Kiama Council members have elected Councillor Cameron McDonald as the new Mayor tonight, following a unanimous vote among councillors, with only one written nomination put forward. McDonald succeeds outgoing Mayor Councillor Neil Reilly, who recently retired after 16 years of service on Council. Cr McDonald will be serving his first term as a Councillor and Mayor, and will be focusing on restabilising finances, open and transparent communication and strengthening local employment and businesses. “The future beckons,” Cr McDonald said in his first address as mayor-elect. “We have difficult moments and questions ahead that cannot go unanswered. It’s time for us to come together.”“I found solace in the fact that we all share a commonality, a great love for the place in which we live.”His election comes at a time when the council faces a range of challenges, including increased demand for housing, returning Council to an operational surplus and responding to the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order. “We don’t take this faith in us for granted. There will be choices made in this term of Council that will shape the future of our community for many years to come. We’re up for that task,” Mayor McDonald said.As the former President of the Kiama District and Business Chamber, Cr McDonald is expected to bring his experience in operating a successful business to the table. The council also elected Cr Melissa Matters as the Deputy Mayor. “It’s time for a change, I think the community are looking forward to a change in the Council,” Cr Matters said. Outgoing Mayor Neil Reilly shared advice with his successor, telling him to stay off social media.“Pay little or no attention to social media. I've found over the years that three or four people will seem like a giant crowd on social media.”“You have to be very disciplined about making decisions. Those decisions have to be made, and sometimes they have to be made with not all the information that is possible to have, but they still have to be made. Beyond that, good luck,” Reilly added.Cr Imogen Draisma was also nominated for Deputy Mayor, with Crs Matt Brown and Stuart Larkins voting in her favour.All councillors were officially sworn in on Monday, 14 October, with Council CEO Jane Stroud offering her congratulations. “I offer my sincere congratulations to all the elected Councillors and thank everyone who ran in the local elections. I look forward to working alongside you all throughout the next term of Council.”

The offshore wind farm planned for the Illawarra takes a turn as major developers Equinor and Oceanex choose not to bid for a licence in the $10 billion project.Norwegian oil and gas giant, Equinor, has announced its decision to abandon plans for the 2.9 gigawatt project off the coast of the Illawarra."Equinor decided not to submit a feasibility licence application for the Illawarra offshore wind zone," a spokesperson for the company confirmed.The decision comes as part of an ongoing review of the company's early-stage investments."We carefully evaluated risk factors currently affecting the global industry and conducted project-specific and site-specific assessments."Equinor and Oceanex have secured a provisional feasibility licence for the Hunter offshore wind zone, which extends from Norah Head to Port Stephens. They will now focus their efforts on this region, with the project expected to generate enough energy to power 1.2 million homes.Amanda de Lore, Vice President of anti-offshore wind farm group Responsible Future, welcomed the developers' exit from the Illawarra project.“We would welcome the opportunity to discuss viable alternatives for the Illawarra with the Minister [Bowen] and re-engage with the community so we can start to heal” says de Lore. In a press conference today, Energy Minister Chris Bowen has quashed any suspicions that the government should readdress the size of the zone to attract larger developers.“The suggestion that there are no applications for the Illawarra zone is utterly wrong,” Bowen says, “There are six zones around Australia, not every proponent has to apply for every zone.”Former Liberal MP for Bega, Andrew Constance, commented on the decision, criticising the current government. "The decision of Equinor and Oceanex to walk away is embarrassing for the Albanese Government, who have achieved nothing other than dividing our community again."Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips has hit back at Constance’s claims and has stated the project remains on track.“I really wish Andrew Constance and Responsible Future Illawarra would stop with the misinformation and negativity.”With feasibility licence applications now closed, construction in the offshore wind area can only proceed once developers receive environmental and management plan approvals, in line with relevant legislation.

