What makes an expedition cruise so different from a standard holiday at sea? At its core, it is a style of travel that shifts your focus from the ship itself to the world around you. It’s about curiosity, discovery, and stepping into landscapes few travellers will ever see. While traditional cruises move from port to port on a fixed timetable, expedition cruising lets the environment set the rhythm. The result is a journey that feels alive, responsive, flexible, and filled with genuine moments of wonder. One of the defining features of expedition cruising is its spontaneity. Plans can, and often do, change at a moment’s notice. If your captain receives word that whales are feeding nearby, the day’s itinerary may be adjusted so you can witness the action from the deck or even a Zodiac. If the weather clears over a rarely accessible landing site, you might find yourself pulling on boots and stepping ashore somewhere few people have stood. These diversions are the essence of the experience. Every day brings the possibility of something extraordinary. This style of travel also offers a depth of learning that most holidays simply can’t match. Expedition ships carry teams of specialists, such as naturalists, biologists, geologists, photographers, historians, and more. All eager to share their passion. You could be listening to a glaciologist break down the life cycle of an iceberg, joining a nature photographer for a practical workshop, or stargazing with an astronomer. With these specialists you gain insights that change how you see the world. These experts are your lecturers, and your guides, and they help you interpret the landscapes and wildlife around you. A common misconception is that expedition cruising is limited to Antarctica and the Arctic. While the polar regions are iconic destinations, the scope is far broader. You can explore the volcanic coastlines of Japan, kayak through Norwegian fjords, drift above coral gardens in Raja Ampat, or delve into the cultural history of remote Pacific islands. Every region has its own ecosystem, traditions, and stories, and expedition cruising gives you the chance to experience them up close, not from afar. If your ideal holiday is less about following a script and more about embracing the magic of the unexpected, an expedition cruise offers that freedom. It invites you to step into nature’s classroom, travel with purpose, and return home with a deeper connection to the world. When you’re ready to plan an expedition that goes beyond the ordinary, Travel Focus Group can guide you to the perfect voyage. Call us on 02 4209 2044 to start your adventure. Please note - this is paid content

Minnamurra Progress Association has stepped up its campaign, calling for a federal strategic assessment of the Minnamurra River.The Association is airing concerns of serious threats posed to the fragile ecosystem from the surrounding developments and activities. In a two-pronged approach, MPA is asking for a Strategic Assessment Overview under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 which would require a referral to be submitted to the Australian Government Department of Environment under Matters of National Environmental Significance.The guidelines of the Department of Environment state that a referral requires a greater than 50% chance of significant impact on the environment to be considered.  MPA secretary Cliff Mason has sent a letter to local and state government representatives to consider the collective threat posed to the river, which spans 200 hectares. “We are asking the Shellharbour and Kiama local governments to work together to protect this river,” Mason told The Bugle. “The simultaneous effect from the five developments and [primary sector] activity needs to be considered collectively.” MPA member Jacqui Forst said that while environmental laws are being debated and changing, there is great concern for the impact on the Minnamurra River. “If the region is to be assessed in its entirety in a joint review, it needs to consider the cumulative impact on the river because the ecosystems are being hit from all sides,” Forst said. MPA shared the letter with The Bugle which was addressed to new Shellharbour CEO Wayde Peterson, Kiama CEO Jane Stroud, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson MLC. Four of the five sites of development or activity which are of concern to MPA are within the Shellharbour Local Government Area. “Individually, these projects present significant environmental risks; collectively they could devastate the Minnamurra River catchment, wetlands, and intertidal zones,” the letter said. “The current process silos assessments only focus on reducing – not preventing – pollution and siltation, which is unacceptable given the cumulative impact.” While the letter does not stipulate that there is a greater than 50% chance of significant impact to the Minnamurra River, it does imply that the piecemeal submissions of the developments and activity do not take this siloed approach into consideration, which could tip the scales.“The MPA is deeply concerned about the lack of coordinated action between Shellharbour and Kiama Councils, and the absence of proactive environmental protection from NSW government representatives, to safeguard the Minnamurra River,” the letter said. “The Minnamurra River and its surrounding coastal ecosystem are irreplaceable assets for biodiversity, residents, and visitors alike. Coordinated, lawful action is essential to protect them.” The Minnamurra River is listed on the Australian Governments Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia which has significant physical, hydrological, ecological features and has notable flora and fauna. Under the past/present disturbance or threat there are impacts listed from surrounding urban areas and from the Kiama Waste Disposal site which borders Rocklow Creek.  There are also multiple weed species recorded with other threats listed as sand mining, Dunmore Waste Disposal site, and Sydney Water. For more information on the strategic assessment overview head to: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/approvals/strategic-assessments To access the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia head to: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/wetlands/australian-wetlands-database/directory-important-wetlands   

