Construction is underway on a major upgrade at Vincentia High School, marking a significant investment in public education on the South Coast.The $13 million project includes a new two-storey building with 16 permanent, modern classrooms to replace ageing demountables, along with new bathroom facilities. Internal roadworks will also be upgraded to improve safety and on-site parking.The works are scheduled for completion by Day 1, Term 1, 2027. Once finished, Vincentia High School will have the capacity to accommodate up to 1,300 students, supporting future growth in the local community.The upgrade forms part of the NSW Government’s broader education infrastructure program, which includes $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools across regional NSW.Additional investment across South Coast schools includes upgrades at Batemans Bay High School, Bomaderry High School, Milton Public School, Moruya High School, Nowra East Public School, Ulladulla High School and Ulladulla Public School, as well as the redevelopment of the former Shoalhaven Anglican School site for public education use. A new public school is also planned for Worrigee.New co-located public preschools are being delivered at existing schools in Barrack Heights, Berkeley West, Bomaderry, Cringila, Greenwell Point, Hayes Park, Lake Heights, Lake Illawarra, Sanctuary Point and Worrigee. These projects form part of a statewide commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in regional NSW.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the Vincentia upgrade reflected a focus on strengthening education in regional communities.“Investing in regional communities is a top priority, and this upgrade will help ensure students on the South Coast can access high-quality public education close to home,” she said.Member for the South Coast Liza Butler MP welcomed the start of construction.“This upgrade will provide long-term benefits for students at Vincentia High School and the wider community,” she said.Vincentia High School principal Ruth Winfield said the new facilities would support the school’s growing enrolments and learning pathways.“We’re excited about what this new building will mean for our school community and the opportunities it will create for our students,” she said.

As part of a series looking back at the major moments of 2025, The Bugle is presenting a look back on the stories that mattered on the South Coast over the past 12 months - this article was first published on 28 SeptemberIt took Shellharbour Sharks 56 minutes to finally break through the Kiama defence in the Group 7 Grand Final at Centenary Park over the weekend - but by then, the Knights had already laid the foundations for a famous win.Coming into the game, both sides were evenly matched. Kiama had beaten Shellharbour just two weeks earlier to qualify for the grand final, while the Sharks entered as minor premiers, playing in their third straight decider.Not much could separate the two teams in the opening 20 minutes, with both being held up over the line in a tense, physical start.A turning point came in the 15th minute when Shellharbour were awarded a penalty - and five-eighth Sam Hooper got into a scuffle with Sharks captain Jayden Morgan. Both were sent to the sin bin, and from there, Shellharbour began to assert dominance. The Sharks earned five consecutive repeat sets on Kiama’s line, but the Knights’ scramble defence continued to hold firm.There always seemed to be another red-and-white jersey to save the day.Both sin-binned players returned as Kiama worked their way back into the game. In the 28th minute, a towering bomb from halfback Cameron Vazzoler was dropped by Shellharbour fullback Jacob Seabrook and pounced on by second-rower Tom Angel, who scored the opening try of the day.The score remained 6-0 at halftime.Rain began to fall early in the second half, and play became scrappy, with both teams guilty of handling errors. In the 55th minute, Kiama winger Callan Thistlewaite dropped the ball coming off his own line, giving Shellharbour another golden opportunity.Two plays later, the Sharks finally cracked the line, with a floating cut-out pass from halfback Braxton Wallace finding winger Jye Brooker, who dived over in the corner. Wallace missed the conversion, leaving Kiama clinging to a two-point lead.Shellharbour looked to be building momentum, but a brilliant 40/20 from fullback Brad Kilmore flipped the script. Moments later, Angel crossed for his second try, off a perfect short ball from Vazzoler. Kiama extended their lead to six with just over 15 minutes remaining.The next 10 minutes were pure desperation, with the Knights making three errors in a row coming out of their own end.But once again, their defence stood tall, repelling wave after wave of Shellharbour attack.Their resilience was rewarded in the 72nd minute. Under pressure, the Sharks ran the ball on the last tackle and began throwing it around. A wild sequence saw the ball travel 10 metres backwards, then another 20 metres back again. Thistlewaite chased a loose grubber and grounded it, scoring Kiama’s third try to seal the game - and the Group 7 premiership.Angel was awarded Player of the Match in a performance full of heart, though it could have gone to any number of Knights players.Kilmore paid tribute to his teammates’ spirit:“I don’t think we played as well as we could have. We made way too many errors, but our response to those mistakes was what mattered. No matter who dropped the ball or gave away a penalty, we all stuck together, got around each other, and defended for our teammates.”Kilmore said the team’s bond was the key to their premiership success.“The club really went to another level this year thanks to the coaches, community members, and support staff. They’ve made the club a joy to be part of, and that creates the perfect environment for us to come together - not just as teammates, but as mates.”Kiama couldn’t replicate the result in the reserve grade final, going down 22-16 to the Stingrays of Shellharbour.Earlier in the day, Berry defeated the Gerringong Lions 34-12 in the Under 18s.

