The Bugle News 7 August 2026

Lights, Kiama, action

The South Coast on the big screen

For the locals who live here, they know it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.

And Hollywood tends to agree.

From the green, rolling hills on one side of the highway to crystal clear waves on the other, the New South Wales South Coast has become unexpectedly one of the most sought-after filming locations in the country.

Whether it’s the striking Headland House in

Gerringong being used in the opening scenes of The Invisible Man or even Chris Hemsworth and Idris Elba blockbuster Extraction 3 currently shooting at Port Kembla’s Coal Terminal, the possibilities are endless.

“Every suburb has its own hidden gems, I try to not discount anywhere as an option for finding something or somewhere that hasn’t been shot before,” location manager Jeremy Peek told The Bugle.

“New South Wales has become Turkey, it has become London, I’m currently scouting for Mars so it can be

other planets and other worlds – with aliens!

“But then it also has been the Outback and rocky and sandy and beachy.

“It’s such a unique place because it literally has doubled for most other countries around the world and out of this world.”

The South Coast has surely become one of those hidden gems, starting way back in 1995 with kitsch blockbuster Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie and gaining momentum more recently during what film commentator Blake Howard

calls the “COVID corridor”.

“It has very much been a case of look at this very specific place that I love, that has been the best kept secret in the country, starting to get some really major play,” he said.

“It was really back-to-back with seeing the Headland House in Invisible Man, which was a huge movie, and Russell Crowe’s Poker Face which – to be really clear – I love Russell Crowe, but I only watched because I knew it was shot in Kiama and Gerringong.”

CONTINUED ON

Welcome to The Bugle

There’s no doubt property is always a hot topic in Kiama. How will young people afford to stay here? What’s the deal with affordable housing? Not to mention the never-ending news about the latest developments.

Introducing our Property Special, which will be part of the paper on the first Friday of every month. Thanks to our founding partners for taking part – and reach out if you’d like to be involved in one of our upcoming specials. Of course, that’s not all in this week’s paper.

We’re also talking fireworks (again), the new co-working space coming to Kiama, the latest backlash against Shoalhaven Council, and why ghost tours are trending.

As always, we celebrate the community groups, businesses and sporting teams that make up our local community.

Thanks for being part of our story.

Ooshie craze causes search frenzy

to complete the 40-piece collection.

The promotion, which launched on 15 July, gives shoppers one Ooshie for every $30 spent and has expanded this year to include BIG W and MILKRUN. But as parents are learning, nothing comes for free – and the craze is causing chaos in homes and

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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.

particularly those released in limited drops.

Over the past month, popular searches included the Toy Story characters Bullseye and Woody, while searches for "Moana Ooshie" peaked on 1 August, as supermarkets posted "Out of Stock" signs to the disappointment of eager collectors.

The search frenzy is also playing out in supermarkets and school playgrounds.

"My son had all of his Ooshies taken from his backpack at school," one local mum told The Bugle.

"There was a little girl sobbing outside Woolworths in Kiama at the weekend because they were out of the 'limited edition' one," said another, referring to the "rare" Ooshies that Woolworths releases in small quantities.

Across

have shared stories of children crying when they receive duplicate figures, while schools have reported increased arguments, swapping disputes and allegations of toys being stolen from backpacks and desks.

Some schools have even urged families to leave collectibles at home to avoid playground conflict. Many schools have also banned Pokémon cards over the years

sought-after characters.

As The Bugle went to print, a conversation had just begun on Kiama’s community facebook page between families looking to trade their “double ups” – with the Facebook page admin giving permission for people to use the platform for “swapping.”

The phenomenon stretches back decades, from cerealbox prizes and McDonald's Happy Meal toys to Pokémon cards, Beanie Babies and

“It’s diabolical”: Community groups face uncertainty as Shoalhaven Council backs land sale

Amy Molloy

Federal MP Fiona Phillips has called on the NSW Government to intervene after Shoalhaven City Council voted to progress the sale of community land used by several not-for-profit organisations.

Community groups across the Shoalhaven are facing an uncertain future after Shoalhaven City Council voted to progress plans to sell a number of community sites as part of a wider property selloff aimed at improving the

council's financial position.

The move forms part of a broader property sales program designed to raise funds and help avoid further rate increases.

Among the sites affected are premises used by Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, the Nowra Youth Centre, Werninck Craft Cottage and Noah's Inclusion Services in Ulladulla, prompting widespread concern from community organisations and elected representatives.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips described the decision as "diabolical" and said she had written to the NSW

Minister for Local Government urging intervention.

"Just when you think it couldn't get any worse, it does," Ms Phillips said.

"After a diabolical Shoalhaven Council meeting last night where the Mayor and her followers voted to reclassify community land to operational, rezone, then sell off the land used by local community groups including Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, Nowra Youth Centre, Werninck Craft Cottage and the Noah's Inclusion Services building at Ulladulla, and more.

"I have written to the NSW

Safe Shelter Shoalhaven

Salt Assisted Houses provides a safe haven for people who are transitioning from crisis accommodation to independent living. They are one of the services predicted to be impacted by Shoalhaven Council’s rezoning plans. CEO Peter Dover shares his concerns – and words of reassurance.

“Our commitment to the Shoalhaven community remains unchanged.

Over the past week we've been overwhelmed by the messages of support from our community. To everyone who has called, emailed, commented or reached out to

us - thank you.

Your concern for people experiencing homelessness in the Shoalhaven reminds us just how much this community cares.

We understand many people are worried about the future of Safe Shelter Shoalhaven. We want to reassure you that Salt Care and Shoalhaven City Council are working together to develop a positive way forward.

Our focus has always been the people who rely on our service. We're confident that, by working together, we can create an even better longterm, housing-first solution for people experiencing homelessness in the

Legal matters can arise in many parts of life, from workplace disputes and business decisions to important personal issues. Having a solicitor you trust can make all the difference.

Based in Kiama, Ashleigh Serafini is a South Coast local who advises clients across employment, commercial and family law as well as wills and estates. Known for her practical and approachable style, Ashleigh works closely with clients to ensure they understand their options and feel supported throughout the legal process. For clear advice and strong legal representation, Ashleigh will be by your side.

This is also an opportunity for the NSW and Australian Governments to partner with Council and community organisations to help deliver a purpose-built, sustainable homelessness service that meets the growing needs of our region.

For now, and the coming years Safe Shelter will remain open. Our team continues to provide support every day, and nobody has been forgotten.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we'll continue working towards a future where everyone has A Place To Call Home and the supports to keep it.”

Minister for Local Government again calling for the Minister to take action."

Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, which provides 12 emergency accommodation beds and supports around 4,000 people each year, said the announcement had generated significant anxiety among clients and the wider community. The organisation says planning for a replacement site will need to begin immediately if the sale proceeds.

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney – who attended the meeting “in solidarity with the

community – has also weighed in on the backlash.

“Our community services and volunteer organisations need certainty - this decision undermines the future of their service delivery to some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” she wrote on Facebook after the meeting, pointing to a “small win” that occurred during the meeting, when the sale of a Berry car park was deferred by councillors.

“In a further concerning development this morning, Council voted to cut community consultation from

future asset sales. The CEO now has authority to directly sell community assets with minimal community input,” shared McInerney.

“This continues a pattern by Shoalhaven City Council of stripping local voices out of local decisions.”

Alongside Liza Butler MP, she has sought a meeting with the Hon Ron Hoenig MP, Minister for Local Government “as a matter of urgency” and also encouraged all members of the community to write to council to oppose the sale of community assets.

Financial responsibility and accountability at KMC

By Michael Bowden, Independent Candidate for Kiama Municipal Council

Kiama Municipal Council is currently operating under a Performance Improvement Order. That's not a footnote – it's the single biggest issue facing our council right now, and it should be front and centre in this by-election.

A Performance Improvement Order means

the state government has identified serious concerns with how this council is being run. Ratepayers deserve to know their money is being managed responsibly, that decisions are transparent, and that council is meeting its obligations – not just ticking boxes to satisfy an external order, but genuinely rebuilding trust with the community.

I'm standing as an independent because I believe financial accountability

shouldn't be a partisan issue – it's simply good governance.

As a local small business owner in Kiama, I manage budgets, cash flow, and accountability to staff and customers every single day. I understand what it means to make responsible financial decisions under pressure, and to be answerable for the outcomes.

As a councillor, I would push for clear, plain-English reporting on council's finances so residents can actually understand where money is going – not just compliance documents written for auditors. I'd ask hard questions about spending priorities and insist that responding to the Performance Improvement Order is treated as a genuine opportunity to fix systemic issues, not just a box-ticking exercise.

Kiama ratepayers have every right to expect their council to be financially sound and transparent. That's the standard I'll hold myself to, and the standard I'll expect of council as a whole.

