When William Shakespeare coined the term ‘sea change’ in his play The Tempest, he may not have imagined that it would become part of everyday vernacular.sea change – noun; a striking change, as in appearance, often for the better.• any major transformation or alteration.• a transformation brought about by the seaMany of us will have toyed with the idea of a sea change — for some it’s been part of a conscious decision-making process and for others it’s due to a significant life change.One particular cohort that actively considers a sea change are those in or entering retirement.With a myriad of retirement options available in and around NSW, there is one option—a striking change that ticks all the boxes for the better.Nestled within the coastal landscape of stunning Kiama on the NSW south coast, Cedar on Collins offers more than just an exquisite location, stunning facilities and amenities and high-quality apartments — Cedar offers a place where connection is built, and friendships are made.“Moving house in one’s late youth, and downsizing, is not for the faint-hearted,” one new resident shared.“On arriving here, I was exhausted and felt overwhelmed. But I arrived at Cedar to a warm welcome and my front door wrapped in blue ribbon and with a large blue bow! It was such a lovely surprise and welcome.”With 56 thoughtfully designed 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments Cedar on Collins offers contemporary, fresh spaces with a considered, spacious layout, together with tastefully appointed features and inviting living areas there is plenty for residents to enjoy.“The light. The airiness. The quietness. How easy it is to clean… My proximity to all facilities… The welcoming garden on arrival home.The beautiful potted plants dotted around the paths and entrances…it’s wonderful,” another resident enthused.It’s not just the property that enhances the experience of residents - the Concierge team at Cedar on Collins are always a step ahead, providing a comfortable and tailored experience and willing and able to provide assistance and meet requests wherever possible.“Yes, we love it,” another couple shared. “The residents all initiated Friday evening drinks where people take their own food and drink.And Cedar staff have organised a number of events such as Christmas lunch, film afternoons, morning teas etc which are an ideal way to interact with other residents. Phone numbers have been exchanged and help provided to each other.”There’s a lot to love about Cedar on Collins and the ease at which residents feel like they can move around, be themselves and make it their own has been a breath of fresh air for many.Just a short walk to the ocean front, minutes from shops, restaurants and cafés and the buzz of coastal village life, there’s so much on offer.As one resident concludes, “We are now calling Cedar home. Our family and friends love what we have done [moving here] too. It’s so relaxing!”Perhaps as you make your home at Cedar on Collins and watch the sun set from the roof-top gardens with new-found friends, you can raise a glass to Shakespeare and the bard’s words ‘to unpathed waters, to undreamed shores.’And just maybe your best days are yet to be written, and they might as well be at Cedar on Collins, Kiama.If you’ve been considering a sea change, our upcoming Open Day on March 12th is the perfect place to start. Register at cedarkiama.com.auPlease note: This is paid content

SEVERNE EAST COAST WAVE SAILING TITLES - SESSION 1

Do you know a local senior who makes a big difference?Kiama MP Katelin McInerney is on the lookout for the unsung heroes of the community - the seniors who volunteer, lead, mentor, or just quietly make life better for everyone around them.Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.Nominations are open for the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards and close at midday on 6 March.Categories cover everything from leadership and volunteering to sports, arts, heritage, community health and wellbeing, and enriching the lives of other older residents.“Our seniors touch lives in ways big and small," McInerney said."They don’t always seek the spotlight, so I’m asking friends, family, and neighbours to sing their praises. If someone you know has made a lasting impact, nominate them - let’s celebrate their contribution.“Nobody works harder behind the scenes than our seniors.“From volunteering and supporting local groups to mentoring younger generations and sharing their wisdom, they make our community stronger in countless ways. Many do it quietly, so now it’s time to sing their praises.”The awards form part of the NSW Seniors Festival, which runs from 2–15 March, with local ceremonies planned to celebrate recipients.Nominations are open across leadership and service, volunteering, community health and wellbeing/social justice, sports, arts and heritage, and enriching the lives of other older residents.Submit your nomination online at  Kiama Electorate NSW Seniors Local Awards 2026 Nomination Form

A group of Kiama players ventured south last weekend for the Ulladulla Summer Games and Seniors Tennis tournament. All divisions were conducted on a round robin basis. This popular event attracted 215 players from all over the state and the ACT to the Ulladulla courts. Local division one night comp player James Brown won the 60 men's singles and was pleased with his efforts. Wilco Del Haas and Bob Morgan, both looking for some form, competed in the 75/80 men's doubles, finishing third. Bob teamed up with David Graham the next day and performed in the 140 combined aged men's doubles against some seasoned pairings, mainly from Sydney. They were both carrying injuries and after soldiering on through the heat, they will look for improvement at future events. In the 100 combined men's doubles, Kiama coach Joe Moseley and club president Dave Lehman won the 100/110 men's combined doubles. With five pairs in the event, the Kiama duo had some close matches but took out the event after winning all of their round robin matches. David O'Keefe, who plays men's night comp for Oak Flats, and partner Rod Clarkson from Sydney were runners-up in the 120/130 doubles event. Honours for the weekend go to Kiama Tennis Club secretary Steve Thurstan who took out two events, winning the 130 men's doubles with Sydney’s Craig Hunt and the 110 mixed doubles with Mel Bradley from Ulladulla.There were some very high temperatures at the three-day event with players looking for some food and cool beverages at the end of each day at the well supplied sandwich and drink bar. Ulladulla is the first seniors tournament of the country circuit for the year.

