The Illawarra and South Coast regions were treated to a rare and breathtaking spectacle this week as the Aurora Australis illuminated the skies.Local photographer and amateur astronomer David Finlay captured the mesmerising sight at Gerroa Beach when it first lit up the night skies on Sunday, describing it as an experience of pure wonder."People were cheering. You can hear the joy in the crowd on my video. It was amazing to see people not just capturing it with cameras, but actually witnessing it with their own eyes. It was something really special," said Finlay.Aurora Australis is visible now due to the intense activity on the sun, which is at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle."At times, the sun releases solar flares, sending out a burst of charged particles - protons, electrons - into space," Finlay explained. "When these particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere, they are drawn towards the poles, both North and South, and at an altitude of about 90 kilometres, they create a glow in the atmosphere."This ionisation is what causes the Aurora. There are different factors at play, like solar wind or solar flares. "In fact, just two to two-and-a-half days ago, we had a solar flare, and that was responsible for the spectacular Aurora last night," he added.He elaborated that Australia's position relative to the South Magnetic Pole often allows for clearer sightings of the Aurora Australis, particularly in Tasmania, the southernmost point of the country."Typically, by the time you reach New South Wales, you're looking over the top of the Aurora. But we still get some incredible colours - especially those magentas. "What's especially unique about last night's event was the overwhelming presence of orange hues. I've never seen so much orange in an Aurora before," Finlay said."I'm calling it the 'orange Aurora.' Usually, you see more reds and magentas, but this one had vibrant orange beams that were visible to the naked eye. It was quite remarkable."His passion for the Aurora Australis runs deep. He first photographed it 26 years ago and has since witnessed the phenomenon countless times."I was part of a local astronomy club, and we had access to publicly available space weather data. One night, I saw the signs and thought, 'Tonight’s the night.' Nobody in the club believed we’d see the Aurora from Wollongong. "But I went out to Cataract Dam, a dark-sky location, and after a couple of hours with my film camera, I saw it with my own eyes," said Finlay.He even had the opportunity to photograph the Aurora for Qantas during the pandemic. Special flights were arranged to fly to Antarctica and back - just to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights."It’s always been a lifelong passion of mine," he said."Every Aurora is different - whether it's the level of activity, the colours, or the shapes it forms. "It's a deeply human experience because what you're seeing is the interaction between the sun’s radiation and Earth's magnetosphere. This shield is what protects all life on our planet."If we didn’t have that magnetosphere, the sun's radiation would sterilise the planet. Life as we know it would not exist. So, in a sense, we’re witnessing the Earth's defensive shield in action. "To me, that’s pretty mind-blowing. That’s why I make sure to take every chance I get to see it," he added.Aurora Australis from the shoreline at Jervis Bay. Photo: Jeff SheppeardThe Aurora was also visible on Monday night and many local residents up and down the coast turned out to see the show after missing out on Sunday. This spectacular photo was taken by Gerroa resident Jeff Sheppeard from the shoreline at Jervis Bay. To stay updated on Finlay's astronomical displays, follow him on TikTok at @wouldyouliketoknowmore.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has rubbished claims by Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg that the federal government is not doing enough to fix the housing crisis.Senator Bragg claimed that Australian Bureau of Statistics data which reveals overall dwelling approvals have dropped 5.7% in May is "further evidence Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million new homes is a dead duck".Phillips said the Labor government was righting the wrongs of the past which stemmed from the Coalition neglecting the housing issue when they were in office prior to Anthony Albanese's first election win in 2022.She retained the seat of Gilmore, where housing was one of the main election issues, last month with a 5% swing towards her after the electorate had been the most marginal in the country."I know housing is a huge issue locally. People in Kiama, Gilmore and Australia voted for the Albanese Labor Government because of our strong housing policies and plan to tackle the housing crisis," Phillips said."After a decade of neglect by the Liberals, we’re investing more in housing than any government in history."We’re making it easier to buy, better to rent, and building more homes."Phillips said Labor had legislated a massive housing agenda through the National Housing Accord to boost supply."We are starting to see the outcomes that will boost affordable and social rental housing for decades to come," she added."We’re working with and incentivising the states to get on with planning reforms and building more well-located homes close to amenities - and maintaining character - which will help in Kiama."Our Housing Australia Future Fund is already boosting supply and will permanently into the future as further rounds are rolled out, enabling community housing and local and state government to partner with investors to multiply growth in social and affordable rental housing. There are huge opportunities locally."Phillips said Labor was working with the other levels of government to get results."We’ve incentivised the state government to get on with planning reforms which allows more medium density housing in appropriate areas in the Kiama, Nowra, and Bomaderry CBDs," she said. "We’re supporting councils to enable infrastructure for housing through our Housing Support Program."Finally, we’re starting to see a renewed vigour and excitement locally for more well-located housing and social and affordable rental housing.  You can feel that the wave of social and affordable rental housing and more housing options has begun."We’ve also expanded and introduced programs to assist first home buyers, like our expanded First Home Guarantee and the Help to Buy scheme. Help to Buy will get people into the housing market, while more than 470 new home buyers across Gilmore have already benefitted from our Home Guarantee Scheme, helping them buy their first home with just a 5 per cent deposit."We’re also setting aside 100,000 new homes for first home buyers."In conjunction with the housing strategy, the government is also encouraging more apprentices to take up trades in the residential construction and new energy sector with free TAFE and a $10,000 apprentice incentive, according to Phillips. "Building more houses is the best way to make sure people can find a home, whether that’s to rent or to buy. Over the past three years, the Liberals voted against building more homes and supporting first home buyers," Phillips said."Through a decade in Government, the Liberals invested less than $5 billion in housing. Labor is now delivering a $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan and driving the biggest home-building program since the post-war housing boom."I look forward to continuing to work with Kiama Municipal Council as it works with the community to develop and implement the Kiama Housing Strategy, so there are more housing options for Kiama locals."