I'm asking for your vote on 22 August to help bring that accountability to KMC.

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A vote for Stan is a vote for our communities

By Stanley Jarrett, Independent Candidate for Kiama Municipal Council

My name is Stanley Jarrett, a Gumbayngirr / Punthamarra / Dunghutti / Jerrinja / Gurrang Gurrang man with strong bloodline connections to the South Coast. A local resident and ratepayer in Gerringong, I have lived and worked in Gerringong, Kiama, the Shoalhaven and the Illawarra for 43 years.

I married a local lady from the Stewart family, Aunty Gwenda Jarrett of Gerringong. I am a father of five, have 17 grandchildren, and have helped raise many other children whom I love dearly. I played rugby league with Kiama, Gerringong, Berry and Ulladulla during the 1990s.

I have been the Chairperson of the Gerringong Housing Corp for 24 years, independent of government. I am also a member of the South Coast Aboriginal People’s Native Title Claimant Group.

My background is in the field of justice. Throughout my public service career, I have served the people of

NSW for 37 years. I worked for the Aboriginal Legal Service in the 1990s, Juvenile Justice, and the NSW Local Courts for 14 years. I then spent seven years as the NSW State Manager for Indigenous Client Services, expanding the liaison program from four officers to 44 staff in just four years.

I worked in an advisory capacity with the Judicial Commission of NSW and the Institute of Judicial Administration, assisting in the development of education policies. I then worked for Corrective Services NSW at South Nowra for 15 years, running behavioural change programs for all inmates and cultural programs for Indigenous inmates. I later worked for NSW Community Corrections in Nowra.

I am a trainer, facilitator, consultant, public speaker and performer. During my public sector career, I had the privilege of serving in highlevel state advisory roles and obtained a NSW Public Sector Management Diploma. I also serve in an advisory capacity to COORDINARE, assisting with funding for allied health services across our region.

In my various roles, I have

gained high-level skills in project management, governance, strategic direction and planning. As a consultant, I also value 360-degree feedback to ensure community aspirations are achieved through genuine co-design. I am currently working with Council on the Aboriginal Advisory Group and the Reconciliation Action Group, as well as with staff on coastal, river and shoreline restoration projects.

I am also working with Council on several plans for the future, including South Werri and the new Cole Street development. I have established strong working relationships with councillors and staff alike. My portfolio also extends to many other boards and committees.

My specialty is listening to and realising community aspirations. I am a driver of change. I have the highest integrity, I am honest, and I tell it like it is.

I am semi-retired now and can dedicate more time to our communities and townships across the Kiama LGA. It’s time.

This is paid content.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Do you have something to say? email editor@thebuglenews.com.au with your letter.

Today I received my ballot paper for the upcoming by election for Kiama Council. The ballot paper included two candidates, Michael Bowden and Stanley Jarrett. I note that both candidates are standing as Independents.

I also noted that Michael Bowden stated on his application form to the NSW Electoral Commission that he was a member of the Labor Party. My question, is why is a member of the Labor Party stand as an Independent yet?

My concern is that most voters don't investigate the candidates or their political stance and, in this case, totally misleading. I don't believe that it is fair and reasonable to mislead the voters as a Labor Party member must take direction from the Party and that is not what an independent candidate would do.

John

Thankyou from the Creative Business Summit

I just wanted to say a quick but heartfelt thank you to The Bugle for supporting The Creative Business Summit 2026. Without amazing supporters like you, events like this simply could not happen. You truly are a champion of the creative community, both locally and further afield.

I hope The Bugle found value in being part of The Creative Business Summit, and I would love to welcome you back as a supporter in 2027.

Kind regards, Emma

The book that bound generations

Aborrowed book has found its way home to Kiama Library – 150 years late. In an age of instant returns, digital registration and automated reminders, the story feels almost implausible. Yet, it is real, and its reporting carries more weight than any overdue notice (and subsequent $28,000 fine) ever could.

Think of what Kiama has become in that time. From a small coastal settlement shaped by quarrying and maritime trade, it has grown into a vibrant community balancing community charm with modern life and activation. Generations have passed through its streets. The harbour has watched ships come and go, families settle and move on (particularly younger generations), and civic institutions evolve to meet new needs.

The Kiama of today with its libraries, schools, and bustling local economy would be almost unrecognisable to the borrower who first took that book home. The act of borrowing the book is likely to be the actions of John Simmons, with his great-greatgrandson Ross Simmons returning the book to Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson, last month. As evidenced by that length of time, the Simmons’ family has deep and long-lasting ties to our community. With simple act of return, something enduring reveals itself. Libraries are more than repositories of books; they are quiet expressions of trust. A book is lent with the expectation that it will come back. That trust has now been honoured, albeit a century and a half later. It speaks to a

deeper thread running through Kiama’s history: a community grounded in integrity, where even long-forgotten obligations can still matter, despite the changes happening around us.

There is also something unmistakably human in the story. The book has travelled through time, albeit hidden away in the chest, within a fireplace, that coincidentally was also being unveiled in the Simmons’ family home.

In an era where so much is disposable, this small act reminds us of the value of continuity, history and respect for the past.

Importantly, the moment resonates because it reflects Kiama’s enduring character. Community spirit here is not abstract – it is lived in gestures like this. Authentic stories are not manufactured; they emerge naturally from the

rhythms of local life. And genuine appreciation for history, for place, for one another, and ultimately for evolution.

In our new and ever evolving world where artificial intelligence, gratification and access to information is instantaneous, a 150-year delay might ordinarily be cause for frustration. Instead, it has become a celebration: of patience, of connection, and of the quiet ways a community holds together over time. Perhaps that is the real lesson. While Kiama has changed in countless ways, and undoubtedly will continue to change, the values that underpin our community and our identity - trust, care, and a sense of belonging – will remain intact. Sometimes, it just takes a very overdue book to remind us of this.

Retirement community with New Year’s spirit: Cedar on Collins supports Sky Show

Sky Show sponsorship tracker

$62,000 / $100,000

Kiama’s New Year’s Eve fireworks campaign has reached $62,000 – over halfway to bringing the much- loved event back this December.

Major supporters include Kiama Council ($20,000), Kiama Business Network ($10,000), Cedar on Collins ($10,000), One Fitness ($5,000), The Sebel Kiama ($5,000), South Break Media ($5,000), Saltwater Café ($2,000), Tiny Tins ($1,000), Elite Energy ($2,000) and an anonymous donation of $2,000.

Belle Wood

Kiama's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks are a significant step closer to returning, with the community already raising more than $62,000 towards the $100,000 needed to stage this year's event.

The fundraising campaign, led by Destination Kiama and spearheaded by councillor Matt Brown, has attracted strong backing from local businesses, community organisations and individuals determined to see one of the town's most cherished traditions continue.

Mr Brown said the response had been overwhelming, with residents and businesses recognising just how important the fireworks are to Kiama.

"This isn't just about a fireworks display," he said.

"It's about bringing our community together and

supporting local businesses. Every New Year's Eve thousands of people come into Kiama to celebrate, filling restaurants, cafés, accommodation and local shops. The benefits flow right through the community."

The annual fireworks have become one of Kiama's signature events, attracting an estimated 20,000 people and creating one of the busiest trading days of the year for many local businesses.

Last year's cancellation left residents, visitors and businesses disappointed, with many families having already booked accommodation expecting the traditional celebration.

Major supporters to date include Kiama Council ($20,000), Kiama Business Network ($10,000), Cedar on Collins ($10,000), One Fitness ($5,000), The Sebel Kiama ($5,000), South Break Media ($5,000), Saltwater Café ($1,000), Tiny Tins ($1,000),

Elite Energy ($2,000) and an anonymous donation.

Cedar on Collins Retirement Community Manager Laura Hooper said supporting the campaign was an easy decision.

"Community connection is one of our core values," she said.

"Our residents love watching the fireworks from our rooftop each New Year's Eve, but it's much bigger than that. It's an event that brings the whole community together, and we're proud to help make it happen."

Saltwater Café owner Gulcin Topel said local businesses understood just how valuable the event is for the town.

"When the fireworks aren't on, the town is much quieter," she said.

"It affects everyone and Kiama deserves a celebration. Every little bit raised makes a difference."

Mr Brown said while the campaign had made

tremendous progress, there was still work to do before the fundraising target was reached.

"We've had fantastic support from our major sponsors and from individuals making smaller donations," he said.

"Now we're asking everyone in the community to get behind it. Every contribution helps us get closer to bringing the fireworks back."

Organisers are continuing to seek support from businesses, community groups and residents over the coming weeks, with further sponsorship announcements expected as the campaign gathers momentum.

The Bugle will continue to publish fundraising updates and recognise new sponsors as Kiama works together to ensure its iconic New Year's Eve fireworks return this year.

