While the entire state is lamenting the fact that it will be another 119 days to the next public holiday (here at The Bugle, we call it the Long Winter), the King’s Birthday holiday allows us to honour those in our community that make invaluable contributions, on a daily basis.

There was an expectation from some that the road to a republic might have gained some momentum following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 – however this has yet to eventuate.

And given the sorry state of affairs that is currently the experience in the greatest republic of them all, we don’t think that there’ll be a renewed push any time soon.

But anyway, enough of the elitest talk about heads of state, and princes and kings – at the end of the day everyone can get behind a three-day weekend, a sleep-in and another crack at doing the hedges.

And we can certainly support such a day if it means recognition for people like Raymond Strong, Joan Crabb, Belinda Mackinnon, Andrew Sweeney and Ashley Sullivan – all of whom have contributed to our community in different and invaluable ways.

Particularly in the case of Mr Sullivan, his tireless dedication over three decades with the State Emergency Service has literally saved lives across our community, the Northern Rivers of NSW and even in the north-western state of Idaho, USA.

With more wild weather (what happened to the above-average winter temperatures that were predicted only two weeks ago?!) and the threat of floods and storms on the horizon, we are lucky Mr Sullivan and the Kiama unit of the SES will be here to assist.

The stories and contributions of these King’s Day Honour recipients have been covered by The Bugle and as we have always said – what makes this community great, is its people.

It’s not only these five individuals, but it’s also all the operators and business owners who contributed towards Kiama again being recognised as NSW’s Top Tourism Town, and the people who will make events like the forthcoming Winter Street Festival, another success.

As we roll into a very chilly long winter, The Bugle’s View is that we should be celebrating our local heroes and our community, year-round.

Not just in the summer and warmer months where our landscapes are their most pristine and accessible, but also when we need to hunker down and all get a little bit closer and warmer!

So, over the next couple of months, make sure you get out and about and embrace what makes us not only the best tourist town, but the best town overall – our community.