The Illawarra and Shoalhaven’s coastal bars may offer access to some of the region’s most popular waterways, but Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters they can quickly become dangerous if conditions are misjudged.With the summer holiday period underway, Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey is urging skippers to take extra care when crossing the Lake Illawarra Bar, Crookhaven River Bar and Sussex Inlet Bar.Boaters looking to cross coastal bars should stand off, check the conditions and then decide whether it is safe to proceedInspector Massey said coastal bars demand patience and preparation, particularly for visiting boaters unfamiliar with local conditions.“Boaters looking to cross coastal bars should stand off, check the conditions and then decide whether it is safe to proceed,” he said.“It is best to cross on a run-in tide because there are fewer compression waves.”Each bar behaves differently depending on weather, swell and tides, and local knowledge can make a critical difference.3500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to assist boaters on the state's waterways this holiday seasonMarine Rescue NSW is encouraging boaters to seek advice from their nearest unit before attempting a crossing.“The decision and responsibility to proceed always remain with the skipper,” Inspector Massey said.“If you’re holidaying at another coastal location and plan to cross a bar, please do your homework and never put yours or your passengers’ lives in danger.”Mistakes on coastal bars can have serious consequences, with capsized vessels turning a routine outing into a life-threatening emergency within minutes.Inspector Massey said wearing a lifejacket at all times is essential.“If something does go wrong, stay with the vessel and grab hold of anything floating,” he said.Beyond bar crossings, Marine Rescue NSW says many callouts across the Illawarra Shoalhaven could be avoided with better preparation.From Port Kembla to Kioloa, more than half of incidents attended by volunteers are caused by engine or battery problems, or vessels running out of fuel.“These are preventable issues,” Inspector Massey said. “Every safe trip starts before you hit the water.”Skippers are advised to check safety equipment before departure and continue to assess conditions throughout their trip, as weather can change rapidly along the coast.This summer, more than 400 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will be on duty across seven local units — Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa — operating rescue vessels and radio rooms.Last summer, between December 1 and February 28, volunteers across the region carried out 196 search and rescue missions, including 78 emergency responses, returning 446 people safely to shore.During that period, crews also monitored almost 4,000 vessels that had Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW.Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready at any hourActing Commissioner Todd Andrews said Logging On before heading out remains one of the simplest and most effective safety measures boaters can take.“When a boater Logs On, they share details of their trip and expected return time,” he said.“If they don’t return as planned, a search will be initiated. Logging On saves vital time in an emergency.”Boaters can Log On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF channel 16.Andrews said choosing to delay or cancel a trip in poor conditions should be seen as good seamanship.“If you’re unsure, don’t go out,” he said. “We want people to enjoy their time on the water and get home safely.”Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation supporting boating safety and local communities across the state.

Summer is when the South Coast’s towns and villages are at their best, shining the spotlight on some of NSW’s most iconic landscapes.From Christmas markets and community celebrations to carnivals, beaches and New Year’s Eve events, The Bugle has rounded up what’s happening across the region. Destination Kiama’s manager of tourism, events and economic development, Sally Bursell said summer signals the region's peak period with the last week of December traditionally the busiest. “Boxing Day tends to be the busiest day in the year at the Kiama Visitor Information Centre at Blowhole Point,” Bursell said. “Not every business is open on Boxing Day, so the VIC (Visitor Information Centre) is a beacon that people can trust, and plays a role in dispersing visitors through to our key experiences and activities around the region such as The Illawarra Fly, Minnamurra Rainforest and of course Jamberoo Action Park.” Bursell encourages those who have family and friends staying, to be Kiama’s ambassadors.Huskisson Fair. “A lot of people have friends and family staying and they sometimes get a little bit of cabin fever over the Christmas and New Year period,” she said. “Go out and explore your own backyard and show your friends and family – there are just so many options. “Supporting locals this time of year is super important - it’s been a challenging year and a little patience and kindness goes a long way.” Christmas and pre-Christmas events To kick off the festive season, The Picnic Train will run a special diesel locomotive-hauled return trip from Sydney to Kiama on 20 and 21 December, offering a nostalgic way to arrive on the South Coast. In the Shoalhaven, the Milton Village Showground Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 20 December from 9am to 2pm, featuring collectables, giftware, and handmade goods. Gerringong’s annual Christmas Parade will also be held on Saturday from 10am hosted by Gerringong Lions, beginning at Belinda Street, with floats, music and entertainment. Christmas on the Greens at Gerringong Bowlo will offer a free, family-friendly community celebration from 4pm. The Gerringong RFS Santa Run will be held on Sunday, departing at 2pm from Stafford Street, Headland Gerroa and finishing at Michael Cronin Oval around 5:15pm. Shellharbour Council will host Create and Sleigh at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday (22 December) from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, a free evening of Christmas arts and crafts where you can design and create Christmas decorations. For those last-minute Christmas gifts, Kiama Farmers Markets is on Tuesday at Black Beach Reserve with over 150 stalls of locally made crafts, boutique fashion, art, jewellery, homewares and gourmet treats.   Kiama Library will host a children’s Christmas activity with local children’s author Diann Rodgers-Healey on Tuesday from 10am - 12pm for a morning filled with activities, designed ages 10-12 - cost $5. Gerringong's Santa Run.Carnivals and school holiday fun Running from Boxing Day until 4 January, Laurie’s Kiama Family Carnival returns with food carts and rides with the kids sure to leave whatever energy they have left at Laurie’s! Further south, Husky Carnival begins on 26 December and runs right through to Australia Day on 26 January at Huskisson Playing Fields, with over 20 exhilarating rides, extensive side show games, tasty carnival food and entertainment – including fireworks on Saturday (3 January), it’s a family night of fun. The ticket box opens at 5:30pm daily. Jamberoo Action Park will again offer its six weeks of summer program, including Dive-In Movies every Saturday evening, beginning 20 December at 5pm.   Illawarra Fly. For those seeking adventure above ground, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk and Zipline Tours at Knights Hill offer extraordinary views of the local rainforest and adrenaline-fuelled experiences. Beaches, walks and outdoor adventures The Shellharbour-Kiama-Shoalhaven region has more than 100 beaches nestled into its coastline from the famous Seven Mile Beach in Gerringong, to the whitest of sand at Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay - swimmers are encouraged to check BeachSafe website or download the app for current information and conditions and patrols. With many coastal walks along the headland of the Kiama region, from the Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole, to Loves Bay in Kiama Heights to Gerringong – there is something for everyone to remain active and burn off that extra pudding! For those who want to go 'Fishing with a Local' – check out one of the South Coast’s finest fishers George Newcombe where you will be taken to tried and tested fishing spots. Bookings are essential. Always wanted to hang 10? Check out Surf Camp Australia lessons at Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa where there is consistent ideal surfing conditions for beginners. Check out the Minnamurra Rainforest by torchlight with the NSW National Parks and enact all of your senses with this unforgettable adventure – bookings are essential. Learn more about the oldest living peoples and cultures, check out Gumarra Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Education and learn about the many different facets of art, language, food and dance – bookings are essential. New Year’s Eve across the region While there will be no fireworks in Kiama this year, celebrations are still set to light up the town. “Lots of businesses have decided to embark on new things and Yves is launching their new deck with their New Year’s Eve white party theme,” Bursell said. Yves Social White Party provides a chic and coastal celebration while overlooking Kiama Harbour to celebrate NYE25. Bookings are essential and this is an 18+ event. Jamberoo Action Park.Located at Kiama Blowhole, Diggies is holding two sittings: Sunset Sitting from 4:30pm-6:30pm and Dinner Party from 7:30pm – featuring a Mediterranean-style feast. “Diggies is somewhere that always has a NYE event, but they are upping the ante this year with a Mediterranean style feast,” Bursell said. Meanwhile Cin Cin Wine Bar at Little Blowhole is taking over with a mini street party, beginning at 5pm, offering wines, food and an outdoor celebration to reminisce on 2025 and welcome 2026.Check out the Destination Kiama website for more information: www.kiama.com.au For more information on BeachSafe head to www.beachsafe.org.au

