Opinion piece The Bugle is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect in the community. In this spirit, I draw attention to recent concerns regarding Councillor Croxford's reported comments on social media. It is my understanding that these remarks have raised questions about adherence to the Kiama Municipal Council Media Policy and the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW. This article aims to address the broader issue of professional conduct and respectful communication among our elected officials, rather than targeting any individual personally. In light of recent discussions, concerns have been raised regarding comments made by Clr Croxford on social media. It is my understanding that these comments, which reportedly referred to dissenters as “lazy”, “uninformed” and “insignificant mental pygmies”, have sparked questions about adherence to the Kiama Municipal Council Media Policy and the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW.The Kiama Municipal Council Media Policy, endorsed on 19 March 2024, outlines clear principles and standards for media engagement by Council officials. At the heart of the policy are principles such as openness, consistency, accuracy, and timeliness, which are designed to ensure that all communications with the media are conducted in a manner that upholds the Council’s integrity and reputation.Key points of concern regarding these reported comments include:Principles of media engagement:Openness: The policy emphasises the importance of promoting an open exchange of information between the Council and the media. Derogatory language does not support an open or respectful dialogue.Consistency and accuracy: Ensuring consistent and accurate representation in media communications is crucial. Personal attacks and inflammatory language undermine the integrity and reliability of our communications.Standards of conduct when engaging with the media:Defamatory and offensive language: Council officials must not share information or make comments that could be considered defamatory, offensive, humiliating, threatening, or intimidating to other Council officials or members of the public.Harassment and bullying: Comments must not constitute harassment and/or bullying. The use of derogatory remarks could be perceived as bullying.Professionalism and respect: All media engagement by Council officials must be conducted in a professional, timely, and respectful manner.Councillors’ conduct:Reputation: Councillors must not bring the organisation or its employees into disrepute through any form of media commentary.Resolving differences privately: Councillors should endeavour to resolve personal differences privately and must not prosecute them publicly through the media.These guidelines underscore the expectation for Council officials to communicate in a manner that is respectful, professional, and reflective of the Council's values. The use of language perceived as derogatory not only undermines these principles but also damages the trust and confidence that the community places in its elected representatives.As members of the Kiama community, it is imperative that we hold our Council officials accountable to the highest standards of conduct. The Council's commitment to professional and respectful communication is essential in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our local government.We urge the Council to review this matter and take appropriate action to ensure adherence to the established Media Policy. By doing so, we can reaffirm our commitment to transparent, respectful, and professional communication that serves the best interests of our community.

“I think the world we live in can be harsh. It really drives people into working and earning and getting into a place where they don't feel satisfied. Surfing and riding waves and being in the environment and exploring the beautiful coastlines, there's a freedom there and a true beauty and I think that's very alluring and it's deeply fulfilling for us as human beings,” says Jolyon Hoff, director of the film You Should Have Been Here Yesterday.Watching You Should Have Been Here Yesterday is like a rhythmic and nostalgic daydream. It immerses you in a time of blossoming surf culture with its excitingly creative surfers, its innovative board designs and its free spirit.The film doesn’t have a main character. Instead it uses Australian surfing culture as a character, tracking its rise and fall throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. It uses restored footage of old surf films, which were filmed with 16mm cameras, and interviews with various people including surfing filmmaker Alby Falzon and writer Tim Winton.“I wanted people to think more broadly about the culture of surfing and the culture of the era and what was going on. Films, especially surf films and adventure films will hook onto a character and follow a very tried and tested arc of the hero's journey or an adventure to go and conquer a wave. So it was a conscious choice to make a film like this because I wanted people to bring their own thoughts to it,” says Hoff.The restored film is gloriously rendered on screen, especially the various shades of blue in the crashing waves, you never would have thought so many blues existed. The footage also embraces all of the small imperfections of the old film reels such as light leaks and scratches and this contributes to the nostalgic feeling of it all.“We scanned about 150 hours of lost Australian surf film footage and it’s been scanned at archive quality by Kade Bucheli, who spent 14 months on it, and also overseen by Billy Wychgel, who was the colour grader for Lord of the Rings,” reveals Hoff.The film makes you yearn for a period that has been and gone, but it doesn’t fall into the familiar mistakes of these types of films where they only focus on the good parts of the time period.“In this film I wanted to engage with that time period honestly and deal with what happened when drugs were introduced and also the problem of women being ostracised from surfing. They were two elements of surfing that I was pleased to bring up in the film,” says Hoff.Ultimately Hoff says he wants people watching the film to fall in love with surfing all over again and bring that into the present because he believes surfing culture has never been better.“There’s all different types of surfing like competitive surfing, longboard surfing, old people surfing, kids surfing, bodyboarding, kneeboarding. Everything is surfing and is part of that community so the title is a bit of a misnomer because it's not ‘You should have been here yesterday’, it's ‘You should be here right now.’ You should be enjoying and being present in this moment and what is going on in surfing now,” says Hoff.You Should Have Been Here Yesterday is playing as part of the Travelling Sydney Film Festival at the Warrawong Gala Cinema on Sunday July 28. It is truly an immersive and mesmerising depiction of a time in Australian history that doesn’t seem to be talked about enough.Jolyon called in for his interview with The Bugle from Indonesia where he is working on a documentary film about refugees who have been stuck there since the Australian Government stopped the boats.

