This week's edition of The Bugle brings you the latest news on the battle to keep the New Year's Eve fireworks alive as they are under threat of being cancelled due to Kiama Council's financial constraints. Councillor Yasmin Tatrai has expressed her personal disappointment in the decision to approve the budget at last week’s Council meeting which has left Destination Kiama staff in a position where they have just a few months to find external investment to fund the fireworks or they will be cancelled.Click here to view our latest edition“I regret the recent the Council decision to not allocate $95,000 for New Year's Eve fireworks,” Cr Tatrai told The Bugle.“Although the decision has been made to prioritise local events over this cherished tradition, I feel hoodwinked by the choice to overlook what is arguably the most important night of the year for our community. “I fear this could be devastating for both the local community and the tourism economy."Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald launched an appeal for sponsors to come forward with an Expression of Interest form placed on the Council wesbite in a bid to attract corporate support by 13 July.There is also a feature on the suburb in our local government area which has experienced the biggest real estate boom. Gerringong has emerged as the region’s most expensive town and the biggest long-term mover, topping the coastal market for both prestige and price growth.Its median house price is now $1.8 million, nearly tripling in value from $625,000 in 2005.You can also read plenty of great community stories including a new author's children's book series, why Premier Barbers are a cut above and the plan to revitalise Kiama Harbour. Take the chance to join in the local whale census, check out a couple of new men's groups in our town and see how a talented young Kiama rugby league player is about to breathe fire for the Dragons in their upcoming NRLW season.Our dedicated sports photographer Brian Scott has taken lots of pictures of our local sporting community, plus there is a full list of What's On in our region and our puzzles page filled with brain teasers.

Be warned - if you overstay your welcome, you could find a paper parking infringement waiting for you under your windscreen wiper from next Tuesday.Kiama Council is returning to issuing paper parking notices from 1 July as part of new NSW Government laws.Parking is an ongoing issue in Kiama with spots at a premium on Terralong Street and Manning Street during business hours and during weekends and public holidays when tourists flock to the town.Kiama is one of many Councils that has used the paperless system since the NSW Government introduced it in 2020.Under that system, the fine notice was sent via post to the vehicle owner.However, the NSW Government has now ordered Councils to return to paper parking notices.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is imploring local residents and visitors to please check parking signs and respect any stated restrictions before leaving their vehicle to avoid receiving a fine.And to treat Council's parking rangers with respect.“I ask everyone, whether local or visitor, to treat Parking Officers with courtesy," Cr McDonald said. "Our parking officers have one of the most challenging jobs in Council. "They deserve our respect, as does anyone whose job is to make sure we’re all following the rules.”Parking restrictions, whether outside shops or schools, are designed to ensure safe and equitable access to parking spots.In 2023-24 Kiama Council conducted 434 parking patrols, resulting in fines of approximately $107,000.

The NSW District Court has been told that a YouTube personality was contacted by one of the complainants in the Gareth Ward trial in order to paint the Kiama MP in “not a very nice light”.Ward is facing five charges and has pleaded not guilty to each of them: sexual intercourse without consent, common assault and three counts of indecent assault.He has been accused of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.The 44-year-old Independent MP was charged three years ago following complaints against him from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an alleged incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago and an allegation from an incident alleged to have occurred two years earlier at his Shoalhaven property.Under cross examination on Thursday at the Darlinghurst Courthouse from Ward’s barrister, David Campbell SC, the younger complainant said he had contacted Jordan Shanks-Markovina, a YouTuber known as “friendlyjordies”.The man said he ended up meeting the Sydney-based YouTuber and his producer/researcher, Kristo Langker, face to face after his initial email.He also told the jury that he had contacted an ABC journalist “to see if they could assist” in bringing his allegations against Ward into the public arena.When Campbell put it to the complainant that he was trying to portray Ward in “not a very nice light”, he responded by saying “it’s just that the truth was not very positive” for him.The complainant had earlier in the trial said Ward encouraged him to drink alcohol at his house in 2013. He had recently turned 18 and Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles has told the Court that police allege Ward indecently assaulted the teenager as he lay on the grass and then again inside in his bedroom.The man, who said he was 17 when he first met Ward, told the jury “I could not move” when he alleged that Ward placed himself on top of him while he was face down in bed and tried to perform a lower back massage.He continued to associate with Ward after the alleged incident but told the Court that when he heard that the then Liberal politician had been promoted to NSW Minister of Families, he told the jury he was very distressed and described the appointment as inappropriate. “I felt basically that a vampire was running the blood bank and that I had a responsibility that I needed to get it on the record,” he told the Court while explaining why he decided to report his allegations to police.The trial, which has run for five weeks before Judge Shead, continues.1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

