The Roll of Honour plaque at the Gerringong RSL Sub-branch for World War II, labelled “The Great War”, reads: “Men Who Answered their Country’s Call. 1914–1918.”Behind every name on that plaque lies a heartbroken family and a deep tragedy that rocked the then tiny community of Gerringong. The official 1921 census recorded a population of just 792.None of those young men who died in the service of their country would recognise Gerringong as it is today, with its high-end properties, smart cars and affluent population.We will never know much about the men behind the plaque adorning the front of the historic Memorial Hall at the heart of Gerringong’s shopping strip:“J.E. Alexander, Died on Service; G.H. Cooke, Palestine; E.A. Cook, France; or Private J.W. Donovan, Gallipoli.” And so many others.“They put their whole life on the line,” says Gerringong RSL treasurer Leanne Mitchell. “I’m a mother, and I can’t imagine sending my children off to die. It was about serving for the betterment of all of us, our way of life.”Fast-forward through another world war, and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Soldiers' Memorial Hall is no longer the bustling community hub it once was.Membership of the Gerringong RSL Sub-branch never exceeded 50 or so after World War I or World War II, yet the branch served as a vital gathering place for military personnel and their families – a place of solace for returned soldiers to remember fallen mates, and for the bereaved. It hosted dances, afternoon teas, weddings and engagement parties, supported by the local Ladies Auxiliary.Now, membership is dwindling due to age and illness, and the Memorial Hall has lost much of its former vibrancy.In an unprecedented step, the group is publicly advertising its Annual General Meeting on Monday, 16 February, declaring:“We would like to invite anyone with an interest in the RSL, or any ex or serving personnel, to attend to meet with us and see what we are about. "We welcome any ideas to encourage veterans and their families to join us.”Gerringong RSL President Mike O’Leary, 78, says they are keen to see the building once more become a community hub for returned service men and women, and for their families.Conscripted for National Service at age 21 in 1967, he wasn’t political and never campaigned against the Vietnam War – or the American War, as the Vietnamese still call it. Nor did he ponder deeply the morality of being sent to a foreign conflict. He simply figured he was unlucky that his number had come up.“I didn’t see it as an adventure, didn’t know anything about war, none of us did,” Mike recalls. “Vietnam was a complete unknown. I thought it would be like Wollongong.”Many who fought in Vietnam returned severely damaged and never fully recovered from what they experienced. Like many veterans of that terrible war, he doesn’t want to talk much about his service.“When I joined in the early 2000s there were still WWII and Korean veterans involved,” Mike says. “They have all gone. Now we are all in our 70s and 80s.“The main thing we are after is to attract more members. You need to have a defence service history, but we also have affiliate memberships.“The Anzac Day Dawn Service, which we organise, attracts large numbers. We had 100 kids this past year. It is the only community event that pulls that many people.“We want to see this place once again become a centre for social events. We are not living in the past. We are trying to get people involved.”

More than 25 community organisations will assemble at Gerringong Library and Museum to showcase the wide range of groups and service providers in the region.If you are looking to meet new people, discover a hobby, or get more involved in your local community, the Gerringong Community Expo next Saturday (21 February) is the perfect place to see what is on offer.The free event will feature gardening, craft and music groups, as well as U3A, CWA, Probus, Lions and the Rural Fire Service, aned many other organisations offering something for all ages and interests.Families and community members are invited to enjoy a free pancake breakfast and sausage sizzle, and meet the local group members.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the event, which has received funding from the Australian Library & Information Association’s Community Cohesion Programs grant, was a great opportunity to strengthen local connections.“Our community is full of talented, passionate people who give their time to make Gerringong and the wider Kiama area such a welcoming and vibrant place,” he said. “This expo brings all of that energy together – helping people find new interests, make new friends and discover support networks they may not have known existed. “I encourage everyone to come along and see what our community has to offer.”

