Politics, particularly at the local level, can get ugly - and we’ve seen it play out right here in Kiama. The toxic atmosphere that has dogged the previous council is a reminder of how easily things can spiral when compromise is left at the door. This isn’t a time for the theatrics that have dominated recent council meetings; it’s time for a reset.

As the next group of councillors takes their seats, we need something more than the usual chest-beating and "all guns blazing" promises we heard at the recent “Meet the Candidates” event. The reality is that the council doesn’t need more heavy-handed grandstanding. What we need is a new culture built on collaboration, thoughtful debate, and - most importantly - compromise.

Compromise isn’t weakness; it’s the cornerstone of any functional government. The challenges our community faces are complex, and no one councillor has all the answers. The successful councillors will be the ones who know how to bring people together, who understand that lasting change happens when you work with, not against, the different voices in the room.

It’s time to step up, but not in the way many candidates are proposing. The bravado on display in the campaign trail won’t work in council chambers. Instead, what our incoming councillors need to demonstrate is the ability to listen, negotiate, and deliver results through cooperation. Because the truth is, getting things done in local government isn’t about winning the argument - it’s about finding a solution that works for the whole community.

So, here’s the challenge for the new council: Can you put egos aside and work for the good of Kiama? The community deserves councillors who will lead by example, show maturity, and demonstrate that compromise can drive real progress.