The Albanese Government recently announced that Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches food manufacturing facility in Bomaderry will receive a $44.45 million helping hand to undergo energy efficiency upgrades thanks to the Powering the Regions Fund. The fund will allocate $330 million in total across nine clean energy and emissions and reduction projects at heavy industrial sites around the country. One of those sites being Shoalhaven Starches, which processes wheat to produce flour. The Bomaderry facility also produces gluten, starch, ethanol, animal stockfeed and syrups.Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, believe the grants will future-proof Australia’s heavy industries in a decarbonising world, with nation-wide projects cutting 830,000 tonnes of emissions annually. This equates to removing over a quarter of a million cars from Australian roads.Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, explained that the goal of the Shoalhaven Starches project is to recover heat to enable transformative emission reductions.“The project will deploy a suite of heat recovery upgrades and enabling infrastructure to reduce gas demand,” she said.“It’s estimated that emissions will be reduced by 95,266 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.”Mrs Phillips also praised the project for creating new jobs during construction and securing existing roles at the plant, which will continue to support local families and the community. Shoalhaven Starches has 510 employees and 400 independent contractors. Additionally, upward of 80 temporary jobs will be created during the project.

The Kiama Coast Holiday Parks team has had a whirlwind performance at the Sydney Caravan and Camping Supershow, spruiking our special slice of the South Coast.The team members were literally on their feet all day, every day of the six-day Supershow, selling the attractions of our beaches, mountains, towns and villages to the estimated 45,000 people who flooded through the gates at Rosehill Racecourse.The Supershow is a must-visit hotspot for anyone with a passion for camping and caravanning, with more than 250 exhibitors selling the latest motorhomes, campervans, caravans, camper-trailers and an amazing array of the newest and best camping gear.The show also provided daily seminars with invaluable insights and information across various aspects of camping and caravanning. With five parks across Kiama, Gerroa and Gerringong, Kiama Coast Holiday Parks team was able to sell potential guests on their great range of locations and accommodation types.However, these shows are as much about selling the whole destination, including local businesses, as the Holiday Parks themselves. This includes offering specials such as a ‘Winter Warmer Package’ to those visiting the Kiama Coast stall at the Supershow, in partnership with the Kiama Farmers’ Market.Industry expos remain an important part in competing for the holiday maker dollar, even in the modern world of social media influencers and online marketing.After nearly 50 hours of ‘putting their best foot forward’, the team has had little time to rest their legs, with bookings already rolling in.That’s shoe leather well spent.Kiama Coast Holiday Parks operates five holiday parks in the area, including Harbour Cabins, Seven Mile Beach, Werri Beach, Kendall’s Beach and Surf Beach and are currently offering winter 2024 specials: https://www.kiamacoast.com.au/specials/

