The Bugle News 27 March 2026

Too good to be true?

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Rubble trouble at Havilah Place

It's become a familiar sight in one of Kiama's busiest areas – a pile of concrete behind construction site fencing; the old nursing home, which began demolishment in mid-September 2025.

The eyesore is also an earsore, with construction sounds reverberating to neighbouring Blue Haven Terralong Street, residents of the aged care

facility claim.

“The last three months have been really noisy,” says longterm Blue Haven resident Boni Maywald, who has lived at both Bonaira Street and Terralong Street aged care facilities. According to Maywald, residents of Blue Haven Terralong Street keep their balcony doors and windows closed in an effort to try and block out the sound.

“Normally what we have is

the escarpment, the playing fields, and hardly any passing traffic, just Havilah Place back road,” she says. “Now. everybody has taken this option of shutting the window and doors.”

Kiama Council’s former nursing home, located at 2 Havilah Place, was vacated in 2019 and became unsafe due to mould, vandalism, and structural damage.

According to Council,

ongoing costs to secure and maintain the building (including fences, patrols, and emergency call-outs) were no longer sustainable.

After an open, competitive tender process, Council appointed TCE Contracting, a demolition company, to undertake the removal of the building and clear the site.

Demolition began in mid-September 2025 and is expected to be complete by the

end of March 2026.

However, the future of Havilah Place is causing ongoing angst for elders in the area. A key concern?

The height of a future development.

“People, of course, moved [to Blue Haven] because of the ambiance of the site,” says Maywald. “You’re either looking to the greenery or you're looking to the ocean.”

She has heard rumours of a

seven-storey development being considered for the site; however, Council has not confirmed this.

Council, as part of adopting its Strategic Finance and Governance Improvement Plan in June 2024, resolved to progress the subdivision of the disused residential care home from the remainder of the Blue Haven Terralong site.

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Is Gerringong AI-generated?

Amy Molloy

Avideo posted on the social media platform X, showing Tasman Drive in Gerringong, is going viral, racking up millions of views — and it’s fair share of cynics and non-believers.

Among the tens of thousands of comments on the post by user Echoes of World, people are split between desperately wanting to move there and believing it’s an AI-generated image because “it’s just too beautiful to be real.”

“Some people are truly living life’s premium edition,” reads one

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comment. “Ain’t no way I’m falling for this propaganda,” reads another. “This looks so amazing, it can’t be real.”

Many people assumed the street was in Bondi before being quickly corrected by locals — most of whom were careful not to include the exact street name.

“Living here would be so good for my mental health and physical health,” reads one comment, closely followed by another pointing out the average house price in the area.

It’s not Tasman Drive’s first brush with fame. In October 2025, another video went viral, this time posted on

TikTok and widely shared.

A similar clip shared by state tourism body Visit NSW in April, captioned, “Did we just find the prettiest street in NSW?”, has been viewed 2.5 million times, and become a landscape icon.

It’s also become a hotspot for social media influencers, who drive from Sydney just to walk down the street, which offers views similar to Hothersal Street in Kiama, overlooking Bombo Beach.

It may look AI-generated on social media, but for residents, it’s just their everyday view — a slice of coastal life that feels almost too perfect to be real.

Rubble trouble at Havilah Place

New signs tell Dharawal stories across Kiama

Aseries of vivid new signs featuring original Aboriginal artwork has been installed across the Kiama Local Government Area (LGA), cultivating awareness and educating the wider community about the rich cultural heritage of Dharawal Country.

The 11 new signs, funded by a grant from the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice, were delivered by Kiama Council in partnership with Traditional Owners from the

local Aboriginal Community Advisory Group.

Each sign features bespoke artwork by local Elder, artist, and Traditional Owner Aunty Jodie Stewart. The collection reflects her deep cultural, spiritual, and ancestral connections to Dharawal Country and highlights the strength, resilience, and ongoing presence of Aboriginal culture in the region.

“As a proud Wodi Wodi Traditional Owner and artist, I have been practicing my art since the age of 12,” Aunty Jodie says.

“This collection is deeply personal and meaningful to me as it is inspired by and connected to Dharawal Country – our stories, our family, our land, our water and our ancestors. ”

The signs have been installed at entry points to towns, cemeteries, and culturally significant sites across the LGA.

Each artwork tells a unique story, including. “Out Back Gerringong” – which explores mountains and traditional totems – and “Connection to Dharawal Country”, which celebrates Burri Burri the

whale and the ties between land, sea, and community.

Dharawal elder Aunty Gwenda Jarrett welcomed the project, saying, “I am proud to see these sites recognised and given the respect and visibility they deserve.”

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has spoken about the significance of the signs, and his hopes for how residents will interract with them. “These signs, created by a local Aboriginal artist, are more than markers – they are stories, spirit and recognition,” he says.

“As a community, we are

Pet burials at risk, as Kiama cemeteries near capacity

Myah Garza

Kiama Council is proposing changes to its cemetery operations policy that could restrict the burial of animal remains in local cemeteries, citing limited space across the municipality.

The draft policy, which was endorsed for public exhibition at the council’s March 17 meeting, includes a proposal to ban the interment of pets and animal ashes.

The changes are open for community feedback for 28 days.

The move comes despite recent amendments to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013, which from

September 2025 allows human and animal remains to be buried together in New South Wales cemeteries.

While the changes legalise the practice, individual councils are not required to permit it.

According to council documents, most Kiama Municipal Council cemeteries are nearing capacity.

The council manages four sites – Kiama (Bombo), Jamberoo, Gerringong and Kendall’s – with Kendall’s already closed to new burials.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said the issue is complex, balancing community expectations with practical constraints.

“Pets are very loved

parts of some families and households,” he says. “But we are a smaller LGA and we do have limited space… and that’s for human burials and interment.”

An interment is the placement of human remains (either bodily remains via burial, or cremated remains via ash interment) below ground or in above ground structures.

He said pet burials are currently considered on application but noted the council’s priority is ensuring capacity for residents.

“It’s a difficult one because it’s very emotive for some people, but as a Council we need to provide for our human inhabitants, and we have

proud to honour these sacred sites and stand alongside Traditional Owners in acknowledging the history that has shaped our region.”

Kiama Councillor and Wodi Wodi man Stuart Larkins added: “It’s great to see this project coming to fruition and a massive thank you to Aunty Jodie Stewart for the design and for the work done by Council staff and the Aboriginal Community Advisory Group, who have helped co-design this project.”

Council says the initiative aims to educate, foster awareness, and encourage

respect for the Dharawal heritage of the region, creating a stronger connection between the community and Country.

Kiama Municipal Council acknowledges Elders, Traditional Owners, and Custodians with their continuing connections to Land, Waters, Sky, Culture, and Community, paying respects to the Traditional Custodians of the Dharawal Nation, past, present, and future. © Jodie Stewart, all rights reserved. No reproduction of this artwork is permitted without written permission from the artist.

Chocolate prices hopping up

Olivia Funnell

limited space,” he says.

The draft policy also proposes changes at Jamberoo Cemetery, reducing the maximum number of doubledepth interment rights from four to two, due to space constraints.

Other Illawarra councils, including Wollongong and Shellharbour, do not currently prohibit the interment of animal remains.

Mayor McDonald says the policy could be revisited in future as the council continues long-term planning.

“If more space becomes available… it’s something that can be revisited,” he adds.

Submissions on the proposed changes are open during the exhibition period.

Rich chocolate is taking on a whole new meaning as Australian shoppers face higher prices on chocolate in the lead-up to Easter. The price of cocoa has experienced volatility recently due to extreme weather in West Africa, disease, fertiliser issues, and other supply disruptions. And it’s estimated that the price could continue to rise due to the conflict in Iran.

Dr Vinh Thai, an RMIT supply chain expert, estimates that the price should ease towards the end of the year but there is still some uncertainty.

"We may see it reduce toward the end of 2026 and moving into 2027, provided

that the current conflict in Iran does not prolong, and there are more certainties related to other supplyrelated factors like weather conditions, which can be hard to predict."

Owner of Kiama Sweet Co, Jennifer Jones, says her prices remain stable as she hasn’t experienced any increases since September, 2025.

“Most of the price rises came much earlier than recently,” she says. Jones partly attributes her stable prices to sourcing domestically where possible as chocolate sourced from Europe is more expensive. She also offers discounted prices on chocolate with ‘chocolate bloom’, when the fat in chocolate separates due to temperature changes.

Gerringong Return & Earn hits 10 million

Gerringong’s much loved Return and Earn machine at Michael Cronin Oval has hit a major milestone with over 10 million containers returned at the machine by enthusiastic Kiama recyclers. This means 1 million dollars has been returned to the local community via donations.

The Lions club of Gerringong are enthusiastic users of the machine, recycling more than two million containers to help fund local community projects and contribute to national Lions Club health and welfare programs.

The estimated environmental benefits of recycling 10 million containers includes; energy savings equivalent to powering 136 homes for a year, water savings equivalent to filling 23 Olympic swimming pools and CO2 emissions avoided equivalent to taking 726 cars

off the road for a year.

From mid-2027, more containers will be eligible for the 10 cent refund when Return and Earn expands to include wine and spirit bottles, as well as larger-sized drink bottles including cordial and concentrate containers.

The expansion is expected to see up to an additional 362 million containers eligible for the scheme each year, including 196 million glass bottles. To find your local return point or for more information on the scheme, visit the Return and Earn

website.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe says, “Congratulations to every recycler who has helped to reach this incredible milestone of 10 million containers returned at just one machine.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney also celebrated this milestone.

“This amazing tally of 10 million containers returned through a single Return and Earn machine demonstrates just how much the Kiama community values recycling,” she says.

Free public transport for Easter

The NSW Opposition has called for free public transport over Easter, arguing it would ease pressure on household budgets at a time when families are already stretched.

The proposal would give people a clear alternative to driving, cutting travel costs and making it easier to get out

over the holiday.

It could also deliver a boost to regional businesses, giving a way for tourists to travel freely.

