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THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

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Welcome to The Bugle And the winner is … still neck and neck. As The Bugle went to print, the winner of the Council by-election was still to be announced after an incredibly close race. Our reporter Maria shares why, whatever the outcome, it was a win for the community. Elsewhere in our issue, we talk to Fillmores about their DA battle and the impact of grant cuts on Kiama’s arts scene. Meanwhile, the fireworks show will go on, as Council raises $100k to save the New Year Sky Show.

By-election photo-finish a win for Kiama

And it’s The Bugle’s pet special, dedicated to the local businesses keeping our furry friends happy and healthy. My fave article of the week? A look at the history of collectibles. It gave me a new perspective on the Ooshies cluttering up my house. Have something to share? Reach out at news@thebuglenews.com.au As always, thanks for being a part of our stories. @amy_molloy

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

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

ontrary to what Stevie Nicks sang, nobody wants a landslide. And fortunately for Kiama, that’s not what we got with the recent by-election. At the time of printing, official results are yet to be called, but candidates Michael Bowden and Uncle Stan Jarrett are both neck-andneck as we power towards the finish line. Which, for the local community and the very essence of democracy itself, is a capital W win. Despite complaints from some councillors and many locals about the cost of the by-election needed to fill the vacated seat of former Councillor Mike Cains, this was an important political race for Kiama. The worst possible version of this would have been no contest: one solo candidate who waltzes into the spot without challenge. That was very nearly the reality, with The Bugle having spoken with several members of the community who were considering running but chose not to. From charity organisers to busy mums, the potential pool of candidates could have been much larger. However, all were eventually reluctant for one reason or the other — except for the two final candidates. While TAFE teacher and prominent business owner Bowden – owner and operator of Cin Cin, amongst others – was standing solo for a time,

Uncle Stan’s last-minute addition to the ballot meant our town got a fair fight. Competition, frankly, is great for everyone. Views that may have been unchallenged now get examined and discussed. Issues candidates agree on now get strengthened as a priority. And most importantly, voters have an option to choose what the future of their town might look like and who they would like to see take it in that direction. Debate, discourse, and disagreement make everyone better, not just their political standing but potential policies they may be tweaked based on what is discussed. Having interviewed both candidates extensively in the lead up to the election, something that I noted was how badly Kiama could do with both men on council. They’re each extremely worthy, hardworking candidates who have deep ties to the community and seem outwardly motivated by what is genuinely best for this rapidly growing area. Critically, Uncle Stan’s candidacy is a refreshing reminder that Australia has a Blak history. It wasn't until 2021 that Councillor Stuart Larkins became the first Aboriginal person ever elected to the Kiama Municipal Council. Given that Kiama – in fact, the entire South Coast - has a rich Indigenous culture going back thousands of years, it’s no wonder that a large number of local residents from Indigenous

backgrounds have felt like their voices have largely gone unheard and un-platformed. A Gumbayngirr, Punthamarra, Dunghutti, Jerrinja and Gurrang Gurrang man who has played local footy and worked across Aboriginal Legal Service, Juvenile Justice, NSW Local Courts, Corrective Services and Community Corrections, Uncle Stan is a reminder to everyone from diverse backgrounds that they too can get involved. As a journalist for over 20 years, something I’ve heard repeatedly is that local politics is boring. It doesn’t matter. It’s inconsequential. And something that I’ve come to understand as a journalist for over 20 years, is that few things could be more important. Having local councillors that represent a diversity of views and backgrounds means that the entire spectrum of a town gets a chance to see itself reflected in policy, in funding, in initiatives, in community outreach, in everything. At The Bugle, we’re inundated every day with letters and emails from those in the community fearful about what they see as Kiama’s commitment to development above all else, specifically luxury residences and boutique apartments unaffordable to most. A recent letter to the editor from 33-year old dad Phillip bemoaned the lack of options for youth in the area and how young, working class families “have no chance of having a future here”.

“We used to do karate in the community hall, now it hosts an old persons choir,” he wrote. “We used to see kids drinking and having fun at Tories, now it also hosts an old persons choir.” Better communication from council and transparency about budgetary issues is a subject that frequently takes over community Facebook pages and comments sections. The nighttime economy is something both candidates spoke about at length, a need for the town to have more options for locals and visitors once the sun goes down and our bustling cafes close their doors for the day. Local community groups and volunteer organisations being shut down due to funding cuts, the future of events such as KISS Arts Festival and our annual fireworks display being uncertain, even the safety of locals and visitors at local beaches being put under pressure due to ongoing tenancy disputes … all of that – and I do mean ALL – is why local politics matter. If we’re not paying attention to who is in power and what they do with that power, that’s how an ecological and cultural beauty like Kiama becomes the Gold Coast. This by-election is the cost of living in a democracy, with the passion and turn out for this campaign hopefully a sign of how increasingly engaged our community will continue to be with the next round of council elections in 2028.

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THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

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“It’s not just about us”: ‘

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Show th e m the mon ey!

Finding Fillmores’ fight for the arts

Funding boost for regional festivals O

Myah Garza

truggling arts groups, dust off those grant applications – a new round of federal funding is about to open for regional festivals and cultural events. The Australian Government’s Festivals Australia program is gearing up for its next round, offering a potential cash injection for arts and community groups with a big idea but a not-so-big budget. Around $1.4 million is distributed through the program each financial year to support arts projects at festivals and significant community celebrations in

regional and remote Australia. And there’s plenty of room to get creative. Funding can support everything from performances and workshops to exhibitions, installations and parades – provided the project gives community members a chance to get involved in or experience the arts. The timing could be particularly welcome for regional festivals and arts organisations feeling the pinch from rising costs and tighter funding pools. The previous round shared more than $730,000 between

25 projects across regional and remote Australia, supporting everything from live music to dance and community arts. Round 23 is expected to open in September, for projects starting from 1 February 2027. So, if your community group has been sitting on a brilliant idea waiting for the dollars to make it happen, now might be the time to dig it out. Full guidelines will be released when applications open. For more information, visit arts.gov.au/funding-andsupport/festivals-australia

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n Instagram, Kiama favourite Finding Fillmores describes itself as a “record bar / live music venue” – but it has been a journey to earn that description. After a very public fight with Kiama Council, Finding Fillmores finally had a development application approved in July 2026 to operate as a live music venue, after a lengthy back-andforth that led to a community campaign in support of the venue. For Morgan Lewis, owner of Fillmores, the DA was not simply about getting permission to play music. It was about changing what Fillmores was formally approved to be and allowing the business to grow. “I had to do the DA basically to change our label,” Lewis said. “I was a licensed cafe. I’m now going to be a licensed bar slash live music venue slash restaurant.” However, he explicitly rejected one particular label: “We will never operate as a nightclub.” Live music forms the backbone of Fillmores’ business. Under its previous 50-person capacity limit, the venue regularly sold out shows. Increasing that capacity, Lewis says, means more ticket sales and more money for performers. “When you’re selling out shows and there’s still plenty more room in the space, we should help them create a living from what they do so well,” he said. For Lewis, the aim is to create time and space for people to sit together. “We are music focused, we’re culturally focused,” Lewis said. “That has always been from the offset, the ambition to not put profitability before cultural experience.” “I think we’re all better

together,” he said. “Too often people have that kind of cutthroat mentality, but we should help each other.” With the DA approved, Lewis hopes the venue will be ready to take advantage of the warmer months. “We’ve just got to join the dots, just paperwork in the back end, and once we get all the ticks and the stamps, we’ll be excited for a jump in summer.” As part of the journey to get the DA approved, Finding Fillmores faced Kiama Council in Local Court over the breach of a Development Control Order. A $3,000 fine was imposed. Lewis claims his experience with Council felt “personal”, although he said he did not know why. But he does not want that feeling to become the full story. Instead, he wants the Fillmores case to showcase the struggles facing live music venues and businesses that support the arts. Becky Guggisberg, Morgan’s sister, has been part of Kiama’s cultural community for decades. President of the Jazz & Blues Festival, which is approaching its 40th year, she believes the festival’s history shows what can happen when a community and its local government invest in culture together. Guggisberg says the festival once received around $20,000 in Council support through an established arrangement. Later, organisers had to apply for funding each year, with the allocation eventually falling to about $7,000. “I don’t want to be too judgy about that because Council does have its own financial truth,” she said. But she believes the return is worth the investment. “The return on an investment like that is very, very good,” she said. The festival brings

people into town, uses local venues and businesses and creates opportunities for artists. Grants can also help emerging musicians, filmmakers and other local creatives get projects off the ground. For volunteers, however, applying for relatively small amounts can require a substantial investment of time. “It is days and weeks out of your life as a volunteer to try and apply for something that you may or may not get,” she said. Her frustration is not simply about losing money, but what the cuts say about the value placed on culture. “To cut funding on things that are fundamental, and that are important to the way our society functions just doesn’t feel right,” she said. Guggisberg points to the loss or decline of events including Changing Tides, Red Hot Summer and the former Kiama Food and Wine Festival. She is careful to acknowledge that not all of those changes can be blamed on Council, with rising costs making events increasingly difficult to stage. But the pattern concerns her. The people running festivals are volunteers. The people making music are independent artists. The people creating venues are small business owners. Guggisberg believes culture needs to be treated as something more fundamental than entertainment. “We have to accept that musicians deserve a livelihood,” she said. “And we have to accept that as a community, this is actually really healthy for us, to all be involved in something cultural.” Kiama Municipal Council voted on August 18, 2026, to cut $100,000 from its grants program due to a $4.6 million budget deficit.

THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

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Spring outlook shows bushfire risk increases as El Niño loads the dice ABC News

ears have been growing around what Australia's spring and summer will look like amid a strengthening El Niño. After historic fires marred Europe's summer, experts are cautioning against complacency ahead of Australia's warm season, with the fire risk increasing in most states and territories over the coming months. The Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) has released its latest seasonal outlook, which shows an increased risk of fire in areas across all jurisdictions, except for the ACT, this spring. The widespread impact is due to dry conditions in the country's east and increased fuel loads through parts of central and northern Australia. "The variety of risk factors across different regions reinforces the need for communities to understand their local conditions and prepare early," AFAC CEO Rob Webb said. "While some areas are facing an elevated risk of fire this spring, bushfires can still occur in regions with a normal seasonal outlook." Increased fuel loads have

elevated the fire risk across most of the Northern Territory, despite forecasts suggesting the region could see aboveaverage rainfall in spring. Rainfall is also expected to be higher than normal for most of Western Australia, but the fire risk is high in some areas due to aboveaverage fuel loads and dry soil conditions. Below-average rainfall has increased the bushfire risk across large parts of southern Victoria and eastern Tasmania, including Flinders Island. South-east Queensland, north-eastern New South Wales and north-west South Australia are also looking at an increased chance of fires. Fears have been growing around what Australia's spring and summer will look like

after the weather bureau's June declaration of an El Niño, which has the potential to become the strongest on record. El Niño is linked to reduced rainfall, particularly in eastern Australia, and increased temperatures, mainly across the country's south. It often helps load the dice for more extreme fire conditions, and past events have contributed to some of the country's hottest and driest years on record. But predicting what impact the climate pattern will have on Australia each year is notoriously difficult, because it is just one factor that influences weather conditions. There are other climate drivers, such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Southern Annular Mode

(SAM), that contribute. Local sea surface temperatures and natural weather variability also play a role. El Niño develops when ocean temperatures in the central Pacific are unusually high. The strength of El Niño, or why some reports have referred to it as a "super El Niño" this year, merely describes its signal, which so far has been off the charts compared to usual. [Nino 3.4 index]The last El Niño, in 2023-24, brought us the warmest winter–spring since records began in 1910. However it may impact rainfall is less clear. While rainfall was above average for parts of northern and central Australia last month, it was unusually dry

across much of the country's west and sections of the east. Temperatures were also warmer than average across most of the country, with that trend expected to continue throughout spring. Models suggest a positive IOD could emerge before spring, which could exacerbate the impacts of El Niño. A professor of pyrogeography and fire science at the University of Tasmania, David Bowman, said vegetation growth had been "prolific" in forests recovering from bushfires in 2019-20 and it would not take much for that to dry out. "There's a lot of water in the landscape, and that's resulted in a lot of productivity, a lot of fuel," he said. "If we were to go into a

summer under this El Niño where we had what we call flash droughts, which is really strong heatwaves, we can switch up landscapes into extraordinarily dangerous conditions. "In eastern Tasmania, there's been a very sustained drying trend. We have had water, but basically it won't take much to nudge landscapes back into a deep drought." Climate scientists have long warned that fire seasons across Australian states and territories will start earlier and persist longer due to climate change. Professor Bowman said the extra heat associated with climate change was dangerous when combined with El Niño. "Plants are very good at controlling their water use, but if you subject them to very strong heating, you can rapidly stress and dry out landscapes and make the landscapes available for high-intensity fires," he said. "My instinct would be to caution against complacency about particularly forest fires." Australia's fire season will follow a devastating summer across the northern hemisphere, marred by successive record-breaking heatwaves and extreme wildfires in Europe, the United States and Canada.

THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

Too close to call

he by-election for the last vacant seat on Kiama Council looks like it will produce a result close enough to where there will be humility from its winner and genuine respect for the candidate who falls narrowly short. As it currently stands, Stanley Jarrett has around 50.7 per cent of the formal vote, while Michael Bowden has received 49.3 per cent. The margin across 13,210 formal ballots is just 196 votes – one of the tightest results on record, and a clear sign that both candidates command substantial community support. The venue results reveal support for the candidates falls along geographical lines. Jarrett's advantage was built in the southern villages and coastal centres. At Gerringong Town Hall, he leads Bowden 962 votes to 420. He also carried Gerringong Uniting, 196 to 85, and Gerroa Neighbourhood Centre, 136 to 73. These are decisive, consistent margins pointing to strong grassroots support for Jarrett across Gerringong, where he lives and nearby Gerroa. Bowden's strength emerged elsewhere. He leads at Jamberoo Public School, 424 votes to 278; at North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, 511 to 304; and, narrowly, at Kiama Uniting, 1,066 to 1,036. He has also edged ahead at Minnamurra Public School, 402 to 387. Together, these results

show Bowden building a genuine base across the township, northern suburbs and hinterland in areas where different local priorities appear to have shaped how residents voted. The largest polling place in town was almost a dead heat: Jarrett polled 2,856 votes to Bowden's 2,795, a difference of just 61. Across all venues, ordinary votes gave Jarrett 6,196 to Bowden's 5,823 and a lead of 373 that formed the backbone of his overall result. Declaration votes tell a different story. Of the 1,191 formal declaration votes, Bowden received 684 to Jarrett's 507 and a lead of 177. That advantage was driven almost entirely by postal votes, which Bowden leads 634 to 456, more than offsetting Jarrett's narrow edge on enrolment votes. Even so, Jarrett's much larger ordinary-vote buffer from the venues was enough to preserve his lead once all votes have been tallied. If current trends persist, this vote will come down to the wire. But The Bugle’s View is that one thing will be clear. This was and will be, by any measure, a contest that reflects real credit on both Stanley Jarrett and Michael Bowden, and the Kiama community can be confident in either outcome. We will have to wait until Tuesday 8 September for the final declaration from the NSW Electoral Commission.

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Back with a bang:

Kiama’s New Year’s Eve fireworks will return Amy Molloy

iama’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks are officially back, with businesses and the community stepping up with generous sponsorship to help Kiama Municipal Council reach the $100,000 funding target needed to bring the Sky Show back this year. The milestone means Kiama will once again welcome the new year with fireworks over the harbour on 31 December, following the cancellation of the 2025 event due to financial constraints. Council committed $20,000 towards the 2026 celebrations and opened the opportunity for businesses and organisations to partner with the community to help bring the much-loved event back. In true Kiama spirit, they responded, with sponsorship, donations and pledges of support taking the campaign across its $100,000 target. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said reaching the target was a fantastic example of what could be achieved when Council, businesses and the community worked together. “This is the announcement I think a lot of people in our community have been

waiting for – the fireworks are back,” Mayor McDonald said. “We knew how much New Year’s Eve at Kiama Harbour meant to our community, but bringing it back required a different approach from all of us this time. “The response has been outstanding. This has been a genuine partnership with businesses and community. Council couldn't do it alone, and this support has made the return of the Sky Show possible. “To every business and organisation that backed the campaign – we say thank you. You’ve helped bring the bang back to Kiama and I can’t wait to see our community together at the harbour on New Year’s Eve.” Council’s Tourism & Economic Advisory Committee, chaired by Councillor Matt Brown, has helped drive the partnership approach behind the return of the event. “Thanks to the many local businesses and individuals who have made sure we have New Year’s Eve fireworks in Kiama,” Cr Brown said. “This is an important local cultural tradition that is being maintained by so many generous donors. “Locals and visitors look forward to this community

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event every year. In fact, it is the biggest community event in our calendar … by a long shot.” Kiama Liquor Accord ($5000), Kiama Accounting ($2500) and HSE Global ($2000) are the latest businesses to commit sponsorship, taking the fundraising total past the $100,000 mark. Major contributions include $19,000 from Traders in Purple and $10,000 each from Kiama Business Network and Cedar on Collins. South Break Media, The Sebel Kiama, One Fitness 24/7, Jamberoo Action Park and McMahon’s Transport have each contributed $5000, while Saltwater Kiama, Elite Energy and an anonymous donor have contributed $2000 each, with Tiny Tins pouring in $1000. Not everyone in Kiama, however, will be celebrating the return of the bang. The fireworks have previously attracted criticism from pet owners concerned about the distress loud explosions can cause animals, with some questioning whether a traditional fireworks display remains the best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Others have questioned whether the scale of the

fundraising effort highlights a bigger conversation about community priorities. With local businesses and organisations willing to contribute tens of thousands of dollars to bring the Sky Show back, some residents have argued that similar fundraising power could instead be directed towards community services facing financial pressure – including youth services at risk from Council budget cuts. For supporters, however, the fireworks are more than a few minutes of entertainment. The event draws locals and visitors into the town centre, supports hospitality and tourism businesses on one of the biggest nights of the year and, as Cr Brown described it, maintains an important local tradition. The debate leaves Kiama with a familiar question: when money is tight, what should a community choose to protect – essential services, major events, or somehow find room for both? All sponsorships are managed in accordance with Council policies and relevant probity requirements. Further details will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

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Pools, parking and tourism plans progress in Shellharbour

Belle Wood

hellharbour City Council has progressed plans for its public swimming pools, adopted a new parking strategy and agreed to place its long-term tourism plan on public exhibition. Councillors considered the three major communityfacing strategies at the ordinary meeting on 25 August, alongside decisions involving development, pesticide use and major road projects. The Shellharbour Aquatic Facilities Review will be placed on public exhibition before being finalised and implemented.

Council will also seek funding to deliver infrastructure upgrades at Oak Flats and Albion Park pools identified in the review. The Shellharbour Parking Strategy was unanimously adopted after being amended in response to submissions received during its public exhibition. Meanwhile, the Shellharbour Destination Management Plan 2025–2035 will be exhibited for 28 days. The plan will be adopted if no submissions are received that require further consideration by councillors. In one of the meeting’s few divided decisions, Council voted 7–2 against progressing

a planning proposal for 120 Yellow Rock Road, Tullimbar. The proposed amendment to the Shellharbour Local Environmental Plan sought to reduce the property’s minimum lot size and could have allowed the land to be subdivided into as many as 17 lots. The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will be advised that Council has resolved not to proceed with the proposal. Council also unanimously adopted its updated Pesticide Notification Plan, including longer notification periods before and after herbicide spraying. Residents will be advised of

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upcoming spraying programs through Council’s social media channels. Several decisions were made in connection with the Tripoli Way Extension and Albion Park Bypass project. Council approved the proposed sale of a section of North Macquarie Road at Calderwood to Stockland after the land is formally closed as a public road and classified as operational land. The sale price remains confidential, but proceeds will be directed towards the Tripoli Way Extension project. The tender for the project’s primary works package and two associated Albion Park land matters were also

listed for consideration in confidential session. Council agreed to publicly exhibit the proposed names “Thampa Creek” and “Thampa Reserve” for a creek and reserve at Albion Park. If no submissions are received that warrant reconsideration, the names will be adopted by Council and submitted to the NSW Geographical Names Board. Councillors voted 8–1 to rescind Council’s Community Donations and Sponsorship Policy. The meeting summary did not explain whether a replacement policy will be introduced or how future community funding and sponsorship requests will be

assessed. Other decisions included referring Council’s draft unaudited 2025–2026 financial statements for audit, noting the Strategic Projects Advocacy Plan 2026–2028 and receiving the fourth-quarter review of Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Council also approved the permanent closure of an unformed road adjoining 1459 Jamberoo Road, Albion Park. The land will be consolidated with the adjoining property before its previously authorised sale proceeds. A mayoral minute proposing a censure motion was withdrawn.