Community organisations across the South Coast are being encouraged to apply for a fresh round of Volunteer Grants, with funding now available to help support the region’s dedicated volunteers.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has announced that Expressions of Interest are open for eligible not-for-profit groups that rely on volunteers, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 on offer.The Volunteer Grants program is designed to reduce barriers to volunteering while boosting participation and awareness of local opportunities.Funding can be used for practical needs such as communication tools, insurance, training, small equipment purchases, fuel, background screening checks and other items that directly support volunteer-run activities.Phillips said the program had already delivered tangible benefits to South Coast organisations.“During the last round, 24 community organisations across the South Coast shared in more than $65,000 funding to assist with things like purchasing small equipment items, fuel, training courses and background screening checks,” she said.Among the 2024–25 recipients were the Batemans Bay Youth Foundation, Callala District Soccer Club, Gerringong & District Historical Society, Kiama Pipe Band, Milton Theatre Committee and the Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Festival.“It’s fantastic that we were able to provide a boost for these 24 organisations, whether sporting, arts, social or cultural,” Mrs Phillips said.“They may be small grants, but they can make a big difference to community groups by reducing barriers for volunteers and increasing participation.“I’ll always back our wonderful volunteers that give back so much of their time and knowledge, and I will continue to support their work in assisting our South Coast communities.”Local community groups interested in applying are encouraged to contact Phillips’ office on 4423 1782 or email Fiona.Phillips.MP@aph.gov.au for details on how to submit an Expression of Interest.

Kiama Council has closed the Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Depot to the public while staff clean up the site following a sewerage system incident on Friday.Some wastewater leaked within the site, affecting the weighbridge building and car park. Council has announced that the incident was isolated and contained to these two hardstand areas and no overflow escaped anywhere else on site.There is no health risk associated with the leak and it will nof affect Council's cleaning or garbage collection schedules with all household bins to be picked up as normal.The flooring inside the weighbridge building will be replaced so the weighbridge cannot be used for financial transactions.Staff have been relocated to other work sites and the facility will remain closed to the public.New flooring will be laid inside the weighbridge building this week and the facility is expected to re-open next week.Kiama Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused during the shutdown period.

I have lived and been coming to Kiama now for 58 years.My family have lived in the area for over 100 years.And today I look at this once beautiful town and think to myself what has gone wrong?This town is now filthy. The toilets have not been cleaned for it looks like years and, in general, the town is heading fast down a lane that will not be reversible.Who is in charge? Where is the money going?I am positive it’s not going into the beautification of the town.Come on, Council. Lift your game or get out and let someone who cares take over and fix this once beautiful town again.Stephen Cook,Kiama

On the same day as one of the biggest Norfolk Pines in the local government area was chopped down, Kiama Council has been asked to review whether the iconic but non-native species should remain part of the future. Council removed a damaged Norfolk Pine, which was dead, at Belinda Street in Gerringong on Tuesday and later that night, a motion by Councillor Stuart Larkins was passed which asked Council to consider the Urban Greening Strategy as a required action item in the Delivery and Operational Plans for the next financial year or 2027-28.As part of the Strategy, Cr Larkins is asking Council to review whether Norfolk Pines should be listed as a “Tree Species of Significance” in its Development Control Plan.He said the trees have “a unique, but complex, history in our LGA”.Norfolk Pines along Terralong Street, from Collins Street to the Kiama Anglican Church, are listed as local heritage items. In his submission, he noted that the history of Norfolk Pines in coastal regions in NSW stem from colonialism, where they were planted to provide masts for ships. The tree being removed in Belinda Street. Photo: David TooheyCr Larkins said they provide scenic landscaping and identity for the town but they are not a native species which require significant public and private management that have caused significant impacts to public infrastructure, including footpaths, roads, housing and water and electricity infrastructure.“I think it's quite a complex and challenging topic for Councillors and our community when it comes to those trees,” Cr Larkins said at the meeting.“As part of reviewing and updating our local greening and tree management, we need to consider the role and the future aspects of those trees in our community.”Council CEO Jane Stroud told The Bugle that trees of all shapes and sizes are really important for shade, amenity and character of a town.“In the case of Norfolk Pines, they link to boat building and the ethos of history of eras gone by. So of course people are attached to them.“There's barely a coastal community on the eastern seaboard of Australia where you won't find a Norfolk Pine. They're everywhere. They're part of our collective culture and history.”She acknowledged that there are environmental health concerns attached to Norfolk Pines. “That said, they do create some challenges, whether that's view loss, noise. They drop really significant cones and seeds, and attract quite a lot of bird activity, which can be a good thing, can be a bad thing. “I think it's probably sensible to assume that during the development of an Urban Greening Strategy, folks are going to talk about what's an appropriate tree along the foreshore, and the question of Norfolk Pines will get raised."As for the massive Norfolk Pine on Belinda Street which was removed, Stroud said it had been identified several months ago as a hazard and Council put up a sign to inform the public that “this tree was not poisoned, most likely struck by lightning” so speculation about vandalism allegations would not gain traction. “We all know tree vandalism does happen, but on that occasion, we had complaints, we did testing and soil sampling and we could find no evidence. “So we communicated to people up front and early and say the tree has not been poisoned and it’l need to come down.“It was expensive to remove because it was so big and required an appropriately qualified arborist. “I'm sorry it will leave a hole in that streetscape because it was a significant tree, but it was dead and now it’s won’t risk anybody's property.”