The annual Opera in the Valley returns on Saturday, 2nd November at the Jamberoo School of Arts. An esteemed local event, the production features not only world-class performances but also a delectable spread of canapés and cakes provided by the dedicated ladies of the CWA. It’s a wonderful event not to be missed. For tickets, contact Elders Real Estate in Jamberoo—hopefully, there are still some available!This year, maestro Glenn Amer has assembled an outstanding lineup, including newcomers Catherine Bouchier (soprano) and Gennardi Dubinski (baritone), alongside returning performers Michaela Leisk (mezzo-soprano) and Matthew Reardon (tenor). Leisk, who sang soprano in last year’s event, is set to showcase her versatility once again.Catherine Bouchier, an Australian soprano, graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music and Diploma of Opera. She has performed extensively across the UK, France, and Switzerland, with standout roles including Micaela in Carmen, Desdemona in Otello, and Leonora in Il Traviata. Recently, she appeared in Opera Australia’s Petit La Bohème as Mimi, and The Love for Three Oranges as Nicoletta.Michaela Leisk holds a Bachelor of Music with Honours in vocal performance from the Royal College of Music, London. Her diverse roles include Calisto in Daphnis and Chloe with Pacific Opera and Rose Pickles in Cloudstreet. Leisk also toured with The Phantom of the Opera and sang with the renowned 7 Sopranos. Last year’s audience was left in awe by her performance at Opera in the Valley.Matthew Reardon is a graduate of WAAPA and The Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust Program. He has studied under legendary mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne in California and completed a Master’s of Opera at the Wales International Academy of Voice. His notable performances include Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Don José in Carmen, and a debut in Pecan Summer, Australia’s first Indigenous opera. Recently, Reardon performed the tenor solo in The Verdi Requiem at the Adelaide Festival.Gennardi Dubinski, born in Russia, was a soloist with the State Theatre of Operetta and Moscow State Concert. Since moving to Australia, Dubinski has added numerous credits to his name, including roles with Opera Queensland and Opera Australia. His repertoire includes Sarastro in The Magic Flute, Ramfis in Aida, and Bartolo in Le Nozze di Figaro.As a fan of last year’s event, I’m eagerly awaiting this year’s Opera in the Valley. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an unforgettable night of music and community. See you there! 

Every 11 years, the sun goes through a cycle of activity, which greatly influences the visibility and intensity of auroras. We are currently in Solar Cycle 25, and it is predicted to peak between now and 2025. This peak period, known as the solar maximum, brings with it heightened chances of witnessing stunning auroras like the Aurora Borealis. During these peaks, the sun experiences increased solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which cause the particles to interact more dramatically with Earth's magnetic field, producing more vibrant and frequent auroras. The good news for aurora enthusiasts is that this solar maximum is predicted to be a "moderate" one, meaning it will last longer than shorter, more intense cycles. Experts anticipate that prime aurora-watching conditions will extend for several years beyond the peak—likely into 2028. So, even if you miss the peak of the solar maximum, the next few years are still a perfect window to plan an aurora sighting trip. The next two northern winter seasons (2024-2025 and 2025-2026) will be ideal for the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as the long nights and high solar activity coincide. Top viewing locations include regions in the Arctic Circle like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and parts of Canada and Alaska. Therefore, this is an optimal time to plan your aurora-chasing trip, as the next few years are set to deliver some of the best displays in decades. If you're keen to catch nature's most captivating light show, now is the time to start preparing your journey to the northern skies. The team at Travel Focus Group are experts in planning journeys to help maximise your chances of witnessing this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

On October 13, Kiama’s Ali Day won his tenth Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold Ironman, maintaining his unbeaten record at the event.The gruelling 41.8km event includes a 23 km ski, a 1 km run, 3.5 km swim, 6.1 km board and an 8.2 km run and Day has raced the event ten times for ten wins.The 34-year-old father of two won the race with a time of 3:59:31 and declared that it will be his last ever race of the event.In a media release from Surf Life Saving Australia, Day stated, “It takes a village to get me here, and as much as I’d love to come back next year, it’s someone else’s turn to win. I hope there’s a kid out there now watching me who can say they’ll do the race next year. But that definitely won’t be me—10 and done.”While Day expressed pride in his victory, he emphasised his commitment to the sport: “Winning is one thing, but showing up year after year, regardless of the conditions or competition, is what I’m most proud of. I’ve challenged myself mentally every time, and that means so much.”Reflecting on his journey, Day recalled, “I came here in 2007 for the old course with my brother for a team event and thought, ‘How does one person do the full race?’ I struggled to complete 23 km as a 16-year-old, jumping off my ski three times because my butt fell asleep. I returned in U19s and failed miserably, telling myself I’d never do it again. And here I am now.”Day is originally from Kiama, and began at Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club at the age of 9. On top of his 10 Coolangatta Gold titles, Day is also a five time Iron series champion.The Bugle congratulates Day on adding another spectacular achievement to his ever growing list.

