led. While that 2023 book presents the 136 species of native and naturalised fern and fern ally species on the NSW South Coast in a small, field-guide format, this new rainforest book is largerformat and thicker too. This bigger scale only seems fitting for a topic as enormous as rainforests, and for a book that covers so much. Its geographic scope is sweeping – from Port Hacking in Greater Sydney to the Victorian border, and inland to the western limit of our rainforests. Robertson and Clyde Mountain (west of Batemans Bay) are among the inland locations mentioned. And, true to title, it’s comprehensive! Via its clear language and numerous colour photos, find out what makes a forest a rainforest, and why our Southern NSW rainforests are different to those more widely known – those in QLD and TAS. Discover how altitude, latitude, rainfall, geology and soil interplay in a complex way to make a forest how it is, with a unique mix of species. Get to know the types of rainforest flora and some key species and develop a sense of the continuum of change in our rainforests as you progress north or south. More, Kevin considers the present and future threats to our remaining rainforest, as well as colonial history. The descriptions of the speed, methods and immense scale of the nineteenth century land clearing can shock and sadden, and you’ll get a picture of how much rainforest once was here, including right where many of us now live. This book enables a better appreciation of what you see as you drive, cycle or walk through our South Coast landscapes. To single out just one

thing now, it reminds us that the mature Cabbage Palm, Livistona australis, is hundreds of years old – individuals left standing while the rainforest around them was cleared. These South Coast icons are true survivors, and the same can be said of our oldest fig trees, including some massive ones standing alone in Jamberoo paddocks. When I asked Kevin why he wrote it, he laughed and said, “for fun!” It was a light-hearted response, but genuine and succinct. Kevin thrives on time in the bush, and on generously sharing his knowledge of it with others, and this book is the natural – dare I say inevitable? – result of that. In this book, you learn from someone endlessly curious about our flora, whose favourite ecology has always been rainforest, and who has been accumulating knowledge of it over more than forty years of close firsthand observation. Since Kevin completed his PhD (yes, on rainforests) at the University of Wollongong in the 1980s, he’s worked in botany and ecology, mostly across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Even over the recent years of his (supposed) retirement, he’s been out in the bush in further research for his recent books. And he couldn’t be happier with the thought of everyone

taking bushwalks, building their own experience with the remnants of our amazing native flora that still remain and are worth protecting. That’s why this book includes bushwalking suggestions. Thirty-eight in fact. This book is an all-South Coast production. The designer is Katherine Hutchinson of WebDesign Solutions NSW. The publisher is Ingrid Leusch of ENVIROBOOK – https:// envirobook.com.au – a small, independent publisher from which you can also source other books with local relevance, some of Kevin’s earlier books, and books by other authors. Kevin’s rainforest book is also available from some NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service locations, including the Visitor Centre at the Minnamurra Rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot near Jamberoo. Why not go there for the book, and for the Lyrebird Loop? This short and easy bushwalk is one of those thirty-eight. Additionally, some bookshops on the South Coast are stocking it. And for regular further insights from Kevin, email kevinmillskma@gmail.com. to subscribe to his free monthly Budawangia e-newsletter, now up to Number 174. Do so, and you’ll join hundreds of other locals already on the list.

23 October - 29 October 2026

ARTS | 13

thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE Manatees Never ForgetIllustration from Morgan’s book

Bumper to bumper at Bundanon this Summer season

Dany The DuckIllustration from Morgan’s book

The Art World Descends- Illustration from Morgan’s book

Maria Lewis

t’s a busy Summer 2026 to 2027 exhibition season at Bundanon, with two major exhibitions opening in what is a treat for local art lovers. Ngangkaṟi Ngura – Healing Country brings together new paintings from highlyrespected senior woman Betty Muffler created especially for Bundanon alongside major loans. They trace her practice since 2020, with a focus on the powerful monochromatic works for which she has become widely recognised. Made with acrylic paint and oil stick on linen, her paintings reveal wavy lines of water that connect to radiating, circular waterholes and emu tracks, conveying both the detail and immensity of her Country with its striking rock hills and wandering emus. Through these works, Muffler preserves memory, honours ancestral knowledge and asserts her enduring connection to the land. “Through my paintings you can see my Ngangkaṟi work: watching over people and also looking after Country,” Muffler said. “My Country. This place is very important—we all need to look after each other and respect our home.” The exhibition includes significant loans from public and private collections across Australia, including the Art Gallery of NSW, National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of South Australia and Ian Potter Museum of Art, alongside works from Iwantja Arts Centre. The other major exhibition is Bait-al-

Nahl — The House of Bees, an ambitious, multidisciplinary exhibition by Pakistani-born Australian artist Mehwish Iqbal. Showcasing newly commissioned textile works, Iqbal presents five new handwoven silk works, developed with artisan communities in India, Thailand and Pakistan. Drawing on histories of movement and connection across borders, they reflect women’s communal practice, knowledge and traditions passed down through generations. “My practice is grounded in the idea of harmony— how it is made, fractured, and reimagined in times of uncertainty,” Iqbal said. “This body of work comes at a moment of global unrest, shaped by displacement, migration, and the loss of home. In response, I create works that invite reflection, introspection, and hope.” Bundanon CEO Rachel Kent said they were “deeply honoured” to present both exhibitions at Bundanon. “At a time of significant global upheaval, this season offers a quiet space for healing through storytelling, prioritising connection and our shared humanity,” she said.

