After launching WHOW – Windows Helping Other Widows – last year, Marion Rattray says the group is still evolving, but its purpose is becoming clearer.“There’s quite a few widows in our church,” Rattray says. “And all of a sudden I was one of them.”Following the loss of her husband, she felt a calling to create a space where widows could find connection and mutual support.The group held its inaugural meeting late last year, welcoming an initial circle of 10 women.Early sessions centred on sharing stories, bringing photos of husbands and talking openly about grief. For Marion, the experience was still raw and very personable.As the months passed, she noticed something.Women who had been widowed for many years found revisiting grief wasn’t always helpful.“It took them back to grieving,” she says. “And they’d finished their grieving.”That realisation became a turning point. WHOW has gradually shifted towards a more relaxed, friendship-focused approach – still grounded in shared understanding, but lighter in tone.The new atmosphere is simple and welcoming: tea, coffee, biscuits and conversation, sometimes even games from the church cupboard. The emphasis is on companionship – women supporting one another face to face.“They say men talk shoulder to shoulder, but women talk face to face,” says. “If they have problems, they can ask around in the group and just be there for each other.”While WHOW is not a formal counselling service, Rattray is mindful that some women may need additional support. A qualified counsellor has previously spoken to the group, and Rattray can help connect members with local professional grief counselling services if needed.Her hope for the group is that widows, whether newly bereaved or many years on, feel welcome and accepted.“I just hope it’ll be there for widows – whether they’ve been widows a long time or a short time – and that they find some friendship there they might not find outside.”For anyone hesitant about attending: “Just come along. We’ve all been there. We don’t bite,” she said. WHOW meets at 2pm on the third Thursday of each month in the lecture hall at Kiama Uniting Church. New members are welcome.

Local music duo Shoal Vibes are thrilled to be joining the party for the Kiama Jazz and Blues weekend.It’ll be Sunday Sips with a difference at the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club from 3pm-7pm as they focus on Jazz and Blues classics for the occasion. Shoal Vibes singer Kathleen Lawson and guitarist John T bring a wealth of experience and talent to their newest musical venture, combining great skills with quality music. For this weekend, they’ve curated a whole new playlist, including their signature set ‘Ella swings gently with Willie’, showcasing the smooth jazz style of Ella Fitzgerald and the mellow blues tones of Willie Nelson.“It’s a really interesting combination”, Kathleen says. “We’ve been able to take songs that we’ve been playing one way, and re-work them with a bit of a twist, that has landed in a really cool spot. “It also gives John and I different opportunities to sing individually and combine our voices in new duets that add such a fun element to our music.”The Sounds of Jazz and Blues weekend is being staged by Kiama Council this year while the local club takes a pause before the annual festival returns for its 40th anniversary in 2027.“It’s getting harder to find places to play, although the public’s appetite for good quality live music remains very strong,” John said. “Our shows have been really well attended.” The duo has even written their own blues number lamenting the loss of venues and festivals, titled “Cancellation Blues”, which will premiere at the upcoming gig. Despite the challenges, Kathleen and John remain upbeat about the local music scene. “We’re really grateful to Kiama Council, who got behind the weekend, and all the local venues and businesses who are also on board, keeping the music alive,” she said.“We hope to see the Festival back in 2027, celebrating its 40th anniversary – that will be a huge celebration. “In the meantime though, we’re so happy to have the chance to play, and share live music with everyone.” Shoal Vibes plays irresistibly toe-tapping music for the soul, with a presence that welcomes participation.