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Creativity for disability Maria Lewis

heir slogan is young people supporting young people. And on Friday, that’s exactly what happened as dozens came together at Movement Five’s Lake Illawarra HQ for a creative workshop led by Kiama muralist Samuel Hall. “Everyone at the start was pretty shy,” said Movement Five Director Kaela Asquith. “Just doing one little flower or something on the first roll of paper. “Then by the end, the second roll was full of people expressing themselves more and contributing to something that they love. “All of our clients find so much community in Movement Five, so when they get involved in being able

to create something just for them they love it.” Movement Five is a South Coast disability provider supporting people aged 1050 years old. Switching his chosen medium of spray paint for coloured markers, Hall helped clients and support workers collaborate together on designs that will become Movement’s new range of merch. For Hall, 33, who himself is an artist living and working with disability, it’s the first of what he hopes will be many more workshops for Movement Five that can introduce people to different creative mediums. “From my perspective, all I wanted to do was allow the clients - and support workers who joined in - to understand that there are no mistakes in art,” he told The Bugle.

“Self-expression comes from trying things and seeing what you enjoy. “I really saw such an improvement even from the first artworks they made to the ones closer to the end. “It's quite hard to comprehend that I'm now going to take their work and turn it into a design. “I think that's where the real pride will show, once they have something they can wear with artwork that they helped create.” From t-shirts to tote bags, Asquith said it was “very special” to watch everyone come together on the project with community and collaboration exactly what Movement Five is all about. “My husband and I were both teachers, so a lot of our focus is about the group and especially for younger people

living with disability, that’s such a big, important thing,” she told The Bugle. “We do groups, we do oneto-one support, we do respite camps, we do group gym sessions as well as working with a fair few personal trainer support workers and a lot of our weekly programs are fostered around that.” Having recently branched out into the therapy space now as well with mental wellbeing becoming a focus alongside physical and social wellbeing for their clients, Asquith said doing more creative workshops helps those who “crave connection”. “With everything we do, that’s at the front of our minds.” Initially starting in Kiama Downs back in 2020 and servicing clients from Wollongong to Nowra,

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Movement Five has now established two main bases with their Lake Illawarra HQ and Shoalhaven House. With around 180 participants and a staffing pool of 45 to 50 staff covering a range of areas, the group focus of their organisation has become more critical than ever with forthcoming NDIS cuts that “will affect everyone.” “They’ll cut community access, which is one of the main things we do,” she said. “But that’s also why we have the groups, as it becomes cheaper for people’s plans and helps our participants who want to chat with people, who want to get out there and communicate about all the cool things they’re up to.” For Hall, spreading the word is key: not just amongst other young people living and

working with disability at Movement Five, but for those in the wider community as well. “A lot of my rapid acceptance of my situation - if you could call it that - is based around gratitude and understanding of not only my situation, but others,” he said. “And to be able to give some sort of positive energy, love and care to others that may be less fortunate or less capable is really important for me to grow and be okay with myself. “Even though my health has taken a pretty big turn, it doesn't mean that I'm not still capable of great things, it just means I have to maybe take a different path. “And I figure why not try and bring others along for the ride. Rising tide lifts all boats, right?”

THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

BUSINESS www.thebuglenews.com.au

Life through a lens in Berry

any local patients will know Anja Oakford from her more than 20 years working in Kiama. Now happily settled at Rose Optometry in Berry, Anja is enjoying a new chapter with a family-owned and operated practice focused on personalised, patient-first care. With more than 35 years’ experience in optical dispensing and originally trained in Germany, Anja brings a wealth of knowledge and a real passion for eyewear. She particularly enjoys helping people find something that reflects their personality, whether that’s colourful, distinctive or a little different. Rose Optometry’s collection includes independent and designer brands such as

Silhouette, Face à Face, Etnia Barcelona and Maui Jim. Anja also works with precision-made Rodenstock lenses from Germany, combining advanced lens technology with careful frame selection and personalised dispensing. “I’m really enjoying being part of the team at Rose Optometry,” Anja says. “It’s a practice that genuinely puts the patient first, and I love having the time to work with people to find the right eyewear for them.” Anja works alongside optometrists Robert Rose and Anna Richter at a practice equipped with the latest technology, including wide-field retinal imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a 3D

scan of the eye. These technologies help the team detect, monitor and manage a range of eye conditions and changes to eye health. As a family-owned practice, Rose Optometry places a strong emphasis on personal service and taking the time to understand each patient’s individual needs — from their eye health and vision through to their lifestyle and choice of eyewear. For Anja, it may be a new location, but her approach remains the same: take the time to get the details right and help every patient find eyewear they can see and feel great in. Rose Optometry is located in Berry, just a short drive from Kiama.

Gerringong Box Divvy hub brings fresh food closer to home

Emily Crisp

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or Gerringong locals, the weekly grocery shop can often mean a drive to Bomaderry, Nowra or Shellharbour, but a growing community food hub is giving residents another option closer to home. Gerringong Box Divvy Hub coordinator Carolyn Alfano launched the local hub in October 2024 after hearing positive reports about the food distribution model from family in Canberra and discovering a hub was opening in Berry. “I saw an article online about a hub starting in Berry but didn't want to commute to Berry to pick up my groceries,” Carolyn said. “Then I heard rave reviews about the business from family in Canberra and simply decided that instead of waiting for a hub to come to Gerringong that I would start the Gerringong hub.” The decision appears to have struck a chord locally, with the hub quickly growing to 45 members. Box Divvy operates through community hubs and an online ordering system, connecting members more directly with farmers and suppliers by cutting out some of the traditional middlemen in the food supply chain. There is no fee to join and members choose what they want to order rather than receiving a pre-selected produce box. They have

three days each week to place their orders online before collecting their produce from the Gerringong hub two days later. Chilled items are delivered directly to members' homes on Saturdays. Carolyn said the convenience was particularly valuable in an area where many residents would otherwise travel outside Gerringong for a larger grocery shop. “Many people make the drive to Bomaderry, Nowra or Shellharbour for groceries and now they don't have to do that,” she said. “This means not only do they get fresher food but they save on fuel and time.” While fresh fruit and vegetables are a major part of Box Divvy, Carolyn said the range has expanded significantly to include eggs, dairy, meat, seafood, toilet paper, pasta and bakery products. One seemingly simple addition has been a particular hit in the Alfano household. “One item my family especially loves is the Lebanese bread because it is so fresh,” Carolyn said. “We could never get Lebanese bread so fresh this far from Sydney before.” For Carolyn, however, the hub has become about much more than groceries. Members regularly cross paths while collecting their orders, giving neighbours an opportunity to catch up, meet new people and help

each other by collecting orders for friends. The hub also regularly puts together a kindness box for a household in the local community, with members able to contribute groceries from their own orders or purchase something specifically to donate. “It has been lovely to see how members take items from their own boxes or order something specially for the kindness box,” Carolyn said. “This is just a small way in which the hub connects to the community.” Carolyn believes affordability remains important as households contend with higher grocery and fuel costs, but says members also value the freshness of the produce and knowing farmers receive a fairer price for what they grow. “Knowing this makes members feel like they are contributing to keeping our whole food system viable by supporting small farmers and keeping them in the business of growing fresh food for us to eat,” she said. For locals interested in trying Box Divvy, Carolyn said there is no membership fee and members are free to choose exactly what they order. Many begin with fruit and vegetables before exploring the growing range of meat, dairy, bakery and pantry products. To find a hub near you to join, visit Box Divvy online and select “Join a hub”.

THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

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Father’s Day South Coast style

Belle Wood

ather’s Day is just around the corner, so now is the time to make a plan for Dad - or the special father figure in your life. Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo offer plenty of ways to make the day memorable. Start with breakfast at a local café, enjoy a coastal walk or family picnic, book lunch at his favourite pub or restaurant, or gather everyone together for a

relaxed barbecue at home. For the outdoorsy dad, the day could include a swim, surf, fishing trip, round of golf or walk along one of our beautiful coastal tracks. If he prefers a slower pace, let him sleep in, take over the cooking and give him a day with nothing on the to-do list. If you’re searching for a gift, consider shopping locally and taking advantage of some great offers from our sponsors. Give Dad a day out

with an $89 Tasting Trails pass, featuring five wine tastings across the Southern Highlands to enjoy whenever he is ready - or, even better, share the experience with him. A unique, local, thriving business. For a little everyday luxury, local legend and owner of Nikki Lewis Skincare is offering 20 per cent off all products, plus a free foot cream when you purchase any two products.

You could also help Dad unwind at home with a locally hand-poured fragrance from Kiama Candle Co – made right here in Kiama - with 15 per cent off all candles and diffusers for Father’s Day. Other thoughtful local gift ideas might include a favourite bottle of wine, gourmet treats, a new book, outdoor gear, clothing, plants or a voucher for a meal, massage or experience. Shopping locally also means your Father’s

Day spending supports the businesses that help keep our towns vibrant. Of course, the best gifts do not always come in a box. A phone call, handwritten card, homemade breakfast or a few uninterrupted hours together may be what Dad appreciates most. For families remembering a father who is no longer with them, the day can also be an opportunity to share stories and celebrate treasured memories.