Sources say that plans to build 1,000 new homes on the 114-hectare Springside Hill area west of Kiama are far from over, as the NSW government will refresh housing targets for each NSW council by around 1 July.The Minns Government will direct councils to scrap their growth strategies and approve housing developments to help the state reach its target of building 315,000 new homes over the next five years – a target which it is failing to meet.A target which, in part, like those in America, have been blocked by ‘NIMBY’ petitions and anti-development councils.Last year, Premier Minns said he was not going to “rule anything out” if councils fell short of the 76,000 dwellings per year to be built under the National Housing Accord.The Commonwealth, states and territories agreed under the 2023 Accord to build 1.2 million homes over five years from mid 2024.Minns has the power to remove planning consent from chronically underperforming councils and hand it to the Secretary of the Department of Planning.The local ‘Cows not Concrete’ action group used the fear of environmental degradation to gather signatures on a petition to stop the Springside Hill proposal.Springside Hill development proposal. Credit: MeconeKiama Mayor Neil Riley said it wasn't just the councillors against the plan, but also 642 residents who put their names on the ‘Cows or Concrete’ petition.“I think council and the legislation regarding planning is on the side of those 600 people-plus,” he told the Illawarra Mercury.The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said that Councils and developers must work together and find well-located housing for people who desperately need access to homes.In a rebuke of Kiama Council’s recent development rejection, Minister Scully said, “any local plans must go beyond the NSW Government’s housing expectations, not backwards”.Chief Executive Officer of Traders in Purple, Brett Robinson, said the Springside Hill development would create approximately 1,200 full time jobs. Many of those jobs will be filled by local apprentices and tradespeople. He said the development will create more than $180m in Gross Regional Product as a result of construction alone.“Our 25 percent guarantee, in partnership with Housing Trust, can help to keep locals local by providing homes the average worker can afford to buy or rent, not in the far distant future but by 2027,” Mr Robinson said.“It is heartening to hear the Council say they want to hear from a diverse range of people, especially those they don’t normally hear from. Equally, it’s quite disheartening to hear them champion a petition that values a passing view of cows more than the aspirations for home ownership for the current and next generation.”Chief Executive Officer of Housing Trust, Michele Adair, believes that we need to build homes in new places in new ways.“Council knows that an additional 2,000 homes are needed to accommodate population growth. The location of these homes needs to be discussed with courage, common sense and compassion,” she said.“If councils aren't proactive about meeting their supply targets, they shouldn't be surprised when the state government imposes initiatives to ensure the housing needs of their communities are adequately addressed.”Last year, Council’s Director of Planning, Environment and Communities, Jessica Rippon, said affordable housing, “was an idea whose time had come”.“The Australian and NSW Government have begun housing reforms with ambitious targets. Kiama Council, and our community, will be required to play a part … We need to lead this process, rather than having development forced upon us,” she said. As the NSW government’s patience wears thin, development may be forced upon it.

In the mid and latter months of 1942, Australians fought alone against 10,000 battle-hardened Japanese soldiers as they marched over the Owen Stanley Ranges in Papua New Guinea towards Port Moresby. Then as now, Australia was considered not strong enough to defend itself - but it did.The names of brave Australian soldiers who stopped the Japanese are carved on war memorials in country towns and outside of council buildings across Australia. We barely acknowledge their existence: Private Bruce Kingsbury (VC), Corporal Charlie McCallum, Lieutenant Colonel William Owen and Captain Sam Templeton, to name just a few.Winston Churchill finally relented to urgent pleas from Prime Minister John Curtin for the return of Australian troops from the Middle East - but not before Churchill tried to divert them to Burma.As the Japanese marched south towards the Kokoda Airfield, two largely untrained conscripted Militia battalions from Sydney were sent to defend it. These were the 39th and 53rd - approximately 500 men - called the ‘Maroubra Force’.Their average age was 21. They were called ‘chocos’ because the public thought they would melt like chocolate soldiers in the heat of battle. Most of the 39th were home guard. They knew nothing about jungle warfare. Many had never fired their weapons. Now these warriors of the working day were defending Australia.The mountainous jungles seethed with life. The trees formed a dark dripping canopy and the heat and humidity were stifling. Moss-covered trees lay over fast running streams as Australian soldiers, many born in cities, lay in dug-ins and waited for the enemy. Some shook with malaria while others held their guts, cramped with dysentery.The Australians held the airstrip against 3000 Japanese soldiers, lost it, counterattacked, but were forced back to Isurava, 10 kilometres to the south. As they waited for reinforcements, more enemy troops made their way up the Track.Just as it looked like the Maroubra Force would be wiped out, Brigadier Arnold Potts arrived with two battalions of about 1000 men: the 2/14th and the 2/16th. Potts was a short, tough and nuggety Western Australian farmer. He had fought at Gallipoli and in France in World War One and was a gifted military strategist.The head of the Australian forces, General Thomas Blamey – who was safely ensconced in Brisbane - kept directing Potts to attack, but to do so would have been suicide. The Australians were undersupplied and outnumbered five to one.The Japanese threw everything at them and pushed them further back. However, not before a string of extraordinary last stands, which yielded more Allied decorations than any other battle in the Pacific, including a posthumous Victoria Cross for Bruce Kingsbury.One of the last gestures of defiance at Isurava was by Corporal Charlie McCallum, a farmer from South Gippsland. This is from Paul Ham’s book, ‘Kokoda’.“McCallum sprayed the enemy with his Bren gun and when it ran out of ammunition, he grabbed a tommy gun from a dead mate, all the time firing in to the advancing Japanese. He was wounded three times but kept on firing. He killed 25 Japanese and received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He died later on the track.”The Australians fought a decisive game of cat and mouse. They attacked, broke off and attacked again. This was the Fabian strategy, after the Roman dictator Fabius Maximus, who fought a war of attrition against a much larger army led by Hannibal. Potts knew the difficulty of trying to supply an army over the mountains. It was a lesson he would teach the Japanese.In the hour of greatest danger, the Japanese stopped. They had run out of food. The Japanese had relied on speed to capture Port Moresby and now their soldiers were starving and riven with disease. Potts’ defensive battles had exhausted their supply lines.Potts’ strategy and the Australian victory at Milne Bay, left the Japanese with no choice but to withdraw. They were harried all the way back to New Guinea’s north coast, where they were wiped out.When the 2/27th first arrived in New Guinea, it had 777 men. When it pulled out of Gona in January 1943, only 70 walked away. Everyone else was dead, wounded or hospitalised with tropical diseases.Potts was sacked by Blamey on 22 October 1942, despite having demonstrated inspired disobedience in winning the withdrawal. He later commanded with distinction the 23rd Brigade of II Corps in Bougainville.The Kokoda heroes believed in Australia and the future their country held. This is a covenant written in blood. Australians complain, ‘where is the vision? Where is the story?’. This is the vision. This is the story of how 1,500 men turned back the Japanese advance.At the going down of the sun and in the morning, remember Arnold Potts and the diggers who fought on the Kokoda Track.

