It was more like a party than a charity event when the Orangutan Foundation International hosted its Race to Save The Rainforest event at Kiama Surf Club on Sunday.The charity organisation is dedicated to facilitating the rescue, rehabilitation and release of these endangered animals, and preventing the further destruction of the rainforest they call home.“I think it was very successful. It felt like a party. There’s a lot of charities [and] a lot of fundraisers, so people are a bit fundraiser-weary. But it went the best it could have possibly gone,” said Kiama businesswoman Fiona Kennedy, who coordinated the event and has been an active member of the OFI for over 10 years.The Surf Club was transformed into a jungle with Kangia palms and vines from Mountain Range Nursery. Patrons sipped on orange cocktails courtesy of Campari and enjoyed catering from Kiama’s Saltwater Cafe, while enjoying live jazz from young performers and an engaging speech from OFI Australia president Kobe Steele.Various raffles and silent auctions were available to attendees, each of which went off without a hitch.Prizes included paintings from local artists Michelle Springett, Helen Harrowell, Bob McRae and Dr Pete Marshall, and multiple donated items from local businesses such as JJ’s Indian Restaurant, The Bellevue Hotel, Jamberoo Valley Farm, Making Faces Makeup Studio, Cin Cin Restaurant and Wine Bar, Fee’s Bees Honey and Cellarbrations.The night’s proceeds are going towards the construction of enclosures to house the primates and prepare them for a safe return to the wild, and to purchase square footage of the rainforest to prevent continued deforestation from palm oil extraction. “It’s destroying forests that can’t be replaced,” said Kennedy. “The name ‘orgautan’ means ‘gardeners of the forest’. They keep [it] going by eating and vegetation and pulling up seeds and roots. "These animals are very important to the whole ecosystem.”Stripped from their natural habitats, the traumatised orangutans are often exploited and sold on the black market for upwards of $250,000.It’s not just orangutans who are affected by the deforestation process. When the remaining debris is burned, the underground peat bog smolders and emits dangerous greenhouse gasses into the air.Kennedy is appreciative of the “amazing support” from the community in advocating for the global issue.For those who missed the event, the OFI website offers a ‘Foster Parent’ program where individuals can sponsor a displaced orangutan and provide it with necessary care from afar.

If you’ve ever wished your family Christmas photo came with a sea breeze and sandy toes, you’re in luck. Santa on the Beach is returning to Jones Beach, turning the shoreline into Kiama Downs’ most festive pop-up photo studio.Run by Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, the annual tradition has become a firm favourite with local families who flock to the beach each November for a coastal spin on the classic Santa portrait. With a freshly redesigned set, a cheerful Surf Club Santa and the ocean as the backdrop, it’s become one of those only-in-Kiama moments that signals the start of summer.Sessions will run across two weekends in late November: Saturday 22 November from 9am to 1pm, Sunday 23 November from 1pm to 4pm, Saturday 29 November from 9am to 1pm, and Sunday 30 November from 12pm to 4pm. Pre-booking is strongly encouraged, with last year’s slots filling quickly. Bookings can be made online via the Kiama Downs SLSC Facebook page, and organisers say there’s a chance additional times may open up if demand is high.The fundraiser has grown steadily over the years, now serving as one of the surf club’s major income streams for its nippers program and essential rescue equipment.“Our Santa Photos on the Beach have been a huge success over the years,” says junior activities chairperson Ben Woods.“We invite everyone to come on down, bring family and furry friends. “It is great to see everyone getting into the festive spirit, from matching outfits to dressed-up pets. “It is a fantastic community event.”