Guy Morgan opens his studio to Kiama Tiffany Springett

95 per cent over the next six hours.” “It was the worst day of my life.” Morgan began drawing self-portraits and small diagrams of what he saw through his eye. The process was difficult, requiring several attempts before he could accurately translate his altered vision onto paper. His breakthrough came when one of those drawings became the basis for a portrait he entered into the Archibald Prize in 2013 for the first time. That same year he became a finalist, with his work exhibited amongst others at the Art Gallery of NSW. He entered the competition every year after that, becoming a finalist again in 2015. “I was more emotional getting in the second time than I had been in the first time because it meant I wasn't a sort of one-hit wonder.” He was also selected for the Salon des Refusés in 2017 and was a finalist in the Moran Portrait Prize in 2015. His work has since featured in major galleries and exhibitions across Australia. Despite the recognition, Morgan felt the controlled atmosphere of his portrait paintings was starting to take the joy out of creating. After a couple of years, he began experimenting more freely, creating small abstract works using palette knives. These experiments shaped The Empire Sells Out, a satirical illustrated book that features over 100 pages and

48 illustrations. Visitors to Morgan’s upcoming exhibition will be able to purchase signed copies of his book, as well as original illustrations and framed prints from the publication. The exhibition will also feature Morgan’s short film, Written With a Finger On a Steamed-up Window, which explores the experiences of 11 well-known Australian artists with disabilities and the way disability is represented in the art world. Morgan became more involved in the disability arts following his own eye injury and joined the board of Accessible Arts, and the opportunity to create this film came unexpectedly. After reading a newsletter Accessible Arts had sent out, he had two days to put together the application. After scrambling to pull something together, he was one of the two artists selected for the project. Produced with filmmaker Julian Neuhaus, the film premiered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney and has since been named Best Short Documentary or Film Essay at seven festivals internationally. It will be run on a continuous loop throughout the week of the exhibition. Morgan and his wife moved to Kiama in July of 2025 after spending the last 35 years in Syd n e y 's N o r t h

ward-winning artist Guy Morgan is clearing out his studio for his next creative chapter, exhibiting his Studio Clearance Show at the Old Fire Station in Kiama from October 29 to November 4. The exhibition will feature a range of original paintings, framed prints and illustrations from his book The Empire Sells Out, alongside continuous screenings of his awardwinning short film Written With a Finger On a Steamedup Window. “I’ve got a hundred bloody paintings, I need to be able to clear some space in the house so I can create new works,” he said, with the kind of practical urgency that comes with being an artist whose walls have well and truly run out of room. And so, rather than quietly stacking another canvas against a wall, Morgan is opening his studio collection to the public. But beneath the practical business of reclaiming some floor space, Morgan’s path to becoming an established artist wasn’t straightforward. After recognising he was always going to be a painter, Morgan attended Central Saint Martins Art School in London in 1974. His relationship with painting did not get off to a promising start, giving it up in the first two weeks of school and moving on to commercial art instead. He picked up painting again in 2004, using an Archibald finalist painting 2013, Guy Morgan eyedropper tool to create with Peter Pan After Retinal Detachment his abstract works and Nebula series. He began exploring portraiture after experiencing a retinal detachment in 2011. Following a week of stress trying to sell a house, he underwent a night of surgery, resulting in permanent damage to his left eye. “On Monday I woke up with this 25 per cent black in my eye, which grew to

Shore, which he described as “a cultural wasteland without the culture.” It was difficult to find artistic opportunities there, so they moved down south, naturally buying the largest house they could find to accommodate the hundreds of artworks Morgan has created over the years. “We absolutely adored Kiama.” Despite buying the biggest house on the market, Morgan has still run out of room to store his artworks, a universal problem artists face. However, the exhibition is about more than making room in the studio. It is an opportunity to share work from different stages of his creative life. Morgan is currently working on another series of short films, combining his artistic practice with filmmaking in UNSPOKEN, directed by Julian Neuhaus. The six films will explore the sexual rights and autonomy of people with disabilities. For now, the focus is on sharing his existing collection and making room for what comes next. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm each day, with Morgan greeting visitors everyday throughout the week.

The Empire Sells Out boo k

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LYNNE MCGRANGER BRINGS CHRISTMAS CHAOS TO THE SOUTH COAST

23 October - 29 October 2026

Closer each day: Visiting Home and Away

Kristen Jones

Emily Crisp

ynne McGranger will bring family politics, festive mishaps and plenty of laughs to Wollongong and Nowra when Christmas in The Grandparents Club tours the region later this year. The former Home and Away favourite returns as Liz in the third instalment of the Australian musical comedy, with performances at Wollongong on November 11 and the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on December 17. This time, however, the role has taken on new meaning for McGranger, who recently became a grandmother to twin girls. “It’s wonderful, particularly because it’s twins,” she said. “If one kicks off and then the other kicks off, it’s like all hands-on deck.” McGranger is considering the name “Gaga” after her great-niece began using it as an abbreviation of greataunt. Her son-in-law has since started calling her Lady Gaga, while her parter Paul will be known as Papa. Becoming a grandmother has also brought McGranger closer to her daughter Clancy,

who lives only six minutes away with her husband Luke and their daughters. “Watching her be a mother is just the most wonderful, heartwarming thing, and she’s so good at it,” McGranger said. “I think we’re closer. We talk more and I don’t think there’s hardly a day goes by where we don’t chat or at least text.” After almost 33 years playing Irene Roberts on Home and Away, McGranger said she welcomed the freedom that came with stepping away from the program’s demanding schedule. While she misses her former colleagues, she does not miss learning heavy storylines each night or waking at 4.30am to travel to Palm Beach. “I think I’ve learnt that it’s OK to say no,” she said. “Even at my age, I’ve never been very good at it.” She has hardly slowed down, travelling overseas, swimming with sharks, filming a comedy in northern NSW and preparing for a Sydney Theatre Company production next year. However, her changed schedule has left more time for walks, coffees and ordinary moments with her

granddaughters. McGranger said becoming a grandmother would inevitably influence her performance in Christmas in The Grandparents Club, which follows four grandparents dealing with gift lists, dietary requirements, lastminute emergencies and the challenge of keeping Christmas Day on track. “I think just being on stage and talking about being a grandparent and knowing I am one and having not one but two granddaughters, I just know I’m going to get very emotional about it,” she said. McGranger is no stranger to the South Coast and said she loved returning to the region, although she recalled one previous visit being disrupted by a severe storm and flooding that prevented some patrons from reaching the show. This time, she hopes the only chaos will be onstage. Christmas in The Grandparents Club will be performed in Wollongong on Wednesday, November 11 at 3pm and 7pm, and at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Thursday, December 17 at 2pm. Tickets are available through thegrandparentsclub.com.

