We live in a time where bad news seems to be everywhere. Whether it is international conflicts and politics, a national cost of living crisis or personal devastation, our world seems to sometimes be more focused on the bad as opposed to the good. Indeed, the idea of ‘good news’ often seems like an afterthought; a short segment to wrap up the evening news bulletin, or an attempt at offering a ‘silver lining’ after hearing a story of devastation and loss.However, as we look towards the Easter season, The Salvation Army are preparing to experience and celebrate good news - for us, that good news is found in the Easter story through the death and resurrection of Jesus.When Jesus died on a cross on Good Friday, it was the ultimate bad news for all of those who followed Him. All hope seemed lost, but the story didn’t end there.On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the grave into new life. This good news brought with it hope and joy back then, and this good news can offer the same for us today. We believe that through the good news of Jesus, God can take our tragedy and turn it into joy.For The Salvation Army, every day we have people reach out to us who are looking for help. We are seeing new faces come through our doors, those who have never had to reach out to a charity before, who are only just making ends meet.We see how the most simple things like offering a meal, assistance paying bills, a safe bed to sleep in, or a listening ear, can be the ultimate good news for someone. It is that good news that brings people hope.So, as we all face struggles right across the country, whether they are big or small, perhaps a little good news would go a long way.This is why this Easter, regardless of your faith, the Salvos invite you to explore the good news of Jesus with us. To find out more about your local Easter activities through The Salvation Army, visit salvationarmy.org.au.

Opinion by Karen Fowler The Draft Local Housing Strategy could reshape our towns and villages - but is it heading in the right direction?At a recent Kiama Matters Inc meeting, I asked people to ensure they help shape the future of Kiama by engaging with the Housing Strategy process and providing feedback to our Council and Councillors.The Housing Strategy will define the way our urban environment grows and guide priorities for infrastructure and services.  See Draft Housing Strategy V2 hereThe Strategy will determine what our villages will look like in a decade’s time.The Strategy outlines four key priorities - well-located housing supply, diverse housing options, supporting infrastructure, and thriving centres. While I agree with these priorities, the question I would like people to consider is whether the Strategy actually delivers on them.One concern being raised by the community is that the document relies on outdated population projections. It draws from 2022 data suggesting Kiama will grow by 6917 people by 2041. However, updated 2024 figures project growth of just 2180. We appear to be planning for almost double the expected number.  Even using the older figures, the Strategy seems to propose more housing than needed.The plan identifies an existing capacity to deliver 2341 new homes by 2041, mostly through in-fill development in Kiama and Gerringong. To meet the projected shortfall, Kiama Municipal Council has proposed four Urban Expansion Areas across the Local Government Area. The largest - in Kiama - could accommodate 4200 lots yet we only need to cater for 1028 new dwellings to meet the shortfall. This raises important questions about scale, sustainability, and the ability to keep Kiama liveable. Council argues it needs a pipeline of greenfield land because it cannot control when developers build. While I understand this, the community still needs to consider whether the size of this proposed pipeline is justified.There are positives. I welcome the “non-negotiable principles” in the Strategy and the inclusion of a requirement for a Structure Plan to coordinate planning proposals and infrastructure across the area. The actions in the document around infrastructure planning have also been strengthened.Good strategic land use planning requires consideration of not only economic outcomes. It must also weigh up environmental, social and cultural outcomes. Economic outcomes are easy to measure. Environmental impacts can be assessed by experts. But social and cultural values - our sense of place, our heritage, our access to housing and services – the things that create a healthy and happy community, they are harder to quantify and need to be defined by the people that live here. This is why we need your input. Happy and healthy communities come from people feeling safe, supported, and connected. I keep hearing that our cultural values are embedded in our love of green hills, our beaches, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. If we want a future that protects these, we must ensure planning decisions are guided by more than population targets and dollars.I urge residents to read the Strategy. Reflect on whether it reflects our community’s needs. This is more than a plan. It is a vision of our future. Let’s make sure it is one we share.Hae your say here

I migrated from Holland at just 8 years of age ... and proudly became an Australian citizen. I see our national flag as a symbol of this amazing country and its people.Recently I attended a candidates forum at the Uniting Church in Kiama.I was deeply saddened to see only two flags on display being the Aboriginal and Torres Strait flags.The Australian national flag was not on display.This in my opinion dishonours those many men and women who fought for our great country, many of whom would be attendees at this church and would be too polite to comment.These same men and women would have fought for or served our nation during so many different wars and many other ways of representing our country.I feel this lack of respect also dishonours all those people and their families who have obtained citizenship as migrants, or refugees fleeing conflict for a better life here in AustraliaTo me, this is not an example to set by a church which is supposed to be apolitical.It seems that perhaps this Minister is setting a political agenda and uses her church to promote it or perhaps it was complete forgetfulness!Joanna Gash AM JPFormer Member for Gilmore (1996-2013)Former Mayor of the Shoalhaven City Council to 2021