Phew – 2025 has been a HUGE year in the Gilmore electorate and, with your support, I’m proud to have achieved so much for our region.Since the election, the Albanese Labor Government has remained focused on delivering the commitments you voted for.We’ve cut student debt by 20 per cent, made medicines cheaper, and protected penalty rates.We’ve delivered the biggest investment in bulk billing in Australian history so more people can see a GP for free, and we're opening 50 new Urgent Care Clinics, including at Nowra.We’ve made it easier to buy a home, with five per cent deposits for first home buyers, and we’re building more well-located homes right across the country.I’m delighted that, in the last sitting week of parliament, our landmark environmental law reforms were passed, heralding a new era for the environment and productivity in Australia.People in Gilmore have jumped at the chance to install a solar battery, with our Cheaper Home Batteries program - part of the Albanese Government’s plan to deliver cleaner, fairer, more reliable energy system.Heading into 2026, we’ll keep our focus on helping you and your family with the cost of living.Over the holiday period, I hope you get the chance to rest, relax and reset with family and friends, share some great meals, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime in our spectacular region. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who is working and volunteering through the festive period – the people giving up time with their families to keep us safe, to keep us fed and to keep our vital services running.I'm looking forward to getting straight back to work in the new year, being involved on the ground in our community and delivering on our government’s commitments to build Australia's future.Please note - this is paid content

The little drummer boy sits beside Frosty the Snowman, the sunlight bouncing off his pointy orange nose. Next to him is a nativity set and a family of skiers all lined up waiting for Santa to arrive. Unlike traditional Christmas scenes adorning homes across Kiama, these decorations are made using recycled golf balls and tees.Kiama Golf Club member Jane Wall has combined her two passions, golf and craft to capture the spirit of Christmas. And those lucky enough to know her are likely to have a Christmas Wall Ball on their mantelpiece or window sill. “Last year I gave my neighbours a family of golf ball skiers,” says Jane. “They are mad snow bunnies.”Jane also gifted her sister a special Christmas golf ball she created using their mother and grandmother’s costume jewellery. “Mum passed away in July and left us all this jewellery that was hers and her Mum’s,” explains Jane.“I wasn’t going to wear it, but I wanted to keep it, to honour their memory so I’ve incorporated it into the costumes I make to decorate the golf balls.“That way Mum’s still a part of our Christmas.”All of the Christmas golf ball decorations made by Jane use recycled materials and have a special meaning for those she gifts them to. Her latest Christmas creation is a Canterbury Bulldogs-themed golf ball for a friend who lost her brother recently. It will sit proudly atop his grave. A former pro golfer in the 1990s, Jane worked as a police officer when she wasn’t on the European tour. Like all first responders she was trained to run towards danger, not away from it. Jane’s job as a police officer embodies the bravery and selflessness we all witnessed watching the horrific footage from Sunday’s Bondi shootings when 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed by two gunmen.She also worked as an Ambulance NSW Triple Zero operator, supporting people through their most harrowing moments. Frontline work comes at a cost and Jane is among the one in 10 Australians who have experienced PTSD, with first responders at even higher risk due to repeated exposure to trauma.“Policing was what I loved and I was good at it,” says Jane “I was told by my superiors that I cared too much but in this job you can never care enough and unfortunately some of the things you see never leave you.” The golf ball decorations are one way Jane manages her PTSD, a lifelong condition that can knock the wind out of her sails at any given moment.She has avoided the news since the devastating massacre, the worst in the nation’s history since Port Arthur. She knows the images of two active shooters, police running towards gunfire and people fleeing for their lives, will trigger her PTSD. In her years as a serving officer, Jane saw the worst of society. Now she looks for the best, choosing to focus on the things that bring her happiness. While the nation was glued to their screens watching the horror at Bondi Beach unfold Jane was busy fossicking through her local recycling centre for pots and bits and bobs to create a fairy garden.“I do it because it makes me smile, and it makes the people I give my creations to smile as well. You need to find those small moments of joy when things are at their worst,” she saysPlaying golf - she has an excellent handicap of two - and crafting provided an escape from her worst days at work and kept her mind busy during the Covid pandemic. When the PTSD was its worst Jane knew she was in “real trouble” when she couldn’t even play golf; one of the things she loved most in the world. She credits the ladies golfers at Kiama with “pulling her up and out of a black hole where I would just beat myself up over everything”. Jane slowly recovered her confidence and started playing again. “The ladies got me back on the course, helped me get my game back on track,” says Jane.“But without that support, from my partner, the golf ladies and having the game and the golf ball Christmas decorations for therapy, who knows where I would be.”So if you have received a Wall Ball Christmas decoration, know that it is so much more than a quirky present. It’s a reminder that a kind word, supportive hug, or a simple smile can go a long way this silly season. It can change lives.

