By Carol GoddardThe year was 1916. Eighteen-year-old John Henry, a boy from Mascot, enlisted in the Australian Army to fight a war half a world away.Young and idealistic, he was soon sent for training to learn the basics of trench warfare and signalling. Deployed from Sydney to Kiama, he and thousands of other young men settled into a makeshift tent city on the Kiama Showgrounds. John trained in signalling on the headland overlooking Kendalls Beach and practised digging trenches on the sands of Bombo Beach before being shipped out to Beersheba to join the Light Horse Brigade.The harsh conditions of the Middle East took a toll on John; within three months, malaria had found him, and he spent much of the First World War in and out of care. He was lucky—he survived. Although he suffered occasional bouts of malaria for the rest of his life, he returned home, met a girl, and raised a family.Fast-forward to the late 1950s and early 1960s. Each summer, John Henry’s son-in-law, Norm, packed up his wife and two young kids for a camping holiday in Kiama. Living just two hours north, Norm would load up his Dodge truck with a double bed, bunks for the kids, a large icebox, a metho stove, a kerosene lamp, and a centre-pole tent. He even brought his toolbox, for Norm was a hardworking carpenter, picking up jobs whenever and wherever he could.Money was often tight, and though he occasionally placed a bet on the horses, whether he won or lost didn’t change his commitment to the annual trip to Kiama. Each year, they camped on the headland overlooking the round Rockpool, under the shade of pine trees. Today, this spot is home to rental cabins, the Kiama Visitor Centre, and Diggies café. But back then, it was a bustling camping ground filled with tents, plywood caravans, and families enjoying the simple pleasures of life by the sea.Norm set up their three-room tent, and for the next few weeks, while his wife and children enjoyed Kiama's beaches, the Rockpool, bike rides, and the joys of camping, Norm took off with his carpenter’s toolbox to find work in town. If there was money left after camping fees, he could take a day off to enjoy the beach with his family—those were the good days.Another leap through time brings us to the 1980s. Norm’s little boy, Gary—John Henry’s grandson—had grown up, met, and married me. By then, we had two of our four children, and on occasional weekends, we would drive from Sydney down to Kiama and Gerringong, just for the pleasure of seeing the lush green hills rolling to the sea. Each time, we’d return home wishing we could live in this beautiful place. But the universe had other plans, and it would take another forty years before we finally became locals in Kiama—arguably the most wonderful place in the world.For over a hundred years, our family’s connection to Kiama has endured, from John Henry’s time to the present day. Gary found our home, and in May 2021, we moved in, ready to live the Kiama life to the fullest. If John Henry were here today, he’d heartily approve.

Books, music, coffee and conversation. The local Bouquiniste cafe/bookstore has become synonymous with these elements since its inception in 2017. However, after seven successful years, owner Clay Comber has decided it is the right time to hang up the books.Comber, an author who released his debut novel, 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze, in 2021, plans to use his newfound free time to delve deeper into his literary pursuits.“I think it’s just time for me not to have to be at the same place at the same time every day - the reason we went into this in the beginning was for the books and the writing. And that has to take the primary concern for me rather than being in store all the time,” says Comber.Clay and then-partner Hannah Lynch opened Bouquiniste in 2017 with the dream to create a space that combined their three favourite things: books, music and coffee.“We talked about it all the time because we loved books, music, coffee and she was studying publishing and I was studying writing. So, when the time came, we thought - why don’t we make the hypothetical store the real store,” says Comber.Ironically, the location they chose—Shop 1 of Kiama Centrepoint—was the same spot where his parents previously ran their optometrist business before relocating just down the hall.“This store was actually the workshop of my family’s optometrist practice a long time ago; my dad would have been one of the first ones in this arcade. I grew up literally on this floor,” he says.The combination of books and coffee created a magical atmosphere, inspiring conversation and community engagement—something Comber aimed to cultivate from the start.“You find a lot of people saying that they came here particularly for coffee just to be around the books. People who aren’t huge readers and might not be the kind of person that go into a regular bookstore; because they’re here for coffee in the morning, books are there and they can grab them. Then everyday when they come in we can talk about how it’s going and it’s always good hearing from those customers,” says Comber.Whenever you walked into Bouquiniste, you’d often find Clay deep in conversation with a customer and that is something he will miss the most - the regulars that would come in and that he’d seen grow over the seven years of his business. “We never wanted people to feel alienated when you walked in. We wanted people to feel like they were part of a conversation, obviously people could come in and read a book or read on their own, but if you came in and we didn’t know you we loved if you just jumped in - we wanted it to feel that way more than your generic cafe,” says Comber.Bouquiniste also hosted numerous book launches and events, including the launch of Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe, now a popular Netflix series. Comber intends to continue organising such events under the Bouquiniste brand, even after the store closes.Comber also has two books slated for release in 2025 by HarperCollins and he is hoping to finish another novel by the end of the year. He also DJ’s and you may catch him at a couple of events around Kiama in the future.Bouquiniste’s closure comes shortly after Comber’s family optometrist closed its doors on June 29 this year, ending a legacy that began in 1977. The store is still open for the next couple of weeks - so get in your final dose of coffee, books, music and conversation.The Bugle extends its gratitude to Clay and the Comber family for their contributions to Kiama and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours!