In a letter to The Bugle, Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai outlined the benefits: “with fuel prices hitting record highs and household budgets under increasing strain, now is the time for practical measures that genuinely

support families.”

Free public transport over Easter would “put money back into people’s pockets”, she explains, while helping families enjoy the region without the added cost of petrol.

Tatrai said any plans should extend to regional services to ensure families outside major cities have fair access to affordable travel.

$4.49m boost for sports clubs

Myah Garza

Sporting clubs across the Kiama electorate have secured a share of the NSW Government’s $4.49 million Local Sport Grant Program, with funding supporting a range of projects in Kiama, Werri Beach and Bomaderry.

Locally, more than $36,000 has been allocated to clubs across the electorate, helping fund equipment, facility upgrades and participation initiatives.

Werri Beach Boardriders Club was awarded $10,000 for a trailer project to support its activities, while Bomaderry Cricket Club received $6,365 to help increase cricket participation across the Shoalhaven.

Kiama Swimming Club

secured $5,000 to support the development of its programs and strengthen the club’s future.

Other successful applicants in the electorate included Albion Park Crows Junior AFL Club and Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club, along with Illawarra District Rugby Union, which received $10,000 for a Rugby Sevens activation program in the lead-up to the muchanticipated Rugby World Cup.

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said the grants would support local organisations and volunteers who play a key role in community life.

“Sport plays a vital role in bringing the Kiama community together,” she says. “These grants are a real

investment in the people and clubs who work tirelessly year-round to keep our community active, connected and thriving.”

The Local Sport Grant Program provides funding for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in sport and active recreation. It comes at a time when sports club ‘s fiinances are straining.

“With tight budgets and clubs ever more reliant on volunteers, this funding gives teams resources to invest where they need, be it purchasing new jerseys or hosting local events like come and try days,” Minister for Sport Steve Kamper says. More than 500 sporting organisations across NSW received funding.

Bombo violence goes viral

Abrutal assault on a 14-year-old girl at Bombo Headland has reignited concerns about youth violence, social media behaviour and the growing problem of bystanders filming rather than intervening.

The teenager remains in hospital following the incident on Saturday night, March 21 at The Boneyard, where hundreds of young people had gathered for a party reportedly organised via

Snapchat.

She suffered significant injuries, including facial cuts, bruising across her body and possible neck trauma, after being set upon by a group of girls. Disturbing footage of the attack has since circulated widely online.

According to the teen assaulted, dozens of young people stood by as it happened.

She said that the hardest part for her was that no-one

helped until the end – many were filming the altercation instead of intervening.

The footage appears to support that account, with voices heard encouraging the attack as it escalated.

The incident has sparked wider reflection across the Illawarra, coming just weeks after a separate assault involving a 12-year-old girl at Shellharbour City Centre, where a large group of young people also gathered and

witnessed the attack.

There are increasing calls for stronger community awareness around bystander responsibility - particularly among young people - and for conversations at home and in schools about peer pressure, online behaviour and personal accountability.

Anyone with information about the Bombo incident or the earlier Shellharbour assault is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000

Heritage heroes: Jamberoo Review moves ahead

Myah Garza

Kiama Municipal Council has formally progressed its Jamberoo Heritage Review, advancing a planning proposal that could introduce new heritage protections across parts of the village and place additional constraints on future development.

On March 10, Councillors voted to approve a motion to endorse the Jamberoo Heritage Review Planning Proposal to amend the Kiama Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2011.

The process requires the preparation and submission of a Planning Proposal to the NSW Department of Planning & Environment for a Gateway Determination.

If it proceeds, the Planning Proposal will be placed on public exhibition to enable community, stakeholder and state agency consultation to provide feedback.

The revised proposal identifies six properties

for new heritage listing, a reduction from the 17 originally considered.

These include the Jamberoo RSL Hall, several timber cottages, a former doctor’s surgery and a residence designed by architect Glenn Murcutt.

In addition, two sections of Allowrie Street and Churchill Street have been nominated as Heritage Conservation Areas, a designation that typically brings broader planning controls across entire streetscapes.

Minor boundary adjustments are also proposed for three existing heritage listings, a technical change that can nonetheless affect how properties are managed and developed.

Councillor Stuart Larkins welcomes the progress of the Review, particularly the addition of new conservation areas.

“We’ve had a program of heritage reviews over the last few years, and in the last term of Council we saw new conservation areas

established”, he says.

“It’s good to see that continuing here – once this is finalised we can move on to the Gerringong Heritage Review, which is also very important.”

Mayor Cameron McDonald says the Review reflects both the work already undertaken and the level of community interest in preserving the character of Jamberoo.

“Jamberoo is a very active community, and we are really appreciative of all the effort and contribution that goes into this beautiful, amazing place,” he says.

The proposal is the result of several years of assessment, including a heritage study completed in 2022, a peer review in 2023 and a period of public exhibition late last year.

If adopted, the changes will expand heritage controls within Jamberoo, reinforcing preservation objectives while also introducing additional planning considerations for affected property owners.

Our youth, our future

Youth violence arrived on Kiama’s doorstep again this past weekend, when a teenager was brutally attacked at Bombo, leaving her in hospital with serious injuries and a community asking how this could happen here. This was not a petty scuffle; it was a serious assault in a public place, by multiple individuals we like to imagine is safe for all our kids.

For many locals, the immediate instinct is to look for someone to blame: parents and gentle parenting, schools and teachers, social media (what happened to those bans?), “bad kids from somewhere else”. Yet when we zoom out, a more uncomfortable picture emerges. Across New South Wales, police and politicians have been warning of a steady rise in serious youth violence, including assaults and knife-related offences. National inquiries into youth violence have repeatedly linked this trend to social exclusion and a lack of meaningful ways for young people to belong, participate and have fun ‘like the good old days’. The cost of living and housing crises will undoubtedly put more strain on family structures and the aspiration of our young.

We should all be proud of the SENTRA Youth Centre and the staff who keep it running, but it currently opens only on Monday and Tuesday, and it simply cannot carry the whole burden of youth wellbeing for an entire municipality. Once the sun goes down or the weekend stretches long, too many young people are left relying on car parks, ‘parties’, beaches, and backstreets as their default “recreation spaces”. Those

are the places where boredom, bravado and peer pressure can tip into something more dangerous and disturbing. It is no coincidence that the same Bombo coastline we market to tourists is also where young people gather with almost no structured support, supervision, or youthfocused infrastructure. When teenagers feel they have few options beyond hanging out in random outdoor spaces, the line between harmless fun and harmful behaviour grows thin. Research on youth violence is clear: communities that invest in sport, arts, safe hangout spaces, and genuine youth voice see lower rates of violent offending and better long term outcomes. The attack in Bombo should not become just another headline or social media flare up. It should be a catalyst for Kiama Council, local schools, police, and community groups to sit at the same table with young people themselves and ask: what would a full, vibrant, affordable menu of recreational opportunities look like here? That conversation will cost money and demand political courage. But the cost of doing nothing is being counted already in hospital beds, in court lists, possibly reprisal attacks, and in the quiet fear of parents who no longer feel confident letting their kids walk along one of our most beautiful beaches. We are a wonderful community, full of wonderful young people. But it does not take much for unfortunate encounters to create fractures, and for fractures to lead to cracks. The Bugle’s View is that we should come together and think about our youth, their future, and how we can all help.

New study into ‘wave wars’ alarms

48% of surf collisions blamed on crowds

Amy Molloy

From accidental fin chops to near-fatal injuries,

a new report from The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has highlighted the conflict between surfers in the water – and called for better ocean etiquette education.

More than one in 10 Australian surfers say they have injured someone else while surfing, according to new research from UNSW’s Beach Safety Research Group.

The study, published today in the journal Injury Prevention, found that 93 out of 815 Australian surfers surveyed – or 11.4 per cent –said they had injured another person in the water at some point while surfing.

Most injuries were accidental, but a small minority involved deliberate or retaliatory behaviour linked to breaches of surf etiquette.

Lead author Dr Michael Tran, from UNSW’s School of Clinical Medicine, said the research examined an aspect of surfing injuries that has rarely been studied.

“Most research has focused on injuries surfers sustain themselves,” Dr Tran says.

“What we asked instead was whether surfers had ever injured someone else while they were surfing.”

Among surfers who reported injuring someone else, nearly half of the incidents – 48 per cent – were linked to collisions caused by crowding or difficulty seeing others in the water.

Fin-related cuts – or “fin chops” in surfers’ parlance – were the most frequently reported injury, accounting for 28 per cent of responses among surfers who said they'd injured someone, ranging from minor cuts to deeper wounds requiring stitches.

Other incidents involved the surfboard striking someone during a wipeout or manoeuvre, accounting for 15 per cent of responses. A further 14 per cent described head injuries or concussions caused by a surfboard striking another person.

Dr Tran says the findings reflect the realities of an increasingly popular sport, and the risks of “P plate surfers”.

“Participation in surfing has been growing, particularly

Blow your Bugle!

Voice of the community

Iown Kerrys Clothing store in Terralong Street. The garbage bins in the street are filthy to say the least. We are having infestation of flies I’m sure are from them. In beautiful

Dear Editor,

Many readers will recall the community discussion in 2022 regarding the future of the Blue Haven sites. At that time, Council ultimately resolved to proceed with the sale of the Bonaira nursing home and independent living units, while retaining the Terralong complex, which has served the community for decades.

More recently, a report into the condition of the Terralong Street buildings has identified that significant investment will be required to bring the facilities up to contemporary standards. Residents have been advised that meeting these costs may depend on

look after our Main Street and our town.

Many Thanks Kerry Fahey

support from State and Federal governments.

This raises understandable questions for residents about the long-term future of the site and the capacity of Council to fund the necessary upgrades. After several years of uncertainty and ongoing changes, many residents are seeking clear direction and confidence in the path forward.

There is a strong desire within the community for a solution that ensures highquality care, appropriate facilities, and stability for those who call Terralong home—whatever form that solution may take.