The full moon shone on more than 1,000 people from across the shire, as they gathered reverently around the Kiama Lighthouse for the Anzac Day dawn service.Men, women and children stood silently as prayers were said for the fallen, on the 109th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing on 25 April, 1915.The haunting sound of bagpipes filled the air as first light broke over the headland. Floral wreaths were laid next to a rifle with an Australian slouch hat placed on top – a tribute to the war dead.As The Last Post played, the Australian flag was lowered to half-mast.Mounted soldiers silhouetted against the Kiama Lighthouse.The Last Post signifies a fallen soldier’s rebirth into eternal life.Then the recitation of the third and fourth stanzas of Laurence Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen. The poem was first published in the British newspaper, The Times on 21 September 1914.They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.They stood with heads bowed like every dawn service at the lighthouse since 1923, as the crashing waves punctuated the one minute’s silence.Lest we forget.

At its magnificent location around the Memorial Plaque and Flagpole at the Eastern Headland overlooking the ocean, the Gerringong Anzac Day Dawn Service was both beautiful and moving. On a fine, clear morning, under a bright, full moon, I was completely taken aback when sudden, spontaneous tears rolled down my cheeks while listening to the powerful rendition of Redgum’s ‘I was only 19’, performed by locals Merryn Lee Perez and Chris Cutting. It left me contemplating music’s well-documented role as a catalyst to elicit emotions not readily revealed and just beneath the surface - to link us to our memories, stories, past experiences and to each other. It turns out that Merryn, the singer whose voice had evoked such a strong visceral response, had been instrumental in bringing a program of music to the Dawn Service in 2017. Working with Gerringong RSL sub-Branch President Michael O'Leary, she introduced musical tributes into the ceremony in memory of her late father. They had also been keen to include music as a means of attracting more young people, so as to educate them about Anzac Day and keep its spirit and significance alive. There are many examples of brave locals who have served our nation. Merryn’s father, beloved local RSL member and highly-decorated war hero Wing Commander Roy Walter (Nugget) Hibben DSO AFC, commanded a helicopter squadron in Vietnam in 1969-1970, flying a number of very dangerous missions, and had previously served in Korea. Merryn spoke of her father’s bravery in war, his humility and his kindness.