group of us had planned a trip to Palm Beach — the iconic filming location for Home and Away — and even though I knew the bus ride would be long, I was excited to see the place in person. I woke up feeling curious about what the day might bring. The journey itself felt endless. Two hours and forty minutes of winding roads, chatter, and the occasional glance out the window wondering if we were getting close. By the time we finally arrived, the energy shifted immediately. The beach was beautiful, but the real buzz came from the filming happening right in

front of us. Security guards were everywhere, guiding crowds of eager fans hoping to catch even a tiny glimpse of their favourite actors. It was surprisingly chaotic — people clustered around the set, police cars parked for the scene, and actors dressed in full police uniforms weaving through the action. It felt

surreal watching a TV world unfold in real life. We found a spot to sit and have lunch, taking in the atmosphere before the long trek home. I couldn’t help thinking how nice it would’ve been if the actors had a moment to meet the crowd or take a few photos, but I suppose filming days run on tight schedules. As we headed back, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d do the trip again — that bus ride is no joke — but it was still a fun day out. If you’re a fan of Home and Away, seeing Palm Beach and the filming in action definitely adds a new layer to the show.

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COMMUNITY www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

PENS AT THE READY! NOVEL NOVEMBER RETURNS AT THE LIBRARY Amy Molloy

nother cohort of budding wordsmiths will have the opportunity to get inspired and motivated by local authors this November, as Novel November returns at the library. Now in its fifth year, Novel November is an annual program hosted by Kiama and Gerringong libraries, featuring a series of writing workshops hosted by celebrated local authors. While the event originally focused on novel writing when it started in 2022, it has grown

to cater to writers across a range of formats, both fiction and non-fiction. “Each year we’ve found attendees have responded well to all the different skills and talents our local authors have brought to the program,” said Carla James, Outreach Officer at Kiama Library. “We expect the same from this new group of authors.” This year’s author lineup includes Kate Forsyth, The Bugle’s own Amy Molloy, Camille Booker and Juliet Madison. Their workshops will explore a wide range of topics,

from story structure and character to memoir writing and crafting atmospheric settings. “They all bring a wonderfully grounded approach to the writing process that the community will not want to miss,” said James. The workshops are for ages 15+ and for all levels of experience. Tickets can be booked via the Kiama Library website: https://library.kiama.nsw.gov. au/NN. Sessions are $35 each or $120 for all four.

KCR revving their engines for Jamberoo Car Show

his Sunday, KCR will be part of the Jamberoo Car Show & Family Day 2026, bringing a listeners live coverage from one of the region's biggest community events. Bernie Hems will serve as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide visitors through the day's activities and attractions. KCR will also broadcast live from the showgrounds between 11am and 1pm, with Gabriela Cabral, Peter Sullivan, Boris Gazibarich and Madeleine Scarfe out amongst the crowd, interviewing exhibitors, chatting with visitors and capturing the atmosphere of the day. Behind the scenes, David Toohey will manage the technical side of the outside broadcast, ensuring seamless links between the showgrounds and the studio, while Glenn Shepherd anchors the coverage from KCR headquarters. Visitors are encouraged to

stop by the KCR tent and meet the team. Cynthia Roberts, Tracee Halbert and Karen Renkema-Lang will be on hand to welcome listeners, provide information about membership, sell raffle tickets and share details about KCR's upcoming fabulous fundraiser, Blues in the Night. Get your tickets now as they are going fast at Humanitix! David Wiggins and Hannah McInerney joined KCR recently to discuss the event, the dedicated volunteers who make it possible and the important role it plays in supporting local community organisations. Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering KCR for the first time, we'd love to see you at Jamberoo. Come and say hello, make a song request during the live broadcast, buy a raffle ticket and find out more about how you can support your local community radio station.

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COMMUNITY www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

Gerringong musician Kevin Sullivan celebrates new album

Kevin Sullivan and the Sulli-Vans performing at Gerringong Surf Club at the album launch. Photo Kevin Sullivan Lleyton Hughes

erringong singersongwriter Kevin Sullivan has celebrated the release of his third studio album, Give Me A Story, with a successful launch at the Gerringong Surf Club, bringing together family, friends and supporters for an afternoon of live music. Held on Sunday, October 11, the free event gave Kevin and his family band, The SulliVans, an opportunity to share their new music while giving back to the local community. The launch follows the success of Kevin’s second album, Threeways, which topped the ARIA charts for two consecutive weeks in 2024. His latest release has continued that momentum, reaching number three on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart for the week of October 19. “I feel proud as a singersongwriter from Gerringong to be making my mark on the Australian music landscape. I'm really grateful for the local support I receive,” Kevin said. The album’s release comes after a difficult period for Kevin and his family, with the first anniversary of his sister Anne’s death from motor neurone disease falling on September 27, followed by the passing of his father, Kevin Sullivan Senior, aged 96, just days later. A Dixieland jazz pianist, Kevin’s father was a major influence on his musical journey, and despite the difficult timing, Kevin decided to continue with the album release. “We had the album set for release on Wednesday, September 30, and then Dad passed away and his funeral was Thursday, October 1,” Kevin said. “We had a lovely send-off for Dad and I'm sure as a musician himself, Dad would have wanted me to just keep going.” At the heart of the seventrack album is its title song,

