Kiama MP Katelin McInerney says it’s “completely inappropriate” for a developer to want to build a 14-storey development in the town centre.McInerney told The Bugle that she has written to NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully to voice her opposition to the plan by Level 33 to request permission for double the Kiama Council-approved height limits.Level 33 is set to request the Housing Delivery Authority to allow a much higher development on the corner of Akuna and Shoalhaven Streets.The developer has dropped its legal action against Kiama Council in the Land and Environment Court and is expected to lobby Housing Minister Paul Scully and the Housing Delivery Authority to have the project declared a State Significant Development, which would effectively sideline Council from limiting its height to the already approved level of seven storeys.Kiama Council is aiming to increase the supply of homes in the LGA via its Housing Strategy while the NSW Government is looking to provide solutions to the housing crisis which has gripped the state.But McInerney said the Akuna St HDA proposal would not suit Kiama.“I don't wanna see, and neither, quite frankly, does anybody that I speak to want to see Kiama move to a big high-rise here in the main street,” she told The Bugle.“I share those concerns around the proposal. I've written to the Minister for Planning and I've said it's completely inappropriate.“I can't see how they would achieve it given how much parking they would have to dig into bluestone.“It would be very difficult to make something like that stack up. I've got huge concerns about that.”McInerney has been talking to affected local residents and community groups about the Shoalhaven Street Precinct where a 450-home development could proceed after the two-hectare site is rezoned.“The State Government has been brought in to do a rezoning and I can completely understand the cynicism from people on this and that Council have expressed they want to do things differently,” she said.“Both State Government and Council being up front with the community going out to community consultation at the rezoning proposal stage to talk about what this two-hectare site could possibly deliver.“People have put so much love and work into their homes near the site.“Council have communicated the intent is to do this differently because we have an opportunity to do something in town that meets the needs and the community expectations, unlike when a block of land is sold to a developer and it goes out of their control.“I can understand the concerns of those people in the vicinity. I don’t want something that reaches to the sky here either. We have these beautiful heritage houses nearby that are such a huge part of Kiama’s character.“It’s an exciting opportunity which needs to be in line with community expectations. If we don’t do it, we will lose people out of our community that we need.”McInerney said there was a need to provide options for older people to move out larger family-sized homes.She noted the role of the Kiama Council Local Housing Strategy and benefit of open community consultation.“It went out to the community twice. One message that's really clear was we don't want Kiama sprawling out over the green rolling hills,” she said.“The NSW Labor Government has a very clear mission - we need to build housing. We need to build it much quicker. What we need for not just our ageing demographic, but the workforce to provide for that.“The Strategy went out to the community twice. One message that was very clear was the community don't want Kiama sprawling out over the green rolling hills,” she said.“The NSW Government has a very clear mission – people need housing and we need to get more keys in doors sooner. What we need more housing not for not just our ageing demographic, but the workforce who provide the services to support them.“The Strategy data details quite scary facts. The median age of our LGA is 48, the state average is 40. We've got around 36% of the population who are 60 years and older. This part of our community needs options to downsize into.”She added that most of the dwellings in the LGA are three and four-bedroom houses. “We have 14% that are two-bedroom and 3% that are one.”Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud reiterated that the Shoalhaven Street Precinct at this stage was “simply asking whether the site is better used as residential rather than industrial”.“No decisions have been made on height, density or yield,” she said.“The images and messaging the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure released have caused far too much conjecture and reaction, and wrongly made people think these designs are a fait accompli. They are not.“They are indicative only. The site will still need a Development Control Plan and Development Application.“Our community will still get a say in those processes and we are looking forward to engaging with them on that.“Every town in NSW has housing demand and we do too.“Of course any DCP and DA process will make sure that issues like water, stormwater and traffic are addressed but that is down the track. And not what is being asked right now which is moving from industrial to residential.“This site is in the main frame of town, and ticks all the state government boxes for delivering housing in the low to mid rise regulations and policy.“Housing in the missing middle of town is a sensible choice to provide much-needed homes, without sprawl or creep into the hills. It just makes sense.”We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Roadworks will cause minor traffic delays and affect parking next week.Kiama Council will replace four street trees at 20 Bong Bong Street in Kiama from Monday 8 December – Friday 12 December.Street parking will be blocked off from the evening of Sunday 7 December until works are completed to allow access for work vehicles.Tree trimming will be conducted at Crooked River Road in Gerroa from Monday 8 December – Friday 12 December.The work will be done from the Kiama Municipal Council boundary back to Seven Mile Holiday Park on both sides of the road.One lane will be closed under traffic control. Expect delays.There will also be road resurfacing at Allowrie Street in Jamberoo on Monday and Tuesday 15-16 December from 7pm-5am.