Kiama’s Lions Cottage is facing an uncertain future due to the prospect of high-rise development for the Shoalhaven Street Precinct.The Cottage is within the northern border of the two-hectare NSW Government-led rezoning proposal for the Kiama Council-owned Precinct.It has been leased to the Lions Club since members rejuvenated the derelict cottage in 2017 and after opening in December the following year, it has operated as a respite service for carers, providing short-term accommodation. The current lease for the Cottage runs until November 2029, however the facility could be under threat if plans to turn the area into a 450-home development come to fruition.The Lions Club has entered a detailed submission to the NSW Planning Department’s online feedback portal on the Precinct, which has been declared a State Significant Development, outlining why it is such a valuable community asset and that “any rezoning decisions ensure the protection of the facilities ongoing use as a respite centre”.A Council spokesperson said “the Cottage and its property are wholly owned by Kiama Municipal Council and leased to the Lions Club, which rents the cottage to respite carers or on the open market.“Currently, the land is zoned E4 General Industrial under the Kiama Local Environmental Plan consistent with the rest of the precinct. This is not appropriate zoning for a residential building.”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has reiterated no development can occur until rezoning is complete, no Development Application has been lodged and the images of a 450-home development during the NSW Government’s exhibition are illustrative only. Lions Club members from Kiama, Gerringong and Minnamurra, transformed the abandoned cottage eight years ago with help from local businesses and community groups, and volunteer work by tradespeople and residents.It is used by families throughout the Illawarra for respite and for no more than 52 days annually, it is booked out as an Airbnb to help fund its running costs.Lions Cottage manager Cheryl Moses said the building’s restoration was pretty much all done by volunteer labour and donations.“It provides respite for carers. That's the ultimate aim of this cottage,” she said.“Sometimes the carers themselves come if they can arrange care for the person they're looking after at their own place. Other times they bring the person with them and have a lovely holiday here.“The carers pay a very nominal amount. It's not a money-making venture at all. It's all about providing care. The holiday bookings help pay for maintenance. Without that, we definitely would make a loss.”Moses hopes when Council and the State Government finalise their plans for the Precinct that the Cottage is spared from the wrecking ball.“It would be a shame to see this demolished. I would love to see it stay as it is,” she said.“If that's not possible, I would hope that Council could compensate us somehow with one or two of the units that are going up in the new place.”Fellow Kiama Lions Club member, Deirdre Backhouse, is also the co-ordinator of the Illawarra ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long COVID Support Group and she said the feedback from carers who use the Cottage was universally appreciative.“For a lot of people in our group, we really, really, really want to be looking after the carers. And if they can access things like the carers' cottage, it's life-saving for some of them,” she said.“Carers are desperate to find anything that they possibly can to have respite. They're literally crying to me.”She added that due to Kiama’s population having a median age of 48 in the 2021 Census, nearly a decade higher than the state average, there is huge demand for facilities such as Lions Cottage.Deirdre’s husband, Ian, is also a Lions Club member and the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club boat captain. He said the land where the Cottage is situated was also used for Lions Club’s Return and Earn recycling program, which nets up to $10,000 a year to fund local projects, and a shipping container is also kept on site which houses a lot of the equipment they need for its work in the community.“That money is channelled back into community assistance or assisting other needy groups,” he explained. “So the depot is a really important part of our operation.”The NSW Government is on a mission to drastically increase the housing supply statewide and the plans for in-fill development at Shoalhaven Street and three multi-storey proposals for Akuna Street are causing angst in the Kiama community.Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Government’s recent planning reforms would not disregard the opinions of councils. “Local voices will always be included in decision making for planning but the Minns Labor Government has made housing, housing access and affordability our priority,” she said.“People need to be able to access affordable rental properties, they need to be able to access affordable properties to buy, particularly in regional communities which are also bearing the brunt of the housing crisis that we face across NSW. “As a state government we are using every possible option at our disposal to make sure housing is available to everybody in NSW and that everybody has a chance to live affordably close to where they work and to where their families are.” Kiama Council advises that detailed planning, including building heights, design, traffic, parking, and public consultation, will occur later through the normal DA and Development Control Plan processes.If and when the land is rezoned, Council will consult with the community on designs and outcomes and future provisions for charity clients.

The NSW Government wants to hear from South Coast aquaculture businesses after launching a $20 million program to strengthen the state’s seafood industry. Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and Kiama MP Katelin McInerney at Lake Illawarra on Monday announced the Aquaculture Industry Development Program.It is designed to boost productivity and increase sustainability across farming operations for oysters, mussels, kelp and algae, plus freshwater and marine fish hatcheries and bioproducts.This grant program builds on the government’s Aquaculture Vision Statement released last year to deliver a strategic pathway to achieve the goal of doubling the state’s aquacultural farmgate production to $300 million by 2030.Aquaculture and commercial fishing industries will have access to two targeted funding streams, offering grants from $500,000 to $2m for projects focused on infrastructure upgrades to support growth and productivity, such as equipment, and businesses aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote reuse and regeneration of materials, such as processing of oyster shells.“There's significant aquaculture businesses here in this part of NSW, and we want them to have every chance of success and growth into the future,” Moriarty said.“We want people to apply for support to grow their opportunities for bigger businesses, to grow jobs, to produce more produce here in NSW, and we also want the industry to have support to be even more sustainable into the future.“We want to be able to reuse and have better environmental sustainability for the industry, particularly examples of reusing oyster shells for agriculture, using carp for also fertiliser opportunities.“I want to see our aquaculture industry thrive around the South Coast, the North Coast, and everywhere in between.” NSW Farmers environmental policy advisor Rhiannon Heath said the aquaculture industry “has been facing a number of really significant challenges”.“Cyclones, floods, water quality issues, disease. So there has never been a more critical time to invest in the industry and build back better.”OceanWatch CEO, Lowri Pryce said the grants would be well received by commercial fishers “who are looking for new opportunities to develop and innovate, to ensure a sustainable future for their industry”.Moriarty also dropped by Shellharbour Airport on Monday to confirm a $1.7m investment for Performance Aviation Australia to expanding its operations at Shellharbour Airport.She said the airport investment would create up to 100 jobs in the region, improve services for maintenance and training, and provide “a really great opportunity for growth in the aviation industry in this region”.