Yours sincerely, Allan Holder

The views expressed in Blow Your Bugle are those of the authors and do not reflect those of The Bugle. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, The Bugle accepts no responsibility for the content of submissions, and contributors are responsible for ensuring their material complies with defamation and other applicable laws.

It is no surprise to read of the angst related to travelling by train around Sydney during Easter.

Our small seaside town, is hugely reliant on public transport. Easter, for our community is an extremely important period for holiday makers. Train travel should be an attractive way to travel right now, with the surge of petrol prices.

We have an elderly friend travelling from Edgecliff. This is normally, sit in the same carriage, one seat journey from the city to our seaside town.

However, this is the 'service' offered for the forthcoming holiday weekend; It requires a bus to Central, a train to Sutherland, change again for a bus to Dapto, then off the bus for a train to Kiama. All this adds an extra hour to the normal 2 hour "holiday" experience.

Why must the railways do this EVERY Easter. Surely at this extremely important holiday weekend there are other alternatives for this never ending weekend trackwork inconvenience.

How about midnight to dawn rail maintenance, as in other civilised countries?

Regards

Greg Vale

since the pandemic,” he says. “As more people enter the water at popular breaks, with varying levels of experience, the chances of collisions and other incidents can increase.

Surfing is one of Australia’s most popular coastal activities, with more than 490,000 Australians aged over 15 taking part.

Co-author Dr Amy Peden, from UNSW’s School of Population Health, said more people taking up the sport increases the chances of accidental collisions.

“Inexperience is likely a factor in some cases, so we need to balance participation, and the positives of that, with ensuring safety,” she says.

Perhaps encouraged by the anonymity of the survey, some respondents admitted

to retaliatory behaviour that caused injury to others.

“For the most part the collisions were accidental and often due to crowding or visibility issues,” Dr Peden says. “Although rare, disputes over surf etiquette were reported to sometimes escalate into deliberate acts of violence.”

The researchers say education around surf safety and etiquette could help reduce injuries to others in the water, such as guidance on spatial awareness and understanding who has priority on a wave.

While many surf schools already teach these principles, the researchers say broader awareness campaigns could help reach recreational surfers who learn informally or surf

outside organised programs.

“These incidents are preventable, particularly with better awareness of surf etiquette and how to manage your board in busy conditions,” Dr Peden says.

Understanding how and why these incidents occur may also help beach managers consider how surf zones are managed at busy beaches where multiple water users share the same space.

“Injuries happen because the surf can be crowded, chaotic, and fast-moving,” Dr Tran says.

“A split second of inattention can cause a concussion or a deep fin cut. As more Australians take up surfing, we need clear messaging about how to keep yourself, and others, safe in the surf.”

Electric blues, as incentives at risk

Donna Portland

As electric veicle owners feel the warm glow of making a good life decision, the EV market could be thwarted by the red tape of government policy.

As petrol prices soar, key electric vehicle (EV) incentives are under review, including the federal Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption. States are also signalling future road-user charges for EV drivers. Critics say the timing could not be worse.

“Battery-powered EVs can run on electricity we make in Australia, including ultracheap rooftop solar, while the energy in our fossil-fuelled cars is imported from one of the world’s least stable regions,” said Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom.

“It’s no surprise dealership enquiries are at an all-time high.”

The contrast is increasingly clear. Petrol prices remain tied to global shocks - including conflict in the Middle East - while electricity is largely generated domestically, with many households producing their own through rooftop solar.

For consumers, the impact

is tangible. Australians will be spending hundreds more each year on fuel as global tensions push prices higher.

“The discount on salary packaging EVs gives working families an alternative to expensive and dirty petrol vehicles that is within reach to many families already grappling with the cost of living,” Mr Vierboom says.

Advocates warn that changing policy now risks undermining long-term affordability.

“Every new EV sold today on a novated lease is an affordable second-hand car in five years. Kill the new market now and you strangle the pipeline that would have made EVs more accessible to everyone.”

That pipeline is particularly important in regional areas, where second-hand vehicles dominate and fuel costs are often higher due to longer travel distances.

Governments, however, face a structural shift. As EV uptake grows, fuel excise revenue - traditionally used to fund roads - will decline. This has prompted plans for future distance-based roaduser charges, including in New South Wales.

But timing is critical.

Introducing new charges or removing incentives too early risks slowing adoption just as EVs gain momentum. Recent figures show EV sales reaching record highs, alongside a surge in consumer interest as petrol prices spike.

There is also a broader consideration. Transport accounts for around 22 per cent of Australia’s emissions and is projected to become the nation’s largest emitting sector this decade.

Slowing EV uptake now could lock in higher emissions for years, even as the electricity grid becomes cleaner.

For policymakers, the challenge is balancing longterm revenue reform with immediate cost-of-living pressures.

There are also questions around whether existing charging stations can keep up with an influx of EV veicles, especially in regional areas like Kiama.

As Mr Vierboom put it, Australians are looking for “a way to take back control of their energy costs”.

The question is whether policy settings will support that shift - or stall it at a critical moment.

Airport deals, holiday parks housing headline Council Meeting

Shellharbour City Coun-

cil’s Ordinary Meeting on 24 March delivered a steady run of unanimous decisions, with key moves across airport operations, coastal assets and future housing.

The only public forum speaker, planning representative Jessica Lauretti, addressed councillors in support of a proposal relating to land at Croome Road, Croom, tied to amendments under the Shellharbour Local Environmental Plan 2013.

Among the major outcomes, Councillors endorsed a draft

Plan of Management for the Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park. The plan will now be referred to the NSW Government for approval before heading to public exhibition, signalling potential future changes to the well-used coastal facility.

As always the topic of land was prominent.

In a significant decision for the ongoing Shell Cove development, Council opted not to exercise its first right to purchase two residential superlots in Precinct H, allowing the land to proceed to

the open development market rather than adding financial risk to Council.

A strong focus was placed on aviation-related activity at Shellharbour Airport.

Councillors approved multiple lease arrangements, including transfers and long-term agreements with Capital Jet Engineering, as well as a fiveyear lease of the Old Terminal Building to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society.

The move is expected to boost tourism, education and visitor engagement linked to the HARS Aviation Museum

— a popular attractions for tourists and local families. All items were carried unanimously, reflecting a cohesive Council approach, with no Mayoral minute or CEO report presented on the evenings of the meeting.

With decisions spanning tourism, housing and economic activity, the meeting underscored Shellharbour Council’s focus on activating assets while managing financial exposure - setting the tone for steady, pragmatic governance in the months ahead.

Cedar on Collins continues to make its mark in the local community

Commitment to community has been high on the agenda for Cedar on Collins Retirement Community heading into 2026.

For the first time, Cedar joined in at the popular Kiama Show over the January long weekend.

Janine Williams, Vice President of the Kiama Show was thrilled with Cedar’s participation as first time sponsors at the Kiama Show, particularly with their support in sponsoring the Wallop Water Station and providing free reusable water bottles.

The station was a popular freebie feature, offering attendees bottomless H20 fill ups throughout the twoday event. It served as a key hydration point for families enjoying the event's traditional shows, fireworks and woodchopping.

Many attendees highlighted this as a valuable community

service.

According to Wallop Water, approximately 1,429 litres of water was consumed, which prevented 2,858 single-use plastic bottles from reaching our landfills and the oceans.

Cedar hosts first Open Day for 2026

Fast forward to 12 March and Cedar on Collins were the ones to play host at their first Open Day of the year.

40 people came through the grounds of this premium retirement community, situated in the heart of Kiama on Collins Street. Some were repeat visitors—back for a second or third time.

As usual the warm and friendly welcome from current residents and staff alike, as well as the dulcet tones of musician and saxophonist Aria Stone, and plentiful refreshments, made for a fantastic day.

Cedar’s residents are enthusiastic advocates for the place they call home and were

delighted to answer questions and show the guests through the wonderful facilities, amenities and outdoor spaces.

Laura Hooper, Cedar’s Community Manager was pleased with how the day went. "Everyone who came through were genuinely interested in what the residents had to say and there was a strong sense that we brought to life what this community is all about.”

Cedar on Collins is now turning its attention to hosting their much-anticipated annual event, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at The Pavilion on 21 May 2026.

This event is in its 3rd year and after last year’s sold-out event, hosted by Kiama Radio’s Bernie Hems, tickets are sure to be snapped up quick, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council’s work to support those living with cancer.

Set a reminder for 7 April when tickets go on sale.

cedarkiama.com.au

New tech reduces coastal risks

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful new tool in coastal safety, with trials on the Kiama coastline already credited with saving lives.

As part of the Surveillance AI for Lifesaving (SAIL) project, Surf Life Saving NSW has installed smart cameras at high-risk rock fishing locations, including the Kiama Blowhole, to detect when people are swept into the ocean and trigger rapid rescue responses.

Surf Life Saving NSW Communications and Systems Team Leader Riley Porteous said the technology had moved quickly from concept to real-world impact.

“We quite literally had to go out to rock shelves and jump

off them to teach the AI what to look for,” he says.

“Now it self-activates anytime a rock fisher enters the water and can track them being swept away.”

Once an incident is detected, the system sends alerts to emergency responders, allowing them to review footage and mobilise resources within moments.

“At the moment it comes through as an SMS and into our operations systems, where teams can review a short clip and confirm it’s a real activation,” Porteous says.

Though still in its trial phase, the technology is already showing promising results.

“It’s most definitely contributed to saving the lives of two people here already,” he adds.

The AI rollout comes as Kiama Council moves to strengthen safety measures across its coastline, opting into provisions of the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016 following a series of fatalities.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said the decision reflects the seriousness of the issue.

“Kiama has accounted for around 10 per cent of all rock fishing deaths in New South Wales in recent years,” he says.

“We don’t want to see any more tragedies.”

If approved by the State Government, the changes will see mandatory lifejacket zones introduced at seven high-risk locations – with $100 fines given on the spot from Police or Fisheries Officers for noncompliance.

was an ideal location to trial the technology, given both its popularity and risk profile.

Pearce said the AI cameras were not designed to prevent people entering the water, but to drastically improve response times when things go wrong.