Bill Mousoulis is an Australian indie film veteran with approximately 100 films credited to his name. Mousoulis first picked up a camera in 1982 and he hasn’t looked back since - also founding an online journal, a film group and a film website. His latest film, My Darling in Stirling, follows a young woman studying at university, quite bored with her life. When she falls in love with a charming young man from the picturesque town of Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, she finds herself enchanted by both him and the town itself. But there’s a twist: every line of dialogue in this film is sung.“This film is really all about the form, the form of the musical,” says Mousoulis. “And there's something so strange about seeing ordinary people doing ordinary actions like asking each other to pass the coffee or the salt shaker and singing it,” Mousoulis draws inspiration from French director Jacques Demy’s groundbreaking 1964 musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which also features entirely sung dialogue.“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg inspired my film; it’s like a local Australian version. Essentially, this musical is alternative in a few respects: there’s music throughout the entire film, with no breaks. And the other is that the film is set in a very ordinary world, so - the Adelaide suburbs and Adelaide City, and then branching out to the Adelaide country town of Stirling,” says Mousoulis.Mousoulis says he had been living in Adelaide for a while when he found the small town called Stirling. He was drawn in by its beauty, its atmosphere and its people.“Stirling has a certain flavour to it, because it's also a little bit alternative. A lot of artists live there and it's got the bookstores and cafes, as can be seen in my film,” says Mousoulis.“It also has all these little laneways here and there, and a lot of trees and bushes and so, you don't know where anything is. Nothing looks plain and neatly laid out. It's a bit of a mix of things.”In the film Stirling is presented as some sort of magical town that has everything that our main character was looking for. All of her worries and anxieties are fixed by this magical town and it reflects poetically on that first love you have as a young person.But, of course, the town and the love she makes in the town come crashing down on her, which was always inevitable. Mousoulis says the film is about the idea of finding happiness and peace within.“It’s about your inner feelings and resolving them and being strong within yourself and not letting a place or a person determine how you feel about yourself or how you feel about life, and this is the lesson that the young woman learns, basically,” says Mousoulis.The film balances reality with a dreamlike quality, a result of its unique musical structure. Mousoulis believes this approach encourages viewers to perceive everyday life from a fresh perspective.“The fun of the film and the excitement in the film is in its form, is that the music and the singing creates this strange thing on screen. And a lot of people have found the film a little strange. And a lot of people who are familiar with this kind of alternative form love the film,” says Mousoulis.Bill Mousoulis. Source: ACMIUltimately, the film’s impact depends on the viewer's willingness to engage with its style. It might take time to adjust to what you’re seeing, but once you accept the film’s premise, you can easily become immersed in its world.And if you are to look at Mousoulis’ long career it is clear he is not going to change who he and his films are to fit everybody’s different tastes and preferences. Mousoulis is an artist who is going to make things that he is passionate about even if they aren’t going to be universally adored.“The important thing is to make the film you want to make, and make the artwork you want to make. I could be a different kind of person with a different set of cultural qualities to me, and maybe I'd be able to fit in and be more accepted,” says Mousoulis.“But because what I'm doing is a bit more alternative and experimental, it means that I'm not quite part of that, and that's okay. We do these things for the love of doing them. And so I'm happy.”My Darling in Stirling is playing at the Dendy Cinema in Newtown on Wednesday October 16 with a Q&A with Mousoulis himself. If you’re seeking a unique film experience, be sure to check it out.

October is mental health awareness month, and research shows that 40 per cent of young people aged 16 to 24 have experienced mental illness in the last year. SENTRAL Youth Services — operated by Kiama Municipal Council — has been around for three decades and hopes to address the needs of young people in the community. Galavizh Ahmadi Nia, Manager Community Hubs, says young people are facing a number of stressors that could affect their mental health and that having a support network is crucial for outreach.“The importance of feeling listened to and trusted in key adult relationships, and the need to feel safe, respected, and accepted when wanting to discuss mental healthand connect with others.”Academic pressure, navigating social relationships, future uncertainty, media influence and social isolation are all factors that young people are tackling, Ahmadi Nia says.  The federal government announced a national study led by Curtin University into mental health of Australians aged 4 to 17, a demographic that is largely underrepresented in available research.  The latest research of this age group is from a decade ago, and the new study will be designed in consultation with kids within the age range. “A better understanding of child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing will shape more tailored mental health services to meet their needs,” Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride says. Recent headspace research found that 8 in 10 families were concerned about a young person’s mental health in their household. SENTRAL offers a range of free programs to support the social, recreation, health and wellbeing needs of young people, including mental health. “Through these programs, young people are encouraged to discuss matters of importance to them and the opportunity to express needs, including the need to discuss mental andemotional experiences and challenges,” Ahmadi Nia says.Young people who attend can participate in a one on one session with youth workers to discuss any personal concerns or goals they want to achieve. The introduction of headspace Kiama has provided additional resources and connections for the youth workers of SENTRAL, who are able to promote their services to young people who come through their doors. 