Crystal lovers across Kiama and the Illawarra are invited to immerse themselves in a weekend of gems, jewellery and wellness when Gemtopia arrives at The Pavilion Kiama next month.The two-day event will feature more than 35 stallholders, showcasing an extensive range of crystals, minerals, gemstones, opals, carvings, statement pieces, handmade jewellery, and spiritual and wellness products. Visitors can browse, learn and purchase unique items across all budgets.Special guest Jaymin from The Young Guns Opal Hunters, known from the television series Opal Hunters Australia, will be in attendance with opal pieces available to view and buy. The event on 7-8 March will also include demonstrations and expertise from the Illawarra Lapidary Club, offering insights into the art of lapidary.Additional attractions include crystal readers, lucky door prizes, and a free crystal quiz and gift for children.Gemtopia runs Saturday 9.30am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm at The Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama. Entry is $5 for the full weekend, with free admission for under 18s.Organisers say the event is designed to be a welcoming, family-friendly experience celebrating natural beauty, creativity and wellbeing.

Shellharbour squeaked home by three wickets to beat Kiama in a South Coast cricket nail-biter at Scout Willoughby Oval on Saturday.The loss puts Kiama’s hold on fourth spot in doubt heading into the final two rounds of the men’s first-grade competition.Cavaliers captain Jaya Hartgerink’s 30 and 37 from Niall Owers lifted the visitors to a modest total of 148 and the Harbour were cruising when they reached a hundred for the loss of just two wickets with Oran Pattison making 50.But they lost 5-41 before Jim Glazbrook’s unbeaten 31 got them home to claim outright second on the ladder.North Nowra Cambewarra kept their finals hopes alive by upsetting Bay and Basin by 103 runs at Bernie Regan Sportsground. Hyeon Parsons belted 61 off 47 and Samuel Neri (49) and captain Nathan Thomas (48) also did well as they amassed 244. The Dolphins’ top order crumbled to be 4-59 and they were never in the hunt with Cooper Bramley, Parsons and Blake Horton taking three wickets each. Lake are certain to finish with the minor premiership after Ryan Maguire’s 67-ball 100 and Jake O’Connell’s 53 propelled them to 7-282 against Oak Flats.Despite half-centuries to skipper Jack Bennett (51) and all-rounder Zaied Bin Khalid (59 not out), the Rats finished well short of their target on 7-198.Ex Servos have leapt from last to eighth, consigning Albion Park to the wooden spooner spot with a six-wicket win at Hayden Drexel Oval.The Eagles were bowled out for 161 and the home side chased it down within 30 overs thanks to opener Matthew Higham’s 57 and an unbeaten 38 from Kuldeep Singh rana.Bomaderry thrashed Kookas 262-142 on the back of opener Luke Jones (67) and Riley Ingram (71) starring with the bat and new-ball duo Peter King (4-34) and Brad Cross (3-33) dominating for the Tigers.This Saturday, Bomaderry are away to Bay and Basin, Lake host Shellharbour in a top-of-the-table tussle, Kookas face Kiama at Warilla, the Eagles fly south to North Nowra and Ex Servos head north to Oak Flats.Ladder: Lake 97, Shellharbour 86, Bay and Basin 80, Kiama 76, North Nowra 69, Bomaderry 68, Rats 42, Ex Servos 37, Kookas 36, Park 34.In the women’s competition, Shellharbour claimed their first win of the season with a 50-run upset over Oak Flats Ratatouilles.Opening duo Tammie Croker (46) and Pamela Evans (41) blazed away to set up their total of 1-131 from their 20 overs before Oak Flats were restricted to 3-81.Lake Illawarra won a thriller over Kiama in the battle for fourth spot in the penultimate round.Lilly Willstrop smashed 36 in their total of 6-114 despite Emma Ford’s haul of 3-16 before Ebony Winston put the Cavettes within striking distance with her unbeaten 51. But they finished just four runs short of the total to drop to fifth on the ladder with one round remaining.Ex Servos (5-108) beat the Ratettes in the other game with Nakita Boatswain top-scoring with 47 and Rebecca Carson bagging 3-12 for the Shoalhaven side.This Friday, the Lakers lock horns with the Ratatouilles at Albion Oval, the Kookas are away to Kiama, and Shellharbour meet Ex Servos and the Ratettes clash with Albion Park in the two Myimbarr fixtures.Ladder: Kookas 48, Ratettes 30, Ratatouilles 28, Lake 28, Kiama 24, Ex Servos 20, Park 18, Harbour 8.

