A widespread decline of the endangered Southern Greater Glider species across the South Coast has prompted Gerroa Environmental Protection Society to call for the expansion of Seven Mile Beach National Park.The Society has spoken with Kiama MP Katelin McInerney about supporting an investigation into the expansion of the national park to protect the complex vegetation and to assist the survival of the Greater Glider population at Seven Mile Beach. A recent study by Garry Daly in the Journal Australia Zoologist provides evidence that the beach may be one of the last strongholds of the Greater Glider on the South Coast. The Southern Greater Glider has suffered severe declines in abundance and distribution across several National Parks, except for Seven Mile Beach, where populations have remained unchanged. Daly warns a minimum habitat of 1000 hectares is needed to sustain a Greater Glider population and while Seven Mile Beach National Park is less than that, there is adjoining freehold and council managed lands that exceeds the minimum size to support a viable population.GEPS secretary Howard H Jones said the study should be a wake-up call for action to be taken before it’s too late.He said koalas used to inhabit the area around the beach in the 1950s but the ongoing loss of habitat led to their demise.“This Glider population is particularly vulnerable. "The problem is the disconnection from other populations in the hinterland and the small area of habitat within the Park available to support the local population,” he said.“We are very concerned that development and sand mining pressure on land adjoining the Park could lead to further vegetation loss and fragmentation, and over time, to the loss of this Glider Population.”Jones said the area is “unusually rich and diverse” and provides a habitat for 13 endangered and threatened species as well as eight Endangered Ecological Communities, including Coomonderry Swamp, the largest Coastal Freshwater wetland in NSW. “Yet much of this biologically important vegetation, including this great wetland, is not protected within the National Park.“There’s a lot of really good reasons to bring this habitat into the park.“Much of the habitat is threatened by sand mining and development. There has been an ongoing reduction of the bushland and we don’t want to see that continue.”Jones said McInerney seemed to be supportive of the Society’s call for an investigation into the issue but that it would likely take time to come to fruition.GEPS conducts nighttime walks through the national park to spot the gliders when they are active.“It’s a thrill to see them,” Jones added.“The best thing is to actually see them glide but that’s a rare occurrence.“Most people never see the glider because they’re very secretive and they only come out at night so it can be hard to generate community awareness.”

More than a dozen local venues have already signed on for the Sounds of Jazz & Blues weekend which will be held early next month. The live music weekend from 6-8 March will feature local businesses hosting jazz, blues and a mix of other musical styles, with music-lovers encouraged to wander between venues and enjoy live music across Kiama and surrounding villages.To make it easier and safer for people to move between venues, a free Blues Bus shuttle loop service will operate across the weekend, thanks to sponsorship from the Kiama Business Network.KBN president Cathryn Lyall said the shuttle was a practical way to support local businesses.“This weekend is all about collaboration,” she said.“Local venues are hosting and funding their own live music, and the Blues Bus helps people enjoy more of what’s on offer while supporting our hospitality community.”All performances are free to attend, with individual venues managing entry conditions, capacity limits and any booking requirements.The weekend of music is filling the gap after the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival opted to pause in 2026 ahead of its 40th anniversary return next year.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the weekend was about backing local effort and keeping live music at the heart of the community.“Sounds of Jazz & Blues is about local venues, local musicians and locals coming together to keep our town buzzing,” Cr McDonald said.“It’s a great example of what can happen when a community works together to create something special.”A full gig guide and performance schedule will be released shortly, allowing audiences to plan their own music trail for the weekend.Among the participating venues are Burnetts on Barney, Club Jamberoo, Cin Cin Wine Bar, Crooked River Wines, Diggies Kiama, The Grand Hotel, JJ’s Indian Kiama, KG Café, Kiama Beach Tag, Kiama Bowling Club, Kiama Golf Club, Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama Surf Club, Mercure Gerringong, Saltwater Cafe, Stoic Brewing, Yves Kiama as well as the Gerringong and Kiama libraries.