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with an array of local news and views from the community.There is a report on the Lions Cottage in Kiama, a long-running institution which provides short-term accommodation for carers which is at risk of being engulfed by high-rise development.READ THE EXPANDED DIGITAL EDITION HEREThe Cottage is within the northern border of the two-hectare NSW Government-led rezoning proposal for the Kiama Council-owned Precinct.It has been leased to the Lions Club since members rejuvenated the derelict cottage in 2017 and after opening in December the following year, it has operated as a respite service for carers, providing short-term accommodation.A new four-year lease for the Cottage kicked in earlier this month and runs until the end of 2029, however the facility could be under threat if plans to turn the area into a 450-home development come to fruition.You can also read plenty of great community stories including a column from Mayor Cameron McDonald, Kiama High students learning how to become beekeepers, the Everyday Table initiative and the drama after a truck collided with the railbridge barrier on Terralong Street.In sport, you can read about Kiama's win in the South Coast women's cricket competition, the local oztag teams succeeding at rep level and a tribute to Jamberoo sporting stalwart Greg Harris.Harris, who died recently, played more than 500 games for Jamberoo Cricket Club, a milestone few in South Coast cricket have ever reached.He was also heavily involved in the Jamberoo community through organisations such as the Jamberoo Combined Sports Association.

Kiama’s District and Historical Society isn’t just celebrating 50 years of survival — it’s celebrating 50 years of momentum.The society marked its anniversary on Saturday 22 November with a full house, cake cutting and appearances from Mayor Cameron McDonald, State MP Fiona Phillips and Aboriginal patron Dr Aunty Joyce Donovan.Vice President and Treasurer Dr Tony Gilmour said the milestone reflects both the society’s longevity and its growing influence.“Plenty of organisations survive for 50 years, but not many are growing, expanding and increasing their influence,” Gilmore said. “Survival is one thing, but prospering is something else.”The society formed in early 1975 after then-Mayor Neville Fredericks called a public meeting to gauge community interest in establishing a local history group.The answer was a clear yes, and within months the society was up and running. Fredericks was also in attendance at Saturday’s celebration — exactly 50 years on.What began as a small group — often just ten people in a room — now regularly attracts standing-room only crowds. Gilmour said the society’s influence has grown just as quickly, becoming a central voice in discussions about Kiama’s heritage. “If there’s a heritage issue in Kiama, the historical society is front and centre,” he said.Its most famous achievement was saving the Pilot’s Cottage.When the harbour pilot role was centralised in 1978, the building became vacant and a series of “weird and wonderful ideas” emerged, including demolishing it or turning it into a fast-food outlet.“They wanted to knock out the internal walls and fry food in one corner, with a bit of history if you asked nicely,” Gilmour said. The society, backed by Kiama Council, pushed back and ultimately secured the site as a museum. It officially opened in 1988 and remains one of Kiama’s most treasured heritage buildings.Gilmour, who spent two decades in banking and management consulting, has helped lead the society into a more modern, accessible organisation.The group now maintains an active website, responds to historical inquiries each week and uses digital tools to reach wider audiences.The committee is even planning to expand further, with goals to launch regular Kiama Community Radio segments and create more video content, including a YouTube channel.“We have to change, and we are changing,” Gilmour said. “Younger people get information differently. If we don’t adapt, the message won’t get across.”He has also been working to fill the gaps in Kiama’s written history.His new book, Celebrating History, Defending Heritage, documents the society’s biggest campaigns and explains how heritage protection actually works on the ground.The last comprehensive history of Kiama was published in 1960. “I’m chipping away,” Gilmour said. “It’s better than spending five years writing a single enormous book.”He said preserving heritage is an ongoing task, especially as development pressures increase and public funding dwindles.“Heritage doesn’t stop,” he said. “You have to keep finding new uses for old buildings and keep them looked after. We’re never going to put our feet up and say we’ve succeeded.”The society now has 185 paid members — making it one of the largest community groups on the South Coast — and is working to grow its volunteer base for the Pilot’s Cottage Museum.Museum volunteers greet visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and the group is now training new recruits.Gilmour said involvement is slowly returning to pre-covid levels, but there is still work to do.For newcomers and younger residents, Gilmour said local history helps people feel grounded and connected.“We need to have informed local people of all ages, having a say in what the town should be like, and for people to know what important things we have done in this area and the important people who've come from here as well,” Gilmour said.“I think it's all part of keeping people informed and interested.”Dr Tony Gilmour’s new book can be found here with free delivery in the Kiama council area. All proceeds to Kiama Historical Society.