Kiama’s coastline is now one of the most closely monitored in the state, with a layered approach to safety that includes drone surveillance, shark listening stations, emergency response beacons and of course, lifeguards.

“Kiama has got every safety blanket down here,” Pearce says.

The AI trial will continue over 14 months, with a full evaluation to determine its long-term viability.

Hope for biz black spots

Myah Garza

Local businesses are hoping for a few more bars — not for afterwork drinks but for better connectivity.

Two new Telstra mobile base stations have recently been switched on in Jamberoo and Worrigee, giving locals and visitors more reliable coverage.

The sites were built under the Mobile Black Spot Program’s Improving Mobile Coverage Round, funded by Telstra and the Albanese Government.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, says the upgrades will make a real difference for residents and businesses reliant on service.

“The new sites mean people can stay better connected with family, friends, and essential services,” she says, highlighting the importance of reliable coverage, especially during emergencies.

Meanwhile, communities like Minnamurra continue to press for progress on other local infrastructure issues.

At a March meeting of the Minnamurra Progress Association, State Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney addressed residents’ concerns, including riverbank erosion, road safety, and mobile coverage.

Residents voiced frustration that design work for riverbank repairs along the Minnamurra River –supported by $100,000 in the council budget – has yet to begin.

McInerney said she would raise the matter with senior council representatives and that state funding could be available once the design work is completed.

The Association has resolved to write to the Council’s CEO urging urgent action, warning that delays could increase safety risks and repair costs.

The next Minnamurra Progress Association meeting is scheduled for April 7.

Telstra’s Regional Engagement Manager for the ACT and Southern NSW, Christina Cawkell, noted that mobile usage has grown significantly in recent years, with network traffic increasing about three-anda-half times over the past five years. The Jamberoo and Worrigee stations are part of a nationwide effort to improve coverage in previously underserved areas.

Kiama mum pioneers plastic-free uniforms

Amy Molloy

Kiama mum of three, Caroline Hartline, is on a mission to make school uniforms more natural — and is using her own kids as her inspiration.

The founder of Billie Green — “Australia’s first sustainable intimates brand for ages 8–18” — she began exploring sustainable fashion after working in the apparel industry and noticing how much plastic is in the clothes we put on our bodies.

After years of research for Billie Green, she had a stark moment of realisation when her older kids came home from school one day. “They’d come home so dysregulated,” she says. “They’ve only just walked from the bus stop into the house, but they’re frustrated, and their cheeks are hot.”

She started to ask herself: could the blend of their clothing be part of the problem?

“Most parents probably don’t realise that many school uniforms in Australia are made largely from polyester — a plastic fibre derived from fossil fuels,” says Hartline.

These fabrics are popular because they’re durable and often wrinkle-resistant and stain-resistant — which is appealing to parents. “But that’s only because of their chemical coatings, such as Teflon technology,” she says. “They also trap heat, can

irritate sensitive skin, and shed microplastics when worn and washed.”

After months of research, conversations with suppliers, and sampling fabrics, Hartline approached Minnamurra Public School to see if they’d be interested in a trial.

She started small to make it achievable — would they consider also adding 100 per cent organic cotton polo shirts to their uniform shop?

“Eventually, I would love to pioneer plasticfree everything,” she says. “I can source everything — Fairtrade- and GOTS-certified organic cotton — direct from the manufacturer in India, and I can price match.”

On 26 March, Minnamurrra PS sent a message to parents announcing “the P&C is trialling an optional organic version of our current polo shirt, including the same logo - the only difference is fabric”. Hartline believes choice is paramount and nothing should be mandatory.

partner with schools across the country to offer 100 per cent cotton options to their students as part of their uniform shops.

Next, she hopes to

“Natural fibres aren’t perfect,” she says. “They wrinkle more easily. They stain more easily. And they don’t stay bright for decades. But they are breathable, biodegradable, and free from plastic fibres, which feels like a better option for something our kids wear each day.”

“This small trial is just a first step,” she says. “Hopefully it opens the door to healthier, more sustainable school uniforms in the future.”

Interested schools can reach out via billiegreen.com.au

Commute to couch: WFH push grows

It’s not just panic buying that is making the fuel crisis feel reminiscent of Covid. Governments are once again weighing work-fromhome options as a fast way to ease pressure on strained supply chains.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has suggested working from home could be a practical option where possible, as petrol and diesel prices surge and some service stations

run dry amid the Middle East conflict.

During the pandemic, remote work proved highly effective in cutting traffic volumes, prompting officials to revisit it as a short-term fix.

But the idea is not without complications. Business groups warn a blanket return to remote work could hurt productivity in sectors that rely on in-person collaboration. Retail and hospitality — already under pressure — may also suffer if

fewer workers commute into city centres.

There are also questions of fairness. Not all jobs can be done from home, meaning lower-income and frontline workers would continue to bear the brunt of rising fuel costs, while others save by staying off the roads.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2023 shows commuting patterns vary significantly. People aged 30 to 39 have the longest average commute (16.6km),

Future of auctions? Transparency at the touch of a button

What exactly is a “timed” auction?

Our property expert Sam Scobie weighs in.

It’s a question I’m asked constantly by both buyers and sellers lately: "What exactly is a timed auction?"

While the way we buy and sell homes is evolving, the Timed Online Auction is leading the charge by making the process more accessible and transparent.

If you’ve ever used sites like eBay, you’ll find this incredibly familiar. It’s a digital bidding system that runs over a few days rather than a few minutes, giving you the transparency of an auction with the comfort of being on your own couch.

At Ray White Kiama, we’re big fans of this method because of the convenience.

For busy locals and young families, it means you can participate from anywhere -

whether you're at the office or the school gate. You see every bid in real-time, which removes the guesswork and provides a completely level playing field.

Unlike a standard auction and to keep things fair, these auctions feature a "soft close". If a bid is placed in the final five minutes, the clock resets for another five. This ensures no one misses out due to a slow internet connection, allowing the bidding to reach its natural conclusion just like a live event.

Just remember, while the setting is digital, the law is traditional. This is an unconditional sale; when the timer hits zero, the highest bidder is legally committed. It’s essential to have your finances and inspections ready beforehand. If you're curious to see it in action, I’m always here to help.

followed closely by those aged 40 to 49 (16.5km) and 50 to 59 (16.4km).

Men, on average, travel further than women — 17.7km compared to 14.2km — largely due to higher representation in roles such as machinery operators, drivers, and trades, which typically involve longer distances.

With fuel prices soaring, it’s an especially tough time to be a man in his thirties, at least according to the data.

Globally, governments are already acting. Thailand has told many public servants to work from home, while Pakistan has introduced sweeping austerity measures, including school closures and rotating remote work mandates.

Some business groups are also floating a four-day working week to reduce travel expense strain .

Tiffany Springett

From flaky croissants to crispy sourdough, bakeries have become a staple of Instagram feeds, showcasing the artistry, care, and community behind every bake.

Beyond just bread and pastries, bakeries on social media highlight the stories of the chefs behind the ovens, the locally sourced ingredients they use, and the little details that make each creation special.

Around Easter, these spaces come alive with seasonal treats like hot cross buns, chocolate creations, and beautifully decorated pastries, making them the perfect place for all your needs.

Behind the dough

The Illawarra bakers rising on the ‘gram

Slow Dough

Known for its handcrafted sourdough and seasonal treats, Slow Dough is built on the philosophy of slowing down and connecting over food. The bakery has grown from a garage passion project to a community beloved local spot for the community. slowdoughbythesea

Flour Water Salt

Located in Milton, Nowra, and Kiama, Flour Water Salt

focuses on a small, carefully curated range of baked goods, refined through traditional methods. Their handcrafted sourdough uses only flour, water, and salt, while their seasonal foods use organic, locally sourced ingredients. flourwatersaltbakery

in

a wide range of freshly

and

Parfait Patisserie

Parfait Patisserie is a French-inspired bakery where handcrafted pastries, breads, and cakes are made fresh on site each day by a passionate team of skilled chefs and bakers. Blending traditional techniques with modern flair, it offers a warm, welcoming café experience. parfait.patisserie

with

Kiama High: Kiama Out and about

Petrol rationed in Gerringong K

Emery

The latest petrol crisis reminded me of something I saw in the piles of things my father left when he passed away.

It was a Motor Spirit Consumer's License. It was a ration card for Keith Walker who lived at Beachlands ( Gerringong Golf Club) in 1948. The license allowed him to get four units of petrol per month.

I’m not sure how much a unit was but I imagine it was not a lot. When the Second World War started in 1939, we were heavily dependent on imported petrol with only a reserve of 3 months' worth. Sounds a bit like our government now. We had no refineries of our own.

Japanese attacks disrupted the supply. The government

tried to encourage people to do the right thing and limit their use. This did not work and a rationing system had to be instigated for personal use. This was not much and unnecessary trips were out of the question.

People tried to purchase vehicles that used less petrol and Keith had a motor bike. My mum can remember going to a football match. The club organised a bus to get players and supporters to Berry to alleviate the necessity of using private cars.

People were encouraged to convert their vehicles to run on something other than petrol, like charcoal gas. This was of limited success and a lot of people just stored away cars for the duration of the war.

If you could, you might use a bicycle. Imagine riding up that hill to go to Kiama!

Farmers and any essential war-based work was prioritised for petrol use. I suppose that farmers and other essential workers in Gerringong had to apply to receive a larger amount of fuel.

Ration cards were issued like Keith’s one here and as you got your ration you have to have the ration card stamped.

One thing I found interesting was that the last stamp on the ration card was November 1949. This is a full four years after the end of the Second World War. So, the rationing did not stop when the guns stopped.

Makes you wonder if we are going to have a similar system. I am imagining how it would work and how much we would be allowed and how long it might go for. It might be a poor holiday season in the Kiama district.

iama High School has had a busy and successful start to the term, with students engaging in a wide range of opportunities across sport, culture, and student development.

Students shine at swimming carnivals

Kiama High School students have delivered outstanding results in recent swimming competitions, showcasing both talent and school spirit.