The four-storey proposal on the southern side of Akuna Street is a step closer to reality after Kiama Council on Tuesday night voted unanimously to approve the updated development application.A 38-apartment complex will be built at 14 Akuna St which will also house four commercial units on the ground floor.After the initial DA was lodged, Council staff informed the developer that it would need to alter its plans and an updated submission was lodged.Despite concerns over non-compliance with building height and floor to space ratio limits, all nine Councillors voted to approve the proposal.Councillor Melinda Lawton raised concerns about adopting the plan but was reassured by Council’s director strategies and communities Ed Paterson who said the non-compliance “variations” were minor.He said they “don't have any broader detrimental impact on neighbours, be it overshadowing views or whatever else the objectives of those individual controls are".“And that is what is asked of Council when assessing applications utilising Clause 4.6 of the Local Environment Plan - that you have to flexibly apply controls and ensure the objectives have been met and the public interest has been met.“So that's the conclusion that staff have come to.”Councillor Erica Warren asked whether the balconies of the proposed development will “look directly into the backyards” of nearby residents.Paterson responded by saying he could not comment on how it will directly impact the neighbours, “but it's always going to impact people differently”.“The quantitative assessment that has been undertaken is there is compliance with setback requirements in both Council's Development Control Plan and the Apartment Design Guide. Louvres and privacy screens are proposed on the balconies.“The properties on Bong Bong Street sit quite higher than this site so it's not as though all units are directly overlooking into balconies and backyards. So a relative and reasonable privacy is maintained as per our Development Control Plan.”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald praised the planning department for its efforts in getting the modifications made to the DA, which included issues such as potential groundwater contamination and pollution, sustainability measures, aesthetics, solar and daylight access, car parking design and waste collection arrangements.“As Councillors, we need very good reasons not to follow a recommendation. What we have seen from our planning department is very good communication with the applicant and a comprehensive report prepared for Council and so as an elected body we supported that recommendation,” he said.Council CEO Jane Stroud was pleased to see this development proceed.“I was glad - that development application has a long history. It has been with Council for some time and then it was withdrawn and reworked on,” she said.“So in terms of the plans that were put forward to Council for endorsement, we were grateful that that was a unanimous decision. And now we just need to see the developer crack on with it.“That whole process is more in line with the planning reforms that are happening across the state. Rather than just leave a development application in the system and go through hundreds and hundreds of days of long, drawn-out conversations, these days we push for the withdrawal, we tell you what the issues are, we expect you to take them on board and make your application properly so that we can get it in and get it out for you.”The Caliope St site.Demolition and construction is expected to start later this year but no official timeline has been released.Council is also looking to expand the local housing supply with a new development at Caliope Street, an elongated, irregular-shaped allotment of land situated on the south-eastern corner of Old Saddleback Road.A motion was endorsed for a Planning Proposal to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway determination.If approved, the Planning Proposal would be placed on public exhibition to enable community, stakeholder and state agency consultation to occur.Paterson said a maximum of 20 low-density residential units would be available if the project goes ahead.Cr Lawton raised objections at the Council meeting over the impact on Zieria granulata, a small shrub native to the area which is protected under the Biodiversity Act and a heritage-listed drystone wall along the southern boundary.The western part of the site has been strategically identified as a suitable site for residential development in Council’s Local Housing Strategy while the remainder of the vacant land is considered environmentally sensitive and it is proposed that it would be preserved for conservation.