Group 7 referee Nick Mcinerny reached an extremely impressive milestone on June 30 when he refereed his 600th grade game.McInerny, who has been refereeing since he was 13 years old, says that his true love for the sport and continued support from family and friends is what brings him back year after year.“I started out as a 13-year-old and I did it because I was having a lot of injuries in my last year of footy in under 13s. And I wanted to take it up to stay involved in the sport. It does take its toll, you’ve got to have good support from the family and friends around you, which I’d be lost without,” says McInerny.Since beginning, McInerny has watched both the sport and refereeing evolve and he is so happy to see females finally being able to get involved.“There are a lot more games these days than there were when I first started. The games have gotten quicker, there's a lot more female participation now which is great to see, both playing and officiating which is good. And that’s one area which will be an issue going forward with all these other grades, having enough officials going forward,” says McInerny.Referees are as vital to rugby league as having a field to play it on, and yet they are subject to a lot of unfair abuse from players, coaches and spectators.This unfair abuse is one reason why referees are becoming scarce, and McInerny’s wish is that people involved in the sport would be more empathetic towards them.“Group 7 has been pretty positive in trying to foster a family attitude at games, unfortunately that isn’t always the case. Unfortunately there are still some people who believe that they paid their money to get into the gate so they can say what they want and do what they want,” says McInerny.“Some of the comments that I have had over the years have been quite derogatory, and people have just got to remember that we are all human, we will make mistakes which is part and parcel of the game, but we don’t go out there to deliberately make mistakes,” says McInerny.McInerny loves a game with a good atmosphere and teams having a real battle. Some of his most memorable games have been the various grand finals he has officiated which includes the 2013 grand final between Gerringong and Warilla which ended in golden point.“If you can get a game of footy where the two teams just play football and you can walk off the field after the game and no one talks about the referee, then I think the referee has done a great job in that game,” says McInerny.Fellow referee Ryan Micallef speaks very highly of McInerny and his service to both the game and the Group 7 Referees Association.“Nick is the kind of bloke to go about his work quietly and without any fuss. To do 600 career-grade games is a testament to his long-term dedication to officiating & rugby league in general. On top of his on-field refereeing, Nick has spent numerous years holding administration positions within our association, continuing to move us forward,” says Micallef.Group 7 Referees Association President, Jarrad Borg nominated Nick for a life membership in 2018 and is forever grateful for his wisdom and advice.“For myself, starting as a junior referee in 2007, Nick has been a cornerstone of my journey as both a coach and mentor. His extensive knowledge as a referee and his willingness to provide honest feedback made him an invaluable resource for all of us,” says Borg.McInerny assures that he is not quite finished yet, next he aims to reach the 300 first grade games milestone which has only been reached by one other referee in Group 7 history.

In preparation for the NSW election on Saturday September 14, the Kiama District and Business Chamber are holding a ‘Meet the Candidates’ event.The event will take place on Thursday, August 22, and the Kiama District and Business Chamber are requesting Members, as businesses in the Kiama LGA, to send in questions that they want prospective Councillors to answer.There is no limit on questions per person, but the Board will select the best questions to ask on the night. The “Meet the Candidates’ night will be held at the Pavilion on August 22 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and you can register to attend here.