At the Shoalhaven Zone Swimming Carnival, 35 students represented the school and achieved an impressive second place overall.

A total of 30 students progressed to the South Coast Regional Championships, highlighting the depth of ability within the team.

Several swimmers were recognised for their exceptional performances, including Lacey Pearson, who placed first in her age division, along with strong results from Grace McInerney, Penelope Woolley and Mila Ward.

Following the regional event, a number of students have now qualified for the NSW State Swimming Championships, including Lacey Pearson and Xavier O’Connor, along with members of the 13 and 14 years relay teams.

These achievements

reflect the dedication and sportsmanship of all students involved, with the school community proud of their efforts in and out of the pool.

Celebrating culture during Aboriginal Education Week

Kiama High School is proud to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal Education Week, highlighting the importance of culture, community and connection to Country.

Students had the opportunity to learn about and engage with First Nations perspectives through the work of Amethyst Downing, a Wandi Wandian, Wodi Wodi woman and multidisciplinary artist.

Amethyst works closely with Aboriginal students as a Cultural Support Officer, providing mentorship and strengthening engagement, wellbeing and cultural identity.

Her work also extends into community development, where she collaborates with Traditional Owners to support cultural governance, protect Country and promote social and cultural wellbeing.

Through workshops and cultural programs, students are able to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal culture while building respectful connections within the community.

Opportunities open

for student pathways and careers

Kiama High School students are being encouraged to explore a range of exciting future pathways through new programs and opportunities.

Applications are now open for the Start Your Future program in Term 2, offering hands-on experience in areas such as animal care, automotive, construction, beauty, nursing and more. This initiative allows students to gain practical skills while exploring potential career paths.

Students in Years 10–12 also have the opportunity to attend a Nursing and Health Careers Workshop at UOW Shoalhaven, providing valuable insight into careers in the healthcare industry.

Additionally, those interested in policing can learn more about the “You Should Be a Cop” program, while Year 12 students are preparing for upcoming university open days and key application processes, including UCAT registrations for those considering medicine.

These opportunities support students in making informed decisions about their futures, with guidance available through the school’s careers team.

More updates and student achievements will be shared in the next edition of The Bugle.

Nature photography, entries now opens

Myah Garza

Budding photographers being invited to share their favourite trees with the return of the Wild About Shellharbour Nature Photography competition for 2026.

Entries opened March 23 to mark National Eucalypt Day, with this year’s theme “Tree Tales” encouraging people to capture and tell the stories behind the trees that matter most to them – from backyard

favourites to local bushland giants.

According to Mayor Chris Homer the competition is a chance for the community to reflect on the role trees play in everyday life.

“Trees make our city healthier and more resilient. They cool our streets, support our wildlife and help create neighbourhoods that people are proud to live in,” he says.

The competition is open to Shellharbour residents, with categories for adults and young people, as well as a

People’s Choice award decided by public vote.

Prizes include Visa gift cards and Shellharbour City Council nursery vouchers.

Participants must photograph a tree within the Shellharbour area and include a short story about its significance.

for budding photographers, entries close on May 11, with winners to be announced, fittingly, on World Environment Day, June 5. For more information visit: shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

When travel plans mattersexperiencechange, most

Events unfolding across parts of the Middle East have recently highlighted just how quickly travel conditions can shift. Tensions in the region, including those involving Iran and nearby areas such as the UAE, have led to disruptions that are affecting travellers from around the world, including many Australians.

For those with upcoming trips, or loved ones currently travelling, uncertainty like this can be unsettling. Beyond the headlines, the real impact is felt in delayed flights, lastminute changes and the challenge of navigating what to do next.

Over the past week, we’ve been working closely with clients whose plans have been affected. In many cases, the priority has been to secure alternative flights, adjust itineraries and provide clear, factual guidance on the

best course of action. These situations often come with time pressure and complexity, particularly when dealing with airline policies, fare rules and rapidly changing conditions.

This is where having an experienced travel advisor can make a meaningful difference.

One of the most valuable roles we play is helping clients understand their options. Knowing when to hold, when to change and when to cancel can have a significant financial impact. Airline conditions are rarely straightforward, and making the wrong call can mean unnecessary costs. We guide clients through these decisions to help minimise losses and protect the value of their booking wherever possible.

Equally important is access to alternatives. When disruptions occur, suitable

replacement options are not always obvious or easy to secure online. Our team is able to source and recommend routes, airlines and solutions that many travellers may not find on their own, particularly when availability is tight.

Perhaps most importantly, we take on the timeconsuming work. Anyone who has tried to contact airlines or suppliers during a disruption will understand how challenging and frustrating it can be. Long wait times, conflicting information and limited availability can quickly become overwhelming.

We manage those conversations on behalf of our clients, allowing them to focus on their travel rather than the logistics behind it.

Throughout all of this, our approach is grounded in verified information. We closely monitor government

advisories, airline updates and trusted industry sources to ensure our advice is accurate and current, rather than driven by speculation.

While no one can prevent global events from impacting travel, having the right support in place can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty that comes with them. Our focus remains simple: to keep our clients informed, supported and able to move forward with confidence.

If you have upcoming travel or would like guidance in planning with confidence, our team is here to help. Please contact the Travel Focus Group on (02) 4423 8200 or visit us in-store to speak with one of our experienced consultants.

6 family-friendly Easter activities (zero

fuel guilt)

Amy Molloy

“If you can walk it, we can do it” is becoming the new anthem for local parents. With petrol prices continuing to rise, families are running every outing through the filter of ‘fuel miles’ — and how much it will drain from the tank.

The good news? Kiama LGA has no shortage of family-friendly activities these school holidays — and you won’t need to fill up the car to enjoy them.

Paint a skateboard

Thanks to a NSW Regional Youth Government Grant, Creative Kooks are running a free “paint your own skateboard” workshop at Kiama Pavilion on Wednesday, 15 April. A rideable skateboard deck is included, along with SurfPaint pens and all materials. Participants will be guided through the design process and supported to create something truly unique. The workshop is open to 12–24-year-olds and bookings are essential. Follow the link on their Instagram page, @creative. kooks.

Adventure, creativity and connection

At SENTRAL Youth Services, young people have the opportunity to unleash creativity and embrace new challenges in a supportive environment. This autumn, they’re offering a mix of adventure, creative and social activities, including Dungeons & Dragons sessions, the Amplify Music Festival, plus Flip Out and bouldering excursions. sentral.kiama.nsw.gov.au

The rise of garden glamping

Thanks to rising petrol prices, staycations are more popular than ever. Don’t have a tent? No problem — just call on the neighbours. Kiama is home to plenty of adventureloving locals with garages full of camping gear, often gathering dust. Put a call-out to your neighbours or post on the Kiama Community

Facebook page to borrow or buy second-hand gear.

Anaconda in Albion Park also has swags on sale.

Kiama Farmers’ Market

Always a highlight of the holidays for locals and visitors alike, Kiama Farmers’ Market continues to bring fun and locally sourced produce to families. It’s also a great place for budding young entrepreneurs to get a taste of retail life — look out for six-year-old Elli selling dried limes from his grandparents’ garden, alongside the children of local farmers helping run the stalls. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Wednesday, 1 April, for their annual Easter egg ‘spud’ hunt.

From Lego to miniature castles

Head to Kiama and Gerringong Libraries for a range of fun holiday activities, including superhero crafts, art workshops, miniature castles, keepsake boxes and more. A highlight is the ‘Under the Sea’ family Lego challenge. All you need is a base plate and a handful of bricks — make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. Your imagination is the only limit! library.kiama.nsw.gov.au

Paint and Plant

At Burnetts on Barney Street on 16 April, little gardeners can paint their very own terracotta pot, adding colourful designs and heartfelt messages for Mum, Grandma or someone special. Once their masterpiece is complete, they’ll plant beautiful in-season blooms to take home — perfect for gifting or growing together. burnettsonbarney.com.au

Become a bush ranger

Unleash your inner ranger at a magical National Park, practically on your doorstep. Young people, aged 5 to 15, can become a junior ranger during the school holidays at Minnamurra Rainforest. They’ll learn hands-on bush survival and safety skills on this guided tour at Budderoo National Park. Bookings now open for April 10. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Kiama Lions clean up police station

Aonce-beautiful Kiama property, now marked by damage and decay, is being brought back into focus through a clean-up effort led by the Kiama Lions Club.

This historic building, originally built in 1863 as a police officer residence, is located next to the current Police Station in Kiama, and has been left unused for more than a decade.

What started as a smallscale effort has quickly evolved into a hands-on response, with volunteers working to clear debris, tackle overgrowth, and raise awareness about the property’s deteriorating condition.

This is not the first time the club has stepped in. The group had previously spent two days clearing the site just a couple of months ago, but

says the pace of deterioration since then has been striking. What began as a short-term clean-up has revealed a much larger, ongoing issue.

Members of the club documented the property's condition, noting broken doors and windows, holes in the roof, and signs of a break-in that occurred earlier this year. Water damage has spread throughout the interior, with sections of flooring now unstable and parts of the structure weakened.

Despite its current state, the home’s original character is still evident. High ceilings, arched features, and detailed timber mouldings hint at what one volunteer described as “a magnificent home,” now left vulnerable to the elements and vandalism.

For those involved, the motivation is straightforward:

to bring visibility to a problem that might otherwise go unnoticed. Their work has already made a visible difference, but they acknowledge that much more remains to be done.

There are early discussions about the next steps, including stripping out damaged materials and sourcing quotes for more extensive restoration. However, any long-term solution will depend on wider support and coordination.

For now, the effort stands as more than just a cleanup. It reflects a community stepping in where action has stalled, and it leaves an open question: how does a home with such clear potential reach this level of neglect, and who will ultimately take responsibility for its future that seems to be managed by volunteers?

Tuned In: KCR Voices, Music, Stories: Welcome to KCR

KCR was built on a simple goal: keep the community connected. Today, that goal is still at the heart of everything we do, just on a much bigger scale.

