It has been a little more than two years since the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates. A two year-long reprieve allowed for family budgets to be more flexible and gave us all an opportunity to tackle our debts and maybe even get ahead of mortgage repayments. That’s all come to a screeching halt. The RBA’s latest rate rise might look like a neat 0.25 percentage point adjustment on a graph, but in Kiama it lands particularly hard.As we all know, Kiama is one the most expensive places to buy a home in regional NSW, with a median house price around $1.5 million. For many owner‑occupiers, that translates to mortgages comfortably above the state average of about $828,000 in NSW, with plenty of local families carrying loans in the $900,000 to $1.1 million range. On a $1m mortgage over 30 years, a 0.25 percentage point rate rise typically adds around $150 a month to repayments, and households with larger debts will feel even more. These are not abstract figures for investors in distant capitals - they are dual‑income parents in Minnamurra and Jamberoo, hospitality workers in town, and health and education staff commuting up and down the coast. When your loan is already stretched to match a premium coastal market, every extra dollar in interest slices directly into groceries, kids’ sport fees and the chance to put anything aside. It continues to challenge the idea that locals can stay local, particularly as the next generation with young families struggle to balance housing with child care and a commute to employment hubs.Kiama households earn a little above the regional NSW average, at about $1,572 a week, but that uplift is quickly swallowed by housing, food and utilities. Rents have climbed as well, with median house rents around $800 a week and unit rents near $650, leaving both tenants and new mortgage‑holders exposed as rates rise. Nationally, the cost of living is still rising faster than wages for many households, driven by housing and supermarket bills that never come down once they go up. Around town, that pressure shows up in local business closures, quieter café mornings outside peak tourist weekends, trimmed grocery baskets at IGA and Woolies, and local families delaying renovations or trading down holidays to a single night away instead of a week. Kiama’s economy remains anchored in tourism, hospitality, construction and services, with tourism alone supporting close to a thousand jobs and forming a major pillar of local employment. Regional plans emphasise growth and resilience, but service‑based and visitor‑dependent economies feel rate rises quickly as locals cut discretionary spending and visitors shorten stays. The paradox is that rate hikes aimed at cooling inflation risk chilling the small businesses that give Kiama its character: the family‑run restaurants, tradies dependent on home‑improvement work, and the hospitality and tourism operators that rely on city guests already stretched by their own mortgages. While this rate rise was predicted and pundits were calling this rate rise the least-worst option, it is certainly not how we wanted to ring in the second month of the new year. We just hope the RBA and Government get a handle on the economy and we do not see successive rate rises to come.

Commuters in Shellharbour are set for a more inspired morning trek as the city’s bus shelters undergo a creative transformation.From February to April, award-winning artist Sharon Billinge will bring her community-focused works to the streets as the latest feature of Shellharbour City Council’s Art in Unexpected Places program.As the latest installment of the program, the project features site-specific designs that explore human relationships and the stories that connect us.Known for her collaborative approach, the Sydney-based artist works closely with communities to create murals and artworks that reflect local history, shared experiences, and social themes.The Art in Unexpected Places program introduces a new artist quarterly to provide ongoing professional opportunities while offering visual delights for visitors and locals alike.Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer praised the initiative for its role in enriching the local landscape, noting that the program continues to surprise and inspire the community."Sharon’s work is thoughtful and engaging, and we are proud to showcase her talent in Shellharbour," Mayor Homer said.For Billinge, her practice is about more than aesthetics; it is a vehicle for building genuine connection.Sharon Billinge’s works will feature in bus shelters across Shellharbour as part of Council’s Art in Unexpected Places program. Photo: Shellharbour City Council“Public art can transform spaces and spark conversations," she said. "I love working with communities to create something meaningful that reflects their identity and values.”A British-born multidisciplinary artist, Billinge holds a Masters of Research from the Victorian College of the Arts and has exhibited widely across Australia, including solo shows at The Centre for Contemporary Photography and WestSpace Gallery in Melbourne.She is best known for her collaborative mural projects which transform public spaces and often involve local residents in the creative process.Bus shelter artwork locations are as follows:211 Princes Highway, Rotary Park, Albion Park RailShellharbour Primary School, Mary St, ShellharbourLake Entrance Road (Wattle Road Intersection), Warilla128 Shellharbour Road, Warilla