Kiama Council is prioritising grassroots programs within its library and cultural hubs as part of its plan to provide “lifelong learning experiences”.The extensive Kiama Library Strategic 2025-2029 plan highlights the strength of services and facilities in Kiama. Council’s manager of library and cultural hubs Michelle Hudson said: “the vision is providing lifelong learning experiences for people and building community resilience.” Kiama Library provides extensive early literacy programs, which fosters development during crucial learning stages of children. “We provide all the newborn babies in Kiama with a library bag and board book, and information about all the community programs and portraying the importance of reading to young children,” Hudson said. Kiama Library has implemented three stages of learning with baby story time, toddler tales and preschool story time. “It’s about preparing children for that classroom environment,” Hudson said. There are also school holiday programs for children and their families to engage in their own time, from building Lego to even working with robots. For many, keeping up with the constant evolution of technology can be difficult, but Kiama Council is offering education to help those in need. “We are providing classes so that people can improve their digital literacy, but also provide a point of contact for those having problems with their phones, even showing people how to print from their phones and download documents,” Hudson said. Kiama’s libraries are also a great place for those enjoying a break on the South Coast to use the services available.“We get a lot of tourists in Kiama and our facilities cater to their needs,” Hudson added. “We are only a smaller library, but it is about making the most of our staff and working collaboratively with different partnerships so that we can provide a range of different programs for the community to engage with.” With the cultural development in Kiama, she said it is “about communication and connection by procuring various creative partnerships and making people feel part of the community”.. “We also pay homage to where we live, understanding the environment that we live in, and also appreciating our local history.” Hudson was optimistic about the Library Strategic Plan 2025-2029 saying “we have had some really positive feedback from the community, reinforcing what Council is doing and I am looking forward to the plans being carried out”. Submissions closed for the Library Strategic Plan 2025–2029 at the end of March.

By Sue Eggins We’ve been named Top Tourism Town. Now we’re prime-time TV.This Tuesday night, Kiama steps into the national spotlight as Who Do You Think You Are? uncovers a jaw-dropping family mystery with deep local roots. The SBS program, airing on 3 June at 7.30pm, traces the ancestry of Alone Australia winner Gina Chick and takes viewers right into the heart of our historic town.The episode reveals that Gina’s mother, Sue Chick, was the illegitimate daughter of Australian literary icon Charmian Clift. Filming took place at the Pilot's Cottage Museum in Kiama with writer Nadia Wheatley and at two stunning local landmarks, Bombo Quarry and the Coachhouse at Hartwell House, with none other than the fabulous Dr Tony Gilmour. Is there anything this man can’t do? Gina and Sue have turned their extraordinary lives into best-selling books and are now drawing crowds at writers festivals around the country. But it’s here in Kiama that their story truly finds its roots.The Pilot's Cottage Museum, which features a moving display on the life of Charmian Clift, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11.00am to 3.00pm. Visitors can explore the tragic and powerful legacy of one of Australia’s most revered writers. Entry is by donation – but the experience is priceless. So who do you think we are?Apparently, a top tourism town, a literary time capsule, and now, a national television star.