We offer a diverse range of programmes, from smooth jazz and soulful blues to the unexpected sounds of Mad’s eclectic playlists. Beyond the music, you’ll discover local interviews; storytelling; and community-driven shows like Grow and Sow, where gardening, sustainability, and local voices come to life. With a line-up of specialist music, talk-based shows and creative mixes, KCR reflects the spirit of our region: creative, passionate, and proudly local.

warmth, energy, and authenticity every time they go to air – and nowhere is that more evident than in the mornings.

Start your day with the KCR

Join Felicity, Jason, Gabriela, Peter, Lee and Glenn as they ease you into the day with:

• Music to get you moving

• Local news and what’s happening around Kiama

Breakfast Show, weekdays 7–9am

• A few laughs along the way

• Conversations, community voices, and the occasional surprise

Whether you’re heading out the door, walking the dog, or enjoying that first coffee… they’ve got your morning sorted.

Have you tuned in yet?

We stream 24/7 — join us at kcr.org.au or your favourite app store. KCR — local voices, great music, and stories worth sharing.

Behind the magic is a growing team of presenters and volunteers who bring

Sculpture walk back

The Bugle

As part of the annual Kiama Winter Street

Festival, the Kiama Sculpture Walk will enrich the town centre once more from April until July.

Thanks to ARTPark Australia, residents and visitors to our town will be able to explore amazing, diverse and unique outdoor sculptures from Hindmarsh Park to Kiama Harbour.

Leading Australian artists have created beautiful sculptures for Kiama’s gardens and public spaces, mixing passion for contemporary structures with bronze, stainless and Corten Steel.

Among the artists who will be featured are Jimmy Rix, Margaret Sheridan, Tobias Bennett, Sam Hopkins, Charles Blackman, Phillip Piperidis and Wayne Smith.

Kiama Mayor Cameron

McDonald was thrilled with the success of last year’s inaugural Sculpture Walk in bringing an extra touch of artistic flair to the town centre.

“It was fantastic to see so many wonderfully creative sculptures dotted around our town last year and I look forward to seeing what the amazing artists have in store for us in 2026,” he says.

This year’s Sculpture Walk, which runs from 10 April until 17 July, offers yet another reason for visitors and locals to enjoy Kiama’s natural beauty.

Kiama Council thanks NSW Government for supporting Kiama Winter Street Festival (including the Kiama Sculpture Walk), through the Transport NSW Open Streets Program 2025 – 2028, enhancing vibrancy and public space activations.

To find out more about the sculptures and artists visit artpark.com.au.

Myah Garza

Kiama resident and Gerringong Medical Centre GP Dr Jackie Sloan has completed a gruelling eight-day Tour de Cure cycling challenge from Canberra to Hobart, raising $25,000 for cancer research.

The event — which has the tagline “moving towards a cancer-free future”took riders through the Snowy Mountains, along the Great Ocean Road and into Tasmania, finishing in Hobart. Dr Sloan was motivated by both her personal and professional experience with cancer.

“As soon as I saw Tour de Cure was celebrating it's 20th

year, I knew I had to sign up and do the ride,” she says.

“Cancer has affected so many people in my family, including myself.”

Dr Sloan was first diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago, and again six years later.

More recently, her sister Stacee has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is preparing to begin treatment.

She also rode in memory of her father, Charlie, who died from lymphoma 12 years ago, and her aunt Dotty, who passed away in August after living with pancreatic cancer.

“As a GP, I am supporting my patients navigate their challenging cancer journey every day,” she says.

“I want to contribute towards the vital funds needed

Cycling to a cancer free future

to help medical research find a cure for cancer, improve early detection, treatment, and survival rates.”

Dr Sloan trained for 12 months in preparation for the ride, balancing the commitment alongside her work and family life.

At the finish line in Hobart, she was met by her family.

“I had my beautiful family waiting there for me with amazing signs,” Dr Sloan says.

Her experience was shaped by the people involved as much as the physical challenge.

“The Tour de Cure organisation is a wonderful group of people who all have their own cancer stories and are passionate about this cause,” she explains.

During the tour, riders also heard from researchers whose work is supported through fundraising efforts, including a Hobart-based PhD student studying metastatic prostate cancer.

Dr Sloan says reaching the $25,000 fundraising milestone – surpassing her $15,000 goal – was made possible by her supporters and thanked them for helping contribute to cancer research funding.

“I am so grateful for everyone’s donations and messages,” she says.

“So many people donated while I was on the tour.”

After completing the eightday ride from Canberra to Hobart, she is now taking some to rest.

“We’re still waiting for him to come home.”

Six years after six lives were lost, mental health experts have a message for Kiama families

Danielle Woolage

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, headspace, the nation’s leading youth mental health support service, released a report into the impact of isolation and lockdowns on young people.

Three quarters of participants reported a significant deterioration in mental wellbeing just six months after lockdowns began, with more than a quarter saying their mental health was “a lot worse”.

During lockdown in 2020, six young people across the Kiama LGA died by suicide. It brought residents of Gerringong, Jamberoo and Kiama - towns known for their strong connections - to their knees.

The devastation and shock touched every single member of the close-knit communities.

Despite the unimaginable grief of families and friends, the tight-knit townsfolk did what they do best; came together to support each other.

Gerringong locals Bob Henderson and Shane Wicks, a former paramedic, started Gezza Cares a communityled networking group that, five years later, continues to advocate for better mental health support services, suicide prevention training and support for young people on the South Coast.

One of Gezza Cares most well-known initiatives included turning the towns of Gerringong, Kiama and Jamberoo yellow, with ribbons adorning trees, fixtures and

landmarks throughout the towns.

Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, whose son Sam was one of the young people who died by suicide in 2020, says seeing the sea of yellow ribbons and feeling the community connection and outpouring of love amongst the grief was “a moment of light amongst the darkness”.

It is a darkness that continues to “slam into her chest, taking her breath away” at any given moment; when she sees a young boy in an Akubra, Sam’s favourite hat, or a lanky kid running full tilt with a footy tucked under his arm.

“We still expect him to come barrelling through the back door, with his dog red by his side, a cheeky grin on his face,” says his father Dean.

“Why he chose the path he did is something we will grapple with for the rest of our lives. It’s an impossible task to try to understand why and to find the answers that help.”

Each year the family hosts a charity golf day - the Sam Matters Cup - at Gerringong. It’s a way to try and heal, by coming together with the community that continues to support them through their ongoing grief.

Now in its fifth year the event also raises fundsmore than $100,000 so far - for youth development programs at Nowra PCYC and a mentoring initiative through the Building Young Men Program in partnership with Kiama High School.

“Every day we will continue to remember and honour

him and do everything in our power to stop the heartbreak happening to another family,” says Melissa.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative says 55 lives are lost to suicide each year in Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong, based on a five-year average, with NSW Health data finding suicide rates in the region are higher than national and state averages.

More than a third of those who die by suicide in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven do not have a mental health diagnosis and three out of four deaths are male.

Headspace National Clinical Advisor Caroline Thain says the causes of suicide are complex and almost always the result of multiple interacting factors, including mental health, family relationships, stress, economic pressure, and broader social conditions.

It’s due to this complexity that many people who have lost a loved one to suicide report that “they never saw the signs”, explains Ms Thain.

“When we hear family and friends say: ‘If only I'd known or I wish they'd said something,’ I try and gently remind people that suicide is complex. There are multiple variables and intersecting elements, it's rarely one single cause.”

After the string of suicides, a working group, which included Gezza Cares, Kiama High School and the Illawarra, Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative, began lobbying for a

headspace service in Kiama.

Headspace Kiama’s Terralong Street office opened in 2024, providing free and confidential mental health and wellbeing services for those aged 12 to 25.

“One of the most important messages we want to send to young people is that you don’t have to have a diagnosed mental illness to reach out and get support from headspace,” says Ms Thain.

“You don't have to be at crisis point to seek help, we want to be able to support young people in the early stages by starting the conversation, wherever they are at, and being there for the duration.”

So how do we recognise when a young person is not okay? Changes in physical health can often be a key indicator that a young person is struggling.

“That might look like changes in sleep routines, changes in eating habits, perhaps a loss of interest in activities that they previously found enjoyable,” says Ms Thain.

“It might be that they are stepping out from friendships that they once lent into, losing their social connectedness and isolating themselves from loved ones.”

Ms Thain is a big believer in “mental health literacy”.

“Healthy conversations about emotions, feelings and wellbeing from a very young age, along with modelling

from caregivers, allows young people to talk about mental health later down the track when things might be challenging,” she says.

“It’s really important to normalise conversations about mental health in young people, it allows them to put their hand up and ask for help when they need it. We know that a young person doesn't exist on their own. Feeling connected in your community can definitely be protective for

is at pains to point out that narratives around young people not being resilient enough “derails the mental health conversation”.

“This generation, I would argue, is far more literate about wellbeing than any before them,” she says. “They are actually able to talk more easily about mental health and advocate for themselves.”

For support contact, headspace.org.au or LifeLine crisis support service on 13 11

Paranormal Down Under:

Spooky with a side of scepticism

Myah Garza

Anew Facebook group is inviting Illawarra locals to step beyond the ordinary and into the unexplained.

“The Illawarra Ghost Club,” a recently launched online community, is bringing together believers, sceptics and the simply curious to share ghost stories, debate theories and even take part in real-life investigations.

“Whether you're a seasoned paranormal investigator… or a sceptic who loves a good mystery, this is the place for you,” the Facebook group’s description reads.

It promises a “supportive community” where members can swap eerie encounters, explore local history and discuss everything from UFOs to cryptids.

For Kiama local Darren Parlett, the group has already opened the door to a chilling new experience.

Just weeks ago, Parlett attended a paranormal investigation prompted by The Ghost Club at the historic Berry School of Arts – a building that dates back to the late 1800s and has served as everything from a library to a dance hall.

By day, it’s a charming heritage site. By night, according to investigators, it’s something else entirely.

“This was my first time with this group, and they were very down-to-earth people,” Parlett says. “They give you the whole history of the place – it goes back to the 1800s – and then you do these experiments.”