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 14 GIRLS - PURPLE PANTHERS

It used to be that whisky was an old man’s drink but connoisseurs nowadays are much younger with women now making up nearly half of consumers.Central Coast-based distillery Amber Lane has been at the forefront of Australia’s rising reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of Scotland’s most famous export. Amber Lane co-owner, Figtree resident Rod Berry, will be in attendance at The Drink Show at The Pavilion in Kiama where he will be talking to attendees about the finer points of whisky.He will also be providing a masterclass between the first and second of the three two-hour sessions where he will teach budding brewers “The Secret Blend Behind Australia’s Best Whisky 2025”.Amber Lane’s 2025 limited release Silk Road took out the highly coveted Best Small Batch Single Malt Whisky title at the World Whiskies Awards in London last week.Silk Road was also among a slew of Amber Lane whiskies to be recognised in the 2025/2026 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, released recently.“Whisky is definitely experiencing a revival. There's a massive whisky culture across the world. Australia now has more whiskey distilleries than Scotland has, so it's really really captured the Australian imagination but the production volumes of those distilleries is a lot less.“But we're doing very well internationally. “It's not just a parochial local idea that our whisky is good. It's being assessed against the best whiskies in the world and we just keep doing fantastically well. “Amber Lane has now won 14 international gold medals which means that our whisky is rated up there with some of the best whisky in the world.Berry founded Amber Lane in 2017 with his friend Phil Townsend and started production the following year, waiting for it to age sufficiently before releasing it to the market in 2022.The secret to their success is the use of 60-year-old barrels, imported from the famous sherry regions of southern Spain, “What I'm going to be doing in that session is providing everyone with samples direct from our barrels and making the blend of our internationally acclaimed whisky, the Equinox.“Each person has their own barrel samples and then we create the blend together and then people get to take home their own 50ml bottle of this magnificent whisky.Berry said Amber Lane prides itself on the consistency of its mash bill, the grain combination used in fermenting the spirits “to make sure the flavours are consistent”.“And then we use really premium quality barrels to mature the whisky. We have imported some of the most exclusive barrels in the world, up to 60 years old from the very old Spanish bodegas (wine cellars) in the south of Spain.”The Drink Show features three sessions from 12.30pm-2.30pm, 3pm-5pm and 6pm-8pm, with a range of independent craft distillers and modern drinks producers showing their wares.Berry’s half-hour masterclass will be held at 2.30pm, followed by Felix Clarke from Ester Spirits at 4pm on Summer Drinks.Each masterclass is strictly limited to 30 ticket holders so get in quickly to reserve your spot at drinkshow.com.au.

In a world that often overlooks the wisdom of experience, one storytelling movement is making sure women of all ages are seen, heard, and celebrated. On Tuesday, February 17, the award-winning Generation Women Australia brings its "On the Road" tour to Fillmore’s in Kiama for a night of raw, real-life storytelling.The concept is a straightforward but powerful bridge across the ages: six women, representing six different decades of life (from their 20s to their 70s+), each tell a seven-minute story based on a shared theme.The movement began in New York in 2017, founded by Georgia Clark.The inspiration was deeply personal as Clark was moved by conversations with her mother, Jayne, regarding the feeling of "disappearing" as an older woman. Determined to create a space where every decade is valued, Clark launched the series.By 2018, the movement reached Australian shores and today, under the leadership of Donna Logue, Generation Women Australia is driven by the bold vision to unite and empower 100,000 women through the power of story over the next decade.This month’s Kiama show, “Matriarchs, Mentors and Aunties,” focuses on the elder women who showed us what’s possible.The performers for the Kiama show represent a powerhouse of creative and professional achievement:Sarah Collins (20s): A Jamberoo-based classical singer who recently made her international operatic debut in Berlin.Adara Enthaler (30s): A Dharawal-based spoken-word poet and host of Enough Said Poetry Slam.Angela Blake (40s): Co-founder of the global SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) and inclusive filmmaking tutor.Lillian Rodrigues-Pang (50s): An internationally acclaimed bilingual storyteller with 20 years of experience in "healing stories."Lynne Strong (60s): A researcher dedicated to ensuring women’s names and labour are preserved in history.Tiang Lim (70s+): A comedian, Raw Comedy finalist, and dementia care educator with a background in nursing and psychology.Presented in partnership with the South Illawarra Older Women’s Network (OWN) and funded by Create NSW, the event is a reminder that strength multiplies when it is shared across generations. Whether you are in your 20s looking for a path, or in your 70s looking to share one, the night promises a mix of laughter, reflection, and deep connection.Event DetailsWhen: Tuesday, February 17, 2026Where: Fillmore’s, 38 Manning Street, KiamaTime: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PMTickets: Available at generationwomenaus.com/next-show/all/kiama/feb-26