The drenched green beauty of the Kiama hinterland is made even more evocative by its lone sentinels: cabbage tree palms.The tall, spindly palms – remnants of the temperate rainforest that once coated the area – can soar more than 50 metres in height. Their isolated forms, far from any smaller versions of themselves, breathe a certain solitude.For, like humans, they normally come in family groups.“They are lonely,” says Landcare spokeswoman Ailee Calderbank. “They are like us. They don’t do so well on their own. They need an ecosystem around them.”Ailee and a group of Landcare volunteers are setting out to solve this problem. This Thursday they are holding a public meeting in Jamberoo to encourage local landholders to get involved.Officially known as Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm, the project was launched at the Gerringong Library in 2024. As a result of that meeting, six landholders from the Kiama and Gerringong area became involved.Now organisers are keen to extend the project inland to the dairy properties of Jamberoo, where the sentinel palms are one of the most striking features of the landscape.“People are always interested in them,” says Ailee. “They always wonder why the palms are out there on their own in the paddocks, and why the farmers have preserved them.”Ailee speaks of the palms as if they were human. The answer to the first question – why they are alone – is simple enough: they are not having children. Without the protection of a rainforest, they are prone to being trampled by dairy cows or smothered by weeds, most particularly kikuyu grass.Cabbage tree palms are very slow-growing. They can take up to 20 years just to start forming a trunk. The taller palms can be 200 years old.“They don’t like being lonely,” Ailee says. “I used to tell my own children, the palms we see and love, one day they are not going to be here. There are no babies coming up.“They are a relic of our previous rainforest and forest communities. They are a reminder of what has been lost. Plants, trees, weren’t meant to live alone. We don’t fare so well on our own either.”Ailee says the answer to the second question – why dairy farmers have preserved them to live alone in the paddocks – is steeped in mythology. There was a belief that they were protected, which they are not. Alexander Berry is said to have cleared all the trees around his English-style house near the Shoalhaven town named after him, but preserved the cabbage palms because tropical gardens were the height of fashion at the time.But Berry passed away in 1873 and if he really was the inspiration for the preservation of those palms, more than 150 years later their spindly trunks and forlorn crowns look more sad than exotic.The cheerful part of the story, however, is that with a little effort cabbage tree palms are easily protected.Landcare volunteers usually plant them in conjunction with other rainforest trees and plants; and as long as the kikuyu grass is kept from smothering them, and animals including cows and deer are kept from eating them while they are young, the area will once again see stands of cabbage tree palms.Not the melancholy beauty of the lonely sentinels we know today, but the lush rainforests of the past.“This is an investment for the future,” Ailee says. “Considering how long cabbage tree palms take just to form a trunk, you might not be around, but our kids will get to enjoy these magnificent palms.”

New postcode data shows the clean energy upgrade is being led by Australia’s rural and regional communities and outer suburbs rather than inner-city areas.Kiama is among the top locations on the South Coast embracing a renewable future as part of the 77 per cent of uptake of the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program in regional and outer-suburban areas.More than a quarter of a million households, small businesses and community organisations have installed a battery with around half of those installing new or upgraded solar systems at the same time.Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips said batteries help households store the cheaper, cleaner energy they generate during the day, for use at night. She said it translated to less reliance on peak prices, a more reliable grid and downward pressure on prices.Phillips said people want to cut their power bills, get more value from their solar, and take control of their energy use.“In Gilmore, 2414 families and local businesses are embracing energy upgrades that save them money and make their homes and businesses more energy efficient,” she said.“These results show our community is getting on with it, taking up batteries and backing a cleaner energy future that is made from Australia’s abundant renewable resources.“People here don’t want slogans. They want bills that are easier to pay, and a plan that delivers. "That is exactly what this program is doing.”Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the clean energy transformation “is practical, it is household-focused and it is being led by the suburbs and the regions”.“Cheaper Home Batteries are helping families cut power bills and get more value from their solar. The postcode data makes it clear, this is not an inner-city story, it is a national story.”Top suburbs in Gilmore by postcode2540 with 721 installations: Sanctuary Point, Worrigee, Sussex Inlet, Vincentia, St Georges Basin, Culburra Beach, Nowra Hill, Callala Bay, Basin View 2533 with 335: Kiama, Kiama Downs, Jamberoo, Kiama Heights, Minnamurra, Curramore, Bombo, Jerrara, Saddleback Mountain2541 with 288: Nowra, Bomaderry, North Nowra, South Nowra, West Nowra, Bangalee2539 with 281: Ulladulla, Mollymook Beach, Burrill Lake, Narrawallee, Mollymook, Bawley Point, Lake Conjola, Manyana, Lake Tabourie2536 with 257: Catalina, Malua Bay, Batehaven, Surf Beach (NSW), Long Beach, Batemans Bay, Surfside, Sunshine Bay, North Batemans Bay2535 with 159: Shoalhaven Heads, Berry, Jaspers Brush, Coolangatta (NSW), Far Meadow, Broughton Vale, Bellawongarah, Woodhill, Back Forest2534 with 105: Gerringong, Gerroa, Werri Beach, Foxground, Broughton Village, Toolijooa, Rose Valley, Willow Vale