However you mark the occasion, make it personal and don’t leave the planning until the last minute! Would you like your business featured in one of The Bugle’s upcoming celebration editions? We offer special advertising opportunities across Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and other key occasions. Contact The Bugle to find out more. 0428 662 499

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Battery basics:

Between exchange and settlement

Free webinars for Kiama house holds

iama-based company The Energy Experts is hosting two Home Battery Storage Webinars on Tuesday, 1 September, helping local households get their heads around battery storage, available rebates and ways to reduce their electricity bills. The free 45-minute sessions will explain what to look for when buying a battery storage system, which of the three available battery rebates households may be eligible for, and how Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)

can improve the return on a battery investment. The webinars will also cover which battery brands are considered safe, efficient and reliable – and which to avoid – as well as details on the $15,000 NSW Government no-interest loan and new $4,000 pensioner rebate. Each session provides a simple, step-by-step guide to choosing the right battery size and type, alongside other energy-efficiency upgrades that could help households

There’s a mysterious six week window after a sale that many people don’t understand. The Bugle’s property expert Sam Scobie breaks it down.

move towards greater energy independence – and say goodbye to big electricity bills. The Energy Experts aims to make the increasingly complex world of home energy easier to understand, while giving households the information they need before investing in a system. Choose from two sessions: 10.30am–11.15am 7pm–7.45pm Reserve your place: theenergyexperts.com.au/ events

SOAK UP THE SUNSHINE WITH A HOME BATTERY

Once a contract is signed, most people assume the hard part is over. For the purchasers and owners it is only when a different kind of work starts. Between exchange and settlement day there's usually four to six weeks where not much seems to be happening from the outside but behind closed doors, they are having check-ins with their agent to make sure everything lines up for the day the keys actually change hands. For the vendor, that means the property needs to be in the same condition it was in when it sold, not just clean, but complete. If a fridge or a light fitting was included in the sale, it needs to still be there. If something was excluded, it needs to be gone. A house that's been lived in for years accumulates keys, items and spare parts like roof tiles and it's easy for a vendor to forget what was actually part of the

transaction. For the purchaser there's usually a final inspection in the days before settlement, a chance to walk through and confirm the property matches what they agreed to buy. My job as an agent is coordinating that, arranging access, being there for any questions, and flagging anything that needs sorting out before the day of settlement rather than a couple hours before. Most of the time it's

straightforward or there is nothing to be done. However occasionally something needs a phone call, a tradesperson, or a bit of patience from both sides. Regardless, the process remains seamless for everyone involved, ensuring the vendor and purchaser never need to manage these details directly. This coordination happens quietly in the background, long after the 'sold' sticker has gone up. This is paid content.

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A history of collectibles: The craze never changes

From supermarket craze to swap meet: Ooshies bring Kiama together Amy Molloy

Collectable cigarette cards in album 1910 Mark Emery

f the latest Ooshies craze has taught us anything, it’s that collecting can still cause chaos in the playground. Kids are swapping doubles, hunting down rare characters and desperately trying to complete their sets – while parents wonder what all the fuss is about. But there’s nothing particularly new about it. I was reading an article about the Woolworths Ooshies and the angst they’re apparently causing in some school playgrounds. It made me laugh, thinking about how many times this has happened over the past 100 years or so. My Auntie Ida lived at Beachlands, now Gerringong Golf Course, and when she was a little girl she collected cigarette cards. In those days, cigarettes didn’t come in the convenient packs they do now. You had tobacco and cigarette papers and rolled your own. To help sell the papers, companies would include a little card featuring sporting or military heroes, birds, ships and famous people. Confectionery companies got into the act too, and in 1948 Stamina Trousers released a

set of rugby league cards. Much later, bubblegum company Scanlens began including footy cards with its gum. The cards became so sought-after that kids would buy a pack, throw away the bubblegum and keep the cards. They’d take them to school and swap with friends for the ones they needed to complete a set. Eventually, the bubblegum disappeared. There were footy cards, but also sets featuring TV shows such as Combat!, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and The Munsters. Pop groups including The Monkees and The Beatles featured too. Overseas, baseball and basketball cards became hugely popular. But just about everybody got into the act – much like Woolies today. Twisties included a plastic rugby league medallion in every packet, and I made myself sick buying multiple packets trying to get a South Sydney one. I finally got one 50 years later. There were small cards in Weet-Bix and little toy cars and plastic toys in Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. Newspapers got involved too, offering

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Collectable cards 1960s supporters’ packs, posters and pins. One of my favourites, from about 1974, was a set of stickers featuring crazy, monster-like creatures driving insanely hotted-up cars with names such as “Chevy Killer”. Later, when I became a teacher and my own children were growing up, Tazos were popular. But one of the biggest collectables was Pokémon. I’m not sure whether the cards drove the TV show or the TV show drove the cards, but they became immensely popular. They also introduced the idea that some cards were rarer than others and therefore more valuable – a technique that continues across all kinds of collections today. You could buy protective sleeves and folders to keep them in. Newspapers were still in on the action, with badges, stickers and collectables tied to everything from sporting teams to Star Wars. McDonald’s has been relentless, too. Many children have gone to Maccas just so they could get the latest collectable with a Happy Meal. The value of collectables is another interesting part of the story. Having something in its

original wrapper or packaging certainly helps. Maybe a collection of Ooshies will be worth money in the future. I once heard a story about a lollipop lady who gave a collection of cards to a teacher, thinking some of his students might like them. The teacher realised some were valuable and offered to sell them for her. After some time, he called the lollipop lady into his room after school and proceeded to count out $5,000 in $50 notes. One person had paid $500 for a single card – a 1964 Scanlens Johnny Raper. The buyer later had Raper personally sign it and had it framed. He even sold an empty wrapper for $200. The lollipop lady used the money to get her children’s teeth straightened. So, will today’s Ooshies fund somebody’s dental work 50 years from now? Who knows. But one thing seems certain: long after Ooshies have disappeared from supermarket checkouts, another collectable will come along – and another generation of kids will be swapping them in the playground.

he latest Ooshie craze has taken an unexpectedly oldschool turn in Kiama, with locals using community groups to swap their doubles and track down the final characters missing from their collections. As the Woolworths Ooshies campaign comes to an end, there’s a catch for collectors still staring at gaps in their sets: you can’t simply head back through the checkout and hope for another one. The promotion has now closed, meaning no more Ooshies are being handed out with shopping – even if you wanted to spend more trying your luck. Instead, Kiama locals are turning to each other. Posts have begun popping up on the Kiama Community Facebook page, with residents listing the Ooshies they have spare and the elusive characters they’re still hunting for.

Families are arranging trades, turning doubles into bargaining chips and helping other local kids complete their collections. It’s a simple idea, but one that gives a refreshingly community-minded ending to what began as a major supermarket marketing campaign. It also takes some of the commercialisation out of the craze. There’s no incentive to put another few dollars in the trolley just to score another collectable – because that option no longer exists. Instead, the community page has become a digital version of the playground swap meets many parents will remember from childhood, with Facebook simply doing the matchmaking. The supermarket may have started the Ooshie frenzy, but Kiama’s swappers are writing its final chapter: less about spending, more about swapping – and perhaps even meeting a neighbour in the process.

THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

COMMUNITY www.thebuglenews.com.au

Wellness worth celebrating

Anne Doorn

Inside the healthiest celebration on the South Coast

he owners of Kiama’s Wellness & Recovery Haus hosted a celebration this week that was, fittingly, centred on feeling like your best self. A year after taking ownership of Wellness & Recovery Haus, Luke and Jordan threw open their doors – and invited the community to celebrate with them. The Kiama business held its Open Haus on Wednesday, 26 August, marking the couple's first anniversary with giveaways, special offers and an opportunity for people to explore the studio and its growing range of wellness and recovery services. For Luke and Jordan, reaching the milestone

is particularly significant after a year spent reshaping the former Coastal Float business and building their own relationship with the community. “The milestone is really big for us,” Luke said. The Open Haus was designed for existing clients and curious newcomers alike. The Haus now offers a broad mix of services, including magnesium float therapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge, massage, compression therapy, oxygen and hydrogen therapy, light therapies and contrast therapy. Congratulations to Luke and Jordan on a magnificent milestone.

Honoured for a lifetime of care

or 25 years, Anne Doorn helped make Blue Haven more than an aged-care facility — she helped make it a community. Now, her contribution has been recognised with Anne being named Kiama’s 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year. Anne was unable to receive the award at the recent Kiama citizenship and awards ceremony because, according to her daughter Justine DoornMcCormack, she did not receive a letter advising her of the honour. Justine nominated her mother in recognition of her service as Blue Haven’s Director of Nursing from 1979 until 2004. Known professionally by her maiden name, Anne Cleary, Anne joined the newly built Blue Haven in 1979 as deputy, a position then known as “senior sister”. Within six months, she stepped in when the matron became

unwell and was permanently appointed to the role in 1981. As terminology changed, she became Director of Nursing. At the time, Anne was raising four young children with her husband, who worked full-time for Youth and Community Services. “I look back now and think how rare it was for women at that time to work fulltime, let alone having the responsibility of being matron and having four children to care for,” Justine said. “She was never above helping and mixing with staff and residents, and she was truly loved for this.” During Anne’s 25 years at Blue Haven, aged care underwent significant changes, including new funding arrangements, auditing requirements and food-safety regulations. One development of which she was particularly proud was the opening of

a specialist dementia wing in 2002. Anne researched best-practice care for people living with dementia and suggested the new area be named the Mackellar wing, complementing the existing Lawson and Paterson wings. She also proposed and oversaw the creation of the Magnolia Room, a quiet space where residents nearing the end of their lives could be surrounded by family, away from the activity of the main nursing-home wings. Anne’s professional commitment to caring became deeply personal after her husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1991. She continued working while supporting him at home, later moving to four 10-hour working days so she could take him to medical appointments on Fridays. Anne retired from Blue Haven in 2004 to care for her husband as his condition

progressed. When he could no longer remain at home, he moved into Blue Haven in 2010. Anne continued supporting him there until his death in the Magnolia Room in 2012. For Justine, her mother’s award recognises not only a distinguished career but also the values that shaped it — dignity, empathy and a willingness to serve. By the time Anne retired, she appeared to know almost everyone in Kiama through her connections with Blue Haven. “She would often run into someone in the street and say to me later, ‘I nursed his mother’,” Justine recalled. For the many residents, families and staff whose lives she touched, Anne’s Senior Citizen of the Year award is recognition of a legacy of care extending across generations of the Kiama community.