For the past year, Australian travel media have repeatedly highlighted the flood of tourists heading to Vietnam.Bali may still top the list of favourite destinations, but it's hard to find a negative word about Vietnam from those who have visited.Australian visitors to Vietnam have surged significantly, with a 54% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2019, outpacing many other international spots. More than 276,000 Australians arrived in the first half of 2025 alone. Booking platforms like Klook reported massive spikes, with hotel bookings up 250% between March and June 2025 compared to the previous year.Vietnam excels on key factors that draw tourists: price, quality infrastructure, safety, friendliness, stunning landscapes, rich history, cultural uniqueness, climate, and exceptional food.Above all, for working Australians facing rising living costs, affordability stands out. Step away from tourist areas, and you can grab a coffee or beer for a dollar, enjoy a bowl of pho for three dollars, or take an hour-long taxi to the airport for about 10 dollars.Vietnam has earned an extremely positive reputation from travel writers over the past 12 months, driven largely by value for money and the positive impacts of its regulated economy. Travel writer Chantelle Francis headlined a News Limited story: “Vietnam surges in popularity, emerges as new favourite among Australian tourists”.A Travel Money Oz spokeswoman told her: “Vietnam consistently offers Australians incredible value, and with the Australian dollar’s steady appreciation against the Vietnamese dong travellers can enjoy even more bang for their buck. This translates directly to your holiday budget, with an average meal or a taxi ride costing around just $5.”The Vietnamese are industrious and hardworking, unburdened by the over-regulation that hampers much commercial activity in Australia. Suburban streets buzz with makeshift cafes, street-side eateries specialising in meals by time of day, and home-based shops selling everything from corn to mobile phones. Where I stayed for months on Saigon's outskirts, morning stalls catered to schoolchildren with breakfast, pens, and books.Part of Vietnam's allure, amid Australia's government-generated crises, is glimpsing a prosperous, well-functioning Confucian society that values family, community, dignity, and self-worth.What struck me most was how well-behaved and cherished Vietnamese children are. Each evening in my apartment complex's public space, swarms of kids ran, jumped, laughed, played, and rode trikes – all clean, tidy, immaculately dressed, with no tantrums. They appeared genuinely happy and dearly loved. This scene, with proud, watchful parents and grandparents, repeats nationwide across economic levels, speaking volumes about the country.These children represent why Australians are increasingly choosing Vietnam – a nation that endured extreme poverty until the 1980s but now enjoys a remarkable boom.Vietnam has avoided Thailand's mistakes in chasing tourist dollars. Unlike Thailand's world-famous bars, clubs, and sex industry (where locals often resent foreigners), Vietnam remains socially conservative. Drunken debauchery exists only in small, contained pockets, and with a former policeman leading the country, open drug use in Saigon's entertainment district of Bui Vien is now a thing of the past.For Australians, it's astonishing we once fought in what we call the Vietnam War and they call the American War. No one defeats the Vietnamese – they proudly recount sending off the French, Germans, Chinese, and Americans. While Australian flags are rare in this country, the Vietnamese flag flies everywhere, and national pride is taken for granted.My advice: wander freely. Every country has its con artists, of course, so don’t be stupid. But when a Vietnamese person invites you for a beer, coffee, or meal, accept with grace. You won’t regret it.Veteran Australian journalist John Stapleton is the author of the 2014 book Thailand: Deadly Destination, which received international coverage and, he wryly notes, promptly became a bestseller on various pirate sites, none of which pay royalties.

The Gerringong SurfLife Music Festival will return on March 28, bringing live music, coastal culture and community spirit to the iconic Gerringong Town Hall - all while raising funds for youth mental health.After a strong response in previous years, the festival is once again calling on the community to turn up the music and support a cause, with a portion of ticket sales and raffle proceeds being donated to headspace Kiama. The organisation provides vital mental health and wellbeing services for people aged 12-25.Festival organisers say live music and community events play an important role in fostering connection, belonging and shared experience, particularly for young people.The event will transform Gerringong into a hub of live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening, encouraging locals and visitors to soak up the town’s laid-back coastal charm while enjoying performances across multiple spaces.Free live music will feature along Fern Street, with soulful buskers Tayah Larsen and Iris Zarrella setting the tone as visitors explore local shops and cafés. Families are also invited to enjoy the Hour of Power, a free, high-energy session inside the Town Hall hosted by Ocean Wizard, offering music, dancing and fun for children and their grandparents.The festival will also showcase emerging local talent, with youth bands Dirty Merchants and Twisted Arrow taking to the stage as part of the New Kids on the Block segment, delivering high-energy sets and supporting the next generation of live performers.For those seeking a more relaxed experience, ticket holders can enjoy SurfLife Cocktails, Pizza and Grooves, featuring surf-inspired cocktails from the bar team and food by Gerringong Pizza. The chilled atmosphere will be soundtracked by Kane Calcite, Ren McArdell and Night & Day.The evening’s main event promises a high-energy, groove-filled celebration, headlined by indie-folk and roots duo Sunday Lemonade. They will be joined by up-and-coming indie rock-funk act Autumn Sunset and party favourites Hot Pursuit, rounding out a diverse and energetic line-up.Organisers are also encouraging attendees to support the cause further by entering the SurfLife raffle, with a range of prizes on offer.Tickets are on sale now, with community members encouraged to secure their spot early for what promises to be a vibrant night of music, connection and purpose.Event DetailsDate: March 28, 2026Venue: Gerringong Town HallTickets: $50 (Main Event or Cocktails, Pizza and Grooves)Website: www.surflifemusicfestival.com.au

The final team of artists has been assembled to transform the new Shoalhaven Hospital into more than just a clinical facility as the $440 million redevelopment enters its final stages of construction.The project’s Arts in Health program has officially confirmed its full cohort, with Glenn Barkley, Antonia Pesenti, Claire Foxton, and Nastia Gladushchenko joining previously announced artists Lara Merrett and Kirli Saunders OAM. Together, the group will deliver a series of integrated works across the new seven-storey acute services building, covering public spaces, paediatric treatment rooms, and the Mental Health Unit.The initiative marks a shift toward healing architecture, where the environment is considered as vital to recovery as the medical equipment. Glenn BarkleyA central feature of the plan is an outdoor respite area designed specifically for staff and families who requested a space to connect with nature during breaks. Artist Glenn Barkley is creating Skiesful/Treesful, a sandstone garden sculpture using local materials. Barkley is collaborating with BirdLife Shoalhaven and students from the Aboriginal Cultural Arts Program at Bomaderry TAFE to ensure the space reflects the local community. “This work is about creating a space where someone can stop, take a breath, listen to the birds and simply be,” Barkley said.Claire FoxtonInside the hospital, the focus shifts to reducing the stress of medical treatment. A massive 23-metre mural by Claire Foxton and Nastia Gladushchenko will greet people at the Shoalhaven Street entrance. Foxton noted that “public art has the power to create connection and a sense of belonging, especially in a hospital environment,” while Gladushchenko added that her work aims to encourage people “to connect with nature, with place and with each other.”Natalie GladushchnkoIn the paediatric wards, Antonia Pesenti is designing vibrant illustrations to provide a sense of play for young patients. “As an illustrator, to bring imagination, play and local connection into paediatric treatment spaces is an incredibly meaningful opportunity for me,” Pesenti said. Antonia PesentiThese works join contributions from Kirli Saunders OAM, who drew inspiration from the grounds' large blackbutt tree, and Lara Merrett, who collaborated with staff on pieces for the Mental Health Unit.The decision to integrate art into the $440 million build is backed by public health research suggesting that creative environments provide measurable benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital general manager Frank Bazik said that "public health and cultural policy research show that taking part in creative activities has measurable benefits for physical and mental health." He noted that each artwork has been carefully considered to enhance the experience of consumers, staff, and families, "creating spaces that support healing."Construction of the new Acute Services Building is expected to be completed later this year. The artists are working with the project team to finalise the design and construction of the artworks ahead of their installation.