Ex Servos put a huge dent in North Nowra Cambewarra’s finals hopes with an upset win in round 15 of the South Coast cricket season on Saturday.With three rounds left, North Nowra are now 13 points adrift of Kiama in fourth place and need other results to go their way even if they peel off three wins to finish the season.Ex Servos managed only 98 in their low-scoring affair at Bernie Regan Oval, anchored by John Bowern’s 41 as Jason Moschioni (4-22) and Matt Hickmott (3-41) tore through the batting line-up.After progressing to 1-41, Andrew Wilson (3-17), Kuldeep Singh rana (2-4) and Jovan Croese (3-54) triggered a dramatic collapse to bowl North Nowra out for just 80.Their 18-run win, the first for the season, gives Ex Servos hope of offloading the wooden spoon, now just three points behind Albion Park.The Eagles went down by 30 runs to Kiama after the Cavaliers posted 7-176 on the back of solid contributions from David Coleman (46), Ryan Butta (42) and captain Jaya Hartgerink (37).Park’s top order crumbled to be 4-38 and they had no answer as Coleman completed a fine all-round performance with 4-30.Bomaderry’s playoff hopes are also fading after they lost a nail-biter to competition leaders Lake Illawarra at Artie Smith Oval. The hosts only managed 87 with the bat as allrounder Jake O’Connell (4-25) and fellow seamer Jarryd White (3-30) ran amok.But the premiers went from cruising at 1-76 to losing 6-11 before limping over the finish line after Lachlan Duggan took 4-7 and Brad Cross bagged 3-25.Shellharbour maintained a share of second spot with a five-wicket win over the Kookas, chasing down the total of 182 with 4.4 overs to spare while Bay and Basin beat Oak Flats by eight runs in another rain-shortened game with Dolphins skipper Brock Balgowan (41 and 4-34) guiding his team to victory.This Saturday, North Nowra host Bay and Basin, Lake Illawarra take on Oak Flats at Geoff Shaw Oval, Kiama are away to Shellharbour in the match of the round, Albion Park are away to Ex Servos and the Kookas visit Bomaderry.Ladder: Lake 90, Harbour, Bay & Basin 79, Kiama 75, North Nowra 62, Bomaderry 60, Oak Flats 41, Kookas 35, Park 33, Ex Servos 30.In the women’s competition on Friday night, the Kookas sealed the minor premiership by thrashing Oak Flats Ratatouilles by 78 runs.Mel Nolan’s 48 and an unbeaten 34 from April Wells powered the Kookas to 2-133 before five bowlers were among the wickets in restricting Oak Flats to 8-55.Oak Flats Ratettes sunk Shellharbour 128-77 with Anne Boatswain top-scoring with 46 while Lake Illawarra trounced Ex Servos.Nakita Boatswain and Anthea Godwin made 43 apiece but Kiana Dovern belted 55 not out as Lake chased down the total with seven overs up their sleeve.Annette Thornton took 3-14 as Kiama bowled Albion Park out for 73 before Ebony Winston blasted an unbeaten 40 as the Cavettes hauled in the target without losing a wicket.This Friday, the Ratatouilles meet Shellharbour and the Ratettes face Ex Servos at Myimbarr, Kiama host Lake and Albion Park take on the Kookas at Albion Oval.Ladder: Kookas 44, Ratettes 30, Ratatouille 28, Kiama, Lake 24, Park 18, Ex Servos 16, Harbour 4.