The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.Kiama High School’s theme for 2026 is "Your choice matters - Make it count."Principal Catherine Glover wants everyone at the school to adopt the theme to get the most out of the year.“This is a reminder that the decisions we make each day, big or small really matter and for our students this can positively shape their learning, wellbeing, and future pathways.“It has been wonderful to see students return ready for learning, catching up with friends and filling the school with an energy that only they can bring.”Kiama High has welcomed Philip Reuter in Visual Arts, Sharon White-McFadden as School Counsellor (Monday and Friday) and careers adviser Jason Invernon.The School is also reminding students that e-bikes are not permitted to be stored near buildings or structures so they are not allowed on schoolpremises. Glover said the school does not have a suitable facility available but “this may change and it will be communicated once it does”.Kiama High is also making the transition to the Compass platform for student data. Compass entered a joint venture with School Bytes, which Kiama High already uses. Glover said the this new platform offered improved communication between home and school, and streamlines processes for students for excursions.Kiama High’s swimming carnival will be held next Tuesday (17 February), the Year 12 UOW Discovery Day is next Wednesday and the Year 7 Vaccination Clinic will be held on Friday.There will be an opportunity for students to take part in Start Your Future short courses later this term. These are four-week programs, running one day per week. Choir is back up and running in 2026 with practice sessions each Friday at lunchtime. If choir is not your thing but you still love to sing, the Casual Karaoke Club kicked off this term with Friday lunchtime sessions. Students can also sign up for Kiama High’s Ensemble Band for 2026 with Friday morning rehearsals getting underway at 8am.A Wind Ensemble is also starting soon and Kiama High’s music teachers are on the lookout for students who play a wind instrument. Kiama High School would like to thank local artist, Machteld Hali, who has generously donated a number of art magazines as well as paper and equipment for use in the art department. These supplies will be of enormous benefit to teachers and students, who are very grateful for this donation. Year 7-12 students are invited to register for Nintendo Switch E‑Sports sessions at Kiama headspace.Fun, friendly gaming tournaments are held, featuring popular games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.Round‑robin style matches are held with eight players at a time and there are prizes for the tournaments held on the second Tuesday of each month from 3.30pm-5.30pm.This is a relaxed, inclusive space to game, connect, and have fun with others in the community.

Berry will Extend the Weekend in an innovative campaign to encourage visitors to stay longer outside the village’s peak holiday periods. Targeting Thursdays and Sundays as a way of bookending the traditional Friday and Saturday night busy period for Berry’s hospitality venues, the campaign will be delivered through A Day Well Spent, a four-part, multi-venue live music series running from February to June.High-calibre touring acts and standout regional talent across genres including country, jazz and blues, indie, funk and soul will light up venues across Berry. Berry secured $200,000 in grant funding through the NSW Government’s Uptown grant program to fund the initiative, joining Nowra, Huskisson and Sussex Inlet among the first regional communities selected. Precinct coordinator Kate Dezarnaulds said the campaign was the result of a grassroots effort by people who care deeply about the historic village.“Two years ago a bunch of passionate business owners in town, still struggling to put back together the successful business models that they had before Covid, came together under the auspices of the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism when I was the president and we went through the NSW Uptown accelerator program.“It's been a project which has been two years in the works. We spent about six months together as a group going to all these amazing workshops and trying to put our finger on exactly what it is that were the barriers to vibrancy and sustainability for hospitality businesses in Berry and what might be the things that we could work together to be able to shift the dial on.“We managed to get all of our ducks in a row and put together a pretty compelling case and we were very lucky to be one of the first regional towns to be recipients of $200,000 worth of funding, which is unheard of levels of funding support for place-based initiatives that are not directed to councils.”Berry Showground hosted two Red Hot Summer Tour concerts, headlined by iconic acts like Crowded House, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins and The Waifs, in recent months but the Extend the Weekend campaign is aimed at small-scale events to help local business so that the tourism spend stays locally. “One of the challenges of big festivals is that they bring fly in, fly out money so this is designed to be a regular, low pulse Injection of funding and support for existing businesses in town so that the benefits of events are not something that sits with city-based businesses and and food trucks that don't even come from the region,” Dezarnaulds added.“The economic benefits flow directly to the bricks and mortar businesses that really make up the regular character of a town.”The Thursday night and Sunday concept is designed to create new windows for local business operators to cash in on Berry’s widespread appeal.“The reason we did Thursday and Sunday is that Berry’s already sold out on the weekend and what we really need for our operators is for them to be able to have people getting back in the habit of catching up with mates or going out on a date night on Thursday night, rebuilding that muscle memory of having fun.“We need our visitors that come on the weekend to have a real reason to stay one more night so extend their weekend with a Sunday night stay, have a chance to live a bit like a local and make the most of a long weekend in Berry.“Thursday nights will tend to be focused on restaurants and bars and Sundays will be on the Southern Hotel and the Berry Hotel.“It's up for the participating hospitality venues to decide what is supportive of their operations and what will give them a bit of courage and motivation to extend their hours or to try something new and to do that with with both the logistical funding and marketing and promotional support that the current campaign brings“My job as the district coordinator is to make sure that we spend the money in accordance with the grant conditions, really build the spirit of collaboration and possibility between all of the different venues and put a bit of optimism and energy back into a hospitality and events scene that's really struggled since Covid to re-find its mojo.”The series will launch next Thursday (February 19) and the following Sunday with a Country-themed weekend, celebrating Berry’s agricultural roots with a contemporary edge.There will be Thursday night performances by Alex Clark, Loki Hines, Solo West and Amber Kenny and a major daytime Sunday session across multiple venues, headlined by award-winning New Zealand artist Jenny Mitchell and Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City. Sunday’s line-up also features local favourites The Freewheelers, Tropical Strength and South Coast singer Grace Mae, who has kicked on at the Tamworth Academy of Country Music.Berry’s second event will be Jazz and Blues on 19 and 22 March, followed by an Indie theme on 21 and 24 May, then a Funk and Soul extended weekend on 18 and 21 June.More information at extendtheweekend.berry.org.au.