It has been rather interesting to see and read the community discussion, following The Bugle’s article “Should Kiama keep iconic but imported Norfolk Pines?”Thank you, The Bugle for publishing this topic.In context, the resolution that was passed unanimously by Kiama councillors in the February council meeting not only sought to review the status of Norfolk Pines in Kiama’s development control plans, but as part of a wider strategy of Urban Greening.Such a strategy is also focused on roadside vegetation management, broader tree policies as well as adapting to the risks of climate change, local water and food security.But with Norfolk Pines, it’s important to note that this is the start of a conversation, not an end to one.Certainly to prevent misinformation, there is no intention to begin a program of en-masse removal of the Norfolk Pines or removing the heritage protection of certain trees in the Kiama township.In Kiama, some of the Norfolk Pines are 120-130 years old.An amazing history for these trees for our local area.Though, there remains questions about what happens when these trees reach end of life, which is not far away.Do we replace them with the same species?Or should we consider something else?We also need to consider the ongoing maintenance and risks of Norfolk Pines, whether they are appropriately located and ultimately, whether they are appropriately categorised within our local planning regulations.The Urban Greening Strategy will take a few years to work on at council, and the community will be able to have its say on it.Stuart LarkinsKiama CouncillorCouncillor Disclaimer: this content represents the views of Councillor Stuart Larkins, and does not necessarily represent the views of Kiama Municipal Council.

Lake Illawarra Police will prepare a report for the Coroner after a man died at Jones Beach on Sunday afternoon.Emergency services were called to the Kiama beach around 5pm after receiving reports that a man had been found in the surf by members of the Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club.The 67-year-old man had been missing for at least 15 minutes before he was retrieved. Despite efforts to perform CPR on the man, first responders were unable to revive the man.The beach is patrolled between 10am and 4pm on weekends.Police are not treating his death as suspicious and will continue investigations before tabling a report to the Coroner. Another man died at Mermaids Inlet, near Currarong in the Shoalhaven, late on Sunday morning, believed to have been a rock fisherman who had fallen into the surf from a rock platform.Nowra Culburra Surf Life Saving Club lifeguards rushed to the scene on a jetski and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter was also called in to help winch the man from the water.However, he was declared dead at the scene.He was reportedly not wearing a life jacket. Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive officer Steve Pearce said even though summer is officially over, everybody needed to exercise caution on our coastline.“This is a tragic end to the summer period,” he said.“While both drownings fell on the first day of autumn, we are still experiencing very warm days and many people are recreating along our coastline, with lifesavers out in full force for the next two months to ensure people are safe when they visit the beach.“These incidents both occurred away from lifesaving assets and are a terrible reminder of two extremely important things to consider when you visit the coastline.“Swim at a patrolled location between the red and yellow flags, and it’s imperative to wear a life jacket when you go rock fishing or visit a rock platform.”A total of 42 people have drowned in NSW since the start of July with 19 coastal and ocean deaths between 1 December and 28 February.

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 3

Gerringong Public School is having its 150th anniversary and I wanted to tell you the tale of one of the teachers from the Second World War era.Helen McKinlay came to Gerringong on her first appointment from Sydney. Her parents were Scottish and she was an only child. She came to replace Eileen Agar, who came from a farming family south of Berry.There were not very many places for a young teacher new to the district to rent at that time, so she did what most young teachers did in those days and boarded with a lovely couple, Alf and Sarah Cooper. This couple had lived in Kangaroo Valley for all of their working lives. They had retired to Gerringong, living in one of the town’s original buildings.They loved having Helen as a boarder both for the company and the help it gave them financially. Helen had only one regret about her time with them and that was that she did not record their stories of life in Kangaroo Valley.She enjoyed her time at Gerringong PS and in the local district. One memory she had was of having dances with US servicemen. She said they were perfect gentlemen and boy could they dance. Even though they had to dance in combat boots she never had her toes trodden on.She also remembered getting on a team bus from Gerringong Rugby League Club that was provided for supporters in a match against Berry. Helen and my mother Elva hopped on (there was little petrol so going on any trip anywhere was a special treat) and went to Berry with the other supporters. Unfortunately, they were not invited back as they showed more interest in the shops than the big game!Helen and Arthur Walker.After leaving Gerringong she taught in a number of other schools but was forced to give up her cherished career because she got married - imagine saying that to the female staff of Gerringong PS today!I remember visiting her, as she was my Godmother, and she would love to tell me stories of the good times she had teaching. Helen told me that two grown-up men had sought her out specifically to tell that her teaching had made a big influence in their lives.Later she lived in Penshurst and raised two children, Ina and Margaret, and many grandchildren as Mrs Helen Walker.She passed away in 2015 at the ripe old age of 94.When cleaning out her possessions, an unpleasant but necessary task for any child, Ina asked me if there was anything that I wanted. I said if they came across anything from her time in Gerringong, I would appreciate it.One thing they came across was her class at Gerringong in 1945. And what a lovely looking bunch of kids they are. There is only one major problem with the photo. There are no names.Now I would like the help of any old Gerringong residents or descendants. Is there anybody out there in the Gerringong district who can name any of the children? I reckon you would have to be about 85 to 90 now.Any help would be appreciated.I remember Helen as one of the loveliest human beings I ever met. I reckon those in Gerringong in 1945 who knew Miss McKinlay would agree.