Gerringong local Annette Pust has experienced the housing crisis first hand as a renter in one of the most expensive LGAs in the country. After seeing close friends leave the township in search of more affordable housing in the Illawarra, Annette felt there weren’t enough options available. She began a petition calling on Kiama Municipal Council to utilise the vacant aged care facility in Havilah Place by turning it into housing stock. She believes the site will help ongoing rental stress, provide emergency accommodation and aid the housing crisis in the second most expensive town in the country. Council have stated that the Blue Haven aged care facility in Havilah Place is in an “advanced state of dilapidation and cannot be repurposed.”A German native and Gerringong local for fifteen years, Annette said she is perplexed by the situation at hand, and feels a part of the solution is right in front of the Council.“It’s been empty for five years… I don’t know how you can have a site sitting empty and have the building rot away in essence, I can’t explain it.”Council voted in favour of receiving a report on the options for a public-private partnership and mixed-use development on the site, ensuring at least 25 per cent is allocated to social and affordable housing — a motion put forward by Councillors Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins last term.The former residential aged care facility on Havilah Place has been deemed as unsafe and unhealthy to enter. Blue Haven has been operating since 1979, the most recent addition in 2019 is Blue Haven Bonaira — which is currently in the settlement phase of being sold to private owner Hall & Prior.Council are in the process of exploring options to subdivide and divest the facility as a requirement outlined in the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order. A business case will be presented to councillors for consideration and a site masterplan will be drafted.Birgetta Smith, a Gerringong local and supporter of the petition, is facing the housing crisis with the added stress of a recent divorce.“We have to sell the house and probably move out of the area.”“My kids have grown up in Gerringong, they would love to stay, but there’s not a chance. There’s no affordable rentals around, it’s not affordable to buy something.”Gerringong has 74 houses available on the market as of September this year — with a median price of $1,400,000 as of July this year. “Any petition regarding future uses for the Havilah Place site would be subject to our Petitions Policy and would need to accord with already resolved decisions and the substantial staff work already undertaken on implementing these decisions, alongside the State required work articulated in the PIO”, a spokesperson for Council said.Property market analyst Propertyology ranked Kiama the second most expensive township, above Australia’s most populous city, Sydney.The petition will be located at Gerringong Pharmacy. 

You may recognise her from behind the counter at Foodworks Kiama Downs on a Sunday afternoon, but 16-year-old Kyah Shipley is also a budding Surf Life Saving champion.From January 4 - 6, Kyah will be heading to New Zealand for the 2025 Surf Life Saving Trans-Tasman Tri Series.Kyah is one of two girls from the South Coast region who have been chosen to be a part of the NSW Country team. Shipley currently competes for the Warilla Barrack Point Surf Club, she began her career at Kiama Downs Surf Club.Source: Casey Shipley“We moved to Kiama Downs from Penrith and she started when she was five at Kiama Downs Surf Club. She’s been doing it for 12 years,” says Kyah’s mother, Casey Shipley.As the years went by, Kyah realised she had the skills and talent to take her further in the sport of Surf Life Saving, and because there was more competition available at the Warilla Barrack Point Surf Club, they made the decision to switch.“We loved Kiama Downs; it was a beautiful start for her, but a lot of the girls in her age group dropped out as she got older. She wanted to be more competitive, and that’s what Warilla offered her,” says Casey.“I came here really just because it has a more competitive community, and it pushed me to where I am today,” says Kyah.Casey explains that an average week of training for Kyah includes two hours each morning — apart from Sundays and Fridays when she’s at Foodworks — either swimming or the gym, followed by afternoon sessions focused on surf skills and an iron session on Saturdays.“The amount of training she does is crazy,” says Casey. “She’s just very disciplined and passionate about it, and we’re all really proud of her. She deserves all the achievements she is getting.”Her long time surf coach Kirk Allen adds, “She is going well at training, she is obviously happy with her selection and we are really looking forward to seeing how she goes this season.”Some of her achievements include winning gold at the 2024 Australian Championships.Casey believes Kyah dedicates so much time to the sport simply because she loves it.“She loves being in the water. She loves the waves and she loves the people—her coaches, the other girls. She’s always smiling and just having the best time,” says Casey.Kyah herself says she is extremely excited for the opportunity to go to New Zealand and represent NSW Country.“You don’t really get these opportunities, and because I’ve been chosen, it puts it into perspective that I have a chance in this sport, and I’m really excited and keen,” says Kyah. “I hope to inspire other young girls to take up the sport too.”Kyah’s journey is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and with the right support, she hopes to make a significant mark in the world of surf life-saving. For those interested in helping Kyah reach her goals, consider visiting her GoFundMe page or reaching out for sponsorship opportunities at [email protected].