It’s been 25 years since actress Deborah Kenney ushered in a three-word slogan to the Australian cultural vernacular that clearly demonstrates the feeling of discontent and unhappiness. “Not Happy Jan” is now part of our everyday language to convey a sometimes jovial, but sometimes serious level of dissatisfaction. Fast-forward to 2025, and specifically the NSW Budget for 2025-26 and the catchphrase might be more appropriately be reworded to: Not Happy Dan. The Dan in this context refers to the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC, the Treasurer of NSW who just handed down his third budget for the state. The Budget has been variously described as ‘interesting’, ‘safe’, ‘canny’ and a ‘missed opportunity’. Here at The Bugle, we think “Not Happy Dan” is probably the best way to summarise our thoughts. Whilst the state’s finances are in precarious territory – a situation that we are all too familiar with from Kiama Council – we were not expecting golden cheques and significant announcements.However, a perusal of the Budget Papers will reveal … not much, at least for us and our community. This qualifies for the serious level of dissatisfaction description. There’s an entire Budget Paper called “Our plan for Regional New South Wales” which features the Illawarra-Shoalhaven. We cannot keep up with thought bubbles (brain farts?) that the boffins and bureaucrats in Sydney come up with. This time last year we were part of the “Six Cities” of the Sydney region. Now it looks like our region has been relegated to “Regional NSW”. Semantics, really, because the bigger issue is that the only mention of “Kiama” in the Regional Budget Paper is a reference to Kiama Council being part of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region. That’s probably not such a bad idea and inclusion, because if you looked through the detail of where the Treasurer is spending the state’s money in our region – you might not know we exist.Of the approximate $2.5 billion spending package that is outlined for the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region, it appears that not a single dollar has been specifically earmarked for our local government area and our local community.Not Happy, Dan.Here at The Bugle, we realise that Kiama might not be the fastest growing community. And we may not be in need for significant investments in emergency services (we are clear beneficiaries of the new Shellharbour and Shoalhaven Hospital projects) – but we do have our own set of challenges. We are a growing community and with an extra 7000 people that are going to call our community home over the next 15 years – we would have thought that there’d be some investment into infrastructure, services and improvements to set us up for growth. The situation regarding the Bombo Wastewater Treatment Plant is well known. As is the capacity (or lack thereof) of some of our roads. Our Council cannot be expected to shoulder the burden by themselves. Equally, it would be unwise to rely on developers to deliver bullet-proof infrastructure upgrades to completely cater for population growth – that after all, is what Government is for.We can laud and support some of the budget initiatives that will provide better outcomes for new parents and vulnerable children. But when it comes to getting our fair share from this year’s State Budget, The Bugle’s View is we are not happy, Dan.

Marion Rattray’s husband died nine months ago, and nothing could have prepared her for the challenges that followed in this next stage of her life.From emotional and financial stress to health concerns, Rattray found herself struggling to manage everything on her own - until she discovered how much it helped to speak with someone who truly understood what she was going through.She recalls a moment that made a lasting impression.“When my husband was very sick, and it was just deathly quiet in the house, I rang a girlfriend and said, ‘It’s so quiet. What do you do?’,” Rattray said.“My girlfriend told me to turn on every television in the house, which is what I do now. I just need noise - something else happening in the house. It’s a big place, and I’m rattling around in it on my own.”Inspired by that conversation and the power of connection, Rattray founded a support group called WHOW – Widows Helping Other Widows.“Widows all have one thing in common,” she said. “We’ve lost our husbands. But each of us faces different challenges. Some are wondering whether to sell their home or find accommodation that better suits their needs.“What really makes a difference is the companionship of people who truly understand. If you’ve had a long and very happy marriage, I think the grief hits even harder. That’s why I felt there should be something just for widows.”The group has already held two meetings at the Lecture Hall of Kiama Uniting Church, and Rattray is hopeful more women will join in the weeks to come.WHOW meets at Kiama Uniting Church, every Thursday at 2pm.“There are a lot of widows in Kiama. People retire here, and women statistically live longer than men. We talk about all sorts of topics - everyone’s welcome to speak as much or as little as they like. It’s just a warm, supportive space to connect and relate.”WHOW meets every Thursday at 2pm at the Lecture Hall at Kiama Uniting Church. All widows are welcome - just drop in for a chat and some afternoon tea.For more information, you can contact Marion at 4233 2490.