In April 2024, 10-year-old Indi Whittaker had a vision for Kiama: a street pantry where the community could look after its own. She drew up designs, created the slogan “Take what you need, Give what you can,” and wrote to the Council.Fast-forward 18 months, and Indi’s vision is a reality. Standing proudly at the Kiama Uniting Church grounds on Manning Street, the Community Care Cupboard has officially opened its doors and the response has been tremendous. The project came to life through a massive community effort. After Indi’s letter was referred to the church, Reverend Kath Merrifield and the congregation stepped in to host the site. Kiama Men’s Shed built the structure based on Indi’s original drawings, with architectural guidance from Madeleine Scarfe.For Rev Merrifield, the cupboard fills a desperate gap in local support services."What we know is that there's nothing within Kiama for anybody outside of office hours," she said. "It was a no-brainer for us to find a way to meet the needs of people sleeping rough or families doing it tough. "It’s a dignity thing – people can access help on a Saturday afternoon when there’s nothing in the fridge without having to engage with formal service providers."While the cupboard has only been operational since just before Christmas, it is already being heavily utilised.Following a "social media blitz" by project coordinator Annie O’Sullivan over the Australia Day long weekend, the community rallied to restock the shelves after they were wiped nearly bare."When I came back after the long weekend, pretty much everything was low–food and toiletries," Rev Merrifield noted. "The community responded amazingly to the shout-out, and it’s now nicely stocked again."While the cupboard holds books and toys, it’s the essentials – toiletries, soap, and non-perishable meals – that are moving the fastest, proving that the cost-of-living crunch is being felt right here at home.The challenge now is sustainability. The team wants the cupboard to become a permanent fixture of Kiama life, rather than just a holiday project."I hope it becomes part of how we function as a community," says Rev Merrifield."If you’re doing your shopping and walking past, check in – if the pasta is running low, feel free to top it up. It’s really about the community providing for each other."Despite some early battles with rain-proofing the unit, the message from Manning Street is clear: Kiama looks after its own.If you would like to help keep Indi’s vision full, the cupboard is seeking:Non-perishable food: Pasta, rice, canned meals, and long-life milk.Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.Comfort items: Towels and blankets (especially as we head toward the cooler months).

On 14 February, Kiama’s SEVENMARKS Gallery will present Rising Tide, a new exhibition by artist Alexander Boynes that features an unlikely subject as its focus - the Illawarra Steelworks.Rising Tide brings together a major new body of paintings and drawings alongside a large-scale painting, a video projection, and an original score by cellist and composer Tristan Parr all about Port Kembla and its surroundings.“At its core, the project is about Port Kembla and the Illawarra as places shaped by industry, ecology, labour, and deep time,” Boynes said.Boynes was inspired by the way the steelworks embody a tension between beauty and destruction.“I personally find them quite beautiful - there’s something mesmerising about industrial landscapes, even though they’re producing things that are harmful,” he said. “Art historically talks about the romantic sublime; maybe this is an industrial sublime. Beauty can exist in these spaces too.”Beyond their imposing presence, the steelworks are deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of the region.“The Illawarra is one of Australia’s most significant industrial landscapes. Port Kembla, in particular, has literally helped build modern Australia through steel,” Boynes said. “It has also been central to major cultural movements - migrant rights, women’s rights protests, labour struggles - and that history is important.”At the same time, Boynes is clear-eyed about the environmental consequences of industry.“This has always been Dharawal country. These landscapes were shaped over millennia by coastal systems, wetlands, escarpments, and cultural knowledge long before industry arrived. Industry has rapidly transformed those environments, and I want the work to begin from that deep history,” he said.“That tension - prosperity and sacrifice existing side by side - is central to the work.”SEVENMARKS describes Boynes’ work as presenting “fractured, atmospheric visions, where structures and figures hover between endurance and erasure, presence and collapse.”The project is also deeply personal for Boynes. His mother, the late Australian artist Mandy Martin - renowned for creating the largest commissioned artwork in the Australian Parliament - worked extensively in and around Port Kembla during the 1980s.“Port Kembla has a personal connection for me,” Boynes said. “My mother made a lot of work in that area when I was a kid. In that sense, this project is tied to my own history and her legacy. It helped shape the way I think about landscape, ethics, and responsibility.”One of the works from Rising Tide. Photo: SEVENMARKSWhile Rising Tide engages with major issues such as climate change and green energy, Boynes does not see art as offering direct solutions. Instead, he believes in its power to provoke reflection and emotional engagement.“Art bears witness. It can reflect back to us what’s hidden in plain sight,” he said. “Its ability to make people feel operates very differently from statistics or reports. Humans are emotive beings, and when we feel something deeply, that’s often when we’re motivated to act.”“This is one of the biggest challenges civilisation will face in our lifetimes, and every approach matters. Art just happens to be the language I have to engage with these issues - to ask questions, create pauses, and encourage people to reflect on their own impact.”Boynes is careful to emphasise that the exhibition is not intended to instruct viewers on what to think.“The exhibition is really about witnessing transformation and asking what responsibility looks like now,” he said. “In many ways, the show aims to be a monument to labour, but also a reminder of environmental cost. I’m not trying to be didactic - I’m talking about ethics and asking us to consider the systems that shape our lives.”Rising Tide is a special multi-disciplinary exhibition, combining painting, drawing, moving image, and sound. “All these forms are communicating the same ideas, but at different rates of release and decay. Seeing how they work together, each in its own way, is really interesting to me.”Rising Tide opens at SEVENMARKS Gallery on 14 February from 5–7pm and runs until 14 March. More information is available via the SEVENMARKS Gallery website.