Landcare Illawarra is writing to invite you to join part of the Landcare Kiama coastal walk on Saturday 12 April, from the Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland. The full walk is approximately 9km, but there is no expectation to complete the entire distance. You are welcome to join at any of the four Landcare sites along the way and walk a section that suits you.The walk is part of the Kiama Coastal Community Planting Program, supported by the BUPA Healthy Cities Landcare grant. It will highlight the work being done by our five local Landcare groups to restore native vegetation and care for the coastal environment.We would love to walk alongside you, even briefly If you would like to take part, please register here and let Landcare Illawarra Coordinator Meredith Hall know which section you are most interested in. Meredith will coordinate approximate timings and can send a message on the day when we are around 15 to 20 minutes from your preferred meeting point.This is a great opportunity to meet volunteers, hear their stories and see firsthand the quiet, consistent impact of community-led restoration along our coastline.Estimated timings 8.30am Meet at Little Blowhole9.00am Kaleula Headland (South Kendalls)10.00am Bombo Beach10.45am Bombo Headland11.15am Jones Beach /Kiama Downs (no Landcare site here)11.45am Minnamurra Headland12pm Morning tea at Minnamurra site.We’d love to see you there.To take part or find out more see the event flyer here Landcare Illawarra Coordinator Meredith Hall can be contacted on 0499 027 770 on the day.

The sale of Blue Haven Bonaira was meant to be finalised on 1 December 2024. That deadline came and went.Then, the new settlement date was set for 25 February 2025. Now, Kiama Council is considering yet another extension to 31 March.How did a contract allow this? How can a purchaser dictate settlement terms, pushing deadlines back repeatedly?This is not standard practice in any commercial transaction.Contracts are meant to provide certainty, yet this deal has been a shifting target from the start.The sale of Blue Haven Bonaira was justified on urgent financial necessity. But with settlement still unresolved, that urgency now raises serious questions.If the sale was the only viable solution to Kiama Council’s financial troubles, why wasn’t a firm, enforceable settlement date locked in?What leverage does the buyer have that allows them to delay closing the deal?Meanwhile, Blue Haven Bonaira is reportedly at nearly full occupancy for the first time since opening in 2019.The very facility that was deemed unsustainable now appears to be thriving. How does this fit into the financial narrative that drove the sale?The community deserves answers.Why is this deal still not finalised, and who truly holds the power in this transaction? Allan HolderKiama

Opinion I don’t think our community is well informed about the extent of the potential impact the Kiama Draft Housing Strategy on our town of Kiama (currently on exhibition).Originally it proposed to increase the municipality’s population by a third, but with the addition of the State Government mandated Springside Hill development and the inclusion of existing land available for development, we will see nearly 5000 lots available for development in Kiama alone, doubling both its size and population. This will mean that most of the land west of the bypass in Kiama will be covered in houses, including the land behind Spring Creek and Bombo, south Kiama adjoining the high school, and the ridges and valleys of west Kiama.I think that most people would accept the need for housing growth, but this Strategy crosses a line and is truly excessive.The most alarming aspect of the Strategy is that the Springside Hill development at West Kiama was opposed by both Council and the community, but the State Labor government imposed it anyway without consultation or regard for environmental impacts. This development alone will significantly impact our scenic landscapes, heritage listed stone walls, high quality agricultural lands, Spring Creek wetlands and biodiversity.    I know that times are changing but is Kiama going to accept this without a whimper?? Howard H Jones(Secretary Gerroa Environmental Protection Society The image below taken from the Strategy does not include South Kiama

Sometimes, road signs give clear instructions. Sometimes, they leave you scratching your head. And then, occasionally, they deliver a comedy gold moment like this one in the Kiama local government area.At first glance, it looks like your standard stop sign – an unmissable red octagon commanding you to hit the brakes. Nothing out of the ordinary there. But then, underneath, there’s a second sign. It says, in no uncertain terms: No Stopping.Well, which is it? Should drivers stop or not? Are we caught in some sort of bureaucratic paradox? A Schrödinger’s stop sign, if you will? The road rules demand compliance, but compliance with what?Perhaps this is a philosophical challenge for Kiama’s drivers. A test of wit, reflexes, and interpretation skills. Or maybe it’s a message from a local prankster-turned-signage official who just wanted to see how long it would take for someone to notice. Either way, it’s a brilliant example of how even the most well-intended infrastructure can end up delivering a belly laugh.We may never know the true story behind this sign’s creation.But one thing is certain – it’s the perfect visual representation of modern life. Confusing, contradictory, and slightly ridiculous.Welcome to driving in Kiama.Is this Kiama’s most confusing sign?