For questions please contact: Sally Bursell at Destination Kiama sallyb@kiama.nsw.gov.au

Reflecting with pride on two years as Mayor

We are only a few weeks away from the halfway point of this term in Council and looking back on the past two years fills me with pride about how far we’ve come.

I wrote a similar column last year listing Council’s achievements over the first 12 months of our term and there’s an update below on the past year.

We were elected in September 2024 and responsible decisions needed to be made in the best interests of Kiama Municipal Council and the 23,000 residents. I want to thank my fellow Councillors for working as a team to support our community.

People may not always totally agree with the decisions we as a Council make but I can see they appreciate we are trying to take Kiama into a stronger position via a financial sustainability path. When I talk to people out and about around town, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It hasn’t been easy but we’ve come a long way. Not just financially when it comes to Council’s bottom line so we

can meet the requirements of the State Government’s Performance Improvement Order, but in bringing our community together, staging events and planning for the future.

We’ve taken a big-picture approach with initiatives like the Housing Strategy, the Employment Lands Strategy, the Kiama Sports Complex masterplan and the NightTime Economy Strategy.

We have also deliberately developed our relationships, partnering and advocacy with other levels of government and neighbouring councils so we can get support to give Kiama the services and infrastructure that’s needed in certain areas.

Our advocacy plan and the work of ISJO and LG8 help raise our voice, explain our investment needs and establish a strong basis on which to partner and get things done.

There’s always more to do, such as getting the Springside Creek covenants released to secure our financial future, completing the Kiama Coast Walk, funding the Kiama Sports Complex masterplan and investing in sports and recreational infrastructure, reclassifying Jamberoo Mountain Road and the making sure essential upgrades for the Bombo Wastewater Treatment

Plant are included in Sydney Water’s long-term plan. There’s a Mayoral election next month and I will be proudly putting my hand up for consideration to continue the significant work that we have achieved and keep on serving our community. This is paid content.

Council achievements 2025-26

● Implementation of the Housing Strategy has begun.

● Versions 1 and 2 of the draft Employment Lands Strategy exhibited

● The Night-time Economy Strategy, Kiama After Dark, was completed in June and endorsed for exhibition.

● Kiama Sports Complex Masterplan endorsed

● The Betterment project upgraded Jamberoo Mountain Road, Foxground Road and Wallaby Hill Road.

● Sub-soil drainage projects completed at Gerry Emery and Gainsborough Ovals.

● Kiama was named NSW Top Tourism Town 2025, achieving the title for the third consecutive year.

● Sale of surplus land at Glenbrook Drive, Kiama

● 2026-27 Budget developed and endorsed, setting out the next stage of Council’s financial recovery.

Planting the seeds of a 30-year tradition

On Monday, August

4, a group of Year 7 students stood in the soil at Loves Bay, planting trees they may not see fully grown for decades.

For now, the trees were little more than seedlings, but the students were continuing a tradition that has been reshaping parts of the South Coast for almost 30 years.

Since the mid-1990s, generations of Kiama High students have spent a day each year planting trees alongside Landcare volunteers, helping regenerate sites across the region. Some of the students who took part in those early

planting days are now parents themselves, while the trees they planted have grown into established habitat.

This year’s National Tree Day saw Year 7 students spread across six sites from Kiama to Shoalhaven Heads, including Bombo Headland, Minnamurra Rainforest, Currys Mountain, Jamberoo, Shoalhaven Heads and the new Loves Bay site.

Kiama High teacher Paul Berry, who has coordinated the program since 1997, said the annual event had become part of the school’s identity.

“Kids are kids, and a day like today where they can actually just get out and into nature, they really do revel in it,” he said.

Berry said students may have changed little over the years, but the chance to step away from screens and classrooms still had a lasting impact.

“You get some kids that are right into it, and other kids that would rather be at home playing on their PlayStation or whatever,” he said.

He recently drove past a property near Swamp Road where Kiama High students planted trees more than a decade ago.

“The trees are now two or three metres high. You can actually see the growth from when you’ve started,” he said.

Spring Creek tells a similar story.

“It was basically like this,”

Berry said, referring to the Loves Bay site. “Now if you go back there, it’s just huge.”

Long-time Landcare volunteer Carl, who spent 44 years at Wollongong Botanic Gardens, has also helped restore Bombo Headland, transforming weed-infested areas into thriving habitat. Students plant new sections each year, while volunteers maintain the sites throughout the seasons.

“You just can’t plant a tree and then walk away,” Berry said.

At Loves Bay, students worked alongside volunteers who will continue caring for the site after the planting day.

Landcare Illawarra coordinator Meredith Hall said

the event connected students with the environment and the volunteers working to protect it.

“It’s getting kids to get out, get dirty, connect with nature,” she said.

The annual planting day is a partnership between Kiama High School, Kiama Municipal Council and Landcare Illawarra. Landcare provides volunteers and environmental expertise, while council prepares sites, funds the program and hosts a barbecue for volunteers.

Berry believes even one day outdoors can leave a lasting impression.

“For some kids that is the only day they’ll ever do something like this,” he said.

“But it might spark something in their brain — ‘Oh, that was really cool’.”

Some former students have gone on to environmental careers, including Wade Ingold, who now works with Landcare.

As Berry prepares to retire at the end of the year, fellow teacher Kate Mathies will take over coordinating the program.

The handover marks the end of one chapter, but not the tradition.

The Year 7 students who planted seedlings this week will one day leave school, build careers and raise families of their own. But the trees will remain.

Myah Garza

In an everchanging, AI world how do creatives stay inspired – while keeping sane?

Curated and hosted by artist, mentor, designer and founder of The Creative Business Hub, Emma Veiga-Malta, the event brought together artists, designers, authors and entrepreneurs alike for a day of practical advice, honest conversations and, of course, creative connection.

CREATE, CONNECT, REPEAT

Rather than a traditional business conference, the summit focused on the people behind the businesses, with speakers sharing not only their success stories but the setbacks, doubts and lessons that shaped them.

"We're all creators here, we all get each other," Veiga-Malta told attendees.

"This is not just any business conference, it's a creative business conference."

Encouraging guests to make new connections throughout

If you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 11 August , you can complete the form for your household as soon as you get your instructions. Complete online, on paper or with help from us. It’s time to complete

the day, she urged them to step outside their comfort zones and meet potential collaborators.

Held at The Pavillion in Kiama, the day opened with an inspiring poem from Joel McKerrow followed by watercolour artist and surface pattern designer Cass Deller, whose presentation, What Could Your Art Become?, explored how artists can transform their passion into a sustainable business without compromising their creative identity.

Sharing her journey from painting coastal scenes after family holidays in Noosa to having her own studio there where she licenses artwork around the world, Deller spoke about developing a signature style that remains authentic rather than chasing whatever is trending.

Today, her artwork appears on everything from swimwear and dresses to stationery and homewares through collaborations with brands including Olay, Cotton On Body, Sony, Stockland and Pillow Talk.

She also offered practical advice on licensing, working with clients and building a creative career, while encouraging artists to trust that their own perspective is what ultimately sets them apart.

While Deller encouraged arAmong the speakers was Simone Eyles, founder of social enterprise Disinfluencer, which is working to reshape how disability is represented in advertising, media and everyday storytelling by putting disabled creatives at the centre of the conversation.

Joining her was local artist and Dharawal Aunty Jodie Stewart, who also delivered the Welcome to Country to open the summit. For more than four decades, Stewart has shared her culture through contemporary Aboriginal art, public installations and community projects across the region.

Creative agency owner Claire Miles , founder of Oak Street Creative Co, rounded out the panel, reflecting on her experience building a business that combines graphic design with personal branding photography to help women-led businesses tell their stories with confidence.

Rather than offering a blueprint for success, the discussion became an honest conversation about overcoming setbacks, staying true to personal values and building businesses with purpose.

The afternoon shifted gears as internationally renowned character comedian Tamara Campbell — better known by audiences as Kiki Bittovabitsch — brought plenty of laughter to the room with her session, Laugh and Unmask.

Having performed in 35 countries and six languages to audiences of more than one million people, Campbell explored the masks people wear to protect themselves, encouraging attendees to embrace vulnerability while reminding them not to lose their sense of humour along the way.

Practical advice returned with business lawyer Davina Borrow-Jones, whose session, Legals for Creatives: Who Actually Owns Your Work?, unpacked one of the less glamorous, but essential, aspects of running a creative business.

Drawing on more than 20 years' experience working in commercial law across Australia and the United States, Borrow-Jones helped demystify intellectual property, contracts and copyright, equipping creatives with the knowledge to better protect their work.

South Coast artist Lauren Ward brought the day back to where it began: creating with authenticity.