There’s a reason the Northern Lights have long been one of nature’s most sought-after spectacles. When charged particles from the sun slam into Earth’s upper atmosphere, they ignite majestic curtains of green, purple and red that dance across the polar night sky. These lights, known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking reminder of our planet’s connection to the wider solar system. Right now, we’re in the tail end of a period of elevated solar activity. Our sun moves through an 11-year cycle of magnetic highs and lows, and the recent peak – sometimes called the “solar maximum” – occurred across 2024 and into 2025. Although the sun has now passed that peak, strong solar flares and geomagnetic storms continue into 2026, meaning aurora displays remain more vivid and frequent than usual. Historically, this declining phase can still offer some of the best aurora opportunities before things quieten down later in the decade. This elevated activity boosts your chances of seeing the lights, even sometimes at lower latitudes or during brief geomagnetic storms. During strong solar events, charged particles push the auroral oval wider, lighting up skies that are usually too far south for viewing. So where should you be planning your Aurora adventure? Here are some of the top places around the world:1. Troms?, Norway – Often dubbed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Troms? sits well within the auroral zone. With a wide range of winter tours, easy access and frequent displays during the peak season (late September–early April), it’s hard to beat.2. Finnish & Swedish Lapland – Remote wilderness spots like Abisko and Inari offer dark skies and minimal light pollution, giving you stunning opportunities to catch the lights dancing overhead.3. Iceland – With its dramatic landscapes and long nights, Iceland is a favourite for aurora chasers. Areas around the Westfjords and remote highlands offer especially clear, unobstructed views.4. North America – Canada’s Northwest Territories (Yellowknife, Churchill) and Alaska (Fairbanks) are classic settings for aurora chasing, with dark skies and frequent activity well into the tail of the solar cycle.5. Greenland – For those seeking less crowded skies and dramatic polar landscapes, southern Greenland delivers unforgettable nights under the auroras.Best viewing usually comes in the heart of winter, between late autumn and early spring, when nights are longest and skies darkest. Patience, clear skies and minimal light pollution are the keys to a truly spectacular show. And if you’re wondering whether this activity really lives up to the hype, ask our owner, Peta Godfrey. She travelled to Norway in January and can personally attest to how magnificent the auroras are at present. Why not pop into the office and ask her to show you some photos from her trip? When you’re ready to plan your Aurora Adventure, Travel Focus Group can guide you to the best suited experience. Call us on 02 4209 2044 to begin.Please note: This is paid content