Through the advocacy of local Lions Club members Hilton Bloomfield and Dr Jon Phipps, six large tubs of stamps have been collected, with a rare find amongst them, a Penny Black stamp.At auction, the rarest of Penny Black stamps has fetched for more than $200,000.“We found a Penny Black stamp and passed it on to be auctioned, which is set for a date in June,” Bloomfield said.The Penny Black stamp was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, and it went on sale in Great Britain in 1840. There is said to be 68 million printed, with only 3.4 million thought to still be around.With the evolution of technology and emails, it is a great feat that the community of Kiama has so far donated six 20-litre tubs of "collections" and generally used stamps.The stamps are then passed onto the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation, where they are sorted by denomination and then passed onto auction houses.“We often get people ringing and we collect the stamps and then pass them on,” Bloomfield said.The ongoing goal for the ALCMF is to provide a walker to every child in Australia, who needs one.As children are ever-growing, Bloomfield said “they outgrow their mobility and they have to get new ones, which cost thousands of dollars”.A child in Kiama Downs is set to receive a mobility walker worth around $7500 as part of this initiative.Earlier in the year, the ALCMF presented Bloomfield and Dr Phipps with a recognition of services award for their fundraising efforts.For those who have recently cleaned out the garage or sorted through old boxes and have come across old collections or used stamps, they can be dropped into the Kiama Pharmacy on Manning Street or Blooms the Chemist on Terralong Street.

Just a couple of days after being chosen as the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Senator Andrew Bragg has wasted no time in ripping in the federal government over its promise to solve the housing crisis.The Liberal Senator said Australian Bureau of Statistics data which reveals overall dwelling approvals have dropped 5.7% this month is "further evidence Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million new homes is a dead duck". Housing affordability nationwide was a key election issue in the lead-up to Anthony Albanese's comprehensive win over Peter Dutton a month ago and the issue is of particular concern in Kiama.The local government area is one of the most expensive in Australia with figures last year showing Kiama's median dwelling value (houses and units combined) was $1,476,275, well above nearby areas Wollongong ($972,395), Shellharbour ($873,865) and Shoalhaven ($862,688)."This new data indicates that Australia will get approximately 170,000 new houses in the year ahead, when we need around 250,000," Senator Bragg said."All of Labor’s housing policies have failed. The Housing Australia Future Fund still hasn’t built a single new home. The housing targets are a disaster. Labor can’t even pay the States to build houses. "Labor won the election, but they have failed on housing, and we will expose this failure throughout this Parliament."Senator Bragg has also gone on the front foot to blast the government for its "bureaucratic bottlenecks destroying investment and job opportunities". "ABS data shows Australia’s 20-year average productivity growth is now at its lowest point in two decades. This decline in productivity is holding back wages, jobs, and long-term economic growth. "The Australian dream of home ownership remains the cornerstone of the Coalition’s housing policy. "Regrettably, Labor has almost killed this Australian Dream. Labor promised it would become a government property developer and it would become Australia’s largest mortgage insurance company. These are both very bad ideas."Labor’s signature housing policy The Housing Australia Future Fund built zero new houses last term, while ABS data shows the number of units and private sector homes being built is plummeting. Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million new homes is a pipe dream."

Road work will be carried out from Monday until the end of June on weekdays between 7am and 6pm, and on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm on the Jervis Bay flyover.Night work will also be carried out for up to 10 shifts between 6pm and 7am, which will be on Wednesday & Thursdays throughout June.During work hours there will be some temporary traffic changes to ensure the work area is safe. Motorists are advised to drive to conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.During night work, motorists are advised to allow an extra five minutes’ travel time.The works will continue completing remaining electrical relocations, ongoing major earthworks, importing material for embankment construction, progressing retaining walls to complete the bridge foundation and laying topsoil for landscaping preparation.Workers will also build road surfaces on parts of the Princes Highway, Jervis Bay Road, Old Princes Highway and Willowgreen Road, they will continue to install new drainage across the site, there will be ongoing construction of the new eastern roundabout to allow Jervis Bay Road to remain open while major bridge works are in progress and safety barriers and signage will be installed and relocated.