They would have been cowering in fear and desperately ringing triple zero, if only they had known.The security camera footage is startling.Three cars were parked in the garage at the luxury residence in Gerroa. There were obviously people at home.But that didn’t stop the brazen attempt at a home invasion recently.The security footage shows two young men in hoodies, with masks covering much of their faces. They arrive on the property shortly after 2.50am and can be seen trying the front door, two windows and a side door at the rear of the house.Fortunately for Ian and Janice Dolan, the owners of this magnificent property, and equally fortunately for their three female visitors, all the doors were security-locked and the windows safely secured.To this day, they are shocked by the blatant nature of it all.The footage shows the would-be home invaders checking all the car doors at the front of the house, unfazed by the lights coming on.Without any alarms being triggered, the Dolans slept through it all.They only discovered the terrifying incident – which could have ended very badly for both of them – through happenstance.Ian’s sister-in-law, a meticulous person, kept insisting someone had been in her car and stolen her remote.He brushed it off at first, but she kept insisting. Finally, he got to thinking: she’s not the sort of person who would misplace anything.That led him to check the security camera footage.“It is bloody terrifying,” says Ian. “As people get older they feel more vulnerable. How would you like to be an octogenarian and have a stranger roaming through your house?“They were so casual. The lights came on at the front of the property and they didn’t even hesitate.“It feels like you lose a lot of your freedom. You should be able to relax and feel free in your home. It is an awful proposition.”He is thankful there were no young children in the house.“My wife had broken her foot and couldn’t walk at the time. What am I going to do? I am not going to move while they are holding a knife at my wife’s throat. They have no fear. They don’t care whether they kill you or not.”Janice says they are now diligent: “We live in such a beautiful place, you are always a target. We’re religiously checking; everything is locked all the time.”Ian has dropped leaflets throughout his neighbourhood, warning everyone of what has happened. As a result, residents are updating their cameras and their security.One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was thinking of getting a Bull Terrier. Her security footage shows the would-be thieves walking past her home at 3.01am.“They were so brazen,” she says. “They were rattling the doors of one of my neighbours. It is frightening.”Potential thieves know the enclave – with spectacular views down Seven Mile Beach – is wealthy. The Dolans bought their property in 2003 for just over a million dollars, then a record for the area.“It was more than I could afford at the time,” says Ian. “There were dolphins jumping out of the surf as the auction was going on, and I got auction fever.”A million dollars gets you nowhere anymore, with small blocks of land on the ocean side of the street fetching more than five million.That sort of money attracts thieves, making locals nervous. Some of Ian’s friends, even with their doors locked, routinely sleep with baseball bats or iron bars beside their beds.“One day those thieves are going to wake up the wrong person,” Ian says. “Nothing good is going to come out of this.”The footage of the incident, along with the number plate of a car circling the block at the time, have been passed to the police.According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, only 13 per cent of break and enter offences in the state are ever solved.Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said the NSW Government was focused on ensuring peace of mind for residents, which is “why we are delivering extra Police assigned to the Lake Illawarra Command this year”.“I know any attempted break-and-enter would be deeply worrying to local residents and distressing for the family impacted and it is important for the community to know that the Police not only take these matters seriously but are acting to arrest individuals found committing these crimes,” she told The Bugle.“When I spoke to Superintendent Commander Darren Brand, Lake Illawarra Command, about this matter and the community’s concerns about recent break-and-enter events, he confirmed Police have already investigated a number of these cases and that Police have made a number of arrests related to break and enter in Kiama over the past few weeks.“I will continue to work with our local command and support the community in this as we all want the same thing – safe streets, secure homes and peace of mind for our families and neighbours.“Superintendent Brand also reiterated that simple steps like locking your doors, securing your home and vehicles, as well as reporting suspicious behaviour can make a real difference.”McInerney said residents should call Crime Stoppers, contact the Police Assistance Line or visit Kiama Police Station, which is open daily between 9am to 5pm, and she also recommended downloading the Protect Your Home document from the NSW Police website for tips on keeping your property secure.Lake Illawarra Police District and Kiama Council were requested for comment but declined.