In the lead up to the September Local Government Election, Kiama Council has announced a pre-election candidate information session to be held on Tuesday 14 May. This session will detail roles and responsibilities of a councillor for anyone considering throwing their hat into the ring.Alongside invaluable opportunities, being a councillor comes with significant commitment and its fair share of challenges. This briefing will allow anyone contemplating running as a candidate to make a well-informed decision. With vast content inclusions to be delivered by Jenny Dowell OAM, this is the ideal Council crash course for any potential future councillors. The pre-election candidate information session will take place on Tuesday 14 May, 5:00pm - 8:30pm at The Pavilion, located at 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama. Further information and link to registration can be found on the Council website.

“Electrifying.” That’s how Laura Stokes from Shellharbour Village describes her first-ever ice bath. “I was nervous to do it, but it’s good to prove that it can be done,” says Stokes. A beaming Sandra BiggsStokes, along with two other brave women, were the first ones to take the plunge at the pilates and ice bath-event at Killalea State Park on Saturday 21 April.The event, organised by Snap Fitness Kiama, introduced a local group of women to ice baths, which can help with muscular relief, pain reduction, inflammation and overall recovery.Laura Stokes lets it all sink inIt can also give you an “ice-bath high,” explains assistant club manager at Snap Fitness Kiama, Sam Baskerville. “It’s a bit of a serotonin boost, so it’s going to make your mood lift. And it will last ten times as long as when you exercise. Up to 24 hours,” explains Baskerville.But voluntarily soaking yourself in an ice bath with a temperature of 3°C, containing 10-15 bags of ice, takes guts.Ice bath debutante, Cassi Nash from Nowra“I was nervous about how cold it was going to be,” Stokes recalls, as she sits on a bench afterwards, face turned toward the warm autumn sun. “Especially as she [Baskerville] had the temperature, I thought, ‘oh, no’.”“The first bit was not bad. After 10 seconds it got harder. I was waiting for the timer so I knew it was time to get out,” she says.Most of the women chose to sit, each in a portable bath, for between two to five minutes. If you’re an ice bath-novice, Baskerville says the secret is to go slow.Sam Baskerville from Snap Fitness counts down the time for the women in the ice baths“Yeah, if you’re never done it before, start slow. Bring your breathing down. And the more you do it, the frequency, it gets easier,” recommends Baskerville.“Eventually, you’ll be able to go for longer and will keep getting into a little state of calm,” she adds with a smile.