Working from her South Coast home studio, Ward has built a following through her colourful still-life paintings and candid insights into running a creative business. Her message centred on finding joy in the creative process and taking time to appreciate life's simple moments, even while growing a business.

As the summit drew to a close, McKerrow returned to the stage with one final poem, bookending the day's conversations full circle.

Across every presentation, panel discussion and conversation, a common thread emerged.

While technology, trends and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the creative industries, the speakers all agreed that the qualities that matter no robot could recreate – the human experience.

Authenticity, curiosity, connection and the courage to create work that only you can make.

The Bugle arrived at The Creative Business Summit to cover the event, but stayed well into the evening at Yves Sebel, continuing the conversation with new friends and collaborators alike over drinks.

thebuglenews.com.au

PROPERTY SPECIAL

Lights, Kiama, action!

Continued from page 1

Starring, produced and directed by Academy Award-winner Crowe, he was frequently seen around the area during the 2021 production of Poker Face and took to social media to sing its praises.

“Shooting in Kiama,” he said, in post shared on X in August of 2021 taken from the outlook at Gerringong Golf Club. “What a beautiful place.”

As a location manager –often referred to as a location scout - Peek has worked on several films that have shot in the local area, ranging from Netflix’s viral hit Apex and The Invisible Man, to family friendly Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway and rom-com Anyone But You.

“We filmed the plane sequence for Anyone But You in the Qantas jet at Albion Park,” he said.

“We’re down at HARS (Aviation Museum) quite a lot, actually.

“Jamberoo and around Robertson, that’s where we filmed Peter Rabbit 2.

“That’s where we had the deer jumping out of a plane and parachuting into a

convertible.”

With the goal to find physical places – whether that’s homes or entire landscapes – that could feature in film and television productions and align with the vision of the script, the South Coast is a growing resource thanks to the Made In NSW Fund via Screen NSW, which helps shop locations to both local and international productions.

“The easiest and most oldfashioned way that works is getting in the car and going for a drive,” Peek said, having worked with directors like George Miller, Sir Ridley Scott and James Wan over the years.

“It’s a giant, travelling circus that rolls into suburban streets overnight, then we film for 12 hours and are gone off to the next location the next day.”

As a producer and the founder of award-winning local company One Heat Minute Productions, Howard has deep familial roots to the area and adds that as interesting as it is to see local hot spots on screen, he’s also very grateful that most of them have been doubling as international locations.

“As everyone in the Kiama and Gerringong area knows,

THE HIT LIST

The Invisible Man (2020)

Location: Headland House

Scene: Part of the Dovecote site, the iconic structure becomes somewhat of a character itself in the opening scenes of Leigh Whannel’s horror hit.

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021)

Location: Jamberoo, Robertson

Scene: “That was part of the animal rescue chase sequence,” said Peek, who

when a location of yours goes viral for being a place like Tasman Drive, people f**king hate it,” he laughed.

“In this moment, I love seeing it on screen and it is staggeringly beautiful, whether it’s Berry Mountain or Seven Mile or Werri Beach, I’m actually really grateful that for 99 per cent of the audience they think it’s just some random spot in San Francisco.”

NSW Minister of the Arts

John Graham last month praised the production of Extraction 3, which is said to create 450 local jobs and contribute an estimated $127 million to the economy across the South Coast and Sydney over the next few months.

“We welcome this high calibre cast and crew filming Extraction 3 in Sydney and on the South Coast,” he said in a statement.

“To Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba, Golshifteh Farahani and the rest of the team – we hope you enjoy your time in NSW. It is good to see Netflix continuing screen production here.”

They’re not the only ones, with local locations likely to be seen more and more if the calls for the state’s second major

film studio to be built in Port Kembla are successful.

Volunteer-run Screen Illawarra, who have been conducting guided tours of the area to industry bigwigs in a bid to encourage more local shoots, successfully lobbied to get the studio criteria expanded so that the Port Kembla Land Transformation Precinct could be an eligible site. Only time will tell if they’re successful, but the estimated $100M facility would add another quiver to the region’s already cinematic bow and likely bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

From bush to beach, local locations have been used for everything from Apex to Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

Peek on the location for rom-com Anyone But You, which also filmed in Albion.

From Hollywood horror movies to family friendly romps, the beauty of this part of the world is that it can look like anywhere. Here are some of the South Coast’s big screen highlights:

worked on the film and helped source locations around Jamberoo and Robertson. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)

Location: Bombo Quarry

Scene: Look, not a cultural classic by any stretch of the imagination but still cool to say the giant egg scene from the first big blockbuster filmed Down Under happened locally. Extraction 3 (2026)

Location: Port Kembla

Scene: The third instalment in this Netflix action series is yet to be released, but locals have told us there have been explosions going off at the Coal Terminal for weeks.

Riptide (2016)

Location: Kiama, The Farm Scene: Disney star Debby Ryan shot the coming-of-age surfing movie all around the area, including Kiama’s main street and Killalea’s beloved break The Farm. Kingdom of the Planet

of the Apes (2024)

Location: Various

Scene: The historic sci-fi franchise saw groundbreaking mo-cap technology used out in the real world for scenes at the abandoned Helensburgh Tunnel and Yellow Rock Ridge. Anyone But You (2024)

Location: Albion Park

Scene: One of the biggest rom-com hits in recent memory as much for the tabloid drama as it was the film itself, Sydney Sweeney

and Glenn Powell shot at the HARS Aviation Museum.

Poker Face (2022)

Location: Various

The Stan original poker thriller shot all over, from Headland House in Gerringong to Sea Cliff Bridge in Clifton, it’s probably the production that has utilised the most local assets. Beast (2026)

Location: Various

Scene: Co-written by Crowe, this MMA drama starring

Apex (2026)

Location: Various

From the Blue Mountains to Barden Ridge, this Charlize Theron survival thriller filmed everywhere, but the viral scene of Taron Edgerton’s creepy dance happened at The Needles.

The great development debate:

Lewis

WReal estate rise brings hope and concern

hether it’s a multimilliondollar mansion on the headland or a looming residential tower, Kiama is rapidly under construction. If the seaside town that has long been considered one of the country’s best kept secrets had a theme song at the moment, it would likely be Solange’s Cranes In The Sky.

Because, frankly, there are a lot of metaphorical and literal cranes in the sky as construction on everything from Akuna Street’s four storey apartment complex gets underway – a source of

A LEGACY OF EXPERIENCE

major parking woes for locals - to scaffolded structures seen on Manning Street as the boutique Doulton residences inch closer to completion.

Unsurprisingly, it was the pandemic that became a

lightning bolt moment for real estate not just in Kiama, but many of the surrounding towns in the Illawarra region.

While Kiama experienced nearly 60 per cent growth during that period, for areas like Gerringong and Gerroa, their occupancy nearly doubled.

now, all the fish and chip shops are full, all the cafes are full, and parking is a controversial topic.”

With a population boom also comes added pressures to infrastructure.

Back in May, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns was inundated with questions about various construction sites, rate rises, concerns over Akuna Street, infrastructure frustrations, development height limits, and parking woes during Community Cabinet held at The Pavilion in Kiama.

One of those concerned locals is Samuel Hall, a worldfamous muralist whose family goes back three-generations in Kiama and who has watched the rapid changes with growing apprehension.

“I’m not anti-development, everything has to progress and develop and there’s certainly things that can be upgraded,” he told The Bugle.

A new generation in motion with close to three decades in the real estate industry, Marnie Beauchamp has built a reputation defined by results, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. As a former business owner and one of the South Coast's most accomplished agents, her career has been shaped by consistently achieving record sales, particularly across the premium and luxury property market throughout the Illawarra and South Coast

Her approach has always extended beyond transactions. Marnie has spent years coaching and mentoring agents, sharing the insights gained from navigating both the highs and the challenges of the industry. This depth of experience, combined with a natural ability to connect with people, has become the foundation of her success. More recently, Marnie added "bestselling author" to her credentials with the release of her autobiography, offering an honest and inspiring look behind the scenes of success, something her clients often resonate with on a deeply personal level.

Now, that legacy is evolving, Indi Beauchamp has grown up immersed in real estate. From the very beginning, when Marnie purchased her first business while Indi was just a newborn, she has quite literally been raised in the world of property. It's an environment she understands intuitively, having watched, learned, and absorbed the rhythm of the industry over the years. Today, she steps into her own career alongside her mother as an Assistant Agent, bringing a fresh perspective, strong work ethic, and a natural confidence well beyond her years.

Indi has already begun to make her mark, earning praise for her professionalism, energy, and ability to build genuine connections with clients. Together, Marnie and Indi represent a rare combination of experience and evolution, wisdom and drive, legacy and future. For their clients, it means having the confidence of decades of proven performance, paired with the energy and momentum of the next generation.