A new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van has been launced for Indigenous people in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven as part of National Reconciliation Week.The Mental Health and Wellbeing Van will travel around Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) which covers the lands of the Dharawal and Yuin peoples, making it easier for Aboriginal people to access mental health care and support.It is the first Aboriginal mental health van service being delivered by NSW Health after a $176,000 investment by the Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.“This outreach van is really positive, and it will deliver culturally appropriate preventative health care, early intervention, health promotion and really importantly trauma informed care," Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said.“The Van aims to honour Aboriginal people’s autonomy while offering culturally safe support, in their communities, where they can feel supported by family and community.”The van will provide culturally safe mental health, wellbeing and healing support, information and resources to Aboriginal people in their own communities, as well as delivering other health services based on need in the community. “This new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van for Aboriginal people is the first of its kind in New South Wales and will be fantastic addition to the Illawarra Shoalhaven District, offering support, referrals and suicide prevention in community," Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said.“The service has been co-designed with Aboriginal people, and we know that greater involvement of Aboriginal people in the design of health services can lead to improved health outcomes.“This van is one example of what can happen when we take a proactive approach to Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing that is informed by local people from the communities we serve.”Co-designed with Aboriginal people to create a welcoming and culturally safe space, this innovative model will assist the Local Health District to build stronger relationships with local Aboriginal communities while reducing stigma about health care and mental health services.“It’s great to see this new Mobile Outreach Van which will offer regular visits to Aboriginal communities across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, supporting health staff to provide important services and care," Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said.“By using this mobile outreach service, the van increases flexibility and convenience for Aboriginal people and importantly, addresses many of the barriers that Aboriginal peoples face when interacting with Mental Health Services.“We know there are better health outcomes when Aboriginal people are involved with co-designing Closing the Gap initiatives, and this initiative is an excellent example of this.”The van’s eye-catching exterior features elements of the artwork, Garadyigan (Dharawal word, meaning Healer) created specifically for ISLHD by local Aboriginal artist, Jasmine Sarin.“Making sure all possible steps are taken to improve access to health services for local Aboriginal residents is essential to improve longer term health outcomes," Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said.“This coupled with the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Child Health service – Binji and Boori – that will be part of the new Warrawong Community Health Centre, are important additions to local health services supporting Aboriginal people.”Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson added that she would like "to acknowledge the local Aboriginal people and health staff who have worked together on this project"."I’m excited to hear more about its achievements as it is rolled out further.”

NSW Police are appealing for assistance to locate a missing man who is known to frequent the Kiama area who is believed to be travelling from Queensland to Sydney.Guy Murdoch, aged 49, was last spoken to last Thursday (29 May) and when he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were contacted.They have started inquiries into his whereabouts and they believe he may have been seen in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, about 6pm on Friday.Murdoch is known to frequent the Caringbah, Cronulla and Kiama areas and is believed to be travelling to the Sutherland Shire area from Queensland.Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he is acting out of character.Murdoch is described as being of Caucasian appearance, medium build, with blue eyes and brown hair.It is unknown what Guy was last seen wearing; however, police believe he may be in a vehicle.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A new federally funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will be opened at Nowra in the next financial year.Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Federal Government has committed to 50 new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, including a facility at Nowra.“I know how busy the ED at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital is, and the people of Nowra have told me how much they need access to a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic,” Phillips said.“I’m excited to be delivering this seven-day-a-week service in Nowra, because it means locals can avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital.“The Nowra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will take so much pressure off Shoalhaven hospital which saw over 23,000 non-urgent and semi-urgent presentations in 2023-24.”An interim report of the evaluation of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics found that nearly half of all patients who attended a clinic would have gone to the hospital emergency department if the Urgent Care Clinic wasn’t available.The report found the average hospital visit costs $616 to deliver – more than double the $246 that the average Urgent Care Clinic visit costs.Almost 15,000 people have received free urgent care at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic since it opened its doors in December 2023.Phillips said she was excited to see expanded hours introduced at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic by the end of this year. “The Batemans Bay clinic is already taking pressure off local doctors and the hospital emergency department,” she added.“And the longer opening hours, from 6am until midnight, will ensure people living in and around Batemans Bay have access to fully bulk-billed urgent care with no appointment needed.”More than 1.5 million Australians have already received free, urgent care at Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, without waiting hours in a busy hospital emergency department.

An additional transition period of a month is being introduced for the reduction of the load limit on Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley to allow impacted heavy vehicle operators more time to plan their transition.Transport for NSW Regional Director South, Cassandra Ffrench, said the reduced load limit on Hampden Bridge will be implemented at the end of June to give road users more time to plan.“From Friday, 27 June 2025 the bridge’s load limit will be reduced from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes,” Ffrench said.“A transition period is being introduced during June to allow heavy vehicle operators more time to make alternate arrangements while ensuring the safety of motorists and structural integrity of the bridge.“From Friday 30 May, a 10 km/h speed limit will be in place on the bridge and traffic control will be in place during busy periods. "No special permits will be required for vehicles that meet the existing load limit during this time, however we encourage road users to start adopting the new load limit during this period.”