Those experiments included “spirit box” sessions, where participants listen to white noise through headphones while others ask questions, hoping for responses from beyond.

“In one session, people on stage were saying words that matched the questions we were asking,” he says. “That was pretty wild.”

But it was the quieter moments that proved most unsettling.

“We were all downstairs… and we could hear bumping noises upstairs – in locked rooms,” Parlett said.

Then came something harder to explain.

“Something tugged my shirt. I lifted my blindfold and there was no one there,” he claims. “Then it touched my arm… and even pulled at the hairs on my legs.”

Others in the group reported hearing a child’s voice and seeing unexplained lights and “orbs” moving through the building.

“It’s not like The Conjuring. It’s more subtle,” he says. “But still very, very interesting.”

The Illawarra Ghost Club group also aims to connect these experiences with local

history – including the darker aspects often left out of official records.

“Paranormal activity is often tied to a location’s past,” the group states, encouraging members to explore the region’s “rich and sometimes dark history.”

Interest in investigations appears to be growing, with events across the region — from Berry to Wollongong and Nowra – quickly selling out.

For those keen to see it for themselves, the next opportunity is just around the corner.

A paranormal investigation at the Old Bulli Council Chambers – now the Bulli Community Centre – is set for Saturday, May 16 from 8pm to 10pm.

Hosted by Most Haunted Ghost Tours, the event promises a deep dive into one of the region’s historic sites, once the centre of authority for northern Illawarra before council amalgamations in 1947.

Organisers say the night will focus on “serious, respectful research” into the building’s past, using a technical, witness-based approach to explore reports of unexplained activity within its walls.

Whether you’re a firm believer or just curious, it may be the perfect place to decide for yourself.

Kiss goes analogue

to spend some time off their devices and away from the news headlines.

On the back of a trimmed back

Sounds of Jazz & Blues festival, KISS Arts Fest is due to shake things up in Kiama from April 2426. The annual festival is a celebration of performance, laughter and play.

This year’s festival comes amidst the background of economic uncertainty. 2026 has already seen an array of festivals in NSW cancelled.

In addition to the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival other cancelled NSW festivals include, Bluesfest in Byron Bay, SXSW, Sydney, Changing Tides Festival also from Kiama and Streets Alive in Brunswick Heads.

KISS Arts Fest organiser Tamara Campbell attributes KISS’ ability to survive difficult economic times to community support.

“With so many events being cancelled [due to] the sheer cost of them or they've been bought out by overseas conglomerates, I feel it’s really well supported in the community. Everyone can attend, there's no barrier around money,” she says.

This year, KISS is leaning into the analogue trend.

KISS Arts Fest and Kiama Unplugged are collaborating to create KISS My Play, which will involve a tent where people will be encouraged

Festival goers will have the opportunity to take part in various interactive activities such as creating a board game.

Creator of Kiama Unplugged, Jane Bourne, notes that they are still waiting on funding to complete the planning.

“We are applying for a grant so we don’t know exactly what it will look like,” she says.

The pair aim to turn KISS My Play into a larger festival of play in the future, however, accessing arts grants has become increasingly competitive.

“We had a great relationship with Arts Australia but then Kiama became a major city with

the purposes of funding and [the] Australian bureau of statistics. So our budget has halved since we lost that funding,” Campbell says.

Kiama sits close to larger urban centres like Wollongong and Sydney, so it can fall into a metropolitan category despite its regional identity. This means local artists and organisations may miss out on regionalonly funding or be pushed into more competitive pools, effectively reducing their access to grants.

Because KISS Arts Fest is a free festival, organisers have to raise money every year which is no small feat.

“It’s not about being able to prove it works, it's either people don’t have money to give and these days arts funding is so incredibly competitive,” Campbell says.

Despite the funding challenges that the festival faces, Campbell feels that the world needs a festival like KISS now more than ever.

“I think when people go and do these kinds of things and connect with each other and connect with their sense of play and creativity and their joy, it’s one of the things that makes the world a better place for sure. I feel very passionate about that,” she says.

For more information about this year’s festival: kissartsfest.com.au

what’s on?

TEMPEST Exhibition by Mikey Freedom

Fri 27 Mar-Sat 2 May, 10am

7 Marks Gallery, Kiama Art Exhibition by Mikey

Freedom

SurfLife Music Festival

Sat 28 Mar, from 11am

Gerringong Town Hall

Jam packed with live music starting at midday and into the night

SONIDO

Sun 29 Mar, 2:30pm

Gerringong Town Hall

Live music blending Latin roots with Sydney sounds.

Easter Family Fun Day

Sun 29 Mar, 2pm Club Jamberoo

Lineup of fun waiting a special visit from the Easter Bunny

Jamberoo Village Markets

Sun 29 Mar, 9am-1pm

Reid Park, Jamberoo

A variety of stalls with arts and crafts, sourdough, cakes, jewellery, collectables, books, toys, plants, fruit, live music, and more.

Youth Art and Design Exhibition

Wed 1 Apr- Thu 30 Apr

Shellharbour Civic Centre

showcasing some amazing artworks by young local artists to celebrate Youth Week 2026

Kiama Sculpture Walk

Thu 2 Apr- 18 Jul

Kiama

Experience the wonderment created by Australian sculptors for gardens and public spaces

Holy Thursday

Thu 2 Apr, 7pm

St Peter and Paul Church, Kiama

1 hour of Adoration after Mass

Kiama Seaside Markets-

Easter

Fri 3 Apr, 9am-3pm Black Beach, Kiama

Good Friday markets with over 100 stores

Kiama Baptist Church

Easter Services

Fri 3 Apr-Sun 5 Apr, 9am

Kiama Baptist Church

Stations of the Cross Services

Fri 3 Apr- Sun 5 Apr, 10am

Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong Kids Stations

Gerringong Anglican

Church Easter Services

Fri 3 Apr- Sun 5 Apr, 9am

Gerringong Anglican Church

Jamberoo Anglican

Church's Easter Services

Fri 3 Apr- Sun 5 Apr, 9am

Jamberoo Anglican Church

Kiama Presbyterian

Church Easter Services

Fri 3 Apr- Sun 5 Apr, 9am

Kiama Presbyterian Church

Easter Vigil

Sat 4 Apr, 7:30pm

St Peter and Paul Church, Kiama

Please bring a torch or electric candle

St Peter and Paul Church

Mass

Sun 5 Apr, 7:30am and 9:30am

St Peter and Paul Church,

Kiama

St Mary Star of the Sea Church Mass

Sun 5 Apr, 9:30am

St Mary Star of the Sea Church, Gerringong

St Matthew's Church Mass

Sun 5 Apr, 9:30am

St Matthew's Church, Jamberoo

Easter Sunday at Yves

Social

Sun 5 Apr, 12:30pm-3:30pm Yves Social, Kiama

Free kids activities, visit from the Easter Bunny. Easter inspired cocktails and live DJ for adults

Easter in the Village of Robertson

Sun 5 Apr, 10am-2pm

Robertson

Browse the market stalls, grab some food and meet Benny the Bunny

IMAGINE LIVE

Wed 8 Apr, 10:30am & 12:30pm

Shoalhaven Visitors Centre

Combining live action and animation with digital puppetry in a large-scale, multi-screen performance Drop In Art Play

Thu 9 Apr-Tue 14 Apr, 9am

Joyce Wheatley Building, Kiama

A Simple Concept = Drop in - stay for a while, paint what you'd like.

Comedy for a Cause

Thu 9 Apr, 7pm-9pm Kiama Leagues Club Best comedians from Australia in comedy show hosted by Kiama Lions Club

The Joy of Renewal: Recycled paper Creation

Sat 11 Apr. 10am

Jazz, graffiti and Shakespeare inspire new exhibition, Tempest

Lleyton Hughes

Kiama artist Mikey Freedom will open his new exhibition Tempest at Sevenmarks Art Gallery on March 27 – a project he says has been developing over decades.

“Tempest has been forming over decades, not in studio however, but more as a consequence of life,” says Freedom.

“I guess it’s reflective of when a series of events in one’s life pile up, it can take a toll. These experiences I could no longer simply walk stoically through - I had to exorcise it, address it in my art. Though it’s very layered, it’s not one thing, it’s many.”

The exhibition draws on a range of fascinating influences - some you may not have thought fit together - including Sydney’s 1980s graffiti culture, jazz, and William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. For graffiti culture, Freedom

said he was more inspired by the act and environment of the artform.

“Imagine young teenagers fixated on developing their own knowledge in colour theory, grasping the elements of design, though under cover of night. It existed outside permission, outside institutions. It was about reputation, repetition, and risk,” he says.

“Also, it’s a realm of art that was constantly under scrutiny, critique and praise by the ones doing it. Most artists couldn’t endure this type of schooling. That sensibility still underpins a lot of what I do - the idea that you build your own language and place it into the world without waiting for validation.”

Freedom said the title Tempest came first, before he began connecting the work to Shakespeare’s play. He initially saw it as a word that reflected how he was feeling, before being influenced by Miranda, the young

it’s more than just an artistic hobby

Shellharbour Civic Centre

Weave, fold, and sculpt recycled magazine pages into fresh new forms, guided by Michelle Springett Workshop with John Gabriele: Pests, Diseases and Disorders

Sat 11 Apr, 11am-1pm

Burnetts on Barney, Kiama Workshop that will help you protect your plants and keep your garden thriving. Jamberoo Anzac Service

Sat 18 Apr, 10:30am Jamberoo Community Hall Service and march, followed by morning tea

The Enchanted Forest - In Bloom

Tue 24 Apr-Sun 17 May, 6pm Blackbutt Forest Reserve

Transform the forest into a luminous, immersive journey of light, colour and sound

ANZAC Kiama Dawn Service

Wed 25 Apr, 5:30am Blowhole Point, Kiama

Kiama-Jamberoo RSL SubBranch conducting an Anzac Day Dawn Service

ANZAC Day Kiama Main service

Wed 25 Apr, 10:45am Kiama Council Chambers Parade from Council

Chambers to Collins Street

ANZAC Day at Club

Jamberoo

Wed 25 Apr, 2pm

daughter in the play.