Major planning approvals and resident objections dominated Kiama Council’s final meetings of the year, with a large housing subdivision approved and neighbours raising concerns over a Gerringong motel expansion.A development application lodged by Gerringong’s Mercure Hotel drew objections from residents April Ruthengough and Gary Power, who aired their grievances at Kiama Council’s Public Access Meeting on Monday night about how the application was communicated to them.The development application was for proposed alterations and additions to the Fern Street motel accommodation, including the construction of 22 rooms, along with a new building with car park and reception and spa/gym, pool, restaurant, as well as an upgrade of the existing car park and landscape gardens, with the development proposed over four stages.  Ruthengough told the meeting that she and other residents had become aware of the DA in June following a letterbox drop.“Since then, we have heard nothing, neither from the Mercure Hotel nor Kiama Council – this recent acknowledgement gave us merely a few days to submit our objections at that time,” she said.“The proposed structures in this development plan are only 1.5 metres from my boundary. This is not a minor impact; it is an immediate and unavoidable impact on my home.”Power, who lives on the southern boundary adjacent to the Mercure, said the proposed additions would turn neighbouring houses into fishbowls.“The proposed external walkway will be going right onto our house, right onto our back door overlooking our dining areas, our living areas and our rear yard,” he said.“Can we have it on the other side? I’ve put that forward in our complaints initially in writing and I just want to reiterate that now.”Councillor Melissa Lawton asked for clarification on the concerns, with Ruthengough explaining that aside from the letterbox drop there had been “radio silence” until an email was received last Friday.CEO Jane Stroud said Council needed to meet their statutory obligations and “I am very pleased that we did on this occasion”.“Councillors received the information that you sent, but in that information, there’s a list of items that just don’t align with Council’s information.“We process our development applications in line with our Community Participation Plan that is an adopted policy of Council that 14 days’ notice must be provided when a DA is out, and Kiama Council wrote to residents on 17 June 2025.“Whether or not the developer or the applicant chooses to do additional engagement with residents and with affected landowners or go to any community meetings is a choice for the applicant, not for Council.”Steve Bartlett, representing the property owner of the Gerringong Mercure, spoke in support of the DA and said he was not aware of any consultation between the property owner and neighbouring residents.At the Kiama Council Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday night, the DA was debated further, with Councillors focusing on amendments to the proposed trading hours of the restaurant and function room.After amending the proposed trading hours, councillors voted unanimously, 9–0, to approve the DA.The meeting also considered a key component of the Local Housing Strategy and the South Kiama Urban Release. Councillors voted unopposed to approve the 40 Saddleback Mountain Road, Kiama Torrens Title subdivision.The 40-hectare site will deliver approximately 380 residential lots, alongside open space, environmental conservation areas, stormwater management and essential infrastructure.The agreement, signed by Council on 5 December, ensures infrastructure delivery associated with the development will progress.Stroud described the Planning Agreement as a “major win” for the region.“This Planning Agreement ensures that as new homes are built, the infrastructure and open spaces that make our Municipality such a special place will be delivered in step with growth,” Stroud said.“It’s about balancing housing needs with environmental and heritage protection, and we’re proud of the collaborative approach that has achieved this outcome.”

Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven and Marine Rescue Jervis Bay worked together to assist two anglers after their vessel capsized off Currarong at the Banks near Jervis Bay.The men were thrown into the water when their runabout was swamped by a series of larger waves and overturned on Tuesday.Thankfully, another vessel nearby saw what had happened and quickly came to their aid, pulling both anglers safely from the water.Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said rescue vessels Jervis Bay 41 and Shoalhaven 30 were deployed to the incident.The capsized vessel at the Banks“Our crews carried out welfare checks on the anglers and transferred them safely onto the rescue vessel,” Inspector Massey said.“The capsized boat was also secured, as it posed a navigational hazard, at the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command.”The anglers were uninjured and returned safely to shore, where they expressed their gratitude to the recreational boaters who first stopped to help, as well as to the Marine Rescue volunteers who ensured everyone made it home safely.Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation, and its volunteers are proud to look out for their local boating community and be there when they’re needed most.

More than 100 people braved rain and lightning to participate in the Sam Matters Cup at Gerringong Golf Club. The annual event raises awareness of suicide prevention, in honour of 18-year-old Sam who took his own life five years ago.Each year those in the tight-knit Gerringong community turn out to remember the “loveable, cheeky, beautiful boy” who had “every reason to live”. And each year they are prepared for a downpour. “It rains every time,” says Sam’s brother Perry who, along with hundreds of supporters, donned wet weather gear and braced for a wet and windy 18 holes on the picturesque, but notoriously tricky course.The Sam Matters Cup is usually held in September but it was postponed to December this year after hundreds of millimetres of spring rain made the hilly course unplayable.Despite being moved to summer, the heavens opened again on the morning of the cup but the deluge didn’t deter supporters of Sammy and the Matters family - dad Dean, mum Mel and brothers Josh and Perry.Photo: Ella GunningAbout 120 golfers braved the weather in honour of Sam’s love for a game he had played for almost a decade and to raise money for the Saving Sammy Foundation, set up by Dean and Mel in the hope other families don’t have to experience the loss they feel every day since their son’s death. “Today is a chance to remember Sam with our community and friends and prevent the same heartbreak happening to another family,” says Mel, who organised all the catering for the event at The Hill, the family’s well-known Gerringong restaurant.“Golf was such a big part of Sam’s life,” says Gerringong Golf Club professional Shane Cochrane who, along with Dean and other club stalwarts, has been instrumental in organising the annual event.This year, like many before, the weather thwarted players’ attempts to complete 18 holes, with the event cancelled midway through due to the severe weather. “Steve would’ve continued to play in weather like this, he’s used to the rain, he’s from New Zealand,” grins Shane. He was referring to Tiger Woods’ caddy Steven Williams, who visited the picturesque course in October to play 18 holes and launch his book, written by Gerringong Golf Club member Evyn Priest, about life on tour with the GOAT of golf.While many of Sammy’s supporters would’ve happily continued on in the rain, nearby lightning strikes made the event unsafe and forced the course to be cleared.Alex and Greg Weir. Photo: The BugleToolijooa farmer Greg Weir, a relative of the Matters’ family, dusts off his clubs each year to play in the cup and managed to squeeze in 10 holes before being called in.“I only play golf once a year, this event, with my son Alex,” says Greg. Although the pair were the inaugural winners of the Sam Matters Cup in 2020, Greg says the day is not about competition, it’s an opportunity for people, especially fathers and sons, to bond and have important discussions about mental health. Photo: Ella Gunning“We might not do it much but things like this charity event get us talking, and put a spotlight on suicide and mental health,” says Greg. “That’s Sam’s legacy.”And that’s why the Matters’ family pour their heart and soul into organising the event, with Dean at the forefront of the golf day making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible - rain, hail or lightning.Photo: Ella GunningThe downpour failed to dampen the spirits of those who knew and loved Sam and the close-knit coastal community joined the extended Matters’ family at The Hill for lunch.Mel, Kiama’s Deputy Mayor and a baker by trade, was on the tools helping to churn out delicious meals and hot and cold drinks for the wet, bedraggled golfers. Photo: Ella GunningDean, with the help of his granddaughters Jess and Nicky, drew names out of a hat to determine who would win prizes, given the competition was cancelled.“Unfortunately it rains more often than not when we hold the cup, apologies for that, but it never stops people from showing up,” he told the crowd gathered to honour Sam. No one seemed to mind that the golf game was cut short, with connection, camaraderie and mental health awareness the real winners on the day.“I was very proud of Melissa, she spoke at the presentation this year, something she hasn’t been able to do in the past because it was just too painful,” says Dean. “Our community is amazing, it’s like it gives us a collective hug saying ‘we are with you’.”With Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures showing 3214 Australians died by suicide in 2023, the need for connection, awareness and suicide prevention has never been greater. On average nine people across the nation lose their lives to suicide every day. In NSW, suicide deaths rose to 954 in 2024, higher than in previous years.The Saving Sammy Foundation hopes the more than $100,000 raised will help bring down these heartbreaking numbers through funding youth development programs at Nowra PCYC and the Building Young Men Program, a mentoring initiative with Kiama High School.“Mentors talk to the boys about their own challenges, the difficulties they faced in growing into young men,” explains Dean. “It is a fantastic initiative which I wish had been available when Sam was alive. "Maybe the outcome would have been different. If we can save one young person Sam's life will not have been in vain.” Young people needing support can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, both are free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling services.