Once upon a not so many years ago Max “Bunny” Hair, 93, was the returned veteran who, prouder than proud, would raise and lower the flag at ANZAC Day ceremonies in Kiama.Then Covid hit, and he was deeply upset that government restrictions meant he could not pay his respects to fallen comrades, and could not wear, with pride, his own medals along with the medals of his father and his two brothers, all of whom also served. And so neighbours, Glenn and Kerry Shepherd, decided to organise a small ANZAC Day ceremony at the bottom of Max’s driveway in Kiama Downs. “We rallied around the neighbourhood and people wanted to be part of it,” he recalls. “Max has been a good friend and neighbour to us all and is highly regarded. Everyone was locked down, we were all told we couldn’t go. Then the government told us we could go to the end of our driveways and celebrate. So we decided to do it at the end of Max’s driveway.” “We were probably doing the wrong thing, but we did it anyway. It has gotten bigger every year. For me, to see that man so proud when he stands there, why wouldn’t you be there. We show respect to our service people through Max.”  “If that’s not a good thing, what is?”  Max Hair, 93, honors Anzac Day at the bottom of his driveway in Kiama Downs.That was 2020, and what began as a small, essentially humble event has grown in strength. Over the intervening years, other neighbours joined in with Glen to mark the spirit of the occasion, pinning paper poppies on their chests and setting up candles in their own driveways.This year, some 30 neighbours and relatives gathered for the Dawn Service, led by Max himself.His chest festooned with medals, he welcomed everyone in a clear, strong voice before relaying stories from his time in the navy, and reading out the famous Ode of Remembrance as his son lowers the Australian flag to half-mast: They shall grow not old,as we that are left grow old;Age shall not weary them,nor the years condemn.We shall remember them. And then the playing of the last post as the sky lightens.A relative read out the list of his medals, including one for good conduct, to which Max cheerfully cuts in: “I don’t know how I got that!”Max, “Bunny”, joined the navy in 1948 and served in the Korean War. He is one of the last survivors of those with whom he served. “It was a big part of my life being in the service. I am Navy through and through. My only regret is I didn’t talk my two boys into joining the Navy.” Max Hair in his Navy days in the 1940's. “As to the meaning of Anzac Day, I think of my father, and I think of the camaraderie. Remembrance.” And he laps into an unusual silence. “Remembrance, the service life. Most of them have gone by, have left now.” An encounter with the Hair family leaves you with one impression, just how loving they are, including Old Max. You give love to receive it, and the biggest excitement in the family is the impending arrival of their fourth great grandchild. “He tells me every single day how much he loves me,” his wife of 65 years Josie says, beaming. “Max has been a wonderful husband. He was always for the family. We have been very, very lucky, and very very happy.” The family pore over photograph albums, commenting with astonishment at some of the images of their father and grandfather when he was young. Daughter Debby, who lives in Jamberoo and works at Shellharbour hospital, recalls when her father used to go up to Sydney for the Anzac Day march. “When dad marched past us, he used to always break rank and come over and give us a cuddle,” she recalls. This year's ceremony ended with Max thanking all the friends, relatives and neighbours who had shown up. “Next year will be bigger and better,” he declares.

Over the past few years many Dressage Clubs have struggled to survive as drought, bushfires, floods and Covid19 brought all things equestrian to a standstill for months and years, eliminating almost all opportunities for Clubs to raise the funds necessary to meet administration costs, maintain grounds and equipment and ultimately reward members.   Shoalhaven Dressage Club is no exception. It is a non-profit organisation generating income from membership, entry fees from holding regular competitions, and sponsorship. Dressage is an Olympic sport and during this time there were many broken dreams as Competitions were cancelled and opportunities lost.Based at Worrigee Equestrian Common, Shoalhaven Dressage Club has proved its durability over the years, and will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary later in 2024.Rather than giving up during bleak timeS, then President Alycia Targa and her committee set out to fulfil the dream of having an all weather,  Olympic size Dressage arena at the Club’s home ground.  Over the past three years President Wendy Collin and her Committee have continued to pursue that dream, applying for grants and raising further funds. They can now proudly announce that the new arena will be completed in July this year. It will be maintained by Shoalhaven Dressage Club but available to the Equestrian Community at large for training and competition use.   Local Equestrians like SDC member, 13 year old Skyla Parker, who was recently crowned Novice Champion at the Australian Arabian National Championships in Victoria on her horse Iconic Al Sahrac, will reap the benefits of having a first class training facility in their local area. 