Give Me A Story, which celebrates community, cultural diversity and the experiences that bring Australians together. Kevin collaborated with Alice Springs Indigenous singer-songwriter Stuart Joel Nuggett on three tracks after the pair met while touring the Northern Territory. “It was Stuart's idea to write a unifying song and we sat down in Tennant Creek and then Alice Springs whilst we were on tour with Stu, to write ‘Give Me A Story’, ‘Elliott’ and ‘I'm Barred Again’,” Kevin said. The title track’s music video was filmed across Australia in 2025, featuring locations including Uluru, Alice Springs, Elliott, Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House, Gerringong and Gerroa. One of its defining moments features Kevin’s daughter Cha Cha singing the line, “the more we learn from each other, the closer that we all become,” filmed in front of Uluru. The video brings together people from a range of cultural backgrounds who now call Australia home, with its message of unity taking on added significance following the Bondi attack. Kevin said The SulliVans had performed at Bondi Pavilion a little over a month before the incident, while footage of Nuggett walking along Bondi Beach had been filmed well before it occurred. “You really never know what is going to happen in life,” he said. “We had already filmed Stuart Joel Nuggett walking on Bondi Beach long before the Bondi incident, so it reinforced the unifying theme of my new album "Give Me A Story". There are several poignant lyrics in this song, "...many have come from a faraway land to my home, we're all together as one".” The album also features Our Piece Of The Map, a crowd favourite co-

written with South Australian songwriter Peter Santella and filmed along Gerringong’s Tasman Drive, and Elliott, a duet with Nuggett highlighting the importance of preserving Indigenous languages. Another standout is Pilgrimage, Kevin’s awardwinning Anzac Day song, inspired by his visit to Gallipoli for the centenary of the Anzac landing and his subsequent journey to the Western Front in France, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served during World War I. Kevin and his children, KJ, Cha Cha and Jet, sing at the Gerringong Dawn Service each year. The album also includes I'm Barred Again, co-written with Nuggett and Kevin’s son KJ, marking the younger Sullivan’s first songwriting credit. The song spent six

weeks at number one on the charts following its release. Rounding out the collection are Spend the Kids Inheritance, a tongue-in-cheek take on the grey nomad lifestyle, and Louanne, which explores the challenges of navigating social media. “I think what defines this album as being so different from my previous two albums is that my distinct sound has evolved and my songwriting experience has been enhanced by my collaborations with other artists,” Kevin said. “I also feel the stories behind my songs are real and my fans and supporters tell me how relatable they are to their own lives. I honestly believe that ‘Give Me A Story’ is my best album yet.” The launch was also an opportunity to recognise the support Kevin and his family have received locally, with the Gerringong Surf Club’s new

premises on Pacific Avenue providing the setting for the free event. “The Gerringong Surf Club members were simply fantastic. They are all volunteers and we thought, this is a great opportunity to help the club,” Kevin said. Kevin’s wife Belinda continues to play a key role in the family’s musical journey as road manager and sound engineer, helping keep The Sulli-Vans on the road. A former NSW Police officer who spent almost 30 years as a forensic crime scene investigator and bomb technician, Kevin has since pursued his passion for songwriting and performing. “I loved my policing career, but I love being a musician,” he said. “I am continually writing songs, singing and music is simply the best medium. It's never too late to chase your dream.”

Kevin hopes to take Give Me A Story on tour, with shows planned for November, an appearance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2027 and The SulliVans set to open the rodeo at the Berry Show on January 29. He is also working towards releasing his autobiography in 2027, co-written with Kiama best-selling author Campbell McConachie. For now, Kevin is continuing to draw inspiration from the people and places he encounters across Australia, with the title track capturing the spirit behind his music: “the stories that we share together, under the Australian sun”. Give Me A Story is available through Kevin’s website at kevinsullivanmusic.com and on digital platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.

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WHATS ON www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

Experiencing Euroa

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Do you have an update from a community group or coverage of a local event? List your event on our What’s On page on our App. (Deadline: EOD Tuesday for the Friday print edition.)

Art Vision Exhibition Thu 15 Oct-Wed 21 Oct Old Fire Station, Kiama 7 Local Artists, multi-style art, ceramics and jewellery. Minnamurra Cafe exhibition Until 30 Nov Minnamurra cafe Artists Rebecca CollinsonSmith and John Forsyth Kiama Sea Shanty Club Every Wednesday, 7:30pm9pm Kiama Inn Hotel A group of singers celebrating of the songs of the sea Author Fiona McIntosh talk Sat 24 Oct, 6pm-5pm Shellharbour City Library Hear McIntosh about her latest books and writing journeys Kiama Picnic Train Sat 24 Oct-Sun 25 Oct Kiama Journey from Sydney to Kiama and return. Jamberoo Village Markets Sun 25 Oct, 9am-1pm Reid Park, Jamberoo Jamberoo Car Show Sun 25 Oct, 9am-2pm Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo Over 600 cars to view, activities for families Berry Village Market Sun 25 Oct, 10am-3pm Berry Bowling Club Travel Tales: Beyond Timbuktu, with author Catherine Devrye Tue 27 Oct, 5:30pm-6:30pm Kiama Library Tales of Catherine’s new book Grandparent’s Day Magic Show Wed 28 Oct, 10:30am11:30am