In the heart of Vincentia, a change of tides is providing waves of relief for families across the Shoalhaven. Led by Jodie Heasman and her dedicated team, Oracle Support is building recovery pathways for families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.Tailored by experienced social workers and community cultural leaders, Oracle’s programs are designed to meet people at whichever situation they are in. Some walk into Jodie’s office with their babies, barefoot and no plans but to try and find a better life. Jodie and her team have helped many families bring that innocent light back into their tribes.With domestic violence on the rise, Oracle Support and Kiama Community College have joined forces to help women and children rewrite their stories.“We see a future where people can live free from domestic, family or sexual violence, substance addiction, homelessness, isolation, and exclusion,” Jodie explains.They have a new fitted-out Vincentia office base at Suite 2, Level 1 Burton Street Mall.Oracle is creating a healing space where community members can be seen, heard and supported through self-care strategies, counselling, workshops and recovery programs.From behavioural change sessions to healing on Country, their holistic approach has made Oracle a cornerstone of community wellbeing. The staff’s front yard? The white sands of Vincentia’s beaches, a daily reminder that peace really can begin in our own backyards.Their collaboration with Kiama and Shoalhaven Community Colleges has birthed the Care, Connect, Culture program. This is a gentle invitation for women to reconnect, heal, and learn practical life skills, followed by a nourishing lunch at Phoebe’s Kitchen downstairs.Participants receive certificates in Indigenous Art, Healing on Country, and Natural Living, but the real takeaway is confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.“Together, we’ll walk a path of wellbeing, connection and care,” Jodie says.Oracle also runs the Positive Choices men’s program in collaboration with Achievable You, a behavioural change workshop designed to help men understand their emotions and make better choices in relationships.Free to participants and open to men aged 18 and over, the two-session course teaches real tools for conflict and emotional regulation, with completion certificates provided. The next intake begins in 2026. Every program at Oracle is free, community-funded and focused on creating a culture of care.“Trauma prevention and recovery is our culture in action,” Jodie says.Oracle Support isn’t a crisis service but through connection, compassion and collaboration, it is proving that healing starts with community and that the Shoalhaven’s strongest foundations are built together.

Kiama Council is spreading some extra Christmas cheer by offering residents an additional garbage (red lid bin) collection.Demand for waste services can be high over the Christmas-New Year period so Council is encouraging residents to take advantage of this service.Further information about regular collection dates can be found by inputting your address on Council's Find my bin collection date webpage.The extra collection details will be in these areas on these dates: Zone 1– extra red lid bin collection on Monday 22 DecemberZone 2 – extra red lid bin collection on Monday 29 DecemberZone 3 - extra red lid bin collection on Tuesday 23 DecemberZone 4 - extra red lid bin collection on Tuesday 30 DecemberZone 5 - extra red lid bin collection on Wednesday 24 DecemberZone 6 - extra red lid bin collection on Wednesday 31 DecemberZone 7 - extra red lid bin collection on Friday 26 DecemberZone 8 - extra red lid bin collection on Friday 26 DecemberZone 9 - extra red lid bin collection on Saturday 27 DecemberZone 10 - extra red lid bin collection on Saturday 27 DecemberRural Zone 11 - extra red lid bin collection on Tuesday 23 December.Rural Zone 12 - extra red lid bin collection on Wednesday 24 December.Council is also reminding residents that for problem household wastes such as batteries, cardboard, computers, televisions, paints, light globes, mobile phones, textiles, batteries, gas bottles, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, they should be dropped off at the Community Recycling Centre (CRC), located at the Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility. The CRC facility will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.To dispose of live Christmas trees, residents are urged to cut them up and place them in their green lid bin with other FOGO waste.Artificial Christmas trees should be placed in red lid bins as they are not recyclable.

Kiama MP Katelin McInerney has launched the Kiama Electorate Christmas Gifting Drive, partnering with Albion Park and Albion Park Rail Community Centres and Salt Care in Bomaderry to collect gifts for those doing it tough.With Christmas fast approaching, many families across the Kiama electorate are facing a difficult festive season so she is calling on the community to help spread festive cheer to local families in need."Christmas should be a time of joy and delight for every child, but we know that's simply not possible for many families in our community right now," she said."I'm asking residents to dig deep and help us sprinkle a little Christmas magic into the lives of local families who are struggling. "Whether it's a toy for a toddler, sporting equipment for an active kid, or a gift voucher for a teenager – every contribution, no matter how small, can make an enormous difference."This is our chance to show that our community cares and that no family should face Christmas alone or without hope."I particularly want to encourage donations for our older teens, who can sometimes be forgotten at Christmas. "Toiletries, gift vouchers to major shopping chains, and age-appropriate gifts are incredibly welcome and will help these young people feel valued and remembered."Please give what you can – every gift helps spread the Christmas cheer our community is famous for.”To help make it easier for people to donate, the team at First National Real Estate Albion Park, operated by Alison Mansell and Darren Mansell, have kindly volunteered to be a collection point.The drive is accepting donations of new toys, sporting goods, games, toiletries, gifts, and gift vouchers. Donations will be accepted until 5pm, 12 December.Donation collection points:First National Real Estate Albion Park, 220A Tongarra Rd, Albion Park NSW 2527Kiama Electorate Office, 102 Terralong Street, Kiama NSW 2533