Wollongong MP Paul Scully believes Illawarra will be at the centre of NSW’s clean industrial future following the launch of the NSW Government's $5 million Community Energy Activation Program.Households across the Illawarra will be better supported to cut energy bills and take part in the state’s clean energy transition, according to Scully.Community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations in the Illawarra and across NSW can apply for grants up to $600,000 to scale up their work helping households adopt renewable technologies, access incentives and rebates, improve energy efficiency and navigate the switch to cleaner, smarter energy solutions.Funding will support activities such as:community education workshopsface-to-face sessions offering energy guidance tailored to individual needsadapting and delivering existing energy education initiatives to a wider audiencedevelopment of digital tools or resources that help consumers find energy solutionsdedicated staff roles to deliver trusted local guidance and supportdevelopment of marketing and communication materials to reach householdsdelivering other innovative or alternative activities that address specific needs of their local community.“This program will help the community further embrace renewable energy and prepare to be home to the state’s first urban renewable energy zone," Scully said.“Crucially it will help to better inform everyone in the Illawarra from community groups to businesses and individual households on renewables so we can all work together to lead the way for renewable energy generation in urban areas.”The program builds on the early planning for the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone, to increase the capacity of community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations to help residents and play a stronger role in the REZ.It will help residents better understand and adopt technologies such as rooftop solar, batteries, efficient appliances and home electrification, resources that will ultimately integrate into the evolving Illawarra energy system.Applications for Community Energy Activation Program grants are now open and will close at 5pm on Monday 16 February.Community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations that support NSW household energy consumers are encouraged to apply.An online information webinar will be held at 11am on Tuesday 9 December.

Thinking about a road trip? Driving across NSW in an electric vehicle is about to get easier, with the Minns Labor Government announcing a $5.9 million boost to regional charging infrastructure– bringing 159 new chargers to 48 locations across the state, including a major expansion in the Shoalhaven.The latest round of the EV Destination Charging Grants will be supported by an additional $3.2 million in private investment.The chargers, all powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, will be installed over the next year at popular rest stops, supermarkets, visitor hubs and key tourism destinations.Shoalhaven is the biggest winner in the rollout, set to receive 19 new charging ports, addressing what South Coast electorate MP Liza Butler says has long been a barrier for both residents and visitors.. “Sydney is obviously the number one destination for tourists in NSW and number two is the Shoalhaven– people would not come if they can’t charge their vehicles, and we were a bit of an EV charging wasteland,” Butler said.The region has one of the highest uptakes of EV ownership in the state, a trend Butler said is driven by falling prices and greater choice in the market.“With different brands on the market, more people are investing,” she said.“The Shoalhaven has one of the largest uptakes of EV vehicle purchases and then you combine that with people travelling here– we really needed to invest in that infrastructure.”Local tourism operators have been feeling that demand too.“I have a friend who owns holiday cabins in Bulli Point,” Butler said. “They used to book online, but now people ring up asking, ‘Where do I charge my EV?’ before they book.”Until recently, charging options in many parts of the region were limited to slow “trickle charging”, often nothing more than an extension cord from a motel or cabin.The new chargers now installed in Ulladulla and Nowra are super-fast models capable of topping up a battery in around 20 minutes.“By the time you go and walk or buy a coffee and come back, your car is charged,” Butler said.More chargers are planned for Callala Bay, Vincentia and Huskisson.Council and installers are working through site options, with grid capacity a key consideration.Council has also streamlined the development application process after the first Ulladulla charger took two years to gain approval.Butler said she pushed for the change. “It’s only a charging station,” she said. “That process has now been streamlined– it shouldn’t take as long from now on.”Sites are generally located near shops or town centres so drivers can make use of local businesses while they charge.“It’s great because Council then gets rental money from the sites, and businesses benefit from the foot traffic,” Butler said.“I’ve never seen traffic congestion anywhere, and I’m probably one of the most frequent users of EV chargers.”Holiday periods show how vital the infrastructure has become.“At Christmas the number of electric vehicles on the coast is incredible because all the people from Sydney and Canberra come down,” she said. “They need somewhere to charge their cars– our area relies on tourism.”The EV Destination Charging program forms part of the state’s broader $199 million plan to make NSW the easiest place to own an electric vehicle.Nearly 3,300 chargers have now been funded across more than 1,200 sites. Butler said the benefits will be felt both environmentally and economically.“By having charging stations that are easily accessible, it encourages more people to buy EVs. If you don’t have the facilities, you get range anxiety,” she said.“It’s important that we get to net zero, and if everyone does their little part in it we will get there.”“I like to see a vehicle that isn’t putting any emissions out, it’s better for the environment, better for people’s pockets… but we need that to attract tourism to get a visitor economy here which we really rely on.”With reliable, fast-charging infrastructure now spreading through the Shoalhaven, Butler believes the region is well placed to welcome more EV drivers, and more visitors, for years to come.