Disappointing, underwhelming, deflating - there are many ways to describe the Illawarra Hawks’ NBL title defence.And none of them are good.After the ecstasy of last year’s run to the championship, breaking a trophy drought which stretched all the way back to 2001, the Hawks never got out of second gear this season.They got off to a slow start, which can partly be attributed to their participation in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore, losing their opening three matches.Injuries played their part too, along with the signing of import guard JaQuori McLaughlin, who only lasted three games before the 27-year-old was told his services were no longer required after he averaged 7.7 points and four assists.The monumental signing of Olympic champion and three-time NBA championship winner JaVale McGee turned out to be a good move in getting attention on the club.But his style did not mesh with his teammates and although his stats were for the most part impressive, it did not translate into enough victories.He put up 19.4 points on 57% shooting and 10 rebounds per outing, averaging just two assists, which - to be fair to him - was never a strong part of his game during his lengthy NBA career.The all-round teamwork that symbolised the Hawks’ superb season and ultimately successful playoff campaign was nowhere to be seen when McGee was on the court even though he was named the club's season MVP this week. McGee has said he has a “high temptation” to come back to the NBL next season but it’s highly unlikely the Hawks will roll the dice on the 38-year-old again.He is winging his way to China to play for the Beijing Ducks. Fellow import QJ Peterson, who replaced McLaughlin mid-season, is also plying his trade in the CBA with Fujian and he has not been signed for next NBL season as well.Star guard Tyler Harvey, who is on the way to becoming a naturalised Australian, is signed up for next season while centre Sam Froling has two more years on his deal.Fan favourite Davo Hickey and defensive specialist Wani Swaka Lo Buluk are also locked in for the next two seasons so the bulk of the current roster will be back on deck for the 2026-27 season.And coach Justin Tatum is also back for another campaign.The Hawks finished their season on Wednesday night in Tasmania with a 103-90 consolation win over the JackJumpers. They finished the regular season in eighth with a 13-30 recordIllawarra recorded back-to-back wins on only three occasions during the season and were never able to string together three on the trot. Their hot and mostly cold performances meant they never seriously entered the conversation as title contenders despite keeping the majority of the team which went all the way last year.Off the court, the Hawks are booming. Ticket sales have never been better and the club is getting a brand new arena after the recent announcement that WIN Entertainment Centre would be demolished.The new arena will have a capacity of 9500, more than 4000 seats higher than the current venue. But the team needs to be playing much better than this season otherwise it’s going to be tough to fill a bigger arena.

Calling all South Coast puppy lovers, Assistance Dogs Australia needs your help.The organisation is calling for volunteers who work from home, are retired or have flexible schedules and live within 100km of Sydney to help raise the next generation of life-changing assistance dogs.Puppy raisers like Beth Kates provide loving homes for puppies aged from 18 weeks, socialising, training and integrating them into their everyday lives until the dogs are around 15 months old.They then return to Assistance Dogs Australia for intensive training before finding their forever homes with people with physical disability, children and families with autism, and people with post-traumatic stress disorder.When Beth moved from England two years ago she had to leave her own beloved pooches behind as they were in their twilight years and she was concerned the long journey and quarantine requirements would be too much for them.Desperately missing her dogs, she decided to volunteer with Assistance Dogs Australia, bringing Cairo - a black labrador puppy - into her home with her teenage sons.“I really missed having dogs around,” says Beth. “I came from a farm in England and now I live in a city so becoming a puppy raiser for ADA was a really good way for me to have four paws on the floor.“They go everywhere with you, the shops, the cinema, everywhere, they have to because you are training to be able to eventually go everywhere for the people they support.“You get a much closer bond than you would with a normal pet dog. They become really bonded with you, look at you all the time for guidance as to what they should be doing and do everything you ask of them because that’s what they need to be doing as assistance dogs.”When it was time to say goodbye to Cairo, Beth was “heartbroken”.“I absolutely fell in love with him. He was amazing, so saying goodbye was really, really hard,” she said.“But then I saw him two months after he went back to national training and he definitely remembered me and he was just giving me lots of big hugs.”The only way to get over missing Cairo was to “get another puppy to raise” and she is now training a golden labrador called Nancy.ADA volunteer program manager Kristie Worthy said puppy volunteers were essential to the success of the organisation’s programs.“By opening their homes and their lives to a puppy, volunteers help shape calm, confident dogs who will one day provide independence and support to someone who truly needs it,” she said.“Assistance dogs change lives, but they don’t get there on their own. Every assistance dog starts out as a puppy, and every puppy needs a dedicated volunteer to guide them through those critical early months.”Beth says training high-energy labradors - the preferred breed for Assistance Dogs Australia - required patience and daily practice.“Assistance dogs need to be able to open doors or a drawer, they need to be able to bring somebody the remote control, to go in a crate and stay there and not rush out when you open the door,” she explained.“You want a perfectly behaved dog. And so getting to that point requires daily training - every task you do has to involve the dog so that they've got the best ever manners.“And you see most Labradors are not like that as puppies but they are very food driven so it’s our job to teach them!”Volunteers receive training and support with frequent visits from a field trainer and the Assistance Dogs Australia community.“Some days the training can be tricky," added Beth. "If the dog's a bit distracted, it's too hot, there's other dogs around, but knowing that you are doing it to help people who need assistance in their daily life keeps you motivated.“It's an incredibly important thing to do and that’s what got me through the training on the difficult days. There’s always someone at the end of the phone so you can ask questions, touch base, we've got a community of volunteers and puppy educators that you can say ‘has anyone had this problem before’.”Assistance Dogs Australia provides support for all food, veterinary care, equipment and ongoing training for volunteers.Prior experience with dogs is helpful but not essential and volunteers need to have the puppies with them for most of the day as the puppies couldn’t be left home alone for long periods.“It's a really good, feelgood thing to do,” said Beth. “And volunteers get a lot of puppy snuggles.”For more information or to register interest, visit assistancedogs.org.au/volunteer.