Four Year 11 students from Kiama High School - Ziggy Scobie, Lola Erokhin, Isla Buchanan and Alex O'Reilly-Fullerton - are gearing up for an inspiring start to 2026 after being selected to attend the prestigious National Youth Science Forum in January.The 12-day program, held at the Australian National University in Canberra and the University of Queensland, brings together students from across Australia to explore cutting-edge science, meet leading researchers and take part in hands-on workshops not possible in school settings.Kiama High science teacher Ruth Power, who has been promoting the program for years, said it gives students a rare opportunity to deepen their passion for science and make valuable connections.“Every student comes away saying it was an amazing experience,” Ms Power said. “They come back reinvigorated, inspired, and often rethinking their future career paths.”She said the program - which costs around $3000 per participant - is proudly supported by the Kiama and Gerringong Rotary clubs, who help fundraise and sponsor students each year.“The generosity of Rotary is always so appreciated,” she said. “It’s incredible to see how much they care about supporting young people in our community.”Over her 25 years as a science teacher, Ms Power said she’s seen the program spark leadership, confidence, and ambition among students.“For some, it’s the ignition point - that moment where their passion for science truly comes alive,” she said.The National Youth Science Forum will run in January, helping students connect with like-minded peers and discover just how far a love of science can take them.

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead item this week revolves around NSW Premier Chris Minns visiting the region for the first time since the by-election two months ago.He was on the South Coast to announce that work is about to begin on Bomaderry's new public pre-school, which will be one of 10 new facilities in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area.Minns also addressed concerns about the proposed high-rise developments in Kiama with a 14-storey plan for Akuna Street causing widespread debate in the community.He thinks the State Government will get the balance right in planning for how coastal towns in the area will look in the future.We also report on the incident near Kiama rockpool in which an elderly man was found dead by emergency services on Friday.You can also tune in to see the Orangutan Foundation International charity event at Kiama Surf Club on Sunday as well as the Countdown Live concert which rocked The Country Club in St Georges Basin.And in sport, young surfer Lucy Darragh has added to her impressive record with a stunning success in Taiwan.The Hawks have gone down to the Sydney Kings and Illawarra's NBL title defence is looking somewhat shaky.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 man has been charged with 11 offences after wielding an axe during a tense stand-off with South Coast Police at South Nowra on Friday night.Shortly before 7pm, emergency services were called to a home on Holloway Road following reports a man had forced his way into the property.Attending officers were told a 24-year-old man was inside the home armed with an axe, and was preventing three occupants – a 53-year-old woman and two 49-year-old men – from leaving.Three other female occupants – aged 32, 41 and 55 – were able to exit the home prior to police arriving.Police established a perimeter and contacted specialist resources to assist.About 11.15pm, specialist police from the Tactical Operations Unit, Tactical Operations Regional Support and Dog Unit entered the home and arrested him.During the arrest, the man was bitten by a police dog and tasered.He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene for lower-body injuries before being taken to Shoalhaven Hospital under police guard.On Saturday, he was taken to Nowra Police Station, where he was refused bail and charged with 11 offences:Contravene prohibition/restriction in AVOSpecial aggravation break and enter and commit serious indictable offenceStalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal) (three counts)Wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harmStalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic) (three counts)Kidnap with intent commit serious indicticable offence occasion actual bodily harmAssault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harmThe 55-year-old woman was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a minor arm injury, while both 49-year-old men were taken to Shoalhaven Hospital in stable conditions for treatment of minor upper body injuries.

Permanent Active Warning Signs will be installed along two notoriously hazardous roads – Jamberoo Mountain Road and Swamp Road next week (24-28 November). A total of seven high-visibility LED signs will be installed, with four located on Jamberoo Mountain Road and three on Jamberoo Road near Swamp Road.Kiama Council is completing the project with the help of funding provided through the Office of Local Government and the Department of Regional NSW’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund. These new signs will deliver real-time updates to drivers, displaying critical alerts such as “Road Closed” or “One Lane Ahead.” Mayor Cameron McDonald said the project would help motorists make informed decisions before reaching hazardous or impassable sections of the road.Both roads are well known for their frequent closures due to severe weather events, including flooding and landslips. As both routes are narrow and winding, it often leaves little to no safe opportunity to turn around once a hazard is encountered, putting drivers at unnecessary risk.“This is a smart and long-overdue investment in public safety," Cr McDonald said. "These signs will give residents and visitors advance warning, avoiding hours of frustration and risk on some of our most challenging roads.“We know how dangerous Jamberoo Mountain Road and Swamp Road can be during heavy rain or after storms. "These new signs will mean people can avoid driving into trouble in the first place."Unlike temporary signage, these permanently installed LED displays are always on standby and can be remotely updated, ensuring accurate and consistent communication, which is particularly critical during rapidly changing weather conditions.“It’s all about giving people the information they need to make safer decisions - especially when dealing with roads that can become dangerous very quickly,” Cr McDonald added.Residents are encouraged to check live traffic updates before travelling on high-risk routes, especially during or after heavy rainfall, and to always follow the warnings displayed on the signs.