You don’t need a graph to see why Gerringong now tops the region’s property charts.Just stand on Tasman Drive.The clifftop views are breathtaking, and so is its property boom.Gerringong has emerged as the region’s most expensive town and the biggest long-term mover, topping the coastal market for both prestige and price growth.Its median house price is now $1.8 million, nearly tripling in value from $625,000 in 2005.That’s according to exclusive data released this week to The Bugle by Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), revealing the top end of the market across the Kiama, Shoalhaven and Shellharbour LGAs.In the first of a three-part special report examining the state of the region’s property market, The Bugle looks at the biggest movers, the most expensive towns, where there’s still a relative bargain, and what the numbers tell us 20 years on.Gerringong leads a powerhouse list of biggest movers that includes Berry, Kiama, Jamberoo and Shell Cove.Berry has seen its median house price surge from $653,000 to $1.6 million over the past two decades.Kiama’s values have risen from $669,000 in 2005 to $1.57 million today.And Jamberoo now commands a $1.5 million median house price, while Shell Cove, once a growth corridor, firmly sits in the prestige bracket at $1.4 million.When The Bugle visited Gerringong’s clifftop Tasman Drive on Monday, tourists were gathered for the view at a coastal stretch made famous by a recent Visit NSW TikTok video that went viral.Tourists at Tasman Drive. Photo: The BugleIt’s now more than just a scenic lookout. It’s the frontline of a property market that has left many locals, and first-home buyers, playing catch-up.Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, said that while local property values had soared over the past two decades, the market had more recently been through a weak patch.“Despite rising values since early 2023, both regions are recording values that are below peak levels,” he said.“Kiama-Shellharbour values are down 4.8 per cent from their record highs and Shoalhaven values remain 11.5 per cent below peak levels.“The drop in values between mid-2022 and early 2023 coincides with the early rapid phase of rate hikes but also came after a significant boom in housing values through the pandemic.”He said Kiama-Shellharbour values surged 51 per cent between the onset of Covid in March 2020 and the market peak during the pandemic.Shoalhaven values had an even greater bounce, up 64 per cent in the same period.Lawless said demand for lifestyle properties and homes within proximity to the coastline remained high, especially in areas that offer a blend of commutability and liveability.“Considering home values remain below their peak levels in these regions, buyers who missed out on purchasing a home during the pandemic boom may be more motivated to try again while price levels are discounted from their peak,” he said.And there are still a few opportunities to do exactly that.While the top end of the market continues to soar, the cheapest entry points around Kiama now sit between $720,000 and $1.33 million.According to the latest Cotality data, Albion Park remains the most affordable option, with units averaging just $720,000.Kiama units come next at $923,000, followed by Albion Park houses at $958,000.Shell Cove units sit at $1.08 million, while Kiama Downs houses, at $1.33 million, mark the upper end of what’s still considered a “budget buy” in the current market.NEXT WEEK: Agent reaction to the latest data, and their take on local property trends.

For the first time in his 20-year career, furniture and object designer Trent Jansen can see all the threads of his work coming together in one exhibition.The University of NSW lecturer is showcasing ‘Two Decades of Design Anthropology’ at Collingwood gallery Useful Objects, reflecting on a journey that began in his hometown, Kiama.“It's nice to, for the first time, see all of those works from so many years and so many projects in one space and to be able to kind of connect the dots,” said Trent.“To better understand my practice, to better understand the consistent elements, the things that are kind of coming up again and again, or maybe the things that have died away”.Trent Jansen: Two Decades of Design Anthropology exhibition at Useful Objects. Photo: Tobias Titz. Courtesy of Useful Objects, Melbourne.Some of these dots trace back to Kiama High School, where pivotal experiences helped shape the trajectory that would make him one of Australia’s most innovative designers. It was here, in John Shoebridge and Cathy Russell’s Aboriginal studies class, that Trent encountered the Indigenous stories that would become central to his practice.“I got a really strong foundation in Indigenous history and politics from that course,” he said.“That was the starting point for me to come to know more about that history and politics, but also to stoke a bit of a fire of interest in those subjects, those cultures, those ways of living and ways of being”.Now based in Thirroul, Trent has built an international reputation in design; creating objects that embody cultural narratives and stories, with his work being an intersection of art, design and storytelling.Central to his practice are multi-year collaborations with First Nations artists including Johnny Nargoodah, Vicki West, Errol Evans, and Tanya Singer. Trent highlights that these collaborations can take two to four years to develop, often spending time in each other's communities and with families.“These become important personal relationships too, so the integrity of the approach is crucial,” said Trent.“My intention is always to sort of generate this true kind of cultural exchange, so that there's a sharing of everything."One piece in the Melbourne exhibition that is particularly notable is the Briggs Family Tea Service, created in collaboration with Vicky West. The porcelain and copper tea set, covered in native materials such as wallaby pelt, now sits in the National Gallery of Victoria’s collection.“That one has a really kind of special place for me,” Trent said. “It was a real kind of shift into working with First Nations narratives and working collaboratively with First Nations artists”.Trent Jansen , Briggs Family Tea Service, from the Broached Colonial collection, 2011. Photo: Scottie Cameron. Courtesy of Useful Objects, Melbourne.For local audiences who missed the Melbourne exhibition, there is good news, Trent is finalising agreements to bring the exhibition to Studio ALM in Potts Point, Sydney this August.The Melbourne exhibition was special for Trent as it was the first opening his daughter had ever attended.“She has this real interest in design now, and she was really excited to go”.Having been celebrated as part of Melbourne Design Week 2025, Trent’s work continues to cement his design reputation both nationally and internationally.