Kiama’s beloved Old Fire Station gallery is preparing for a bold takeover this month as WO-MAN-O-FEST brings a burst of color and high-end craft to the heart of town.Running from Thursday (19 February) to Wednesday (5 March), the exhibition promises to transform the familiar community space into a vibrant sanctuary of fine art and jewellery.The show is steered by curator and artist Auguste Blackman, son of the iconic Charles Blackman, who has handpicked a stellar lineup of Illawarra-based talent to share the spotlight.A major highlight of the exhibition is the inclusion of Harvey and Jules, who are set to showcase a mesmerizing collection of polished Australian Boulder Opal jewelry.These aren't your average gems; fused naturally with ironstone, these opals are celebrated for their unique play of light, deep hidden sparkle, and elegant organic forms.The striking natural striations ensure that each piece carries a one-of-a-kind character, making them a magnet for serious collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.The walls will also feature a rich tapestry of local voices, including the highly respected Indigenous artist Randall Sinnamon, alongside notable contributions from Leah Wilde, Bob Dixon, and Machteld Hali.Adding a whimsical touch to the gallery, Auguste Blackman has produced 45 bespoke owl paintings specifically for this Kiama run, ensuring the space is packed with as much personality as it is prestige.The public is warmly invited to the official opening from 5:00 PM on Thursday 19 February. It is the perfect chance to meet the makers, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate the local creative scene.Between the rare gemstones and Blackman’s trademark humor, WO-MAN-O-FEST is set to be a standout on the local cultural calendar. It’ll be a hoot!

Shellharbour City Council’s lifeguards have continued their remarkable run of success, winning the Illawarra and South Coast Lifeguard Challenge in a thrilling contest of skill, teamwork and endurance. Lifeguards from Wollongong City, Kiama Municipal and Shoalhaven City councils pushed hard, but the local team of Storm Balmain, Will Fowler, Leivi Willis, Wade Anderton, Lucas Krstevski and Jordan Simpson secured the title for Shellharbour for the fourth straight year. Shellharbour also placed third with the team of Sean Ritter, Kyah Shipley, Mack Elliot, Baxter Devine, Callum Balcon and Nicole Sims, while Wollongong finished second. “This is an incredible feat by our dedicated lifeguard team. Winning this title four years in a row is a testament to their skill and spirit,” Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said. “Our lifeguards demonstrate outstanding professionalism, resilience and teamwork all year round.”The annual event, hosted this year at Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club on Thursday evening, featured 54 lifeguards from across the region competing in a series of demanding beach- and water-based relay events. The Lifeguard Challenge tests strength, speed and coordination in conditions that mirror the demands of real-life rescues in a friendly but fiercely contested environment. Nine teams competed, each featuring six lifeguards including at least one female and one member aged over 30. “The Lifeguard Challenge is more than a competition. It celebrates the vital role these teams play in protecting beachgoers and showcases the strong bonds between lifeguards across the Illawarra and South Coast,” Cr Homer added.