Local residents have formed the Kiama Depot Action Group in response to the rezoning proposal for the Shoalhaven Street Precinct which could result in an eight-storey development.More than 750 locals signed an online petition and around 60 residents have formed an Action Group to continue the battle against the possibility of 450 homes being built on the two-hectare block opposite Kiama Bowls Club.Kiama Council and the NSW Government have repeatedly said that at this stage it is just a rezoning proposal but residents are concerned about a specific R3 rezoning and detailed plans for what is referred to as the “optimum builtform” for the site.The Kiama Matters Inc community group is also concerned about this development and the plans for multi-storey buildings in Akuna Street and invited Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and local councillors to their meeting last week.McInerney and Councillors Yasmin Tatrai, Stuart Larkins and Imogen Draisma attended, conducting a Q&A session with the group.KDAG organisers John and Jane Littrich are among the many residents whose homes will be affected if the Shoalhaven Street Precinct is constructed as a six- or eight-storey building.This would mean their home and north-facing backyard would only limited winter sunlight if a 28-metre tower was placed as close as four metres from their boundary.Their neighbour Stella Goodman earlier this year started extensions to the rear of her family home but if the development goes ahead, she and her young family will have also layers of apartments directly over their back fence.John said the campaign against this development would continue even though the brief timeframe for submissions to the NSW Planning Department ended on Wednesday.“People can still let Kiama Council know how they feel about this as well. And emailing councillors individually would be great. The Councillors are saying that they will still have some sort of say in what's finally built.“I don’t believe that will be the case. I think the state government will have control. But if that's what Council thinks, then we need to tell them what we think.“We're also concerned that Council has a financial investment in this.“This certainly raises a question as to whether they are going to reduce their financial return on this to take into account community interests.”Jane added: “This is the thin edge of the wedge. People can see that if this could happen here, then it could happen elsewhere in Kiama.“The scale and the density of the development is so out of keeping with not only the local neighbourhood, but Kiama in general.“It is so out of keeping with the charm, the character of the town, which is a big thing - cultural heritage and how important that is. The site and surroundingneighbourhood are part of the Smiths Farm Heritage Conservation Area.“Also important is the impact on infrastructure and the lack of services. There will be a severe impact on the immediately surrounding residents with overshadowing, noise, traffic, privacy issues, etc. But I think it has wider implications in terms of impact of character, infrastructure, environment, sewage and flooding.“There are numerous elderly residents near the site who are very distressed.Many have been unable to find, let alone absorb the 450-plus pages of documents on the Department of Planning website so we have been able to help unpack this information for them to help with drafting submissions.”For Stella, if this development goes ahead at the 6-8 storey level, she said the impact would be “devastating”.“We have made a major life and financial decision to extend and also restore our house that is historical. It's built in the 1800s. So we're doing our bit to preserve the house in keeping with the neighbourhood and heritage requirements and also to extend the house so that it suits our young family into the future,” she said.“We've started the renovation and restoration and extension and then now to have this bomb dropped on us. If we had have known that this was going to be the type of proposal that it is, it would have definitely changed our plans.“We moved to Kiama eight years ago because we wanted to live in a small village and it's just absolutely heartbreaking and distressing the effects that it will have on us and our young family. Extending from psychological to financial to quality of life. It's distressing.”John reiterated that KDAG was not opposed to development but they wanted to ensure the Precinct did not turn Kiama into a mini version of Wollongong which has become awash with high-rise developments.“Such development should be in line with the existing character of the area, not dense development of the scale proposed.“It will negatively impact on surrounding homes and will not create a positive environment for anyone living in the development itself. It does not fit in Council’s own Town Centre Plan or Local Housing Strategy.”Even though the deadline for submissions expired on Wednesday, residents can still email feedback to rezoningpathways@dpie.nsw.gov.au although their comments will not be counted as a formal submission in the finalisation report.Kiama Matters chair Janet Peters said the group’s goal was to get people engaged in the process and for them to give their opinions.Peters said Kiama Matters submitted its thoughts to the NSW Planning Department before Wednesday’s deadline for feedback, “based on what our members are concerned about”.“It’s disappointing the timeframe for public comment was so short. We think the rezoning proposal is actually a bit of a missed opportunity,” she said.“What they’re proposing with height limits and density really is an overdevelopment of the site, which is a shame.“I think if you ask anyone in Kiama, they’re not opposed to development but the size has just gone over the top and is proposing something that is not the optimal use of that site.“It’s a low to mid-level site, not 6-8 storeys. It doesn’t fit with the character of the town.“The community made it pretty clear that they don’t want anything more than three storeys in the outer town and no more than six storeys in the town centre.“We went through all that in good faith so it’s very disappointing to have this land on us now. They do want more housing and a revitalised town centre but for the government to come in this way is acting in bad faith.”Peters was re-elected as Kiama Matters chair at the meeting with Ian Robertson voted in as vice-chair, David Stevenson as treasurer, Sandy Stevenson as public officer, with Lenore Pennington, Julie MacKenzie, Graham Spooner and Carol Goddard also on the committee.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

NSW Police officers are rolling up a sleeve to donate much-needed blood and plasma ahead of the holiday season as part of the annual Bleed4Blue blood drive.The ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign was launched this week, which is close to the hearts of our first responders and highlights the essential act of blood donation to save lives.The blood drive was established in response to the near fatal stabbing of NSW Police Detective Sergeant John Breda in 2018. More than 100 bags of donated blood were needed to keep him alive.NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said he was pleased officers would be actively involved in the important initiative, particularly in the lead up to the holiday season - a busy time for the community and therefore a challenging time to maintain blood stocks.“It doesn’t matter if it is Christmas Day, New Year’s Day or any other day on the calendar, the need for blood is constant,” Commissioner Lanyon said.“Anyone of any age can need blood, but in this case one of our own, was saved by the generous donations of Australians.“Officers see firsthand the urgent need for blood and how it can save lives.“We know every donation will help Australians relying on blood, including victims of crime, trauma or transplant patients, people living with immune conditions or cancer and more.”More than 30,000 blood and plasma donations have been made as part of Bleed4Blue since its inception.Lifeblood spokesperson Hannah Rayment said with blood demand at a 12-year high and plasma in record demand, donating was a simple thing many of us could do to save a life.“I want to thank police and their friends and families for supporting Bleed4Blue, and I encourage the community to donate too,” Ms Rayment said.“Donated blood will be required every day between now and Christmas and beyond to treat sick and seriously ill people across Australia.“Please book a donation and help us keep blood supply levels strong over the holidays to meet the need for patients from all walks of life.”The three month ‘Bleed4Blue’ blood drive runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.To make a donation, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au, or on the Lifeblood app.