Sydney-based developer Level 33's plan to construct a high-rise building on Akuna Street is a step closer to reality after the NSW Government decreed it has been granted State Significant Development status.The Government on Friday announced a list of sites throughout NSW that have been rated as state significant, which means that the developers can apply to the Housing Delivery Authority for increased height limits.Kiama Council allowed a maximum of six storeys for the Level 33 proposal but the developer now has the option of increasing the size and scope of its plan.The HDA is allowing the developer to go beyond the six-storey limit to the eight-storey range for the complex which could house two supermarkets.Managing director Eddy Haddad recently told The Bugle that they were confident that the proposed $66 million proposal would “deliver a landmark development for Kiama that will enhance the town centre, including significant retail activation and additional retail and resident car parking”.Level 33 had been engaged in a long-running legal battle with Council in the Land and Environment Court case but recently withdrew its objections.It is understood that the HDA made a recommendation to Planning Minister Paul Scully, who then declared the project a State Significant Development.Local residents and business owners are concerned Kiama does not have the infrastructure in place to cope with a rapid increase in developments such as this one, plus two other multi-storey proposals for Akuna Street and the Council-owned Shoalhaven Street Precinct which could result in 450 homes being built in an eight-storey development opposite Kiama Bowls Club.Kiama MP Katelin McInerney, who had described the potential for a 14-storey development as “completely inappropriate” for the town, and Mayor Cameron McDonald wrote to Scully to voice their opposition to the project going above the already imposed height limits.Cr McDonald issued a statement on Friday to express his disappointment with the NSW Government's decision. “Like many in our community will be, I’m disappointed by this decision,” Cr McDonald said. “Council has recently adopted planning controls for the Kiama town centre that reflect extensive community consultation and set a six-storey height limit for this site.“The state’s decision to advance an eight-storey proposal is not consistent with those locally adopted controls and community expectations.“Housing delivery matters, but so does getting the right outcome for Kiama. "Development in the heart of our town must respect our local character, amenity, infrastructure capacity and the plans our community has helped shape.”Council has effectively been sidelined by Level 33 going through the HDA process.“With the project now in the state’s SSD pathway, Council’s role is largely to make submissions and represent the community’s concerns through the formal process and we will do that clearly and strongly," Cr McDonald added.“I want our community to know this: Council will stand with you at the appropriate time and will continue to advocate for an outcome that is consistent with Kiama’s planned town centre future.” There will be a formal public exhibition period next year and Cr McDonald is encouraging community members to lodge a submission directly with the NSW Government, outlining their views and concerns. A total of 19 projects were given SSD status on Friday with 15 in metropolitan Sydney and four in regional NSW.The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said that if lodged and approved, this could create more than 3807 homes, including much-needed affordable housing.This brings the number of SSD proposals to 308 which could yield more than 102,000 potential homes.The Akuna Street site was sold by Council to Level 33 in late 2022 for $28 million.The dilapidated area of the old Kiama Independent newspaper headquarters has been decimated by vandals and squatters with abandoned cars, smashed glass and graffiti throughout the site.Level 33 closed down the car park due to safety concerns recently but reopened access a few hours later and will allow motorists to park there for another month before it gets shut down permanently.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald paid his respects on Thursday to the victims of the Bondi Beach shootings, joining local government leaders from across the state in laying wreaths at the Bondi Pavilion.Showing their support and solidarity for the Waverley community, the mayors laid tributes on behalf of their grieving and traumatised communitiesLed by Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh and the President of Local Government NSW Mayor Darcy Byrne, the group of elected representatives were from as far as Orange, Kiama and the Tweed."Yesterday, Kiama stood alongside communities from across NSW at Bondi, laying wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives, those injured, and everyone affected by the Bondi tragedy," said Cr McDonald."Our thoughts remain with the people of Waverley."In a short statement after the gathering, Byrne said the Mayors had travelled from every corner of the state to bring a message of love, solidarity and support for the people of Bondi, the Waverley Council and the Jewish community in particular.“On Sunday, this beautiful beach was the scene of an appalling and horrific act of antisemitism, of terrorism, of pure evil,” he said. “We are here to say that this outrageous obscenity will be countered with a wave of love and support and kindness from across NSW and Australia.“This most heinous crime, committed against the Bondi community and the Jewish people, was also an offence to all our communities and we stand shoulder to shoulder with Waverley Council as they now have this sad and heavy burden to bear.”Mayor Nemesh thanked the Mayors for their demonstration of support and commended them for their ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism at a local level.“The mayors gathered here today, come from different political backgrounds, different parts of the state and from different faiths. Cameron McDonald at Bondi Beach."This issue transcends politics.“What we are seeing here from our Mayors is clear and moral leadership.”Mayors and Deputy Mayors who attended on behalf of their communities:Mayor Cr Will Nemesh Waverley CouncilMayor Cr Darcy Byrne Inner West Council, President of LGNSWMayor Cr Ed McDougall Bayside CouncilMayor Cr Brad Bunting Blacktown City CouncilMayor Cr John Faker Burwood CouncilMayor Cr Sarah Ndiaye Byron Shire CouncilMayor Cr Therese Fedeli Camden CouncilMayor Cr Darcy Lound Campbelltown City CouncilMayor Cr Michael Megna City of Canada Bay CouncilDeputy Mayor Cr Rachelle Harika City of Canterbury BankstownCouncillor Cr Callum Pull City of NewcastleLord Mayor Cr Clover Moore, AO City of SydneyMayor Cr Frank Carbone Fairfield City CouncilDeputy Mayor Cr Sam Stratikopoulos Georges River CouncilCouncillor Cr Mike Creed Hawkesbury City CouncilMayor Cr Warren Waddell Hornsby Shire CouncilMayor Cr Cameron McDonald Kiama Municipal CouncilMayor Cr Christine Kay Ku-ring-gai CouncilMayor Cr Merri Southwood Lane Cove CouncilMayor Cr Ned Mannoun Liverpool City CouncilMayor Cr Ann Marie Kimber Mosman CouncilMayor Cr Zoe Baker North Sydney CouncilDeputy Mayor Cr Candy Bingham Northern Beaches CouncilMayor Cr Tony Mileto Orange City CouncilMayor Cr Todd Carney Penrith City CouncilMayor Cr Benjamin Cai Strathfield CouncilMayor Cr Jack Boyd Sutherland Shire CouncilMayor Dr Michelle Byrne The Hills Shire CouncilMayor Cr Chris Cherry Tweed Shire CouncilMayor Cr Tanya Taylor Willoughby City CouncilMayor Cr Matt Gould Wollondilly Shire CouncilMayor Cr Sarah Dixson Woollahra Municipal Council