Telstra customers in Albion Park will be experiencing disruptions on Monday due to upgrades to its mobile base station that services the area.The upgrades will improve the mobile site’s capacity, meaning faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion.Telstra Regional Engagement Manager Christina Cawkell said mobile services in the area will be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are underway.“We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country," Cawkell said. “As data use over our mobile network continues to grow, adding extra 4G capacity to our mobile site in the area will help deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion for customers. "The work will also make the site ready for a further upgrade to our even faster 5G in the future.“While disruption is required while the upgrade is underway, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible.”Telstra mobile customers will receive texts advising of the upcoming work.Landline services, NBN and Satellite internet services, and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted.Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available for connection to emergency services.The site will need to be switched off during the following periods:8 hours from 7am-5pm on Monday (17 November)up to 4 hours intermittent outages from 7am-5pm on TuesdayTelstra customers can continue to make calls and send texts during disruption to mobile services by switching on Wi-Fi Calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to make and receive mobile calls while connected to Wi-Fi.Telstra also encourages business owners talk to their bank about connecting their EFTPOS terminals to their NBN or Wi-Fi connection to prevent delays in processing transactions.

The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.KHS Fest on againKHS Fest will be held on 8 December to celebrate the positive school culture that students and staff build together every day and recognise the successful completion of another school year.Coordinated by the Student Representative Council and held at school, it will include food trucks, activities, games, raffles, music and entertainment.The school wants to hear from any parents or businesses who would like to hold a stall at KHS Fest.Or if there are any local businesses, members of the school community or parents who are able to donate items, gift vouchers, etc for the raffles and prizes, that would be greatly appreciated by the school as well.Keep a look out for further information on the Kiama High School social media pages.Year 10 Science Excursion to IMARCKiama High School Year 10 students recently enjoyed a full and engaging day at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney along with students from nine other selected NSW schools.The day began with talks from geologists that sparked curiosity and prompted thoughtful questions about the variety of careers available in mining and resources. Students participated in a competitive exploration activity where they formed teams to simulate real-world mining decisions. With support from industry volunteers, they analysed geological, environmental and social impact data before pitching their projects to ‘investors’ to secure funding or social licence credits to develop their mine sites. The winning team struck gold, winning bars of chocolate as prizes.Students explored over 500 exhibition booths, interacting with robots, drones, and large machinery. One memorable experience was having the opportunity to hold a 20kg bar of gold and meet the Australian scientists teaming up with NASA to ground survey the moon in 2026.Movember momentousKiama High School is proudly taking part in Movember, a global movement raising awareness and funds for men’s health.From growing moustaches to moving for mental health, students and staff are stepping up to make a difference, helping to start important conversations about mental wellbeing, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.Kiama’s iconic lighthouse now sports a stylish Movember moustache on the school logo, reminding us all to shine a light on men’s health and look out for one another.

One of the highest achievements you can attain in cricket is a hat-trick when a bowler gets three wickets in successive deliveries. It is a rare event. It’s only been done 49 times in Test cricket history - Sachin Tendulkar alone scored more centuries (51) in his career than this infrequent feat.It is just as tough to achieve at any level of cricket.A double hat-trick is where you get four wickets in a row, and naturally this is even rarer. One sunny afternoon in 1967, Gerringong’s second-grade side was playing Lake Illawarra. Gerringong batted first and compiled 6-206. In reply, Lake were 2-30 and David Emery was bowling, with three deliveries to go in the over. Next ball he got a wicket. Then another and then another. A hat-trick to finish his over. Congratulations all round. A hat-trick usually means you get the ball mounted on a trophy to remember the event.Alas, Brian Arberry came on to bowl. With his first delivery, he got a wicket. Then another and yet another. Two hat-tricks in a row! Six balls, six wickets. Brian was not finished yet. With his fourth delivery he snared yet another wicket. A double hat-trick. Seven wickets in seven balls. So, Brian got the trophy with the ball mounted on it. The score went from 2-30 to 9-30 in the blink of an eye. Funnily enough, it took a while to get the last wicket but Gerringong won comfortably.Their amazing feats were even reported in a Sydney newspaper the next day.