“Jobs for Mob” is the goal of this year’s Gather and Grow information sessions with Shellharbour chosen as one of seven locations statewide as part of a NSW Government push to bring more Aboriginal businesses and industry together.More than 70 Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesspeople met at Shellharbour Civic Centre on Tuesday to connect and learn about supply chain and employment opportunities for major regional projects.The new hospital at Shellharbour was showcased as the kind of major project which can be used to increase economic benefits and employment opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses in the Illawarra and South Coast.NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes, Craig Jenkins said the Gather and Grow sessions had been held in Goulburn and Dubbo with Shellharbour the third regional centre to host an event.“The theme is ‘jobs for mob’ so the goal of the Gather and Grow events is information and bringing Aboriginal businesses and industry together to connect and learn about supply chain opportunities on major NSW government projects,” he explained.“So in Shellharbour the focus was on the Shellharbour Hospital redevelopment. We had 70 people attend and there were 15 Aboriginal businesses. We had a presentation from health infrastructure and the developers.”Representatives from BESIX Watpac, the builder of the hospital, held breakout sessions with the Aboriginal businesses able to speak directly to Watpac, government and local council officials about procurement opportunities that they could tender for.“The goal for these events is to bring our Aboriginal businesses in contact with our government infrastructure providers and the developers, to understand what the needs are to become involved in the supply chain and look at opportunities for employing local Aboriginal people in those projects.“There are Aboriginal businesses out there that are capable and have capacity to work on their projects.It’s too early to determine whether any concrete deals will come out of this week’s session but Jenkins said the feedback from the Gather and Grow sessions have been positive. “Let's hope we see some some procurement outcomes from them,” Jenkins added.“It's an opportunity to improve economic outcomes for our Aboriginal community and provide better opportunities for our businesses but also that extends to better employment outcomes as well.”There are further events to be held in the Sydney CBD on 10 June, Cessnock on 15 July, Bathurst on 22 July and Western Sydney on 7 August as part of the collaboration with NSW Treasury.The new hospital in Shellharbour is part of the more than $780 million New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project, jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments. Due for completion in 2027, it will transform healthcare for the Illawarra and support hundreds of jobs during construction.

Kiama Council is hoping to see more community facilities used as many of them are underutilised.Council is trying to make it easier for small business owners and community groups to use facilities with its draft Lease & Licence Policy.The draft policy, which includes the conditions for rental rebates, is on public exhibition as part of the community consultation process.The policy lays out the purpose of the facilities, lease and licence categories, terms, responsibilities, rental charges and processes.It incorporates what type of tenants can lease a facility, the criteria for establishing a lease or licence.Importantly, the policy provides clearer terms and conditions for rental rebates.The policy is intended to provide a fair and efficient process for individuals, organisations and businesses to use Council assets.Having a more user-friendly set of guidelines for people wanting to access these halls, sportsgrounds, parks and other facilities will benefit the users as well as Council and our community.Maintenance costs remain the same or actually increase when community facilities are underutilised.How these community assets are managed is a big part the challenge of ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of Kiama Council.The draft Lease & Licence Policy is on public exhibition until 27 June 2025.To read the policy and provide your feedback visit the Council website.There will also be community pop-ups where local residents can discuss the proposal with Council staff members:Wednesday 4 June - Kiama Farmers Market (2pm to 5pm)Thursday 5 June – IGA Gerringong (4pm to 6pm)

The Australian Electoral Commission officially declared Fiona Phillips the winner of the federal seat of Gilmore on Friday, 27 days after the South Coast electorate went to the polls.Phillips attended a ceremony at the AEC office in Wollongong as part of her third straight term as the Gilmore MP. There had been little doubt that she would retain the seat in the hours immediately after the polls closed on May 3 even though she had claimed the seat by only 373 votes in 2022, which made it the most marginal seat in the country leading into the election.Fiona Phillips MP with her son Henry and local volunteer Cathy Russell at the Declaration of the Poll. Once the final numbers were tallied this time around, she ended up with 55.15 per cent of votes on a two-candidate preferred basis, a swing of nearly five per cent, to trounce Liberal rival Andrew Constance.Phillips is focusing on better local health services and cost of living relief as her main priorities at the start of her third term in office.“I’m really thrilled to be delivering a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Nowra and expanded hours for the Batemans Bay clinic from 6am till midnight seven days a week,” she said.“Local people deserve to have access to free health care close to home, which is why I am also proud to have secured an upgraded Nowra Medicare Mental Health Centre.“I’m working hard to see these projects move forward as quickly as possible."Anthony Albanese's Federal Government is slashing student debt in the wake of their comprehensive victory over the Coalition and Phillips believes these measures will have multiple flow-on effects.“So many local young people have told me how much the slashing of student debt will mean to them, providing cost of living and debt relief to help them build a better future,” she said.“I’m so proud the Prime Minister has made this a top priority for the new Parliament, and I am excited to help deliver this and more to support local people deal with the cost of living.”At the official declaration, Phillips thanked the community for its support and pledged to keep fighting for her electorate.“I have been absolutely humbled to represent this amazing community in our Parliament since 2019, and I’m honoured to continue working hard for the people of the South Coast,” she said.“I am driven by my love of this community, and I am so grateful they have put their trust in me once again.“I would also like to sincerely thank all of my wonderful volunteers for their incredible work – we have spoken with thousands of local people throughout this long campaign, and I am grateful for their tireless efforts.”