This week's edition of The Bugle is full of local news and views from our South Coast community.Our lead story is how Kiama Council is planning to cope with the extra parking burden caused by upcoming construction work and there is also a feature on the Sam Matters Cup golf day at Gerringong.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREMore than 100 people braved rain and lightning to participate in the charity event at Gerringong Golf Club.The annual event raises awareness of suicide prevention, in honour of 18-year-old Sam who took his own life five years ago.Each year those in the tight-knit Gerringong community turn out to remember the “loveable, cheeky, beautiful boy” who had “every reason to live”. And each year they are prepared for a downpour.You can also read plenty of great community stories, including an update on the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival, a crackdown on e-bike problems by local police and a local resident making Christmas treasures with meaning.Kiama Golf Club member Jane Wall has combined her two passions, golf and craft to capture the spirit of Christmas. And those lucky enough to know her are likely to have a Christmas Wall Ball on their mantelpiece or window sill.In sport, you can read about all the latest in South Coast cricket, NRL star Zac Lomax turning out for Kiama and Lucy Darragh's successful trip to the world juniors.Darragh claimed third place in the Under-16 women’s division at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships last week - a key contribution to Australia securing the Team World Championship for the second year in a row.The championships were held in Punta Rocas, Peru, from December 5-14, with Darragh progressing all the way to the final before narrowly missing first place by just 0.41 points to eventual winner Bailey Turner (USA).

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

Christmas is upon us once again, beginning with our annual Lions Club of Gerringong Christmas Street parade this Saturday (20 December) from 9am. Thank you to all the people who have worked for months to bring the Christmas Street Parade together, for the benefit and enjoyment of our Gerringong community. The Christmas Street Parade would not be possible without the financial support of Kiama Council, Gerringong Bowling Club, and many others.Lions Club of Gerringong is a community service organisation, focused on providing and maintaining services to the members of our local community, and providing assistance to those less fortunate. We have just 40 members, but collectively they make a significant contribution to our little community. With member age ranges spread from 16 to 86, and a growing number of lady members providing a much-needed creative touch to our team of male workers, we say “Thank You” to our hardworking members for their contributions and achievements throughout 2025.Lions Club of Gerringong could not achieve what they do without very significant help and assistance throughout the year. Thank you to the lovely people at Kiama Council who provide both financial and in-kind assistance throughout the year. Thank you to Fiona Phillips’ Gilmore office for your ongoing support and assistance, often behind the scenes. Thank you to all those people and organisations who contribute to our weekly “Return & Earn” collections, Werri Beach and Gerroa van parks; Seacliff function centre; Mercure motel and function centre; Gerringong Golf Club, Cronins Hotel; Berry Hotel and Berry van park; and all the dozens of citizens in our little community who assist our collections by donating their empty drinks containers.Thank you to our IGA supermarket for their support throughout the year. Thank you to all our local citizens who support our Street Raffles throughout the year. 100% of all monies collected from the street raffles go directly to local SALT and SAHSSI shelters, and to sponsoring local kids on the Outward Bound youth program. Thank you to all the local businesses who donate the prizes for our raffles. Natural Necessity; Core Store; Gerringong Hardware; The Hill restaurant; Gerringong Golf Club, and the list goes on.We give a big shout-out to our fellow community service organisations. Sunshine Rotary Club, our CMRI ladies (and a couple of blokes), Gerringong Mens Shed, Mayflower “Nearly New” shop volunteers; our museum, library and historical society volunteers. And of course the legends of our local community. The Gerringong “Bowlo”; Gerringong Surf Club; Gerroa “Fishos”; our RFS volunteers. Thank you all for your contributions over the past year.In looking to the year ahead, our “Lions Club DREAM” would be if we encourage more local citizens to join Lions Club of Gerringong, and help us give more back to our local community. Remember that old saying. “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, it also takes a thousand volunteers to make a village function smoothly. Ordinary people giving a little of their spare time to their local community. We need young people with social media skills we older folks know nothing about; we need retired people with time to spare and life experience behind them; we need ordinary mums and dads who can spare a few minutes from time to time. If we could encourage another 50 people from our community to join Lions Club of Gerringong we could really make a difference. Please contact us at gerringonglionsclub@gmail.com , we would love to have you join our community service club.We wish every member of our fabulous little community a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, and we look forward to being of service throughout 2026.