Joe Mungovan is back with his new indie-rock single ‘Hurts’, released after a year of touring and creative growth. From his childhood beginnings on the drums to the life-changing accident that led him to the guitar, Mungovan has built a career around his signature “groove-based indie rock” sound.At nine years old, he had only one wish for Christmas: a drum kit.“I was always drumming and hitting pots and pans in Mum’s kitchen until I begged them to buy me a drum kit.” That first drum kit led him into the school band and countless afternoons making music with friends.At 13, while skateboarding down one of Kiama’s steepest hills, Mungovan suffered a near-fatal crash, fracturing both femurs and spending months confined to a wheelchair.Suddenly unable to drum, he picked up the guitar and unknowingly stepped into the next chapter of his artistic career.Now a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Mungovan blends catchy hooks with emotional depth, touring around Australia and Europe.His music has earned airplay on Triple J, Double J, Rage and MTV, alongside nominations for an APRA Award, Golden Guitar Award, and APRA PDA, as well as an International Songwriting Competition finalist nod, and the title of Songsalive Australia’s 2014 Folk Singer/Songwriter of the Year.He has performed at major festivals, including the Queenscliff Music Festival, Caloundra Music Festival, Nannup, and Vivid, and shared stages with artists such as Lime Cordiale, The Vanns, Brad Cox, Gang of Youths, and more.After COVID disrupted the tour for his 2020 album, he launched a ‘breakfast tour,’ performing morning shows in cafés up and down the East Coast.Mungovan’s latest single ‘Hurts’ is his third release of the year. With its music video filmed at the Kiama tennis courts, the track leads into his upcoming Hurts ‘breakfast tour’.He performed last weekend at Milton and will be in his home town on Saturday morning at Becks Cafe in South Kiama, before concerts in Newcastle and Freshwater.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has welcomed news that the Bushfire and Heatwave Haven Strategy will be delivered, helping the South Coast be better prepared for future natural disasters.The Federal Government has announced $552,442 in funding from the Disaster Ready Fund will be used for the project which will help local communities to become more resilient with climate change bringing increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events. The Bushfire and Heatwave Strategy will be delivered by the South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) and will finalise a network of bushfire and heatwave emergency havens throughout the Eurobodalla region.The network specifically targets vulnerable populations and complements the shire’s evacuation centres. Six emergency havens located in Batemans Bay, Broulee, Narooma and Moruya will now be ready for service.“I know how important these Havens are in the Eurobodalla - I’ve seen their great work in action supporting people," Phillips said.“I’m really thrilled that this funding will help finalise the wonderful network of Havens in the Eurobodalla.“I commend the South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance for their ongoing advocacy and dedication to create Havens which supports our most vulnerable.”The project, jointly funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority contributing $32,000 and SHASA contributing $32,600, has also received cash and in-kind contributions from community organisations, including Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club, The Tec Exec Pty Ltd and Narooma Men’s and Community Shed.“The third round of Disaster Ready Fund investment builds on the work delivered by the Government to make Australia more resilient to natural hazards," Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.“Australians are no stranger to the floods, bushfires, and cyclones that impact them year-on-year – that’s why our government established the flagship Disaster Ready Fund, providing $1 billion over five years to projects such as this. “Crucially, Round Three brings our investment to make Australia more resilient through the DRF to $600 million – and I’d like to thank many of the project proponents for matching our funding.”

On a clear, blue Tuesday spring morning, men and women gathered for a most meaningful, sometimes harrowing, two-hour community event.Under the auspices of Shellharbour City Council and Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour, community members launched of 16 Days Of Activism, an international campaign by Zonta to raise awareness of gender-based violence.It began in a sombre way on the lawns outside Shellharbour Civic Centre.As I walked in, people were gathered in small, silent groups, listening to calming sound bowls so exquisitely played by Barbara Jackson. It was an atmosphere of quiet introspection, almost meditation.On display on the lawn were three exhibits, full-length mirrors with shoes in front of each, artistically depicting three very sad statistics.Zonta president Rita Sullivan with Lisa Cotton. Photo: The BugleThe first mirror told us three in four domestic assault offenders are men; the second, that one in four women are impacted by domestic violence in their lifetime, and the last, that one in 10 violent assault victims are young people. A confronting display. Appalling statistics.The ceremony started.Master of Ceremonies Bernie Hems of Kiama Community Radio welcomed those gathered. Auntie Jodie Edwards, called upon to welcome us to Country, spoke powerfully of the history of violence in her own culture, and celebrated the strength of all women, and their nurturing and protection of children.Guitarist Jessica Allen sang The Beatles classic "Let It Be" and later, "Hero", made famous by Mariah Carey. These were the perfect songs, the lyrics so appropriate.A moment's silence ensued as Bernie read names from a list. The names and ages of 45 women who have been killed by domestic violence since January. And then the list of unknown names killed. And then the list of child victims killed.This reading was done as a mark of honour, and respect. As you can imagine, it was an impossibly sad and distressing few minutes.The event continued inside the Civic Centre hall, and victims advocate Lisa Cotton was called upon to share with us her lived experience. Her courage, bravery and absolute strength shone. Suffering the most horrendous treatment over two decades, and with a child also being abused, she fought the system which she said had failed her. She has over time courageously forged ahead to form Torchlight Foundation, and has helped many victims of domestic violence through her work in family crisis support. Her story, and her utter courage in telling it, was heartbreaking and admirable.A panel discussion followed, with four experts answering questions posed by Bernie.Becky Garrett of Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI), Dr Jodie Park, social work practitioner and podcaster from FamilyPathway Solutions, Legal Aid lawyer Alira Morey and James Mulholland, mentor and teacher of young Aboriginal men, were insightful, caring, helpful and informative.The overriding message was how to recognise coercive control, the importance of reaching out for help and that there are many avenues of help, with Legal Aid being the first step.Tables set up at the rear of the hall by community organisations and help centres provided an array of leaflets and information.The time, expertise and commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence given by all speakers was applauded by Rita Sullivan, president of Zonta Shellharbour-Kiama, in her closing remarks.For all who attended, the message was made clear. This scourge of domestic violence is happening everywhere, every day. It can happen to anyone.Zonta says No.