Kiama Councillor Imogen Draisma has shot down claims of a conflict of interest due to her employment raised in NSW Parliament on Thursday.Shadow Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman asked Wollongong MP Paul Scully in Parliament about Cr Draisma’s involvement in last week’s Kiama Council vote over the reclassification of three local surf clubs.Tuckerman, who is also the Member for Goulburn, raised concerns about Cr Draisma voting on the matter even though she is also employed by Scully as an electorate officer.“Your staff member, Imogen Draisma, didn’t disclose a conflict of interest before voting on the 20th of May in favour of a Council motion to reclassify three surf life saving clubs from community land to operational land, allowing them potential sale,” Tuckerman said in Parliament.“That reclassification requires your approval. What discussions did you have with Councillor Draisma about this reclassification prior to the vote?”Scully responded with: “Well, well. This is deeply inquisitive, Mr Speaker.“I don’t discuss Council matters with Councillor Draisma but as for her declaration, I don’t know. I also don’t watch Kiama Council proceedings because I have got work to do.”Cr Draisma was one of five local Councillors who voted for the motion along with Matt Brown, Yasman Tatrai, Stuart Larkins and Mike Cains.When contacted by The Bugle about Tuckerman’s query, Cr Draisma was adamant there was no conflict of interest.“As the former Minister for Local Government, I would expect the Member to better understand the fundamental process of land reclassification under the Local Government Act,” she said.“I have, on the public record, diligently disclosed and removed myself from numerous items of business in the current and previous term of Council.“The motion in question is to commence a reclassification process of land subject to consent of each Surf Life Saving Club. The outcome of this consultation will be provided in a future report to Council.“It is not the policy of Kiama Municipal Council to sell any Surf Life Saving Club or the land that they sit on.“If the Member, or the person behind her, has concerns they are aware of the avenue available.“I will not be intimidated from serving my community by a politically motivated misinformation and disinformation campaign made under parliamentary privilege. I have written to the Speaker seeking a Citizens’ Right of Reply.”

Lashing winds and torrential rain did not deter or dampen the spirits of the 160 guests who gathered at The Pavilion in Kiama to support the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea, hosted by Cedar on Collins Retirement Community last Thursday.This is the second time this event has been hosted by Cedar on Collins, and following that success, many guests returned for this year’s morning tea, the first at The Pavilion.Guests were treated to a wonderful high tea, emceed by Kiama Radio’s Bernie Hems.As a much-loved voice on Kiama community radio, she slipped easily into her role of interviewing guests such as Kiama local and makeup artist, Meryl Faulkner, and Dr Michael Barbato.Dr Barbato is a retired palliative care specialist, whose career has been dedicated to supporting people at the end of life - including many living with cancer - with a focus on holistic, whole-person care.He spoke powerfully about how critical research was in the fight against cancer and the real-world breakthroughs that occur because of that research, which funding from events like the Biggest Morning Tea enables.He also shared that the act of simply being with your loved one, holding their hand - not trying to fix things or fuss - is a powerful show of compassionate companionship.Hems reflected on the morning, saying: “I’ve since met several people who were at the morning tea, and they’ve all raved about how wonderful it was. [Dr Barbato was] so informative and deeply engaging.“The room fell completely silent as he spoke about the remarkable progress being made in cancer research. It was truly moving and inspiring.”Dr Michael Barbato speaking alongside emcee Bernie Hems.Attendees were blown away by the quality of the food and refreshments, and entertainment provided by Kiama local, Greg Brown, a musician and fundraiser for the Cancer Council.They were also treated to raffle prizes and a silent auction, with items including vouchers from Kiama Leagues Club, Endota Spa, Little Betty’s Bar & Restaurant, White Earth and a photo print of Bombo Beach by Adam Crews.All proceeds from the silent auction, raffle and ticket costs went directly to the Cancer Council. The event raised close to $6500.A room full of guests embarking on high tea.Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was also a guest and gave her full support. She had high praise for the event and shared on her Facebook page: “Well done to Cedar on Collins for hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, in Kiama today.“Not even the rain could stop this large gathering from raising funds to support those lives who have been impacted by cancer. Well done to everyone involved and for everyone supporting this great cause.”Cedar on Collins Retirement Community staff were thrilled with the outcome of the event and are already looking forward to hosting it again next year.“The event was so well-received, with everyone in high spirits and a vibrant and uplighting atmosphere,” said Laura Hooper, Community Manager at Cedar.“We are so grateful to the Kiama community and their determination to support this incredible cause that really impacts all of us in some way.“Their donations are a true reflection of the spirit of generosity, compassion and empathy of this community. We’re honoured to play our part in it.”