Kiama Council will vote next Tuesday on a development application for a four-storey development on the southern side of Akuna Street.The developer is planning to build a mixed use development of three commercial units, 38 “shop top housing” residences and spaces for 93 cars at 14 Akuna Street, which is currently a split level car park.The estimated cost of the project is $21 million. Kiama Council’s director strategies and communities Ed Paterson has tabled a report for the meeting which recommends approving the plan which has been recently declared a State Significant Development by the NSW Government.Under the plan, the existing structures and car park will be demolished and two trees removed.A previous development application for the project was previously lodged but withdrawn at the recommendation of Council staff due to “deficiencies” in the proposal relating to issues such as potential groundwater contamination and pollution, sustainability measures, aesthetics, non-compliances with the Apartment Design Guide relating to common open space, visual privacy, solar and daylight access, acoustic impacts between land uses and unacceptable car parking design and waste collection arrangements.The staff recommendations have been incorporated into the amended design for the current application.There is a relatively minor encroachment to the 11m building height limit as a result of the sloping topography and the change in building height limits across the site, according to Paterson’s report.Council will also vote on a proposal to extend the lease for Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club until October. Council received 93 submissions in relation to the proposed lease when it was placed on public exhibition from 26 October to 23 November with 82 in support. Director corporate and commercial Joe Gaudiosi has advised Council that, in accordance with the Local Government Act, having seven objections means NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig will be required to give his consent before Council can agree to a proposed 20-year lease with the Surf Club.Council staff will meet with the executive of the GSLSC to negotiate the specific lease conditions taking into account the feedback from the submissionsIn Gaudiosi’s report to Council, he states that “overall, the submissions acknowledge the significant community value and services provided by the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, with most submissions (approximately 80%) supporting the proposed lease. “Notwithstanding this support, the submissions raise matters requiring further consideration and negotiations with the Surf Club executive prior to finalisation of the lease terms, including community access and use.” At Tuesday’s meeting, Council is also set to vote on the public’s preferred option for the long-awaited Jamberoo Dog Park.Five designs for a fenced off-leash area were presented with the final option getting the most votes - separated dog parks comprising a 30m x 30m small dog area in the east and a 45m x 22.5m large dog area in the west of the reserve on the corner of Gibson Crescent and Church Street.

Community radio thrives on people power and at KCR, volunteers are at the very heart of everything we do. From presenting shows and producing content to supporting events and working behind the scenes, volunteering with KCR is an opportunity to connect, create and contribute to a strong local voice. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you!About KCRKCR is a 24/7 streaming community radio service sharing stories, music, conversations and local content that reflect the diversity, creativity and lived experience of our region. We champion local artists, highlight community initiatives, promote local events and provide an inclusive platform for voices from across the Kiama LGA and beyond.Why volunteer with KCR?- Make a real impact by helping shape local media that informs, inspires and connects the community.- Enjoy creative freedom to explore music, storytelling, interviews, technology and original ideas.- Learn new skills through hands-on experience in broadcasting, audio production, marketing, social media and events.- Be part of an inclusive and supportive culture welcoming all ages and experience levels.- Join people-powered, independent, grassroots media created by the community, for the community.Volunteer roles available- Presenters and Co-hosts- Audio Producers and Editors- IT and Technical Support- Social Media and Marketing- Administration and Membership Support- Event Helpers- Youth and Diversity Advocates- Fundraising and Grant WritersWhat our volunteers say“I never imagined I’d have my own radio show - now I’m sharing music and stories I love every week.” Felicity, presenter“KCR gave me a chance to reconnect with my community in retirement. It’s been a joy.” Mark, volunteer“I always dreamed of being in radio — and now I’ve done it.” Glenn, presenterGet involvedWhether you can spare an hour a week or dream of launching a show of your own, KCR welcomes new volunteers.Be heard. Be connected. Be part of KCR.

You think that women may have tough lives today and in many ways they do.Well, here is a story that will give you an idea of what women were up against 80 years ago.My mother, Elva Walker, as she was in 1945, had received a good education. My grandparents could afford this as Elva was an only child.At the outbreak of the Second World War most of the men in the Kiama local government area joined up for some sort of military service. That meant jobs that had been traditionally done by men had to be taken up by women. This was common around the world.Elva went to work in the Gerringong bank which was in the building on the western side of the road where the pedestrian crossing is now.It was one of the highest buildings in the town. As well as working in the bank, she also had to devote an hour a day to climbing onto the roof with her friend Helen, who was a teacher at the school. Donning a steel helmet like the one the soldiers used, they used binoculars for the hour, trying to spot Japanese planes as a prelude to an invasion. I know this might sound like a “Dad’s Army” story but it was deadly serious for a time during the war.When the war finished, the men returned. In 1946 Elva received a “pleasantly worded” letter from the bank that basically stated that, even though her work had been first class, she was now out of a job. It wished her the very best in any career she might undertake in the future. What career that may be is not speculated.I was invited to a pleasant afternoon tea at The Bugle office recently and a number of professional workers from various neighbouring businesses were in attendance. There were more women than men.The opportunities for women these days to have a full and satisfying career in any field are so much better than the olden days. Very often women were forced to “retire” from their occupation when they got married in professions such as teaching.