Jacqueline Sloan was on a flight from Sydney to Perth when she decided to put on a documentary to help pass the five-hour journey.Little did she know that the film - about Tour de Cure, a group that raises money for cancer research through cycling and other events - would set her on a path toward joining their signature ride.That ride is a 1408km journey with 20,663 metres of climbing from Canberra to Hobart. This year’s event marks 20 years of Tour de Cure - and, in a powerful coincidence, 20 years since Sloan was first diagnosed with breast cancer.“I was flying to WA in July this year and watched the Tour de Cure documentary on the plane. It was so inspiring and I immediately wanted to be a part of it,” Sloan said.“As soon as I knew it was TDC’s 20th year I felt I was meant to be involved. I was already a keen road cyclist, and it was also 20 years since my breast cancer diagnosis - it just felt right.”The ride is deeply personal for Sloan, who has been diagnosed with cancer twice, has lost her father and aunt to the disease, and has spent the past 14 years as a GP in Gerringong supporting patients through their own diagnoses.“I know personally the huge impact cancer has not only on the individual, but on their family and loved ones. I've lost many close relatives to cancer, so I'm passionate about spreading knowledge and awareness around prevention and early detection,” she said.“And raising money for research to find a cure and develop as many medical breakthroughs as possible. The possibility of discovering cures for more cancers is so exciting. I'm also driven to help so the next generation don't have to experience a cancer diagnosis or losing a loved one - and at least have more effective treatments.”The Tour de Cure Signature Tour she’ll be riding begins in Canberra, travels across the Snowy Mountains, through Victoria, across Bass Strait by ferry, and then down through Tasmania to finish in Hobart. It will be the longest and most challenging ride she has ever attempted.“There are some tough climbing days, and about 150–200km per day over the nine days of riding. It will definitely be physically challenging for me.”Although the ride isn’t until March, Sloan has already begun preparing - and getting excited.“I'm most excited to achieve the distance on the bike and to ride in the peloton with the wonderful TDC riders. I've been on training rides in Sydney and met a few of them already, and I can't wait to do the ride together with the riders and crew, supporting each other along the way.“I’m cycling a lot at the moment. Luckily I have a wonderful group of cyclists in Kiama who I ride with two or three times a week. They make the training lots of fun, and I couldn't do all the kilometres without them. And luckily we have rides like Saddleback Mountain and Jamberoo Mountain Pass to get the climbing practice in too.”Jackie Sloan (far right) with the 'Friday Flaps’ cycling group that she rides with. Photo: Jacqueline SloanSloan will also be riding in honour of her father and her Auntie Dotty.“I’m very proud to be riding for my dad and Auntie Dotty. My dad died in his early 60s - way too young - and he missed out on retirement and seeing his grandchildren grow up. And my kids missed out on knowing what an amazing person he was,” she said.“And my Auntie Dotty - well, we lost her a few months ago to pancreatic cancer. She was an inspiration, a theatre nurse who spent her whole life caring for others.”Alongside the ride itself, Sloan has launched a local raffle to boost her fundraising for Tour de Cure, with generous prizes donated by local businesses.She has already raised almost $10,000, prompting her to increase her goal from $11,000 to $15,000. “So many individuals have donated or purchased raffle tickets already, which is amazing - I’m so grateful,” she said.“People can visit my fundraising page to make a donation or purchase raffle tickets. You can also pop into Gerringong Medical Practice to buy tickets Monday to Saturday, and I’ll be at the Kiama Farmers’ Market on 3 December, so come say hello and buy a ticket.”

The Terralong Street underbridge has undergone a vibrant transformation courtesy of the artistic stylings of acclaimed Melbourne muralist Jimmy Dvate.During his two week stay in Kiama, the visionary completed two ornate and colourful pieces, the second of which can be found on the wall beside Diggies Café.Since he began street art in 1999, Dvante’s brushstrokes have been responsible for hundreds of eye-catching artworks, bringing his detailed depictions of Australian nature and rural wildlife to silos, water tanks, and walls across the country.To inform his work, Dvate undertakes environmental research, and often collaborates with conservation groups and local photographers. He says that this is almost as fun and rewarding as creating the painting itself.“I really enjoy delving into the local area and finding out what's unique to that area, and trying to highlight stuff that people might not know about,” Dvate told The Bugle. “It means I get to see places that I've never been before, and different environments and different types of habitats. And it drives viewers to those locations, which is really great for communities.”For Kiama, Dvate chose to illustrate an Eastern Ground Parrot (photographed at Butteroo National Park by Ellie Summerhayes), an Eastern Bristlebird (photographed at Barren Grounds Nature Reserve by Brett Mezen), and an Illawarra Zieria plant, all of which are endangered species found in the area. The second mural is of a Variegated Fairy Wren.Plenty of behind-the-scenes work goes into Dvate’s designs before he even shakes the paint can. He sometimes spends days trying to source the materials and reference imagery that best aligns with the canvas’ composition and the environment's surroundings. He presented the Kiama Municipal Council with a number of options, working with them closely to conclude which one best conveys a local connection.“It's a bit different than painting in a studio, where you're just painting exactly what you want. It's working with the community to come up with something that's going to work for everyone,” Dvate said.“I feel it's my duty to come up with something that's appropriate and that has some connection to the local area. I paint this mural, and then I leave. But everyone else lives there, they see that mural every day.”Dvate says he is thankful for the positive interactions and overwhelming support from the Kiama community, and is likely to return in the near future.In the meantime, he is looking forward to painting more murals on private water tanks, and an upcoming project with the Victoria Fisheries Authority.