Dean Howcroft was engaging in a routine motorbike ride when he experienced double vision.The Ulladulla resident, 24 at the time, thought he needed glasses, but it was the events that followed which would change the course of his life.“I’d just turned 24 at the time and a few months after multiple tests and MRI’s, I was sitting in my specialist’s office being told that I had multiple sclerosis, so that was obviously a huge shock to the system” Howcroft said.Friday is World MS Day. The MS International Federation is raising awareness through the MyMSDiagnosis social media campaign which encourages those with lived experience to share their story.When asked what World MS day means to him, Howcroft said: “It is pretty close to my heart, (after) being diagnosed with MS back in 2004, it has been quite a journey.”While there is no specific cure for MS, there are treatments and rehabilitation available within Australia through the NDIS.Part of this evolutionary process for treatment and rehabilitation is the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) machine built and designed by RoboFit, which Howcroft uses to aid his rehabilitation.“I just discovered it (RoboFit) as a pop-up ad on social media,” Howcroft said.“It’s like an exoskeleton that straps to your legs, and you are on a treadmill … it looks and feels quite futuristic.”RoboFit founder Daniel Hillyer using the state-of-the-art exoskeleton. Photo: SuppliedHowcroft explained in detail how it works from the mechanics of the machine to the neuroscience behind this rehabilitation tool, and the feeling of being able to walk in a correct walking pattern.“It was quite a strange feeling in the beginning, but I have had 10 sessions now and I am noticing some improvement,” he said.The improvement is the redevelopment of neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain.“You can see it happening in real time on the screen in front of you,” he said.The HAL technology was manufactured by Cyberdyne in Japan and imported by RoboFit.While this rehabilitation process is supported through the NDIS, the logistical components of travel and availability to use the HAL machine remains a barrier for Howcroft.“It would be beautiful if we didn’t have to travel two hours and you could get more sessions, because when it comes to neuroplasticity, repetition is ideal.”Despite the challenges of his diagnosis and other barriers, it will not break Howcroft’s self-proclaimed “swagger”.He has a young family and also leans on his engagement with the community by establishing a local men’s group in Ulladulla. Called Brothers of Bhundoo, they aim to foster support, connection and collaboration.Howcroft has also started a self-titled podcast with the founding members of Brothers of Bhundoo.“It’s amazing sitting around with a dozen fellas, sharing and reflecting.”

A Kiama physiotherapist has been recognised for his contribution to the local Parkinson’s community, as part of a major health seminar that drew 80 people from across the South Coast.Matt Cook from BaiMed Kiama received a Parkinson’s Community Award at the Holistic Approach to Parkinson’s seminar at Kiama Leagues Club on Tuesday, acknowledging his proactive support to help people manage the condition.The seminar was organised by Parkinson’s Support Kiama and they brought together four healthcare professionals to discuss the growing need for Parkinson’s education and support across the Illawarra.Presenters Dr Janice Taylor, Ryan Parker, Christine McGee, and Beth Causa.Dr Janice Taylor, a geriatrician specialising in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders provided comprehensive information about the disease, its symptoms, effects on daily life, and medications. She also addressed important practical considerations, emphasising the importance of organising wills and making decisions about driving as symptoms progress.Speech pathologist Beth Causa demonstrated the vital role of speech therapy in Parkinson’s management, explaining that many people with the condition will likely experience speaking difficulties at some point. Beth engaged the audience with practical exercises, showing how speech therapy techniques can be beneficial and what’s involved.Physiotherapists Ryan Parker and Matt Cook from BaiMed Kiama led interactive group activities including ‘Simon Says’, keeping a balloon afloat around tables, and stretching routines, demonstrating how movement can be both therapeutic and enjoyable.Christine McGee, Education and Quality Assurance Manager from Parkinson's NSW, finished off the expert panel with insights into support services and resources.The event showed the strong community involvement surrounding Parkinson’s Support Kiama. The group's coordinator, Lesley Errington, said the ongoing support from the community, especially Rotary, has been greatly appreciated, particularly with their fundraising efforts.Parkinson’s Support Kiama's coordinator, Lesley Errington.“We have a walk in September and that's our fundraiser for the year for Parkinson’s New South Wales, and Rotary does a barbecue, and these guys come and do exercise programs,” said Lesley.The support group, part of Parkinson’s NSW, holds monthly meetings for both people with Parkinson’s and their carers. The group has approximately 70 members but regular attendance sits around 40.“There's quite a few people who are no longer able to come because they're in nursing homes or in care, but we still send them information,” Lesley said.The group focuses on connecting people living with the condition, enhancing quality of life, providing support for individuals and carers, sharing information and research about the disease and keeping both body and mind active.The seminar’s strong attendance from across the region, including Nowra, Wollongong and Bega, demonstrates the importance for specialised Parkinson’s support and education, and is reflective of Parkinson’s Support Kiama’s success.For further information on how to get involved, contact Parkinson’s Support Kiama at parkinsonskiama@gmail.com.