Traffic on the humpback highway is getting busy, with the northern whale migration season well underway, and there is no better place to view these majestic mammals than the headlands around Kiama.On Sunday, the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) will hold its 26th annual whale census and is calling on the community to head to their favourite coastal destination to help track the cetacean travellers. Humpbacks are not the only natural wonder on offer in the region this winter and a new regional tourism campaign is encouraging people to hit the road and support local businesses during these tough economic times. Five councils, including Kiama, have joined forces with Destination Sydney Surrounds South for the Go Grand campaign, showcasing the natural wonders, accommodation, food and attractions on offer across the South Coast and Southern Highlands.Shannan Perry-Hall, the general manager of Destination Sydney Surrounds South, grew up in Bawley Point but it wasn’t until she moved interstate that she realised the unique beauty of the region. “We are spoilt for choice on the South Coast and Southern highlands,” says Ms Perry-Hall. “There is such a broad range of experiences on offer in quite a small area. So people can jump in the car on a Thursday night, take Friday off work and travel from Sydney or Canberra and be on the coast or in the highlands in a matter of hours for a weekend getaway.”Best of all, the hard work has been done by the Destination teams who have put together detailed itineraries for the winter tourism campaign’s four key themes: Grand Experiences, Grand Flavours, Grand Nature and Grand Stays. There is even an itinerary for a family getaway for the upcoming school holidays.“Winter is always a lot tougher for tourism businesses,” says Ms Perry-Hall. “And with difficult economic times at the moment, people aren’t spending money as much as they have done in the past. “But that’s the beauty of this campaign, it’s about grand experiences, many of which are free, rather than grand expenses.”And with activities already mapped out according to areas of interest, there is no mental planning load required. You can just pack a bag, jump in the car and wind your way up or down Grand Pacific Drive, says Ms Perry-Hall.So what does the tourism guru’s ideal road trip look like?“Well I would start in Kiama, it’s an easy drive from Sydney or Canberra, and there’s a heap of amazing accommodation options, so it’s a great first stop for a winter road trip,” she says.“I’d stay overnight at the Sebel and grab a share plate at Little Betty’s for dinner. Then the next morning I’d do the Kiama Coastal walk to spot whales and sea eagles and then grab a coffee and croissant from Slow Dough.“I’d go south for a spot of shopping and lunch in Gerringong and then head away from the coast into the Highlands. "There are some spectacular short walks at Carrington or Belmore Falls and then in the afternoon it’s time for some wine tasting. There are a lot of great accommodation and dining options in the highlands with the essential winter fireplace and comfort food.”Ms Perry-Hall also recommends a visit to Ngununggula Art Gallery while in the highlands, before heading south to the spectacular Bundanon in the Shoalhaven.“I am a coast girl at heart so I’d head back to the water to do some whale watching at Jervis Bay or even swim with the whales with local tourism operator Woebegone Freedive,” she says. “You can do all of these wonderful experiences over a couple of nights in different regions and really embrace the winter road trip or just use Kiama as your base because everything’s quite close.”Ms Perry-Hall is also encouraging locals to get involved in the campaign and act as tour guides for family and friends. “People have a real sense of pride for where they live and they are able to showcase not just all the activities on offer but also their favourite coffee shop, restaurant, winery or activity,” says Ms Perry-Hall. “There is no better holder of knowledge than a local and the food scene across the region is really growing with a focus on paddock to plate and fresh local produce. “There are also some great wineries and breweries and activities like swimming - the water temperature and clarity are great at the moment - whale watching and bush walks. What more could you want for a winter getaway?”So pack your bags, hit the highway and if you are travelling along Grand Pacific Drive this weekend choose your favourite headland to join in the ORRCA whale census. Whale spotters will need to register online and log their chosen location before census day on June 29. ORRCA will email all participants a Census Day kit which includes a sighting fact sheet and access to the organisation's Data Collection App to log sightings on Sunday.

