Like so many others across NSW, and the world, we at The Bugle were stopped cold by the news from Bondi Beach. A place so often associated with sunshine, friendship and salt spray, much like our home, suddenly became the backdrop to a tragedy that’s almost too painful to process. Watching the reports and vision on social media unfold felt surreal seeing the most iconic beach in Australia, and hearing words like “shooting” and “fatalities” in the same breath. It was as though a bright piece of Australia’s heart had gone still.In Kiama, our small seaside town often feels sheltered from such horrors. We talk about surf conditions, weekend markets, and housing proposals before we talk about crime scenes. But Bondi isn’t far, a two-hour drive up the coast, a place many of us have walked barefoot along in the summer. When tragedy happens there, it shakes the illusion that peace belongs only to small towns like ours.The shock has been immense, and the grief has rippled far beyond the city’s borders. We feel for those families who woke that morning thinking it was just another weekend, who could never have imagined the call they would receive, the chaos they would see on their phones, the fear that would settle into their hearts. It’s a reminder that the fragility of safety isn’t something only “big city people” contend with. It’s part of all our lives now.In the hours since the shooting, the expected debates have already returned about gun control, security, retribution and policing. But as important as those conversations are, there’s a deeper need right now for empathy and human connection. The images from Bondi aren’t statistics or headlines - they’re stories of neighbours, parents, friends and tourists. Here in Kiama, we’ve seen time and time again how people rally when others are hurting.After floods, bushfires, and local losses, we’ve baked cakes, opened spare rooms, and passed the hat around. Maybe that’s what empathy looks like on a larger scale too — not turning away from Bondi’s pain because it feels too far or too heavy, but carrying a little of it with us.With the tragedy striking more than a hundred kilometres away, it’s easy to think that there is little that we can do to help. The day after the attack, streams of people were lining up outside Lifeblood donation centres in Sydney and Wollongong, doing their little bit to help. So if you’re thinking about how to contribute, next time you’re in Wollongong, spare a bit of time to roll up your sleeve.The sight of police tape against bright sand will fade in time, replaced once again by beach umbrellas and laughter. But the echo of this moment will linger. It reminds us how precious it is to feel safe, to greet strangers with kindness, and to never take a peaceful Sunday afternoon for granted. For now, from one coastal community to another, Kiama stands with Bondi, grieving, bewildered, and holding fast to hope that light will return to the shore.

Gerringong Lions have been busy preparing for the return of the big Christmas Parade on Saturday (20 December) from 10am. The parade, sponsored by Kiama Council through The Signature Event Funding Program along with The Gerringong Bowling Club and Bendigo Bank, will leave Michael Cronin Oval and move into Fern St and then turn left into Belinda St and back up behind the Old School Park and back to the Oval.This will mean some temporary road closures from 9am-11.30am with detours in place. Affected streets will be letterbox-dropped with the details.Almost 30 floats have signed up, with a line-up of some old favourites as well as new ones. Floats include Shoalhaven City Pipes and Drums as well as The Kiama Pipe Band, and local sporting teams and businesses. Excitingly, the Gerringong Lions are also welcoming back our local furry donkey to take part and there will be a a visit from Santa with an opportunity for children to get a photo with him at the end of the parade. The crowd will be entertained by The Hot Potato Roving Band with the event compared by former Wave FM breakfast host Jade Aroha Tonta.Any organisations or clubs that haven’t applied to enter this year’s parade, can do so by emailing GerringongChristmasParade@gmail.com The final tickets for the Lions’ Xmas Raffle will be on sale and the winner will be drawn following the parade. Money raised will go to supporting children with the opportunity to attend Outward Bound Australia, an outdoor education program that inspires and empowers children.Gerringong Lions Support SAHSSIOver the past four weeks, Gerringong Lions have been collecting items for Supported Accommodation and Homeless Services Shoalhaven Illawarra with a trolley located in Khan’s IGA at Gerringong. All of the items, generously donated by the community have been boxed and will be delivered to SAHSSI. Lions have also kicked in cash to purchase extra items. Many thanks to Gerringong IGA for donating the trolley and allowing the items to be collected.

There’s something unmistakable about this time of year in Kiama. The temperature heats up, the days get longer, the beaches buzz with life, the scent of sunscreen returns, and suddenly Christmas is upon us, whether we are ready for it or not. It’s a season that I love. It’s a time for family and friends, to reflect on the year that’s been and to recharge for the year ahead. I am always reminded how lucky we are to live in this country and region. It’s a time to consider those less fortunate, whether it is in our own family group, local community or further afield.The past year has been one of the most significant in Kiama Council’s recent history. We’ve made major decisions that will shape our future for decades, not just years. We’ve stabilised our financial footing, progressed long-term planning, addressed difficult issues, and set clearer priorities for the kind of region we want to become. None of this has been easy, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done. And even prouder of the people who have put their shoulder to the wheel to get us here.Of course, Christmas and summer go hand-in-hand in Australia, and every year we’re reminded of both the joy and the responsibility that comes with living by the ocean. Last year our region experienced heartbreaking drownings, including Kiama and Gerringong and those tragedies remain front of mind as our beaches begin to fill once again. The message is simple but vital: please take care around the water this summer. Swim between the flags, pay attention to lifeguards and lifesavers, and keep an eye on the conditions. A moment’s caution can spare a lifetime of grief. I want everyone in our area to enjoy our coastline safely with happy memories, not heartbreaking ones.Looking ahead to 2026, there is much to be excited about. Across the Illawarra, we’re seeing momentum in housing planning, infrastructure projects, cultural events and economic development. Kiama will continue to play its part, protecting what makes our LGA unique while leaning into opportunities that strengthen the region. We’re committed to being constructive partners, collaborating with neighbouring councils, state agencies, local businesses and community groups to build a stronger, more connected Illawarra.Christmas is also a chance to pause and appreciate loved ones. For me, it’s a time to reflect on what matters most, and to be sincerely grateful for the privilege of serving this community.Thank you to everyone across Kiama and the wider region for your support, honesty and community spirit throughout the year. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and a safe and enjoyable summer.

For many parents this week’s social media ban brings a sense of relief; no more dinner table or bedtime battles over screens.But for many young people it comes with a sense of loss and isolation from their social networks.From Wednesday, anyone aged under 16 was locked out of accessing platforms like YouTube, TikTok, SnapChat, Instagram and Facebook and social media companies who don't enforce the ban could face hefty fines of up to $50 million.But parents also have an important role to play in ensuring kids don’t find workarounds to the safeguards.Kiama Unplugged founder Jane Bourne says many parents and young people have been preparing for the ban for months by joining the charity’s screen-free activities.The Unplugged initiative - organised by Jane, a civil celebrant, and her husband Ian, a pilot, all at their own expense - has been helping the community to disconnect from their phones and reconnect with each other through a range of social activities since September last year.Now, with the world’s gaze firmly on Australia to gauge the impact of the bans, Kiama Unplugged has stepped into the breach to help parents and young people successfully navigate the new rules.“In the coming weeks, with the new law around delaying social media until children are 16, we know there are going to be a lot of stories to be told and shared,” says Jane.“As the founder of Kiama Unplugged, and also Australia Unplugged, I really want to support young people and their families, and to help people see the benefits that this age delay will have.Jane and Ian Bourne. Photo: Ella Gunning“On Wednesday we had a stall at Kiama Farmers Market and so many families engaged and connected with us about the ban.“It's so important for parents to have conversations with their teenagers about the age delay, be curious, and find out what social media meant to them and what they'll miss. We need to be validating their emotions.”Kiama MP Katelin McInerney popped by the market stall on Wednesday, saying the ban was “a good step in the right direction”.“Our young people will need more support over the coming holiday period and in the next school year adjusting to their new social media free norm.“All of us can do our bit to check in. It’s great to see Unplugged offering great screen-free alternatives for real world connection in our beautiful backyard.”Jane believes listening to “the voice of young people” is essential to successfully navigating social media changes.“Our information gathering session was a key driver in understanding the views of local high school aged kids so we can work alongside young people to ensure they remain socially connected when they are offline,” says Jane.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the ban “will change lives for Australian kids, allowing them to just have their childhood”."It is one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced," he said."It's a profound reform, which will continue to reverberate around the world in coming months, to assist not just this generation, but generations to come. It is about our families taking back control."Jane says the fact that the ban is encouraging different forms of engagement and interaction means it is already working and young people are genuinely craving real social connections.“We ran activities like decorating skateboards - kindly donated by local business Creative Kooks - and talked to young people about the positives and negatives of this ban,” says Jane.Photo: Ella Gunning“We had games and a lucky dip to win giveaways donated by local businesses.“There were lots of conversations about how people can get more involved in Kiama Unplugged, sign our pledge to delay smartphones and volunteer to join our youth advisory board.”While Jane understands banning social media won’t solve all of the issues faced by teens in today’s fast-paced world, she hopes it will better protect youth mental health and in some instances, save lives, in part by reducing the online bullying many teens can face on social media.“Online bullying follows kids from the moment they wake up, to school, to their bedroom until they finally sleep,” says Jane.“There is often no escape and the relentless bullying through group chats, screenshots and shares can have devastating consequences.”Kiama Unplugged has long been an advocate to “let kids be kids through play, connection, sport and support”.“We need to replace that sense of community many kids feel through their social media channels,” says Jane.Many experts have called for a return of the Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers without means tests.This would allow a wider cohort of teens to find their tribe outside of screens, without adding more financial pressure on families.Jane also recommends making a plan for the summer holidays.“They will have all this time that they used to spend on social media, find and encourage other ways for them to discover that sense of belonging, identity and creativity, but in real life,” says Jane.“New outlets for creativity could be video, photo or music editing, creative coding, writing or journaling, learning a language or music.“The way our 12- to 15-year-olds were accessing dopamine has significantly changed, and we need to help them find healthier and more positive ways to replace that.”

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. A great song by American crooner Andy Willams, to celebrate the Christmas season and the joy and festivities that follow.Somewhere along the way, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Reserve Bank of Australia must have missed the memo. Driven by the mid-year budget update to be handed down next week, Chalmers announced an end to the controversial energy bill rebates that were first rolled out in mid-2023 to families and small business. Controversial, not to the families in our region and across the country who were and are still in need of cost-of-living relief, but controversial in the sense that the rebates likely contributed to the headline yearly inflation rate of 3.8%.Only a couple of months ago, many economists and pundits were positing just how many interest rate cuts there would be towards the end of 2025 and into 2026. The Reserve Bank decided to hold interest rates at 3.6% in their December meeting this week, and in its statement said it was carefully watching how the economy was responding to three interest rate cuts over the last year.If heightened spending continues over the Christmas break and well into January, what once seemed unfathomable might be a reality – that come the first week of February in 2026, we might have an interest rate rise. When it comes to inflation, budgets and cost of living, it is never completely straightforward. There are push and pull impacts, positives and negatives, pluses and minuses – it all depends on your perspective. Previous interest rate cuts have provided some mortgage repayment relief for homeowners, and this has allowed greater flexibly within household budgets – a positive. However, these rate cuts have also increased the ability (or at least the perceived ability) for prospective purchasers to buy a home. This demand, still with the relatively scarce amount of houses for sale, has led to house prices in NSW increasing by 6.4% over the last year – a negative. House prices going up? If you’re an existing homeowner looking to downsize, or utilise that equity to buy another property? A plus.House prices going up? If you’re a first homeowner, living with your family, trying to move into your own house in the same region or suburb you grew up in? A minus. Analysis from AMP chief economist Shane Oliver now says that cost-of-living pressures are tipped to continue into the 2030s when inflation and purchasing power finally gets back to pre-Covid levels. This is because inflation continues to grow at a rate that is faster than wages, highlighted by 2020 when inflation was 4% greater than wages growth. In the hustle and bustle of organising presents, meals and festivities at this time of year, we rarely think about where the economy might sit in three or six months’ time.Whilst this news and analysis might not have been on the Christmas wish list, The Bugle’s View is that we should still rejoice in spending time with family and loved ones, reflecting on how we all survived and (hopefully) grew in 2025!

When the owner of Saltwater Café on Terralong Street, Gülçin Töpel stepped onto the stage to accept the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award in the café category, she carried with her the story of an immigrant who has spent more than a decade turning hard work into hospitality, community and local jobs.The Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards are designed to celebrate not just profitability but contribution - how businesses employ locals, support suppliers and show up for their communities.In the café category, judges look for more than good coffee and a great seafood platter; they look for leadership, resilience and the creation of a identity, all qualities that Saltwater has demonstrated through COVID-19 lockdowns, labour shortages and rising costs.For Töpel, receiving this and other accolades (Saltwater won the Most Outstanding Restaurant at the 2023 Illawarra & South Coast Local Business Awards) has been deeply personal; she has spoken about her pride in achieving this as an immigrant and her belief that others can do the same, framing the award less as a finish line and more as an invitation for others to back themselves.On social media, the Saltwater team has cast the win as a victory for “family, friends, staff and community,” a reminder that small business success is rarely an individual act.After spending her childhood in Adana, a city in southern Turkey, Töpel relocated to Sydney in 2020 where she felt that experience and city had a distinct lack of alignment with her values.Thankfully, for us, she decided to purchase Saltwater Café in 2021 and the rest as they say is (award winning) history.“They were a bit hungry for money” she says of the Sydney hospitality industry.“Money may help a business grow, but money is not everything."If you don’t have a great heart, you can’t do anything.”For Topel, these words are an important reflection of who she is, why she’s here, and what she wants to contribute. They are certainly not “just talk”.Immediately after the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake, Töpel donated 100% of Saltwater’s earnings to Turkish charities and was well supported by Kiama locals and visitors.In the national conversation, immigrants are often reduced to numbers in a population growth spreadsheet, blamed by some for soaring rents and tight vacancy rates and unaffordable house prices.Concerningly, this narrative is well entrenched across our community’s social media pages.Yet this story is one of many, detailing how migrants expand economic prosperity rather than simply consume it - creating jobs, taking entrepreneurial risks and drawing visitors who spend money in regional towns.A busy café like Saltwater supports local landlords, food producers and wholesalers, and helps keep Kiama’s high street vibrant, which in turn sustains broader investment and a positive outlook in the town.As Canberra and Macquarie Street wrestle with migration caps, zoning reforms and housing targets, Kiama’s newest national champion stands as a reminder that people are more than inputs into the housing crisis equation.The Bugle’s View is that instead of striving to keep immigrants out to “protect” housing affordability, the better approach is to celebrate our community and those that have had the wherewithal to leave Turkey and make a new home in Terralong.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Kiama U3A is the local arm of the worldwide U3A organisation that provides informal and affordable learning as well as social activities.Its members are generally 50-plus who are retired or semi-retired and are looking to keep their minds and bodies active.“This Christmas, Kiama U3A is offering a special ‘Gift of Membership’ that is a great present for anyone with a little extra time on their hands who would enjoy meeting new people and participating in interesting activities” Kiama U3A president Charles Walker told The Bugle.Walker added that “for just $30, you can give a gift of 12-month membership that covers all four terms in 2026”.Your membership gift entitles the recipient to a range of benefits including:- Free weekly talks on topics ranging from Famous Empires to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.- Low-cost general courses covering everything from Great Inventions to Living in Victorian Times.- Exercise classes such as Tai Chi for Beginners and social activities such as Mah Jong.- Excursions to various places of interest such as Cockatoo Island.Next year is shaping up to be a great year for Kiama U3A members with several new courses in the pipeline.For instance, some short courses being considered are an introduction to AI, how to take great photos with your smart phone as well as guest speakers from the University of Wollongong who will talk about their research projects.Kiama U3A is also looking to introduce Lunch and Learn sessions which would combine a social lunch with a thought-provoking guest speaker.Other activities being planned are excursions to places such as Venus Shell Systems in Nowra where they produce innovative products from seaweed, a tour of the Sydney Observatory, musical performances, and more!For those who feel like getting more involved, there are also lots of opportunities for members to take a more active role.As a member-run organisation, members are welcome to participate in a variety of tasks ranging from planning activities to providing technical support to giving a talk on an area of interest.To arrange your gift membership, simply go to the “Events” section on the Kiama U3A website where you can order your gift online.Please note - this is paid content

November has been a busy month for Kiama Business Network, filled with events, community initiatives and achievements that highlight the strength and spirit of our local business community. From networking opportunities to major fundraising efforts, November has set a strong tone as we head toward the end of the year.Business Connect at The Collective BeatWe wrapped up October with our Business Connect evening at The Collective Beat Kiama, where KBN members gathered to share updates, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. These evenings play an important role in strengthening our business community, giving members dedicated time to promote their services and build relationships. The atmosphere was warm and engaging, and we extend our thanks to Sheree Bailey and her team for providing such a welcoming venue and delicious feast.Coffee Connect at Slow DoughThe ever-popular Coffee Connect was this month hosted by KBN members Lucy and Richard King from Slow Dough. It was worth the early morning start. They provide just the right mix of a relaxed outdoor setting with delicious treats, creating the perfect environment for members to meet, chat and share ideas. Conversations ranged from upcoming events to shared challenges and new collaborations, making it another successful morning of community building.KBN takes on the Kiama Ultra ChallengeMid-month, KBN proudly supported and took part in the Kiama Ultra Challenge, a charity fundraiser based around ultra-endurance indoor rowing and cycling at the local surf club. Our KBN team was a wonderfully mixed group of members with all levels of fitness, but everyone embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and plenty of encouragement. The standout moment of the day was watching KBN member Nardia Guillaumier complete her incredible 100km rowing challenge, contributing to an extraordinary $64,847 raised for charity. It was a fantastic event to be part of, and the spirit displayed by the community was truly inspiring.Local Retail & Food Map releasedNovember also saw the soft launch of the KBN Local Retail & Food Map, a project designed to shine a spotlight on how many exceptional businesses Kiama has packed into its town centre. In just a small cluster of surrounding streets, we identified over 100 retailers, cafés, restaurants and services, demonstrating the strength and diversity of our local offering.This initial map release is just the beginning. A larger, more detailed version will be unveiled in late December, expanding across more areas and providing visitors and locals with an easy way to discover and support local businesses during the busy holiday season and beyond. The project has already received excellent feedback and is set to become an ongoing fixture in our “shop local” efforts. We’re excited to be working with local illustrator Felicity Gardner, whose talent will help bring this initiative to life.Celebrating excellence: Saltwater cafe wins national awardKBN recently celebrated the national success of one of its members, Saltwater café. They were awarded the Australian Small Business Champion Award in the café category, a prestigious achievement, triumphing over cafés from right across Australia.This recognition is a testament to their hard work, exceptional service and commitment to quality. KBN congratulates Gulcin Topel and her Saltwater team on an incredible and well-deserved win.Looking aheadNovember has been a month full of connection, energy and impressive achievements within the Kiama business community. As we prepare for the festive season and welcome the year ahead, KBN remains committed to supporting and promoting local businesses through collaboration, advocacy and community-building initiatives.Please note - this is paid content

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

Kiama is at its best when we come together on the things that matter, and over recent weeks, you’ve made it clear just how much the future of Kiama’s town centre means to you. I met this week with our local MP, Katelin McInerney, to talk through two planning matters currently in front of us, and we’re united in wanting the same thing: a future for Kiama that respects our character and keeps the community involved. My position is I do not support the proposal for a 14-storey building in Akuna Street. It’s out of character for our town and raises significant concerns we cannot ignore. I understand the confusion about these two very separate NSW Government planning processes affecting central Kiama, one being Shoalhaven Street Precinct and the other being Akuna Street.It’s important to acknowledge that they are very different matters. Shoalhaven Street Precinct Council has resolved to rezone the Shoalhaven Street Precinct, including the Works Depot, from industrial to residential under our Local Housing Strategy. The NSW Government has declared this rezoning process State Significant. Right now, this proposal is only about rezoning – no development can occur until that process is complete. There is no Development Application (DA). The images you may have seen are concepts from the NSW Planning Department, not approved designs, heights, or plans. Detailed planning – including building heights, design, traffic, parking and infrastructure – will happen later through the normal DCP and DA process, with full community consultation. Why this site? It’s in the heart of Kiama, close to transport, shops and schools – an ideal location for housing rather than industry. This was identified in our Housing Strategy, which was shaped with strong community input. Your voice matters. I have been out and about listening to the community and your concerns and I can assure you that, when we reach the DCP and DA stages, you’ll help shape key details like height, density, and character. For now, the first step is rezoning. You can have your say on the NSW Government’s Planning Portal until 3 December. Akuna Street This land is privately owned by Level 33. Council is defending its planning controls in the Land and Environment Court because the Development Application was simply too much: too high, too bulky, and with major traffic impacts. We didn’t choose to go to court - we were summonsed and are legally required to defend our position.Separately, Level 33 has asked the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority to declare the site State Significant and allow a 14-storey building.That is not a Council decision. I’ve written to Minister Paul Scully outlining community concerns. The letter was tabled publicly at the November Council meeting. I also note that our State Member has expressed her concerns. I will continue to meet with our NSW and Federal MPs and Ministers to advocate on behalf of our community. Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal As we look ahead to Christmas, I’m also inviting everyone to help brighten the season for local families through the Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal. You can drop new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 14 years at Council’s Admin Building, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library or The Pavilion until 12 December. Your generosity makes a real difference ... and it reflects the very best of Kiama. Please note - this is paid content

What do we need to do to maintain our roses during late spring and into summer?For hybrid teas, it is common for some of those blooms to become spent and gather botrytis due to excessive moisture.We need to do a little bit of pruning, and that can be undertaken when you're actually cutting roses as a cut flower as well.If you go back from where the stem emerges and count five nodes up, make a cut at 45 degrees–just above the node–and you can remove that flower.That will then leave you with ample foliage for the rose to photosynthesise by and produce another flush of flowers over summer.So if you do that to the entire bush, you will end up with a rose that's been slightly pruned and well maintained, encouraging good, strong, and new growth. To get that new growth going, I would use Sudden Impact for Roses. This is a granular fertiliser and rose growers swear by it. You can also get it in a liquid form. As you’re pruning, just keep your eyes peeled and look across your roses to see if there are any signs on the new growth or the old foliage of things such as these little sap sucking insects here, the aphids. We could use a soapy water spray just to control those, but it's not a big population.You could just remove them by squashing them with your fingers if you're inclined.So for rose maintenance, regular tip pruning or deadheading keep them fertilised over late spring and into summer.Make sure you have ample moisture and if you watch out for fungal diseases and insect pests, your roses are going to look just as stunning as all of the ones in Peace Park.Please note - this is paid content

Zoning, Local Housing Strategy, State Significant Development, State Significant Rezoning, Housing Delivery Authority … Over the past couple of weeks it has felt like ABC’s hit show Utopia has come to Kiama and we are doing enough planning and development for the entire nation.It’s clear the face, shape and feel of our towns will change.It would be impossible for the thousands of homes that Kiama Council is planning to not change something.Now that the Local Housing Strategy has been endorsed by the NSW Government, the growth agenda has been formally adopted.Council is still in the rezoning stage and no designs, DCP or DA has been lodged yet for a proposed eight storeys at the Kiama Depot Shoalhaven Street Precinct, and Mayor Cameron McDonald has been unequivocal that he does not support 14-storey buildings anywhere in Kiama.Whether it’s three, six, eight, 14 storeys, or 40 hectares, as is the case for the South Kiama precinct – there will be change to our landscapes, rolling hills and main streets.This has and will continue to be derided as change nobody wants.But whether a town has some high-rise buildings, or whether it extends beyond existing boundaries does not fundamentally change what makes our town special – the community.The Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal has kicked off and is a reminder to us all that even the smallest gift can make the biggest impact on those who are less fortunate.“With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on households, many families will struggle to afford gifts this year. Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring joy to a child and reminds them that their community cares,” he said.With significant levels of rental and housing stress in the area, many in our community will not be able to give a gift to their little ones, so The Bugle is calling on the community to give, give, give.No matter how big or small, new (unwrapped) gifts for children up to 14 can be left at Kiama Council’s Giving Trees located at the Administration Building in Manning Street, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library and The Pavilion.As we roll into December and the festive season officially kicks off, spare a thought for those less fortunate and will have to go with a little less over Christmas.It is this demonstration of love, generosity and kindness that makes our community special.Traditionally, our community has embraced this initiative with a plethora of gifts and goodies, and this year should be no different.So among all the rage of population growth, high-rise buildings, car parking and boomgates, congestion and over-development, the Bugle’s View is let’s take some time over the next couple of weeks to shift our focus to the gift of giving.Donations can be made until Friday 12 December 2025.

Did you know that from 1 October 2025, the Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme got a major boost to help more Australians into their first home.What’s new?Unlimited places: no cap on the number of guarantees available.No income caps: higher-income earners can now apply.Higher property price caps: better aligned with today’s market.Simpler regional access: one streamlined First Home Guarantee.This means first home buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance. But with house prices soaring and high interest rates adding some challenges, saving a hefty deposit while covering rent can feel like a big hurdle. Thankfully, there’s a solution that may help your children get into their first home: a guarantor loan! How you could help your children buy their first home with a guarantor loan How does it work? It’s usually straightforward. A guarantor (often a parent) uses the equity in their property as extra security for your child’s home loan, usually enough to bring the loan-to-value ratio (LVR) down to 80%.The primary security is your child’s new home, but the lender also takes a mortgage on the guarantor’s property for added assurance.Great news: the guarantor doesn’t need to make any loan payments.Your children must show they can manage the full loan repayments based on their income.Once they’ve built up equity in their home (through repayments or property value growth), the guarantor can request to be released. The timeline depends on the initial deposit, extra repayments, and market trends. Who can be a guarantor?Typically, it’s immediate family members like parents, but some lenders allow siblings or grandparents to step in. It varies, but Astute can assist with lender specifics.  What’s the guarantor’s responsibility?Being a guarantor is a wonderful way to support your children, but it comes with some responsibility. If they can’t meet repayments, the lender may pursue action against them and, in rare cases, the guarantor could be responsible for the guaranteed amount. It’s a commitment worth understanding fully. Seek expert guidanceConsidering being a guarantor? It’s smart to consult an independent legal and financial adviser first to ensure it’s the right fit. Most lenders require this step anyway, so it’s a perfect chance to get all the details.One of Astute’s team can help you understand whether using a guarantor or offering to be a guarantor will work for your circumstances. Let’s get startedThe team at Astute are here to help people into their first home. With options such as a guarantor loan and the assistance of the First Home Guarantee, we can help.Please note - this is paid content

Back on the 13th of September 2025, the 13th member for Kiama was elected from the 13th and final position on the ballot paper. Traditionally seen as an unlucky number, it has been anything but for Katelin McInerney, who gave her inaugural speech to the NSW Parliament last Wednesday. It has been a tumultuous time (politically) for our electorate over the past couple of years, but with her inaugural speech, a new page has literally been turned on our history towards a brighter future. As a former journalist, McInerney was always going to have a strong endorsement from The Bugle, but her maiden speech gave some key insights as to where she has come from and where she would like to take her most important stakeholders – the community she represents. First acknowledgements were reserved for significant members of the local Aboriginal community, whom McInerney thanked for their support and guidance. “I will walk alongside our Aboriginal communities as an ally, always learning, and will represent the traditional owners of my community in good faith in every setting. “It is a privilege to see the Dharawal and Yuin languages returning to country. I pay tribute to the leaders in our community doing this work,” she said. The sentiment then turned towards the community and the fact that the Kiama electorate is, like many others, an ageing electorate. “We are an ageing electorate, with older residents who will need more care and services, and we face the challenge of growing our workforce to provide them with that care. “This is why it is imperative that we build communities, not just put up more houses. “Infrastructure must come online alongside growth, ensuring we have the resources, facilities and services in place to support our residents at every stage of life.”Here, McInerney took a decidedly delicate approach to the issue of growth, focusing on the need and responsibility to grow our working population to care for our elderly as well as the rest of our community. Ultimately, these carers, teachers and health workers will need places to live, and this can and should only be done by adding to our many towns and villages by creating communities in a responsible way. The delicate approach took a backseat when McInerney spoke forthrightly about the futures of her son William, and his friends. and whether they would have the same opportunities she enjoyed as a youngster growing up in Kiama. “Would Will and his mates have those same opportunities: a secure, affordable home; teachers who could stay in the profession they loved; and a well-resourced public health system if he needed it?”Glaringly, McInerney says “the simple answer back then was no”. The “back then” was five short years ago in 2020, when her son was born, and gives us a key insight into her mindset. An enduring optimist, she pointed to investments into renewable energy, social housing and marked improvements in the conditions for public sector workers such as nurses and teachers as key achievements of this NSW Government. For key beneficiaries of these initiatives have seen remarkable change during the Minns Government. Whether or not William’s lived experience will mirror his mother’s is probably a moot point. Times (and property prices!) have changed.But the fact that this is a key driver of McInerney’s is laudable and admirable. Across the board, our perceptions of liveability, the cost of living and daily stresses are contributing to a decreased quality of life – so why would we not want life to be like “the good old days”.Within her inaugural speech there is a deep-seated commitment to be part of a solution, and a better tomorrow.She ended her inaugural remarks by saying “community can count on (her) as a strong local voice fighting for our fair share, building a more equitable community, championing sustainable growth, and ensuring everyone has a secure home and a liveable future”. Former journalist or not, The Bugle’s View is McInerney is the change in direction that we need, and we cannot wait to see what luck she brings our community.

It seems that all the town can talk about is growth, housing and (over?)development.News over the past week of multiple high(er)-rise proposals in Akuna Street and a Council-led initiative at the Kiama Depot in Shoalhaven Street has sparked a veritable frenzy of conversations in town and across social media. In the last term of Council, it would have been unfathomable to hear our elected officials (whether at the state or local level) spruiking an eight-storey development just outside of the town centre. How times have changed. We at The Bugle genuinely admire the leadership of Mayor Cameron McDonald. It’s been a year of challenges and redressing inherited issues from the former Council, culminating in the very controversial Local Housing Strategy earlier this year and another round of consultation for the Employment Lands Strategy to close out 2025. It’s well and good to finalise strategy after strategy knowing all too well that the process of development approval and construction could take years, or in the case of Bombo Quarry, decades to come to fruition. It's a completely different equation to spend money purchasing a strategic landholding, particularly when finances are tight, then identify that landholding for future development, and then partner with the State Government to deliver a fast-tracked rezoning outcome. And with a 30m or eight-storey height limit (the highest in the local government area) to boot! When the enlarged Kiama Depot site is eventually sold to a developer to deliver 450 dwellings (including 10% affordable housing) it will likely be a bonanza for Council’s coffers. The cynics among us might look at the fizzer of the Glenbrook Drive land auctions, or the current travesty that is unfolding at the Akuna Street carpark site as poor or mismanaged outcomes. But it’s not often that something of this size comes to the market, at a scale that is three times the Akuna Street carpark development. Kiama MP Katelin McInerney took it upon herself to spruik the merits of the proposal by posting to a local Kiama Facebook group. Cue outbursts, outcry and outrage. This is certainly what we expected and to an extent, what we got from the community. And rightly so! In the context of developments along Akuna Street, CEO Jane Stroud told The Bugle “the look and feel of Akuna Street … is going to profoundly change”. Surely, she would have to say the same for Shoalhaven Street, too. But after the weekend and some time for the news to make its way from door to door, Council would be chuffed at some of the commentary that is emanating from the community and its views on development. Comments noting the need to encourage the creation of local jobs (particularly for our youth), finding carers for our ageing population, and places for those aged care workers to live, are threads of progressive thinking that within our community. It’s certainly not the absolute majority, but we’d hazard a guess that it might be closer to 50-50 issue than most think. Ultimately, proof will be in the pudding, or the planning process as it were.McInerney has also foreshadowed that the future development application to allow for construction to begin will likely be a State Significant Development, again, effectively sidelining Council from determining the outcome.Ultimately, this approach allows Council an effective “it’s not us” defence. In fact, the only way to stop development from occurring is for Council to completely abandon a future sale of the site, which is clearly not happening.While there are some significant development proposals that have been out of Council’s control, the depot is truly by their own design and profound change is indeed coming to town. The Bugle’s View this needs to be a profoundly positive change.

Speech pathologist Caitlin Guyatt not only gives her clients a voice, she also gives them the gift of time by providing a mobile service that comes to their door.When Caitlin moved from Sydney to Shoalhaven Heads with her family she quickly fell in love with the area. But she also realised that public transport was patchy at best and there were no mobile speech pathology services visiting clients in the comfort of their own home.“It’s reasonably common to have a mobile service in Sydney but when I moved here there was nothing like that so I decided to create one,” explains Caitlin.She set up Shoalhaven Speech and Swallowing Clinic, a mobile service that operates between Nowra and Kiama. Some of the areas of speech pathology she can help with include swallowing difficulties like coughing or choking when eating or drinking, difficulty chewing food and swallowing tablets or food getting “stuck” in the mouth or throat. Caitlin also helps with speech and voice changes - such as slurred or mumbled speech, vocal fatigue and difficulty being understood by others - and language changes like reading or writing difficulties, memory difficulties and problems thinking of the correct word or finishing sentences.“I visit patients in the privacy of their own homes to provide therapy for voice, speech and swallowing changes. “I work predominantly with adults, and many of my patients live with complex health conditions that mean they are less mobile than they would like to be. “Some might even need a carer to help them get out and about to medical appointments. Having a mobile service that comes to their door removes that barrier.“I see people in their homes where they feel most comfortable and if, for example, they have oxygen machines or specialised home supports, these are all set up for them.”Caitlin specialises in voice, speech and swallowing therapy and says many of the people experiencing the issues she treats not only struggle physically but also socially.“Swallowing issues for patients can often be accompanied by a sense of embarrassment if they are eating out and struggle to swallow or constantly cough while they’re having a meal,” she says.Similarly, if someone has voice or speech issues and they are out for dinner in a noisy venue they might struggle to be heard. Caitlin says many people take going out for a meal for granted but if you have voice, speech or swallowing issues it can be a huge barrier to doing the things you love in your community.“I've had patients say to me ‘I don't want to eat out anymore because I'm coughing and spluttering so much and I'm too embarrassed’, or other patients say ‘my voice has become so soft people can't hear me and I have to repeat myself and I actually find myself avoiding conversations with friends and family’. “I want people to know that they don't have to live with this, there is help available and you're not on your own.”Caitlin says her mobile service also means she can work around people’s plans and schedules.“Life can get busy, especially if patients have multiple health appointments or are relying on carers for transport.”Having a door-to-door service means patients often share a small part of their world with Caitlin, “proudly showing her their family photos on the wall, or pointing out treasured items in their home," she says."By allowing me to see them at home it also takes away that pressure or anxiety they might be feeling about going out into the community. “They are in a completely safe space in their own home, their husband, wife or other loved ones are there with them or in the next room, and it can be a much more personal experience."Having meaningful conversations and an insight into who my patients are helps to develop trust in the early stages of treatment, which means it's more likely to be successful.“Since I’ve started working in the area I have just loved meeting so many people."Everyone is so genuinely friendly and just so thankful to have help. It really does make me feel privileged, and it really makes me feel like I'm doing meaningful work.”Please note - this is paid content

Kiama Council's newly formed Finance and Major Projects Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting this week, marking a significant step forward in delivering strategic oversight and community-focused outcomes.The committee brings together the expertise and energy of community members, Councillors and senior Council staff to guide the financial and major project priorities of the municipality.Mayor Cameron McDonald, who chairs the committee, was enthusiastic about what can be achieved.“There are some big projects on the horizon – including the proposed depot merger and looking at our other identified catalyst sites including Council’s Administration Centre, Havilah Precinct and Spring Creek. "We’ve got the right people on board who are ready, willing and able to tackle these projects.“It was heartening to see all our new committee members roll up their sleeves and get to work this week. I’m excited about what this committee is going to achieve for Council and for the good of our community.”The committee was formed following a Council resolution in August to merge the former Finance Advisory Committee and Major Projects Advisory Committee. The new structure aims to streamline decision-making and enhance collaboration across key areas of Council’s operations.Following a rigorous evaluation process, six community members were appointed to the committee who were selected for their industry experience, community ties, ambition and ability to help deliver on Council’s objectives.Community members appointed to the committee are Multicultural Communities of Illawarra board member Lynette Cuell, Cukuna Sales owner Rob Danby, civil engineer Matthew Dawson, real estate and project delivery manager Marco Maldonado, University of Wollongong Deputy Chancellor Warwick Shanks and Sydney Kings co-owner Paul Smith.The committee also includes Councillors Melinda Lawton and Stuart Larkins, as well as Council’s Chief Executive Officer Jane Stroud, Director Corporate and Commercial Joe Gaudiosi, Director Strategies and Communities Ed Paterson and Head of Implementation Kimberley Norton.

South Coast Acupuncture and Herbs owner Amber Pickering discovered the power of acupuncture and Chinese herbs in her early 20s and it has been a journey of discovery ever since.Amber's first career was in corporate events and she returned to University in her early 30s to study a Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and established a clinic in Kiama in 2020. “That [the clinic] was doing really well and I loved it, but like all small businesses hit the slow with COVID.” During the pandemic, Amber commuted to and from Sydney to take up another role at an Acupuncture Pregnancy and Fertility where she learnt about fertility and pregnancy acupuncture from a lady who herself was a scientist and then went onto study Chinese medicine. “Her clinic was established 16 years ago and, in the beginning, primarily worked alongside IVF doctors or specialists,” she said. “Optimising egg quality and also supporting implantation after and during the IVF cycle. “Now they also have a set of protocols for men and women who are trying to conceive naturally and also women who are already pregnant and need help addressing side effects such as nausea or fatigue, high blood pressure, heartburn and back pain.” University of Melbourne published findings earlier this year that states “acupuncture may increase blood flow to reproductive organs including the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and the ovaries”.Amber explains: “A major thing is to reduce stress because these are people who want to be parents and the whole process of IVF or trying to conceive after many attempts becomes very stressful. “A lot of it is just preparing the mind and body.”Amber has recently re-opened her clinic in Kiama Downs and is happy to see some of her old clients and is looking forward to meeting new ones.“I have gained a lot of experience in treating musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, fertility and pregnancy acupuncture, general wellbeing and from my own personal experience, stress and anxiety,” Amber added.“I accept all health funds for rebates and for some health funds, the extras reset at the end of the year.”For everyone towards the end of the year who is fatigued and searching for rejuvenation - South Coast Acupuncture and Herbs has the experience to help.“It’s a good time to reset for the new year,” she said.  “This time of year is quite a busy and stressful time of year so acupuncture and cupping is very good for removing toxins from the body. It also promotes blood and Qi circulation to the whole body."For more information on South Coast Acupuncture and Herbs check out the clinic on instagram - @South.CoastAcupuncture, Facebook or call her on 0424 635 245.The clinic is located at Shop 7, 11-13 Johnson St, Kiama Downs and is open from 9:30am - 6pm Monday to Fridays and 9am - 2pm on Saturdays. Please note - this is paid content

There is a tiny flicker of hope that Folk by the Sea could return one day but as it stands, the popular Kiama festival is all but dead in the water.Organisers made the difficult decision last Friday to cancel the annual festival due in part to Kiama Council's decision to ban camping at Kiama Showground for recent iterations of the event.Festival director Neil McCann wrote to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and Council CEO Jane Stroud to inform them that the annual event would no longer continue after 13 years as a marquee option on the local events calendar.Neil McCann. “We put in awful amount of effort into running the event,” McCann told The Bugle.“And we had between 300-400 paying attendees but that’s not really sufficient to justify the effort that goes into it. “With only that many people, we had to restrict the number of venues, the number of performers and if we can’t increase that number, it’s just not worth the massive effort.”Due to strictly monitored financial management, McCann said the festival was able to break even in recent years even though the camping restrictions affected the number of tickets sold.“In its current form as a Friday to Sunday festival is just not feasible. Whether the concept of Folk By The Sea happens in some form, is always negotiable but in its current form, it’s not going to run.”It was the second annual Kiama music festival in the space of a week to be abandoned after the Changing Tides organisers called off their event scheduled for 22 November and announced it would not be returning next year.“I think the two are connected,” McCann said.“They have a much younger demographic and they can’t afford motel accommodation or cabins so in that regard I think the camping issue is what we had in common.“I do wonder about the impact on business in Kiama with these two festivals being cancelled. They certainly will suffer.“People don’t just turn up to the festival and go home. And they fall in love with Kiama and keep coming back.”In his letter to Council’s top brass, McCann said patronage at the festival had “declined significantly as a result of Council's decision not to allow camping over the past few festivals”."Before the last few years, low-priced camping was readily available around the showground and on Chapman Oval."When camping was prohibited by the Council, Festival patronage dropped significantly, as many avid festival goers see camping as an integral part of the folk festival experience.”McCann said the Illawarra Folk Club was also forced to purchase most of the available campsites at Surf Beach and Kendall's Beach Caravan parks, to provide camping for performers.He added there were also problems with inadequate parking and sporting events.“It was clear that the lack of camping was presenting a significant barrier for the viability of the festival."So, for the last three years we have approached Council, trying to overturn the decision re: camping."Neighbouring festivals such as Bundanoon, Kangaroo Valley and Cobargo Folk Festivals all offer camping to their patrons. They have all seen an increase in patronage. We believe that our festival’s lack of viability is directly related to this issue."McCann went on to say that it was disappointing that the decision around camping appears not to have been made by the elected council, nor with any discussion with the festival organisers as stakeholders."As a ratepayer for over 40 years, and one who fought against the amalgamation of councils several years ago, I am greatly disillusioned by this apparent lack of democratic process, and the short-sightedness of the decision."McCann said the festival over the past 13 years had brought 320 folk performers to the area and had provided locals and visitors with the opportunity to experience high-quality live folk music.Kiama Council issued a statement, countering that contrary to McCann’s assertions, the Council-managed Crown Land Plan of Management was endorsed by the NSW Minister for Crown Lands in April last year and by full Council the following month.The Plan of Management prohibits camping within the Kiama Showground precinct. “We appreciate that in the current economic climate, it is increasingly difficult for festivals and event organisers to absorb rising costs, changing audience preferences, insurance and marketing requirements and so forth,” said Mayor Cameron McDonald.“Kiama Council will continue to do all it can to support events through Destination Kiama and our Community Grants programs."