More than a place to pass through

Carol Goddard

uroa was not on our radar; the intention was to simply pass through. We had left Glenrowan at the end of July, headed for Benalla, home of incredible street art, a botanical garden so full of heritage roses that Benalla is dubbed the Rose City, Lake Benalla with its walking tracks, and not far away, the Winton Wetlands, a nature lovers' delight with its wildlife and plentiful opportunities for birdwatching. There was so much we were going to see and do in Benalla. And yet, as we approached the outskirts, I had a distinct feeling of being back in the big city again, and I didn't like it. After relishing the calm of the High Country's little villages and towns, their lack of traffic, their glorious country town ambience, we were suddenly

thrust back into helterskelter traffic, irritating lack of parking, and confusion as we negotiated the outskirts of Benalla. What was sure was that the slower pace we had come to love on this trip was about to end. Quick mind change. We kept on driving, promising ourselves to return to Benalla sometime in the future. But today was going to be an unplanned adventure, experienced at a tranquil pace. The town of Euroa was our coffee stop not long after. What was that famous line from The Castle? "Ah, the serenity!". As we drove in, I felt it. The serenity. There is a quiet, slow-paced charm about the place. We had our caffeine hit at a busy little café next door to the Already Read Bookshop, and made a mental note to pop back later for a good browse. Essentially a second-hand bookstore and totally run by volunteers, this enterprise supports the local library and various literacy initiatives, a valuable community asset. Euroa and surrounding towns had been significantly impacted by bushfire as

recently as January 2026; we had seen that as we drove through kilometres of blackened trees, in some cases totally bare hills, on our way here. The local community is heavily focussed on longterm recovery and rebuilding programs, and so we decided we'd go to the fete tomorrow. Which, of course, meant we were staying here in Euroa. The promise of a good oldfashioned fete, with line dancing entertainment, miniature train rides, craft stalls, homemade toffee apples all for a worthy cause, was too big a drawcard. Off now to find a campsite. Once again we were able to camp right beside water, this time a prominent waterway called Seven Creeks which actually flows through the town, dividing the commercial from the residential area. The Euroa caravan park, superbly accommodated, is only 15 minutes’ walk into the township, and less to the very stylish Seven Creeks Hotel with its jungle-like beer garden setting, perfect. Nothing gives greater insight into the spirit, the heart of a place than walking

its streets, passing by old but lovingly kept heritage cottages, houses proudly displaying their pretty country gardens, visiting the various sites held dear to the community, and mixing with local people. Crossing the bridge into town, an impressive 3.5m high sculpture of a magpie, Swoop the Big Barrawarrang greets you, a community-led project constructed in 2023 by local artists to honour both the traditional custodians of the land and the region’s famous AFL and netball clubs, the Euroa Magpies. Quite a major attraction it is, celebrating both community spirit and cultural heritage. How better to end a stellar day than a meal at the gloriously restored pub of yesteryear, the Seven Creeks Hotel, accompanied by live piano music, and then a short and nippy stroll in the dark, across the bridge, and back to the cosiness of our waterside caravan. We passed many campers sitting around their campfires, enjoying their drinks, the biting night air, and the myriad of stars overhead. I am a little in love with Euroa.

AT KIAMA LEAGUES CLUB

COLOURING COMPETITION Winners announced Friday 30th October

Halloween MUSIC BINGO

Wednesday 28th October 7:00pm ALL AGES

KIDS HALLOWEEN

Halloween

Party

DISCO

Thursday 29th October 6:00pm

Saturday 31st October 8:30pm LIVE DJ | 8:30PM - MIDNIGHT FREE ENTRY COCKTAIL SPECIALS PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED

VISIT KIAMALEAGUES.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

18+

Kiama Library Free show by comedian Glenn Keeley Simple gift of a bag Thu 29 Oct Knickerboxers, Kiama Breast cancer awareness month Kid’s Halloween Disco Thu 29 Oct, 6pm-7:30pm Kiama Leagues Club Dress up and dance, free entry A Day Well Spent music event Thu 29 Oct-Sun 1 Nov Berry Multiple artists playing across Berry Gallery Clearance Show Thu 29 Oct-Wed 4 Nov Old Fire Station Kiama Original paintings, illustrations and prints by Guy Morgan Shellharbour SUP Festival Fri 30 Oct-Sun 1 Nov, 7am Mia Beach, Lake Illawarra Flat water races, SUP surfing, market stalls, food trucks and entertainment \ Halloween Party Sat 31 Oct, 8:30pm-12am Kiama Leagues Club Spooky cocktails, dance floor, costumes and DJ Melbourne Cup Luncheon Tue 3 Nov, 12pm-4pm The Pavilion Kiama Two course lunch while watching the races Berry Writers’ Festival Fri 6 Nov-Sun 8 Nov Berry Weekend Opera in the Valley Sat 7 Nov, 8pm Jamberoo School of Arts Line-up of professional opera singers

THE BUGLE NEWS

23 October - 29 October 2026

Two Feet walking for A Heartbeat in Kiama

out & about Kiama Show Society seeks volunteer Safety Officer

he Kiama Show Society is on the lookout for a community-minded and enthusiastic volunteer to take on the important role of Safety Officer. The Safety Officer plays a key part in helping ensure the annual Kiama Show is a safe and enjoyable event for volunteers, exhibitors, contractors, showmen and the wider community. Working closely with the Grounds Steward, Secretary and Committee, the successful volunteer will help promote a strong safety culture across the Show Society. The role involves identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, monitoring safety practices and providing advice to the Committee and volunteers on WHS matters. The Safety Officer will also assist with updating the Show’s risk management plan, reviewing safety policies, organising relevant training and conducting regular inspections of the

Showground and event areas. During the Show, the Safety Officer will undertake regular walk-throughs, monitor potentially unsafe activities, liaise with exhibitors and special attractions, and assist with incident reporting and investigations where required. The expected commitment is approximately 4 to 6 hours per week, with increased activity during the early planning period from July to October, and again in the week leading up to and during the annual Kiama Show in January. Experience in WHS, OHS or risk management is advantageous, along with good communication, organisational and administrative skills. If you would like to learn more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please contact the Kiama Show Society Secretary at secretary@kiamashow. com.au.

Stuart Edward Kelly 18.5.43 – 19.10.26 Loving husband of Dawn Adored father of Stephanie, Robyn, Debby and Doug. Loved Grandpa of Kellie-Anne, Aidan, Amber and Jackson. Grampsie of Rinoa. Loved brother of Rita. He fought a good fight. He passed away surrounded by his loving family at home. Private cremation. Celebration of his life to be arranged – he will be deeply missed.