Lake Illawarra Police are appealing for information as investigations continue into a violent home invasion at Flinders overnight.About 3.40am on Sunday, emergency services were called to a home on Mummuga Close, Flinders, following reports of a home invasion.Lake Illawarra Police District officers attended and were told four unknown males wearing balaclavas, one armed with a knife, forced entry into the home's converted garage and assaulted a 20-year-old man.Three other occupants – two men aged 19 and 43, and a 37-year-old woman – attempted to assist, but the residents were also assaulted by the group of intruders, who then ran away from the scene.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 43-year-old man for stab wounds to the head and chest, the 20-year-old man for a stab wound to the leg and stomach, and the 19-year-old man for significant facial injuries.They were taken to hospital in a serious condition.A crime scene has been established and investigations are continuing.Anyone with information is urged to contact Lake Illawarra Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The new year always brings a sense of possibility, but for the Kiama Business Network, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year full of action, celebration and fresh opportunities for local businesses. As summer winds down, here’s what’s been happening across our business community - and what you can look forward to in the months ahead.First up, the highly anticipated 2026 Kiama Business Directory is officially complete and at the printers. Keep an eye out next week for your copy, whether you’re a business owner looking to connect with others or a resident eager to discover new local services, shops and professionals. This directory remains a staple for our community, shining a spotlight on the breadth and quality of businesses that make Kiama and surrounds such a vibrant place to live and work.Speaking of recognition, mark your calendars: the 2026 Kiama Business Awards will take place on 23 July. This year brings something extra - six new award categories, giving more businesses the chance to be acknowledged for their unique contributions and achievements.KBN is also ramping up support for nominees, offering mentorship and guidance to help businesses present themselves in the best possible light. Mick Emmett.And for those who take home a trophy, there’s more good news: all winners will automatically advance as finalists in the prestigious Business Illawarra Awards, putting Kiama’s best on the regional stage.Community spirit is at the heart of everything KBN does. This will no doubt be on show during the upcoming Kiama Jazz and Blues weekend, where KBN has proudly sponsored the Blues Bus. The initiative makes it easy and safe for locals and visitors to get to the many fantastic venues hosting an impressive lineup of local, national and international talent. It’s a small gesture that we hope makes a big difference, keeping the music alive and the community connected.Navigation just got easier for shoppers, too. The new KBN retail map has been upgraded and now features retail shops not just in Kiama town, but across Gerringong, Jamberoo, Gainsborough, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra, and Kiama Heights. The new map will debut at the Seaside Markets on 15 March, ready to guide locals and visitors alike to the best in retail therapy. For those who like to browse on the go, bespoke digital versions will soon be available to KBN members.Youth engagement remains a priority for KBN. The Markets Crew, a youth employment program, continues to grow.It offers local young people the chance to pick up new skills, real-world experience, and a salary. Watch this space for updates on events designed to build even stronger ties between our businesses and the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs.There have been some changes behind the scenes as well. A huge thank you goes out to Michael Emmett, founder of BlueStone, who has stepped down from the KBN board after six years of dedicated service. Mick’s calm, thoughtful leadership helped steer the network through challenging times, including the pandemic and the recent economic uncertainty. From all of us, thank you. Enjoy more time with your young family and good luck on the cricket pitch!We’re also excited to welcome Derek McMahon, owner of McMahon’s Transport, to the board. Derek brings fresh ideas, deep community roots, and a strong voice for local business - qualities already making a difference, especially in ongoing discussions with Kiama Council about the Employment Lands Strategy.And, as we celebrate milestones, a very happy one-year anniversary to our executive officer, Mel Scarr. Mel’s energy, professionalism and experience have transformed what KBN can deliver for local businesses. Here’s to many more years of growth and community success.With new resources, events, and faces, 2026 is off to a strong start. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come from KBN.Please note - this is paid content

Kiama Leagues Club was alive with colour, flavour and festive spirit on Wednesday night as guests gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year at Cedar Cutters Sports Bar.The special Lunar New Year set menu delivered exactly what was promised - a bold, banquet-style dining experience designed for sharing and savouring.Guests enjoyed the generous offerings from the carefully curated menu that highlighted classic Asian flavours and techniques. It was a lively, social atmosphere, with diners sampling the variety while enjoying the buzz of the sold-out event.Entrees featured steamed pork and chive dumplings alongside duck spring rolls with salt and pepper squid. The main course selection was equally impressive, with Cantonese soy and ginger barramundi, Kung Pao chicken and rich braised beef short rib, complemented by seasonal Asian greens. The meal ended on a high note with a coconut and kaffir lime pannacotta, offering a light yet indulgent finish - all favourites that reflect the warmth and generosity traditionally associated with Lunar New Year celebrations.The event showcased the club’s commitment to offering diverse dining experiences and celebrating cultural occasions within the community.Hats off to executive chef Sarah Rebbeck for delivering an outstanding event that was widely praised by diners. The banquet-style format encouraged sharing and conversation, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere in keeping with the spirit of Lunar New Year.The Cedar Cutters Sports Bar proved a perfect venue, with its extensive sports coverage screens themed for the occasion to enhance the setting. One fellow diner even suggested the banquet could inspire a regular seafood feast to follow on from the popular Oyster Sundays - an idea many would welcome.Judging by the strong turnout and positive response from diners, the Lunar New Year banquet was a standout success and a welcome addition to the club’s calendar of special events.