There is a noticeable shortage of Public Transport servicing Kiama; WHY!With the demise of the original Taxi Service, it seems full public transport for the residents is nonexistent.Or, if it exists it is well hidden from the citizens of Kiama.There is no dedicated Taxi Service that can be called for servicing the immediate area that can be contacted for example pick up and drop off to trains and other essential services in the town.Companies advertising their services don't actually seem to exist and have no real point of contact.Just the simple trips like a pickup from the train are not available, trips to medical facilities and supermarkets are not serviced in anyway.This obviously is an inconvenience to everyone in the area.In addition, the bus service leaves a lot to be desired as there is no set formats and times available. A regular bus service taking in the main areas of Kiama would be invaluable using the Train Station as a starting point.Kiama sets itself out as a progressive town, somehow Public Transport has been ignored.A well-grounded Transport system can only be an asset in service for the residents and a well set up Taxi Service.It is a matter for the Local Council to address urgently and push this forward.What a business opportunity for a progressive operator.B Christian.

Thank you and Ms England for Disobedience! No apologies needed to Mr Milne I am very certain he would have loved it.K.

What a shame for the future of Berry that the hotel expansion has not been accepted ("'Sydney-looking': uproad over $10m pub plans", February 12). The old pub is crying out to be reinvented.Compared to some of the plans for the future of nearby Kiama, the architectural concept seems quite acceptable, and the trees in Princess Street will soon grow higher than the three storeys planned for the new build.I am sure the locals also said the Berry pub itself was "too Sydney" when it was first planned about 160 years ago.Things do change. New ideas must be embraced for the good that will follow. The area desperately needs more tourist accommodation. At the moment, Berry is like a ghost town after 5pm, when all the day trippers have gone.I well remember this community was equally divided as to what side of town the new bypass should be routed. Now that's finally up and running it's hard to imagine life in Berry without it, no matter what side of town it ended up on. It seems the NIMBY approach to any sort of change continues to create a very predictable stumbling block for those with fresh, imaginative visions.G. Vale

Just wanted to say thank you for publishing the article about Alan Swan and how Kiama SLSC now recognise that all forms of volunteers are valued. This has inspired me to reconnect with the club, after a couple years away. I strongly believe in and value their contribution. So hopefully can still contribute, even in a less hands on way than I was a few years back, as much as I would love to. Just not possible right nowK.

A huge round of applause to the Jamberoo Football Club team for their outstanding organisation and professional delivery of another fantastic Jamberoo Sevens. From seamless scheduling to ensuring everything ran smoothly on and off the pitch, the effort and dedication of the club’s volunteers made this tournament a huge success.A special shoutout to Club President Alan Smith - a man who, despite not making it to Manchester United (thanks to an untimely haircut), still brings Premier League-level passion and commitment to local football. Born in Manchester, Alan is one of the rare United fans actually from Manchester! These days, he’s just as well known in the community as the man in the middle, keeping matches in check as the club’s senior referee.A big thank you also to Vice President Kristin Nisbet, who has poured years of dedication into the game. From coaching junior teams to managing women’s squads and playing in three grand finals (winning none, by her own admission!), Kristin’s passion for the sport is unmatched. Now, she’s found her football home at Jamberoo, balancing her role as a player, manager, and advocate for female participation in the game—all while occasionally sharing the field with her daughter.The success of the Jamberoo Sevens is a testament to the hard work of Alan, Kristin, and the entire Jamberoo Football Club team. The community spirit and love for the game were on full display throughout the weekend, making this tournament yet another unforgettable one.Well done to all involved - see you next year!

This Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate a different kind of love - the love of nature? Instead of chocolates and roses, why not give back to the environment we all cherish?Join us on Friday, 14 February, for the Jerrara Wetlands Community Meeting, where we come together to shape the future of this beautiful natural space.Start your afternoon with a leisurely walk through the wetlands at 1:00 pm, soaking in the serene beauty of native wildlife and thriving bushland.Then, at 2:00 pm, gather at Jamberoo Youth Hall to share ideas, connect with fellow nature lovers, and discuss how we can protect and enhance this vital ecosystem.Whether you’re passionate about conservation, eager to volunteer, or simply want to learn more, this is your chance to show your love - for Jerrara Wetlands, for community, and for the future of our natural spaces.Register via the QR code or call Meredith on 0499 027 770 to confirm your attendance. Your input matters - we’d love to see you there!💚 Fall in love with nature this Valentine’s Day! 💚