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 2

Lake Illawarra have clinched the minor premiership but the other three spots in the South Coast cricket semi-finals will be decided in this Saturday’s final round.Rain caused havoc with the penultimate round on the weekend with three of the five matches abandoned without a ball being bowled - Kookas vs Kiama at Oakleigh Park, Bay and Basin vs Bomaderry at Sanctuary Point, Oak Flats vs Ex Servos at Geoff Shaw Oval.Lake thumped Shellharbour to lock up first spot while North Nowra Cambewarra beat last-placed Albion Park at Bernie Regan Sportsground to move to just one point behind Kiama, who are clinging to fourth. North Nowra need to upset the Lakers this Saturday at Howard Fowles Oval in their bid to steal fourth spot from the Cavaliers. Kiama are away to Bomaderry, who could leap into the playoff equation from sixth if they win and North Nowra go down. Third-placed Bay and Basin have technically not yet qualified but should be able to account for Ex Servos to ensure at least one Shoalhaven side figures in the semis.Lake wrapped up top spot over second-placed Shellharbour after skipper Kerrod White’s 105 guided them to 235.Veteran batter Brendan White provided strong support with 48 as Alex Brown (3-39) and Noah Wraight (3-27) led the way for the Harbour attack.In reply they lost two early wickets and despite 53 from opener Jacob Coleman, they fell well short of their target, all out for 164 thanks to Jaycob Constantinou’s 3-14 and Ryan Smith chipping in with 3-17.North Nowra were in early trouble at 3-39 against Albion Park but Nathan Thomas carved out a fine captain’s knock of 77 to propel them to 163.Kynan Barton (3-54) was the pick of the Eagles bowlers but their top order crumbled to be 4-15 and they only managed 82 to remain in wooden spoon territory heading into the final round.Cooper Bramley, Jason Moschioni and Matthew Hickmott struck three times each for the hosts.Park need an upset on home turf against Shellharbour this Saturday to avoid finishing last while the Kookas are away to the Rats in the other fixture.Ladder: Lake 104, Harbour 87, Bay and Basin 83, Kiama 79, North Nowra 78, Bomaderry 71, Rats 45, Ex Servos 40, Kookas 39, Park 35.In the women’s competition, Lake Illawarra clinched the final playoff spot ahead of Kiama after rain washed away the final round.The Lakers will face Kookas in one semi with the two Oak Flats teams - the Ratettes and Ratatouilles facing off in the other sudden-death clash.Ladder: Kookas 48, Ratettes, Ratatouilles 32, Lake 30, Kiama 24, Ex Servos 22, Park 20, Harbour 8.

The Kiama Sounds of Jazz & Blues weekend is right around the corner, with live music set to span across Kiama, Gerringong and Minamurra this Friday night through until Sunday.While the formal Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival program takes a pause this year, the music continues, with local venues independently hosting performances. Kiama Council is supporting the event with a central gig guide and promotion, helping audiences map out their own music trail.From intimate bar stages to wide open vineyard lawns, the region will once again provide a backdrop for smooth jazz, blues and eclectic live sets.Audiences can move between venues, with a shuttle bus operating Friday to Sunday, sponsored by the Kiama Business Network.At Crooked River Estate, music will take centre stage across Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm, offering a relaxed setting just outside town.Sustainability and operations manager Joel Walsh said the vineyard’s open spaces lend themselves naturally to live music.“We’re aiming for a relaxed, casual atmosphere – that’s what we’re about day to day – but with a bit more liveliness for the festival,” Walsh said.“With the lawn and the verandas, there’s space for people to stretch out, enjoy the music and maybe even have a bit of impromptu dancing.”Saturday’s lineup includes Trombone Tone, a Kiama-based multi-instrumentalist known for building layered, full-band sounds live on stage, while Sunday sees Nowra-born four-piece The Golf Daddies bring their instrumental jazz-rock grooves to the vines.“They’ve played here before and they’re South Coast locals,” Walsh said. “It’s great to have that local connection as part of the weekend.”Local favourites Swamp Critters help launch the weekend at Yves on Friday night.“It’s exciting that the business community and council have got behind the festival,” band member Kate Whitworth said. “It’s not only about musicians – it’s about that connection with the community we live in.”Accessibility is also a major focus for the event.Event sponsor Uniting Local Area Coordination has partnered with Kiama Council and organisers to map accessibility across participating venues. Accessibility partner Bek McAlister said the information allows people with mobility needs to plan ahead, with venue details available online and accessible parking and toilets identified on Council’s Mobility Map.Uniting has also helped develop a “sensory story” resource to support people with autism, intellectual disability and families with young children.“A sensory story helps people understand what to expect,” McAlister said.“It explains the sounds, the crowds and the environment so people can plan ahead and feel comfortable participating.“It’s about increasing local participation. Community events like this should be something everyone can enjoy.”Whether following a favourite act or discovering a new venue, the weekend will be shaped by live music and local connection.