As a journalist, it can be difficult to be unbiased at times, especially when you love Italian food and you’re tasked with writing about pizza (there are worse jobs, I suppose). The assignment from The Bugle was to check out the local pizza scene. However, this journalist went to one of Kiama’s newest pizza joints, Loui’s, and decided she’d seen all she needed to see in regards to pizza and anything carbohydrate related.Upon walking into Loui’s, owned by Morgan Lewis, also the proprietor of Fillmore’s, I instantly felt welcome. The layout is spacious yet cosy, with plenty of natural light and the staff are friendly and easy going. Renovated by Morgan using recycled wood, the interior strikes a balance between openness and warmth. He had the goal of creating a space where locals - although tourists are also welcome - would feel comfortable eating alone at the bar and chatting to the staff. He also wanted to offer late-night dining to the local community, something of a rarity in Kiama. And in particular, he felt it was important to create a safe space for women to dine alone.In addition to the welcoming atmosphere, the food at Loui’s is certainly something to write home about. Based on traditional Italian food, which at its core is simple and uncomplicated, Loui’s offers a variety of pizzas and pastas which prove less is always more. Morgan worked closely with Adam Childs to create a simple yet satisfying menu. Having previously worked together at Fillmore’s, he said “it’s a really good partnership, it works great”.This is evident as they laugh and chat about the menu that they developed together. Despite the simplicity, the ingredients are high quality and local.“It’s very important to have really good, fresh produce. And everything is made fresh on-site daily … and it’s ever evolving,” Morgan said.Some recommendations from Morgan and Adam are the potato pizza and the salami pizza, which of course I had to try and, as expected, they were tasty and fired to perfection. If you’re looking to feed a crowd, the table of nine that I dined with shared five pizzas which was enough to satiate us all. While sipping on wine curated by Yakka and waiting for our pizzas to be woodfired, I caught glimpses of Adam kneading and tossing the pizza dough fresh to order (oh, to be the dough). After pizza, it was time for dessert. On offer were oven-roasted, glazed peaches served with pistachio or vanilla gelato. The peach itself was somewhat tricky to eat with a spoon, so I suggest picking it up and biting into it while simultaneously manoeuvring the gelato into your mouth. Although be warned - you might feel like you should buy the peach a drink before consuming this way. If you still have room after dessert, why not treat yourself to an affogato with coffee from a local roastery, Little Earth.Loui’s is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm-10pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5pm-10:30pm.

Jamberoo’s long-awaited dog park is officially moving ahead, with Kiama Council endorsing a revised design for a fenced off-leash area at the corner of Churchill Street and Gibson Crescent.The project, expected to be completed by mid-2026, marks the culmination of years of advocacy from local residents. Jamberoo is the only township in the LGA without a designated off-leash dog space, an issue that gained momentum in 2022 when Kiama Council received a petition – attracting hundreds of signatures – calling for a fenced facility in the area.Councillor Stuart Larkins said he was pleased to see the project progressing after a lengthy and at times contentious process.“There’s been a long advocacy for dog space in Jamberoo. There isn’t any dog space, and it’s been an issue for quite some time,” Cr Larkins said. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said: “We’re happy the dog park is moving forward. Cr Larkins has been a driving force behind this and I thank him for his efforts. We’re getting closer to people being able to get out to thecentre of Jamberoo and enjoy this Council facility.”Council assessed several potential sites before determining the Gibson Crescent reserve was the most suitable, with other options ruled out due to impacts on cemetery or sporting land.Initial works began in April 2025, including plumbing and partial fencing, but the early installation of fencing prompted community concern about the size, layout and the loss of informal overflow parking used during events. The project was subsequently paused and five design options were placed on public exhibition between September and November.Option 5, which proposed two separate dog areas, received the highest level of support. However, consultation also revealed strong sentiment for an unfenced space. Taking this feedback into account, Council has endorsed a modified Option 5 that will include a fenced 30m x 30m area for small dogs and a designated but unfenced off-leash area for large dogs. The park will also feature shade structures, seating, bins, footpaths and a drinking water bubbler.The project is jointly funded by $75,600 from the NSW Government and $70,000 from Council’s developer contribution fund. With grant funding required to be spent by November 2026, it seems Jamberoo will finally be ready to let the dogs out – officially.