BIG THANK YOU FROM THE GERRINGONG RFS BRIGADE

ustralians are being encouraged to put on their walking shoes this October as HeartKids’ annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat walks bring thousands of heart kids, heart adults, families, friends and supporters together across Australia. Locally the walk is stepping off from 9am at Hindmarsh Park on Sunday, October 25 with Waiaarangi and her family joining the Kiama community to participate. At just five months old, Waiaarangi was unexpectedly diagnosed with a heart condition after becoming unwell with RSV. Just one month later, she underwent open-heart surgery.

Now nearly three months after her operation, Waiaarangi is thriving as a happy, energetic little girl. “Seeing her recover so well from surgery made coming home from the hospital such a relief,” said mum Kayla. “When Waiaarangi was diagnosed so unexpectedly, everything felt overwhelming and frightening. “Having an organisation like HeartKids there to provide support and information has made such a big difference.” Following the walk, there’s a day packed full of activities planned including a community barbecue, facepainting, lawn games, kids craft and raffles.

he Gerringong RFS Brigade are sending out a big thank you to the many local organisations and individuals who have been so generous with donations of late. Whether that support is through fundraisers at the Gerringong Bowling Club, Gerroa Fisherman’s Club, Gerringong Rotary, Lions Club of Gerringong, the annual Mango Drive or you put your cash in the helmets around town, every donation and every dollar has helped. What do they do with the donations? Over the last few years, they’ve been able to purchase big items like ladders to get children in and out of fire trucks, a fun supersized Snakes & Ladders

game for community education, flooring for our mezzanine level, lighting used at the ANZAC dawn service and major fire events, power tools, computer and marquee for the markets. Then there’s the day-to-day items: embroidery of names on our RFS shirts, welfare for our members, items for the Santa run, signage, stationary, food supplies for the station and trucks. The Gerringong RFS Brigade offer a big thank you to the Gerringong community for all the donations, they appreciate the support, and would like to remind folks that this fire season it’s important to have your Fire Plan ready.

Surf club’s Open Day a hot spot for local councillors

t wasn’t just the nippers who were having a ball at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club’s Open Day on the weekend. A who’s who of Kiama councillors swung by to watch the sign ups and surf safety in action. Club President Dave Griffin was decked out in

his club regalia, with pop ins from Mayor Cameron McDonald and councillors Yasmin Tatrai, Stan Jarrett, Erica Warren, Deputy Mayor Stuart Larkins and more. Nipper season and patrol season mark two of the busiest periods for local surf clubs, not wrapping up until April in 2027.

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PUZZLES www.thebuglenews.com.au

23 October - 29 October 2026

PUZZLES

DOWN 1 Arrogant social climber (7) 2 Playground equipment (5) 3 Rapturous (8) 4 NSW river (7) 6 Every 60 minutes (6) 7 Repeat (9) 8 Emblem of kingship (7) 9 Fill (6) 15 Mythical (9) 16 Word that may precede dog, band or top (3)

18 Trembled (8) 19 Peaceful (7) 20 Brown pigment (6) 21 Pamper (7) 22 Detectives (7) 23 Upright (6) 26 Burst into flame (5) Wobbly (8) Neglects, avoids (6) Natives of Switzerland (5) Solitary (9) Citizen of Kabul (7)

9-LETTER

Least pretty (7) Significantly (9) Wished (4) Serving-boy (4) Sharpness (9) Overlook (7)

SOLUTION

1 5 10 11 12

No. 356

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in ‘s’.

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good

22 words: Very good

30 words: Excellent

CODEWORD No. 346 Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?

24 22 17 16 14

V W F U L O Q

I 21

A G E R N

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3

23 12

26 6

MEDIUM

3 6 8 7 4 5 1 2 9 7 4 5 2 9 1 3 6 8 2 1 9 3 8 6 5 4 7 5 7 2 4 6 9 8 1 3 8 3 6 1 5 2 7 9 4 1 9 4 8 7 3 2 5 6 9 2 1 6 3 7 4 8 5 6 8 3 5 2 4 9 7 1 4 5 7 9 1 8 6 3 2

EASY

4 5 1 2 6 8 3 9 7 2 3 8 7 9 1 6 5 4 9 7 6 5 3 4 1 2 8 6 8 3 1 5 7 2 4 9 5 2 4 9 8 3 7 1 6 7 1 9 6 4 2 8 3 5 3 6 5 8 1 9 4 7 2 8 4 7 3 2 5 9 6 1 1 9 2 4 7 6 5 8 3

P Y X C T M Z B D K S

SOLUTIONS

G B 24

20 7

24 25

3. 4. 5. 6.

7. Commemorated with a

famous basilica, who is the patron saint of Venice? 8. What is the southernmost point of the Australian mainland? 9. Not counting re-recordings, The Life of a Showgirl is what number studio album by Taylor Swift? 10. The Orionids meteor shower is associated with which well-known comet?

7 LETTERS AMASSED BROWNIE GLEANED OVERSEE REPLETE UNGODLY

TYPES UPEND URGED WHISK WICKS WRECK ZONED 6 LETTERS ASSURE METRES RAPPED WRISTS

8 LETTERS CORSAGES MEALIEST MEDIOCRE RECEIPTS

No. 355

EASY

9 6 8 2 4 9 3 6 1 9

6 3

1 7

9 7

2 8

2 7 1 3 5 2

MEDIUM

6 8 7 5 1 3 8

6 9 4 5 5 7 9

5 8

5 1 2 1 8 1 7 4 7

9 1 6 3

WORD SEARCH

ANSWERS: 1. The Owl and the Pussy-cat 2. Drake 3. 2009 4. Margaret Thatcher 5. Canada 6. 12 (six per side) 7. Saint Mark the Evangelist 8. Wilsons Promontory 9. 12th 10. Halley’s Comet

characters travelled by sea in a pea-green boat? What is the term for a male duck? In what year was the first Samsung Galaxy phone released? Gillian Anderson (pictured) portrayed which historical figure in The Crown? Moose Jaw is a city in which country? How many total players are on the court in a game of volleyball?