Landcare Illawarra is pleased to announce the formation of two new community-led groups, launching at Loves Bay on the coast in Kiama’s south and inland at Jerrara Dam Reserve.The community-based, volunteer-led Landcare movement features local residents working together to care for their environment. Projects may take place on private land or public reserves and are driven by local priorities and local knowledge.Within the Kiama local government area there are already four Landcare groups working on private land and seven on Council reserves. These groups are formed by people who want to improve their immediate surroundings and make a positive contribution to their community.The new Loves Bay Landcare group was initiated by Alan Woodward, a Kiama Heights local who lives near the popular starting point of the final stage of the Kiama Coast Walk. Alan approached Landcare Illawarra in late 2025 after recognising the opportunity to improve the ecological health of the area for the benefit of both nature and the community.“Loves Bay is a beautiful place, but it could be better with the regeneration of vegetation and the environment around the creek that flows into the bay,” he said. “Already there are remnants of the rainforest that once covered the local area, with plants, seeds and water-life that could thrive through the removal of weeds and native plantings. “This Landcare project will restore a truly unique coastal place for the future.”The first meeting of Loves Bay Landcare will be held on Saturday, 28 February.Jerrara Dam Reserve is a 54-hectare site surrounded by farmland between Kiama and Jamberoo.Ros Neilson, who lives in Jamberoo, is passionate about the reserve’s value as an important parcel of community land. She hopes the formation of a Landcare group will support continued public engagement with the area, which is already well used by birdwatchers, wildlife carers and walkers.“This new group will focus on small, practical actions to support the regeneration of rainforest and wetlands in the face of ongoing weed pressure,” she said. “The site contains valuable and endangered remnant rainforest species, and what was once Jerrara Dam has naturally evolved into a wetland that provides important habitat for migratory birds and other native fauna.”The group’s first working bee was held earlier this month and a follow-up session has been planned for Sunday, 22 February.All community members are welcome to attend working bees at both sites, and no previous experience is required.Landcare Illawarra vice chair Michael Andrews said the organisation was proud to support new community-driven initiatives.“At Landcare Illawarra, we’re always excited to support new grassroots groups who are taking action to care for the places they love,” he said.“Community-led projects like these don’t just improve the environment on the ground, they also show decision-makers at all levels how much our natural places matter. “We’re proud to support volunteers with the training, knowledge and technical support they need to make a real, lasting difference.”

A man has been refused bail after an incident in Kiama in which he was arrested over domestic violence allegations.About 9.30pm on Sunday, police attended a home in Cooinda Place, Kiama, to arrest a man in relation to an alleged DV incident.During the arrest, police allege the 32-year-old man punched a male constable in the throat and face before the constable deployed OC spray to effect the arrest.The 32-year-old was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he allegedly made threats towards the same male constable and a male leading senior constable.NSW Ambulance was called and attempted to treat the man, who allegedly declined.Police will allege that while in custody, the man punched the leading constable in the face, breaking his glasses and causing cuts to his eyebrow and nose. Officers then deployed OC spray, and the man was handcuffed again.Both officers were treated and have returned to duty.The 32-year-old was charged with assault police in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, two counts of hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty and assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm. Police also charged him with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm.He was refused bail.

Gerringong junior Ashton Ward is making a strong case for a spot in South Sydney’s Round 1 side after a strong performance in the Charity Shield win over St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium on Saturday night.The 22-year-old five-eighth, who did well in his six first-grade appearances when he made his debut late last season, came up with a try assist in the 28-24 victory over the Dragons. There is a vacancy in the halves for the Rabbitohs in the opening round with Jamie Humphreys out suspended so coach Wayne Bennett may use Ward alongside Cody Walker for the clash with the Dolphins in Brisbane on 8 March.Ward was thrilled to play his part in the triumph with Souths fielding an inexperienced side against what was virtually a full-strength Dragons line-up.“It was unreal, it was good to get back out there with the boots back on. It’s been a long pre-season so it was good to get a bit of footy under the belt,” he said.“Especially for something like the Charity Shield it’s always good to get one up on the Dragons. “We were completing well, kicking to the corners, not try and complicate things too much - that’s what we did and it got us the win.”Ward also scored bragging rights over fellow Gerringong products Hamish Stewart and Hayden Buchanan, who turned out for the Dragons.Stewart peeled off 37 tackles to be the equal leader in that category for the home side with prop Emre Guler while Buchanan made a couple of tackle breaks in racking up 56 metres from just three runs after he also entered the fray from the bench.They will both be in contention for the squad that travels to Las Vegas at the end of this week to take on Canterbury at Allegiant Stadium next Sunday.St George Illawarra have now wrapped up their pre-season campaign while South Sydney will take on Manly at Glen Willow Oval in Mudgee this Sunday.