The ninth annual Kiama Coastal Classic attracted close to 1,000 participants across four race distances last weekend.The most popular event of the day was the 21km race, which featured around 500 runners and ended in a dramatic finish in the men's division.“The guy who came second in the 21km was just three seconds behind,” said Seb Gallery, marketing manager at Elite Energy Events.“It was amazingly close racing - especially considering it’s not a flat course. Those times are impressive even on a flat route, let alone one that covers varied terrain.”Steven Horrocks claimed first place in the men's division with a time of 01:29:09, closely followed by James Naldrett at 01:29:12. In the women’s division, Martine Schlosser took the win with a time of 01:44:30.Gallery noted the strong family turnout for the shorter events, highlighting the inclusive atmosphere of the day.Finishing with a beautiful ocean view at Kiama Coastal Classic. Photo: The Bugle“It was great to see so many families getting involved,” he said. “You had kids running the 2km event, while parents or siblings took on the longer distances.”Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Kiama Coastal Classic. Gallery, who was part of Elite Energy when the event first launched, says he’s proud of how much it has grown.“We’re still producing a great event, and we’ve seen people return year after year,” he said. “Some participants have completed all nine Kiama Coastal Classics - which is a real feather in our cap. That’s what we’re about: creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone.”While Gallery was tight-lipped about the details for 2026, he hinted at a special celebration to mark the milestone.“There’ll be birthday celebrations for the 10th year, but details will be released in due course,” he said. “There’ll definitely be some kind of surprise for the 10th anniversary.”Full list of winners:21km raceMale: Steven HorrocksFemale: Martine Schlosser12km raceMale: Charley GibsonFemale: Elisha Bell5km raceMale: Sam HaldaneFemale: Amy Abbey2km fun runMale: Memphis MenchacaFemale: Alessia Spasevski

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has given his team a much-needed shake-up leading into Saturday’s Wollongong showdown with Parramatta.The Dragons’ playoff hopes are slipping away after they have lost five of their past seven matches to sit in 11th spot on the NRL ladder.After a week off for their third and final bye of the season, Flanagan has overhauled his line-up for the WIN Stadium stoush with the Eels.Maroons centre Valentine Holmes is back in the starting side after a strong performance in last week’s State of Origin upset win over NSW in Perth with rookie Nick Tsougranis making way.Wingers Christian Tuipulotu and Corey Allan are also back in the backline after overcoming hamstring injuries.Tyrell Sloan has not been selected amid reports he will be granted a mid-season release to join another club despite having 18 months left on his contract. The Dragons’ other winger from their 30-18 last-start loss to traditional rivals Cronulla was Nathan Lawson, who has been dropped to the reserves.Former Queensland second-rower Jaydn Su’A will make his comeback from a month out with an ankle problem, sending Luciano Leilua to the interchange.Gerringong forward Hamish Stewart has retained his place on the bench as he looks to continue his impressive first season at NRL level.The match will hold extra significance for St George Illawarra co-captain Clint Gutherson who will be taking on his former team for the second time since Parramatta controversially told him to look elsewhere in the off-season. The Eels triumphed 23-22 when they first met this season in Round 5 with former Dragons star Zac Lomax booting the winning field goal.Parramatta have moved off the bottom of the ladder by beating Gold Coast 36-20 on Sunday but if the Dragons want to have any chance of sneaking into the finals, they need to get revenge on the Eels for their nail-biting loss earlier in the season.

Kiama Farmers' Market marked the 2025 Winter Solstice in true coastal style - with 35 brave locals plunging into the chilly waters at Surf Beach, just in front of Coronation Park.“It just felt like a great way to celebrate winter,” said market manager Tricia Ashelford. “In Kiama, we’re so used to beautiful warm weather that as soon as the temperature drops, everyone tends to retreat indoors. We thought, why not do something to embrace winter instead?”The idea of a communal cold-water dip began a few years ago, inspired by Kiama’s dedicated cold-water swimming community.“There’s no escaping winter,” said Ashelford. “You might as well embrace it and have some fun with it.”While winter brings a natural drop in attendance at the market, Ashelford wants to remind the community that the colder months also bring unique produce you can’t find any other time of year.Some of the 35 Kiama locals in the water to celebrate the winter solstice. Photo: Kiama Farmers' Market“We definitely see fewer shoppers during winter - and we completely understand that,” she said. “But we’re lucky to have a loyal customer base that shows up regardless.“Now’s the time to celebrate what’s in season. Just last week we had the first truffles of the season, which is really exciting. "We’re finishing the finger limes and transitioning into truffles. The citrus is fantastic right now, and the brassicas are beautiful.”Looking ahead, Ashelford also flagged the possibility of relocating the market temporarily due to upcoming restoration work at Coronation Park, which was damaged by saltwater inundation earlier this year.“We’re currently working with Council because of the saltwater damage that affected Coronation Park a few months ago,” she said. “We understand that restoration work will likely begin in August.”The market team is exploring several alternative locations to host the market during the three to four months of repair work.“Our biggest concern is ensuring any new site has enough parking, and making sure we keep communication clear with our customers and local businesses,” Ashelford said.Even though its winter, Kiama locals are still braving the weather at the Kiama Farmers' MarketAt the heart of it all, she remains passionate about the role the Farmers' Market plays in connecting local producers with the community.“This market is a direct line from local producers to their customers - it’s how many of them stay financially viable,” she said. “Having a consistent, weekly market is vital for small businesses, whether they’re selling fresh produce, craft beer, wine, gin, or handmade food products.“And it’s also about community. It’s amazing how many locals come each week - it’s a place to connect, catch up, and support one another.”The Kiama Farmers' Market runs every Wednesday from 2–5pm during winter. Stay updated on location changes and other announcements via their Facebook page.