The Paris Olympic Games will officially kick off in the City Of Light tonight with around 6800 athletes from 206 nations, including Australia, parading down the Seine River.Australians who want to watch the opening ceremony will need to be up before the sun, with the event broadcast at 4.30am tomorrow (AEST) and running for around three hours. Paddler Jessica Fox and hockey veteran Eddie Ockenden will proudly fly the Aussie flag when they travel for six kilometres along the Seine onboard one of more than 90 boats. It is the first time in Olympic history that an opening ceremony has not been held in a stadium.The Games will be broadcast on more than 40 free-to-air channels under the Nine Network. Stan Sport will also broadcast the Olympic Ceremony ad-free, live and on-demand in Australia. Here are the Australian highlights for tomorrow (AEST):Artistic gymnastics (men’s qualification) – 7pmBadminton – 4.30-11.40pmBasketball (men’s): Australia vs. Spain – 7pm Beach volleyball – 10pm Boxing – 11.30pm Canoe slalom – 11pm Cycling road (women’s) – 10.30pm Diving (women’s) – 7pm Equestrian – 5.30pm Fencing – 6pm Hockey: Australia vs. Argentina – 9.15pm Judo – 6pm Rowing – 5pm Rugby sevens (men’s) – 10.30pm Shooting – 5pm Skateboarding (men’s) – 8pm Swimming – 7pm Table tennis – 11pmTennis – 8pm 

On July 20, Kiama resident Gordon Bell contacted The Bugle asking us to meet him at the Kiama Railway Commuter Car Park (KRCCP) on Bong Bong Street. We tried to arrive early, but weren’t familiar with it and had trouble locating where it was.Finally, a little late, we came upon a fairly sized car park with a boom gate that we’d never noticed before. Mr Bell says our inability to find the car park was an apt description of his main problem with it.“I reckon that 95% of people in Kiama don't have a clue about this car park. It was opened in April 2021 and yet it hardly seems to get used,” says Mr Bell.The KRCCP is a 40-space car park for commuters using public transport. They can use the car park for free for up to 18 hours at a time as long as they tap their opal card at the boom gate after usage. Non commuters are charged at a flat rate after 20 minutes.Mr Bell believes that commuters are either not utilising this resource, or they have no idea about it. To back up these claims, Bell visited the KRCC everyday from June 1 to June 28 between the hours of 11am to 12pm and recorded the number of cars parked inside.He found that on most weekdays there were upwards of 30 available spaces in the car park and on weekends/public holidays there was even less use, with the number of available spaces never getting below 33.“We have a resource here, on weekends and public holidays, that basically gets no use whatsoever. There's one handicapped and 39 other spots. So what's to stop them saying when you come on a weekend and a public holiday that you can park here even if you aren’t commuting,” says Mr Bell.Mr Bell presented his findings to Kiama MP Gareth Ward and presented his solution for the car park to be made available to the public on weekends and public holidays.“I strongly support Gordon Bell’s survey findings, which clearly observe a vacant and underutilised publicly owned car park at times when our town is full to overflowing,” says Ward.Ward then sent a letter to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon. Jennifer Aitchison, who replied in her own letter, “NSW TrainLink is not considering opening the car park on weekends to the Kiama community at this time, and notes that public parking is available around the station in local streets.”Ward has now requested a meeting with Transport for NSW to discuss the matter further and he hopes that they can come to an understanding about the situation.“I’m always happy to work with the Government and Department to get results for my community. But there is no need to knock back a sensible request coming from the grass roots, such as this, to relieve parking when there are clearly free spaces that could be used by commuters or locals,” says Ward.The Bugle attempted to contact Minister Aitchison for a comment and was put through to a Transport for NSW spokesperson. The spokesperson wrote, “To ensure that there is sufficient parking for public transport passengers there are no plans to open the car park boom gates on weekends. Public parking is available around the station in local streets.”So, any action has hit a standstill and with the Akuna Street car park scheduled to be closing soon, Mr Bell has appealed to The Bugle to circulate this information in an attempt to get Minister Aitchison to reconsider her position.“People are desperate to find parking spots,” said Mr Bell. “And it’s a ripple effect and to have 40 spaces here absolutely doing nothing, especially on weekends and public holidays, seems like a waste of a public asset.”When The Bugle visited the KRCCP on July 20 it was the weekend of the Kiama Readers Festival and there was minimal parking around town, but the KRCCP was almost completely barren with 38 empty spaces.