The Kiama Vintage Fair is back from 9am — 3pm on Sunday 3 November at the Masonic Hall.With an array of stalls showcasing unique vintage finds and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.Best of all — the event is completely free for all attendees, so don’t miss out!If you have a vintage collection you would like to sell items of at the upcoming fair, you can contact Barb to secure a stall on 0423 748 948.

Daisy has a fresh new coat in celebration of The Daisy Spring Festival! The festival which took place from October 4th till the 9th showcased our wonderful local artists and everyone was invited to take part in the creativity. Daisy's new coatMichelle Springett, from Expressive art experience, thought up the moo-velous idea for the Spring school holidays. 50 pieces of art were displayed by 40 different artists from all ages, all with a cow theme in honour of Daisy. In addition to the artwork displayed, the festival offered ‘drop in art days’ where people of all ages were able to let their creative juices flow with painting and drawing. Families enjoying their creationsMichelle Springett said “We also offered drop in art days where young and old came and painted. Comments from people coming into the Old Fire Station were amazing, they loved the theme of cows, and many stayed for a long time to cast their vote (for people's choice award) and some painted cows too. All ages loved stopping for a while, painting, participating in voting and doing something in their day that was quite unexpected.”1,148 votes were casted for The People's Choice Award, and there was a clear winner. Congratulations to Isla Downes, 15 years old, for her colourful artwork ‘Boris’, receiving 16% of the overall votes.Isla Downes with her winning artwork.There were age categories for kids, teens and adults and awards for outstanding work were given in each category. In the 8-12 years category, Chloe Duren was awarded. 13-18 years, Isla Downes and 18+years was awarded to Karen Crea. Congratulations to all. Make sure to stop by The Old Fire House and see Daisy's new look, painted by one of our talented local artists, Tiffany Springett, Michelle's Daughter!Winners with their artworks.Michelle would love to host this event again next spring holidays, "With lots of visitors in town, it was a lovely event to host in the school holidays and I look forward to finding sponsorship so we can do it again next Spring", Michelle said. One thing is for sure, all our local talent will have you saying Holy Cow!

Just outside of the Old Fire Station Community Arts Centre there is a cow. You may have noticed her. The cow’s name is Daisy. You’ll often see her playing with kids or painted in various styles which reflect what is going on in the Kiama community.  Former Mayor Sandra McCarthy once wrote about Daisy, “It’s funny to think a paper mache cow, that stands solitary and rather longingly on a main street, can embody a town’s community spirit and culture. But that is exactly what ‘Daisy the Decorated Dairy Cow’ does.”  Daisy with no art in 1991. Source - - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookBut where did Daisy come from? What’s her story? In 1991, a crazy haired Italian born sculptor named Ernesto Murgo created Daisy, using paper mache and wire, for the Seaside festival that ran in October of that year. He based her on a real cow called ‘Meadowhaven Daisy the 47th’ who was a breed of cow that was popular on the dairy farms of the Illawarra and was owned by Jamberoo farmer Tom Walsh. Sue Blanchfield was the first artist to paint Daisy at the Seaside Festival saying, “Rather than having the cow in the landscape, I’m going to put the landscape on the cow.” Somewhere along the way Daisy was given a tougher outer skin of plaster and sisal by Grahame Kime. Kiama council bought Daisy from Ernesto after this, and she has since become a reflection of the town. A cultural and historical, ever-changing piece of art. If there was some sort of time lapse video showing each one of Daisy’s designs throughout history, you’d be presented with a pretty thorough history of Kiama since 1991. Sue Blanchfield reunited with Daisy in 2010. Source - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookShe has been covered in musical notes for a jazz festival, words for a poetry happening, butterflies, lilies, daisies and she has even been a conduit for protest. She was dressed to resemble condoms to warn against aids, a private part of her anatomy was highlighted to spread awareness about chlamydia, she has been pink for breast cancer awareness and had a red nose for cot death appeal. She is covered in hearts for Valentines Day, covered in tinsel at Christmas, green for St Patrick’s Day, flagged for Australia day and she’s been a cheerleader for sports teams. In a classic story she was also once cownapped by high school students.  Most recently she was painted to represent NAIDOC week and then for the Kiama Winter Festival weekend. The Expressive Art Experience is inviting the Kiama community to paint her. “We’re all going to paint Daisy the Cow. We’re inviting the community to come, and we’ll give them a little pot of paint and a paintbrush and there’s lots of different spaces they can paint on Daisy,” says artist and Experience Art facilitator Michelle Springett.  Ernesto Murgo and the inspiration for Daisy. Source - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookDaisy has seen a lot in her almost 35-year-old life, but she has never abandoned her post or her town. She sits there day after day absorbing new information and reflecting it back to the world. She is an unofficial mascot for the town, and she will be an important piece of Kiama history for years to come.