Kiama Rugby’s opening game on 13 April didn’t only mark the club’s first win of the season, but also Scott Duncan’s 300th game for the club. The Bugle caught up with the long-time Kiama player, as he reflected on this impressive milestone. Duncan becomes the seventh player in the club history with 300 games under his belt.How was it running out for your 300th game?“Pretty emotional, actually. Everyone, friends, family and the whole club, were there supporting me. My dad passed away earlier this year, in February. He had supported me during my whole career. We had spoken a lot about my 300th game. It was a funny feeling that he wasn’t there,” Duncan says.“When Mick Cook and Al Marsden, former players, presented me with the jersey ahead of the game, they said that dad’s looking over me.”Reflecting back, is there any game or any period that has stood out in particular?“Look, we were pretty successful in the early 2000s. We won a couple of grand finals.”Kiama Rugby won the first grade premierships in 2002 and 2003, and the Illawarra club championship in 2003.“Every game, I’ve really enjoyed. All the people that I’ve met. Every time I go to New Zealand, I visit people. I know guys in Ireland,” Duncan adds. What are you looking forward to this season?“Just that the club has recruited really well. It’s probably the youngest second grade I’ve ever seen. Lots of really good juniors. It’s shaping up to be a cracking year,” he concludes.Quick factsAge: Turning 42 this MayBorn and bred: KiamaHome club: Kiama Rugby Football Club (I started playing for Kiama Rugby in the juniors in 1995).Position: I play in the forwards mostly at #8. But when I was younger (and faster), I played at #7 (openside flanker). I can also play inside centre, if called upon. 

This ANZAC Day, the NSW Government again acknowledges the sacrifice and bravery of all that have fought for our country. Regional and rural NSW monuments can be found honouring the sacrifice made by soldiers from across the state who enlisted, often from regional communities with a population smaller than the average present day city neighbourhood.In the first World War (WW1), thousands of young men from regional communities, many who had never even been to Sydney let alone Europe, left safety of their normal lives for war. This was a sacrifice that was echoed through World War 2 (WW2), Korea, Vietnam and even today in ongoing operations around the world.NSW recorded the highest enlistment rate in the country during WW1, with 164,030 people signing on to join the war. Approximately 21,000 never returned home, leaving bereft communities throughout the state.When WW2 broke out, the people of NSW once again stood up to defend our nation. Many of the 276,741 people who answered the call to go to war were sons, brothers or relatives of those who served in WW1, still tainted by the fresh memory of the horrors of war.Today, the reminder of regional NSW’s sacrifice is seen through the war memorials that can be found in nearly every regional and rural town. These monuments have a sombre history in country towns where they were often used as substitute graves that family and friends of those who died in battle overseas were able to visit to remember and pay respects to their loved ones.Today these monuments act as a congregating place for the local community to come together and commemorate the bravery and sacrifice, and continuing service being from those in our present armed forces.“The role of regional NSW communities in contributing to the war effort in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and even in present day peace-keeping operations cannot be overstated,” says Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty. “Families in these communities saw their sons, brothers, and fathers go off to war overseas and were left bereft when many never returned home, having made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.“Today we honour the contribution of all service men and women throughout the country and throughout our history and I thank them for their service, contribution and sacrifice that they have and continue to make in order to keep our country safe.”No doubt many will continue to gather at The Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park, which sacredly houses 1,701 samples of soil within the walls. This soil represents the names of every town, city suburb and homestead WW1 enlistees once resided in. “The Hall of Service demonstrates the geographical reach of the call to serve, and signals the willingness and enthusiasm of so many from diverse regions who answered the call to join the war. It contains the incalculable loss and grief of communities across the state whose men and women did not return,” says Minister for Veterans, David Harris.“On ANZAC Day, we come together as a community to remember our veterans and current serving members of our Defence Force, many of whom come from regional areas across our state. We pay tribute to their service, and we thank them for their efforts to allow us the freedoms we afford today.”For this ANZAC Day and all that follow – Lest We Forget. 

PCYC NSW and the Greater Charitable Foundation have announced a partnership to better support young people in realising their full potential. The collaboration signifies a commitment to addressing youth disengagement and providing pathways to brighter futures. With a substantial contribution of $411,096, the partnership will see the implementation of four Fit for Work (FFW) programs over the next two years. These programs are designed for people aged 16-18 to address disengagement from their family, education and employment. Successful completion will help to reduce crime and ultimately lead to employment opportunities. The FFW initiative spans a ten-week period, aligning with NSW school terms, with participants attending three days per week. Activities within the program include resume writing, mock interviews, work placements, and other educational components designed to instil confidence and motivation to transition into employment or apprenticeships. CEO of the Greater Charitable Foundation, Anne Long, emphasises PCYC’s strong track record in providing effective programs for communities. “Together, we are not just changing individual lives. We are shaping the fabric of our future society, fostering a rising generation of resilient, skilled and engaged community contributors,” says Long.By providing tools and opportunities for personal and professional growth to our young people, the partnership aims to create a positive impact. This not only applies to individual lives, but the community as a whole. Click here for further information.