Nearly 2,000 people are expected to descend on Jamberoo this weekend for the annual Jamberoo Sevens - a summer football competition that has grown into one of the South Coast’s largest and most anticipated community sporting events.Now in its 26th year - and its third year being run independently by Jamberoo Football Club - the tournament will feature close to 90 teams across men’s and women’s competitions, drawing players from across NSW and beyond.Jamberoo Football Club president Alan Smith believes the event’s continued growth reflects both its timing and its unique sense of community.“We deliberately schedule it for the end of the school holidays, before the winter season starts,” he said. “It’s a marker for pre-season - a chance to get the band back together, have a weekend away with mates, play some football and have a bit of fun.”While the competition has a long history - Smith is clear that Jamberoo Sevens has always been about more than just football.“This is a community event first and foremost,” he said. “Last year we had around 1,500 people in town with no issues at all. This year we’re expecting close to 2,000. Local cafés, the bakery, the pub - everyone benefits. The whole town gets behind it.”On Saturday alone, more than 130 matches will be played across multiple fields, with age divisions ranging from over-30s to over-55s, alongside rapidly growing women’s competitions.Smith says the women’s divisions, in particular, highlight how far the tournament’s reach has expanded.“At one point we only had two women’s teams,” he said. “This year we’ve got teams coming from the Far North Coast, Central Coast, Canberra, the Far South Coast and the South Coast. That growth has been really exciting to watch.”Despite its size, teams are still encouraged to prioritise participation over results, with flexible squad sizes and a strong emphasis on fair play.“It’s about having fun, not winning at all costs,” Smith said. “If a team’s short a player, lend them one. Everyone’s insured, everyone’s here for a good time.”At the same time the tournament is fully sanctioned by Football Australia, with accredited referees overseeing matches. Smith has also worked with Football South Coast to use the event as a development opportunity for young referees.Another winning team from last years Jamberoo Sevens. Photo: Linda Faiers.“They get exposure to different age groups, men’s and women’s games, and real match situations in a short amount of time,” he said. “It’s a great training ground, and it supports the future of the game.”While the standard of play continues to rise - with returning champions and fiercely competitive divisions - Smith believes the enduring appeal of the Jamberoo Sevens lies in its balance of competition and community.“Some teams come to win, some come for the weekend away, and most come for both,” he said. “That’s what makes it special.”For Smith, the event’s community impact is personal. He first attended the tournament as a player more than 15 years ago, a visit that ultimately led him to move to Jamberoo permanently.“This tournament brought me here,” he said. “Now it’s about giving back - creating something that benefits the club, the town, and everyone who comes through.”The Jamberoo Sevens will start at 8:15pm on Friday and will end at 6pm on Saturday with finals.“It’s noisy, it’s busy, it’s fun,” Smith said. “And that’s exactly how a community event should be.”

A man has been charged with six additional domestic violence offences – including a coercive control offence – after an alleged kidnapping in the Illawarra last year left a woman with multiple fractures.Lake Illawarra Police District officers started an investigation on 5 August after a 32-year-old woman attended Lake Illawarra Police Station to report alleged domestic violence-related offences.Police will allege in court a 34-year-old man – who is known to her – detained her by chaining her up in their home on The Esplanade, Oak Flats.Police will allege between July and August 2025, the woman was subjected to ongoing physical assaults and, on one occasion, scissors and a meat tenderiser were thrown at her.The woman was treated at Shellharbour Hospital for fractures to her eye socket as well as multiple fractures to her ribs.A 34-year-old man was arrested at a home on The Esplanade, Oak Flats, on 6 August and was charged with five offences: Take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage (DV)Common assault (DV)Kidnap with intent to commit serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm.Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), andStalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic).He was refused bail.Following further legal advice, he was on Tuesday charged with six more offences:Sexual intercourse without consent (DV)Common assault (DV)Intentionally choke person with recklessness (two counts)Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) andIntend abusive behaviour coerce/control intimate partner (DV).The man has been held in custody since his first appearance in court in August.