Starting in November, the Kiama Tennis Club will introduce a new monthly social tennis event on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 pm.The club aims to attract new members, keep tennis exciting, and provide an opportunity for players to improve their skills.“It’s open to members and visitors who want to come down and play. People can bring their own drinks, and we'll provide snacks for the evening. We’ve arranged for several of our division one and two players to join, so attendees can enhance their skills,” says Kiama Tennis Club President David Lehman.Members will pay a $2 ball fee, while visitors will be charged $10. Lehman hopes that events like this will energise the sport of tennis in the local area, especially in light of the growing popularity of similar sports like pickleball.“It's really a drive to keep tennis alive and vibrant. Obviously, many people are playing pickleball right now, but our courts are synthetic grass, which means we can’t accommodate pickleball. We’re committed to remaining a purist tennis club,” explains Lehman.Lehman emphasises the unique social aspect of tennis, noting how it allows players to meet and interact while enjoying friendly competition.“There’s a social aspect to tennis where you get to meet people, and then there’s the competitive side that can emerge. What makes tennis unique is this combination of social interaction and competitiveness,” he adds.The first Friday night social event will take place on November 1. If you're interested, contact Kiama Tennis Club for more information.In addition to the new social event, the Kiama Tennis Club will also host the 2024 Kiama Seniors Tournament from November 8 to 10. This tournament is for players over the age of 30, and November 1 is also the closing date to enter. Interested participants can email [email protected] to apply.

While walking around Kiama in October, you may spot a man in what looks like an army vest. That man is local resident Lee Mallon, who is wearing a 10kg vest for 10 hours a day throughout the month to raise awareness for mental health.When I learned about Lee's challenge, I reached out to him for a chat. He invited me to join him, so I donned a vest and walked alongside him.Lee is participating in the Top Blokes Foundation initiative, which involves carrying the 10kg vest for a total of 50 km during October. The aim is to shed light on the mental health challenges young males face. However, Lee decided to take it a step further; instead of just walking 50 km, he committed to wearing the vest for ten hours a day every day.“I decided to take that challenge to the next level and raise awareness for youth mental health as much as I could. The only way I could think of doing that was wearing the vest 10 hours a day for the entire month of October. It popped into my head a week beforehand and I thought, I’m going to do this,” Lee explains.As I strapped on one of the 10 kg packs, I immediately felt heavier and slower. While 10 kgs might not sound like much, in a vest that digs into your shoulders, it becomes significantly more burdensome.“I struggle sometimes. It’s hard work to just sit; it’s easier when you’re moving. But when you’re sitting, you can’t help but think about it,” says Lee.Driving poses another challenge for Lee. He can’t drive while wearing the vest, which complicates his job that sometimes requires long hours on the road. To compensate for missed time, he commits to doing 2 km on his elliptical machine for every hour he loses.Lee’s motivation stems from his young son Riley's personal struggles with mental health. He recalls a poignant evening when Riley confided that the weight of his issues never seemed to lift.“He told us about how things never left him, that they were always there,” says Lee. “I thought that using weighted vests would be a good way to raise awareness for these issues. I can take the vest off, but people like Riley can’t.”Lee announced his challenge through a heartfelt video on his Facebook page, detailing the difficulties his family has faced. The video has been shared nearly 30 times and has helped him raise over $3,000 for the Top Blokes Foundation.On his walks, Lee has shared his video link with 50 strangers, hoping to inspire others to open up about their own struggles.“I hope people find the courage to talk to someone if they’re feeling down. There’s so much pressure on kids these days, especially with social media, making them feel they have to be someone they’re not,” Lee says.He also encourages parents to engage with their children by asking, “Is everything okay? You can talk to me.” Building that trust takes time, and it’s essential for kids to feel safe doing so.Lee believes teenagers are at a critical juncture in their lives, where early intervention can make a significant difference. He supports the Top Blokes Foundation for their work in schools, targeting young people at this pivotal stage.“I believe that if you don’t get help early on, it’s much harder later down the track. This program is aimed at kids still in school,” Lee emphasises.During our walk together, Riley, Lee, and I managed to cover 2km, and I was relieved to finally take off the vest.Riley shares his thoughts on his father's initiative: “I think it is really good at representing the strenuous day-to-day weight that mental health issues can give you, and initiatives like this are doing great things.”Lee wants to thank everyone for their support. You can find his Facebook video here and you can donate to his challenge here. 