Gerroa Environmental Protection Society and local residents are leading the charge around concerns over an increase in Gerroa Quarry production and the impact it will have on roads within the surrounding area. GEPS president Warren Holder has lived in the Kiama Local Government Area for around 40 years and told The Bugle that the principal concern is the pressure more trucks will have on the Gerringong and Gerroa areas. “When Cleary Bros owned it, they averaged 56,000 tonnes a year [product transport limit] and rarely hit the capacity,” Holder said. “Since Maas Group has taken over, they’ve hit 80,000 tonnes and now they want more [120,000 tonnes per annum].” The route the trucks would follow through Gerringong is heading north along Crooked River Road, onto Fern Street, through residential areas and left onto Belinda Street before heading onto the highway. “We’re getting 70% coming up this way [trucks through Gerringong],” Stephen Brazier from Gerroa said. “We need to keep in mind the effect on the residents of Gerringong and Gerroa, and of course all the patrons who use the caravan park during the holiday periods.” Mr Brazier warned The Bugle that the winding roads in the Gerringong and Gerroa areas, combined with an increase in the number of trucks, could lead to accidents. “Across the bridge [from Seven Mile Beach to Gerroa], up the hill and around past Gerringong Golf Course, there are those very sharp bends in the hill and one of the problems there is that you get lots of tourists towing caravans down there,” Mr Brazier said. “And while they’re distracted by the view, they might not see a truck coming around the bend that is taking up half the road.” The Bugle asked whether Mr Brazier would be open to a schedule for trucks to move through the town at a certain time and while he said he could not speak for the residents of Gerringong and Gerroa, “I would think that some improvements could be made if they’re going to insist on these trucks.” Mr Brazier and a group of residents exercised their democratic right and asked for the exhibition period to be extended. “We wrote to Carl Dumpleton who is the project manager for the Department of Planning [Housing and Infrastructure] on this project and we also asked Kiama MP Katelin McInerney to shoot off a letter to Paul Scully [NSW Minister for Planning],” he said. “As a result, we received a week extension – it would have been nice to get the two, but we only got one.  “What we did prior to [making those submissions] and after receiving the week extension, is to send out information to as many people as we can to let them know what is happening, so that they can choose whether they want to object or support it.”The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure is collating submissions from a State Significant Development modification of the Gerroa Quarry – Gerroa Sand Production Increase project application. The Gerroa Sand Quarry, recently acquired by the Maas Group but still operating under Cleary Bros, is seeking to increase the annual product transport limit at the quarry to 120,000 tonnes per annum – a 50% increase from 80,000 tonnes. A truck waiting to leave the Gerroa Quarry. Photo: The BugleA report from the Kiama Council’s director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson recommends that Council endorse the increase from 80,000 to 120,000 tonnes per annum at next Tuesday’s monthly meeting.Kiama Council did not wish to make any comment when contacted by The Bugle. Maas Group did not respond to requests for comment.  The Environmental Protection Authority earlier this week announced SOILCO would be fined $30,000 after taking in more than 12,000 tonnes of mulch and garden waste above its approved annual waste limit at its Longreach composting facility west of Nowra.