If you happen to enter a church in parts of Europe, you’re probably amongst a crowd of tourists taking in the sights and sounds of far-flung places in buildings hundreds of years old.No doubt there’ll be more than a murmur of chatter and in places of worship that are rightly revered, the leader of the church will bellow: SILENCIO! SILENCE!Figures within Kiama Council are positioning themselves as the spiritual leaders of our fair town and when there is more than a murmur, a dissenting voice, an opportunity for members of the public to speak out – they want silence.We have other ideas.  When the so-called leaders and prominent people of our community try to shut down debate and stifle any difference of (their) opinion, it means that supporting freedom of speech, reporting the facts and shining a light on this abhorrent behaviour is more important than ever. News that the Blue Haven Bonaira saga is (hopefully) finished is somewhat welcome news. To hear that Council is going to enter yet another legal saga with the builder of the facility is not so welcome. The Bugle does not know the intricacies of the legal action, but we do know that the builder would have had to engage multiple sub-contractors who will likely become involved in this legal battle. That means (potentially) millions more of our rate payer dollars going to lawyers.As the draft Growth and Housing Strategy demonstrates, the Kiama local government area is preparing for significant growth. Significant growth requires significant investment and significant leadership.Leaders who shut down dissent aren’t just stifling debate; they’re eroding trust and stalling progress. Good leadership, in contrast, welcomes dissent as valuable feedback. It’s the difference between fostering a culture of fear and one of innovation and growth.Kiama Council’s move to refer The Bugle to the Australian Press Council over baseless rumours was framed as fostering a constructive relationship. In reality, it looks like an attempt to control the narrative and silence criticism. This approach is counterproductive. True leadership embraces diverse perspectives and values every voice.Personal attacks derail dialogue and damage trust. Constructive criticism, backed by facts and a genuine desire to solve problems, is far more effective.Kiama Council’s recent actions show the dangers of leadership that silences dissent. Instead of shifting blame, leaders should embrace transparency and authenticity, listen to dissenting voices, and involve them in decision-making. This builds trust and empowers the community.We are two months away from one of the most important local government elections in living memory. It’s the worst it’s ever been – this is now undeniable.The Bugle’s View is that the community deserves leadership, and a leader who ensures that every voice is heard and valued. Not just a vocal minority, not just their mates, not some councillors’ and not others.We hope they’re listening.

The snakes are sleeping now, dormant in the cold weather. But they won’t be sleeping for long. The minute spring arrives, the snakes wake up, hungry and randy, looking for food and looking for a mate. And that’s when the services of the Jamberoo snake catcher Hugh Marriot come into play, with locals encountering them in their homes, sheds, and backyards.If you are under the illusion that most of the snakes found on the South Coast are harmless, think again. The most common is the Red Belly Black Snake whose bite, while it may not kill you, can make you very sick indeed. The Golden Crown, also venomous, is a nighttime hunter, while the Eastern Tiger Snake, also highly venomous, has populations radiating out from the edge of the escarpment, and compete with the Red Bellies for frogs in swampy areas. While not seen as often as a Red Belly, the Eastern Brown is rated as the second most venomous snake in the world and easily the most dangerous in the Illawarra and South Coast regions. The nocturnal Eastern Small Eyed Snake is also highly venomous, if rarely seen. Their encounters with humans are mostly in barns and sheds. It looks harmless, but most certainly isn’t. Officially Hugh Marriot is Reptile Collector for the Illawarra for the animal welfare group WIRES. Unofficially he’s the Jamberoo Snake Catcher, the man you call when you’re in trouble. He first came to the area from Western Sydney in the 1990s, and decided rural life was for him. He regularly encountered snakes and was troubled by the prevailing attitude of the time: “The Only Good Snake Is a Dead Snake.”“I was working around Jamberoo properties and gardens and would come in contact with snakes all the time,” he told The Bugle. “You wonder what you are going to do with them. I had to decide whether to knock them on the head or learn about why they are here. “I like them. They deserve respect. They need care. They need to be appreciated. They are an important part of the environment we live in. They take on the rats and mice, they are providing a service.”Currently in his care is a diamond python, which is not native to the area and is most likely an escaped pet. While it is not hibernating as such, it is a state technically known as brumation, where they are close to dormant but can come awake on a warm winter’s day. Their metabolism is so low that they don’t eat during winter.  From his quarter of a century’s experience with the local snakes, Hugh has some very strong advice. If someone you know has been bitten sit them down, apply a pressure bandage and ring 000.Do not think you can identify the species on your own. “There can be high variation within the species,” he said. “Colour is never a good indication of what you are looking at. Identification is extremely difficult for any member of the public.” Hugh said one of the most common callouts he gets is for snakes that have been injured by dogs or cats or hit by a car. Not all survive, but with appropriate care, many of them live to hunt another day. One of the first things he does when rescuing an injured snake is to get them to a vet. Not all vets will see venomous snakes, but Amanda Brett at Kiama Downs has established a reputation as the best reptile expert in the area. Most of all Hugh reiterates, if you find a snake do not try to deal with it yourself. The results can be deadly. Make sure your grass is mown going into snake season! Ring WIRES or a professional snake catcher such as himself. “And remember: All snakes are protected. It is illegal to knock them on the head.”WIRES: 1300 094 737The Jamberoo Snake Catcher Hugh Marriott: 0401 394 444 