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to bite, stress has become a silent but serious threat to heart health. Experts warn chronic stress is not just a mental health issue - it can have profound and lasting effects on the heart.National data shows almost half of Australians cite financial worries as the biggest factor affecting their wellbeing, while more than a third of workers report feeling burnt out every week. According to Heart Research Australia, this constant state of pressure is quietly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and sudden cardiac events.Cardiologist Dr Avedis Ekmejian explains stress can damage the heart in sudden and gradual ways. Acute stress, such as a major shock or emotional outburst, can trigger heart attacks or stress cardiomyopathy, often referred to as “broken heart syndrome.” Chronic stress, meanwhile, keeps the body in a heightened state of alert, contributing to high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of coronary disease.Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Miranda Say says prolonged stress also disrupts the brain–heart connection. “Stress is meant to spike and then return to baseline,” she explains. “When it never switches off, people experience poor sleep, constant tension, irritability and reduced focus - signs the body isn’t recovering.”This February, Heart Research Australia’s REDFEB campaign is encouraging Australians to take small, achievable steps to reset their stress levels and support heart health. The free REDFEB Bingo Challenge focuses on four simple daily “resets”: Meals, Movement, Measurement and Mental attitude - from sharing a healthy meal to spending time outdoors or checking blood pressure.Kiama Downs resident Michael Williams has become a passionate REDFEB advocate following the loss of his father to a heart attack. After losing his father to a heart attack, Michael has become a community advocate and fundraiser for REDFEB, raising awareness about heart disease and the importance of prevention and research.Australians are encouraged to wear red, take part in the REDFEB Bingo Challenge and support vital research by donating at heartresearch.com.au.

The Kiama Cavaliers first-grade side made a significant move in the tightly contested South Coast finals race with a strong win over the Ex Servos on the weekend.Playing away from home at Worrigee, the Cavaliers were sent in to bat first and quickly slipped to 5-108 before Ryan Butta (56 off 59) and Brad Ison (74* off 79) steadied the innings.“They put on a run-a-ball 108-run partnership, setting up a total that proved out of reach for the home team,” said Cavaliers president Bernie Brown.“It was an excellent innings from Brad, who has shown grit and ability with the bat and is proving to be a genuine all-rounder. Butta was equally solid, raising his bat for his second 50 of the season.”Kiama went on to post an imposing 9-227, with valuable contributions from Joe Burgess (31) and Dave Coleman (24).With the ball, the Cavaliers made the perfect start, with Niall Owers dismissing Ex Servos opener Lukas Janes with the first ball of the innings.From there, the home side never looked like threatening Kiama’s total and was eventually bowled out for 131 in 34 overs.“Mick Norris was outstanding with the ball,” Brown said. “He took 4-24, Glenn Cleary 3-27 and Niall Owers 2-32.”The win lifts Kiama into fourth on the ladder with five rounds remaining in the regular season. They face T20 finalists Oak Flats this Saturday at Cavalier Park.It was a strong start to 2026 for Kiama’s lower grades, with third and fourth grade recording wins.Third grade travelled to Shellharbour and bowled the hosts out for just 70, with Daniel Reilly, Bernie Brown, Nick Webster and Geoff McIntyre taking two wickets each.With the bat, Bernie Brown and Brendon Czewlowski combined for 64 runs between them as Kiama reached 2-71 off 13.3 overs to secure the win. Third grade are sixth on the ladder.Fourth grade hosted the Kookas in a T20 clash and posted a commanding 182, built on contributions from Adam McCrone (48), Brett Nortje (52*), Zach Gervaise (40) and Milo Brown (21).The Kookas responded well but fell 26 runs short, leaving Kiama second on the ladder.Second grade endured a tough outing, bowled out for 97 batting first. Jamberoo chased the total in 25.3 overs, despite a four-wicket haul from Kiama’s Joseph Timbs. Kiama remain third on the ladder behind Lake Illawarra and Gerringong with Jamberoo in fourth spot.The Cavettes also went down at home in the women's competition, posting a competitive 93 thanks largely to Ava Sloan (37*), but Ex Servos chased the target in 15.3 overs. Kiama sit one win outside the top four.This weekend, first grade, third grade and the Cavettes all take on Oak Flats at home.