When legendary Australian folk band The Waifs rolled into town for the recent Red Hot Summer Tour they had planned a pre-show lunch stop at Berry Bakery.The band - Western Australian sisters Donna Simpson and Vicki Thorne and Tuross Heads local Josh Cunningham - have been popping into the bakery for more than three decades on their way to Josh’s home town during east coast tours in their trusty van.“We would fang the Toyota Hiace early in the morning in time to hit the Berry Bakery after a show at the Wollongong Uni,” the Waifs recalled on their Facebook page after the beloved band’s recent gig at Berry Showground for the Red Hot Summer Tour.“It’s now 2025 and the Berry Bakery had a line that was too long for us before the show. Good for them! Keep baking away you mob cos we’ve loved your produce for years.”Lines were “out the door” across the town for the recent Red Hot Summer Tour concert, with Berry's population swelling by thousands and bringing an economic boon to businesses.Publicans at The Berry Hotel and Great Southern Hotel said bar staff were “run off their feet” and bistro bookings were at capacity.Crowded House. Photo: Henry KatzWith Crowded House headlining the festival and support acts including Vika and Linda Bull with Mark Seymour, Angus and Julia Stone and The Church along with The Waifs, the tour sold out within days of tickets being released.The Red Hot Summer tour will return to Berry in February with master storyteller Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, and Jess Hitchcock.And with the most recent event proving a hit with punters and local businesses alike, it is expected to again reach maximum capacity.A 2024 Live Music Census found long toilet, food and bar lines and delays entering and exiting concerts and festivals were the biggest turn-offs for fans.But Berry nailed it with the number of ladies loos almost double that of the men. Bars were plentiful and lines non-existent and while there were queues for food, the ability for people to bring their own snacks, from boxes of Cheezels to a cheese platter, meant no one left hungry.One festival-goer labelled it “the most civilised gig ever”. Another noted it was “unprecedented” for the men’s loo queue to be longer than the ladies at a festival.Neil Finn lights up Berry. Photo: Silvie MacdonaldWhile there were lines to exit the festival, concert-goers were patient for the most part and traffic management strategies were in place to ensure exiting the town and hitting the freeway was relatively smooth-sailing.The Red Hot Summer tours appear to be bucking industry trends, with a report by Creative Australia in April finding a downturn in the number of Aussies tuning in to homegrown music.The report noted although there was “a slight increase in live music attendance, industry revenue was mostly driven by international tours presented at major venues”.“In recent years music festival organisers have been faced with unprecedented challenges due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, regulatory changes and rising operational costs,” says Creative Australia.Challenges Kiama knows all too well. Two major festivals - Changing Tides and Folk By The Sea - recently pulled the pin on planned shows in a massive blow to the town’s event calendar.Both cited poor ticket sales with Folk By The Sea - a Kiama institution for more than a decade - saying the decision was necessary “due to the key challenge of attracting patrons from outside the area”.Aus rock icon Mark Seymour. Photo: Henry Katz Kiama Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee chair Matt Brown labelled the Changing Tides cancellation “a shame for the operators and the locals who love to see big headline acts in their own backyard”.He said major events were part of Kiama’s “destination marketing” and the cancellations of Changing Tides and Folk By The Sea would have a “significant impact on the Kiama economy”.It is estimated patrons spend around $300 during their stay, resulting in a more than $5 million dollar hit to the town’s economy after both festival cancellations.This figure is backed up by a cost-benefit analysis carried out by Australia's Live Music Office, which found that for every dollar spent on live music in Australia $3 worth of benefits are returned to the wider community.The Creative Australia report found Australian music festivals are experiencing “a period of significant adaptation, facing changing patterns of audience behaviour and later purchasing of tickets”.Berry Showground was packed when The Waifs opened the concert. Photo: Henry Katz

Landcare Illawarra is calling on local residents to connect with the natural world at Jerrara Wetlands and Rainforest Reserve.Picnic for Nature will be held this Sunday from 8am to 1pm as part of the Nature Conservation Council’s statewide celebration.Landcare Illawarra has partnered with Kiama Council to form a new volunteer group that will help manage the reserve, with plans to begin work later this year.Everyone is welcome to bring family, friends, and a picnic to enjoy a day surrounded by nature. An engaging line-up of guided walks and talks is planned for visitors.The 54-hectare reserve is located on Mt Brandon Road, between Kiama and Jamberoo. The site was once home to the Jerrara Dam, part of an early water supply scheme that never worked as intended. The dam was recommissioned in the 1950s, and over time, the area transformed into a haven for native birds, becoming a popular birdwatching destination.In 1996, Kiama Council prepared a management plan to preserve and enhance the reserve’s natural features. Decades of regeneration along the creeks, supported by Council and volunteers, have turned Jerrara into one of the few freshwater wetland habitats on the South Coast. It now supports more than 179 bird species and offers visitors the chance to experience nature in a low-impact, environmentally sustainable way.“It’s an open community space where anyone can come and enjoy the environment,” Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association secretary Ros Neilson said. “This includes bird watchers, walkers, and people who just want some peace and quiet in the green open space.”Activities begin at 8am with a bird identification walk led by the Illawarra Birders, exploring one of the South Coast’s most species-rich sites. At 10am, local plant expert Carl Glaister will guide visitors through the rainforest species and arboretum plantings that make Jerrara unique.At 11am, botanist and ecologist Kevin Mills will lead a plant ID walk. The reserve contains stands of the endangered Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest, two threatened plant species, and several regionally rare ones. At noon, a group information session will introduce the new Landcare site near the dam viewing platform, where visitors can learn how to get involved in caring for the reserve. Experts will also share insights on Citizen Science projects supporting local biodiversity, including Alison Mellor from Invertebrates Australia, who will present Bug Hunt and Bugs in My Backyard.Organised volunteer groups also use the reserve for training and conservation activities.John Friedmann, JVRRA chair and Landcare volunteer, said the Rural Fire Service had used the area as a wilderness training site for several years.“It’s good for us because it’s isolated,” Friedmann said. “We can make a fair bit of noise and not disturb any people, whereas we can’t do that around Jamberoo because people get a bit disturbed when they hear the noise of pumps and sirens.”Over the years, various ideas have been floated for the site — from a fishing spot to a concert venue, and most recently, a “glamping” site.Neilson recalled a moment that spurred community action.“There was one councillor who put up a question for notice at Kiama Council business papers: ‘Could you give reasons why the Jerrara Reserve should not be sold at auction?’ When the community saw this, we thought we need to make sure that there are other voices heard,” Neilson said.In response, the ratepayers gathered representatives from RFS, Landcare, WIRES, bird observers, naturalists, bush regenerators, and botanists to discuss the reserve’s future.“The overwhelming vote was to preserve and enhance the environmental qualities,” Neilson said. “There were no other wetlands in the Illawarra area, besides one small one in Spring Creek.”The Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service  (WIRES) has recently been given permission by Kiama Council to lease a small area of land near the gate for a new wombat joey enclosure.“They’re normally taken care of by their mothers for a couple of years, but the mothers have been killed on the roads,” Neilson said. “They get the surviving joeys, and once they’re ready, put them into a state-of-the-art enclosure to practice safely learning how to be grown up.”The space will allow the young wombats to burrow and forage safely, away from the built environment — a project Neilson described as “a big investment” made possible through Council’s support.Sunday’s event is free and open to everyone, though registration is required for guided walks. Those attending only the picnic can register at: humanitix.com/jerrara-wetlands-and-rainforest-picnic-for-nature-2025.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has gone on the front foot after community backlash to the proposal to build a 14-storey development in the town centre.Cr McDonald issued a statement on Friday to explain that Kiama Council is opposed to the Level 33 development being allowed to go any higher than the seven storeys that they had approved. There is potential for that height limit to be doubled by the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority and Council, which is engaged in a legal battle with Level 33, will effectively be sidelined from the approval process if the project is declared a State Significant Development by Planning Minister Paul Scully."Let me be absolutely clear. As Mayor, I do not support 14-storey buildings anywhere in Kiama. They are far too high and completely out of character for our town," he wrote."Council has written to Minister Paul Scully to communicate the community’s concerns — and I encourage residents who share those concerns to do the same. I will be tabling our letter publicly at our next Council meeting.There are proposals in the pipeline for 14-storey and six-storey developments at either end of Akuna Street as well as a three-storey commercial and residential building to replace the car park on the southern side of the street.Cr McDonald pointed out that Council is currently involved in a Local Environmental Court case brought by developer Level 33 regarding its Development Application."Council is defending its planning controls, which found the DA too high, too bulky, and raised traffic concerns. When summonsed, Council is legally obliged to defend its position. We hope this matter will be resolved soon," he added."Separately, Level 33 has asked the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority to declare the site a State Significant Development and permit a 14-storey building. This is a matter for the NSW Government and the Minister, not Council."Complicating matters is the fact that Council is pushing ahead with a joint project with the State Government to rezone the Shoalhaven Street Precinct, the Council-owned land opposite Kiama Bowling Club, including the Works Depot, which is currently zoned as industrial."Council resolved to rezone this land from industrial to residential under our adopted Local Housing Strategy. The NSW Government has now declared the rezoning project State Significant, which Council has welcomed," Cr McDonald wrote. "No development can occur until rezoning is complete. No DA has been lodged. In simple terms: this is about changing the zoning, not approving any buildings."Images shown during the NSW Government’s exhibition are illustrative only. They do not represent approved designs or heights. "Detailed planning — including building heights, design, traffic, parking and public consultation — will occur later through the normal DA and DCP processes."I understand people are anxious as there will be change to that site, so it’s important that the process is clear and that the community is consulted."Council wants to see a 450-home residential community for the land bordered by Shoalhaven, Barney, Belvedere and Noorinan streets.The Shoalhaven Street Precinct rezoning proposal is being led by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and is on public exhibition until 3 December.Cr McDonald is encouraging local residents to have their say via www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au.