On January 11, 1933 Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew used Gerroa’s Seven Mile Beach as the take-off point for a flight to New Plymouth, New Zealand.On board was a special batch of cargo - several envelopes postmarked January 10, the day before Kingsford Smith’s Seven Mile beach take-off, and signed by crew and passengers.Known as airmail cover, and carried on historic flights, only five of the valuable collector's items are thought to exist - with one housed in Gerringong’s History Museum.The letter, carried by “Smithy” and signed by three crew and two passengers, thanked the town’s local ladies for providing a box of peaches to the aviator and his crew before their sandy launch.“This event established the first airmail route between Australia and New Zealand and was certainly a significant part of our local history,” says Gerringong Historical Society secretary Joy Fullager.Joy says the airmail cover, sourced by South Coast stamp collector John Graham and donated to the museum two years ago to mark the 90th anniversary of the historic flight, was a welcome addition to GLaM’s dedicated Charles Kingsford Smith collection.“People who visit the Gerringong Heritage Museum are always very interested in the items related to Charles Kingsford Smith,” she says.“The museum has a video with footage of Charles Kingsford Smith landing on Seven Mile Beach in 1933, which is very popular with visitors.“The video’s commentary is by Gerringong’s Clive Emery, who watched the historic flight when he was a child.”Just two years after the famous aviator’s take-off from Gerroa to NZ, Kingsford Smith and co-pilot Tommy Pethybridge went missing on November 8, 1935 while attempting to break the flight speed record between England and Australia.The final resting place of the pilot, crew, and plane has baffled historians for generations.Now to mark the 90th anniversary of the disappearance of Kingsford Smith aboard his legendary Lockheed Altair 8D aircraft, Lady Southern Cross, award-winning Australian writer, filmmaker, and explorer Damien Lay has released his book Of Air and Men.Lay is considered one of the world's leading authorities on the disappearance of the Lady Southern Cross and has spent more than two decades researching and documenting the historic event.Of Air and Men not only tells the story of the famed aviator - the first person to circumnavigate the globe and one of the greatest long-distance flyers in history - but documents Lay’s quest to find his final resting place and the impact Kingsford Smith’s disappearance had on his family.The wreckage of the Lady Southern Cross was first discovered in 2009, off the Burmese coast, using sonar imaging.Three years and 18 dive expeditions later Lay and his team had recovered more than 40 pieces from the wreck.Charles Kingsford Smith. Many of the dives were over 100 feet in depth in treacherous conditions - not least due to the political turmoil in Myanmar and the threat posed by pirates.“We were diving in the most dangerous conditions on earth,” Lay recalls. “Strong currents, near-zero visibility, political turmoil, pirates, militias, we had no medical evacuation, no safety net. Just determination.”The wreckage found by Lay and his team included timber and fuel lines and the discovery made the modern-day explorer even more determined to “one day … bring the men of the Lady Southern Cross home”.Over the past 20 years, Lay has worked closely with the aviator's son, Charles Arthur Kingsford Smith, who has lived in the US since he was five, as well as the wider Kingsford Smith family, and the Pethybridge family.The book uses historical fiction to document the aviation legend’s life, the mystery surrounding his final flight, and the impact of his disappearance on his family, including his son who was just a toddler at the time.“I have only a few snatches of memory of my father, and I would have greatly enjoyed his love and fellowship growing up but his disappearance just before my third birthday sadly ended that possibility," says the now 92-year-old Kingsford Smith junior.“Adding to the sadness is the frustration that much is unknown about what happened, so we really can't close the book on his life story."Many have offered theories and speculation about what happened.“Damien dedicated years of his life, at vast expense, in searching the area where the plane almost certainly went down, resulting in the most likely theory of what really happened to my father in the Andaman Sea."Of Air and Men is available through Amazon, Booktopia and many independent Australian booksellers.A copy of the book has been donated to the museum, which also houses a model of Kingsford Smith’s Southern Cross and photos from his time in the region.“The Gerringong Historical Society is very appreciative for its copy of the book which has been added to our library,” says Joy.The museum, which is staffed by community volunteers, is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-3pm.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Jamberoo’s Golden Valley subdivision is just months away from finally getting underway after developer Fountaindale Group has resolved its long-running saga with Sydney Water.Fountaindale director Jennifer Macquarie said the tender process for the construction of the roads and services for the 50 lots proposed for Stage 1 of the residential development will begin as early as March after Sydney Water confirmed the homes can be connected to the existing sewer main.The proposed development to the south-east of the town centre has been in the pipeline since 2017 but it has been delayed by bureaucratic red tape.Fountaindale earlier this year offered to fully fund, design and construct a new main for the picturesque town.Macquarie wrote to NSW Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson in August, urging her to intervene and authorise the project to move ahead.And now she has been advised that because the town main operates at 30% capacity and only experiences overflow issues due to rainwater during severe weather events, the development can proceed.“Although the Jamberoo sewer main issue did delay the project for many months, we were not sitting still,” she said.“We used this time to complete necessary items in preparation for commencement of construction including:Finalisation of the design of electrical, sewer and water services within the subdivisionSign-off on road and drainage designs by Kiama Council and issuing of a construction certificate. Installation of new boundary fencing with Hyam Place neighboursDeveloping relationships with local architects and builders who wish to offer home design and construction services to Golden Valley land purchasers. “Over the next few weeks we will be reviewing our construction program in detail and will be in a position to share a new timeline before the end of the year.” Macquarie said she appreciated the patience of the many people interested in buying land in Golden Valley, the civil contractors waiting to tender on the construction works, and the designers “who are eager to start work on beautiful homes to suit this unmatched location”. The lot sizes will be 800 square metres and Macquarie said there were more than 800 potential buyers who had lodged interest. After the Stage 1 release, which is now set to be at the end of next year, Fountaindale is proposing another 70 lots for Stage 2.Macquarie said many people in the Illawarra were keen to move into the area, including a high proportion of couples who are downsizing later in life.That will have a flow-on effect for the housing market with ageing families selling larger homes that younger homebuyers can move into. “Given the housing supply crisis, the delivery of 50 new homes will be part of that solution,” Macquarie said.While there has been some opposition to the development from Jamberoo locals, Macquarie said she had been thrilled by the number of residents who were in favour of the Golden Valley subdivision providing a major economic boost for the town’s shops, cafes, clubs and pub.A spokesperson said Sydney Water was working closely with Fountaindale to progress the subdivision.“Our latest assessment confirms that the first stage of the development can be serviced by the existing wastewater network.“We are continuing detailed investigations and modelling to ensure it performs reliably for current and future customers.”Sydney Water is investigating opportunities to optimise the existing system in Jamberoo to enable new connections in a cost-effective way.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

New Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane is calling on the NSW Government to come clean about the Planning Department’s independent review of all developments that have been approved through the Housing Delivery Authority.Sloane belives the review of the HDA needs to be made public in the interests of community confidence in the planning system.The HDA's powers are under the microscope in Kiama with Council set to effectively be sidelined from the approval process by developers if projects are declared a State Significant Development.There have been 583 expressions of interest assessed by the HDA since its first meeting in February.Sloane said revelations that a senior planning official used an unauthorised AI tool to collate information before the HDA brings into question the veracity of the information presented to the HDA’s three-person panel.NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said that the community deserves the highest integrity in their planning system and Minister Paul Scully needs to make this review public to restore community confidence.“The Minns Labor Government needs to ensure community confidence in our planning system by making the independent review public and publishing the terms of reference of the review,” Sloane said.“The Housing Delivery Authority was established by the Government to offer a streamlined assessment process, but as part of that pathway the Government needs to ensure the highest integrity and transparency to support the decisions that are being made."Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said this was not the first instance of error from the HDA.“Since its inception we’ve seen the HDA approve proposals over land that wasn’t controlled by the applicant, misdescribe locations and the approved height of applications,” Farlow said.“This is clear evidence that while the HDA has dealt with nearly 600 expressions of interest, they haven’t been provided with the resources to do their job properly.“While AI tools have an important role to play in the planning system, there needs to be a thorough validation of the inputs into the system and the determinations that are being made and that requires a proper approval process within the Department and should include a public disclosure of the tools being used to give community confidence in the planning system."We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

As Kiama Council finalises its report on the inclusion of a Gerringong property in its Employment Lands Strategy, an “old bull, young bull” grapple between landowners Wes Hindmarsh and Derek McMahon is being played out.Hindmarsh, a fifth-generation landholder, is publicly voicing his concerns that including McMahon’s 5 Sims Road property in Kiama’s Employment Lands Strategy undermines protections for the region’s western rolling hills. Hindmarsh is a name which echoes throughout the history of the LGA and with a parcel of land passed down through the family since the mid 1800s – the family legacy is shaped not by tradition alone, but by a commitment to doing what is right.  Supported by neighbours Bill Folder and Brian Whatman, they shared a flurry of concerns with The Bugle which Hindmarsh says “flies in the face of the objectives of the zones [in the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011]” with the catastrophic potential to impact the local biosecurity, agricultural activity and the region’s tourism appeal. “The thing that grabs me about the whole development is the impact on the activities we undertake here, which could introduce seriously harmful weed seeds to rural lands,” Hindmarsh said. “It [5 Sims Road] is also in close proximity to the Crooked River Estate vineyard whose owner has invested heavily in the future of the winery and restaurant and shares the biosecurity concerns for the vineyard. “If it is to be placed into the Employment Lands Strategy, this will introduce industrialisation and in future years from now, the beautiful rolling hills won’t exist, I believe.” Currently the land surrounding 5 Sims Road is under Zone RU1 Primary Production in the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011, and Hindmarsh believes the Employment Lands Strategy will impede on the listed objectives of the Zone.McMahon has been advocating for his land to be considered within the Strategy and although opinions differ, he still values his neighbours’ concerns.  “No one likes change and no one wants it next door to them – that’s normal,” McMahon said. “I sympathise for people where there will be an effect for those nearby or neighbouring, the same way that the Housing Strategy is going to affect people.” McMahon concedes that while his approach is that of “a long view”, soil won’t be turned over straight away if it is successful in being included in the Employment Lands Strategy. “Should it be identified, there is still a rigorous process in government before anything is approved,” he said. “We can’t go down there and just do what we want the next day.” For Hindmarsh and his neighbours, it’s not about being a NIMBY (not in my backyard), but more about protecting what is good for Gerringong and the local region. “I’d like to keep things the way they are, but the arguments have got more gravity by the fact that what is being proposed is not a good fit for Gerringong,” Hindmarsh said. “Kiama Council should seriously consider their position and if they are to honour the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011, they wouldn’t proceed with approving that land as an industrial area because of the impact it will have on Gerringong now and into the future. The view from the Crooked River Estate vineyard which could potentially have an industrial outlook if the 5 Sims Road is included into the Employment Lands Strategy. Photo: The Bugle“It is vitally important that rural lands be preserved for agriculture in its many kinds so that the inhabitants of our growing nation can be reliably fed.” Kiama Council Director of Strategies and Communities Ed Paterson said Council's planning instruments (i.e. Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan) are constantly being updated to reflect our evolving world. "Strategies like the Employment Lands Strategy and the Housing Strategy contain actions to update the Planning instruments to ensure they are living documents," Paterson said. We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with the latest news and views from our local South Coast community.Our main report is on Kiama MP Katelin McInerney voicing her disapproval for the high-rise development in the pipeline for Akuna Street.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREMcInerney says it’s “completely inappropriate” for a developer to want to build a 14-storey development in the town centre.Level 33 is set to request the Housing Delivery Authority to allow a much higher development on the corner of Akuna and Shoalhaven Streets.The developer has dropped its legal action against Kiama Council in the Land and Environment Court and is expected to lobby Housing Minister Paul Scully and the Housing Delivery Authority to have the project declared a State Significant Development, which would effectively sideline Council from limiting its height to the already approved level of seven storeys.You can also read plenty of great community stories including a look back in history at Charles Kingsford Smith's exploits at Gerroa, Saltwater Cafe winning a national award and a charity making a difference in Nowra.In sport, you can read about Minnamurra's young star on the rise who has won the national under 10s 100m and 200m sprint gold medals as well as a teenage rugby player going places.Kiama Rugby Club junior Asher Chapman has been selected to represent Australia in the Under-16 Australian squad.Chosen after his standout season with the NSW Waratahs U16s, Chapman will attend a development camp this month before lining up against the Queensland Reds U17s at Wests Rugby Club on Thursday, 11 December.New Kiama Rugby Juniors president Richard Payne said he is thrilled to see a local player reach the national stage.