Construction has officially kicked off on the Yellow Rock Road upgrade in Tullimbar, with Shellharbour City Council breaking ground on the project this week.A ceremony was held on Friday to mark the move from the planning phase into actual construction.In attendance were Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer, Member for Whitlam Carol Berry, and representatives from Cleary Bros, the local firm appointed to carry out the works.The project focuses on the stretch of Yellow Rock Road between the Illawarra Highway and Araluen Terrace.The goal is to improve safety and connectivity for the growing local community as more families move into the area.Mayor Chris Homer thanked the Australian Government for its financial contribution through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and the Road to Recovery program.“I want to thank the Australian Government for its strong support of this upgrade,” he said.“This partnership will help us deliver safer, more accessible connections for the growing Tullimbar community.”The upgrade includes:New road pavement and upgraded intersections at Wongawilli Street and Hereford Chase.Improved pedestrian paths and crossings to make walking safer.New kerbs, gutters, and stormwater drainage to prevent flooding.Better on-street parking and overall accessibility.Council recently held drop-in sessions with the contractors to walk residents through the construction timelines and access arrangements.Work will continue over the coming months, and residents can keep track of the progress via the Council’s "Let’s Chat" website.

Exhilarating, humbling, spiritual: these words describe an unforgettable life experience I was so fortunate to have, and by sheer accident.It was 2015 and for four months, 52 campsites and 22,000km, I travelled around Australia with hubby, towing a caravan.The sights, the sounds, the smells, the vastness, the colour, the magnificence of our sunburnt country is renowned worldwide. But it still leaves you breathless when you're in the moment yourself, actually living the dream by exploring this ancient and incredible land at your own pace. Which we had decided was going to be casual and unhurried. There is so much to see and do and experience in Australia, and we made it a rule to take our time.Except that, sometimes, you need to be in a certain place at a certain time, or you may just miss out on something special.Which is exactly what happened to us when we arrived in Coral Bay on the Coral Coast of Western Australia one very warm afternoon in late July.Coral Bay and nearby Exmouth are the gateway to the glorious turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage area and the feeding destination each year of whale sharks. These gentle creatures, the largest fish in the world, can grow to 18m in length, and are harmless filter feeders, living on plankton and krill. They are very comfortable allowing humans to be in their space, to swim alongside them. This practice is thankfully strictly controlled by marine authorities, with only a few eco tours operating on the Reef to ensure the creatures’ safety, and that they will keep returning to Ningaloo year after year.I'm so excited. I can't wait, I've wanted to do this forever.Off we go to book our swim.But taking our time in this instance had been a big mistake.We had missed the opportunity.The whale sharks had left Ningaloo, and would not be back for another year.My disappointment, let alone annoyance at myself, is palpable.But not for long."Would you consider", asks the tour operator who'd just broken to me his devastating news re the whale sharks, "seeking out the giant manta rays?".Disappointment immediately evaporated like morning dew in the sun, replaced with a real sense of eagerness and anticipation. A very quick "yes" was our response.So the very next day, donned in wetsuits, flippers, snorkels and masks, we jumped into the cool, crystal clear waters of the Reef from our tour boat.Within seconds, eight elegant black and white beauties appear, gracefully gliding through the water straight towards us. They sweep past us, their wing spans, which can reach up to seven metres across, enormous. Then they're drifting back towards us again, seemingly to check us out. They float, they twirl, some appear to break the surface in majestic leaps, it's as if they're dancing to music our human ears can't hear. Indeed, it is a performance very like an underwater ballet. With twinkling shafts of sunlight breaking through the water, the scene is magical. The mantas are very close to us now, very calm, their floating and cruising so poised, so effortless.A few more turns, and then, too soon, they disappear as gracefully as they had come to us.We stay in the water.And within a short while we are joined by some very inquisitive sea turtles, who just paddle by us nonchalantly. They play, dip and dive around us with no fear, and we are close enough to see their freckly markings, their nostrils, and beaks. These living prehistoric creatures seem to be enjoying our company as much as we are marvelling in theirs. Turtles haven't evolved all that much over the last 200 million years, but they're living relics, remarkable survivors. And we have been lucky enough to interact with some of them in their natural environment, if only briefly.Hauling ourselves back into the boat, with pruney fingers, salty skin and chattering teeth, we're revived by hot drinks and cakes, before the time comes to head back to shore. Excited conversations revolve around each swimmer's personal experience, how amazing the whole adventure was, how cold the water was, but above all, how elated everyone was feeling. For those of us who love the natural world, and more especially, the sea and its creatures, what we'd done today was for all of us a life highlight.And swimming with those whale sharks?Watch this space - 2026 may be the year I have another crack.