Federal government faces pressure after $60m Quasar Construction collapse impacts major projects.The Federal government faces mounting pressure after the $60m Quasar Construction collapse which has impacted some major projects. The Revelop Group has also been impacted by the situation, with work stopped at its Calderwood shopping village site in Shellharbour. Up until September, workers on the $50-million project had been busy, with sub-contractors pouring concrete and starting framework on one of the buildings.Managing director Anthony El-Hazouri said it is a difficult situation."We're still taking stock of it; we're not sure if we are owed anything at this point in time," he said."It's always been a very busy site, it has progressed on schedule, on budget, very professionally, we had no real reason to suspect anything untoward."Mr El-Hazouri said he is confident of restarting work soon, with several new builders expressing interest in the project."We are hoping ... in a matter of a couple of weeks we can recommence on site and keep the project going toward its projected completion date," he said.He said the Revelop Group is also focused on ensuring its subcontractors and site workers are protected.Executive director of the Master Builders Association of NSW, Brian Seidler, said Quasar was a long-standing builder and had a history of mid-size and large projects.He said the collapse underscored the broader issues the sector is facing."The industry in general is still talking about the problems of lump-sum contracts; that is, contracts with a client will not allow any variation or increasing labour or materials," he said.He said contractors often have to estimate costs far in advance, which poses challenges for larger projects.Comment has been sought from Quasar.

People are grappling with high levels of distress and emerging mental health issues for up to ten years before reaching out for support, a major Beyond Blue survey has found.Australia’s 2024 Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, undertaken byAustralian National University’s Social Research Centre on behalf of Beyond Blue, is a representative survey that gives a reliable pulse check on the current state of mental health and wellbeing in Australia.  Researchers surveyed more than 5000 people around the country about the common causes of distress they’ve experienced in the past year and how they have supported their mental health.   This year, almost half (49 percent) of those who sought professional mental health support said they had waited until they were “very distressed” or “extremely distressed” before they reached out, compared to 30 percent who were moderately distressed.  Some people waited up to ten years before seeking support.   The top barriers to taking action included waitlists, affordability of treatment and people thinking their problem wasn’t serious enough to seek support.   Shame is also getting worse – 22 percent of people say they aren’t getting professional mental health support because they feel ashamed, up from 13 percent two years ago.   “The main reasons people don’t seek support are well known – it can be expensive and the waitlists are long. What’s important about this survey is that it’s telling us mental health literacy and increasing feelings of shame are barriers too,” Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said.  “Feeling unsure about when to seek support seems to be causing as many delays in help-seeking as long waitlists,” Ms Harman said.  “Increasingly, life feels more stressful and unpredictable. People are dealing with compounding and mounting pressures. They’re strung out but muddling through. The pressures people face can often snowball to have a real and negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing,  “This data tells us that people are delaying asking for support or waiting until they are in severe distress. Beyond Blue is working to change this with our free, effective mental health support options. It's never too late and it’s never too early to contact us.”  The release of key survey findings coincides with the start of World Mental Health Month. This is the second Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check undertaken since it started in 2022, when cost of living pressures began to climb.   Nearly half of all respondents – 46 percent – named financial pressure as a key factor in their distress. Housing affordability and personal relationship challenges were also identified as stress factors by 34 percent of respondents.  Just over a quarter of respondents who reported that they'd experienced a mental health challenge in the past 12 months did not seek any support for their mental health.   “Mental health issues, or experiences of situational distress, are easier to manage when we get onto them early, before they snowball,” Ms Harman said   “We want people to know that you don’t need to be struggling for years before your problems are worth addressing – you don’t have to be at crisis point to benefit from support.”    “Feeling constantly overwhelmed or worried, prolonged feelings of being flat or stuck, or having trouble sleeping are some of the signs you to look out for.”   “Our message this World Mental Health Month is that when it comes to your mental health, don’t wait until things really get on top of you. Let people know how you're feeling or check in with someone you've noticed changes in. The earlier the better. You're not alone.”  “Beyond Blue offers free, 24/7 support right around Australia. There’s the Beyond Blue Support Service, which offers support by phone, webchat and email, and there’s our online community forums.”   Beyond Blue’s Support Service is available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 and via web chat or email beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  Their online community forums are available on our website: forums.beyondblue.org.au 