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Residents and holiday-makers in the Shoalhaven will soon have faster access to urgent medical care, with Nowra set to welcome a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on 19 January.The clinic will operate out of the Grand Pacific Health Centre located at 107 Scenic Drive and was officially announced on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, following a competitive tender process run by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.Open seven days a week with extended hours, the clinic will offer walk-in, fully bulk-billed care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.It’s designed to treat everything from sprains, minor fractures and burns to cuts, wounds, bites, and common ear or eye issues.The Australian Government is rolling out Medicare UCCs nationwide to ease pressure on emergency departments -- pressure that’s being acutely felt locally. In 2023–24, more than half of all presentations at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital were for non-urgent or semi-urgent issues.Phillips said the new clinic would help residents get treatment sooner while reducing strain on hospital staff.“This new Medicare UCC will make it easier for people in the Shoalhaven to get the urgent treatment they need from highly qualified doctors and nurses,” Phillips said.“The clinic will ease pressure on Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, allowing them to concentrate on higher priority emergencies.”COORDINARE CEO Prudence Buist said the service will be a convenient option for families who need timely care without the cost or long waits of a hospital visit.“The clinic will be completely bulk-billed, meaning people needing urgent but non-life-threatening care will save on out-of-pocket costs,” Buist said.The Shoalhaven’s growing and ageing population has increased demand for accessible health services. The Nowra site will join 90 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics already operating across Australia, which have seen more than two million patient visits since mid-2023, including established clinics in Wollongong, Dapto, Queanbeyan and Batemans Bay.

When Dave and Ula first began tinkering with booking software more than a decade ago, it wasn’t a business – it was a side project squeezed between commutes, newborn babies and late-night emails.“It was literally me from 10pm until 1am, tapping away at my computer answering queries and building it whilst raising two kids at that time,” Dave said. “Now it’s four,” Ula said.“Some of those first customers still remember when it was just Dave replying in the middle of the night.”Today, that side project is Ovatu – a global booking and automation platform used by 8,000 businesses worldwide, supported by a team across Australia and the UK.The Berry-born software company is now gaining international acclaim, with features in Forbes, Vanity Fair and Business Insider, and a 2025 Global Recognition Award for Customer Service Excellence.The couple now run the company from their home in Berry, where they’ve lived for the past ten years, even though locals have only recently realised the scale of what they’ve built.“It actually spread faster around the world than it ever did in our own community,” Ula laughed.“Only in the last year have people in Berry started saying, ‘Hey, I’m opening a salon – can you set me up with software?’”The Bugle met Dave and Ula at their home – a quiet oasis tucked down a winding drive in the countryside – where their business has grown from a passion project into a tool used by thousands of small operators around the world.Their home reflects the philosophy behind their work: calm, practical, uncluttered and centred on what they call “the simple things.”“We have this joke whenever we hire a new person — they go out and buy a dog,” Ula said.“They can finally be at home, enjoy home more, and do something they’ve wanted to do for a long time but their work has prevented them from.”“It’s just kind of a metaphor for better work–life balance.”That idea of simplicity is key to Ovatu’s design.“Ovatu is essentially an appointment booking system,” Ula said.“It’s for anyone who takes appointments, but it’s become more widely used in the hair and beauty aesthetics space. It’s designed to make the business admin and appointment booking process really simple and intuitive.”Their aim has always been to take the stress out of running a small business for those who may not be as tech-savvy.Ula and Dave at their home office in Berry“It’s to take that sort of daunting aspect of running a business away from people who really just want to get on with doing what they’re really good at and practising their craft – not having to stress about the business or technological aspect,” Ula said.The platform handles invoices, taxes, rostering, reminders – all the things that quietly eat up a workday.“A lot of our businesses are sole traders, and they don’t really have the time or capacity to set up a really complex operation,” Ula said.“They just want something that will be simple, work for them, and help them.”Ovatu first took shape in 2010 after the couple returned to Australia from London.Dave was looking for work and experimenting with ideas on the side on his daily commute.“ It started sort of mucking around with it,” Dave said.Friends kept asking him to help improve their booking systems, which sparked his curiosity.“I started looking into what sort of products were around for that and thought they were kind of clunky and expensive – so I got to work from that angle,” Dave said.He was also doing consulting and development work, but being hands-on with ideas had always been part of who he is.“Dave’s always been really into tech and always tinkering and trying entrepreneurial ideas, always doing things in our own house too to make things more efficient,” Ula said.The software grew steadily until, by around 2014, it became clear that Ovatu was no longer just a project – it was a business.“It’s almost like an outlet that I needed – that just happened to work,” Dave said.Today, the couple works with what they describe as a small but exceptional team of 17 employees. Strong customer service, they say, has been central to Ovatu’s growth – especially at a time when many businesses are turning toward automation.“We feel really fortunate with the people we have,” Ula said. “Everyone is incredibly talented, but they’re also just genuinely good humans. They care about our customers, and they understand the values behind Ovatu.”Dave said the team is one of the main reasons the business has been able to stay true to its mission.“We give our team flexibility to work around their life, and I feel that improves the quality of the work they do,” Dave said.Ula agreed.“We always wanted Ovatu to feel personal,” she said. “Our team is the reason we can support thousands of businesses around the world without losing that sense of connection.”Despite the global reach, the heart of the business remains unchanged.Their days still start with small routines and, whenever possible, that walk with the dog – the symbol of the simplicity that started it all.For Dave and Ula, Ovatu has always been about giving people space to live their lives, not fill them with more stress. And after 14 years, that simple idea continues to shape everything they do.