An extra public holiday will be handed out to NSW residents this year and in 2027 with Anzac Day falling on a weekend.The NSW Government has announced an additional public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day on both occasions - in 2026, Anzac Day will fall on a Saturday, and in 2027 it will fall on a Sunday.Dawn Services, marches and community ceremonies held on that day will continue to be the central focus of remembrance across NSW.Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn, gather at local memorials, march alongside veterans and reflect on the service and sacrifice that shaped our nation.The additional holiday on Monday does not replace Anzac Day. Rather it reinforces its importance and significance as well as making it consistent with other major public holidays.Unlike New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, there are currently no additional public holiday arrangements in place in NSW when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, which occurs on average twice every seven years. NSW has fewer public holidays than all other mainland states and territories.Prior to the addition of the Anzac Day holiday, NSW had 11 public holidays in 2026, compared with 15 in South Australia and the Northern Territory and 14 in Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory and on par with Tasmania’s 11 public holidays this year.The experience of the additional public holidays will form part of a NSW Government review of the state’s public holidays to commence in 2027, that will consider:the current number of state-wide public holidays in NSWwhether NSW should have an additional public holidaywhether there should be a permanent change to Anzac Day public holiday arrangements when Anzac Day falls on a weekend The review will be informed by community, business, veteran groups and other stakeholder feedback, as well as the economic and social impacts of the additional public holiday in 2026 and 2027.Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said Anzac Day was "one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change".“We have a tremendous amount of reverence for Anzac Day across our communities, especially among our veterans and their families.“Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn, gather at local memorials, march alongside veterans and reflect on the service and sacrifice that shaped our nation.“Adding a public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend will not diminish that tradition. If anything, it is a reminder of its importance and another reason for people to get up, attend a local service and ensure the spirit of remembrance continues to be passed on to the next generation.”RSL NSW acting president Vince Williams said their primary concern is that “the sanctity and significance of Anzac Day is protected".“Having consulted members, RSL NSW does not oppose the introduction of an additional public holiday, and looks forward to continuing to work constructively with the defence and veteran community and the NSW Government as the trial progresses. “Additionally, a public holiday on Monday will also provide many serving Australian Defence Force personnel who are required to work on Anzac Day itself with an opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones.”

You must have been hiding under a rock if you did not hear the Reserve Bank’s announcement recently about interest rates. RBA governor Michele Bullock announced an increase in the cash rate from 3.60% up to 3.85% - an increase of .25% and the first rate hike in over two years, following a series of cuts in 2025. Happy New Year from the RBA to every mortgage holder in Australia!This decision was primarily driven by a "material" pick-up in inflation during the second half of 2025, which indicated that the economy was running "hotter" than previously estimated.The real debate was around the main driver behind the inflationary numbers - was it the private or government sector that contributed to the increase? While the debate raged in the media, there is unfortunately nothing we can do to reverse last Tuesday’s announcement.All is not lost, however. You do have a few things in your control that might help manage the increase and reduce either your repayments or the term of your mortgage.If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Contact your bank or your mortgage broker and ask them for a home loan health check or an interest rate review. You might be surprised by the outcome.If your bank doesn’t come to the party, contact a mortgage broker to test your current interest rate or home loan product against what is available from other lenders in the market.You could also consider making additional repayments or leveraging your redraw or offset account to reduce the term of your mortgage.The team at Astute Brent Rollings is always here to help. Feel free to reach out to us if you need help to talk through your options to make sure you are getting the best outcome in the market.Please note: This is paid content

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.