T S E P P E E C L I G

Meet Gerringong Pet Accommodation Myah Garza

ucked away among the trees in Gerringong is a place where dogs get their own version of a holiday. Though located next to the exit onto Princes Highway, Gerringong Pet Accommodation offers plenty of open space to run, greenery to explore and, importantly, people who genuinely enjoy having animals around. What began in 2006 as a young family’s attempt at the rural dream has grown into a much-loved home away from home for four-legged visitors. Set on two acres at the entrance to Gerringong, Georgiana “Georgi” Bamfield’s pet accommodation is a world away from the typical image of a boarding kennel. There are sprawling gardens, mature trees, open space and plenty of room for dogs to explore, play and rest. The property has been

home to Georgi and her family for around 20 years, but its history goes back much further. It was established as a nursery around 50 years ago, explaining the abundance of established trees that now give the property its park-like setting. One of the buildings has an even older connection to Gerringong, having originally been the town’s Surf Life Saving Club shed before being relocated to the property more than 50 years ago. For Georgi, animals have always been part of life here. “We used to have a horse, a Shetland pony, ducks and chickens,” she said, “We would look after people's animals,” she said. Before turning her attention to pet care, Georgi was a high school teacher, specialising in food technology, agriculture and practical-based subjects at schools including Oak Flats High, Shoalhaven High and

Paws before you go:

Bomaderry High. The family’s passion for animals eventually evolved into a small business, with the pet hotel established in 2016. It began with dogs and has since grown to cater for both dogs and cats, offering boarding, daycare, grooming and a pet taxi service. “Some people need a pet taxi for medical reasons, because they don’t have enough cars, or simply because of logistics. They find it easier to have their dog picked up and dropped off. Some people also find it emotionally easier — they can put their dog into the car at home, and then we bring them here, rather than having to get to the gate and say goodbye.” There is even a wedding chaperone service in the works for couples who want their pets to be part of their big day. What makes the business particularly personal is the familiarity that comes with

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program, giving people the opportunity to spend time with the animals while helping with tasks such as walking dogs and cleaning. And the dogs themselves have their own personalities and social circles. Georgi laughs about “Silly Sausage Day”, when the property can be home to six to 10 dachshunds at once. “They're really moody…. really funny,” she said. Dogs are grouped according to their size and temperament, with larger and smaller dogs separated when necessary. For regular customers, the result is somewhere familiar, rather than simply somewhere to leave a pet. With so many returning customers, Georgi also makes an effort to leave room for the dogs she knows well. “Heaps of regulars,” she said, describing the growing number of families who return each time they need somewhere for their pets to

stay. That loyalty means the business isn't simply about filling beds. Georgi knows the dogs, their personalities and their individual needs, and tries to make sure there is space for her regulars when they need it. Georgi says more local people are now using boarding services, with pet accommodation becoming an increasingly accepted part of pet ownership. And while the business continues to expand its services, the setting remains at its heart: a leafy two-acre property where animals have space to be themselves, in good care. For the dogs and cats that arrive at Georgi’s pet hotel, it is a holiday. For their owners, it is the reassurance of knowing they are leaving them somewhere that feels a little like home.

Prep your pet for time apart By Georgiana Bamfield, Gerringong Pet Accommodation

ated dedic , m ffer a We o t-only roo mfort, co ca r l ned fo ividua desig , and ind calm care.

being a long-standing local operation. “We've even reached the point, because we've been operating for about 10 years now, that a lot of people's dogs have passed on,” Georgi said. “We've done a whole life cycle of dogs.” Some customers first arrived as young dogs and have continued coming back as they have aged, with their needs changing along the way. Puppies require plenty of attention and energy, while older dogs may need medication, eye treatments or even diabetic injections. The team has grown alongside those needs. What began with Georgi and her son has expanded to around eight staff, with animal studies and veterinary nursing qualifications among the team. “We try to have everyone with qualifications and experience,” Georgi said. There is also a volunteer

fter years of caring professionally for thousands of pets, I’ve learned that a little preparation can make a big difference when it comes time to leave your dog in someone else’s care. Whether you’re heading away on holiday or facing an unexpected stay in hospital, it’s worth thinking about pet care before you actually need it. 1. Deciding who will care for your pet. This might be a trusted family member or friend, a professional pet sitter in your home, or a sitter or boarding facility where your pet will stay. Whichever option you choose, look for someone

experienced and reliable. If using a professional pet carer, ask about their experience, insurance, ABN, references, pet first-aid knowledge and what happens if an unexpected situation arises. A meet-and-greet 2. is important. Let your pet meet their carer in advance and discuss feeding routines, medications, sleeping arrangements, house rules and any quirks your pet may have. 3. Be honest (really). About the good, the bad and the unusual. Does your dog dislike being touched in certain places? Are they nervous around other dogs? Do they have food aggression or particular sleeping habits? The more your carer knows, the better prepared they are. Have a test run. 4. If your dog will be staying away from home, consider a

trial visit before a longer stay. Even a day visit can help your dog become familiar with the carer and environment and can reduce anxiety for both of you. For longer stays, pack your dog’s usual food, particularly if they have a sensitive stomach or are fussy. Clearly label food and provide feeding instructions. Medications should be supplied in their original packaging with clear directions. 5. Pack for comfort. A familiar bed or blanket can also help, while an identification tag on your dog’s collar is important in case they ever escape. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and provide your emergency contact details and your veterinarian’s details. Keep it calm 6. and positive especially at dropoff.

Dogs are very good at picking up on our emotions, so if you are anxious, your dog may become unsettled too. Give them a reassuring goodbye, then leave confidently. It is completely normal to wonder how they are doing once you’re gone. A good pet carer should be happy to provide an update and, where appropriate, photos. Cats can be a little different. They generally prefer familiar surroundings and may be better off staying at home with someone visiting them, rather than being moved elsewhere. Unlike dogs, pre-visits and trial stays can sometimes be more unsettling for cats. The goal isn’t simply to find somewhere for your pet to stay. It’s to find care where they feel safe, comfortable and settled – allowing you to enjoy your time away knowing they are in good hands.

L A I C E P S T p14 E P E L G BU Duke’s story brings snake warning for local pet owners Myah Garza

hen Duke’s owners arrived home from work last week, they found their dog collapsed and unable to walk. The Minnamurra resident was rushed to Kiama Vet, where he was soon suffering uncontrollable seizures. At first, vets had little indication of what had caused the sudden and dramatic deterioration. “Obviously, we think about poisons,” Kiama Vet c0-owner Mark Booth said. “Snail bait is a definite toxin that’ll cause seizures. 1080 is something they use locally for foxes and can cause seizures as well.” Duke’s owners were sent home to carefully search their backyard for any possible toxins or poisons. Instead, they found something else — a dead red-bellied black snake. With the mystery revealed, the team at Kiama Vet treated Duke for snake envenomation before transferring him to an animal

referral hospital in Wollongong for overnight care. By the following morning, there was a happy ending. “He improved significantly through the night – he came back to our clinic the next morning and was 99 per cent fine,” Mr Booth said. “He was back to his usual self.” While snake bites are a regular concern for pet owners during spring and summer, Mr Booth said Duke’s case was unusual because it occurred during winter. This year’s relatively mild winter has meant snakes and ticks are becoming active earlier than usual. “We treat 10, 15, 20 dogs over a spring and summer period with snake envenomation, but it’s a bit unusual to see them in winter, particularly in a residential block,” he said. Mr Booth said pet owners should be particularly mindful if they keep birds or chickens, as spilled seed can attract rats and mice, which in turn can attract snakes. He also said the clinic sees a number of snake bite cases around properties near the train line.

For dog owners, the key message is to act quickly if a snake bite is suspected. “Snake bites are a real emergency,” Mr Booth said. “A snake bite in general is quite a sudden deterioration, so you probably need to act really rapidly if it is a snake bite.” Ticks are another concern as the weather warms. Mr Booth said prevention was the best protection against tick paralysis, with owners encouraged to use tick preventative products regularly and as recommended. Unlike snake envenomation, tick paralysis can develop more gradually over several hours or even a day, but veterinary attention is still important. For Duke, however, a dramatic afternoon ended with him safely back home — a timely reminder that snakes can be active even when the calendar still says winter. Kiama Vet has practices in Kiama and Kiama Downs and provides veterinary care for a wide range of animals, including companion animals, farm animals, birds, reptiles and wildlife.

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L A I C E P S T E P E L G U B MIND YOUR PETIQUETTE

p15 Meet Kiama’s ‘pet guy’ Myah Garza

Rules for Australia's four-legged socialites

ustralia is becoming more pet-friendly, with almost three in four households now owning at least one pet. But as dogs become more visible in cafés, airports, parks, apartment buildings, beaches and other shared public spaces, pet owners need to practise good “petiquette” by respecting venue rules, other people and other animals around them. Pets are increasingly regarded as family members, with many owners bringing their furry companions along for everything from quick errands and social catchups to extended holidays. Brad Smith, CEO of RSPCA Pet Insurance, says the rise of pet-friendly venues, travel options and public spaces is positive, but it comes with greater responsibility for pet owners. “Australians clearly see pets as part of the family, but that does not mean every social setting is suitable for every animal. A dog that is calm at home may not cope well in a busy café, airport queue, crowded market or off-leash beach.” Under Australian food safety guidance, assistance animals must be allowed in customer-accessed areas, while pet dogs may only be permitted in unenclosed outdoor dining areas. Food businesses can also decide whether to allow pet dogs and set their own conditions, including requiring dogs to stay on the ground or remain on a lead. Rules also vary across parks, beaches and public spaces, where leash, off-leash and dog-prohibited areas are generally managed by state, territory or local council rules. In the ACT, for example, dogs must be under effective control, kept on leash on public land unless otherwise indicated, and owners must

clean up after them. Television veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren says good petiquette is not only about following venue rules but also understanding that not every dog wants to meet another dog. “Dog-friendly does not mean every dog should be allowed to approach every other dog,” says Dr Warren. “Dogs of different breeds, sizes, temperaments and energy levels may not always interact well, so owners need to give other dogs space and ask before allowing a greeting.” Dr Warren says owners should never assume a dog that is relaxed at home will behave the same way around food, children, crowds or unfamiliar animals. “Some owners may be managing dogs that are anxious, reactive, older, injured, in training or simply uncomfortable with close contact,” she says. “Letting your dog rush up to another dog, even with friendly intentions, can create stress very quickly.” Signs a dog may be uncomfortable include a stiff body, tucked tail, ears pinned back, lip licking, yawning, turning away, hiding behind their owner, raised hackles, growling, barking, lunging or freezing in place. “These signs are a dog’s way of communicating that they are unsure, stressed or need more space,” says Dr Warren. “The safest response is not to force the interaction. Move calmly away, give the dog room and allow both animals to settle.” Smith says dog bite incidents can also result in significant vet bills, with RSPCA Pet Insurance claims data showing dog biterelated claims can exceed $1,500 while often involving

emergency consultations, wound treatment, medication, follow-up care and in more serious cases, surgery. “Responsible ownership means planning for the full reality of having a pet,” says Dr Warren. “That includes training, socialisation, emergency vet costs, public-space rules, travel arrangements and knowing when your pet is better off staying at home.” Smith concludes by stressing the future of petfriendly Australia depends on owners showing that pets can be included in public life safely and respectfully. “The more considerate owners are, the more likely cafés, councils, accommodation providers and transport operators are to keep making space for pets.” Dr Katrina Warren’s top ‘petiquette’ tips for social outings: Check first - Rules ● vary, so check signage, council guidance and venue policies before bringing your dog along. Keep control - Your ● dog should stay in sight, respond to commands and not approach people, wildlife or other dogs without permission. Respect venue ● rules - Dog-friendly does not mean dogs are welcome everywhere. Businesses can set their own conditions. Clean up - Always ● carry waste bags and dispose of droppings properly. Watch for stress ● Barking, lunging, trembling, hiding or refusing to settle can mean your dog needs space. Respect assistance ● animals - Assistance animals have access rights and should not be approached, distracted or disrupted by other pets.