People from all walks of life - chatting, smiling and sharing a meal - have been gathering each Wednesday at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, turning strangers into familiar faces. What began as a simple idea to bring people together had quickly grown into one of Kiama’s most welcoming weekly traditions.The Everyday Table opened eight weeks ago, created by Esther and Nathan Keenan as a place where anyone could walk in, pick up affordable groceries, sit down for lunch and feel a sense of belonging.“We’ve always had a heart to just bring people together, so people feel like they belong to something,” Esther said.The couple’s instinct for community support dates back to COVID, where they cooked free sausages and poured coffees at the lighthouse for locals on their daily walks.When restrictions eased, the Keenans continued to look for a meaningful way to bring people together - The Everyday Table became their answer.Councilor Yasmin Tatrai and volunteer Eunice Kuintana-Smark help prep Wednesday's free lunchBy last week, the pantry had doubled in size and the long lunch table had become a reliable meeting point for newcomers and long-time locals alike.The pantry operated on a simple principle: every visit helped someone else. Shoppers could buy low-cost groceries, fresh produce and complimentary items sourced through Good360, including toys and household supplies.“Even a $10 donation goes towards the complementary items we purchase, because we don’t charge for those,” Keenan said. “It means families who can’t afford a present for a birthday party can pick one up, or parents can get something for their own child’s celebration.”A volunteer helps water plants at the new gardenLocal businesses have played a role in helping keep the shelves stocked. Cafés donated meals, while Jamberoo Valley Seedlings and The Passion Project supplied fresh produce. Some of the seedlings had already been planted in the new garden outside the centre - a project proudly overseen by the Keenans’ 10-year-old son and his grandfather.“The idea with this was that we could use it for our free lunches, and people could take home the excess,” Esther said.Inside, the pantry expanded almost as quickly as the garden.“We started with two shelves and by week seven we’d got four shelves plus a table of fresh produce,” she said.Despite the warm atmosphere, Keenan said some visitors were hesitant to step inside, unsure if they “qualified” for lower-cost food or worried they might be taking from someone else.“Everyone’s welcome. That’s been the conversation with so many people,” she said. “It’s not just for people who look homeless or like they’re struggling. The reality is everybody needs a little bit of help at times.”The location at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre was chosen for its accessibility, with convenient parking making it easier for new visitors to drop in.Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, who helped secure the venue and storage space, said the real magic happens around the tables.“It’s as simple as having a chat,” Tatrai said. “The stories you hear - they’re amazing.”She recalled one man who had worked as a plumber in Kenya and continued to sponsor a girl there, ensuring she could stay in school and attend activities she otherwise couldn’t afford.“That came from just having a chat over the table,” she said.With December approaching, the program has shifted into festive mode. Starting next week, volunteers will begin preparing Christmas hampers for 30 families across Minnamurra Public, Kiama Public and Kiama High, guided by student support staff who identified those with the greatest need. New Lego sets and age-appropriate toys are also available for parents who need help with gifts.Complimentary toys and gifts for anyone in the community to take“We think it’s really important that we don’t just ask for help - we give it to our community as well,” Keenan said.The Keenans also supported the Kiama Leagues Club’s Christmas Toy Drive alongside Waminda, with fairy lights and Christmas carols planned to add some festive warmth to the neighbourhood centre as volunteers helped wrap Christmas presents.Free lunch is served each Wednesday from 11.30am to 1.30pm, though many linger long after the food is finished.“People have said, ‘I don’t know anyone in town, so we came to meet people,’” Keenan said. “Then in that first week I saw them four times in town and said, ‘You obviously now know somebody.’”Small moments stand out - like a parent who told Keenan they couldn’t afford a bag of potatoes for their kids after doing the rest of their supermarket shop.“If we can just help in tiny little ways - a bag of potatoes here is $2 - that makes a difference,” she said.Donations to the non-profit are tax-deductible. Cr Tatrai said word of mouth is just as important as financial support.“The more people who know this is available, the more people find belonging somewhere,” she said. Keenan added: “And just because you’re not hands-on doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to help."For the Keenans, The Everyday Table proves community doesn’t have to be complicated. Come as you are, share a meal, pick up what you need, and help make someone’s day a little easier, including your own.

The Federal Government's Revive Live program will provide funding to 105 organisations as part of their ongoing commitment to recognise local music and embrace live entertainment.Kangaroo Valley Music Festival Series and The Milton Theatre are among these organisations, receiving grants of $129,000 and $20,000 respectively.These will contribute to artist booking fees, marketing, equipment, production, and accessibility costs to ensure smooth sailing for their 2026 endeavours.The announcement comes as a breath of fresh air for Kiama residents, who had their annual Changing Tides and Folk by the Sea festivals cancelled this year.The plug was pulled on other major festivals such as Splendour in the Grass and Groovin The Moo, leaving many concertgoers in dire straits."We understand the challenges contributing to cancellations and closures among the live music scene, that’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Revive Live, to provide targeted support,” said Minister for the Arts Tony Burke.The program was enacted as part of the 2024-25 Budget. Since then, the Government has worked in tandem with Creative Australia to launch Music Australia, which is channelling over $69 million into enabling the discoverability and marketing of contemporary Australian artists.The continuation of Revive Live will hopefully reinvigorate Australia's live music scene and lead to a resurgence of successful festivals in the future.