The Albanese Government recently announced that Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches food manufacturing facility in Bomaderry will receive a $44.45 million helping hand to undergo energy efficiency upgrades thanks to the Powering the Regions Fund. The fund will allocate $330 million in total across nine clean energy and emissions and reduction projects at heavy industrial sites around the country. One of those sites being Shoalhaven Starches, which processes wheat to produce flour. The Bomaderry facility also produces gluten, starch, ethanol, animal stockfeed and syrups.Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, believe the grants will future-proof Australia’s heavy industries in a decarbonising world, with nation-wide projects cutting 830,000 tonnes of emissions annually. This equates to removing over a quarter of a million cars from Australian roads.Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, explained that the goal of the Shoalhaven Starches project is to recover heat to enable transformative emission reductions.“The project will deploy a suite of heat recovery upgrades and enabling infrastructure to reduce gas demand,” she said.“It’s estimated that emissions will be reduced by 95,266 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.”Mrs Phillips also praised the project for creating new jobs during construction and securing existing roles at the plant, which will continue to support local families and the community. Shoalhaven Starches has 510 employees and 400 independent contractors. Additionally, upward of 80 temporary jobs will be created during the project. 

The Kiama Bugle has launched self-service business advertising, personal ads and social group listings!As a community focused newspaper, The Bugle has launched a new way to get your business or group out there! If you are a business owner, we know things are tough, but we want you on the community hub and so have a special deal if you are a business chamber member.We have created an easier way for you to add your digital listing to our website, with a listing that links directly to your website.Just head to the The Bugle website, navigate to the category your listing pertains to, and click the teal button at the top of the page. We have a directory for local schools, social groups, church groups, service clubs, sporting clubs, trades listings, you name it! Additionally, we’re taking family notices from the community. If you have a birth, marriage or funeral announcement, let us know. Community announcements are also an option, with our job vacancy section.You can now list your classified ads. Do you have a house to rent, or are looking for a house to rent? Are you looking for a gardener? Or are you a gardener looking for work? Are you a pool attendant or looking for a pool attendant? A cleaner, or looking for a cleaner? Are you feeling romantic? Are you looking for a date? We’re open to all sorts of classified advertising. Let us know For a small fee, discounted for the remainder of 2024, you can enjoy the benefits of exposure in our tight knit community. We want you!

Kiama Rugby followed up their season-opening wins with another two big wins on Saturday, 20 April, as they faced off Woonona Shamrocks on their home ground.“Two really good wins. It was a tough fixture, playing them up there,” says players rep for the Kiama Rugby Football Club, Jack Smith. “No one can explain it but you’re in for a tough battle. Saturday was no different.”Plus the weather added another hurdle for players, throwing wind, rain and just about everything at them. But they withstood the elements as well as the Shamrocks.“The first grade defended their line for a solid 20 minutes and held out,” says Smith. The second grade defenders also held out.A solid defence resulted in a final score of Kiama 47 - Shamrocks 21 for the first grade, and Kiama 56 - Shamrocks 0 for the second grade. First grade try scorers were: Mick Taylor 3, Robert Sitiene, Frank Prodger, Darius Mafile'o, and Matt Forsyth.Second grade try scorers were: Jasper Scobie 3, Ben Wade 2, Jack Smith, Isaac Kaunicaramaki, Waisake Sukavakarua, and Lawarance Gock.Kiama Rugby next faces Campbelltown in the third round on Saturday, 27 April, at 1:30pm at Kiama Showground.Thank you to Linda Faiers for providing the photos.