One of the real privileges of being Mayor is seeing our community at its very best. Not just in the headline moments, but in the small, steady acts of service that so often happen quietly, without fuss or recognition. The Kiama Show is one of those occasions that brings community spirit into sharp focus.Year after year, across generations, it draws together volunteers, families, locals and visitors in shared experience. Events like this don’t simply appear on the calendar. They are the result of year-round contribution. From early starts to long days, there are countless locals working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs as it should. Whether it’s helping with horse parking, preparing the woodchop arena, contributing to the Pavilion or keeping things safe and organised, these quiet contributions are what hold the Show together. As you walk the grounds, you’re reminded that community spirit isn’t just a feelgood catchphrase, its volunteers lending a hand, local businesses stepping up with support, and people pitching in because they believe these traditions are worth protecting. The Pavilion displays, the produce, the art exhibitions and the home-grown offerings all tell the same story: this is a community rich in creativity, skill and generosity. What humbles me most is how many people give their time year after year without any expectation of recognition. And when we do pause to acknowledge long-serving contributors – those who have mentored others, passed on knowledge and quietly held things together – it reminds us just how deep those traditions run. The Kiama Show remains strong because the people behind it are committed, proud and deeply connected to this place. That same sense of belonging was evident at our Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Gerringong Surf Club, where we welcomed Kiama’s newest Australian citizens. It’s always a lovely moment, people from different backgrounds and life stories choosing to formally call this place home. Community isn’t something we simply inherit, it’s something we actively build together. Whether it’s a volunteer rolling up their sleeves at the Show, a local artist sharing their work, or a new citizen taking that final step, these moments all point to the same conclusion: strong communities are built by people who show up, look out for one another, and take pride in where they live. As Mayor, I’m proud to be part of that. Not just in an official capacity, but alongside the many humble people who give their time and energy to make Kiama the place it is. That spirit of service and connection is something worth protecting, nurturing and celebrating.Please note - this is paid content

As we come towards the end of summer, I always notice the same thing in gardens. A lot of perennial plants start to get a little bit tired, and it’s the same with a lot of our annual displays.They’ve given us a great show, but by now they can look a bit worn out.The good news is there’s one way that you can actually resurrect your plants so that you can get another burst of color out of them as we move into autumn.A gorgeous little Marguerite Daisy, for example, can start looking a little bit tired and worse for wear at this time of year. But all we need to do is come in and really just give the plant a decent haircut.Yes, we’re going to sacrifice some flowers on there. But that doesn’t matter, because in a matter of weeks, the plant is going to bounce back.You’ll have all this lovely new growth, and you’ll end up with a second flush of flowers coming through, probably around about March, April.It’s very easy to do. Don’t be afraid of cutting these ones back.The Marguerite Daisy is one of my favorites in landscaping. It grows to about a meter tall. Sometimes they’re referred to as one year wonders, because they often only last a year.But they’re great because they grow so fast and they fill holes within the garden.If you find you’ve got a spot where there’s something that won’t grow, or you’ve lost a plant, why not look at putting in a Marguerite Daisy?And again, don’t be afraid to prune it back hard. Once it’s finished flowering, it’s going to regenerate for you.The same thing applies to a lot of these perennials. Your salvias might be looking a little bit worse for wear after coming through the heat of summer.A simple process – just get in there and cut them back by at least a third, up to a half – and they will regenerate again.The same goes for lavender. Lavender is a stunning little plant. It does respond very, very well to pruning, but most people forget to prune it.When do they stop flowering? It can be hard to tell. You’re going to have to sacrifice a few flowers, but we can come down and take off roughly a third, maybe a little bit more.The one thing we don’t want to do is go back into the older wood on our lavender, because it does take some time to regenerate.Regular pruning, immediately after flowering, means you’re going to get another flush of flowers.So don’t be afraid to get out there this weekend and tidy up your perennials and your annual plants.Prune them back. You’ll get another flush coming through. As we move into autumn, they’ll come good.And remember – plants are very forgiving. Don’t be afraid to cut them.Please note: This paid content

