And just like that, 2023 is coming to a close.

The Bugle loves this time of year. Christmas cheer, the holiday spirit and more opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family. But as we reflect on an incredible year, we cannot help but notice that it might be a little harder to display that Christmas spirit. The cost of living crisis is impacting us in so many ways.

Three major expenses of a household budget have increased significantly over 2023, putting more pressures on families, the community and our town. Catering that Christmas meal might have a few less trimmings, with grocery prices surging and forcing many of us to cut back. Similarly, the price of electricity has risen steeply through increased wholesale energy costs being passed on to the consumer. Lastly, whether you’re a homeowner with a mortgage, or a renter, we all know that housing stress is impacting current and future generations.

So, whilst this time of year is about celebration, spare a thought for those doing a little bit tough. Those that will struggle just a little bit more and will be celebrating with a little bit less. According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, it’s not just a few of us that are in this position. In a survey of more than 1,600 Australia, two-thirds of us are in this situation and will spend less this Christmas, than last. Frighteningly, Christmas is starting to become a luxury for a significant part of the community and that is just not right.

Over the holiday season, we will all be tightening our budgets and bracing ourselves for what 2024 may bring.

But it is not all doom and gloom. 2024 represents an even bigger opportunity for the community, policy makers and business to continue working together to ensure that Kiama remains the best town in Australia. That means we will need more investment, more tourism, and more economic opportunities for our community to grow and succeed.

As 2023 draws to a close, this is a time to reflect on a challenging year and prepare us for a better and more prosperous 2024. Hopefully a new year that is filled with a little less trepidation about living expenses, and more about opportunities and positive initiatives.

The Bugle wishes our incredible community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you to those that have supported us and have provided feedback (whether positive or negative!) on our reporting of issues that matter to the community. The Bugle has always said we will provide a View that seeks to inform the community, tell it like it is, and staunchly defend the right to have a frank and fearless conversation.

Here is to 2023…and look forward to having a yarn in 2024!