Four local small businesses have been selected as finalists of the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.The four finalists are: Miss Zoe’s School of Dance (performing arts), Miss Arda (restaurant), The Collective Beat (specialised retail small business), and Soul Fit Co (fitness services).The awards, which drew thousands of entries, celebrate women in small businesses all across the country from capital cities to rural towns. It’s the only national awards program of its kind, created specifically to highlight the rising economic, cultural and social contributions of female-led small businesses.The awards program features more than 60 categories across retail, services and manufacturing industries as well as individual categories for the year’s most inspiring female small business leaders.Winners of the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards will be announced on Saturday, 24 August in Sydney at a gala event.The Bugle congratulates all our local finalists.

Saltwater Cafe are supporting local 6-year-old girl Myla Sheaff who has cystic fibrosis. 100% of the sale proceeds from the $15 lunch special will be donated towards finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.When: Friday 26 July Time: from 11:30 am to 3pm.The Bugle salutes Gulcin and her team for their efforts to help Myla.

‘Watch out old man!’ Tom recognised the youthful voice and the familiar clatter of skateboards along the variegated footpath behind him. He stumbled a little in the half-light as the line of scruffy skaters accelerated around him.Tom stopped, took a few breaths and gently steadied himself for a moment against the cold metal lamppost. He pulled his beanie down over his ears. It was cooler than he had expected. Then, in calm acceptance of his declining agility, he shuffled over to the dilapidated bench seat beside a long planter box. Drawing up his walking stick and placing it comfortably across his lap, he wriggled along a few inches to settle for the best view of the plaza. What an ideal setting for an early evening of priceless entertainment! He watched as the skaters dispersed in all directions before gracefully choreographing themselves into a synchronised team to then regroup around the top of the terraced slopes to the sunken auditorium. ‘Take the jump!’ came a cry from Blue Tee-Shirt to Red Cap, who appeared to be the leader.Red Cap paused for a moment, then gathered speed and flew across the steps. His board glued to his naked feet. His smooth landing set into play a continuous flow, along the same route, of effortless leaps from the rest of the wiry pack.The still of the twilight was abruptly broken by distinct squeals and cries of delight from the opposite side of the plaza. A group of young teenies, brightly coloured tank tops widely dislocated from thigh-hugging denim skirts, hovered tightly together, creating a vibrant, giggling backdrop.Peacock feathers rose among the skater set and Blue Tee-Shirt, Red Cap, Odd Socks, Black Wristband and the rest of the troupe readied themselves to put on a more spectacular show. Twists. Turns. Spins. Slalom around the benches. In, out and around the radiant spotlights created by the lamplights above. Down the steps and up again. Around the slopes and back again. Into the shadows and out again. A final flurry; a line leisurely re-formed; a quick acceleration, and the motley skaters disappeared into the night beyond. Teenies in tow.‘Tom?’ A voice and a hand holding a bulging paper bag appeared from behind him. Tom didn’t move or say a word.‘Thought I might find you here. We closed the bakery early as we were just about sold out. Happens every Saturday’ Tom took the paper bag and the warm voice continued: ‘Some chocolate éclairs I kept aside for you. I thought you might like them with your tea.’Tom nodded and grinned a grateful thankyou. He tucked his newly acquired supper securely beneath his arm. Gently steadying himself onto the pavement with his walking stick, Tom hesitated for a moment or two, took another deep breath then leisurely, through the growing darkness, made his way home.