What does the world look like from the perspective of a creek? What do human behaviours look like through the eyes of cockatoos?The Sutherland Shire Environment Centre’s 2024 RD Walshe Memorial Writing for the Environment Competition is now open.This year’s topic is Through the eyes of Nature, inviting writers to tell a story from an alternative perspective - to write as if looking at the world through the eyes of nature. The writing must, consider elements related to the environment and broader sustainability concepts.“We forget, sometimes, that we are but one species amongst millions,” said Ian Hill, Chair of SSEC. “This year, we’d like writers to select some non-human element of nature and write from that perspective.”Some examples that writers can choose could be a waterfall or a cold, crisp morning in the desert, dolphins in the surf, and so on.“We are keen to hear about our world, our environment, our actions for sustainability from non-human eyes,” says Ian.Participation is free, and there are three age categories – Under 19, 19-26 years, and Over 60 – with cash prizes of $500 for the winner of each category. Runners-up will also receive a cash prize.The Sutherland Shire Writers Group also offers an additional prize of $100 for a junior writer, the “Pat Strong Award for a Young Writer”, which honours one of the Group’s foundation members.More details for the competition and submission can be found here Details about the competition and how to submit your entries can be found here. Entries close on Friday, 28 June 2024.

Shadow Minister for Police and the NSW Police Force are reminding motorists that double demerits will be enforced over a five-day period, covering ANZAC Day. In a bid to crack down on illegal and reckless behaviour behind the wheel, double demerits will come into effect from Wednesday 24 April at 12:01am and remain in place until 11:59pm on Sunday 28 April. During this period, offences such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence or illegal use of a mobile phone will attract higher fines and double demerit points. Shadow Minister for Police, Paul Toole, warned that there will be a strong focus on targeting drink and drug driving. “Many people like to enjoy themselves on ANZAC Day by partaking in a game of two up or sharing a beer with a mate. No matter your plans, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking,” he said.“We often see people underestimate the effects of ‘a few drinks’ and take the risk of driving. Even the morning after a night out, alcohol can still be impeding on a driver’s ability to function properly.”Mr Toole urged all Australians to opt for plan B if consuming alcohol for ANZAC Day celebrations, such as safely leaving the car at home and utilising public transport. This, of course, applies for the entire double demerits period which, for many, may well become an extra-long weekend. “The ANZAC Day public holiday coincides with the end of school holidays, and we anticipate a very busy few days on our roads,” said Mr Toole.“Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, please think of those passengers in the car with you and other motorists on our roads so that everyone can reach their destination safely.”This is a timely reminder that speeding, fatigue and drink and drug driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads. NSW Police Force assure they will be heavily present on our roads during the double demerits period. Anyone caught doing the wrong thing will pay a hefty price. 

Gerringong couple Judy and Kevin have taken up the task of rallying support in the community for an Indigenous youth-centred program in Australia’s Central West. Down the Track (DTT) works with disengaged and marginalised youth aged 10-20, who live in remote areas, such as Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge, Central West NSW. Judy and Kevin are passionate about the cause, contributing to help the program “keep kids alive, out of jail and thriving.” The program focuses on early intervention, providing pathways to real and sustainable jobs, education and community connections for Indigenous youth. By offering diversionary activities, training and mentorship, Down the Track aims to empower young people to reach their full potential and break the cycle of disengagement. Youth crime, anti-social behaviour and youth incarceration have seen a significant decrease since the commencement of the program.Judy and her husband moved to the Gerringong area to advocate for Down the Track in their local community. They hope to inspire others to join the cause by raising awareness about this incredible program. By working together, they believe that no young person should be left behind. In line with the beliefs of Down the Track, they want to see young people given every opportunity to reach their greatest potential. To learn more and find out how you can support a good cause, visit Down the Track and sign up to their newsletter.