Musicians on the South Coast are getting a wonderful opportunity to learn the craft of songwriting when The Regional Sessions comes to Kiama for the first time on Monday.Run by music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS, with support from Sound NSW, the one-day event brings keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, live performances and networking opportunities to songwriters, producers and composers of all abilities.There are five being held in regional NSW, kicking off with Bega and Broken Hill earlier this week with Kiama followed by Port Macquarie next Wednesday and Lennox Head on 21 February.An eclectic mix of musicians will be workshop mentors at the Kiama event at The Pavilion which will culminate with an evening performance at The Grand Hotel.Elana Stone is a double ARIA Award-winning singer, songwriter and instrumentalist celebrated for her inventive blend of folk, electronica, indie pop, and balladry who has produced four acclaimed solo albums and performed widely with Missy Higgins and the John Butler Trio.Bec Sandridge is a queer-pop shapeshifter who has been performing for more than a decade and is known for her striking black-and-white hair and a voice reminiscent of David Byrne and Kate Bush. Wiradjuri artist Zeppelin Hamilton is a member of Velvet Trip, a psychedelic-pop band which blends psych-rock, soul, and indie-pop into a rich, genre-defying sound. Zeadala is a singer-songwriter of Thai/Iraqi heritage who has performed locally and internationally since 2015, exploring themes of social justice and healing through knowledge of self.The Regional Sessions have been held in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia over the past five years and previous mentors have included Ben Lee, Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton, Jem Cassar-Daley, KLP, Mo’Ju and Oscar Dawson. Chris O’Neill, director of creative programs at APRA AMCOS, said the Regional Sessions provided multiple benefits to local musicians.“The purpose of the day is to allow local songwriters an opportunity to firstly meet each other in the local region,” he said. “What we've seen is that many times we've hosted these events and people have lived in a local town for a long time and not yet met all of their songwriting counterparts.“We're bringing in some really incredible songwriters for them to share their approach to songwriting and give local songwriters a better understanding of how they write, how they collaborate with other people.“So the idea is for local songwriters to really walk out of that room connected with each other but also armed with new songwriting skills.”There's a real appetite for local songwriters to learn from other people from outside of their area and what we’ve found is that it just has such a great community building element to it. “That's often something that can lack in regional areas - community is really important in regional areas and particularly around the South Coast, we're seeing such incredible bands come out of that area.”At the end of the all-day workshop, the participants and mentors will kick on to The Grand to put together a free live performance for members of the public from 5.30pm onwards.

One minute, you’re asking AI to spellcheck your Word document — the next minute, you’re asking a faceless robot to soothe your soul, validate your feelings, and talk you through a 2am spiral.According to data from Open AI, the company behind ChatGPT, over 2.5 billion prompts are posted on the platform — per day.For many people, using AI is a slippery slope, from a first crush to co-dependency. Now experts are warning that, although AI has its place, as with all relationships, it’s important to have boundaries.A recent study from MIT Media Lab reported that “excessive reliance on AI-driven solutions” may contribute to “cognitive atrophy” and the shrinking of critical thinking abilities — essentially, the more we outsource our thinking, the less we practise it ourselves.A new study published in the Harvard Business Review warned that AI-generated ‘workslop’ is destroying productivity. The phrase is being used to describe AI-generated content that “masquerades as good work but lacks substance.”And then there’s the downsides of “AI companions” — the rise of people using artificial intelligence as their confidante, therapist and pseudo-partner.Research by Common Sense Media, a US-based non-profit, has found approximately three in four US teens have used AI companion apps, such as Character.ai or Replika.ai. Their data is striking: one in three teens have used AI companions for social interaction and relationships, including role-playing, romantic interactions, emotional support, friendship, or conversation practice.“AI companions are emerging at a time when kids and teens have never felt more alone,” said Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer.“This isn’t just about a new technology — it’s about a generation that’s replacing human connection with machines, outsourcing empathy to algorithms, and sharing intimate details with companies that don’t have kids’ best interests at heart.”However, it’s not all bad.For every warning, you’ll hear an anecdote of an AI user who feels it has genuinely supported their life: offering words of comfort in the midst of a mental health spiral, advice for eating healthier, or a non-judgemental space to process big emotions.For most people, it comes down to balance.As a writer, I use AI as an editorial assistant — an intern who writes my social media captions and tells me what’s trending but isn’t trusted with content I care about.After a brief stint using AI as a therapist, I’ve returned to human-generated empathy.I’m happy for AI to spellcheck my articles but not hold my heart.

South Coast Police are calling on Nowra residents for urgent assistance following a suspicious incident involving a nine-year-old girl earlier this week.At approximately 3pm on Tuesday, a young girl got off a bus at the corner of Btu and Nowra Hill Road.She was approached by two unknown men who attempted to convince her to get into their vehicle.Displaying incredible quick thinking, the girl ran from the scene and hid in nearby bushes until the men drove away.Police are looking to identify two individuals and a specific vehicle seen in the area: the men are described as being of Asian appearance and in their early 20s amd their vehicle was a silver sedan or small SUV.Investigators are particularly interested in anyone who may have dashcam footage from the Nowra Hill area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Tuesday.If you saw anything suspicious or have information that could assist, please contact Nowra Police directly or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.auAll information is handled confidentially. Please do not report tips via social media, as these channels are not monitored for official reports.