Every Bastille Day, Kangaroo Valley bursts into vibrant celebration with the Friendly Inn Hotel Bastille Day Pétanque Festival. This lively event is a tribute to French culture, filled with colour, camaraderie, and culinary delights, beer, baguettes, and bravado in abundance!Set in the expansive beer garden of the Friendly Inn Hotel, the festival offers a mix of live music, coffee, pastries and baguettes. It’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere for participants and spectators.At the heart of the festivities is the game of pétanque (pronounced pay-TONK), a classic French sport similar to boules (pronounced BOOL). Played with metal balls, the objective is to toss the boule from a stationary position within a hoop, aiming to land as close as possible to the target ball on a 4-metre-wide, 15-metre-long pitch. Each team gets six throws, earning points for each boule closer to the target than the opponent’s. Skilful players can even knock their rival’s boule away, adding a strategic twist and much excitement to the game.The Coffin Cheaters rightfully won “best dressed” - Supplied by Donna PortlandThis year saw 28 teams of 6 to 8 members each. This festival draws crowds from near and far. Last year I thought one team’s drive from Wollongong was considerable, but this year met a team that had come all the way from Bathurst!Each year I am invited to play by my friends up the hill, the spirited ‘Beasts of Burrawang’ as I am adept at hurling heavy metal balls. Although this does get more difficult as the day goes on, depending on how much beer is consumed. Winning team: “Valley Gold”- Supplied by the Friendly InnTeams often embrace the festive spirit by dressing up in imaginative costumes. Participants range from Marie Antoinette accompanied by aristocrats with white curly wigs, white faces and rouge cheeks, to men in cow onesies or aviator suits.Though the Beasts played valiantly, we didn’t make it to the semifinals this year, unlike our impressive run last year. After a marathon of seven games, it was a bit disappointing, but we’ve learned a valuable lesson: next year, we’ll fully embrace the spirit of the event with costumes. I’ve proposed that we don French poodle onesies, complete with berets and faces painted in the tricolour of the French flag.Congratulations to Valley Gold for their triumph in winning the tournament! The Beasts will return next year, aiming for greater accuracy with our boules and sporting our poodle suits.:A shoutout to Kiama, Gerringong, and Jamberoo - surely, there are pétanque enthusiasts in these areas ready to form a competitive team!

The successful 2024 edition of the Kiama Readers’ Festival 2024 attracted almost a thousand book lovers, who braved the wild weather to hear from a wealth of talented authors.A gala dinner with newspaper columnist, social commentator and novelist, Jane Caro was one of the highlights. Foxground journalist and author Diana Plater had the “great privilege” of interviewing Caro to discuss the Walkley Award winner’s wide and varied writing career. Caro discussed her book The Mother, a work of fiction exploring the devastating impact of coercive control and domestic violence on families. Plater also talked to Caro about historical fiction and the writing process, particularly the amount of research required.“I also have elements of history in my books, including my non-fiction and memoir, and I find the research component absolutely fascinating,” says Plater, who is in the midst of writing her second novel – The Cedar-getter’s Granddaughter – based on the South Coast in the 1800s. “But writing a novel is a lot harder than journalism. Anyone who thinks it’s easy to dash off a novel has no idea!”Festival organiser Perrie Croshaw admits her first foray into organising the event, as president of the Friends of Kiama Library, was “a baptism by fire” but says the festival was a great success. The gala dinner and the opening session at Burnetts on Barney, where guest speakers including local author Fiona Weir discussed permaculture, kitchen gardens and cooking from scratch, were both sold out. “The Kiama Leagues Club did a great job serving 150 lucky patrons who secured a ticket for the gala dinner with Jane Caro on Saturday night,” says Croshaw. "We had such high demand for the gala event, we could have done two sittings at the Leagues club. In fact, we could have done two or three extra sessions at Burnetts on Barney Garden Centre as well. So many people want to come to Kiama in winter to hear their favourite authors talk.” Along with avid readers, the Kiama community is filled with talented authors including Diana Plater and Kiama author Ryan Butta, who emceed the gala event with Caro.Plater’s most recently published novel, Whale Rock, is based on her experience as a journalist living and working in Nicaragua in the 1980s and reporting on the aftermath of the Sandinista revolution, where a group of leftist revolutionary guerrillas and intellectuals overthrew the right-wing dictatorship in 1979. Whale Rock was awarded Gold for Popular Literary Fiction in the 2019 Global Ebook Awards. “Whale Rock is about hidden trauma but it is ultimately a tale of redemption and rebirth,” says Plater. “It is about the serious issues facing Australia today – immigration, the state of the media, politics, the environment and giving First Nations People, particularly members of the Stolen Generations, a voice. But it’s also about love and friendship and dancing.” Ryan Butta will release his second non-fiction book – The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli – on July 30. Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Butta in The Bugle, exploring the inspiring story of the first Australian soldier to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal after his heroic actions at Gallipoli.Butta will also be a guest later this year at the Friends of Kiama Library author talks, so keep an eye on the Kiama Library or their socials for more information.“Our Friends of Kiama Library volunteers worked so hard to put on this festival,” says Perrie Croshaw. “If we had just a few more volunteers signing up to help us for the next festival, we could move mountains! In the future we would love to include more author talks over more days, run poetry slams, run writing workshops, get nature authors to take us on birding walks, or watch whales with other nature writers. The possibilities are limitless.” 