SETTING THE PACE IN PROPERTY.

If you are thinking about your next move, or simply curious about what your home could be worth in today's market, we'd love to have a conversation.

Whether you're ready to sell or just starting to explore your options, our door is always open. No pressure, just honest advice and a strategy that feels right for you.

“Since COVID, we’re on the map now,” said Aimee Longbottom, who has been in the local real estate business for over a decade.

“You can’t say we’re the best kept secret anymore.”

As Property Partner at The Agency – alongside her colleague Daniel Dajic – the two have seen a lot of changes over the years, going from locals who grew up in Kiama Downs to business owners working within the community.

And while the outside perception may be that of mansions, bougie apartment complexes and sprawling holiday homes for retirees, Longbottom said one of the biggest growth factors she has noticed as an industry insider is lifestyle.

“A lot more families moved here during that COVID period, because they wanted to get out of the city and they realised the lifestyle down here is so different,” she told The Bugle.

“And obviously, the value for money. What they could get here as opposed to the city …

“What we have here, that mix of rural with the coastal, that’s so rare for people out of this area.

“We have so many beaches, we have so many walking tracks, people just want to be outdoors and enjoy the lifestyle down here, which is such a drawcard, and people want that lifestyle for their children.”

For Dajic, one of the other big sources for growth is proximity. With Sydney only a short drive up the highway, an hourly train service connecting the coast to the city, NBN expansion, it has “opened up” the area and attracted new buyers.

“Tourism has also been a major change,” Dajic said.

“I remember when I started in 2010, you could drive down Terralong Street during summer in probably two minutes.

“One funny example is

“But it can be done in a way that doesn’t impact the soul of a town.

Earlier this year, Hall completed two murals at Kiama Bowling Club that paid homage to many of those residents: all of them parents, small business operators and home owners who have spent years not just at the ‘bowlo’, but in the local area.

For Hall, whose grandparents and parents did everything from run the local Kodak Shop on Terralong Street to work at the historic Kiama Independent for decades, he’s worried that “money has become the driving factor above all else”.

“I do wonder where all this money goes and I’m sceptical of people who have been voted in saying that they’re going to support the town, but where is that support?” he questioned.

“Where does it go? Are we supporting the people or are we supporting developments? In the process of setting up his own art studio, Hall added that a “diversity of businesses and diversity of people” is part of what makes Kiama so special.

And while Muriel’s Wedding might not seem like the most obvious comparison, Bill Heslop’s slogan “you can’t stop progress” feels as applicable to Porpoise Spit as it does Kiama in the current moment.

“I think my first sixteen years in this business watching the growth in Kiama and the change in the town are going to be very different to my next sixteen,” said The Agency’s Property Partner Dajic.

“It’s a controversial topic because different people have different opinions on growth and what that means for the town.

“On one hand, you have the beautiful Kiama township and the charm of what it has always been.

“Now with the proposed developments that are happening, are we going to lose that coastal charm and how will that affect the township? It will be interesting to see.”

Two valuations, one property

Owners often come to me with two different numbers for the same house: a bank valuation on one side, my own appraisal on the other. They don’t always match.

Both are legitimate, they’re just looking at different angles. A bank valuation is a lending decision, often done conservatively, using recent settled sales, these are properties that have had money change hands and the new owners move in. It’s designed to protect the lender, so it deliberately looks backward and errs cautious. An appraisal is answering a different question: what this property would sell for if it went to market today, based on current buyer demand, not last quarter’s settled sales.

In a steady market, those two figures sit close together. But Kiama’s market, like most coastal markets, doesn’t always move steadily. When buyer

demand shifts quickly (a run of strong open homes, a shortage of listings in a price bracket, a seasonal lift in enquiry) the gap between what recently sold and what buyers will pay right now can widen fast. A valuation based on sales from a few months back can lag well behind where the market has actually moved. It can run the other way too. In a sharp downturn, a valuation based on older, stronger sales can sit higher than what the market will actually pay now. Same lag, just working in the opposite direction. Either way, it’s not a mistake on anyone’s part. It’s a timing gap between when the comparable sales happened and where the market sits today, which is why I encourage people to treat a bank valuation as one data point, not the final word, especially when it’s informing a decision about when to sell. This is paid content

it's time workers had a dedicated place to connect, collaborate and switch off at the end of the day.

That's the thinking behind The Local Desk, a new coworking space currently taking shape in the former cycle shop on Collins Street, with doors expected to open in the coming weeks.

A web and user interface designer with more than 25 years' experience, Colquhoun has spent much of his career working in creative agencies, start-ups and shared workspaces before settling in Kiama. After years of working remotely, he found himself missing not only the separation between work and home, but also the energy that comes from being around

Library and realised he wasn't alone. Conversations with other locals highlighted a common challenge - plenty of people were working from home, but there wasn't a dedicated professional space in Kiama where they could work alongside others.

When the former cycle shop became available for lease, the idea quickly fell into place.

Rather than creating a corporate office, Colquhoun is designing The Local Desk to feel more like the creative studios he enjoyed working in throughout his career.

Exposed brick, industrial styling and a variety of work zones will give members the freedom to choose how they work best, whether that's a quiet workstation, café-

trying to create spaces for both."

The coworking space will offer hot desks, dedicated desks, private meeting suites and virtual office services, with an affordable early bird membership available while renovations continue.

Colquhoun expects most members will use the space a few days each week rather than full time.

Longer term, his vision extends well beyond desks and Wi-Fi.

Future plans include a dedicated podcast and content creation studio, complete with soundproofing and recording equipment, while discounted evening access for tutors and students is also being explored. Eventually,

illustrators and other creative professionals, he saw firsthand how valuable it was to share ideas, collaborate on projects and simply have people around who understood your work.

"It's quite lonely working creatively on your own," he said. "Being able to bounce ideas off other people and just be around that creative buzz makes a huge difference."

With new businesses continuing to open along Collins Street, Colquhoun believes The Local Desk will add to the precinct's growing reputation as one of Kiama's up and coming destinations. To learn more about The Local Desk or sign up for updates ahead of its opening, visit https://thelocaldesk.au/.

LOCAL LIST

South Coast staycations

Tiffany Springett

Looking for your next weekend escape? You don't have to travel far to find it. From luxury homes with sweeping ocean views to cosy country retreats surrounded by rolling green hills, Kiama and Gerringong offer a diverse range of Airbnb stays. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a family getaway or simply looking to unwind, these local stays provide the perfect base to experience everything the South Coast has to offer. Find out more at airbnb.com.au

Set among the vines at Crooked River Estate, Fig View offers a luxury escape with sweeping views of the vineyard, rolling valley and Pacific Ocean. The private two-bedroom villa features a plunge pool, spacious deck and open-plan living, making it ideal for couples, families or small groups. Guests can stroll to the estate’s award-winning restaurant and cellar door for wine tastings, long lunches or live music, while also being just a short drive from Gerringong and Kiama.

Perfect for large family holidays or group getaways, The View is a six-bedroom retreat spread across three levels in Gerringong. Designed with entertaining in mind, the home features a gourmet kitchen, spacious indoor-outdoor living areas, a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views, plus an infrared sauna, ice bath and private gym. Pet-friendly and just moments from the coast, it’s an ideal base for relaxing, celebrating or exploring the South Coast in style.

Tucked away in a peaceful street, The Garden Loft is a tranquil retreat surrounded by an award-winning garden. This light-filled semi-detached loft combines vaulted ceilings, stylish finishes and seamless indoor-outdoor living, with concertina doors opening onto a spacious deck. Sleeping up to five guests across three bedrooms, it’s an inviting base to relax and recharge, with a 2 minute walk to Kendalls beach.

If you’re looking for a more country stay, The Shedio is for you. Although still only a 3 minute drive to the beach, this Airbnb offers a relaxing country escape surrounded by farmland with views of Saddleback Mountain. This beautifully crafted studio features recycled timber finishes, a full kitchen, spacious living area and a wraparound deck complete with a fire pit. The Shedio is the perfect place for a private getaway, while still being close to all your necessities.

Just a short stroll from the beach, Jones Beach Bungalow is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the coastal suburb of Kiama Downs. Ideal for couples or small families, the cozy one-bedroom apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen, private courtyard and leafy garden, creating the perfect space to relax after a day at the beach or exploring the nearby coastal walks. Pet-friendly and thoughtfully appointed with all the essentials, it’s a welcoming base for a laid-back South Coast escape.

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, WE’RE HOSTING ANOTHER SESSION!

TODAY

Whether you’re thinking about retirement living, planning a move soon or simply exploring your future options, our relaxed, information session is the ideal first step.