South Coast residents are being warned that extreme temperatures are on the way for the region with a heatwave forecast on Friday and Saturday.The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a heatwave warning for residents to expect maximum temperatures in the high 20s to mid 30s with overnight minimum temperatures in the low to mid teens.Accoring to the BOM, "temperature will increase towards the end of the week, with maximum temperatures reaching the mid 30s to low 40s and overnight minimum temperatures in the mid teens to low 20s" in some parts of the state.Locations likely to be impacted include the Sydney metropolitan area, Newcastle, Batemans Bay, Gosford, Camden, Mona Vale, Nowra, Richmond and Wollongong.Severe heatwave conditions are developing and will extend north along the coast in the coming days before peaking during Friday and Saturday.Heatwave conditions are expected to ease on Sunday as a cooler change extends across the state.Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone.The BOM advises that severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.For further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, visit Ambulance NSW.Visit ‘Beat the Heat’ for advice on staying healthyCheck the latest weather and warnings at www.bom.gov.au/nsw.Find information on power outages here.

Local communities are preparing for a full schedule of Christmas activities in the lead-up to Santa’s arrival on 25 December, with carols, parades, workshops and gatherings.​Christmas celebrations begin in Jamberoo on Tuesday, 9 December, with the Jamberoo Community Carols in Reid Park from 6:30pm.The following night, Wednesday, 10 December, Kiama will host Carols in the Park at Hindmarsh Park from 6:30pm.Families are invited to roll out a picnic blanket, enjoy a sausage sizzle and sing along as local musicians and school choirs fill the evening with beloved Christmas favourites at these two events.​Carols continue across the region with the Shellharbour Carols at Croom Regional Sporting Complex on Friday, 12 December with stalls and pre-show activities from 5pm and the festivities finishing at 9pm.Bomaderry Nowra Lions Club will host Christmas Carols in Harry Sawkins Park on Sunday, 14 December - with the Nowra Town Band and fireworks part of the fun.Outdoor Christmas Carols will be at Kiama Presbyterian Church on Sunday, 21 December at 2pm, followed by Christmas Eve Carols at Jamberoo Anglican Church on Wednesday, 24 December at 5pm.​Both churches will also host Christmas morning services at 9am on Thursday, 25 December.A range of community events will complement the carols program.Berry’s Grand Christmas Street Parade takes place on Saturday, 13 December at 11.30am along Queen Street, while Gerringong will hold its Street Parade on Saturday, 20 December at 10am. That same afternoon, the Gerringong Bowling Club will run Christmas on the Greens from 4-7pm.Families can also join the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating workshop at Expressive Art Experience, Kiama Downs, on Saturday, 13 December, from 10am to midday.For entertainment, Cin Cin Bar hosts The Ultimate Christmas Movie Mystery on Thursday, 11 December at 6pm, offering an interactive Christmas-themed storyline.Transport enthusiasts can board the Christmas Kiama Picnic Train, operating 20–21 December between Sydney and Kiama from 10am to 7pm.On Christmas Day, Bella Char Restaurant and Wine Bar in Gerringong will host a Christmas lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.With events spanning music, community gatherings, creative activities and family outings, the region is set for a diverse and engaging Christmas season.

Kiama will be part of The Regional Sessions when it returns early next year, giving songwriters and musicians across five locations the opportunity to connect with their local community and learn from top Australian music creators. Run by music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS, with support from the NSW Government through Sound NSW, the one-day events bring keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, live performances and networking opportunities to beginner, emerging and mid-career songwriters, producers and composers in each area.A local MusicNSW representative will also be at each session to connect and provide support to artists and people working in music across regional NSW.Kiama will host the third event of the series on Monday, 16 February. There will also be sessions held at Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre (9 February), Broken Hill Civic Centre on 12 February, the Glasshouse at Port Macquarie on 18 February and Lennox Head Cultural Centre on 21 February.Speakers and mentors already confirmed to attend include Agum, Anna Laverty, Bec Sandridge, Casey Barnes, GLVES, Joel Ma, Kevin Mitchell (Jebediah/Bob Evans) and Zeppelin Hamilton (Velvet Trip). Tickets are $40 with limited $30 early bird tickets on sale now until 23 January. The price includes the fully catered day and post-event networking, and spots are limited to just 50 attendees per location. “The Regional Sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for local music creators to come together in their own town to form connections and gain valuable skills from leading songwriters, composers and producers," APRA AMCOS director of creative programs Chris O’Neill said. "We’re really proud of the program and thrilled to be delivering the program again in regional NSW." Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW, added: “Sound NSW is proud to support The Regional Sessions as they return across the state, creating vital opportunities for regional songwriters to learn, connect and grow within their own communities. "Investing in programs like this helps ensure that talent from every corner of NSW has access to the mentors, networks and industry pathways they need to thrive.” The Regional Sessions was introduced in NSW in 2021 as a way to support and reconnect local music creators following the pandemic. It has since run in Victoria in 2022, Western Australia in 2023 and NSW earlier this year. Previous mentors have included Ben Lee, Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), Jem Cassar-Daley, KLP, Mo’Ju and Oscar Dawson. Several have gone on to create new music with past attendees including Ben Lee with Rainbow Sally and Loren Ryan with Tim Levinson (Urthboy). For further information and tickets, visit apraamcos.com.au/regionalsessionsnsw.