“The exhibition isn’t an adaptation [of the play] though,” he says. “Tempest is a wide gate, so I began to see The Tempest as a device in interpolation - and strongly within my two installations within the show. Though my love for jazz made it make sense, it became a parallel structure, if you will.”

The exhibition runs from March 27 to May 2, with an opening reception on Saturday, March 28.

Kiama Creative Crafts Kiama Creative Crafts

Join us for a morning of socialisation and crafts

Every Monday Every Monday

9am-11:30am at kiama uniting church

Farm with Leanne and Ellie, who have the glorious job of looking after this beautiful cut flower farm, and one of the key components here are the dahlias.

Walking through a beautiful bed of them, different shapes, different colours, I had to ask, what’s the trick to getting them to look so good and vibrant?

Leanne and Ellie don’t hesitate, dahlias are big, hungry eaters. They need rich feeding to thrive. We’re talking natural fertilisers like cow manure, the kind that really pushes strong, healthy growth. And just as important is water. With so many stems in each plant, there’s a lot of demand. These are thirsty growers.

Then there’s structure, and this is where a lot of home gardeners go wrong.

Out here, even a simple upside down tomato stake frame is doing a critical job. As Ellie explains, dahlia stems are moisture heavy, so when wind hits or those big flower heads develop, they can snap easily. Anything left unsupported quickly shows damage.

Dahlia knowhow from Rosebud Farm

For the larger varieties, Leanne and Ellie use proper mesh framing, double layered at knee and waist height, to keep stems upright and produce strong, straight flowers. It’s advice they say home gardeners should absolutely follow, use some sort of frame.

A great tip I’ve used myself is to paint the frame black. It blends straight into the garden and you don’t even notice it.

We also got onto the question of lifting tubers, something that divides gardeners.

On this farm, most dahlias stay right where they are. As Leanne explains, lifting is a big process, digging, dividing, drying and storing, and when you’re working at scale it takes serious time and space. For many varieties, it’s simply not worth it.

Ellie adds that in a temperate climate like this, there’s no real need. Without cold, wet winters, the tubers are perfectly fine in the ground. It’s that combination of cold and moisture that causes problems elsewhere, turning tubers to mush.

If you’re unsure at home, their advice is simple, protect rather than lift. A layer of

mulch, straw or woodchip, can help tuck them in over winter without all the extra work.

Right now, heading into autumn, there’s another key moment to watch for. Flowering slows, foliage starts to decline, that’s your cue. On the farm, they even prune plants back in stages to encourage dormancy and help tubers store energy for the next season.

And one thing is clear from both Leanne and Ellie, dahlias need heat. Without those hot, sunny days, they won’t flourish or produce those standout blooms.

But when they do, the payoff is huge.

From dinner plate sized flowers down to tight pom poms, the range is extraordinary. The colours and the forms make it a living piece of artwork. And for cut flower growers, they are indispensable, reliable, versatile and always in demand.

So if you’re after something that truly pops in your garden, dahlias are hard to beat.

Thanks to Leanne and Ellie at Rosebud Farm for sharing their knowledge and for being featured this week.

Still competing,

Knights to kick off annual Interclub Challenge

Lleyton Hughes

The Kiama Knights

still winning

Lleyton Hughes

Over 75 and ranked third in Australia. Vet-

eran Kiama table tennis player Joylene Morgan claimed a bronze medal in the Australian Veterans Table Tennis Championships back in October - continuing a remarkable career spanning more than three decades now.

Morgan delivered one of her strongest performances yet at the championships, defeating two former Australian champions on her way to a semi-final finish - and she was playing in the over 70s age bracket, an age below her own.

“I played really well. I outdid my expectations,” Morgan said. “I beat two Australian champions - one of them twice - so I was pretty rapt about that.”

Morgan eventually fell to the New Zealand champion in the semi-final, securing third place in the national competition.

The result adds to an already decorated career that began in the early 1990s, when Morgan first earned selection in the New South Wales veterans team after being encouraged by a leading Australian player at a tournament in Wagga Wagga.

Since then, she has represented the state every year from 1991 through to 2025, while also competing extensively on the international stage.

Morgan has now travelled to the World Veterans Table Tennis Championships 12 times, competing across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have those opportunities,” she said.

While she has found consistent success in

doubles and mixed doubles throughout her career, Morgan said her recent singles result was particularly satisfying.

“I’ve only once received a silver medal in individuals before, so to come away with a bronze this time was really pleasing,” she said.

Now based in Kiama, Morgan remains a key figure at the local table tennis club, which has grown significantly during her time there.

“When I first started, we were trying to get 12 players,” she said. “Now we have around 140 members, which is just wonderful for the community.”

Morgan still plays regularly, balancing social competition locally with monthly trips to Sydney for higher-level matches.

Her longevity in the sport, she said, comes down to a combination of fitness, mindset and love of the game.

“I’m known for my tenacity - I never give up,” she said. “I’m consistent, I stay fit, and I just enjoy the challenge.”

That challenge, along with the social connections the sport provides, continues to drive her.

“I’ve made many friends not just here, but all over Australia and New Zealand,” she said. “It keeps you fit, it keeps your mind active, and there’s always something to improve.”

Morgan also credited her family for their ongoing support, with her son recently stepping in as her coach during the national championships.

It was the first time her family had been able to watch her compete at that level.

Looking ahead, Morgan hopes to continue competing for as long as her health allows.

“I’ve been very lucky with my health,” she said. “I just hope I can keep going.”

www.limebuildinggroup.com.au 042 2 043 258

first grade team will officially begin their campaign to go back-to-back as Group 7 Rugby League premiers when they face the Wests Devils in this year’s Interclub Challenge.

The Interclub Challenge is an annual pre-season event in which the winner of the Group 7 competition takes on the winner of the Illawarra competition.

The Knights have made few changes to their premiershipwinning roster, and fullback Brad Killmore is confident

where they left off.

“There’s a few changes within the squad, with a couple of boys leaving or playing rep footy,” said Killmore.

“But 90 per cent of the team is still the same as last year and looking very strong.”

The Knights were underdogs in 2025, having managed just three wins in 2024, and remained largely under the radar for most of the season.

Their grand final win against the Shellharbour Sharks was unexpected, but a key statistic from the match was that the Sharks were

minute.

Killmore said it’s this defensive strength he hopes will make them just as competitive in 2026.

“We had a defence-first mindset last year and it worked for us, so that’ll be our main focus for the game against Wests this weekend,” he said.

Their opponents this week, the Wests Devils, won the Illawarra competition grand final against Collegians in 2025. Killmore says that although it’s just a trial, the Knights will still be looking for a win.

“Obviously it’s the first

so the attack might be a bit clunky, but focusing on defence and the effort areas is most important to us,” he said.

“It is only a trial match, but it still means a great deal to the club and we want to represent Group 7 footy as best we can, so winning would be great.”

Along with a couple of new faces, the Knights also have a new co-coach, with last year’s coach Matt O’Brien joined by Steve Ross for 2026.

Action begins at Kiama Showground from 11am, with both Ladies League Tag and Reserve Grade playing before the first grade match. The Group 7 competition

Kiama Power

Lleyton Hughes

The Kiama Power AFL club has officially launched its 2026 season, celebrating a major milestone as the club enters its 25th year.

Held at the clubrooms at Bonaira Oval on Saturday night, the season launch brought together players, coaches and supporters from across both the men’s and women’s programs.

New women’s senior coach Anthony Grady said the night set the tone for what is shaping up to be a significant year for the club.

“It was a really good night to kick off what’s going to be our 25th season,” said Grady.

“It’s a big milestone for the Kiama Power and it was great to have both our men’s and women’s teams there.”

A key highlight for 2026 is the continued growth of the club’s women’s program, with Kiama set to field two women’s teams for the first time.

“We’ve grown this year to

launches its 25th year

two women’s teams, which is amazing,” Grady said.

“It’s great to see that growth across the club, but especially for women’s participation.”

The evening featured jersey presentations and addresses from coaches and club officials, while also reinforcing the strong community culture that underpins the club.

“We really value the social side of the club,” he said.

“We’re doing a good job of welcoming people in and making them feel like part of a second family.”

The 2026 season also brings changes in leadership, with new head coaches appointed across both programs.

Sean Byrne has stepped into the men’s senior coaching role after previously serving as assistant, while Grady takes over the women’s side.

Despite the change, Grady said continuity within the men’s program would remain a strength.

“Sean has pretty much owned the game plan over the last couple of years, so it’s been a seamless transition,” he said.

On the field, Kiama has enjoyed a strong pre-season.

The men’s team secured a dominant win over the Woden Blues, while the women impressed with a comprehensive victory

against the Wollongong Bulldogs.

“It’s been a really good preseason so far and there’s a lot of optimism around the club,” Grady said.

Both premier division men and women's teams were one off from a finals spot in 2025 so the focus for 2026 is clear - returning to finals contention.

“In terms of results, we want to be competing for a premiership,” Grady said. “But first, we have to make finals. That’s the biggest objective.”

Grady said building strong connections within the playing group would be key to achieving that goal.

“It’s a long season, so having that connection between players and supporters is really important,” he said.

“We think we’ve been building that well over the last couple of years, and now we’re starting to see it translate on the field.”

The Kiama Power will begin their season on April 11 with an away clash against the Wollongong Bulldogs.

SYDNEY FC COACHING CLINIC

Local Lens Belinda Doyle

Belinda Doyle is a South Coast photographer capturing the beauty of coastal life. Her work is inspired by early mornings, ocean swims, and the quiet moments that make this region so special.

Originally starting her creative journey in homewares, Belinda transitioned into photography full-time, with her images now featured in homes and spaces across Australia and beyond.

Her collection celebrates iconic South Coast locations, inviting you to Take a Trip to the Coast through each piece.

You can find Belinda’s work in-store at The Collective Beat in Kiama and Gerringong, as well as online at belindadoyle.com.au