NSW Police have announced that a 93-year-old man has died following a three-vehicle crash in the Southern Highlands.About 8.40am on Thursday 12 June, emergency services were called to Moss Vale Road, Burradoo, following reports of a three-vehicle crash.Officers attached to The Hume Police District attended and found three vehicles – a Mazda SUV, Honda SUV and an Audi hatchback – had collided nose to tail.The Honda driver – an 85-year-old woman and front passenger ­– a 93-year-old man, were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital for further treatment.The other two drivers – a 43-year-old man in the Mazda and a 45-year-old woman in the Audi – were uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.A crime scene was established, and the Crash Investigation Unit started investigations.The 43-year-old man was arrested and taken to Southern Highlands Police Station where he was released pending further investigations.On Tuesday, the 93-year-old man died as a result of the injuries from the collision.A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.Anyone with information about the incident or dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via its website.Information is managed on a confidential basis.

Diann Rodgers-Healey, like so many creative locals, draws inspiration from the picturesque beauty of Kiama. Her new book series, Shirley’s Imaginarium, brings to life the quirky, fun and secret world of local birds. With these stories, she hopes to share her childlike wonder and remind readers to never let go of their imagination.Diann’s creative spark emerged from a difficult time. During COVID, while caring for her ill father and ​feeling ​the loss of her mother, she sought solace in nature.“I think I just came home and went into the garden and just sat there. And that's how I started all this, ​when I just started noticing the birds … writing became my escape.” Some of Diann's birds in her backyardNature has always been a source of inspiration. She fondly recalls a visit to a rose garden next to a small cottage during her early school years in India. “I just plucked little roses. And I think that is where my soul is.”What began as a personal refuge soon blossomed into something much larger - a project to bring love and happiness to children everywhere. “To me, when I write, every single word has beauty to it. You know, it's like playing an instrument,” she said.As an ​Anglo-Indian​ woman​, she has used her background to research and advocate for diversity, earning several honours and establishing the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women’s Diversity Award in 2016. She has also worked as a tertiary educator, dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential.Shirley’s Imaginarium launches in a safe, magical garden, with each book​ ​telling the story of what the birds get up to and what they think of the human gardener, Shirley. Diann photographed every bird herself. As her project evolved, she taught herself Photoshop and InDesign, designing the book’s vibrant pages with ​editorial help from her son, ​Aaron Healey. Creativity truly runs in the family.She’s captivated by each bird’s personality: some wise, some mischievous and all full of stories. Her series is now available at Toyworld Kiama and online. It makes a lovely gift for children​ aged 7-12 and anyone young at heart, and is a beautiful way to nurture imagination.“It’s for the love and the joy​, and spreading your love and spreading that garden that you’re writing it from.”Diann will be opening Shirley's Imaginarium later this year in Kiama, so stay tuned. ​In the meantime, step into Diann's garden and find your childlike wonder with Shirley's Imaginarium series. 

The State Emergency Service has issued a severe weather warning in the Illawarra for damaging winds on Wednesday morning.Gale-force winds have hit around the Great Dividing Range and southern coast of NSW, including Wollongong, extending to south-eastern Sydney and Newcastle. Blizzard conditions expected to continue about the ranges.The SES is advising motorists to drive according to the conditions and follow Live Traffic NSW for road and traffic updates. They are also being encouraged to secure loose items and to not park under trees in high winds. To keep up to date with the weather warnings, visit the Hazards Near Me app or via the Bureau of Meteorology website. If you require assistance in floods or storms, call NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations call Triple Zero (000). The Jamberoo Rural Fire Service has been busy attending incidents since the first call at 3.30am.They have cleared trees from roads across the township. Recent rain has made many trees unstable.

The NSW District Court has been told that Kiama MP Gareth Ward encouraged a teenager to drink alcohol before allegedly indecently assaulting the recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.Ward is facing five charges and has pleaded not guilty to each of them: sexual intercourse without consent, common assault and three counts of indecent assault.He was charged three years ago following complaints against him from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an alleged incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago and another allegation from two years earlier at his Shoalhaven property.On Tuesday, the younger complainant told the Darlinghurst Courthouse that Ward offered to pay his taxi fare after he had been at a party so that he could come to his home.The complainant said he was taken aback by the fact that nobody else was at the home and that they drunk alcohol at his house.“He encouraged me to continue drinking,” he told the jury.The man then said he pulled a prank on Ward by pretending to be passed out on the grass in his backyard.Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles has told the Court that police allege Ward indecently assaulted the teenager as he lay on the grass and then again inside in his bedroom.The man, who gave evidence from a remote location, said he was 17 when he first met Ward.The trial, which is into its fifth week before Judge Shead, continues.1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