Kiama’s first triathlon in over a decade will take place on Sunday, October 13, and roads will be closed from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.Affected Roads:Federal Street: Between Charles Ave and Riverside Drive.Riverside Drive: From Swamp Road/M1 Princes Hwy to Oxley Ave.Swamp Road: From Riverside Drive to Jamberoo Road.For full road closure times and detailed maps of access routes surrounding James Oates Reserve, click here.The standard race begins at James Holt Reserve at 8:00 AM, while the sprint race starts at 8:30 AM at North Street Reserve.Additionally, there will be a health and lifestyle expo at James Oates Reserve from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons won the EDP Ericeira Pro in Portugal on October 6 against 13-year-old Tya Zebrowski from France.The 33 year old Gerroa surfer won the final against Zebrowski with a combined score of 13.60 against Zebrowski’s 10.80.In a WSL press release, Fitzgibbons expressed her surprise at the outcome. “I knew she had a good score, but it kind of came as a surprise that I got the win. I’m so happy. This new generation coming through is fierce in freesurfs, and it gives you more drive to beat them when you get them in a heat,” she said.In 2023, the 33-year-old Fitzgibbons dropped out of the World Surf League (WSL) top ten, was cut from the Championship Tour (CT), and was forced to compete in the Challenger Series.With this recent victory, she now tops the Challenger Series leaderboard and qualifies for her 14th CT season.Fitzgibbons shared her excitement with WSL about her return to the CT. “It's mixed emotions; this year is so long. But when you put it into perspective, these women are incredibly talented, and it’s so hard to win a heat.”“It’s such an honour to be in this position, competing at such a high level as we move into 2024. I have so many goals—I want to improve my performances at the tour locations, which feature some of the best waves in the world. That really excites me,” Fitzgibbons said.She also acknowledged the importance of support from her hometown in Gerroa: “The support from everyone back home means so much to me. I aim to show up and give my best, and if that means I head back on tour, then everyone has contributed to that.”

Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has criticised the prime minister for a sarcastic comment made to a Liberal frontbencher. Anthony Albanese made the comment when being interrupted by Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor during Question Time.“Have you got Tourettes or something? You just sit there, babble, babble, babble,” he said. Albanese immediately withdrew and apologised for the comment. Gareth Ward was the first Minister for Disabilities from 2019 until 2021 who had lived experience of a disability. Ward lives with albinism and is legally blind. Ward said that he has been bullied as a result of his disability including by some of his parliamentary colleagues.“I’ve felt the very horrible sting from people who feel my condition should be targeted, mocked and ridiculed. This behaviour is unacceptable.”Albanese returned to the chamber and apologised for the remark, calling it “unkind” and “hurtful.”Premier Chris Minns recently came under fire for a comment made about the Kiama MP, calling him “blind Freddie” in a press conference in Sydney — in a response to media regarding the MP’s late night trip to Parliament House in his underclothes. Ward argued that if a non-Labour MP had made a similar comment about someone living with a disability, there would “rightfully be outrage.”“Disability discrimination is not acceptable in any workplace, including our State and Federal Parliaments,” he stated.Jordon Steele-John, Greens Senator and disability rights advocate, also expressed his disappointment on social media, saying, “If our PM could stop using disability as the butt of his jokes, that would be great. Casual ableism is still ableism.”