Gerringong junior Hamish Stewart produced an impressive first performance of the NRL season as St George Illawarra went down in heart-breaking fashion to Canterbury in Las Vegas.The Dragons and Bulldogs battled out an extra-time thriller in the second match at Allegiant Stadium after Newcastle had beaten North Queensland 28-18 in the opening match of the double-header to open the season.Stewart played 67 minutes of the match which went the distance, including two five-minute golden-point periods, with Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton booting the winning field goal in controversial circumstances.Dragons prop Ryan Couchman was penalised by referee Grant Atkins for stripping the ball from Bronson Xerri but replays indicated the Bulldogs centre may have made a fumble and St George Illawarra should have got possession in the 90th minute.Crichton kicked the decisive one-pointer from the ensuing set to pull off a dramatic win. Stewart peeled off 46 tackles with just one miss while the lock also made 76 metres from his nine hit-ups. Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was fuming about the penalty which ultimately decided the contest."It's a loose carry. Every day of the week, without a doubt," he said."We didn't get the rub of the green, that's for sure. Disappointing, but it wasn't decided in my view the right way."The game has been put on a real high pedestal. I just thought it shouldn't have been decided the way it was."Good luck to the Bulldogs, they were good enough to win and kick the field goal. That's skill."But I think we should have gone home one point each."St George Illawarra have time off this weekend while the other six matches of the opening round are played out before they host Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium next Saturday (14 March) while the Bulldogs have the bye in round two.

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 1

By Stephanie Kemp A new member for Gerringong Sunrise RotaryA new year and a new member: at one of our February meetings, Gerringong Sunrise was excited to induct a new member, Steve Simpson. He was formally welcomed by president Graham St Clair and received his certificate of membership and, most importantly, his barbecue apron.If you would like to get involved or find out more about Rotary’s projects, local and international, our meetings with visiting speakers and our social activities, please get in touch: secretarygerringongrotary@gmail.com.100 years of living and holidaying at Werri BeachAt the same meeting, Geoff Webb from the Gerringong and District Historical Society (GDHS) told us about the forthcoming Werri 100 Exhibition. The inspiration for the project was the poster for the auction for the Werri Beach subdivision found in a drawer at the local museum. It took place on 30 January 1926 and 18 lots were sold for between 45 and 107 pounds. The original agents’ contracts books have been located at the State Library of NSW and are being lent for the exhibition.The land was originally part of the Hindmarsh property and was then sold to James Muir Miller who executed the subdivision. With the Depression and then World War II coming, it was over 20 years before all the blocks found owners and for a long time Werri was a separate village from Gerringong with its own station, Omega, and shops. Timber for building the new houses was delivered by train to Omega Station and then walked across the wetlands to where it was needed.The Werri 100 project group put out the call to Werri Beach residents for memorabilia, photos and stories about their houses and the owners with a view to mounting a centenary exhibition. This treasure trove of information is being digitised to become a permanent historical resource and a 200-page book is being produced to support the exhibition. It will include local history and the stories of some of the Werri Beach families, like the Medenis family, who migrated from Latvia and set up the local vet practice and a Polish refugee who moved to the area and made the bricks and tiles for a number of the early houses until the council stopped him because he did not have a DA to operate a business from his property! A number of artists set up their studios there, notably Loyd Rees and John Downton and their work will be reflected in the exhibition.The main exhibition will be at the Gerringong Museum, but a particular focus will be the Weekend at Werri on 18-19 April. Activities based at the Gerringong Progress Hall on Pacific Avenue will include a walking tour of the area with signs to point out key features and buildings and a sausage sizzle.

A milestone was reached this week for the Golden Valley land subdivision in Jamberoo with the first 10 lots being released for sale.Siblings and business partners Jennifer Macquarie and Lawson Fredericks of Fountaindale Group are excited to be moving the project forward, having resolved multiple planning and servicing issues that held the project back for several years.The development had been in the pipeline since 2017 but it was delayed by bureaucratic red tape.Fountaindale reached a breakthrough last year after urging NSW Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson to intervene in August to authorise the project to move ahead.The civil construction works are currently in a tender process, with several local companies vying for the work. The successful contractor will be appointed in March and construction of the 50-lot subdivision will start in April. Construction will be complete prior to the end of the year, subject to reasonable weather.Fountaindale has received strong inquiry in these homesites due to their generous size (800m2 each), the outlook over green rolling hills and the location in one of the Illawarra’s most loved rural villages. The price guide for the lots ranges from $895,000 to $995,000.The remaining 40 lots will be offered for sale towards the end of this year when construction is complete, and by then prices are expected to breach the $1 million mark.The Fredericks family have lived and farmed in Jamberoo for six generations, so this project is close to their heart. “Having grown up in the village, attended school here and being part of the community, we know exactly why people desire to live here,” Lawson said. “We can’t wait to see new families build their dream home at Golden Valley and embrace that same village lifestyle that we have been privileged to experience.”While the first 50 lots are being constructed, Fountaindale will be pursuing the rezoning of the adjacent parcel for further residential development. This land was identified as a future new living area in Kiama Council’s recently adopted Housing Strategy.The two stages together will enable approximately up to 120 new families to move to Jamberoo which, over time, will increase enrolments at the primary school and strengthen the viability of local businesses. “Medical and pharmacy services have always been a tenuous proposal in Jamberoo due to the population size, and the increased demand from new families is needed to attract and retain these important services for the benefit of the whole village,” Jennifer said.“Stage 2 of the Golden Valley development will also incorporate a new home for Jamberoo’s community pre-school which experiences regular flooding in its current location.” More information on the Golden Valley project and its current land release can be found at www.goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au.Please note - this is paid content