Each time the phone rings Pam Grosse leaps out of her seat, ready to spring into action and rush her husband Warren to hospital.“Then I sit back down again,” says the Kiama woman whose husband has been waiting for a transplant for the past 18 months after being diagnosed with chronic liver disease five years ago.Warren, 68, is one of more than 14,000 Australians on the national organ transplant list. “It’s a list no one wants to be on,” says Warren and all the couple want for Christmas is a phone call to say a successful donor match has been found.“We’ve come close,” says Pam. “Twice we thought there had been a successful match but it didn’t work out. Every day we live in hope.”Warren has managed his liver disease through diet, medication and monitoring at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for three years but his health began to deteriorate two years ago.“We got to the stage where his liver was almost starting to respond but then cancer kicked in as a result of the chronic disease,” explains Pam. Warren has had five procedures to “microwave and burn the cancer out of the liver”.“Every time they do that, they leave a big hole in Warren’s liver and that can’t regenerate,” says Pam. “The only way he’s going to survive this is a transplant.”While 80 per cent of Australians support organ donation, only 36 per cent have signed up to join the national donor register, which was set up in 2002.Before that people could register to become an organ donor when they applied for or renewed their licence. This process was phased out everywhere except South Australia which now has the highest number of registered organ donors in the nation - 74 per cent and double the national average.Pam says many people remain in the dark around organ donation registration and Pam and Warren would love to see the driver’s licence organ donation scheme reinstated in NSW. They want the NSW Government to follow Victoria’s lead after the state’s health minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced this month that it would renew the scheme for all driver’s licence applications by 2026.The move, which has been welcomed by Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas, comes more than a year after a Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into organ donation recommended the licence donor registration scheme be reinstated.Thomas has called for all states and territories to directly link organ donation registration on a driver’s licence.“The reality is Australia had this system for many years,” he said. “We gave it away everywhere but South Australia and it was a mistake. We are a generous nation. People support donation. We just need to give them the solutions to confirm their support … to ensure that at least 50 per cent of our population is registered.”Transplant Australia believes bringing back the driver’s licence scheme will also encourage young people to become registered organ donors when they apply for or renew a licence. Pam and Warren, both former school principals, know the importance of education programs and want more to be done to advocate for increased organ donation.“People need to be more widely informed about how to join the donor registry, now that it’s no longer linked to their driver’s licence,” says Warren. “It only takes one person to make a difference.“When my three brothers and I got our driver’s licence years ago, we all decided as young blokes to become organ donors and it was easy.“But a lot of people I talk to don’t realise they’ve stopped that.”The NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service says fewer than one in 10 young people are registered organ donors. In a bid to boost donor numbers the service partnered with La Trobe University to find out how young people wanted to learn about organ donation.The study found young people want to make educated decisions but need reliable information, want to learn about organ donation from a younger age and feel learning about it in school makes it a more normal topic.This service now runs school-based education programs about organ donation in partnership with NSW Health and the NSW Education Department.“It’s a tough conversation to have with your family because no one wants to talk about dying,” says Pam. “But Warren faces that reality every day unless he receives a transplant.” In the meantime, while they wait in hope, Pam has channeled her anxious energy into painting. She turns her watercolours into greeting cards and donates them to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where Warren receives life-saving treatment. All funds raised from the sale of the cards support families at the hospital.Pam and Warren have also urged people to lobby their local MPs to push for improved education around organ donation, including the reinstatement of the driver’s licence scheme.People can sign up for the national Australian Organ Donor Register through their myGov account, the DonateLife website or by calling 1800 777 203.

For 27 years, Jamberoo’s Community Giving Tree has been bringing Christmas generosity to families in need, driven by the efforts of Elders Real Estate Jamberoo and the Salvation Army.Owned by Vivienne Marris, Elders Real Estate has coordinated the Giving Tree since 1998, with Marris continuing the tradition after arriving in Jamberoo. Each year, locals are invited to donate Christmas presents, which were collected by the Salvation Army on Tuesday to be distributed to families across the region.Flyers and notices around the village help spread the word, though many residents already know the routine. “I have quite a lot of people who come in around mid to end of November and say, ‘When’s the Giving Tree start?’,” Marris said.Donations continue to grow with Marris noting this year’s collection was larger than 2024.Contributions come from individuals, families and the local primary school, reflecting what she described as an exceptionally generous community.The Giving Tree also runs alongside food drives organised by the local fire brigade, creating a coordinated effort to support those in need. Over time, the initiative has expanded to include gifts for teenagers and vouchers, ensuring families of all ages are supported.Marris said the village’s generosity “never disappoints and always surprises.”

Five generations of women from one of Australia’s most prominent artistic families are being brought to the forefront at Bundanon, as The Hidden Line: Art of the Boyd Women anchors the organisation’s summer exhibition season.Now open and running until February 15, 2026, the exhibition repositions the creative practice of the Boyd women, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than those of their male counterparts, despite their enduring influence on Australian art.Showcasing more than 300 works, The Hidden Line draws largely from the Bundanon Collection, alongside key loans from national institutions and the Boyd family.The Hidden Line: Art of the Boyd Women at BundanonThe exhibition spans painting, design, photography and collaborative practice, and includes several works never previously exhibited.Bundanon CEO Rachel Kent said the exhibition marked one of the organisation’s most significant seasons.“This is one of our most favourite, most important seasons yet – it brings forward stories that have not had a lot of attention or insight previously, hence the name The Hidden Line,” Kent said.The exhibition features five generations of Boyd women, highlighting the diversity of their artistic approaches across time and disciplines.Artists represented include Helen a’Beckett Read, Margot Beck, Amanda Boyd, Cassandra Boyd, Charlotte Boyd, Doris Boyd, Emma Minnie Boyd, Hermia Boyd, Jessica Boyd, Lenore Boyd, Lucida Boyd, Lucy Boyd, Polly Boyd, Yvonne Boyd, Lucy Boyd Beck, Ellen Boyd Green, Florence Boyd Williams, Mary Nolan, Alice Perceval, Celia Perceval, Kitty Perceval, Tessa Perceval and Pip Ryan.Interwoven throughout the exhibition are new commissions and contemporary works by leading Australian women artists, including Pat Brassington, Elizabeth Dunn, Diena Georgetti, Helen Johnson, Narelle Jubelin, Camille Laddawan, Tjunkaya Tapaya and Timna Taylor.Bundanon Art Museum The Hidden Line forms part of Bundanon’s three major exhibition seasons each year and coincides with an expanded summer program of live events designed to broaden engagement with the exhibition across different audiences.The recently announced Boyd Music Series will present six concerts featuring world-leading chamber musicians and soloists, curated by Genevieve Lacey for Bundanon and developed in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Music Series.Performances will be staged against the backdrop of Bangli and the Shoalhaven River.Public programs connected to the exhibition and broader summer season include The Unseen Women on January 17, where writer and art historian Jennifer Higgie will discuss the lives and legacies of overlooked women and artists throughout history.Families are also being catered for during the school holidays, with programs such as artist Rosie Deacon’s Neon Busland and Bundanon Mini, offering young children the opportunity to experience the art museum and take part in creative activities led by Bundanon’s Learning Team.The summer schedule also includes Bry the Fly Guy on January 10, a science-focused talk and workshop exploring the world of insects for curious young audiences.Stunning views of Shoalhaven River at Bundanon.Bundanon is one of nine National Collection Institutions (NCI) in Australia and the only one located in a regional, remote setting.A companion publication, The Hidden Line: Art of the Boyd Women, has been described by Kent as “almost like stage two of this project.” The limited-edition exhibition book is due for release on January 9, 2026, and will be available exclusively through Bundanon, with pre-orders now open and priced at $65.