Sit back and relax while reading this week's edition of The Bugle, filled with a wide range of news and views from our local South Coast community.Our top story centres on the feedback from the community to last week's revelations that a 14-storey development could be on the way for Kiama's town centre.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HERENSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has had his say, along with Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Chris Rath, who also details his thoughts on how the local housing market should evolve.Scully said the NSW Government was responding to the wishes of local residents who did not want to see new housing estates swallowing up the green hills that make the surrounding region so picturesque.“Kiama residents have previously expressed a desire not to see extensive greenfield development – that means that additional density needs to be seriously considered if Kiama’s housing pressures are to be relieved,” Scully told The Bugle.“There is no part of NSW that is not in need of more housing.You can also read plenty of great community stories including an 82-year-old from Gerringong giving much younger fitness competitors a run for their money, the commemorations for Remembrance Day and efforts to preserve the Jerrara Wetlands.In sport, you can read about Lucy Darragh's win in Taiwan,young surfer rewriting the history books with the Jones Beach Boardriders and all the latest in South Coast cricket.

The gardens at Peace Park have fallen victim to yet another theft.Illawarra Rose Society’s Colin Hollis was heartbroken when he arrived at the site on Tuesday morning to discover multiple flowers had been carelessly uprooted in an act he calls “pure vandalism”.Colin Hollis at Peace Park.Hollis, who is also the NSW Rose Society president, said the local volunteers were fed up with hoodlums engaging in this kind of antisocial behaviour. The Rose Society is torn on what to do to remedy future incidents, believing that the installation of fencing and surveillance cameras would detract from the park’s aesthetic appeal.“What’s the point of having a rose garden if you’ve gotta climb over barbed wire to get to it?” Hollis said. “We’re wondering if it’s worthwhile [having] us continue with this and putting effort into it if this is the result.”The park suffered a similar string of incidents last year.This time, the damage included three Pierre De Ronsard roses and the St Patrick display, which commemorates the historical link between Northern Ireland and Kiama.“It’s disappointing to see vandalism,” said Rose Society member Grahame Commins. “It’s a pleasure for a lot of people, I reckon it’s the hidden gem of Kiama.”If anyone has information about the latest incident, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The new Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Chris Rath, believes the Coalition can alleviate the housing problems in the region if they can get back into government. Rath recently stepped into the role, taking over from Deputy Liberal Leader Natalie Ward and the Wollongong-born Upper House MP is adamant the Coalition has the policies to solve the widespread issue. The Coalition will have to wait until early 2027 before the NSW electorate goes back to the polls but Rath said their recently announced policy of stamp duty concessions for downsizers was the kind of action needed.“We have this situation at the moment where there's a lot of older people that are in large houses that want to downsize - empty nesters,” he said.“But they would be hit with a huge stamp duty bill if they were to move to the next place. And it's often a disincentive. “And it means that those houses aren't then put on the market for younger Australians to buy. “I think is a really positive policy because, particularly in the Kiama area, housing is such a massive issue. It's incredibly expensive.”Rath supports development in town centres as the appropriate place for extra density.“You've got to get the balance right. And you've got to bring the community with you,” he said.“It's not unreasonable for people to want the infrastructure to keep pace with housing supply and for them to want to be consulted in the process. “We do need more housing everywhere. We can't just oppose all housing and say that our own community must look exactly the same today as it did 50 years ago or will in 50 years’ time. “Every area is going to change, but it's got to be done in the right way.”Rath, who attended St Patrick's Primary School at Port Kembla and Edmund Rice College before he went to Sydney for university, is moving back to the area.When he was approached by Opposition Leader Mark Speakman to take on the Shadow Minister’s role, he was thrilled. “I think it made sense from Mark's perspective when he did approach me to put me into the role as someone who's moving back to the area, grew up in the area, his friends and family are there, who knows the area really well to represent it,” he said.“I don't think there's any greater honour than to be able to represent and advocate for the area that you grew up in and a part of the world that you love and that you want to see thrive and prosper.”Labor is dominating the political landscape along the South Coast at state and federal level.“This is a problem for the Liberal Party - from Helensburgh to the Victorian border, we don't have any Liberal representation,” Rath added.“And if you go back not that long ago, state and federally, we had a lot of seats - we had the state seat of Heathcote, we had Kiama, we had South Coast, we had Bega. Now we don't have any of them. “So, hopefully as a member of the Upper House, who will be based locally, at least there will be some Liberal representation in the Illawarra, and I think that's important to hold Labor to account as well. “We want to present our views, our policy ideas, we think we've got the better approach, we want to try and win back some of these seats.”Rath said problems with railway commuter times, highway traffic around Dapto and Nowra, and hospital waiting lists were other issues that were not being properly addressed by the Government on the South Coast.