Saltwater Kiama owner Gülçin Töpel has been named the national winner in the café category of the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards– and the community she credits for her success has been quick to celebrate with her.When The Bugle met Töpel this week, customers congratulated her from across their tables. The flow of handshakes, hugs and well-wishes made one thing clear: Töpel isn’t just a business owner in Kiama – she’s a familiar face everyone seems to know.“It was not easy, to be honest,” Töpel said.Töpel's reaction when announced winnerTöpel moved to Kiama from Sydney with her husband Tolga Gürel in 2020 and bought the café the following year.She grew up in Turkey, raised by her grandparents, and traces her hospitality instincts back to them.“You know old people always look after, always giving. Maybe it comes from that side. I’m so glad they raised me up,” she said.Before relocating, she worked in Sydney’s hospitality scene but felt the culture didn’t align with her values.“They were a bit hungry for money. They don’t respect what we were doing or how the system works,” she said.“I didn’t like how they treated people, so I made my decision and thought I’m not making any money for them. I’ll go somewhere else, try my own business and put in my effort and love.”“Money may help a business grow, but money is not everything,” she said. “If you don’t have a great heart, you can’t do anything.”Gürel was the one who pushed for a fresh start – right when she was pregnant and unsure about leaving everything behind.“I was scared, and I was pregnant at the time,” she said.“I thought, ‘If I’m going to lose my job, what am I going to do?’ But my husband, he’s a very brave man and he said, ‘Okay, let’s go; let’s see what will happen.’”When they arrived in Kiama, something instantly felt familiar. “I’ve always grown up very close to the community where everyone knows each other,” she said.“Kiama looks like my childhood area, to be honest. That’s why I ended up here. I’m so happy.”That sense of community quickly became the backbone of Saltwater’s survival – especially in its early days.“I came here when they first opened,” a regular joked, “we used to put $20 bills under the salt and pepper shakers to help them out a bit.”“We didn’t know how they got there,” Töpel laughed.“I was lucky because COVID made people get to know each other,” she said.“People said ‘Oh, you’re going to lose the business,’ but it’s always good to try, and I’m not that kind of person to give up. I just push and push and push.”Years later, she says the timing, the effort and the trust of locals have all come full circle.Töpel previously managed restaurants and retail businesses across Darling Harbour, Paddington and Chippendale, though her background is actually in logistics.But Saltwater, she said, is where everything clicked — because Kiama made space for her.“Kiama community helped me a lot. They noticed who I am, where I’m coming from, and then they recognised me and what I could do,” she said.Gulcin Töpel in Saltwater Kiama. Photo: The BugleKiama Mayor Cameron McDonald also praised the achievement.“We congratulate Saltwater Café on winning the Women’s Small Business Champion Award. This success is a proud moment for Kiama and an inspiration for women-led businesses across our region,” he said.“Gülçin has been a great supporter of many community initiatives and we are thrilled that she has received this outstanding recognition.”Töpel keeps the same philosophy with her staff and customers.“We’re all human. Today you’re a customer or a worker — it doesn’t matter. We have to help each other, that’s it,” she said.“I don’t call myself boss, to be honest. I don’t like it. I’m a good leader. I’m holding lots of things: food, businesses, community.”She says a key to their business is listening closely to her customers.“They bring us ideas. We don’t see what we’re missing, but others will answer and say, ‘Hey, what about this?’”Saltwater’s most popular dish is the Blue Oscar, though Töpel’s favourite is the Saltwater Basket.“I know, not very healthy — all fried, all the butter — but it’s so yum,” she laughed.After years of determination, risk and resilience, Töpel said the award is a dream — but it also comes with a responsibility to keep lifting the standard.“We’re all here to make your life easier, and you’re going to make our life easier too,” she said.“We’re all just having fun.”

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead story is about Kiama's Gülçin Töpel, the owner of Saltwater Cafe, who has been named the national winner in the café category of theAustralian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.She moved to the area in 2020 and opened her cafe a year later, turning it into a stunning success story.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald praised the win as a "proud moment for Kiama" and an inspiration for local women-led businesses.We also bring you a report on the Zonta Club of Kiama and Shellharbour combining with Shellharbour City Council to launch 16 Days of Activism, an international campaign raising awareness of gender-based violence.There is also coverage of a great new charity in Nowra as well as the Kiama Men's Shed opening its doors to the public and Kiama Pipe Band putting on a show last weekend.In sport, Werri Boardriders had to cancel their event on Saturday due to shark sightings off Gerringong while South Coast cricket premiers Lake Illawarra recorded an emphatic win over Kiama in their first-grade clash at Cavalier Park.At The Bugle, we’re committed to pairing impactful visuals with meaningful local storytelling - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and deeply connected to our community.Subscribe to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube so you never miss an episode!