A grieving daughter from the Kiama LGA has shared her final moments with her mother, who completed the voluntary assisted dying (VAD) process last year.“The family had a lovely last day together, and my mum was in very good spirits considering everything — smiling and engaging, even laughing at times,” she recalls. “It was pre-decided by my mum that we would hug and say goodbye and then leave less than an hour before the VAD took place.”At that point, her mum was given a sedative before the final procedure was completed.“It was quite odd to see her alive and chatting, and then to know that less than an hour later she was gone,” she says. “The doctor came to the house afterwards and asked if we’d like to go back and see her. It was very confronting and sad, but she looked very peaceful, and it did provide some closure.”She believes much about the process is misunderstood — and that she had to set aside her own beliefs to support the wishes of her mother, who had cancer.“My late father, who was very religious, believed very strongly that VAD was against God’s law and that only God could decide such things,” she says. “I did have mixed feelings about it.”Seeing the experience up close has changed her perception, particularly in response to criticism that death is being made too “easy”. For her mother, the process involved a series of doctors’ visits, and multiple doctors had to assess her eligibility.The family were told that if their mum fell into a coma, the procedure could not go ahead. “She must be able to say yes, even if it’s a nod or a thumbs up,” she recalls. “One of the things I’m grateful for is that my mother, while in a lot of pain, went on her own terms and in her own time, with everything sorted out for her family and before things became too awful for her.”VAD has been legal in NSW since 28 November 2023.According to data from the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Board, 2295 people in the state made a first request in the 12 months between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 and 2146 people had a first assessment, with 1028 patients completing the process.Of those who had a first assessment, the most common age bracket was 70–79 (33.5 per cent), with only 0.2 per cent in the youngest age bracket (18–29). In Regional NSW, 1449 patients had a first assessment for VAD during this period — a 128 per cent increase on data from the previous year.Doctors across the state have expressed concerns about the VAD laws, primarily around the complexity of the legislation, pressure on the medical profession, and the potential for coercion.Despite these concerns, many in the medical community support the framework as a compassionate option for patients experiencing extreme pain.As of 30 June 2025, a total of 316 medical practitioners met the qualifications to provide VAD in NSW, according to the board’s second annual report.A local medical practitioner told The Bugle it is vital that people in regional areas have access to end-of-life options. Despite offering VAD, they were unable to comment on the record.There are concerns about potential backlash against medical practitioners from anti-VAD campaigners — similar to the backlash faced by abortion clinics.Those who have watched a loved one die — either naturally or by choice — say stigma shuts down important conversations and adds to the pain of grieving families.Grief coach and former lawyer Stephanie Duran specialises in supporting families through VAD, drawing on her own life-altering experience. At 53, she was widowed when her husband, Jeff, chose to end his life during the final stages of cancer.“As someone who supported my husband Jeff in his decision to die with dignity, I understand how layered and complex this experience can be,” she told The Bugle.“Assisted dying is not just a medical decision; it’s emotional, relational, spiritual and deeply human.”In her new memoir, Because I Loved You, she chronicles the couple’s journey through terminal illness and Jeff’s end-of-life decision.She believes the biggest misconception about VAD is that it is an easy way out. “There is nothing easy about this decision. It is typically made after prolonged suffering and exhaustive treatment.”Her advice to loved ones?“There is no correct emotional response after assisted dying,” she says. “Grief is deeply personal and often complicated by the circumstances. Beforehand, the countdown can feel surreal and traumatic. Afterwards, there can be societal judgement or silence. Just remember grief and relief can live together, side by side.”Under the legislation, NSW Health is required to commence a review into the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act. To submit feedback, visit health.nsw.gov.au/voluntary-assisted-dying.