A chance discovery by a Kiama resident during a spring clean-out of their house has led to the original plaque being brought back to life on the old Council Chambers building in Jamberoo.The plaque has been placed back on the facade of the original building which is now home to Jamberoo Valley Meats, adding an extra dash of yesteryear to the picturesque township.Stuart Richards from the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association and local welding and fabrication business owner Paul O’Keefe were integral in getting the plaque looking shiny and new again so that it could return to its original location.The plaque was probably removed from the Jamberoo Council Chambers building after the 1954 amalgamation with Kiama and has been lost since then.When the Kiama resident stumbled upon the piece of Jamberoo history four years ago among a pile of rubbish, it was given to Jamberoo publican Ross Warren, who mentioned the discovery to Stuart when they were catching up at a function.“I went and had a look at it and thought we need to get this back up on the building,” Stuart recalled.“It was engraved but it didn’t have any gold lettering on it. It was very plain - you could only just see the engraving.”Stuart re-embossed the gold lettering and Paul had a plate made up, which was powder-coated, to hold the plaque.No ceremony was required - in typical Jamberoo style, they just put it up and if anyone asked, they told them the story of the long lost plaque’s circuitous journey.Butchery owner Steve McCure said it was great to have the plaque in pride of place at the front of his shop and it was a nice talking point for his customers to chew on.The Council Chambers building was built in 1934 and the wife of the Minister for Labour and Industry (the Hon. J.M. Dunningham) was given the honour of unveiling the plaque.Jamberoo Mayor David Weir as well as the mayors of Gerringong and Shellharbour and the deputy mayor also attended the opening in what the Kiama Independent at the time described as “a red-letter day for Jamberoo”.Paul O'Keefe and Stuart Richards. Photo: Supplied The opening of the Council Chambers was described as one of the biggest works undertaken recently, along with the construction of a new road to Kiama.“The tablet has the inscriptions of all the aldermen at the time,” Stuart explained.“They had a big do at the Jamberoo School of Arts and a dinner to celebrate the opening.”The Municipality of Kiama was proclaimed on 11 August 1859 and has undergone a number of name and boundary changes.On 24 April 1871, the Municipal Districts of Gerringong and Broughton’s Vale were created out of the former Gerringong Ward of the Municipality.Initially there was a borough of Kiama and East Kiama.But on 31 March 1892, Kiama became known as the Municipality of Jamberoo and East Kiama became the Municipality of Kiama.The municipalities of Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong amalgamated on 11 June 1954 to form the Municipality of Kiama while the Municipality of Broughton’s Vale had become part of the Shoalhaven Shire in 1947.

Minnamurra Lions have entered an exciting new era, celebrating their inaugural official dinner meeting at the Kiama Golf Club. This special evening featured a keynote presentation from Jenny Barclay, District N2 instructor for the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP). Jenny’s talk emphasised the critical importance of early detection vision screening and described the increasing momentum behind the LEHP initiative throughout the Kiama–Shoalhaven region.During the event, Minnamurra Lions confirmed their commitment to community health by announcing their upcoming participation in the next LEHP children’s vision screening. This screening is scheduled for 1 March at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.The club’s involvement in this initiative underscores their ongoing dedication to supporting local families and strengthening health-focused community projects.The evening was marked by the induction of John Dawson as the newest member of the Minnamurra Lions. John is a long-standing resident of the Kiama Downs and Gainsborough area and brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in education, including many years teaching at Kiama High School. He is also renowned for his extensive community service record.John’s volunteer contributions span numerous local sporting groups, such as the Kiama Cavaliers and the Kiama District Sports Association. His commitment to the community has been recognised with a Kiama Council Local Government Award and the honour of being named Kiama Municipal Council Senior Citizen of the Year for 2025–2026.In his address, John said he and his wife are “deeply entrenched in the area” and have a strong passion for “giving back to the community”. Minnamurra Lions president Dennis Beyon reflected on the significance of the evening, stating that it established a solid foundation for the club’s future.“With new members, new partnerships, and new opportunities to serve, Minnamurra Lions is building real momentum.”For more information about the Minnamurra Lions, visit their website at https://minnamurralions.org.au/

Check out this week's edition of The Bugle to get your fill of local news and views from our South Coast community.Our main story is an investigation into the federal government's social media ban and how local teenagers are working their way around the controversial legislation.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREWe also bring you the heart-warming story of a long lost Jamberoo Council Chambers plaque which was rescued from a pile of rubbish and returned to its rightful position at what is now the town's butcher's shop.There is also an update on one of the developments at Kiama's Akuna Street, a local musical family and how clean energy is lighting up the region.You can also read plenty of community stories including how The Drink Show went last weekend at The Pavilion, how to navigate the latest interest rate hike and the ongoing demolition of the old nursing home at Havilah Place.In sport, you can read about Kiama Cricket Club's 170th anniversary celebrations, the Jamberoo Sevens and a windsurfing event which will be held in the near future at Gerroa.And our intrepid photographer Brian Scott has been out and about snapping community sports stars doing their thing.For the green thumbs, John Gabriele is back with more advice for your garden.The paper is available from all the usual outlets around the Kiama local government area - grab yours before it's too late.