Minister for Transport John Graham is confident a rail maintenance blitz on the weekend on the line south of Sydney to Wollongong will overhaul reliability for commuters.With more than six million people using the over 100-year-old South Coast and 40-year-old T4 line each month, the line was declared a “maintenance critical zone”.Major trackwork was undertaken on the T4 Illawarra Line and South Coast Line between Dapto, Port Kembla and Central.At Engadine, a 250-metre section of track was renewed, whch included: Replacing ballast to stabilise the track and help prevent future speed restrictions.Specialised welding works in which the rail was cut, and taken out, to allow for it to heat up and expand in summer. This helps to manage rail expansion during summer months. In the winter additional sets of rails are added back in.The drainage system was graded to maintain track foundation integrity in wet weather conditions. The maintenance team also resurfaced the section to remove defects and deliver a smoother ride for passengers.“The T4 and South Coast Line is critical infrastructure for commuters living across the region, and passengers deserve a rail network they can rely on," Graham said.“We’re delivering on the recommendations of the Independent Rail Review – investing $423 million in essential upgrades and fast-tracking maintenance work that keep our network safe, resilient and reliable."He added that the disruption on the weekend was necessary "so we can deliver a safer, smoother and more dependable service".Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said his team was hellbent on creating a more resilient and reliable network.“These upgrades are exactly the type of targeted maintenance that will make a real difference for commuters," he said."By renewing track foundations, improving drainage and strengthening rail infrastructure, we’re reducing the likelihood of disruptions on one of Sydney’s busiest lines.”The lines were reopened before Monday morning's peak commuter period.Among the work that took place was: Completing the rebuild of platform 2 at Jannali;Signalling modifications and testing in the rail corridor at Hurstville,Ballast cleaning between Waterfall and Coalcliff;Embankment and cutting stabilisation works at Waterfall, Stanwell Park and Coalcliff;Retaining wall works at Woolooware;Drainage works at Coledale; rail welding works at Waterfall; and turnout refurbishment at Sutherland.

Five community events across the Gilmore electorate will receive a boost through the Federal Government’s Australia Day Grants Program, run by the National Australia Day Council.The local celebrations are among a record 869 events to share in a $10 million towards Australia Day events.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she was delighted to support the five events in her electorate that would be a highlight of the 2026 Australia Day calendar.Recipients include Marine Rescue Jervis Bay’s Annual Australia Day Duck Derby at Huskisson, a community celebration at Bicentennial Park in Callala Bay, the Batemans Bay Australia Day breakfast and picnic at the beach, Kiama Council's Australia Day Community Barbecue and the Milton Ulladulla Lions Club’s Australia Day Festival at Mollymook Beach.“These events are always such fun and bring people together to celebrate in our beautiful parks and stunning beaches – really making the most of where we live,” she said.“The events celebrate our diversity, our cultures and are always a great day out for the whole family.“I’m really pleased to be able to help the organisers with the cost of putting on these celebrations for everyone in our community.”After receiving a $15,000 grant for the 2025 duck derby event, Phillips said she was happy to announce $15,000 for Marine Rescue Jervis Bay’s 2026 festival.“Held on the shores of Moona Moona Creek, the Australia Day Duck Derby is always such a great family day that includes Aboriginal cultural displays, markets, food stalls, entertainment and, of course, the exciting duck races,” she said.Kiama Council's Australia Day community barbecues will be held at three locations – Jamberoo, Kiama Downs and Gerringong - in partnership with local community organisations.The Kiama events will receive a helping hand of $15,000 from the National Australia Day Council.The Australia Day Community Celebration at Mollymook Beach Reserve has become a huge festival with multicultural performances, market stalls, kids’ activities, and live music overlooking the sparkling ocean.Co-organised by Shoalhaven City Council and the Milton Ulladulla Lions Club, the event will receive a boost of $10,000 in 2026.Australia Day in Callala Bay is a community celebration at Bicentennial Park endorsed by Shoalhaven City Council.The celebration has received $2000 and all funds raised on the day go will to the local Rural Fire Service.Australia Day in the Bay, a whole community, Australia Day celebration which includes breakfast and a picnic by the beach at Batemans Bay, has received a $2000 boost.Phillips said Australia Day was an opportunity to celebrate the freedoms we share, and the diversity and multiculturalism that makes our region and country stronger.“These events are a time to reflect, respect and celebrate our community, culture and wonderful South Coast lifestyle, and I’m so thrilled to offer my support,” she added.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is encouraging the community to help provide some Christmas cheer for children in need, with the Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal now underway. Supported by local businesses, including Kiama institution Toyworld, the appeal is urging residents to donate unwrapped gifts for children up to 14 years old to continue Kiama’s tradition of generosity.   Cr McDonald told The Bugle that this initiative is well supported and indicates there is awareness within Kiama’s community of those less fortunate. “There are children in the community that aren’t as well off as some of the other children, so to be able to support them is a really critical part of our community,” he said. “Many families will struggle to afford gifts this year. “Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring joy to a child and reminds them that their community cares.” In what can be a difficult time for those less fortunate, Cr McDonald encourages the community to link arms and stand together. “When we give, we send a message of hope and support to families who need it most.”The family-owned Toyworld on Terralong Street is celebrating its 40th year of operations and is lending a hand to the Appeal.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald (left) and Melissa Judd (right) Photo: Supplied - Destination KiamaOwners Paul and Melissa Judd are already seeing those in the community putting their hands in pockets to donate to the cause. “I’ve had Country Women’s Association Kiama and Probus groups come in with their money and asking us to help choose presents for the giving tree,” Melissa said. “Some even just leave the money and I give them a receipt when we have placed them under the tree.” Melissa shares that the buying of gifts around Christmas can be focused on the younger children and as a result, the older kids miss out – which Toyworld makes sure doesn’t happen. “I try to choose a selection [of presents] for the older ones and by doing it in a big group, I can sort it out a little better,” Melissa said. “We get all the presents together and help make deliveries to the council giving trees around the Kiama region.” The Australian Retailers Association predicts that there will be a 4.2% rise in pre-Christmas sales reaching a mindboggling $73.1 billion and close to $7 billion alone in the four-day weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday this weekend. The Mayors Giving Trees can be found in the foyer of council’s administration building on Manning street, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library and The Pavilion. New gifts are encouraged for children up to 14 years, with gifts not to be wrapped, as they need to be sorted by age before distribution. Donations can be made until 10am on Friday 12 December to ensure gifts reach local children in time for Christmas.