The Kiama Junior Knights will celebrate their 70th anniversary next month, marking seven decades of developing young talent and fostering a love of rugby league across the region.Originally known as the Red Devils, the club was founded in 1955 and has since grown into one of the largest and most respected junior rugby league clubs in NSW.Today, the club boasts over 480 registered players, including more than 200 girls participating in League Tag or tackle - cementing its reputation as a leader in participation, inclusivity, and player development.“Seventy years is a huge milestone,” said club president Lachlan Payne. “This club has always been about more than just rugby league - it's about mateship, community, and creating a positive environment for young people to grow and thrive.”To mark the occasion, the Kiama Junior Knights will host a 70th Anniversary Celebration at the Kiama Leagues Club on Saturday, 19 July. The evening will bring together past and present players, coaches, volunteers, life members, families and supporters for a night of memories, recognition and reunion.A highlight of the night will be a special reunion of the 2005 Under 15-2s premiership-winning team, which included former NRL player Mitch Rein.Rein is one of many Junior Knights who have progressed to the professional level over the years, alongside notable names such as Shaun Timmins, Jonathan Britten, and Brett and Josh Morris.“We’re proud of our past, excited for the future, and incredibly grateful to the generations who have built this club from the ground up,” said Payne.The Kiama Junior Knights 15-2s 2005 Premiers who will celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. Source: Kristie Laird“We warmly invite anyone who has been part of our journey to join us - it’s going to be a very special night.”Event DetailsDate: Saturday 19 July 2025Time and venue: Kiama Leagues ClubTickets: $50 per personBookings: Click here to book

The Children’s Medical Research Institute Gerringong Committee has been raising money for Jeans for Genes since the campaign began in 1994. Every year supporters wear their jeans, buy the pens and badges, buy raffle tickets in the Denim Quilt raffle and come to the Jeans for Genes Trivia Night. The community is generous and very supportive while local schools hold mufti days with gold coin donations and businesses donate to the cause in a variety of ways.Every dollar donated goes directly to Children’s Medical Research Institute and helps find treatments and cures for children’s genetic diseases.CMRI was the first organisation in Australia dedicated to improving children’s health through research and has led the world for 65 yearsOne in 20 children face a birth defect or genetic disease. Finding treatments and cures can only come from vital research like gene therapy.Rhonda Bailey, Lorraine Peade, Lucy Hill, Sue Dmetreson from Gerringong CMRI. Wear your jeans on Jeans for Genes Day on Thursday 7 August to draw attention to the fundraising and help make this year another positive one for the Gerringong committee.Alessia, aged six, is featured on Gerringong CMRI's Trivia Night poster for this year and is one of the 2025 faces of Jeans for Genes. This is her story :When Alessia was born, her parents had no idea she would make medical history that would not only change (and save) her life – it would impact every other child born with thesame fatal genetic condition.Alessia is one of the 2025 faces of Jeans for Genes the iconic fundraising day that supports the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute so scientists can do work today to changelives tomorrow.She was born perfect in the eyes of her parents Adriana and Adam but one call, when she was two weeks old, delivered devastating news. Alessia had become the first child in NSW to be picked up for Spinal Muscular Atrophy on the newborn screening test.Her mum, Adriana, said Alessia had the severe form of the disease. She was pre-symptomatic and they had to act fast.“The natural course of the condition is that the nerves connecting to her muscles would waste away, and it would affect her ability to sit up, to crawl, to walk, to meet all of her milestones, to the point where she would lose the ability to breathe,’’Adriana said.“Ultimately it would take her life. As a best-case scenario, we were looking at a lifespan of two years.’’As Alessia’s parents tried to comprehend this news – they were told something equally life-changing. NSW was taking part in a trial of a new gene therapy following its success overseas. With one injection, Alessia’s genetic error could be corrected within her cells, effectively curing her condition.“I couldn't believe what I was reading with gene therapy,’’ her dad Adam said. “It was truly amazing. Reading about it was incredible, but then for it actually to be happening in front of our eyes was, next level.’’Alessia slept through her gene therapy infusion and went home. Over the next few years her parents waited and watched as she reached many childhood milestones that should never have been possible, and today, she is a happy and healthy seven-year-old lacking only a small amount of muscular strength in her legs.“Gene therapy has been completely lifesaving and life changing,’’ Adriana said. “To think that within the past 10 years, if you were given the diagnosis of severe SMA for your child, you knew that it was a death sentence. "You were told to go home and to love your child because they will not reach past their second birthday, if you were lucky. And now, Alessia is seven – that was unfathomable.’’Professor Ian Alexander, who is head of CMRI’s Gene Therapy Research Unit, was involved in both the heel prick test being introduced in NSW (the first State in Australia to do so), and in the gene therapy trials coming to Australia. He and his team are now working on the next generation of gene therapies to improve the technology and hopefully expand it to other conditions.“The majority of my career has been about the possibility of being able to treat children in the future and now the field has got to the point where that is possible and it’s incrediblyexciting,’’ Professor Alexander said.Jeans for Genes is one of Australia’s oldest charity days and this year it will move to the first Thursday in August – after finding that many of our capital city streets and offices are quiet on a Friday.It may be on a different day but the challenge of finding treatments and cures for one in 20 Aussie kids with conditions like cancer, cystic fibrosis and other devastating genetic diseases remains the same.CMRI Gerringong will be selling merchandise at IGA Gerringong on Friday 1, Saturday 2 August and Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August. You can also buy raffle tickets for this year’s denim quilt that has been designed, made and donated by the Kiama Quilters’ Guild. It features denim and a range of bright colours that will appeal to all ages. The raffle will be drawn at the Trivia Night to be held at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club on Friday 8 August from 6.30pm for 7pm start.Buy your tickets online from 14 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DCRXB.