Letter to the EditorThank you for the great coverage of the Kiama Show. The Bugle has been providing interesting background stories, and it feels like the paper is returning to the style of The Independent. I used to look forward to picking up the local paper each Wednesday to see what had been happening in town and what events were coming up.Until recently, I was happy just reading The Bugle on the app, but now I really want a printed copy!I’ve also noticed a couple of funeral notices in recent editions. This is such a valuable service, as it has become increasingly difficult to know when people have passed away. These days, most announcements are made on Facebook or shared only with close family and friends. Sometimes, I hear about a passing months or even years later. I hope more people use the paper to notify the community about funerals. Is it expensive to place a notice? Perhaps you could advertise the rates.Birth announcements used to be included in local papers as well. I really think you should promote a Personal Notice Section - Hatches, Matches, and Dispatches!Congratulations on making The Bugle such an interesting read. I love reading people’s stories, and I’ve particularly enjoyed the articles about days gone by. The old photos are fascinating! It’s a welcome distraction from council news.We live in a beautiful town, full of interesting people—both locals and blow-ins. It’s wonderful to read about them.Sue Cox

A concerned pet owner visited The Bugle to share a troubling discovery outside his home on Thomson Street. After taking his finding to two veterinarians, it was identified as Just One Bite - a highly toxic rat poison. Disturbingly, similar bars have also been reported in Terralong Street and Hindmarsh Park over the weekend.Just One Bite is an agricultural-grade bait containing bromadiolone, a fast-acting poison lethal to rodents. However, it is also extremely dangerous to humans and non-target animals, as it has no antidote. Due to its potency, its use is restricted to agricultural settings.The product is available in chunks, pellet packs, and bars.The pet owner, and others who have come across these bars, are concerned that someone may be deliberately targeting dogs in the area. When the matter was raised with the Council, they reportedly stated it was out of their jurisdiction, and the local police station was closed at the time.How to dispose of hazardous chemicals Kiama Municipal Council offers residents a safe and environmentally-friendly way to dispose of hazardous household chemicals, including rat poison, through their Household Chemical Clean Out events. These events are held periodically, providing an opportunity to dispose of unwanted chemicals responsibly. Visit kiama.nsw.gov.auIf you cannot attend the scheduled event, consider reaching out to the Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility at 446 Riverside Drive, Minnamurra to inquire about alternative disposal options. Additionally, neighbouring councils may offer similar services that you can utilise. We urge the community to stay vigilant. If you come across these baits, please ensure they are safely bagged and disposed of and report any findings to the police online or by phone. You can also contact us at The Bugle via email: [email protected]’s work together to keep our pets, children, and community safe.

Message:I was wondering as The Collective is closing, does that mean the plans have been finalised and that work will be starting soon. Or do you have an update when demolishment will start?Ed note: A spokesperson for Level 33 stated that the plans are under review by Kiama Council, and while the approval process has taken longer than anticipated, they remain optimistic about gaining clarity on timelines soon, which will be shared with the Kiama community. They also confirmed that The Collective will be the site of their new Display Centre in Kiama 

Ahh ... the wonder of renewables! We now have a diesel generator operating 24/7 in Cathedral Rocks Ave supplying electricity. Here's hoping the government "has a plan" to eventually take it away. Keith Dedden Kiama Downs

If You.. (A Prayer for Kiama) If you ride your ebike or scooter at crazy speeds on the footpath or road, you are not an eco-warrior, you are a life-endangering fool. If you use a supermarket trolley then dump it hundreds of metres away, you are not a clever innovator, you are a thief. If you walk two abreast with your strollers so others can’t pass or share the pathway, you are not yummy mummies, you are bad examples. If you park your vehicle in a way that makes two spaces into one, you are not an efficient time-saver, you are a selfish pariah. If you are headed home after drinking and you scream and swear at all hours, you are not a carefree reveller, you are an immature hedonist. If you overfill public bins with your personal domestic rubbish, you are not a user of common goods, you are a putrefying health risk. If you allow your kids or grandkids to run riot and disturb others, you are not a modern, ‘Cool Dad’ you are a lazy, selfish incompetent. If your vehicle makes excessive noise by design, you are not a high-tech car guy, you are a pathetic wannabe. If you tag public buildings or private property, you are not a self-expressing artist, you are an attention seeking, cowardly vandal. If you are doing this type of thing, you are not a welcome tourist or valued resident, you are a vexation to our beautiful town. NP

Dear Bugle TeamOn behalf of the Kiama Show Society Committee we would like to acknowledge and thank the team for their efforts to ensure the 2025 Kiama Show was extensively covered in the Bugle.It was fantastic to have wonderful photos and complementary stories which showcase the talents and also the history of the show. This definitely assists in building awareness and engagement within the local community. This year in 2025 we have received a lot of positive feedback and also seen record numbers of entries in our Pavilion competitions this year from the local community which I am sure would not have happened without your support.We look forward to working with the team in the lead up to and for the 2026 Show.Kind RegardsEm HowardSecretary, Kiama Show Society