or Petstock Kiama store manager James Robertson, working with animals is about more than stocking shelves with food and toys. He enjoys every aspect of the store – watching puppies grow into adults, helping pet owners navigate the challenges of caring for their animals and, increasingly, becoming part of the community he calls home. Robertson has managed Petstock Kiama since the store opened at Kiama Village on March 28, 2024– as he easily recalled the date – bringing with him eight years of experience in the pet industry, including managing Pet Farm and Best Friends Pets between Wollongong and Canberra. “I just wanted to settle down in Kiama because it’s such a beautiful place,” Robertson said. “As soon as the opportunity came for a pet store here, I jumped straight over – I’m very passionate about pets.” That passion extends well beyond the shop floor. James has three rescue dogs of his own —all Staffy crosses — as well as a house full of fish. He has also previously worked at a dingo shelter in

Sydney, giving him plenty of hands-on experience with not-your-everyday animals and their different needs. Located in Kiama Village Shopping Centre, one of the store’s popular features is its DIY dog wash, which operates on a walk-in basis for $10 for 10 minutes, with shampoo, conditioner and a dryer provided. On a gloomy day, Robertson says he can see between five and 10 dogs coming through for a wash, while hot days can bring as many as 30. Community connection is something James values. Most of his team are locals, meaning customers will often see them around Kiama outside of work. James’ young son attends a local preschool, where his customers have become familiar faces. “Seeing some of my customers there as well is really enlightening to see because they’re just so happy to see you,” he said. “Their kids know me now as the pet guy.” Petstock even holds annual Santa photo events, with donations going towards shelters or other causes. The store has supported local and regional animal organisations, including Best

Kiama

Friends Pet Rescue, WIRES and the Animal Welfare League through donations. Its current fundraising supports OzHarvest, helping address food insecurity and ensuring people do not have to choose between feeding themselves and their pets. That generosity reflects what Robertson himself loves about the South Coast. “It’s a very caring community,” he said. “They’re always willing to help out other people in need. So that’s what I really love about this place.” Whether it is a puppy coming in for its first food, an older dog needing a change in diet or a pet needing protection from fleas, Robertson said his team is always happy to help find the right option. “We’re always going to do what’s best for you. We will always recommend the right product for you as well.”

THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

WHATS ON www.thebuglenews.com.au

Oktoberfest fundraiser brings German flavour to Kiama Surf Club

Myah Garza

iama Surf Club will once again transform into a little slice of Germany this September, with its Oktoberfest fundraiser returning after a successful debut last year. Organised by the surf club’s social committee, the event was created to raise funds for the club while bringing the wider community through its doors — whether or not they are involved in surf patrols. “We really want this to be seen as – it’s not an event for the surf club. It’s an event for the community,” social committee member Katharine Hayes said. The idea first came from surf club social committee member Caroline Kuit, an Oktoberfest fan who has travelled to Germany and even has her own traditional outfit. Kuit suggested the event as a way to raise money for the club while creating a fun occasion to bring the wider community together. Hayes said Kuit has been “the driving force behind it”. The inaugural Oktoberfest attracted surf club members, their friends and family, as well as plenty of people who would not normally attend events at the club. According to Hayes, around 80 per cent of attendees dressed up, with competitions including best dressed, dancing and, of course, a beerholding challenge. The event is returning largely unchanged this year, with Sydney band Oompa Loompas

back to provide a mix of German-themed songs and covers. Food and beer will also remain firmly on theme. German beers will be supplied through a local bottle shop, while bratwurst, pork knuckles and sauerkraut will come from a German deli in Sydney. Pretzels will again be sourced from a German bakery. One change this year is the introduction of glass beer steins, replacing last year’s plastic versions. Just 60 glass steins have been ordered, making them a first-come, first-served keepsake for attendees. Hayes said the event’s community focus is just as important as the fundraising. “We just want the community really to feel that the surf club is theirs and they’re a part of it, even if they’re not patrolling,” she said. Funds raised will go towards projects around the surf club, including hopes to reopen the beachside kiosk, as well as improvements to the club and the purchase of equipment such as boards. The organisers are hoping to raise more than $1,000, while deliberately keeping ticket, food and drink prices affordable so the event is accessible to as many people as possible. With attendees ranging from theirearly20s

what’s on? Share your news

Do you have an update from a community group or coverage of a local event? Send 150 words and an image to news@thebuglenews.com.au. (Deadline: EOD Tuesday for the Friday print edition.) Kiama Spring Garden Competition Until Fri 18 Sep Burnett’s on Barney Competition entries now open, judging on 5-9 Oct. ‘Collectively Creative’ Exhibition Fri 28 Aug-Wed 2 Sep Old Fire Station, Kiama Art exhibition presented by The Collective Beat Paint a Horse for the Daisy Spring Festival Sat 29 Aug, 1pm-4pm WellComm Home, Kiama Downs Paint a horse with Expressive Art Experience Second Hand Car Boot Sale Sat 29 Aug, 8am Black Beach, Kiama Sell, trade, swap, or give away their unwanted, pre-loved items Once Upon a Trivia Night Sat 29 Aug, 6:30pm-11pm Shellharbour surf life saving club Trivia, games, dress up, for charity South Coast Ceramics Market Sun 30 Aug, 10am Gerringong Co-op

through to their 70s last year, Hayes said the event offers a chance for people of all ages to get together, enjoy some food and music, and support their local surf club. Tickets are selling at $25 and dinner tickets must be purchased by September 4 as the committee has to preorder the food. Oktoberfest will be held on September 18 at KSLSC starting at 6pm. Prizes for best dressed.

50 local potters, sculptors and makers September Spring Showcase Tue, Sat, Sun in Sep Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens Experience the garden at full bloom Home Battery Storage Webinars Tue 1 Sep, 10:30am Online Learn about batteries with The Energy Experts Read, stitch and chat Thu 3 Sep, 2pm-4pm Kiama Library All Things Crochet from Tunisian to Corner-to-Corner Round Exhibition Fri 4 Sep-Wed 9 Sep, 10am4pm Old Fire Station Kiama Artwork by Machteld Hali. Craft and Cream Teas Sat 5 Sep, 10am Gerringong Anglican Church Learn Japanese stitching and enjoy morning tea The Talking Heads Experience Sat 5 Sep, 5pm The Co-Op Gerringong Full nine-piece house band

and guest vocalists Galah Gala Sat 5 Sep, 6pm Bundanon Art Museum Dress up as a bird and dance Stay Weekend: Fashion Sat 5 Sep-Sun 6 Sep Bundanon Art Museum Weekend dedicated to fashion Dementia Inclusive Gathering Mon 7 Sep, 10am Barroul House cafe, Kiama For those living with/ alongside dementia, monthly meeting Kiama Rod Run 11 Sep-13 Sep Kiama High Tea by the sea Sat 12 Sep, 2pm-4pm Kiama Surf Life Saving Club Afternoon tea with CWA Kiama evening branch Cavalcade of History and Fashion Sat 12 Sep, 2pm Gerringong Town Hall Capes, coats and cloaks of the 1920s Kiama Line Dance night Sat 12 Sep, 6pm-8:30pm Kiama Pavilion Boots, beats and line dancing

THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

Local hands, global warmth

crochet hook, a ball of wool and a few hours of time might seem like small things, but local crafters are proving they can make a world of difference. A series of free craft workshops across Kiama and Gerringong will give community members the chance to learn new skills, connect with others and create handmade items for people facing another cold winter in Ukraine. Local organiser Boni Maywald said the group is responding to a request from Wrap With Love, which is preparing to send 2,500 handmade blankets to Ukraine in November, along with as many hot water bottle covers as possible. “Something for everyone” is the approach, Ms Maywald said, with beginners and experienced crafters alike encouraged to take part. Participants will be shown simple crochet and knitting techniques, including how to make four-inch granny squares that can be joined together to create a hot water bottle cover. They can also learn to crochet simple poppies in red, white, purple and black, with each colour carrying its own meaning, from

Lions’ community awards

remembrance and peace to recognising animals and Indigenous people affected by conflict. Ms Maywald says the value of crafting extends beyond what is made. “The whole mind-body connection with crafting is so relaxing and distracting from worry,” she said. The workshops have also become a way for people to find friendship and connection, with the group supporting people who may otherwise be isolated. “We try to be there for others, whoever and wherever they’re from,” Ms Maywald said. “Everybody has a need for connection and for warmth.” Workshops will be held at Gerringong Library this Friday, August 28, and Kiama Library next Thursday, September 3, from 2pm to 4pm. The group will also host free craft activities at Kiama Council’s Culture Fest on Saturday, October 10, from 11am to 2pm at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park. All ages and abilities are welcome, with no experience, membership or materials required. This is a free event.

t their August meeting at The Blue Goose Cafe in Gerringong, the Gerringong Lions Club had the privilege of presenting three Lions Community Awards to local Gerringong residents Taryn Watson, Chris Watson and Wes Foster. All three worked as a team to rescue and resuscitate a man at Kiama Beach on 4 January 4 2026. The man had been brought to the water's edge. Fortunately for him, the three Gerringong residents were able to help get him out of the water and onto the beach. The Watsons are radiologists from Wollongong Hospital and Wes is a paramedic. Together, they were able to administer CPR until the ambulance arrived to transport him to hospital. Initial reports the trio received indicated that he had not survived; however, this

turned out not to be the case. As a matter of fact, he was later seen by Chris as a patient in radiology, but Chris did not tell the patient that he had been part of the team that had no doubt saved his life. The Lions are very pleased to acknowledge these local citizens who changed the life of that man and his family on the beach that day. Gerringong Lions have installed another 24/7 available defibrillator in the Gerringong community, at the Return and Earn machine at Cronin Oval. This defibrillator was part of the Bendigo Bank program of making defibrillators available to local communities. This is the third one that Lions have installed for 24/7 availability to the Gerringong community. The other two are located at Boat Harbour and at the north end of Werri Beach.

out & about

Uniting Church Minister Kath Merrifield with Narelle and Marion on election day.