Tuesday 15 September 2026

Myah Garza

For Crown Traffic, the colour pink has become a familiar sight on the roads, with the business using its vehicles to raise awareness of breast cancer and remember the women whose lives have

been affected by the disease. Crown began in December 2022, but its connection to the cause goes back much further.

Founder Jamie Starcic's childhood friend, Katie Jarvis, was diagnosed with breast cancer, as was her mum 15 years ago.

Their experience led Starcic to take part in the annual Breast Cancer Walk in Wollongong, raising awareness and funds for a cause that has affected so many families.

“When Crown Traffic began growing, we realised we had an opportunity to

use our business and our platform to reach more people and spread an even bigger message of awareness and support,” she said.

The company's first ute featured Katie Jarvis, recognising the important role she has played in Starcic’s life and the strength of everyone who has been affected by breast cancer.

Crown now has seven vehicles on the road, each carrying the name of someone connected to the cause, whether they are a friend, family member or employee.

“Every Crown vehicle carries the name of someone connected to this cause — whether it is a friend, family member or employee — as a symbol of support for all those affected by breast cancer,” Starcic said.

Sadly, two of the women honoured by Crown have since died from breast cancer. Their names are now displayed alongside a special poem on the vehicles, remembering the women they were and the courage they showed.

Each October, Crown

dedicates the month to breast cancer awareness. The team wears pink high-vis uniforms, holds fundraising activities and hosts a Paint and Sip Day at the Oaks Hotel to raise money for the cause.

The business also receives support from Kris Beretov of Superior Nutrition in Dapto, who creates a special pink jersey each year, with profits donated towards Crown's fundraising efforts.

For Starcic and the Crown team, the campaign is about keeping the conversation going and remembering that behind every pink ribbon is a person, a family and a story.

Crown hopes its vehicles will continue to serve as a reminder of the women who have battled breast cancer, those still fighting and the families and friends who support them.

“We’re proud to stand alongside all the incredible women who have battled breast cancer, those currently fighting, and the families who continue to support them. Together, we hope to keep raising awareness, spreading kindness and making a difference.”

Brothers that build

Bugle Newsroom

For brothers Mick and Todd Digger, building has always been more than a career. It's been part of who they are. As the owners of Digger Brothers Building, they've grown a local building company known for quality craftsmanship, strong relationships and a genuine commitment to the South Coast community.

Before Digger Brothers Building was established, our journey began while growing up on our family's farm. From a young age, we were always working with our hands, and farm life taught us the value of hard work, problemsolving and taking pride in doing a job properly. Those early years also instilled in us a deep appreciation for family, community and the outdoors, values that continue to shape both our business and our lives today.

Those experiences inspired both of us to become carpenters as our first trade. After completing

our apprenticeships and gaining valuable industry experience, we started Digger Brothers Building in 2017. We began with smaller carpentry projects and renovations before steadily growing into a trusted local building company specialising in custom homes, renovations and extensions across Gerringong, Gerroa, Berry, Kiama, Minnamurra, Shellharbour and the wider South Coast.

As the business has grown, so too has the recognition for our work. In 2024, we were honoured to receive the HIA NSW Region Custom Built Home Award ($1.5 million to $2 million) for our Connors View project in Berry. We're equally proud of the people who make up our team.

In 2025, our apprentice Ashlee "Ash" Currinckx was recognised at the HIA Apprentice Awards, taking home both Adult Apprentice of the Year and Second Year Apprentice of the Year. Investing in apprentices has always been something we're passionate about because there's nothing more

rewarding than seeing young local tradespeople build successful careers.

One of the things we're most proud of is the culture we've created within our team. We genuinely care about the people who work with us and understand that everyone has goals both inside and outside of work.

Many of our team members are raising young families here on the South Coast, and creating a workplace that supports them both professionally and personally is something we're incredibly passionate about. Today, our journey has come full circle. We've both recently purchased property and are preparing to move our young families there, returning to the lifestyle that shaped who we are. It's incredibly special to be able to raise our children in the same environment we grew up in, where they can enjoy the outdoors, learn the value of hard work, and experience the same sense of community and connection to the land that inspired us from the very beginning.

what to check before you buy Strata made simple:

John Martin (JM) is Founder and Managing Director of Bettr Strata.

Most buyers spend longer inspecting the kitchen than reading the strata records. That is backwards. The kitchen is yours. The scheme is where the surprises live.

Before you exchange, your conveyancer or a strata search agent can inspect the owners corporation's records under section 182 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. You need the vendor's written authority, and a vendor reluctant to give it has told you something already.

Here is what matters in the report.

The capital works fund

This is the money set aside for the big items: roof, paint, waterproofing, lifts. A scheme holding $8,000 against a roof at the end of its life is a special levy waiting to happen, and you will be paying your share of it.

The minutes. Read the last two years. You are looking for the same defect discussed again and again, quotes obtained but never acted on, or a consultant's report sitting unresolved.

The levies. Compare them to what the building actually has. A block with a lift, a pool and a fire system costs more to run than one

without. Levies that look cheap usually mean the fund is underfunded, not that you have found a bargain. The by-laws. These are the rules you are agreeing to live under. Pets, parking, flooring, renovations, shortterm letting. Check before you buy, not after you have booked the removalist. None of this is automatically a reason to walk away. A known problem with a funded plan to fix it is fine. A known problem with no plan and no money is not. The difference is in the records, and the records are available before you sign. Buy the unit. Read the scheme first. This is paid content.

History and mystery combine for a night of investigation in Nowra

Maria Lewis

For as long as Doug Manzano can remember, he has been interested in two things: history and mystery.

As the Lead Investigator at Most Haunted Ghost Tours, he now has the opportunity to combine both by leading paranormal explorations of the South Coast’s most fascinating landmarks.

“It’s giving a voice to history,” he told The Bugle.

“A lot of people do come along for the paranormal investigation experience, but we try to tie in the historical aspect as well.

“The thing that I’m enjoying is going to these small towns that people tend to overlook.

“Ever since a bypass has gone in there, people might not stop in anymore and appreciate the rich history that is there, but you just never know what’s in that suburb around the corner.”

Having “always been interested” in the paranormal since he was a child, it was as he grew into an adult that Manzano’s questions and curiosity continued to grow.

When he went on a ghost

tour himself and had “some of those questions answered”, he got a taste for the investigation element and mates began encouraging him to run his own tours.

“Working with a couple of historical societies and local museums, we wanted to explore what’s going on in these places across the other side of town that people tend to forget,” he said, adding that a portion of their ticket sales goes back to museums “to help with their research and restoration projects”.

“We’re trying to give the people that lived during that time a voice, to let us know that they’re still there or communicate if there’s anything they need us to know.”

Launching in October last year, the Most Haunted team were cautiously optimistic that they might find an audience as interested in the local area as they were.

As they creep closer towards their one-year anniversary, Manzano said they have been “constantly surprised” by the response to the tours, with several of their previous events at Old Wollongong Courthouse, Wellington Museum and Gunning Courthouse having sold out.

“It has really been a massive hit and from there it has just been a really massive year,” Manzano said.

“I’ve gone from being a spectator to being on the other side of it and watching people have their own experiences, that’s what I’m getting a kick out of now.”

The next major site they’re exploring is the Nowra School of Arts for a deep-dive paranormal investigation over the course of two hours on the evening of Saturday, August 22.

Built in 1892, the Victorian landmark has gone through a lot of changes from its origins as a bustling municipal hub and library to a vibrant theatre, absorbing over 130 years of history and human emotion.

Yet it’s when the lights go out that the real story begins to be told …

“Firstly, if you look at the building itself it’s incredible,” Manzano said.

“It’s an example of the beautiful architecture of that time and you just don’t see that anymore.

“Sadly a lot of those buildings are being knocked down. Beyond that, when you start looking into its history it has had multiple different lives.

“It’s in one of the first streets of Nowra, so you have all these different layers that provide the best recipe for some sort of haunting.”

Deploying a combination of traditional and technological techniques during the investigation, Manzano adds that he has been surprised by the age range of those who have been coming along, with a huge demand amongst teenagers.

“I’ve actually been blown away, they are so engaged,” he said, even having to run two specific Under 18s events in the past to meet demand.

“They’re so engaged in the history and I initially thought it might be a bit of a nightmare, but I’m having to tell off the adults more for giggling than the kids.

“With YouTube, there’s a few superstars of paranormal investigation that have helped bring a whole new generation in.

“They get a real kick out of it.”

Tickets are still available via Humanitix for the Nowra School of Arts investigation on Saturday, August 22, with new locations and tours added to their website and Facebook page.

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.)

Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar

Until Sun 11 Oct

Bundanon Art Museum

Opening weekend 4-5th July

Twilight Feast

Sat 8 Aug, 5:30pm

Bundanon Art Museum

Bangalay’s acclaimed dining experience

Sydney Comedy Festival

Showcase Tour 2026

Sat 8 Aug, 7:30pm

Kiama Leagues Club

Shellharbour

Toastmasters Charter

Celebrations

Tue 11 Aug, 7pm-8:15pm

Shellharbour Club

Meet the Candidates event

Wed 12 Aug, 6pm-7pm

Pavilion, Kiama

South Coast Shipwrecks

Sat 15 Aug, 2pm

Kiama Library Auditorium

Learn about shipwrecks with Kiama Historical Society Music in the Park Sun 16 Aug, 1pm-5pm

Hindmarsh Park, Kiama Free concert from quality local bands The Anomalies, Ocaen and Shoal Vibes Sydney Balalaika Orchestra Sun 16 Aug, 2pm Gerringong Town Hall Russian folk music played Access Adventure Club

Mon 17 Aug- Fri 21 Aug Kiama and South Coast NDIS-supported camp to help young people with disabilities

Meet the two candidates as they share their vision for Kiama

India by night

Thu 13 Aug

By The Sea Takeaway Kiama

Indian chaat dinner cooked by Chef Deepanshu

WHOW

Windows helping other widows

Thurs 2pm, Burnetts

The Kiama Fringe

Fri 14 Aug- Wed 16 Sep, 6pm

Black Beach, Kiama

Comedy, circus, live music, family-friendly fun

Kiama Show Society

Trivia Night

Fri 14 Aug, 7pm

Pavilion, Kiama

Games, raffles and prizes Gerringong Rotary

Market

Sat 15 Aug, 8am-1:30pm

Town Hall and Park, Gerringong

Huge variety of stalls, food

Viet Nam Veterans’ Day Memorial Service

Tue 18 Aug, 3pm

Hindmarsh Park, Kiama Commemoration conducted by Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch Science Symposium Fri 21 Aug, 9:30am-3pm Bundanon Art Museum line-up of leading voices in science, ecology and environmental thinking 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 50 local potters, sculptors and makers Craft and Cream Teas Sat 5 Sep, 10am Gerringong Anglican Learn Japanese stitching and enjoy morning tea

News from Gerringong Rotary Club

It's been a big week for Gerringong Rotary Club, which has won the prestigious Mosquito Shield Award – presented by Australian Rotarians Against Malaria (ARAM) to the club that makes the highest per capita donation towards eliminating malaria in the region.

"We are thrilled to be recognised in this way and proud to be part of the gradual elimination of malaria in the Pacific region," said a Rotary Club representative. "Because malaria is still present in some of our closest neighbours,

everything we can do to assist with this work keeps Australia safer."

The Gerringong Rotary Club is also asking people to save the date for Saturday, 12 September, "for a trip back to the 1920s".

On that date, the club is hosting an afternoon tea at 2pm in Gerringong Town Hall, focusing on the fashions of the 1920s, with genuine items of clothing on display and anecdotes about the people who wore

them, as well as a delicious afternoon tea.

Tickets go on sale on 1 August, and funds raised will go towards Rotary youth projects. TryBooking: trybooking.com/DNQYN.

South Coast Fibre Muster

Toastmasters come to Shellharbour

It's said that half the population would rather die than speak in public. Not in Shellharbour, it seems. On Tuesday, more than 60 Toastmasters and guests marked the arrival of the newest club into the Toastmasters International family with speeches, inspiration and laughter.

Held at The Shellharbour Club, the event opened with congratulations from the immediate past president of Toastmasters International, Radhi Spear, who recalled her own childhood shyness while explaining how much Toastmasters changes lives. As she put it: "The person who communicates gets the opportunities."

This was echoed by Maria Pedavoli, director of 248 Toastmasters clubs in Australia, who told the audience: "When you find your voice, you become a leader."

Special guests from the community included Councillor John Davey from Shellharbour City Council and his wife, Anita; Jason Petrolo, CEO of The Shellharbour Club, who accepted a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the venue; and Belinda Woodfield, General Manager of The Bugle in Kiama.

The audience was entertained by what Toastmasters call "Table Topics" – speaking without

preparation – on subjects ranging from the Titanic and Stonehenge to Captain Cook. The event closed with a "roll of honour" for Shellharbour Toastmasters members. Shellharbour Toastmasters Club meets at The Shellharbour Club, corner of Shellharbour and Wattle roads, Shellharbour, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Email: shellharbourtoastmasters@ gmail.com

Vivienne named Citizen of the Year

The South Coast Fibre Muster was a feast for the senses, with the creative sector excelling in colour and design. Held at the Berry School of Arts on 1 and 2 August, and coinciding with the Sunday markets, it was all go in the historic town of Berry.

to live, work and visit, these award recipients are vital to the fabric of our local government area.”

Anne Doorn was announced as Senior Citizen of the Year for her outstanding contribution through 25 years of dedicated service as Director of Nursing at Blue Haven.

Long-serving Jamberoo volunteer Vivienne Marris was named Citizen of the Year at the Kiama Municipal Council Local Government Week Awards at The Pavilion on Tuesday night.

Awards were handed out in seven categories by Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, recognising individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, either during the previous 12 months or over many years of service.

More than 100 guests attended the ceremony

which also included awards for Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Sports Achievement and the Arts Honour Roll, as well as the Robert East Award and Megan Dalley Memorial Award.

“We had an amazing array of nominees for these awards and the winners are all thoroughly deserving of recognition for their tireless efforts for our community,” Mayor McDonald said.

“Whether through generosity, innovation, service, community spirit or simply by making our community a better place

The Community Group Award went to Kiama Community Radio, which has become an invaluable community resource, connecting residents through local stories and information, run by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Allan Swan and Nardia Guillaumier collectively received the Sports Achievement Award for the creation of Kiama’s Ultra Challenge. They completed a gruelling 200km indoor bike ride and 100km indoor row to raise almost $65,000 for the Australian Amyloidosis Network, Leukaemia Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia, and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.

PUZZLES

24 Trophy (5)

25 The study of speech sounds (9) 26 Reel (7) 27 Indentations (7)

1 Italian church (8) 2 Resolve (8)

3 Body height (7)

4 Attempts (5)

5 Consequently (9)

6 Green fodder, native to south-west Asia (7)

7 Written text of a play or film (6)

8 Lavatory (6) 14 Abrasive material used in woodworking (9) 15 Amaze (8) 16 Process of mesmerisation (8) 18 Shamefaced (7) 19 Greasiest (7) 20 Talks (6) 21 Fleet of warships (6) 23 Tan (5)

ACROSS 1 Care for another’s child (7)

5 Passage (7)

9 Mingle (9)

10 Italian physicist, Enrico – (5) 11 Works (7)

12 Lunar phenomenon (7) 13 Enclosed stall in a church where one admits sin (12)

Loudly (12) 22 Vegetable (7) 23 Grow rapidly (7)

Looking after your investment starts on the outside

Most homeowners spend plenty of time maintaining what's inside the house, but the exterior often gets overlooked until there's a problem.

According to Matthew Hill from Flash Window Cleaning & Property Services, regular exterior maintenance isn't just about appearances – it can help protect your property from costly damage.

"Living on the coast means homes are constantly exposed to salt, moisture, mould and grime," Matthew says. "If left too long, those buildups can stain surfaces, block gutters and shorten the life of paintwork and other exterior finishes."

For more than 12 years, Flash Window Cleaning & Property Services has been helping homeowners and businesses across the Illawarra keep their properties in top condition, including the past five years servicing Kiama and surrounding areas.

The team provides professional window cleaning, gutter flushing, pressure cleaning, soft washing, solar panel cleaning and exterior property maintenance, using specialised equipment designed to clean effectively without damaging surfaces.

Matthew says many clients are surprised by how much brighter

Knights win grand final rematch for Vazzoler’s 100th

Tsignificance for Vazzoler, who was diagnosed with GuillainBarré syndrome in 2022.

The rare autoimmune disorder forced him to step away from rugby league and relearn how to walk before returning to help the Knights win another Group 7 premiership last season.

Before the match, close friend Jacek ‘Yak’ McLaurin - who was left paralysed following a tackle in a Queensland Cup trial earlier this year - paid tribute to Vazzoler in a social media post.

“Just wanted to give a shout out to one of my very close friends, Cameron Vazzoler, who is playing his 100th game this weekend for the Kiama Knights,” he said.

“He’s been through adversity himself, overcome it to come back to Group 7 and win a comp, and he deserves all the accolades and happiness that come his way.”

The occasion was made even more significant with the match doubling as a grand final rematch and part of a round commemorating McLaurin and the Knights showed they had come to play, scoring in the opening set through centre Jack McDonald.

The Sharks hit back in the 31st minute when halfback Asher Chapman put in a kick for winger Dante Efaraimo to score.