By Stephanie Kemp New members and friends always welcome - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact secretarygerringongrotary@gmail.com.The April Markets, held on Easter Saturday, were a great success. We had the best BBQ results for a while and were able to donate funds to support those affected bythe Queensland floods.Our club continues to support the work undertaken worldwide by ShelterBox, who work with disaster-affected communities to provide the emergency shelter, essential items and training needed to support families in the long process of rebuilding their lives. This year marks ShelterBox’s 25th year since being founded. Since inception, with the assistance of Rotary, ShelterBox have supported over three million people recovering from disaster or conflict. Rotary's partnership with ShelterBox continues to make a significant impact across the globe including supporting families in Lebanon and Gaza (through collaboration with Rotary in Jordan), those who lost their homes after Hurricane Beryl swept through the Caribbean, and those families displaced through drought in Ethiopia.The Story of the Core StoreResidents of Gerringong and Berry will have noticed the cool, new(ish) surf style clothing stores with the attractive wooden fit-out that appeared first in Gerringong and more recently in Berry.Grant Findlay and Mick Morgan, friends, business owners and long-term locals, were visiting speakers at our first meeting for April. Grant is the artist behind the graphics on their clothing, while Mick has a background in retail, having run a number of surf shops previously.The Gerringong Rotary Club has been fortunate to have received the benefit of Grant and Mick’s experience when they assisted in the design and manufacture of the club’s new T-Shirts.Grant went to art school and studied fine arts, but channelled his artistic side into landscaping, specialising in rocks, ponds, pools and waterfalls. He also sculpted and had his own gallery, but when the lease ran out, he went into printing with Mick doing mostly workwear but also starting the Hidden Fury label. When the current shop space came available in Gerringong, with space at the back to do the printing it seemed like the right time to let the workwear business go and follow their passion.After a series of setbacks, Mick went travelling around Australia and came back knowing that he wanted a shop, but not a conventional surf shop. He and Grant got talking and their business was born - 85% of the products sold at Core Store are their own brands, Hidden Fury and Generation Earth. Hidden Fury is more surf style, whereas Generation Earth is their eco brand, using organic cotton. Their focus is on good quality and design and sustainability and they intend to continue printing on site.With two bricks and mortar stores, the next phase is to take their wares online. With locations in Gerringong and Berry, a lot of visitors pass through the shops and ask where they can buy the products at home.We always enjoy hearing tales of successful local small businesses, particularly one that has been a friend to the club..Defining Symbols of Australia: Museum call-out for AustralianaSue Blanchfield from the Gerringong District Historical Society (GDHS) spoke at one of our recent meetings on Defining Symbols of Australia. Sue is a retired lecturer in visual arts from the University of Wollongong. Gerringong Heritage Museum is preparing for an exhibition in October on Australia’s defining symbols, using banners lent by the National Museum of Australia, which will be supplemented by artefacts sourced from the local community. The GDHS needs us all to look in our cupboards for Australiana like the ceramics and embroidery that were so popular in the 20th century.Sue took us through a visual presentation of our symbols being rendered in different styles and for different purposes – the official, such as flags and coats of arms, first nations art, early drawings of our flora and fauna by the English explorers and domestic items such as embroidered doilies and the Kookaburra stove trademark.She started with a tapestry by Valerie Kirk, showing the kangaroo and the emu on either side of a pinecone, a juxtaposition of the native and the introduced, which is a constant theme in looking for defining symbols of Australia.Our flag has developed from the Union Jack to the current version, adopted in 1954, with the Union Jack in one corner, the seven-pointed star and the southern cross.However, two other symbolic flags also carry a wealth of meaning – the Eureka Stockade flag and the First Nations flag which was only designed in 1970 but has become part of everyday life.A 1932 poster by Douglas Annand celebrating the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge introduced the image of the archetypal bronzed Aussie surfer, an image that has dogged Australians who are not bronzed and sporty ever since!There is something paradoxical about our symbols; everyone loves our native animals – travellers take clip on koalas to give away and the sight of a Qantas kangaroo at the beginning of the journey home brings a sigh of relief. At the same time, we allow widespread destruction of their habitat. The kangaroo and the emu on the coat of arms date back to 19th century folk art but were only officially ratified as Australia’s coat of arms in 1912. Whether it was really because neither creature can go backwards, no one knows!So if you have got some Australiana in the back of your cupboard, now is the time to dust it off and celebrate our defining symbols. The museum will be using secure lockable display cabinets. Send a picture of your item to gerringonghistory@gmail.com.au