Ever wondered how major productions like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Return to Paradise, or Anyone But You find their background talent when they roll into town? This Saturday (February 7), local non-profit Screen Illawarra is hosting an exclusive Extras Casting Workshop at the Gerringong Town Hall to help residents break into the industry.The workshop features industry heavyweights Miriam Spry, a leading extras casting director with 23 years of experience, and professional actor Karen Cobban. Screen Illawarra Executive Producer Nick Bolton said the organisation first ran this event in Wollongong about 18 months ago. "It was very, very popular for emerging or low-entry level practitioners in the industry to try and get some work as an extra," he said.Photo: Matt Houston at IronBark photography "One of the reasons we do this is that we work with a lot of the major productions that come down to the Illawarra, and having a database of extras available to these major productions is really beneficial.It's a bit of a win-win for both the individual and for the production company."The session is designed to offer real-world insights into breaking in, understanding the "Who’s Who" of agents and casting directors, and mastering the "Toolkit" - including what makes a strong headshot and the nuances of self-taping. Bolton’s advice for beginners is clear: "Be professional, be courteous, don’t be on time, be early.Photo: Matt Houston at IronBark photographyA very, very common mistake is that people don't have their file naming conventions with their names in it. "You know, they'll send a headshot and it'll be IMG-4932. It’s really simple, basic stuff like that." Beyond the logistics, the workshop highlights how being an extra serves as a vital learning experience for all. "Most people start off as an extra and then do some acting training and then go to short films," Bolton explained. "The benefit is just by being an extra you are on set and observing the hierarchies and methodologies and the very specific processes of what happens on a film set.Photo: Matt Houston at IronBark photographyIt happens all the time that an extra might become a featured extra or be asked to stand right next to the lead cast."The event runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Gerringong Town Hall (106 Fern St). It is a catered event, and while Fern Street has restricted parking on Saturdays, Belinda Street is recommended for unrestricted options.Tickets are free for members and $15 for non-members via Humanitix.Following the event, Bolton also invites the community to the Wollongong City Council Short Film Festival on March 7 at the Sunset Cinema in the Botanical Gardens, where six Screen Illawarra films will be commissioned. "If anybody wants to come along and meet the local filmmaking community, that would be a great event," Bolton added.Photo: Matt Houston at IronBark photographyFor those hesitant to sign up, Bolton emphasised the supportive nature of the group."I'm very proud of Screen Illawarra – people always say that it's a very welcoming and open and inclusive organisation. Karen and Miriam are lovely. "Most people are all in the same boat as extras.Everybody comes with a little bit of nervousness, but the beauty of this workshop is that Miriam and Karen will just talk them through in a very safe place what goes on and how to do it. “What have you got to lose? "Just come along and have some fun."

Kiama is famous for the Blowhole but there’s another local drawcard that’s got tongues wagging - the local sandwich scene. Sandwiches are frequently overlooked as a culinary offering worth celebrating. They are more than just a daily staple for school kids and office workers alike. Kiama is proving the humble sandwich is anything but boring. So, here is our local guide to some of the best sandwiches Kiama has to offer.Scoops60 Terralong Street@cafekiamascoopsIt’s 10am at Scoops and customers are already piling in to order ice cream and banh mi from Quang Nguyen, who started selling the traditional Vietnamese street food during the off-season.Combining the flakiness of a French baguette with the fresh, tangy flavours that are signature to Vietnamese food, it seems banh mi is a strong choice for locals and tourists whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. The banh mi sandwiches at Scoops draw inspiration from Quang’s grandmother’s secret recipe and are as good as they sound. A popular choice amongst tourists and locals is the Deluxe Crackling Pork banh mi. And if that isn’t enough to get your taste buds tingling, bao buns are also on offer. Similar to banh mi, bao buns are instead made from pillowy, steamed buns that are designed to be a convenient, on the go meal. In fact, bao buns are considered an egalitarian street food in Vietnam and are consumed by people from varying economic backgrounds due to their convenience and affordability. So, if you’re looking for a quick but tasty lunch on the go, then be sure to scoop one up for yourself.Deliman98 Terralong Street@deliman2533Luke O’Donohue opened one of Kiama’s newest food destinations, Deliman, after he first fell in love with Kiama six years ago and decided to permanently make the move. Deliman boasts a range of Italian style deli sandwiches and also expands its offerings to meatballs and Roman pizzas, which are made using a focaccia slab rather than a traditional pizza base. Despite sourcing fresh, local ingredients, including schiacciata bread, which is similar to focaccia but is flatter and chewier, from Parfait, Luke was at first hesitant about selling $20 sandwiches. But he insists that people are happy to pay for good quality food. His point is driven home by a group of happy customers who can barely restrain their post-sandwich glee as they exit his shop. He attests this customer satisfaction to a combination of good quality ingredients with a focus on bread and of course, a little bit of love. If you’re yet to wrap your hands around a Deliman sandwich, then why not try The Don, made with double smoked ham, mortadella, salami cotto, rocket, red peppers, pesto and deli dressing. It comes highly recommended by the deli man himself. Native58 Terralong Street@nativekiamaThough Twinkle Machado is not a native of Kiama, she certainly feels like one now. The cafe owner first developed her passion for food at her family’s restaurant (also called Native) in Ulladulla before deciding to open her own location in Kiama. In addition to the specialty iced drinks that come in branded cans and are filled and sealed to order, Native has also developed a name for itself as the local spot for bagel sandwiches.The most popular is the Brekkie Bagel, which includes a house-made relish. All the sauces and condiments at Native are made from scratch by head chef Harold Tuscano, including Native’s newest bagel sandwich, the Chilli Bird which is made with lemon herb chicken, mayo, breadbutter pickles, rocket and chillies that are fermented on-site for seven days. Delicious filling can only get you so far when it comes to bagel sandwiches as the bagel should be soft on the inside but still slightly crunchy on the outside. As a former resident of Montreal - a city famed for its bagels - I can confirm that Native has certainly stepped up to the plate (literally) with bagels that bookmark its delicious ingredients perfectly. Lane4/42 Collins Ln@lane.on.collinsLane is Kiama’s newest addition to the sandwich game and welcomes vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers as part of its clientele. It really does seem that there is something for everyone, including those seeking gluten free options and the kiddos (yes, I’m referring to the big ones too) who will be thrilled to find Unicorn Bread, which is a nod to the childhood classic, Fairy Bread but also features white chocolate ganache. Other popular options for those lacking a sweet tooth include the Chicken Katsu sandwich and the Miso Eggplant sandwich. Keeping things simple has become an artform at Lane where owner Robbie Blackburn knows what he does and does it well. But don’t be fooled, these aren’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill sandwiches, oh no. In addition to sourcing fresh bread from Parfait and insisting on using fresh ingredients that are sliced and crumbed daily, the sandwiches at Lane also feature its signature cross section garnish - a nice little flourish for a food item that represents simplicity and convenience. Robbie is also passionate about building community and encourages his staff to do the same by chatting to customers while they make their sandwiches. And if all of that talking and eating has left you feeling a little parched, then there are plenty of drinks on offer including a variety of matcha lattes (strawberry, pistachio and mango), spritzes and cold brew coffees on tap. But get in quick because the sandwiches at Lane change almost as quickly as the seasons! Some other notable mentions include the gyros at Souvla & Grill and the wide range of sandwiches at The Deli in Gerringong. But a girl can only eat so many sandwiches in one day, so go and try them for yourself.