RAZES RAZOR READS SCRAP SENDS SOLAR SOOTY SPEED STOUT STRAW SWOOP TEEMS TORSO TRACE

R N

QUICK QUIZ 1. Which nursery rhyme

A Z U R E

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

5 1

5 LETTERS ACRES ACUTE ADOBE ALONG ANGST AREN’T ARISE AZURE BEETS CLOTH COKED CRAVE CROSS DONOR EATER EPICS GOODS HAVEN INANE LEVEE LINER LITRE LOOKS NESTS OCEAN OGLES PAVES PENAL RADIO

24 26

4 LETTERS EASE EDDY EYED KNEE MARE OWLS PEST ROES SEER

SENT SHUN SLAB SPAS WE’RE

SUDOKU

15 24

22 25

11 14

bluing, blur, bruin, burg, burial, burin, burl, burn, gluon, grub, guano, guar, labour, LABOURING, languor, lingua, lour, louring, lunar, lung, luring, ruin, ruing, ruling, rung, ulan, ulna, unbar, urban, urinal

13 14 17 19 20 24

ACROSS

3 LETTERS ACE ADO ALE APE ARE ARK ASK AVO AWE DUE ERA IDS IRE NOW ONE ORE OWN PEN RIP SEA TAP TEE TOO YOU

No. 265

SOLUTION

25 Hardy (7) 27 Brotherly (9) 28 Heat (bread) (5) 29 Prairie wolf (6) 30 Oblivious (8)

WORDFIT

SOLUTION

No. 356

No. 266

T R E N C H E X C A V A T E T H B F E V O L U T I O N E S E C O O S H I P W R E C K Y N T I G S I R O N G E N S E O T R I M S F F L I N T G V T A I O C A I R N D C R N R S E G B W C N L O V E U I U R Y O R A E M U S E U M K S T O O L I U L C I V I L I S A T I O N C L F R O C K V L E Y L I N E U K M P O M P E I I T N A F C L N O E O L I T H P A D C I I T C U S T E L A Y M N E L L N U O N C H I P G U A T E R L E R I D R O M E H S P R M A I N E N S

Can you find all the words listed? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

AGRICULTURE EXCAVATE

RELIC

BAULK

FILL

ROCK

BOGMAN

FLINT

ROME

CAIRN

FOSSIL

SAND

CHIP

HOE

SHIPWRECK

CIVILISATION HUMAN

STELA

COIN

IRON

STONE

DIG

LEY LINE

SURVEY

DUST

MAP

TOOL

EGYPT

MOUND

TRENCH

EOLITH

MUSEUM

TROWEL

EVOLUTION

POMPEII

VIKINGS

SECRET MESSAGE: The scientific recovery of ancient remains

CROSSWORD

S T R AW C R O S S R A D I O L E V E E A L O N G C R A V E O C E A N P E N A L R A Z O R A C E E A T E R T A P O N E WH I S K M E T R E S P E S T O R E P E N A D O A Z U R E T E E M S OW L S C O R S A G E S E A S E R I P R E P L E T E U N G O D L Y T E E S E E R M E D I O C R E A D O B E C O K E D E D D Y OWN E R A A S K A S S U R E S O L A R S P A S I D S W I C K S A R E N OW L I N E R H A V E N G O O D S S T O U T A R I S E U P E N D B E E T S N E S T S T Y P E S

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thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE

Shellharbour junior Jack Bostock makes history in Australian debut Lleyton Hughes

ormer Shellharbour Stingrays junior Jack Bostock has made an immediate impact on the international stage, becoming just the fourth player in history to score a hat-trick on debut for Australia. The Dolphins winger crossed for three tries in the Kangaroos’ thrilling 24-22 victory over New Zealand in the opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night. Bostock was the only player among the four debutants to achieve the feat against a top-tier nation, capping off a remarkable first appearance in the green and gold by also claiming the official man-ofthe-match award. The 22-year-old was instrumental in Australia’s narrow victory, running for an impressive 231 metres and producing several decisive moments throughout the contest. His memorable night began in the 20th minute when he intercepted a New Zealand pass and raced away to score Australia’s opening try of the World Cup. With the Kiwis leading 1610 in the 57th minute, Bostock rose above the defence to collect a Cameron Munster kick and score his second try, levelling the scores. The Shellharbour product then helped turn the match in Australia’s favour with 12 minutes remaining, producing

Jack Bostock had a dream debut for Australia in the opening match of the 2026 rugby league world cup. Photo NRL.com

a spectacular flick pass that set up a Reece Walsh try. Although New Zealand still held a two-point lead at 22-20, Bostock had the final say. With just four minutes remaining, the winger leapt to contest another kick, stripped the ball from his opposite number in mid-air and crossed for his third try to seal Australia’s 24-22 victory. Among those celebrating in the stands were around 30 of Bostock’s family members

and friends who had travelled from Shellharbour to Allianz Stadium to witness his international debut. For the former Stingrays junior, the opportunity to represent his country in front of those closest to him made an already extraordinary occasion even more special. “It felt great to put on the green and gold jersey for the first time. It was obviously something I had dreamt about since I was a kid and growing

up watching the Kangaroos, it was something I always really wanted to do, and a goal I've set since coming into the NRL was to definitely play for the Kangaroos,” he said. “But to do it here in Sydney and play in front of my family and friends who all came out to support. They made the trip up from Shellharbour to Allianz Stadium, just made it all the more special. “They definitely gave me a reason to play well because