The Werri Beach/Gerringong Garden Club reports that this winter season has brought massive winds, cold temperatures, and plenty of rain, necessitating extra care for both gardens and gardeners. Recently, the club was thrilled to host Andrew Koster from The Rose Tree Garden Centre at their meeting, where he showcased a variety of plants that thrive during the chilly months.Andrew shared his extensive industry experience and highlighted numerous winter-flowering plants he brought along. Among the admired selections were cheerful bright bidens flowers, winter-flowering grevilleas, dwarf philothecas, and fabulous flowering ground covers. The delicate Pretty n Pink protea was another popular choice, adding attractiveness to winter gardens. Additionally, the array of differently colored lavenders, which endure winter beautifully, captured the interest of many attendees. By the end of the meeting, Andrew’s trolley of plants was significantly depleted as members eagerly made purchases.Delicate Pretty n Pink ProteaThis week, the club’s coffee morning in Berry included a visit to The Rose Tree Garden Centre, where members anticipate discovering more tempting offerings from Andrew.Winter need not be a dreary season in the garden, as demonstrated by the vibrant displays of flowers and plants from members’ own gardens at the meeting. This month’s striking showcase featured gorgeous orange aloe arborescents, pretty pink bottlebrush, hibiscus, stunning heucheras, and more. The snowdrops and begonias from Janice’s garden were especially charming.Vibrant Bidens flowersThe Werri Beach Gerringong Garden Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Uniting Church Hall in Gerringong. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 14, featuring speakers Ros and John from Zephyr Lavender. Morning tea will be served from 9:30 am onwards, with the meeting starting at 10 am.

If you have aspirations to run for local council, and you reside in the Shellharbour LGA, you may want to mark your calendar for the Candidate Information Session on Thursday 25 July 2024. Shellharbour City Council invites community members that are interested in running for councillor or mayor in the 2024 Local Government Election to attend.  The session will take place from 6 pm to 7.30 pm, Thursday 25 July at the Shellharbour Civic Centre Auditorium. Attendees will be provided with information about the roles, responsibilities and commitments required as a Mayor and Councillor, as well as the nomination process.  The newly elected mayor and eight councillors (two from each ward) will assume office following the election on 14 September and will serve a four-year term. To attend, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/2024-local-government-candidate-information-session, or contact Customer Service on 4221 6111.  To learn more about becoming a Councillor visit www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/council/election2024/becoming-councillor

Opinion by Lynne StrongEver felt like you are shouting into the void, hoping someone in a position of power might actually listen? These days, it feels like effective leadership is more important than ever. Leaders need to step up, especially in a world where everyone seems ready to clash at the drop of a Facebook comment.It's crucial that our leaders set the right example, showing us all how to handle disagreements with a bit of grace and integrity. And as a community, we need to rethink how we engage on social media. To shut down dissenting voices online isn't just unhelpful—it's harmful. Instead, let's embrace different viewpoints and foster a culture of respectful conversation and collaboration.One of the biggest challenges leaders face is dealing with dissent. It can seem threatening, but the best leaders see it differently. They recognise dissent as a chance to build stronger, more resilient relationships. They do it by being transparent and authentic.At its heart, dissent is just feedback. It's people expressing different viewpoints, criticisms, and concerns. If we ignore it, these issues can grow. Smart leaders know that dissent isn't inherently bad. In fact, it can spark growth and innovation. When handled well, dissent can create a culture of openness and trust.Transparency is the bedrock of trust. Leaders who are upfront about their decision-making processes, intentions, and challenges invite meaningful engagement. This could mean council and community meetings, suggestion boxes, or an open-door policy. It’s also about explaining the 'why' behind decisions, especially unpopular ones. When people understand the 'why,' they are more likely to accept and support the 'what' and 'how.'Let's not forget the power of admitting mistakes. Leaders who own up to their errors and outline their plans to fix them show humility and integrity, boosting their credibility. It’s refreshing to hear a leader say, "I got it wrong, and here’s how I'm fixing it," rather than dodging responsibility.Authentic leadership is about being true to oneself and consistent in values and actions. Authentic leaders show vulnerability, admitting when they don’t have all the answers and seeking input from others. This makes them more relatable and approachable. They also practice what they preach. There's nothing more damaging to trust than a leader who says one thing and does another. Consistency builds respect and loyalty.To value diverse perspectives, including dissenting ones, enriches decision-making and signals that every opinion matters. It’s about creating safe spaces where people feel free to express their views without fear of retribution. Active listening is crucial. Leaders need to listen to understand, not just to respond. This means paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues and reflecting back what they've heard to ensure understanding.Responding to dissent thoughtfully and constructively is another key aspect. Acknowledge valid points, address concerns, and involve dissenters in finding solutions. And, perhaps most importantly, follow through. Demonstrating a commitment to addressing dissent by taking action based on feedback shows that the input is valued and taken seriously.For community members, it's equally important to engage from an informed space and address issues rather than making it personal. Constructive dialogue focuses on the problem at hand, supported by facts and a genuine desire to understand and solve the issue. Personal attacks and emotional responses often derail productive conversations and can cause lasting damage to relationships and community trust.In our community, effective leaders have fostered transparency and authenticity by supporting respectful conversations and diverse perspectives. For example, community meetings where everyone is encouraged to voice their opinions create an environment of inclusivity. Leaders who make local resources accessible to everyone and support initiatives that matter to the community build trust and empower collective action.Embracing dissent isn't about avoiding conflict, it is about navigating it with grace and wisdom. Transparent and authentic leadership builds the trust and resilience necessary for any organisation or community to thrive. By addressing the elephants in the room head-on, leaders can turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth and unity.As The Bugle continues to cover the stories that matter to our readers, we commit to promoting the values of transparency and authenticity in all our reporting. Let’s build a community where every voice is heard and valued.

The Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club has secured funding to upgrade their facilities at the Quarry Sports Complex.The grant was acquired by Local MP Gareth Ward through the NSW Government Community Building Partnerships grant program.“These upgrades mark a significant milestone for Kiama Cricket Club and reflect thededicated support from the local community. This was reflected in the petition thatwas collected in support of this grant,’’ says Ward.The money will help the club fix the shed and nets at the Quarry Sports Complex which will allow for safer and better quality training and matches.“These grants will help deliver two much needed projects to support cricket in Kiamaand our club is thankful for the support,’’ says Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club Secretary Mark Burgess.The Community Building Partnerships grant program is focused on delivering positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes, while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.  

Kiama Labor have announced their team for the upcoming Council elections with a mix of incumbent councillors and new contenders. Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma and Councillor Stuart Larkins are attempting to hold their positions in the strife torn council.Newcomers are mother of two Lucy Abood, law student Harry Ledger and retired school teacher Clare McInerney.President of the Kiama Branch of the Labor Party Katelin McInerney said the team reflected the need for intergenerational civic leadership and the Labor values of diversity, teamwork and leadership. “As President of the Kiama Branch I’m pleased to commend the Kiama Labor team to the community for the September 2024 Council elections,” she said. “Imogen and Stuart have done a great job on Council in the face of difficult challenges. The additional three members bring both energy and experience to the team.” Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma said it was important that the new council remained focused on its financial sustainability and governance into the future. “Within the next term of council we will still have the Performance Improvement Order for two years. During our term, Clr Larkins and I pushed hard for transparency and financial accountability as we believe the leaders of our community should be trustworthy, open and honest with constituents. I am seeking re-election, along with Clr Larkins as we believe there needs to be a mixture of returning and new councillors to ensure local decision making stays in local hands and that our Council remains a non-amalgamated entity.”Councillor Larkins said he was running to ensure local government in Kiama remained independent with local democratic control. “I can assure the community that if re-elected I will continue to work tirelessly to represent the interests of everyone in our community,” he said. “I love helping people in our community and I would love to continue doing so in the next term of council.”Third on the ticket, Lucy Abood, said: "As a mother of two young children, ensuring we have quality early childhood education, affordable housing options, and a liveable environment for families is extremely important to me. I will be a strong voice advocating for these issues and more if elected to council."Also on the ticket is Clare McInerney, who has lived in Kiama for the past 35 years. As a retired high school teacher and deputy principal she is a strong advocate for public education.Youngest contender, Harry Ledger, is only 19 years old, which makes him one of the youngest candidates to ever nominate for Kiama Municipal Council. He is currently studying Law. Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of NSW. 

Induction  of new member to GERROA Combined Probus Club CORALIE DRISCOLLRae Doak asked Coralie Driscoll would she like to come along to a few meetings and now here she is being presented with her induction Certificate By President John Thompson A truly remarkable lady with her life story to tell us soon at future 10 Min Talks Guest Speaker Ross Harrison (JOURNEY ACROSS CENTRAL ASIA ) was thanked by Member Robyn Sell for his remarkable photos and detailed description of each memory of his journey across central asia. We felt that all of us had journeyed with him to places never visited ourselves also Ross came along in traditional costume - WOW thank you Ross President John Thompson and Treasurer Helen Thompson wearing the headgear and displaying the tiny trophy they won for most colourful head attire on the Combined to the Murray and High Country Coach Tour Gerroa Combined Probus Club Meet the third Wednesday of each month at the GERROA Boat Fishermans club for morning tea and a speaker followed by lunch with the best view in town.