Want to spread a little holiday cheer? Start close to home. Shopping locally this Christmas doesn’t just tick off your list, it boosts small businesses, keeps your money in the community, and earns you a few brownie points with your relatives. Our Shop-it-Local Gift Guide has something for everyone and every budget - with a story behind every brand.A nurse by day and a potter by nap time, Hannah Bury is the creative mum behind Hub Ceramics. Handmade in her studio overlooking Bombo Beach, her cups, plates, bowls and vases are inspired by the ocean and designed to celebrate life’s simple, beautiful moments. Add to cart: her signature “Memory Mugs” - inspired by grief; when you hold them, think of someone you love or miss. She also offers private classes. Local illustrator and animator Felicity Gardner begins every creation in pencil and sketchbook, before bringing it to life digitally. Her artworks capture beloved Kiama landmarks - Minnamurra River, the Blowhole, Cathedral Rocks and the Ocean Pool. Available as posters or stickers (perfect stocking fillers), they’re a way to wear your love for Kiama on your wall. Go to felicitygardner.com for more.The perfect gift for parents (and no, we won’t be offended), Home Edit Co. is a local cleaning and organising business run by mum-of-two, Hayley Nicolson. With a background in health and community services, she helps local families create cleaner, calmer spaces - from a deep-clean to a full “organisational reset.” Perfect for cutting through Christmas clutter. Custom gift vouchers available on request.Born in the Terrace Houses and now fully online, Starfish Store stocks an unbeatable range of educational and sensory toys - and expert advice from owner Kirstie Wishart. Her 2025 picks? The Jinx Mood Lamp (“fabulous for neurodivergent children and young adults”) and Connetix magnetic tiles, a crowd-pleaser. An NDIS-approved provider, they also offer virtual shopping sessions for demos and recommendations. Go to starfishstore.com.auFounders Bec and Craig at Wellness & Recovery Haus treat everyone like a VIP - whether you visit for floatation therapy, an ice bath, infrared sauna, therapeutic massage or any of their alternative therapies. Their gift vouchers will win over your gym-loving partner, your stressed-out sibling, your self-care–shy mother-in-law, or your kid’s teacher. Keep an eye on their Instagram for festive discounts.Did someone say sourdough? Slow Dough on Bong Bong Street has quickly won locals’ hearts since opening in January 2024. After getting “stuck” on the South Coast during the pandemic, owners Lucy and Richard decided to stay — and made friends by leaving fresh loaves on neighbours’ doorsteps. The rest is history. Who wouldn’t want a gift voucher for their unmissable sourdough or a sweet treat?Enable your loved one’s caffeine habit with Little Earth Coffee’s award-winning range. The passion project of founders Lau and Pete - a roaster with a trophy shelf and a barista who knows their way around a coffee machine - their blends feel like a worthy Christmas gift, not just for the taste but the artful packaging. Shop online or at their two Kiama locations. No gift guide would be complete without a shoutout to Toyworld Kiama, run by Peter and Melissa Judd and their family for nearly 40 years.From their patience as kids count their coins, to their commitment to ensuring there are always Pokémon cards for local children, this is shopping with heart. Instead of clicking ‘add to cart’ on Amazon, drop into Toyworld Kiama and let them know their dedication is appreciated. Open seven days a week (except Christmas Day).

Lifeblood is rolling into Kiama's Anglican Church next month to help donors give life and recipients to get it. Working together across the nation with donors, communities and health providers, Lifeblood is always looking at ways to do things better.One in three people on the South Coast will need blood during their lives - and they need locals to spread the word, they won’t be able to collect it for them.It could be during a cancer treatment, an emergency surgery, or complications during childbirth.This is a visit to give the locals a chance to give blood and save lives. They will be set up at the Anglican Church, 1 Terralong St, Kiama from 9-13 December.If you’re a donor, or any of your team, community or organisation are, don’t forget to book in beforehand online, on the app or on 13 14 95. Remember, get in early to get the best time!Local legends are more important than you could ever guess. By spreading the word out in your backyard, you give life and hope to so many people across Australia. That’s worth a pat on the back.

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead item this week revolves around the truck driver who collided with the newly installed crash barrier on Terralong Street.After the incident on Saturday, a 22-year-old man reversed his vehicle and took a detour up Railway Parade.He was then pulled over by Lake Illawarra Police officers on South Kiama Drive and underwent a roadside drug and alcohol test where he allegedly returned a positive reading for cocaine.He was issued with an infringement notice for disobeying a low clearance sign, which carries a fine of $4783 and 12 demerit points.We also report on the new laws targeting the sale of illicit tobacco and vape products with a Kiama tobacconist ordered to close its doors for 90 days.You can also tune in to see Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty dropping by Lake Illawarra to make a couple of major funding announcements.Nearly $22 million will be spent on the local aquaculture industry and to help improve services at Shellharbour Regional Airpot.And in sport, the Illawarra Hawks are licking their wounds after a narrow loss to Melbourne United in Wollongong.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!

A 22-year-old truck driver has been handed an infringement notice following an incident on Saturday morning, in which an excavator he was transporting made contact with Terralong Street’s new overhead rail bridge barrier.The bright yellow structure was installed just last month in an attempt to reduce the damage of overheight vehicles on the trainline above, with a maximum height allowance of 3.4m. With the assistance of passersby, the driver was able to reverse out before the earthmoving equipment could cause further damage.Emergency services were called to the scene around 11:10am, but the driver had left by the time Lake Illawarra Police District officers arrived. They pulled him over on South Kiama Drive a short time later, where he was subjected to a roadside drug and alcohol test.Although the test results for alcohol were negative, the driver allegedly returned a positive reading for cocaine. The sample has been sent away for further analysis.He was issued with an infringement notice for disobeying a low clearance sign, which carries a fine of $4783 and 12 demerit points. He was also banned from driving for 24 hours.The protective beams were repaired on Monday morning.