However, the Knights ensured they maintained

Kiama Junior Rugby Club celebrates another finals sweep

Lleyton Hughes

The Kiama Junior Rugby Union Club is set for another strong finals campaign, with every competitive age group qualifying for the postseason and two teams already securing minor premierships.

The club's Under-14s and Under-16s have wrapped up the minor premierships ahead of the final round of the regular season, while the Under-10s, 11s, 12s and 13s have all booked places in the finals.

Junior President Renae Sukavakarua said it was another season the club could be proud of.

"Our Under-14s and Under16s have secured the minor premierships, so the result this weekend won't change that," she said.

"All our age groups from Under-10s through to Under16s will be playing finals, so they've all done really, really well."

The club will also have teams represented in the Sydney competition, with its Under-14 girls, Under-16 girls and Under-18 boys competing outside the Illawarra district.

It follows another highly successful year for the club in 2025, when five Kiama teams reached grand finals and four claimed premierships.

Sukavakarua said while this year's local competition featured fewer teams, the club's continued success came down to the

commitment shown by players, coaches and families.

"Our competition is a little bit smaller this year, so there aren't as many teams in each age group," she said.

"There's only Kiama and Campbelltown that field a team in every age group, but full credit has to go to our coaches.

"The kids turn up to training, they want to learn and they want to play, and our coaches are dedicated. I think that makes a huge

difference."

Despite rugby union competing with other football codes for participants, Sukavakarua said the club continues to attract players who simply love the game.

"It's definitely not the firstchoice sport anymore. There are other codes that get a lot more media coverage," she said.

control before the break, with centre Callan Thistlewaite finishing off a slick backline movement to make it 24-4 at halftime.

The Sharks opened the scoring in the second half when Vinnie Scotti crossed in the corner to reduce the deficit.

But in the 60th minute, the Knights effectively put the game beyond reach when forwards Kieran Poole and Taj Roberts combined, with Poole’s short ball sending Roberts over to make it 30-8.

The Sharks managed another try before full-time, but the Knights had the final say as halves Cameron Vazzoler and Hooper combined to send Thistlewaite

over for his second try of the afternoon, sealing a 36-14 victory.

“It was a great win. The boys looked really good at training and it came off on game day,” fullback Brad Killmore said.

“Everyone was really up and about for Cam’s 100th. He’s not only a good footy player but also a good friend, so it was special to see him reach 100 games.

“He’s been through a lot over the last few years, but he’s the epitome of commitment on and off the field”

With the victory, the Knights move into third place and, if they can hold that position for the remainder of the season, will earn themselves a second chance in the finals series.

Lions hand Eagles first loss of the season

Lleyton Hughes

"But you've got the kids that love rugby and just want to play rugby. A lot of them play multiple sports, but they still come back to rugby."

She said the club's strong community culture continued to be one of its biggest strengths.

"Kiama Rugby has been around for so long and it's a great community," she said.

"We hosted all of our junior age groups on Sunday and it was just one of those perfect Kiama days. There were whales out in the ocean and the weather was magnificent.”

The Gerringong Lions handed competition leaders Albion ParkOak Flats Eagles their first loss of the season with a hard-fought 12-4 victory on Saturday.

After 14 consecutive wins, the Eagles looked destined to complete the regular season undefeated, but the secondplaced Lions closed the gap at the top of the ladder with a statement win.

The result also avenged Gerringong’s 22-14 loss to the Eagles in Round 7 and looms as a potential preview of the 2026 Group 7 grand final.

The two competition heavyweights traded blows through the opening 15 minutes, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

The Lions eventually struck first in the 17th minute when hooker Nathan Ford darted from dummy-half before finding second-rower Jake Taylor, who ran across field and delivered a short ball to Jarrod Tiyce.

Playing just his second game back from injury, five eighth Tiyce proved impossible to stop as he crashed over for the opening try.

Taylor was unable to convert, leaving the score at 4-0.

The Eagles hit back 10 minutes later when fiveeighth Jack Walsh sliced through the defence before throwing a superb cutout pass to winger Dallas Harrison, who ran in and crossed near the posts.

However, Eagles goalkicker Jack Talbott missed the

straightforward conversion, leaving the scores locked at 4-4.

The Lions edged back in front just before halftime after successive penalties allowed Taylor to slot a penalty goal for a 6-4 lead at the break.

The Eagles dominated field position early in the second half, but Gerringong’s defence repeatedly held firm. Just as it looked like the pressure might tell, tempers flared and Eagles hooker Brock Skelly was sent to the sin bin in the 50th minute for an alleged punch.

The Lions capitalised two minutes later when Ford darted from dummy-half and caught the markers napping to extend the lead to 12-4. From there, both sides continued to defend resolutely. Despite being reduced to 12 men, the Eagles did well to repel repeated Gerringong attacks, but they were unable to find the points they needed as the Lions held on for a memorable victory.

“It was a great win for the boys and a real team effort,” Tiyce said.

“We knew Park were a quality side and, being undefeated, it was always going to be a tough challenge.

“Everyone stuck to the game plan for the full 80 minutes and worked hard for each other, so to come away with the win was really satisfying. Hopefully we can keep building on it for the rest of the season.”

The win moves the Lions to within two competition points of the Eagles as the race for the minor premiership heats up with only a handful of rounds remaining.

Kiama Under-13s rewrite history with second straight state title

same from last year," she said.

Lleyton Hughes

Kiama Netball

Association's Under-13 representative team has made history, becoming the first team to win consecutive NSW Junior State Titles after earning promotion the previous year.

After going undefeated to claim the Division Three title as Under-12s in 2025, the same group stepped up to Division Two this season and again finished on top at the NSW Junior State Titles, held in Campbelltown from July 4-6.

The result earns the team promotion to Championship Division (Division One) in 2027 - the highest level of junior representative netball in NSW and the first time in 17 years Kiama has had a team reach the top division.

Cathryn Lyall, whose daughter Archi plays in the side, said the achievement was the culmination of months of hard work.

"The team stayed exactly the

"They started training in February and managed injuries, starting high school and competing in nine carnivals leading into the state titles.

"We were feeling confident because we were winning against some really strong Division Two teams, but to actually win Division Two... no one's ever done that after going up a division."

The team won 17 of its 18 matches across the threeday tournament, with its only defeat coming by a single goal before superior goal percentage secured the Division Two title.

Mid-courter Archi Turano Lyall said while the team believed it could compete, lifting the trophy still came as a surprise.

"We were winning the carnivals, but we didn't expect to go at that such a high level," she said.

"Division Two is such a different experience to Division Three. It was a great

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experience for the team and we all just had such a fun time at the state titles. We're such a close group and we all connected so well."

Cathryn said the team's success was built on much more than talent.

"They're all very different girls with different personalities and different skill sets, but there are no weak spots," she said.

"Everyone brings it every single game and they've built this great mental resilience.

"When they lost that one game by a goal, they came back to the tent and instead of putting their heads down they immediately focused on what they could do better for the next game.

"They went out and beat the team everyone thought would be the hardest by seven goals. It was phenomenal."

Lyall also praised head coach Graeme Cross, who has guided the team over the past two seasons, introducing elitelevel training methods and a team-first culture.

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"We were very lucky to get a phenomenal coach," she said.

“He brought another level to the team and took both the parents and the girls on that journey.

"The girls worked hardrain, hail or wind - and it really paid off."

Cross, himself, said the group's selfless attitude was the key to its success.

"This team personifies true toughness and heart," he said.

"Against much bigger, more experienced opposition they rose above every obstacle placed in front of them and achieved the impossible.

"They never played for themselves but always for each other. These girls shared

the load and it was a true team effort from a true champion team."

The Under-13s were one of several Kiama teams to impress at this year's state championships.

The Under-12s finished fifth in Division Two in their first representative season, while the Under-14s finished in a three-way tie for first in Division Three before being awarded third on goal percentage.

Earlier in June, Kiama's Under-15s finished runners-up in Division Three at the Senior State Titles to earn promotion to Division Two next season.

Lyall said the success across the association reflected the

dedication of its coaches, volunteers, parents and local businesses.

"For a little regional association, it's just phenomenal," she said. “It's a huge logistical exercise over three days and there's an incredible group of volunteers and parents who make it happen.

"Everyone gave these girls every opportunity to succeed."

The premiership-winning Under-13 squad consisted of Lexi Meier, Lucia Federici, Grace Maxwell, India Binks, Archi Turano Lyall, Aubrey Silver, Georgia Hughes, Ava Von Borstel, Hunter Halilovic and Willow Dwyer.

KIAMA NETBALLINTERMEDIATE

CKIAMA

DOWNS

5

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSUNDER 10 RED

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL

- UNDER 10 - BERRY 8