I didn't want to waste their time or their money, so it was great to see them all there in the crowd before and after the game, they were all there supporting me, which I'm very grateful for because they've all played a role in getting me here today. “So yeah, to repay them like that and play in front of them was a pretty cool feeling. And then to get the win with also the boys, a couple of lads that I've played State of Origin

with, and just to have that win with them as well in the Kangaroos jersey was a great experience,” he said. Bostock’s breakout performance has also put his NRL future in the spotlight, with his current contract with the Dolphins running until the end of the 2027 season. From October 31, the 22-yearold will be free to negotiate with rival clubs for the 2028 season, with the Shellharbour junior reportedly attracting interest as clubs look to strengthen their backlines. The St George Illawarra Dragons have been linked with a potential move for Bostock, which could offer the winger an opportunity to return to the region where he grew up. However, Bostock has remained focused on his Australian duties, telling 2GB’s Sports Today before his Kangaroos debut that contract negotiations were being handled by his manager. “I’m not too sure mate, that’s with my manager now that I’m here [in Kangaroos camp], I can’t really be worrying about negotiating contracts,” he said. “It’s not fair on anyone, especially me while I’m in here. My manager’s got to get his money’s worth because that’s his job and he can do it without me.” For now, however, the winger will turn his attention to helping Australia continue its World Cup campaign when the Kangaroos take on Fiji in Brisbane this Saturday.

Hope for Gerringong SLSC as lease almost finalised

he uncertainty around the future of Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) could soon be over, with Kiama Municipal Council announcing on Monday that

the long-term lease is close to being finalised. In a saga that has lasted almost two years, Council and the surf club have worked together to progress the lease

in line with the February and June ordinary meeting resolutions, resulting in Council submitting an application to the Office of Local Government for consent

to grant the proposed lease. The Office of Local Government has acknowledged receipt of the application, and Council said it is hopeful that the 10-year plus

a further 10-year lease will be signed later this month or in November. Mayor Cameron McDonald said the finalisation of the lease in the coming weeks would give reassurance to the surf club and local residents about the use of the important community facility. “Councillors have never wavered from their support for the Gerringong Surf Club and the amazing work that their executive and volunteers do patrolling Werri Beach," said Mayor McDonald. "Now we're at the start of the surf patrol season again, it’s awesome to see this lease

process reaching a conclusion so that everyone has certainty and the facility can be used to its potential.” Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said: “The progress made on this lease is a positive outcome for the club, its volunteers and the wider community. "We appreciate the commitment shown by Kiama Council and Gerringong SLSC in working through this process and ensuring this important public safety asset can continue supporting lifesaving operations well into the future."

| 22

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THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

Cavaliers bounce back with clean sweep Lleyton Hughes

he Kiama Cavaliers have bounced back from a difficult opening round in grand fashion, recording four wins from four matches across their senior grades in the second round of the 2026/27 cricket season. First grade led the way with a seven-wicket victory over Albion Park Eagles, while third grade and both fourthgrade sides also secured wins to make it a clean sweep for the club. The weekend also marked another milestone for the Cavaliers, with Cruz Wraight becoming the fourth player to make his first-grade debut for the club across the opening two rounds. First grade put aside its opening round loss to reigning premiers Shellharbour with an impressive all-round performance against Albion Park. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, captain Jaya Hartgerink watched his side restrict the Eagles to 9-100 from their 50 overs, with debutant Wraight claiming two wickets alongside Glenn Cleary and Niall Owers. Cavaliers player Dan Reilly said the side was determined to respond after its disappointing

opening performance. “First Grade put aside their disheartening loss against Shellharbour and came out with a point to prove against Albion Park this week,” Reilly said. “The opening pair of Niall Owers and Brad Ison set the tone, restricting the Park's scoring to under two an over.”

The Cavaliers made light work of the chase, reaching 3-101 in fewer than 14 overs, with Matthew Higham topscoring with 34 from 27 balls and Dale Scifleet contributing 31 from 44 deliveries. Jacob Coleman also chipped in with 20 runs to help seal the seven-wicket win. Third grade also responded

strongly after falling five runs short against Jamberoo in the opening round, defeating the Kookas by 84 runs. Batting first at Bonaira Oval, Kiama posted 9-145, with Stephen Hopkins anchoring the innings with a patient 44 from 90 balls. Dane Parnaby added 20 from 26 deliveries to help the Cavaliers set a

It was a big bounce back from the Cavaliers after a disappointing opening to their season. Photo Kiama Cavaliers

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competitive target. The bowlers then took control, dismissing the Kookas for just 61, with Gursanjam Singh claiming 2-13 and Harvey Battishall taking 2-10. “Third Grade took on Warilla at Bonaira Street with determination after gifting Jamberoo a victory the week prior,” Reilly said.

“From that point constant wickets fell and Kiama came away with an 80-run victory.” Fourth grade Gold registered its first win of the season in convincing fashion, defeating Albion Park Eagles by 135 runs. The Cavaliers posted 7-185, with Bernie Brown leading the way with 48 from 37 balls and Jack Pengilly scoring 45 from 40 deliveries. The bowling attack then dismantled the Eagles for just 50, with Oliver Wilson producing a remarkable spell of 3-2 from three overs, including two maidens. Daniel Cooper also impressed with 2-7 from three overs. Fourth grade Blue completed the weekend’s clean sweep with a nine-wicket victory over Shellharbour, bowling their opponents out for 70 before reaching 1-71. Zach Gervaise led the chase with an unbeaten 44 from 42 balls, while Owen Marsh contributed 17 from 19 deliveries. Marsh also took 2-11 with the ball, supported by Glenn Coghlan, who claimed 2-16. “With fourth grade blue completing the victory, they closed out one of the more successful weekends in current Kiama Cricket Club History,” said Reilly.

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The Bugle News 26 October 2026