The World Day of Prayer is coming to Kiama and Gerringong again in March.This is an international, ecumenical initiative led by Christian women from various traditions. It aims to bring together people of different races, cultures and backgrounds to pray and take action for peace and justice. The event is celebrated in over 170 countries, fostering fellowship and understanding.Each year the women of a different country prepare the service, and this year, it is from Nigeria, a country with the largest population in Africa. The theme is 'I will give you rest: Come'.In Kiama this year, the Presbyterian Church at 40 Shoalhaven Street will host this special service at 10am on Friday, 6 March. In Gerringong, the Uniting Church at 24-28 Fern Street will host the service. Everyone is welcome.

Police have charged a 39-year-old man with multiple offences after another man was allegedly hit in his own driveway in Nowra.Shortly before 5pm on Monday, emergency services were called to reports of a man pinned between two cars in a driveway on McKay Street.NSW Ambulance treated a 45-year-old man for serious leg injuries before he was airlifted to St George Hospital in a critical condition.Attending South Coast Police District officers were told the man was pinned between two vehicles on his driveway, following a neighbourhood dispute.Police will allege the driver then punched the injured man before leaving.A short time later, a 39-year-old man was arrested nearby in Quiberon Street, NowraHe was taken to Nowra Police Station and charged with use weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing previous bodily harm, and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic).He was refused bail.

Ali Day has done it again.The 35-year-old former Kiama nipper claimed his sixth Shaw and Partners Iron Series title over the weekend, completing a fairytale career that could hardly have been scripted better.Last year, Day announced he would retire from professional competition at the end of the 2025/26 season, before going on to claim his record-breaking 11th Coolangatta Gold crown.Many believed no ending could be sweeter than that - but Day wasn’t finished yet.His sights were set on winning all four rounds of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series and, heading into last weekend’s final round, he had positioned himself perfectly, tied at the top of the points leaderboard with Ethan Callaghan.Despite that, Day admitted frustration with his round-three performance, having won only one elimination iron race and finished fifth in the final.“Last weekend didn’t end how I wanted but we still enjoyed all of it,” Day wrote. “This weekend, we go again.”All was set. While Day remained atop the leaderboard entering the final round, nothing was guaranteed - the title would come down to the final elimination ironman on the last day.The format consisted of three ironman races, with the last two finishers eliminated after each race, leaving the series winner to be crowned at the conclusion.In race one, Day finished sixth to stay in contention. In race two, he improved to fourth. Then, in the final race, he delivered when it mattered most.“I felt like I set the race up really well and once I got that wave on my own, you’re just hoping on the board that it will open up,” Day said.“I had to roll one, then just got back on and paddled for my life all the way back to the beach. I just can’t believe it.”Day said the moment felt surreal - the kind of fairytale ending athletes dream about, but rarely experience.“No one gets that,” he said. “I’ve followed sport all my life and to even be in a position to have a chance was special. To win it - and to win it the way I did - was pretty special.“It hasn’t sunk in yet. I wish I could bottle that feeling of coming in. People were messaging me during the week saying, ‘Imagine if you got that.’“But it didn’t bother me if I didn’t get it. I was more concerned about putting myself in that last race, in that position.”Raced at Miami Beach, Day’s final professional appearance drew a huge crowd of fans and supporters, whose presence he said meant everything.“Just hitting the beach - and the whole week leading in - I felt so much support,” he said. “It wouldn’t have mattered if I finished 12th today.”“To finish on top, to come in on that wave and see a wall of people on either side… I cannot wait to watch that back. It’s not only my victory - there are so many people in my team and so many people to thank.“My wife must just be beside herself, the same with my mum and dad, my in-laws - all my family. I can’t believe they got to witness that. I’m a legacy sort of guy; I was happy with five, but six has a nice ring to it.”Day’s six Shaw and Partners Iron Series titles add to an extraordinary list of achievements, including an unmatched 11 Coolangatta Gold victories, four Australian Ironman Championships, a World Ironman title, four Queensland Open Ironman titles, Australian and state representative honours, and induction into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame.