Just a few short weeks after launching in Kiama, Walkbuy is already making a visible impact – with over 500 local users, 40-plus businesses, and a flood of positive community feedback fuelling what’s quickly becoming a true local movement.Walkbuy is the free app built to strengthen local shopping by giving businesses a way to post real-time updates – called Pulses – to nearby shoppers. Whether it’s daily specials, new arrivals, or time-sensitive offers, Walkbuy puts local visibility in your hands, instantly.And the community has responded loud and clear: Kiama loves Walkbuy.“We’ve been blown away by the support,” says Peter Walsh, Walkbuy founder. “It’s amazing to see Kiama businesses embracing the platform and locals actively using it to rediscover the charm of shopping close to home. Now we just want to keep that energy going – and keep the Pulses coming.”Since launching, Walkbuy has been featured on local radio, social media, and in The Bugle – and the word continues to spread. There has been an increase in brand awareness, stronger customer engagement, and more local loyalty for businesses on the app. But the real magic happens when businesses post consistently.“As Walkbuy’s Business Strategy Manager, I want every local business to know that this platform was built for you,” says Josh, who’s leading the rollout in Kiama. “When you post frequently, even short updates, it creates a rhythm that keeps your brand top-of-mind. We’re here to make that easy – and it’s 100% free for Kiama businesses for the first 12 months.”In response to community feedback, the Walkbuy team is rolling out exciting updates soon, including:Pulse Scheduling & Recurring PulsesPOS IntegrationsDashboard Access for BusinessesSupport for Service-Based BusinessesCustomer Reviews & InsightsAnd much more! “These features are directly shaped by what businesses have asked for,” adds Charlotte, Head of Marketing. “We’re listening, we’re building – and we’re committed to making Walkbuy even better.”So, if you’re already on the app – amazing, keep Pulsing. If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time to get involved. Every Pulse brings your brand closer to the community.Walkbuy is live, local, and here to stay. Let’s keep the momentum going, Kiama.Please note - this is paid content

Over the past year, Kiama has taken some big steps forward, often in difficult circumstances.As Mayor, I’ve seen first-hand the resilience and determination of our councillors, staff and community in navigating these challenges together.Perhaps the toughest decision was the sale of Blue Haven, a decision which was made in the term of the previous council. We simply had to follow it through to its completion.It was deeply personal for many in our community, and it was not taken lightly.But it was the decision required to safeguard Council’s financial future. I want to acknowledge the courage of all those involved in reaching that outcome. Importantly, that decision did not define our year.In just 12 months, we’ve opened our Planning Hub to speed up approvals, delivered the lowest budget deficit in five years, and celebrated Kiama being named NSW’s Top Tourism Town for the second year running. As well as being recognised with a bronze on the national stage.We’ve adopted our first Local Housing Strategy, survived a by-election, and secured key land acquisitions and covenant changes that strengthen our financial position.All of this has been achieved in just 250 working days.But the year ahead may be even more important.Our priorities are clear: ensuring enough housing and employment land to support local families and businesses, including advocating for the removal of a covenant over Council land that will ensure our financial sustainability for years to come, securing urgent upgrades to the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility, redeveloping the Kiama Sports Complex, pursuing fairer arrangements for essential infrastructure like Jamberoo Mountain Road, and working with the State Government in removing our Performance Improvement Order.These are essentials that will determine whether Kiama thrives or falls behind.And while Council will continue to advocate strongly with state and federal governments, we cannot do this alone.Real change happens when the whole community speaks with one voice. Together, we can make sure Kiama and our community are thriving. The past year has proven what’s possible when we work together. Now, let’s make the next 12 months about securing the future we want for Kiama.Please note - this is paid content

Hot off the press from the ‘Independent Planning Commission’ (IPC) the owners of the Bombo Quarry (Boral and Transport Asset Management (TAM)) have secured a highly coveted, but extremely rare planning decision: the Ministerial call-in. The last time we had officially heard from Boral and TAM (formerly the Transport Asset Holding Entity), they were preparing to submit their final masterplan for the Quarry ‘later in 2024’, as per the Bombo Quarry project website. It's amazing what nine months, a housing strategy and a by-election win for the Labor Government can do. Don’t get us wrong. Here at The Bugle, it’s refreshing that there actually, maybe, hopefully, might be actual positive change coming to the Quarry. Anyone who has been part of our community has heard ad nauseum over the past decade that remediation of the quarry was just around the corner. And that public benefits would be delivered, soon after. Now we definitively know that it is unlikely to be that simple. A quick perusal of the IPC advice to Planning Minister Paul Scully, reveals a few pieces of information that the community had speculated about, but never truly knew the details of. Some quick facts for those playing at home:The total amount of fill required is somewhere between 2,200,000m2 – 2,500,000m2 To import this amount of fill on to the site it will take approximately five years, made up of:147,000 – 167,000 total truck movements, or31,800 – 39,750 truck movements per year, or120 - 150 truck movements per day.Back when TAHE presented to the community in July 2024, they stated that they could not definitively say when quarrying activities would cease. The Urbis request for the Ministerial Call-in states that ‘it is anticipated that quarrying will continue for around 5 years on the TAM site’. Conservatively, this could mean that the total site remediation may not be complete until 2032. Not quite the silver bullet solution we were after, but at least it’s a start. Considering the site’s importance to Kiama Council’s structure plan and connecting the site to the new Riversdale Drive precinct, it seems that there will be enough time to actually undertake strategic planning and ensure that the roads and infrastructure are delivered to/from the Princes Highway towards the future Riversdale Road precinct.Whilst it is obvious that this remediation assessment and process is highly technical, and probably best placed as a State Significant Development with the boffins at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, this excerpt from the closed-door IPC meeting caught our eye:MR PATERSON: Yes. We talked about exhibition of the state significant rezoning project as a possibility for mid to early 2026, so that might tie itself nicely with an SSD exhibition.Mr Paterson is of course Ed Paterson, Council’s Head of Strategies and Communities and the ‘we’ refers to the conversation that Council has had with DPHI regarding Bombo Quarry. Whilst the Ministerial Call-in is only for a State Significant Development Application for remediation, it appears that further discussions are also being had about the rezoning for housing and employment.By our accounts, this is the first time the public has heard that the rezoning of the site would also be handled by the State Government and DPHI. We were always told that the rezoning and future development would be handled by Kiama Council and that the community would have the final say on what is being proposed – particularly as many see Bombo Quarry as not only an answer to housing, but significant employment and industrial land.Now it appears otherwise.The Bugle’s View is that while the community should be pleased that there is progress on the Bombo Quarry front, we wholeheartedly do not endorse a ‘back door’ for the site to be rezoned without the community’s input.

Close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself standing in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The early morning mist is lifting, scooters weave past in every direction and the aroma of broth drifts through the air. A woman ladles steaming pho into your bowl, scattering fresh herbs on top. You take a sip, and it’s delicate and rich - the flavour of generations past.Culinary travel in Asia offers something special with every meal. Each country, each city, even each street corner, offers something unique. In Bangkok, the evening markets come alive with sizzling woks, skewers of smoky satay and bowls of fragrant green curry. The energy is electric. You find yourself perched on a plastic stool, elbow to elbow with locals, grinning as the spice makes your eyes water.In Cambodia, food takes on another rhythm. Imagine sitting by the riverside in Phnom Penh as the sun sets, the scent of lemongrass and galangal rising from a bowl of Amok, Cambodia’s signature fish curry, steamed in banana leaf. It’s gentle yet bold, the kind of dish that lingers on your palate and in your memory.Further north in Siem Reap, you might wander through a night market, where everything from crispy fried tarantulas to sweet coconut pancakes tempt the curious traveller.Then there’s Japan’s Osaka, where the fun of eating is as much part of the experience as the food itself. You watch a vendor expertly flip Takoyaki on a hot griddle, the golden spheres hiding tender octopus inside. A few steps away, an Okonomiyaki pancake, layered with cabbage and pork, and drizzled with tangy sauce, is slid onto your plate. It’s hearty, messy, and utterly unforgettable.Not every meal needs to be grand. Sometimes the most meaningful ones are simple: dim sum shared with new friends in Hong Kong, naan pulled straight from the tandoor in Delhi or bibimbap stirred together in a bustling Korean kitchen. The act of eating here is communal, warm, and deeply connected to culture.Food has the power to transport us, to slow us down, to connect us with people we may never otherwise meet. Travelling through Asia is about seeing new places, but it is also about tasting them, one dish at a time.If we have made your mouth water, then you may be keen on Travel Focus Group’s women’s tour to Vietnam and Cambodia departing in March, where food plays a starring role. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways we can help you taste Asia. Call the team on 02 4209 2044 to start planning.Please note - this is paid content

It’s that time of year, again, when school holidays have parents wondering how they are going to keep their kids amused over the next fortnight.But never fear because there is plenty happening in and around Kiama for schoolchildren, and parents as well.If you haven’t checked it out already, make sure you catch the Kiama Sculpture Walk, which will be on display until 15 October.There are 20 unique creations dotted around the coastline from Hindmarsh Park to Kiama Harbour. High school students can take part in outdoor excursions, arts and crafts workshops, and gaming showdowns while the local libraries are a great place for the younger kids to hang out during the holidays with a great mix of free and low-cost activities, including the always popular LEGO workshops. They can also take part in a cardboard cat workshop which pays homage to one of the Kiama Sculpture Walk's outdoor installations.Kiama and Gerringong Libraries are also hosting storytelling sessions, movie nights and STEM-inspired challenges. There will be a family self-portrait challenge at Kiama Library next Tuesday, a free event which encourages anyone aged 5-105 to build a picture of themself using only Lego bricks.It’s up to each master builder to decide how easy or complicated they want their creation to be - the only limit is their imagination. Lego builders can also head to Gerringong Library on Thursday for a “picnic” where they will be One of the more unusual workshops will be at Gerringong Library next Tuesday from 10am-1pm where kids aged 7-12 can make a gorgeous felt moth keychain and badge to wear, decorate their school bag or give to someone as a gift.There’s a whole heap more at the libraries including a crochet workshop, spool racers, fabric bird making, decorating a herb garden, digital illustrations, mosaic snails, felt moths and more.At Kiama Leisure Centre, there will be five four-hour school holiday events where kids can make a splash on inflatable pool toys while also mastering new skills in gymnastics.If your child is more advanced in the pool, there are also Squad Intensives swimming programs during the school holidays so they can shave a few seconds off their personal best times.And the best news for parents looking to get their kids out of the house is that the long-range forecast for Kiama is for sunny days over the next two weeks. So there is no excuse for kids not to leave their electronic devices at home and get out and about. All you have to do is convince them of that. Good luck.

The by-election has now happened and I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate our new NSW Government Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney and to thank the many candidates who have spent time listening to our community and visiting our towns and villages.Politics often brings plenty of noise, but for our community the issues are clear.For too long Kiama has been overlooked when it comes to the big investments that neighbouring areas have secured, from hospitals to transport infrastructure.That needs to change.Council has done the work to set out what our community needs through our State Government Advocacy Plan.The projects are well-definedupgrading the Kiama Sports Complex,fixing the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facilityunlocking Spring Creek for jobs and housing,ensuring safe connections on Jamberoo Mountain Road, andplanning for future growth.These are not “nice to haves”, they are essential investments that will shape our community’s future.Over the past year we’ve shown what can be achieved when all levels of government work together.We have made strong inroads in the past 12 months, and we intend to keep that momentum going.Kiama Council extends a warm welcome to Katelin McInerney as our new representative – you will find a council that is willing to partner and ready to deliver.We’re asking for fair investment in the projects that will underpin Kiama’s future, and we are prepared to play our part in making them happen.I also want to acknowledge those politicians and candidates who have listened to date.Genuine engagement matters, and our community notices when leaders take the time to understand our priorities.I look forward to working with Ms McInerney and to ongoing collaboration with the NSW Labor Government.My commitment is to keep pushing for Kiama’s fair share, not for the sake of politics, but for the good of our whole community.That is what the people of our municipality rightly deserve.Please note - this is paid content

In the end, there was a sense of inevitability about it all.Katelin McInerney has won the opportunity to represent the seat of Kiama. She has also won the responsibility to secure better outcomes, better funding, and better recognition for our community. We hope it is not a responsibility she treats lightly, because politics is a fickle thing. Historically, a by-election is a chance for the community to tell the Government of the day exactly what they think, and more often than not, the feedback is not positive. This is not a Kiama, or New South Wales or even an Australian phenomenon. It is a symptom of western democracy whereby we, the people, generally just like to “stick it to the man” every opportunity we get.So much so that not since 1996 has a NSW Government gained a seat through a by-election that was previously held by the opposition or an independent. While history was against the Minns Labor Government, this was no ordinary by-election. When talking heads say “all politics is local”, they generally refer to local issues. What is being done about local transport? Housing affordability for our locals? Further investment in roads and traffic improvements for our local commuters? But this time around, the politics was not about local issues at all. It was purely about the fact that our former representative is now in jail, a fact that some in the community still cannot believe or accept. The election may well be an accurate reflection of how the electorate views the competence of both major parties, but for McInerney and Premier Minns to interpret the results this way, and take the result for granted, would be a grave mistake.Clearly, our electorate could not, would not, and did not disassociate the Liberal Party from Gareth Ward.Serena Copley conducted a valiant campaign, but even she would have understood the inevitability of it all. Campaigning under a party platform which had been completely tainted was always going to be difficult. Having to make by-election commitments knowing they could not be delivered unless the Liberals were voted into Government in 2027 made the task of convincing the masses impossible. As vote counting continues, Copley and the Liberal Party might retain a skerrick of hope in the fact that McInerney’s first preference vote is hovering around 36% - an improvement of only around 2% from her 2023 result. Nevertheless, it is a great achievement for McInerney, who has wrested back Kiama from what was ultimately Liberal Party control for the last 15 years, and becomes the first woman to represent the seat (perhaps the most refreshing outcome to come out of this entire political process). As with most things these days, we and McInerney are probably thinking – what’s next? How does she shore up her vote ahead of March 2027? Premier Chris Minns is saying all the right things and preparing his Government and McInerney for an 18-month battle.“(The result) was not a pat on the back from the electors of Kiama.“I think that the clear message from the electorate was that they expect us to work even harder. “It’s not a gift or a permanent situation. We’ve got to keep working on behalf of the people of NSW, particularly the South Coast”.Touché Premier.The Bugle’s View is that we expect Minns and McInerney to work tirelessly over the next 18 months for our community. We expect serious investments in the NSW budget directed at infrastructure in our community. We expect to see real progress over the next 18 months that positively impacts our community.Time to get to work!

Kiama’s retail community is about to get a major boost, thanks to the Walkbuy app designed to bring shoppers and local businesses closer together.Launching in Kiama this month, Walkbuy is a free app created to connect residents with real-time updates from their favourite local shops and services. Whether it’s a cafe letting you know the muffins just came out of the oven, or a clothing store with new stock on the rack, Walkbuy brings local shopping to you and encourages you to shop around the corner, not just online.“It’s all about connection,” says Walkbuy founder Peter Walsh. “Retailers get a quick and easy way to reach people nearby and shoppers get a simple and interactive way to discover what’s available locally, right now.”Walkbuy is launching in Kiama, with the support of the Kiama Business Network. To make it even better, it’s free for shoppers and retailers. Kiama retailers can list their business and start posting updates immediately.The idea is simple but powerful: build stronger local economies by helping people rediscover the value and convenience of shopping in their own community."We are very committed to Kiama, and the success of Walkbuy in the region, and excited about achieving our core goal of generating awareness and connectivity in the local retailing community", says Charlotte, who is head of marketing for Walkbuy.Walkbuy is available now on the App Store and Google Play. If you live in Kiama, now’s the perfect time to download it, support your local businesses and be part of something made for your community, with a vision for communities nationwide.Please note - this is paid content

Spring is here - though you wouldn’t know it from the wet and windy weather that’s battered us through the final days of the Kiama by-election campaign. Candidates have been popping up everywhere: online, on the streets, even down the alleyways with their superiors and entourages. After months without a local member, Kiama is ready to have someone in the seat again.Curiously, no party has promised the return of New Year’s Eve fireworks. For many locals, that annual celebration was more than just a spectacle - it was a symbol of community, a reward for making it through the year together. At around $95,000, the cost might sound steep, but as one commenter pointed out online, that’s about the same as a luxury SUV. The reputational damage of cancelling our long-standing fireworks, though, is far greater. Tourists plan months ahead, book accommodation, and expect Kiama to deliver.Some have suggested alternatives for the future - laser shows like Sydney’s Vivid, for example - but they come at an even higher cost and would need much more sponsorship. Thankfully, Kiama is rich with event expertise, and ideas keep bubbling up. No doubt something will be salvaged. Still, it’s a sad thought that 2025 will dawn without that shared moment by the harbour.In the meantime, there’s plenty to celebrate this weekend. Folk By The Sea will light up The Pavilion with a three-day program of music, community, and connection. From the lively barn dance at the Anglican Church on Friday night to the stellar line-up across the weekend, the organising team deserves real applause for pulling together such a feast of talent. If you haven’t already, grab a ticket online or at the gate - there’s truly something for everyone.Log on to The Bugle app to have a full program of the Folk By The Sea events at your fingertips.The Bugle published a four-page guide to the festival recently and these will be available at the concert venues.Sunday will also bring a splash of chrome and colour as the hot rods roll into town at Black Beach Reserve for their 10th anniversary - covering the grounds with gleaming paintwork and polish. They’ll gather at the Lighthouse on Saturday morning before heading off on their annual social road run - a chance for enthusiasts to get up close before they roar off down the coast.And, of course, don’t forget to vote. Polling stations will be open across the electorate on Saturday. Whatever the outcome, let’s hope a fresh wind blows through Kiama - one that restores community pride, champions our traditions, and celebrates what makes this place so special.

I’m standing as an independent candidate in the Kiama by-election because our community deserves better and this by-election is a once-in-a generation opportunity to deliver it.Across the Kiama electorate, our three independent councils — Kiama, Shoalhaven and Shellharbour — are under the pump. Rates rise, roads crumble, coastal risks grow, and the cultures can get toxic. The reflexive response is our national sport of council bashing. The true story is local government is created and constrained by NSW law, and the funding architecture councils rely on has been eroded and gamified over decades to benefit our major parties. If we want reliable services and resilient communities, as local MP I am determined to tackle the root cause of council challenges and use the power of the position to fix the system.Most people don’t realise councils exist under the NSW Local Government Act. Their powers and obligations are set in Macquarie Street. They deliver local public goods - roads, libraries, parks, waste, stormwater, local planning - from a revenue mix they don’t control: rates capped by a state-set peg, fees constrained by regulation, and grants determined by postcode for political gains. When the state shifts costs or changes rules, councils wear it first.Here’s what’s brokenFederal Financial Assistance Grants once sat near 1% of Commonwealth tax revenue; today they’re about 0.51%. Restoring the pool toward 1% would almost double predictable, untied funding - meaning planned maintenance, not photo ops.Cost shifting: responsibilities pushed down without matching, permanent funding - from parts of emergency services to new compliance burdens.The rate-peg straitjacket: annual caps rarely keep pace with construction, insurance and disaster repair spikes. Constraining special variations leaves ageing infrastructure unfunded.The Emergency Services Levy (ESL): councils must pay a fixed share of the state’s emergency services budget. When budgets lift mid-year, councils cop unplanned bills - every dollar diverted is a dollar not spent on roads, drainage or coastal protection.Disaster “replace, don’t improve”: recovery funds too often rebuild what failed rather than building back better to prepare for the next event.Competitive grants that gamify investment: projects follow political calendars, not logic or need, and too often projects start without the enabling works in place.We’re living the consequences. Kiama faces structural deficits and serious coastal risks. Shoalhaven carries a huge roads and bridges backlog after fires and floods. Shellharbour’s delivery is dragged by governance “noise”. These aren’t unique failures - they’re predictable outcomes of a narrow, volatile, politicised funding model.This is where an independent MP can make all the difference.I’m not bound by party factions or backroom deals. I can name the root causes and fight to fix them. I already have strong relationships with Independents in the NSW Parliament, including Alex Greenwich MP, Jacqui Scruby MP and Judy Hannan MP. They’ve shown what’s possible when you aren’t tied to a party machine - from landmark reforms in Sydney to millions delivered for Wollondilly. They encouraged me to step forward. If elected, I’ll bring those connections to work for Kiama from day one.An Independent MP’s job is not to splash money to shore up support for a major party, it is to ensure that money goes where it’s needed, not where it suits the party in power.That means insisting on planning-led synchronisation: when the state funds highways and hospitals, the local enabling works - feeder roads and bridges, sewer and water upgrades, public transport links, and social and key-worker housing - must be funded and timed together so projects open ready to help, not hurt liveability.It also means making building back better the default in disaster recovery: drainage upgrades ahead of storm season; resilient pavements and bridges; coastal adaptation that protects public and private assets; bushfire buffers designed for today’s risk.Rebuilding to yesterday’s standard or putting on more band-aids is a false economy.And we must clean up governance so councils become safe, stable workplaces that retain good staff and deliver for residents. That requires independent complaints handling for top roles and a standard integrity framework that targets real misconduct (fraud, corruption, undue influence).As an independent here is the reform agenda, my priorities will be:Restore grants toward 1% of Commonwealth revenue on a clear timetable - we need realistic base funding for reliable services.Stop cost shifting and urgently reform the Emergency Services Levy so responsibilities match funding.Replace the rate peg with a transparent, needs-based framework tied to real input costs and growth.Modernise developer contributions so existing ratepayers don’t subsidise profit-driven growth.Swap pork-barrel competitive grants for a predictable, independent, needs-based pool that allows multi-year planning.Mandate synchronisation between state “big builds” and local enabling works.Embed betterment as the default setting for disaster recovery and preparedness.Lift standards with independent integrity processes and simpler, outcomes-focused reporting through a much more active Office of Local Government.Over recent months, I’ve been out listening to residents, small businesses, community groups and experts to understand what matters most, what the state can actually change, and what needs urgent attention. NSW has a proud tradition of independents who lift integrity and accountability for everyone. John Hatton AO, the “father of ICAC,” proved what one determined Independent can achieve and has endorsed me as the best person for the job. “Kate Dezarnaulds is the only candidate in this race with the independence, integrity, and courage to speak up for her community—without fear or favour,” Hatton said. “She’s not here to climb a party ladder. She’s standing to serve the people of Kiama, and I believe she will do so with honesty, transparency and a genuine commitment to public service.”This by-election is a once-in-a-generation chance to put Kiama back at the centre of decision-making. We don’t need to be grateful or dependent. Funding and integrity settings are statutory responsibilities, not favours. If we stop the council-bashing and fix the architecture, we can turn “broke and broken” into stable and delivering - vibrant streets, reliable services and homes people can actually afford.That’s how we protect what we love and prepare for what’s coming next.My name is Kate Dezarnaulds. I’m asking for your support to be your independent voice for Kiama - to fight for the systemic fixes that the major parties won’t, and to deliver the community-first outcomes we need.Kate DezarnauldsCommunity Independent candidate for KiamaPlease note - this editorial is paid content

Dr Tonia Gray, Professor of Education and former Shoalhaven Councillor, brings over 40 years of electorate experience and a fresh perspective to the Kiama by-election as the Greens candidate.With strong intergenerational ties to the area, Dr Gray understands the mounting pressures facing local residents.Her academic background in education and health, combined with practical political experience, positions her to address the critical challenges confronting NSW.Addressing system-wide failures“It’s time we had a new, fresh, clean start in Kiama,” Dr Gray declares, emphasising the need to restore integrity and respect for community through active representation in NSW Parliament.She argues the current government has failed to tackle systemic failures in healthcare, early childhood education, housing affordability, emergency accommodation, and the climate crisis while widening inequality between rich and poor.As a university professor, Dr Gray recognises NSW’s workforce crisis extends beyond breaking point.Tonia Gray with NSW Upper House MPs Abigail Boyd (left) and Sue Higginson (right).Critical shortages of teachers, nurses, and paramedics persist despite years of government warnings.The 2025 Public Health Report reveals patients waiting longer in emergency departments and for planned surgery, while the Australian Medical Association confirms the health system strains under increased demand and budget cuts.Practical solutions for local issuesDr Gray prioritises listening to residents struggling with housing challenges, advocating for increased public housing through Housing NSW.She proposes transforming Kiama Council’s demolished nursing home site at Havilah Place into affordable housing and hub-style accommodation for rough sleepers, demonstrating practical problem-solving approaches.Her healthcare advocacy focuses on securing resources for quality service delivery while addressing workforce retention issues affecting both major service areas.The Kiama electorate is one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW and is forecast to grow by 27% in 2041.Dr Gray is committed to:A midwife-led birthing unit at Shellharbour Hospital as Wollongong Hospital has seven birthing beds and over 2500 babies are currently born every year. How does this add up? It doesn’t.Maintaining David Berry Hospital as a public specialist trauma facility andAdvocating for battery-powered trains connecting Kiama to Bomaderry as a local contribution to the electrification of local communities.Comprehensive policy frameworkDr Gray’s vision encompasses rapid renewable energy transition with public ownership of key assets, expanded funding for world-class education, public housing, hospitals, and transport services.She champions protecting natural environments and agricultural landscapes while restoring political integrity through ending dirty donations.Her platform includes working with First Nations peoples toward sovereignty and meaningful treaties.Dr Gray argues for local infrastructure supporting population growth, and ending preferential treatment for property developers, gambling interests, and fossil fuel corporations.Recognition and commitmentDr Gray’s achievements include an Australian university award as an exemplary outdoor education role model and international researcher recognition in 2019.Her climate action commitment led her to Antarctica with 80 women scientists for climate advocacy, and raising funds for the Climate Council.“Moving to a socially just, ecologically sustainable, and clean economic future for us all are my core objectives,” she states, believing that changing Kiama’s representation can transform NSW’s broken leadership model through community-focused governance that prioritises local voices and environmental sustainability over corporate interests.Please note - this editorial is paid content

With just days to go until the by-election, the message from Kiama Council is clear: our community deserves real partnerships and real solutions, not short-term politics.In the past fortnight, we’ve seen some important wins. The NSW Coalition’s $26 million pledge for the Kiama Sports Precinct recognises how important this facility is for more than 5,500 local players, families and volunteers. The NSW Government’s $200,000 for a Special Entertainment Precinct shows that when we advocate with one voice, government listens.But these announcements are only part of the picture. Our adopted State Government Advocacy Plan lays out the full list of priorities that will shape Kiama’s future, from upgrading the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility, to revitalising our harbour and main street, to ensuring Jamberoo Mountain Road is safe and reliable.Above all, lifting the outdated covenant on our Spring Creek employment lands is the game changer. This reform costs the State Government nothing, but would transform Council’s long-term financial sustainability, free us from the Performance Improvement Order, and give us the means to deliver more for our community.That’s the difference between a handout and a hand up. We are ready to work with any government that’s serious about giving Kiama a fair go. The NSW Coalition has made a commitment regarding Spring Creek but we have nothing yet in regards to this issue from the NSW Government.One year into my term as Mayor, I am proud of the progress we’ve made. We’ve taken tough decisions when needed, we’ve kept pushing our case to government, and we’ve never lost sight of the future we want for Kiama.The by-election is a chance to secure the commitments our community deserves. Now is the time for all parties to step up.Recently, Council voted on whether to spend almost $100,000 we don’t have on New Year’s Eve fireworks. I know this decision is disappointing for many families, locals and visitors. Some councillors proposed plugging that gap by selling public land. At a time when Council is under a State Government Performance Improvement Order to reduce our deficit and live within our means, I could not support that. Using the sale of public assets to fund fireworks is not responsible financial management.This pause is for one year only. The NYE Sky Show will return when we have sustainable funding in place.Please note - this editorial is paid content

If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it? Or just let it slip?These wise words were enshrined into history by an individual that some consider one of the most significant literary figures of the 21st century.“Lose Yourself”, by Eminem tells a story of making the most of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to obtain that elusive prize.As the Kiama by-election rolls towards a crescendo in a week’s time, it does seem like Mayor Cameron McDonald sees this as the community’s one shot to secure everything its ever wanted (or needed) from the major political parties.And here at The Bugle, we certainly think Mayor McDonald sees and understands the politics perfectly clear, despite what he says!Prior to the federal election this year, The Bugle’s View was titled: “Your vote matters” and the theme of that edition was firmly around ‘show us the money’.While it remains to be seen what the Albanese Government actually delivers for Gilmore, it certainly seems like the Labor State Government and Liberal Opposition have heeded the call to show us the money, for this by-election.At last count, the Liberal opposition and candidate Serena Copley had committed:to the removal of a restrictive covenant over Council-owned land at Spring Creek,$26m for the redevelopment of the Kiama Sports Precinct, and$200,000 to upgrade lighting at Michael Cronin Oval, in Gerringong.Not to be outdone, Premier Chris Minns and a cavalcade of NSW Cabinet Ministers have seemingly made the Kiama electorate their second home over the past week, striving to bring the seat into Government, and one step closer to a majority.They have devoted:$200,000 towards transforming Kiama CBD into a Special Entertainment Precinct (you might remember this funding was initially rejected by the NSW Government, how a by-election can change things!)$3m in accelerated funding for pothole and road maintenance, and$9.6m in road works for the Macquarie Pass.Both parties have committed to a rooftop helipad at the new Shellharbour Hospital which seems like a case of one-upmanship, even though the hospital is not located within the Kiama electorate.When it comes to election commitments, it seems like the major parties have two distinct strategies.The Liberal Party seems to be focusing on the part of the electorate covered by the Kiama Council, whereas the Labor Government is seeking to expend their reach to all parts of the electorate.It remains to be seen which approach will appeal most to the electors, however on pure numbers alone, the population of the local government area is about one-third of the state electorate.Either way, Saturday 13 September looms large, and The Bugle’s View is that we have one opportunity to seize everything we ever needed.Whether it's Labor, Liberal or an independent, we need to make sure that we do not just let this opportunity slip.Your vote matters.

A secure home isn’t a luxury - it’s the foundation for work, family and community connection.Across the Kiama electorate, everyone can feel the squeeze - key workers commuting further, older residents swimming in homes that no longer fit, and young people giving up the dream of raising their families on the coast they grew up in.We are growing. The question is whether we shape that growth - or have it done to us by a government intent on fast, one-size-fits-all outcomes that override local input.Let’s drop the euphemisms. This isn’t just about “affordable housing”.Somewhere along the way, government lost the courage to budget for and build social housing - secure, income-linked homes that give people dignity and stability.We need more of it here, and we need it in the right places.Then let’s get moving on key-worker homes, especially in well-located town-centre areas, so nurses, ambos, baristas, apprentices and disability support workers can live where they’re needed.The state has already shown a credible model with Build-to-Rent in Bomaderry.That’s durable, non-speculative supply our region can scale and repeat along the rail spine.Short-term rentals also need a social licence if tourism is to keep working for locals.The current light-touch approach hasn’t stemmed the drift from permanent rentals.We need more hotel and motel beds, plus STR registration and data-sharing that allow targeted caps where rental stress is worst - so hospitality can keep humming and staff can live locally.That’s not anti-tourism; it’s pro-community.On where we grow, Kiama has a clear mandate: add neighbours near stations, schools and shops - not by pushing pipes and roads into farmland and floodplains.Transport-oriented development can help, but not if it steamrolls local design choices.Let’s build the missing-middle - duplexes, terraces and granny flats - that respect village character.Do it with genuine local input and matching infrastructure sequenced first, not last.The state sets the “how many”; our job is to insist on the where and how. Yes, Kiama has been handed a 900-home target by 2029. Let’s meet it on our terms.The costs of getting this wrong are already visible. Flood-prone roads still need basic resilience works.After ordinary rain, we see sewer overflows from Kendalls to Bombo - a system already stretched.Housing without rail, road and sewer upgrades isn’t “supply”; it’s backlog.That’s why greenfield expansion should be the exception, not the reflex.Look north to Calderwood: thousands of dwellings over decades, with councils warning about unfunded road upgrades and flood and farm impacts unless infrastructure is locked in.Growth that dumps costs on ratepayers isn’t “affordable” - it’s a future bill.We also need to be honest about market incentives. Left on autopilot, the private pipeline prioritises the fattest margins, not the greatest need, which is why downsizers and single-person households struggle to find smaller, accessible homes in town.State leadership should keep approving good infill fast and stop pretending speculative product at the fringes is a civic virtue. That’s not anti-developer; it’s pro-outcomes.And the regional supply blockers are well known: thin builder markets, rising costs and workforce shortages - which is exactly why public-interest projects and steady pipelines matter.And yes, tax settings matter. Stamp duty keeps people stuck, especially older locals who’d happily right-size if the transaction penalty weren’t so punishing.Give residents viable in-town alternatives and a fairer tax path, and you free up family homes while keeping community ties intact.Finally, let’s talk cost and speed. Traditional delivery alone won’t keep up. Welcome modular and panelised builds, adaptive reuse, and simple, code-compliant add-ons - granny flats, tiny homes and land-lease communities - because the point is to house people faster at a standard we’re proud of.Across Australia, employers and councils are already doing this to keep towns staffed and services running. It’s not theory, it’s happening - just not enough here.Kiama doesn’t need to choose between soul and shelter. We should insist the state funds the rails, roads and sewers; that holiday homes don’t take priority; that social and key-worker homes are built in our centres; and that locals keep a real say over how we meet targets we didn’t set.Growth is coming. The election question is simple: will we be the driver - or the passenger? A strong community-backed independent can ensure that we get to choose.Please note that this blog is paid content

By Damian Morgan, Country Press Australia president  I’m often asked why Meta (owners of Facebook) should be forced to pay compensation to news publishers. It’s a fair question. On the surface, Facebook can be seen as a media disruptor, like Uber upending the taxi industry, or cars replacing horse and cart. It’s easy to think social media is just the “new and improved” media. But Facebook isn’t a modern version of traditional media at all - it’s an entirely different thing. The core business of traditional media is producing content - primarily news and entertainment. We are a product business. Facebook doesn’t produce any content. Zero. Its business model is to “share” other people’s content - without paying for it. This has never been done at scale before. In the early days, many of us curated our Facebook feeds to include trusted news sources.That made the platform more important to us, more credible, and far more valuable. Credible journalism gave Facebook enormous legitimacy. It made the feed worth coming back to - and helped Facebook build its empire. Credit where due - Facebook was a brilliant pioneer of the internet, effectively inventing social media and colonising the World Wide Web. It offered everything for free - until we relied on it.Then they cashed in - creating one of the most powerful and profitable corporations in history. But like all new boom industries, social media’s race to dominate the internet has left regulation in the starter’s blocks. There were no guardrails to protect people and organisations from the consequences of its domination.No recourse for scams or misinformation. No regard for the mental health of teenagers. No thought for the destruction of regional news services. The benefits of social media are clear. But the full extent of the harms caused by Facebook - and the copycat platforms that followed - are still not fully understood, let alone addressed. Facebook’s real “product” is you. Your attention is what they sell. And they’ll serve up almost anything to keep it - along with your personal data - to advertisers, based on what you read, watch, click, and where you go online. Now, with Meta glasses, they’re even tracking what you see and say every day. The potential for harm is staggering. While Facebook deserves credit for innovation, its refusal to engage with regulation is contemptible. Google has behaved differently.   Its core product – search - is also vastly more valuable when it includes journalism from credible sources.For example, when you search for updates on a local bushfire or the war in Ukraine, those results are far more valuable when they include stories from trained journalists at credible news organisations. Without trusted journalism in the mix, Google’s search results would be less relevant, less useful - and far less valuable. That’s why Google agreed to pay Australian news publishers after the introduction of the world-first News Media Bargaining Code in 2021.  Facebook initially complied. Then they walked away. They are now openly defying the Australian government and refusing to pay for the journalism that helped build their empire and continues to drive their profits. The Albanese Government is responding with the News Bargaining Incentive to force them to the table. So far, Facebook has responded with silence and contempt. Let’s put this into perspective as the government stands up to the bullying tactics of Meta. Imagine for a moment that Meta was a mining company. It’s not a perfect analogy, but it’s a useful one. Mining companies don’t own the resources they extract - so they pay royalties because those resources belong to the people. Facebook doesn’t own the internet or the content it extracts - yet it refuses to pay anyone, anything. Mining companies impact the environment, so they pay taxes, levies, and offsets. Facebook has damaged the information environment massively - spreading scams, misinformation, and harmful content - yet takes no responsibility. Mining is dangerous, so companies are required to invest in safety, education, and emergency services. Facebook profits from dangerous content that fuels our mental health crisis - yet contributes nothing to public well-being. Mining companies affect the communities where mines are located, so they invest in those communities as part of their social licence to operate. Facebook has pillaged and damaged local news in regional Australia. Now it refuses to pay for the journalism it profits from. If Facebook were a mining company, we wouldn’t let them get away with it. We’d shut them down.

On Monday morning at Kiama Pavilion, at a hastily arranged Business Illawarra Forum with the Premier and Treasurer, we were told this visit was “business as usual”, part of a series of forums with Business Chambers and nothing to do with the Kiama by-election.It didn’t feel that way.With a familiar campaign gloss - set-piece talking points about hospitals, schools, and long-horizon reforms - the assembled room full of small business leaders was nonetheless taking their rare audience with Labor's economic leadership and bursting with urgent pressures: insurance renewals, energy bills, workforce and housing, approvals that don’t stick, trains that don’t turn up, and support programs that have quietly disappeared.That cognitive dissonance is exactly why I’m running in the Kiama by-election.For years I’ve done the unglamorous work of helping small businesses survive and then grow - listening to retailers, tradies and in offices, connecting operators to each other and to practical support.As president of the Berry Chamber, our community delivered three straight Top Small Tourism Town wins - proof that when local business has a plan and the right scaffolding, a whole town lifts.Later this year I’m a finalist for Business Illawarra’s awards after being named Kiama’s Outstanding Business Leader 2025, recognition that belongs to a region that backs its doers, not just its talkers.Last week in Sydney, I represented Berry as the NSW Government’s brilliant UPTOWN program kicked off for our cohort: catalytic funding designed to help venues and producers extend the weekend into weeknights with music, collaborations, and smarter marketing.Berry’s “Extend the Weekend” plan is now moving from pitch to delivery with $200,000 to activate our struggling hospitality sector - it’s the sort of close-to-the-ground support that turns policy into actual patrons, shifts and gigs.I’m thrilled to see Labor was back on Wednesday to announce that Kiama has suddenly secured $200,000 for the much-needed Special Entertainment Precinct so our live music and hospitality ecosystem can build audience with clearer rules and less red tape.Momentum matters, but so does consistency.If we want confidence to return after four tough years, business needs to know that whatstarts will be sustained.What the forum confirmed is that small business doesn’t need more speeches that admire the problem and shift the conversation back to Macquarie St agendas.We need six practical shifts - now.1. Insurance that works. Stop funding essential services by loading levies onto insurance premiums. The Emergency Services Levy on policies is a textbook perverse incentive that discourages people from insuring properly. And as icare costs spiral, and the system groans under the weight of spiralling mental health claims that trap victims to their tormentors, the answer can’t just be bigger premiums for compliant employers - fix the broken settings and the misaligned incentives.2. Lower energy bills for business. Electrification support has to move beyond households. Help cafés, workshops, and light manufacturers switch equipment, electrify fleets, and cut bills with the same urgency we’ve seen for home solar panels and battery storage. Lower costs would mean more hours, more hires, and more headroom to invest.3. Housing where the jobs are. Productivity isn’t a slogan - it’s a commute time. Get affordable and social housing near transport so essential workers can live close to shifts, and unlock build-to-rent, social housing investment and key-worker supply that also kickstarts the construction pipeline.4. Trains that are reliable, frequent and fast. We need a Sydney–Bomaderry service we can plan our days around - and we need to end the single-track handbrake south of Kiama. Tourism, healthcare, education, and tradies all rely on timetables that don’t crumble weekly on infrastructure and timetables that haven’t improved in 25 years of neglect by both major parties.5. Tailored support that eases cash-flow strain. Reinstate Business Connect - Business owners don’t want another compliance seminar; they want an advisor for eight hours who helps them price, hire, digitise, and sell. Scale precinct programs like UPTOWN and guarantee future rounds for regional communities only just getting started. We need to get the life back into our village streets and see our cafes and pubs filled with mid-week life, live music, local producers, and real customers.6. Commercial and industrial land that’s usable. Open up employment land so operators can expand locally and hire locally. Match planning rhetoric with approvals that stick to evidence, and hold decision-makers to clear, timely benchmarks so investment isn’t lost to inconsistency.If Monday’s forum had one redeeming feature, it’s that the Premier and Treasurer heard the gap - between policy horizons and weekly cash-flow reality.Close that gap and the rest follows: safer streets with active venues, apprenticeships because books are healthy, main streets that hum on Thursdays, and families who can afford to live near their work.Small business is the engine of our regional economy.I’ve seen what happens when we fuel it: three years of top-tourism recognition in Berry, new precinct funding rolling out in Berry and Kiama, and operators ready to turn the lights on if government keeps its promises steady.That’s the work I’ve been doing for years. That’s the standard I’ll hold myself and anygovernment to.Please note that this blog is paid content

It was a privilege to talk with Premier Chris Minns earlier this month ahead of the 13 September by-election. I used the opportunity to highlight the importance of strong local representation and to press the case for urgent investment in the priorities Council has identified through our Advocacy List.For too long, Kiama has missed out on the government support that neighbouring communities have received, with projects such as the Mount Ousley interchange, Shellharbour Hospital and Shoalhaven Hospital upgrades bypassing our area. That must change.Council has set out a clear list of priorities:• Redevelopment of Kiama Sports Complex and Leisure Centre into a Regionally Significant Sporting Facility (estimated at $110–$150 million).• A structure plan for the Kiama Urban Expansion Area, ensuring proper roads, stormwater, sewerage and services.• Urgent investment in Bombo Treatment Plant, which is nearing capacity and creating odour and overflow issues.• Lifting the outdated covenant on residential land near Spring Creek. • Fairer arrangements for Jamberoo Mountain Road, a regional link that should not be funded solely by local ratepayers.Council has shown progress is possible. We secured movement on Glenbrook Drive and continue to advocate with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation for better access to the new Shellharbour Hospital. But many pressing needs remain unmet.The recent announcement of 100 new preschools, with none for Kiama, underlines how far we are still being left behind.These are not wish lists. They are essentials. Every delay costs our community whether in sport and recreation, in housing, in education, in health or in basic infrastructure.Council has done the work to identify what is needed. I call on all candidates in this by-election to commit to these priorities. They reflect the voice of our community and the determination of your Council. We are ready and willing to partner with state and federal governments.Together, with the right support, we can secure the investment Kiama needs and deserves for the future.

Saturday, 13 September 2025 is shaping up to be a momentous day. It’s the first day of Kiama Council’s household bulky waste drop-off program. If you’re undertaking a spring clean and are not able to reuse, recycle or donate, then we am sure you are extremely excited about the second Saturday in September. Also, on the calendar for the 13th day of September is 1990s country pop music icon LeAnn Rimes, who is performing one night only in Sydney. Rimes is of course responsible for karaoke classics “How do I Live”, and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” and overall reminding us of simpler and easier times. Or maybe you’re a little less practical and nostalgic and will be completely engaged in the Kiama by-election, where we will elect a new individual to represent our interests in the hallowed halls of the Parliament of NSW.The farcical scenes of two weeks ago, where there was a possibility that meeting with our local MP would require a trip up the M1 to Cessnock Correctional Centre (during official visiting hours only) have been averted. Instead, we get to go back to the polls – a full 546 days earlier than we all thought.While candidates have until next Thursday (28 August) to nominate for the election, it looks like the field of four genuine contenders has all been set with three latecomers also added to the ballot who are highly unlikely to get much of the primary vote in Felix Nelson (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party), Kyle Napoleoni (Family First) and independent Andrew Thaler.Labor: Katelin McInerney will be looking to go one better than the 2023 election. Aiming to capitalise on her campaign kick-off with Premier Chris Minns, and the strong and continued popularity of Labor at both a State and Federal level, McInerney is the natural frontrunner.Liberal: Serena Copley is a former Shoalhaven City Councillor who has been part of the community for more than 30 years. The Liberal Party is coming off an extremely low base of just 12% of the vote in 2023, demonstrating that it will be an uphill battle for Copley and the Liberals.Community Independent: Kate Dezarnaulds and her supporters might be thinking it’s Groundhog Day as she goes back-to-back after her inaugural hit-out earlier this year for the federal election. Stylising herself as a true independent, backed by the Community Independent Project, Independent for South Coast and Climate 200, she will once again hope that the community’s belief in an independent Council, translates at a state level. Greens: Dr Tonia Gray, another former Shoalhaven City Councillor, will round out the field for The Greens. Decimated at this year’s Federal election, Dr Gray will be returning to the campaign trail after running fourth in the race for Kiama in 2023. We will be watching with extreme interest over the next three weeks to understand more about these candidates, their commitments and platforms. In a refreshing change of pace, it looks all but assured that a woman will represent the electorate of Kiama for the first time in the history of the seat.No matter who it is, the most important thing is what they stand for. The Bugle’s View is that they should stand for “more”.More investment, more focus, more resources, and more for our community.

It conjures images of pomp and glamour, and serves perhaps as a fitting tribute to one of Kiama’s most illustrious sons.The idea of naming a local street Orry-Kelly Boulevard was floated by none other than acclaimed filmmaker Gillian Armstrong, who proposed the name to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald following the unveiling of the town’s latest Blue Plaque on 26 July.The plaque, which honours Orry-Kelly - Hollywood costume designer to the stars - now graces the old Kiama schoolhouse at The Sebel, a place closely linked to his early life.It’s a grand idea that deserves serious thought.For a small town, we are now home to not one, but two Blue Plaques - a significant feat when you consider how rigorously these are awarded.Sydney might have its fair share, but for Kiama to be recognised two years running after Charmain Clift also received the honour speaks volumes about our rich cultural heritage and the extraordinary individuals who have called this place home.So where should we put a named boulevard? If our LGA agrees on it!A few suggestions have already been tossed around.Could we see the upper stretch of Terralong Street, near the Anglican Church, transformed into a stylish promenade - Orry-Kelly Boulevard - a pedestrian-friendly walkway lined with nods to the golden age of cinema?Or perhaps there's an unnamed street just waiting for a bit of Hollywood sparkle.What about the bottom end of Shoalhaven Street, past Black Beach, where locals and visitors alike stroll with a view of the sea?There’s even been a suggestion for a renamed Pavilion - The Orry-Kelly Pavilion!And let’s not forget the idea of the foreshore pathway - a place where Orry-Kelly himself might have once walked, dreaming up costume designs that would eventually win him three Academy Awards.We’d love to hear your thoughts.What’s your vision? Where do you think this glamorous tribute could belong?Of course there may be a bit of red tape to wade through to actualise it!While we’re on the subject of community pride, it’s been fantastic to see Kiama recognised for the second year running as NSW’s Top Tourism Town. Mark your calendars for September 3, when we’ll find out how we fare in the national awards.Destination Kiama continues to champion our town, encouraging local businesses to enhance their offerings with value-add experiences. A great example is the new cycle tours soon to be launched by Kiama Cycles, catering to both visitors and locals.Our events calendar remains full and vibrant. Changing Tides returns to The Pavilion this November, while the Gerringong Co-op keeps serving up variety, from the South Coast Ceramics Market this weekend to the Disco Revolution in September.There is of course regular Sunday afternoon music vibes at Yves at The Sebel in Kiama and offerings such as Unplugged at Filmores. Cin Cin in Kiama Heights is offering everything from book afternoons to murder mysteries - there certainly is a plethora of activities on our calendars to choose from! There’s also something new in Gerringong: Crooked River Wines has unveiled elegant boutique accommodation - complete with a outdoors jacuzzi and stunning views - perfect for a weekend escape. It’s an ideal spot to relax after their popular Kick back Fridays, which they warmly encourage locals to enjoy.Meanwhile the Orry-Kelly Boulevard idea isn’t just another glitzy distraction, but the start of a genuine conversation about celebrating - and preserving - the things that bring Kiama together. And now with our by-election on September 13, Kiama certainly continues to have so much intrigue, and national attention, on its doorsteps.