Denis Herbert Balding – Kiama Beloved husband of Denise (dec) – Father of Jess and Tom Balding 01/02/1950-18/08/2026 Aged 76 Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Memorial Service Friday 4th September 2026 12 noon Kiama Surf Club Manning St Kiama NSW 2533

Local real estate personality Sam Scobie seen about town with Saturday clients

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THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

PUZZLES www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

PUZZLES

a hooked needle (7)

22 Bluish-white metal (4) 24 Unsuitable (5) 25 Sky blue (5)

9-LETTER

No. 348

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

D T

22 words: Very good

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good

SOLUTION

30 words: Excellent

CODEWORD

D O No. 338

Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest? 4 22

9 8

5 5

14 22

18 23

3 11

23 16

20 18

11 18

15 15

11 19

18 22

19 10

3 11

8 23

25 U

26 J

SUDOKU

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

2. Mason, carpenter and

7. Lisa McCune (pictured)

digger are all types of which animal? 3. What popular Australian spread is made from a by-product of beer manufacturing? 4. FINA was the former name of the international governing body for which sport? 5. Which author wrote The Runaway Jury and The Street Lawyer?

MEDIUM

2 4

3 8 6

6 6 5 7 2 1 9

WORD SEARCH 6. What is the official

is the town of Kerang?

2808 | PUZZLES AND PAGINATION ©

No. 347

EASY

QUICK QUIZ 1. In which state or territory

7 LETTERS DIOCESE EMPEROR IDIOTIC MOURNER MOUSING STUDIOS

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

3 2

10 LETTERS SKYROCKETS TURBULENCE

8 LETTERS ANTEATER FERMENTS FERRETED RAGGEDER

1 3 2 5 6 4 1 9 4 7 9

SOLUTIONS SOLUTION EASY

MEDIUM

language of Senegal?

won four consecutive Gold Logies from 1997 to 2000 for her role in what show? 8. What is the largest desert in Australia? 9. Romance languages are those descending from what language of Ancient Rome? 10. Which NRL team won their first premiership in 1992?

No. 258

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

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

ALICE COOPER

LOU REED

AXL ROSE

MADONNA

BILLY JOEL

MORRISSEY

BOB DYLAN

NICK CAVE

BON JOVI

OZZY OSBOURNE

BONO

PHIL COLLINS

DAVID BOWIE

RINGO STARR

GENE SIMMONS

STEVIE NICKS

JIMI HENDRIX

TINA TURNER

LED ZEPPELIN LEMMY SECRET MESSAGE: Legends of the rock and roll scene, paving the way through the ages

4 LETTERS ARCH DATA LEAP PART PINS REEF SAIL SETS SOUP SUMS

6 LETTERS CRIMES MUSSES RESALE RESCUE SMARTS STRESS

RECUR REPEL SEDAN SEIZE SENDS SIDES SIGHT SLANG STUNT TENTH TWEAK UNTIE

CODEWORD: 1 = X, 2 = M, 3 = T, 4 = D, 5 = V, 6 = G, 7 = K, 8 = H, 9 = Z, 10 = B, 11 = I, 12 = E, 13 = O, 14 = P, 15 = C, 16 = Y, 17 = F, 18 = A, 19 = R, 20 = N, 21 = Q, 22 = S, 23 = L, 24 = W, 25 = U, 26 = J

9 11

Misrepresent (7) Scarcity of food (6) Travel over snow on two long boards (3) Involved (11) Begin again (7)

conduit, count, counted, cute, deduct, DEDUCTION, duct, duet, dunce, dune, etui, induce, induced, induct, inducted, indue, nude, ounce, outdid, tune, tuned, tunic, undid, undo, unit, unite, united, untie, untied, unto

1 5 8

Latter part of the day (7) Armoured mammal (9) Departure (4) Refuse (4) Having healing properties (9) Induct into office (7)

12 13 16 18 20

ACROSS

M O U S I N G

SOLUTION

1 Disorder (8) 2 Jumps rope (5) 3 Fruit grove (7) 4 Lure (5) 5 Lie (9) 6 Chopper (7) 7 Feeding (9) 10 Hounds (4) 14 Powerful whirlpool (9) 15 Glare of publicity (9) 17 Ditzy (8) 19 Felt an intense longing (7) 21 Craft a garment using

5 LETTERS ADOBE AEONS AGILE ANGST APING AWARE BASKS CELLO CORKS CREAK CREEK EARLS EARNS ETHIC EXILE FLANK FRIAR GASES HAPPY HERDS IDEAL LADLE LAMES LINGO LYRIC MASTS MEDIA MUSTS NEWER NINES PLANE RANTS RASPS RATED RAWER READY

SOLUTION

DOWN

3 LETTERS ADO ALL ARE AXE BEE END ERA FUR ICY IRE LEE MUD NAP NOR PEN PEP RED SEC SPA TIN TOE USE

No. 257

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

24 Set apart (7) 26 Time-keeping device (11) 27 Employ (3) 28 In (6) 29 Wobbles (7)

WORDFIT

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

No. 348

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

CROSSWORD

ANSWERS: 1. Victoria 2. Bee 3. Vegemite 4. Swimming 5. John Grisham 6. French 7. Blue Heelers 8. Great Victoria Desert 9. Latin 10. Brisbane Broncos

THE BUGLE NEWS 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

TRADE www.thebuglenews.com.au

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one of the most rewarding parts of the trade is helping customers solve problems and seeing a project through to completion. “Our difference is our flexibility,” Bradley said. “We take the time to help with small to mediumsized projects and deliver a service customers can rely on.” He said many calls come from homeowners with repairs or maintenance jobs that have been sitting on the to-do list for too long.

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| 20

28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

The history of Gerringong versus Gerringong

Mark Emery

hat is the greatest moment in the history of your favourite sporting team? If your team has been blessed with success, chances are you’ll nominate the year they won the premiership. So, what if you were a supporter of Gerringong Cricket Club, looking back through its history for one of those defining moments? How about the season when Gerringong played Gerringong in the final? To understand the story, you need to remember that Gerringong includes not only the town itself, but the wider district, taking in places such as Gerroa, Toolijooa, Omega and Foxground. It’s

much like the local historical society, whose official title is the Gerringong and District Historical Society. In a previous article, I told the story of the Gerringong and District Cricket Association, which began in 1923. It started as a B-grade competition but later gained A-grade status, making it a separate competition from Kiama. It began with Crooked River (Gerroa), Foxground, Toolijooa and Gerringong town. Omega later joined and Toolijooa dropped out. These were the teams heading into the association’s final season in 1936–37. There were some great innings that season. Bede Devery scored 120 not out, 104 and another 120 not out; Val

Noble made 122; Lloyd Miller scored 173 not out and 131 not out; Keith Boxsell made 119; and Ivor Emery scored 95, 96, 103 and 100 not out. However, a number of representative games took their toll on interest in the association competition. The last match played was between Crooked River, which scored 152, and Foxground, which was 1 for 64 at stumps. Attempts to finish the game and continue the season came to nothing. Sadly, on 14 April 1937, it was decided to terminate the season due to a lack of interest. Foxground was declared the final premier of the Gerringong and District Cricket Association because it was leading the competition at the time. On 29 September, a formal request was made to join the Kiama District Cricket Association for the 1937–38 season.

Ger r in gong entered two teams. Seagulls (Gerringong town) and Crooked River joined forces to become Gerringong, while Foxground and Omega combined to enter as Foxground. An article in the Kiama Independent predicted the two Gerringong teams would be formidable competitors in the Kiama Association. And so it proved. The two teams went through the season in fine form – eventually meeting each other in the final. There were some remarkable performances along the way. Edgar Emery came of age that season. He had always been a solid batsman, but now began scoring centuries regularly, making 104, 173 and 101 during the season. He continued that form throughout a career that stretched into the 1960s. One memorable match

SPONSOR A SECTION OF

was Gerringong versus Shellharbour – a mismatch if ever there was one. Poor Shellharbour could muster only 45. Gerringong then proceeded to tear them apart. Ivor Emery retired to give somebody else a bat after scoring 150, Bede English made 101 and W. Perkins scored 107 as Gerringong amassed 403. Then came the famous final. Gerringong scored 295, led by Edgar Emery’s 169, followed by 206 in the second innings, with Ivor Emery contributing 78. But it wasn’t enough. Foxground scored 229, with G. Miller making 85, before reaching 7 for 277 in its second innings, led by Jack Thompson’s 127. It took four days to finish, but Foxground had won the battle of Gerringong versus Gerringong. The competition continued after that season, with

Gerringong and Foxground remaining separate teams in the Kiama competition. Then came a much higher calling for the young men of the district. The Second World War shattered the cricket competition. Foxground ceased to exist as a team, never to return. Gerringong, for all intents and purposes, did the same until it was resurrected in 1944 to join the Shoalhaven Association. It returned to the Kiama Association the following season, becoming premiers in the first year after the war. The war also shattered the careers of many promising young cricketers, some of whom paid the ultimate price to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. Fifty years after that historic final, the surviving players returned to replay the match. Arthritic joints groaned and stiff knees creaked, but the spirit was willing as eight veterans re-enacted the famous game. Tall tales were told around a barbecue afterwards, with the match finishing in a draw when bad weather rolled in. It is sad to think that all of those players have now passed on, but the story of the day Gerringong played Gerringong lives on.

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Gerringong’s Harry Wicks named NSW Young Lifesaver of the Year

erringong Surf Lifesaving Club’s Harry Wicks has been named NSW Young Lifesaver of the Year, recognising an involvement with the club that began when he was just five years old. Harry received the honour at the NSW Awards of Excellence for his contribution across all areas of the club, particularly his work training

and mentoring younger members. Now 22, Harry is the current Club Captain as well as a patrol captain, clocking up more than 100 patrol hours last season. Gerringong SLSC President Gary George said Harry’s commitment to the club was “extraordinary”. “Harry leads by example, he is also a patrol captain and

contributed more than 100 patrol hours last season,” Mr George said. “Harry supports all patrollers and is always around the club providing amazing mentorship for our junior and investing time to ensure they are OK.” Harry is also co-leader of the club’s cadets program and this year introduced a youth development program.