The Barstool Brothers program is linking arms in solidarity with Kiama Leagues Club to help build communities of people who “understand and are aware of their mental health”. Starting on 13 July, they will be holding a free monthly brunch at Cedar Cutters Sports Bar. Within the Kiama districts and its community, there are many programs and events supporting men’s mental health and this monthly brunch shapes up to be another pillar of strength. Raising The Bar Foundation general manager Daniel Chin said the Barstool Brothers program, established in 2019, aims to provide mental illness relief within society by “building communities of people who understand and are aware of their own mental health around them”. “We want to effectively run events that remove as many barriers as possible, and one of those is financial. It is important to have a great partner like the Kiama Leagues Club and make it possible for everyone to attend,” Chin said. Kiama Leagues Club marketing manager Madeline Battagello said they wanted to be further involved with community organisations like Raising the Bar Foundation by facilitating gatherings. “There are a lot of men’s health initiatives popping up, so it is at the forefront of everyone’s mind and receiving a lot of interest,” Batagello said. One of the key messages in the findings from the study Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health is that mental ill-health remains high among Australian men, with up to 25% experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, and 15% experiencing a disorder in a 12-month period. “What we want to do is put a spot out there for blokes to get together and build those connections in a bit more of a natural situation,” Chin said. “That’s really important for us to make it as easy as possible and as accessible as possible. People hear mental health sometimes and can get quite intimidated. “It is exciting to be able to get out there and start reaching some of the guys in the Kiama community that may be struggling with their mental health.” Battagello added: “Mental health can be quite a pressing issue for people who work crazy hours and shifts, and we’re sort of working with how we can host that here, open it up to the community with more of their events.” The monthly brunch starts on Sunday 13 July at 10:30am in Cedar Cutters Sports Bar, with free coffee and bacon and egg rolls for attendees. For more information head to www.kiamaleagues.com/events/kiama-monthly-brunch. If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Gerringong Golf Club, joined by local MP Fiona Phillips, officially opened its new fuel storage tanks and cart wash bay last Wednesday.Partially funded by a $17,500 grant from the Labor Government’s Stronger Communities Program, the project marks the first stage of the club’s long-term plans for clubhouse redevelopment.The new upgrades include a fuel bay designed with safety and environmental impact in mind. It features a sump to catch fuel spills, addressing past inefficiencies.“The staff used to go to the local service station to fill up small cans,” said Gerringong Golf Club president Geoff Manning. “They’d bring them back and then air-pour the fuel, which would take half a day - and it wasn’t environmentally friendly.”The second major improvement is a covered cart wash bay that allows staff to clean golf carts safely while collecting and recycling the wastewater for irrigation on the course.“As you move forward, these are the types of improvements you need to make,” said vice-president Tony Quinn. The upgrades were just part one of a big plan for the upgrade of the Gerringong Golf Club.“We’ve gone from having four golf carts to now managing 38. You can’t keep using the old facilities and expect to keep up. "Plus, regulations have changed - and we want to stay ahead of the curve.”The club acknowledged the support of Kiama Council and MP Fiona Phillips in bringing the project to life.“Kiama Council was actually caught off guard when we submitted our application,” said Quinn. “They’d never seen a club be so well-prepared - they didn’t know how to treat it!”Attending the launch, Phillips expressed her pride in supporting a project that delivers environmental and community benefits.“These upgrades will improve safety for members, visitors, and staff - and the water recycling system will help keep the course in top condition,” she said.Welcoming around 18,000 visitors each year, Gerringong Golf Club is one of the few courses in Australia offering ocean views from every hole.Geoff Manning, Fiona Phillips and Tony Quinn in the new Gerringong Golf Club fuel station.“This stunning course, in the most sublime location overlooking the ocean, is a huge attraction for visiting golfers who support our local economy and jobs year-round,” said Phillips.Gerringong Golf Club was one of 17 community organisations in Gilmore to share in $134,500 of funding through Round 8 of the Stronger Communities Program.The club hopes this is just the beginning, with plans underway for a full clubhouse redevelopment in future stages.