At 19, Kiama's Jonathan Keenan has launched his own bike repair business, filling what he identified as a clear gap in the market for fast, knowledgeable and convenient servicing.Keenan said the idea for That Bike Guy came from noticing how many riders struggled to find quick turnarounds and trusted advice.“I saw there was a gap in the market for quick and local bike repairs,” he said.Jonathan.“I can go straight to the customer, talk them through what's going on with their bike, and educate them on what needs servicing regularly.”His business offers a full range of repairs and maintenance, including brake services, tyre changes, brake bleeds, general tune-ups, and bike builds, especially leading up to Christmas.He works on everything from e-bikes and road bikes to mountain bikes and “anything in between".Jonathan and Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai.The community response has already been overwhelmingly positive.“I did a flyer drop two days ago and I’ve already had four phone calls,” Keenan said.“That was from only about 100 houses, so it has come back pretty quickly.”Being young has brought both benefits and challenges.Keenan is a fully qualified bike mechanic with over five years of experience working in bike shops - “a quarter of my life,” he joked.He says the biggest hurdle is people assuming he’s inexperienced before speaking with him.But strong support from his dad has pushed him forward, along with a lifelong passion for cycling.For Keenan, the best part of starting the business has been meeting people he wouldn't normally cross paths with.”I love being able to help someone out, fix up their bike, and get them back on the road,” he said.Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his service area and maintain his goal of same-day repairs.His advice to other young people wanting to start a business is simple: “Just do it.The community here is great - they'll jump on board and support you.”

The success of the Gong Shuttle free bus service in Wollongong could one day lead to similar services being set up in Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven.Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison launched the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan in Wollongong last Tuesday, billed as a 20-year vision to guide the region’s transport future.The NSW Government is calling on the local communities to have their say on how transport in the region evolves.With the population of the area, which runs from Helensburgh to Ulladulla, expected to rise by around 150,000 over the next two decades, it is essential that road, rail and bus transport in particular are planned correctly and delivered promptly.The draft plan sets out priorities based on evidence, data and consultation with more than 40 stakeholders, including councils and community groups.Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said the Gong Shuttle, which he described as “Wollongong’s subway”, had been a raging success since it was launched in 2012. And he wanted it to be a blueprint for how local transport networks are formulated over the next two decades.“We know that the success of the Gong Shuttle, one of the most successful bus nodes and corridors in the country, is not by mistake because it came about because of engagement with the community and identifying the key spots along a route that would make a difference,” he said.“I want people to be able to see what's in here (the draft plan) - if what they believe is important is not here please say it. “Now is an opportunity for the community to have their say transport matters in this region.” Aitchison said “if the demand is going to be there for particular areas, we will do it” when asked about the Gong Shuttle service.She accused the previous Coalition government of excluding MPs in the region, blindsiding them with transport plans.“We would wake up in the morning and find out that a plan was being launched in our community about transport - it didn't speak to local council considerations, it didn't take input from local members, it didn't take input from community,” she said.“We want our investment in transport in roads, in rail, in active transport to be strategic. We want them to be regionally focused not just one electorate that the Coalition was trying to win 10 years ago.“Our biggest priority here in the Illawarra is around housing, busting congestion and safety.”Aitchison added that high-frequency bus services are needed in the region to complement the rail network.“We know that's a growing thing that growing communities need to get cars off the road. But also with our road users we want to ensure that they're getting safe trips and that those trips are resilient.”Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said the Government was not looking at “a band-aid for a bullet wound”.“We are looking at future-proofing the way we move around this city and the broader Shoalhaven.“It’s not going to happen in five minutes … it is going to be important for jobs, important for businesses and important for the community.“There are a lot of elderly people within our communities that find it difficult to get around and the reason why there's a lot of loneliness within our communities is because people can't get around.“It's hard to get on a bus and it's hard to get on a train - the services just aren't there.”When asked about the possibility of electrification of the rail line south of Kiama, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said there were “a range of priorities for the South Coast Rail Line which is why we're undertaking that task of the Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan. “We have to feature in whatever plans there might be and whatever timeline that might be within the budget constraints that we might have at any given point. “We've found that (South Coast) was one of the more neglected rail lines on the entire network and that's why over recent weeks we've had some substantive investments and some frustrating and inconvenient shutdowns to do the maintenance work.” He said more than 20,000 people were expected to take up residence in 200 hectares of redeveloped surplus industrial land at Port Kembla which is serviced by four existing train stations, opening the door for the Illawarra to have its own self-contained rail network. During the public feedback period, Transport for NSW staff will be out across the region speaking directly with residents at local pop-up sessions.Community members can view the draft plan and provide comments until 9 February at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/illawarra-shoalhaven.