He is a key member of the Emergency Call Out Team and has experience across a range of rescue craft. Mr George said Harry’s willingness to give his time had made a significant contribution to keeping Gerringong’s beach safe. “Harry will always volunteer his time and expertise and the Club’s success in making our beach safe is due, in no

small part, to his selfless contribution,” he said. Harry, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on the weekend, said he was honoured – and a little surprised – to receive the statewide award. “There are so many lifesavers doing extraordinary work across the state, any of them would be worthy winners,” Harry said. “Having joined Gerringong

SLSC as a five-year-old it’s been an enormous part of my life and has given me so much. “The beauty of volunteering at a club like ours is the enjoyment you get out of something so worthwhile and the great friends you make.” It was also a strong showing for Gerringong SLSC at the awards, with fellow member Sid George named a finalist for Patrol Captain of the Year.

Bullseye for Australian darts

Myah Garza

ustralian darts may have found its next big name in Wollongong, with homegrown player Brody Klinge reaching the final of the KenoGO Australian Darts Masters last weekend. The 34-year-old, who has established himself as one of the leading players on the Australian circuit while continuing to work full-time, produced a breakthrough run at WIN Entertainment Centre, defeating established international players on his way to the final. Klinge ultimately fell 8-5 to England's James Wade, but his performance caught the attention of Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Chief Executive Matt Porter, who believes it could signal the emergence of Australia's next international star.

“It was another great weekend in Wollongong – we had fantastic crowds that created a brilliant atmosphere and the players enjoyed putting on a show for them,” Porter told The Bugle. “James was a popular winner but the big story was Australian Brody Klinge making the final, which shows the talent which exists in the country and the potential for him to be the next big star of Australian darts.” Klinge's success comes as the PDC looks to strengthen the pathway for Australian players, with Porter pointing to growing participation, bigger prize money and more opportunities for emerging talent. The newly formed Australian Darts Association is attracting record entries to its events, while more children are joining academies and gaining experience in the sport. “There will be more players that are produced from Australia in the next few years,” Porter said. He described it as

“inevitable” that another elite player would eventually emerge from Australia. The country already has an established darts following, with Porter pointing to Australia's well-established fan base for darts, which Porter attributes to a competitive local scene, strong interest across the country, and over two decades of televised professional events. The nation has birthed international stars such as Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock, prompting several Australian competitors to relocate to Europe to advance their professional careers. To further enhance the pathway for local talent, the PDC launched the ANZ Premier League—a six-week round-robin competition designed to help top Australian and New Zealand players gain valuable stage experience under live lights and cameras before stepping onto the international circuit. This focus on developing Australian talent mirrors a wider global transformation within the sport. Over the last decade,

the PDC’s fan base has shifted dramatically toward a younger, more diverse demographic, with most supporters now under the age of 35. Female viewership has also expanded significantly from about 10 per cent to 35 per cent, local interest and more than 25 years of exposure to professional darts through television. Australia has also produced established international players including Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta, with a number of players relocating to Europe to pursue professional careers. The PDC has also introduced the ANZ Premier League, a six-week roundrobin tournament giving leading Australian and New Zealand players more opportunities to compete in front of live crowds and television cameras. Porter said the additional stage experience would help prepare local players for major international tournaments. The development of Australian talent is part of a much larger transformation for darts globally. Porter said the PDC's audience has become significantly younger and more diverse over the past decade, with the majority of fans now under 35. The female share of the audience has also grown from roughly 10 per cent to 35 per cent, he said, while afternoon sessions are increasingly

attracting families and children. Porter believes the sport's appeal comes from the combination of elite competition and entertainment, with fans often attending in groups, dressing up and creating an atmosphere that becomes part of the event. “It's easy for people to connect with,” he said. “People might watch some sports and they look at the athletes in those and they think, ‘I could never be like them, I can't relate to them, they live in a different world to me’, whereas with dart players a lot of the time people can look at it and they can relate to the people they see up on stage throwing the darts.” That accessibility has helped professional darts move beyond its traditional association with pubs and into major arenas around the world. The PDC now stages events across about 25 countries and, according to Porter, pays around A$50 million a year in prize money. He said the sport's growth is increasingly limited by the number of days available in the sporting calendar. “We're limited by the number of days in the year,” Porter said. He suggested the sport could eventually reach a point where events are held simultaneously in different parts of the world, similar to

tennis and golf. The PDC is already looking towards further expansion, with Porter identifying Southeast Asia and North America as significant opportunities. But as darts becomes increasingly professional and mainstream, Porter said the PDC is conscious of preserving the qualities that made the sport popular in the first place. “We want to keep it authentic,” he said. “It can't become too sanitised, it can't become too robotic. It has to keep that connection with normal people, it has to stay relatable.” Porter said the transformation had taken two decades of investment, including millions of pounds spent developing new markets, youth darts and women's darts. He recalled that around 20 years ago the PDC was primarily operating in the UK, with one event in Germany attracting about 150 tickets. Today, the organisation can sell out major arenas, including a 13,000-capacity venue in Berlin. Porter believes that longterm investment is now being replicated across the world, including Australia. And in Wollongong, Klinge's run to the Australian Darts Masters final provided a timely indication of what that next generation could look like.

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THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

GERRINGONG LIONS UNDER 11

28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

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thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER

JAMBEROO SUPEROOS UNDER 8 BT

WHAT’S ON WEEKLY www.kiamabowling.com.au

Monday

Tuesday

MAHJONG 1pm-4pm

Eureka Euchre 2pm

Happy Hour 4pm-5pm

Happy Hour 4pm-5pm Bowls Coaching 4pm

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Meat raffle 6:45pm Happy Hour 4pm-5pm

Sunday FREE Pool 1pm-6pm

Seafood raffle 6:30pm Tez’s Trivia 7pm

Karaoke 7pm

Live Music

Meat raffle 5:30pm

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28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

Local Lucy “frothing” to win 2026 Ripcurl Cup Maria Lewis

ocal Lucy Darragh has taken out one of surfing’s most prestigious titles, winning the 2026 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang in Bali last week. The 16-year-old said she was “so stoked” to surf to victory in perfect barrels rolling in off the Bukit Peninsula, telling The Bugle it’s the highlight of her career so far. “It’s my favourite win I’ve ever had for sure,” she said. “I’ve dreamt of surfing in it since I was young, I’ve watched it for so many years, I was just so stoked to even be invited and to win … I still kinda can’t believe it.” Indonesia's longest running surf event, Padang Padang is unlike anything else on the global surfing calendar with only those invited to compete facing off against some of the best tube riders in

the world and a month-long waiting period to get the best conditions imaginable. That was certainly the case for the 2026 event, with Rip Curl’s Event Director Harry Mann calling the conditions “incredible” and members of Darragh’s local boardriders club Werri Beach tuning in via the live stream from back home. “Everyone watched it as well, they were telling me when I caught up with my mates and the boardriders,” she said. “Everyone was frothing because it wasn’t a two to three foot beachy, so no one got bored on the broadcast. Having arrived back in Australia on Saturday, Darragh said one of the most challenging aspects of coming home was getting the iconic Padang Padang Cup through customs. “It was massive,” she laughs. “We bought this tote bag

kind of thing and it was sticking out of the top. “My mum had to take it as carry on because I already had the board bag.” Surfing to victory in six to eight foot conditions, Darragh dominated from the opening round against defending champ Jasmine Studer and Hawaii’s Vaihitimahana Inso with a near-perfect 9.93 ride. “It was actually the best comp I’ve ever done,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to win because there were so many good surfers in it, some of the best tube riders in the world. “But I think because the conditions were so good it felt like no one was taking it too seriously, we were just having so much fun. “Even if you didn’t get the best wave, you were still getting stand-in, massive barrels with no one else out. “It was hard to believe how good the waves were and we were just surfing with no one

out.” Padang Padang follows a leaderboard format meaning that instead of eliminations rounds, the ultimate victor heads to the final based on the highest points score across two heats. For the Werri Beach Boardriders star, that meant her consistency couldn’t be stopped even with fellow Aussie Ruby Berry earning the event’s only perfect 10 scoring ride. It was an all-Aussie final, with 18-year-old Berry and Darragh facing off against each other, with the latter ultimately triumphing with 7.50 and 9 point rides being too much for the former to overcome. “The atmosphere was insane,” Darragh said. “Even in the heats, there were so many people on the beach – it was packed. “When we were coming in on the jet ski after the finals,

you could see all these people on the cliff where the judging panel is.” Getting chaired up the beach with men’s winner and Lakey Peak local Rajo ‘Barrel’ Saputra, the duo were decked out in traditional Balinese attire before being sprayed with champagne. “I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Darragh said. The biggest win of her rapidly accelerating career so far, Darragh joins a who’s who of surfing legends who have won the cup like Jamie O’Brien, the ‘Queen Of Pipeline’ Moana Jones Wong and fellow Aussie Jack Robinson. The teenager is just one of a handful of surfer girls putting the South Coast’s sporting prowess on the map at the moment, with names like Keira Buckpitt, Everly Morgan, Lani Cairncross, Ruby Neill, Oceanna Rogers, Summa Longbottom and

more dominating on the national and international stage. Alice Hodgson, from Jones Beach Boardriders Club, is one of the other major talents and currently competing in the Australian Shortboard Titles held in Wollongong this week. Having spoken with The Bugle earlier this year about the rising wave of talent, the 17-year-old put it down to the industry underestimating them. “We’re kinda the underdogs,” said Hodgson, who won back-to-back Under18s titles at the Parko Junior Pro in May. “The Gold Coast gets all the accolades, they’re all noticed, but there’s so many girls around here that go surf big, slabby waves. “I think it’s so good to show that we can do what other people can do without help. “We don’t need sponsors, we just need to surf.”

KMLT Customs & Logistics Specialists Pty Ltd

WHAT’S ON WED

DEW

STEAK NIGHT Steak + Glass of Shiraz | $40

THU

UHT

THURSDAY PIZZA CLUB $15 Pizzas all night

FRI

IRF

SOCIAL HOUR $7.50 Selected Beers & Wines | 4-6pm

SAT

TAS

SOCIAL HOUR $7.50 Selected Beers & Wines | 4-6pm

SUN

NUS

SUNDAY SESSIONS Live Music | 1-4pm

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21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

KIAMA NETBALL - JUNIOR A - CENTRAL 13

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KIAMA KNIGHTS UNDER 11 BT

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

rugrug-

KIAMA QUARRIES ALL AGE

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KIAMA JUNIOR RUGBY UNION UNDER 12

21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

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KIAMA NETBALL JUNIOR A GAINSBOROUGH 6

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21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

JAMBEROO SUPEROOS UNDER 10

21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

JAMBEROO ROVERS VS KIAMA QUARRIERS

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

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The Bugle News 28th August 2026