It was a case welcoming the new and recognising the old at the most recent Gerringong Lions dinner meeting at The Blue Goose Cafe in Gerringong, Jenni Hill was inducted into the club.She has been in town for a few years and had attended a couple of meetings - her sponsor, Peter Jeffrey and induction officer Steve Pottie, officially welcomed her to the club. Jenni Hill, new member, (left) with Steve Pottie (c) and Peter Jeffrey (r).Vice-president (and president elect for 2026-27) Terry Kirkpatrick presented long service certificates to a number of “older” Lions: Peter Jeffrey for 10 years; Ron Horner and Steve Pottie (15 years) and Karl Kunz and Dave Peade (20 years).Another feather in the Gerringong Lions cap came when the club was announced as the host club for the 2027 N2 Zone Conference at Worrigee Sports Club. The Zone covers Goulbourn, ACT and South Coast clubs. Gerringong secretary Peter Jeffries was appointed as the co-ordinator of the conference. Return and Earn has been a major success for the club. Initiated by Bruce Ray, the project has recently exceeded the milestone of 2 million items going into the Return and Earn machine at Michael Cronin Oval, earning $200,000 for Lions charities and other organisations while saving all those containers from landfill. Tomra, the overseer of the scheme is planning a special visit to Gerringong to celebrate the milestone.Ron Horner (L) Steve Pottie (c) Terry Kirkpatrick (R) with their 15-year certificatesFour local youths would be attending the Outward Bound course, courtesy of the Gerringong Lions. Previous club stalwart and a current bottle and can collector, Ray Worboys was given a recliner chair, donated by the Lions. Ray hasn’t been enjoying the best of health in recent times and the chair will make his life a little easier.The Lions Club of Gerringong brought energy and colour to the GLAM Community Hub event at the Gerringong Library on the weekend, hosting a recruitment desk and providing a free community BBQ that proved extremely popular with attendees.The event drew a crowd, with locals, regular supporters, and curious newcomers all stopping by to learn more about Lions. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made an appearance, delighting attendees and adding a touch of global flair to the day. Later, while tallying the proceeds from the free BBQ, volunteers discovered a lone NZ$5 note in the donation tin. While the Lions are not drawing any firm conclusions, they admit they now have a “short list of suspects”.All proceeds from the BBQ have been donated directly to the Gerringong Library, supporting its ongoing programs and community services.

We had a wonderful time at the Gerringong Community Expo at Gerringong Library and Museum (GLaM) on Saturday, sharing the morning with more than 25 amazing local organisations.The Expo was a welcoming space for everyone to wander, chat, and discover what’s happening across our community. From gardening, craft and music groups to U3A, CWA, Probus, Lions and the Rural Fire Service, the sheer variety of groups on hand was a joyful reminder of how much our community offers — and of the many volunteers who keep local life buzzing behind the scenes.We spent the morning talking with locals, hearing stories, and sharing what we do as a volunteer-run, not-for-profit community station.“For us, being there is about listening first,” KCR’s Madeleine Scarfe said. “Community radio thrives when it grows out of real conversations and local voices.”The morning had a happy, easygoing buzz. Families and residents of all ages lingered over a free pancake breakfast and sizzling sausages, swapping laughs, stories and tips for getting involved. We captured some video of locals enjoying the fabulous Blowhole Buskers, plus a reel of photos from the day — you might just spot yourself having fun if you check out our Facebook page!Sing Australia Kiama performed later in the morning and were joined by a very special guest - former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. We were sad to have to leave before their performance, but loved hearing afterwards how magical the moment was for everyone who stayed. You can see the moment on Sing Australia Kiama’s Facebook page.We’re grateful to the organisers for putting together such a welcoming, well-run event, and to everyone who stopped by to chat. Audio from the Expo is now available as a podcast at kcr.org.au, and will also be broadcast on KCR this Saturday.Moments like these remind us why we do what we do — meeting people face-to-face, celebrating our community, and sharing the everyday stories that make life here so special.The event was made possible through funding from the Australian Library & Information Association’s Community Cohesion Programs grant.Please note: This is paid content