Send entries into [email protected] author Kirsten Nixon, a registered nurse by trade, always dreamed of being a writer. So in 2021 she decided to “bite the bullet” and forge a career in the book business.“All my life I’d really wanted to write a book, or have something to do with books. So I started talking to friends and family who had their own small businesses to find out how you would go about being an author.“They started telling me really important and inspiring stories about how they set up their businesses and I knew I needed to capture them, shine a spotlight on these women, and get their stories out into the world.” These stories became Kirsten's debut book, Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners and features 17 women mostly from the local community who transformed their dreams into thriving small businesses.“The book highlights the resilience, creativity, and determination of women entrepreneurs who have overcome many obstacles to succeed in their ventures,” says Kirsten.“Their stories inspired me to write a book, even though I was completely clueless about how to go about it. So I wanted to make sure the book included practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.”The book has tips, heartfelt advice and relatable stories of women who work in manufacturing, retail, wellness, hospitality, and artistic/creative spaces. Women who feature in the book come from a diverse range of businesses, including Kerry Fahey of Kerry’s Klothes, Sue Clelland from Saltwood Café & Lifestyle, Olivia Deroche from Wax Lyrical bookshop, Jo Quirk from Revive with Jo beauty, Lillie Nixon from Nixon's Cleaning and Maintenance, Emily Simpson from Full Bloom and Dianne McNamara from Punkin Head Air Sports, which makes aircraft covers for light planes. Artists Arabella Gypsy, Nicole Brown and Deborah Dicembre also feature in the book along with website designer Michelle Barraclough, Robyn McKean from Myotherapy, Balance your Body, Peta Godfrey from Travel Focus Group, Alyse and Alison Mitchinson from Arlo’s Garden, Lucy Nixon from Shoalhaven Professional Bookkeeping and porcelain doll maker Di Godfrey.“The women I spoke to are amazingly resilient,” says Kirsten. “When you think of what they’ve gone through with floods, fires and COVID it’s been a really tough time for them, but they hang in there and continue to inspire those around them.“I found out when I was writing this book that it really does take a village and the women who feature in it are so supportive and encouraging of each other as a community of small business owners.”When asked if she has achieved her dream she laughs and says: “Yes! That’s the crazy part about it, after interviewing all these women I’ve come full circle. I’ve got a book that I’m very happy with and I've also started my own small business.”Since publishing Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners Kirsten now runs her own writing business, Broughton Creek Publishing. She says writing her debut novel has enriched her life and she wants other women to be inspired to follow their dreams. “I hope this book serves as a beacon of hope and a source of practical wisdom for all women who aspire to make their mark in the business world,” she says. “The beauty of this book is that it has top tips from each of the businesswomen, along with themes that run central to all of their stories: love what you do; have the courage to have and go;persevere when things are hard and value and educate yourself.”The Bugle has a copy of Kirsten’s book to give away to one lucky reader. We are inviting people to nominate an inspiring woman in your life who you think deserves a copy of Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners - email your nomination to [email protected] to go in the draw to win a copy of Voices of Entrepreneurial Women.Copies are also available from https://kirstennixon.com/ and Amazon https://amzn.asia/d/iHOa4dj  

When South Coast teacher Leisa McMahon decided to write a children’s picture book, she began looking for an illustrator to bring her ideas to life.Leisa, a primary school educator and avid reader, has seen first-hand the positive impact a love of literacy can have on young lives.So, in 2020, she took the plunge and put pen to paper, writing the first draft of My Favourite Things, a picture book based on cherished childhood memories that brought her moments of pure joy. Things like reading Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, summer holidays camping, or foraging on the beach for treasures.Once Leisa had the bones of the story she began searching for a local artist to bring her words to life. When she discovered Figtree artist Claudia Shalala, who sells her art work through The Collective in Gerringong and Kiama, she knew she had hit the jackpot.COVID made face-to-face interactions impossible but the pair managed to interpret each other’s ideas and, after four years of toil, create My Favourite Things, which was published earlier this year.“I saw Claudia’s artwork on a Gerringong Community Facebook page and it was exactly what I was looking for,” Leisa says. “We only met once in person, due to COVID, but there was an immediate connection. Her paintings were outstanding, and she really understood my journey as a child. She was able to interpret my memories and her work complemented my story beautifully.”As part of the creative process, the pair would chat and Claudia would draw a quick sketch based on their conversation and send it to Leisa for her tick of approval. Claudia eventually created 10 original acrylic artworks to visually bring Leisa’s words to life.“Every artwork was done very casually through conversations, with Leisa telling me about the things she loved about her childhood, like picking seashells up off the beach,” explains Claudia. “I was given free rein which really works for me, micromanaging does not work with artists.” Both Leisa and Claudia have been following their passion from a young age. Claudia, who has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and works in a lab, has been painting since she was eight. She began selling her work, Emely handmade giftware, at markets 15 years ago and her art “really took off”. “I always tell my kids if you're lucky enough to have a passion and make some money from it you’re winning,” says Claudia. “It brings me so much joy and is a form of therapy.” Leisa, who is also a counsellor, has dreamed of writing her own picture book “for as long as I can remember”. The creative writing process was a “healing journey”.“I have been reading to kids all my life, I love children’s literature and I believe we all have a story to tell,” she says. “We discover as adults that all these precious things we did as children brought us so much joy. The book is a way of showing young readers that love is out there to find. we've just got to open our eyes to find it.” Leisa’s students became her audience through the drafting process and she admits she had a few critics. “I would take samples into classrooms to read to my students, and the feedback was always brutally honest,” she laughs. “One little boy in kindergarten asked me if I had any books about monster trucks, but I was writing from experience and I have no experience of monster trucks! I want to inspire and help children to make connections and discover what touches their hearts. If I’ve touched one heart then I’ve done what I set out to do.”My Favourite Things is available to order on Leisa’s instagram page leisamaree2.

What do Jennifer Robinson, Gina Chick and Tim Minchin have in common? The trio, who all have ties to the South Coast, have helped put Berry Writer’s Festival on the literary map.Robinson, the human rights lawyer who played a key role in freeing Julian Assange earlier this year, and Chick, star of the hit TV show Alone, grew up on the South Coast and are both Bomaderry High school graduates. Their “in conversation sessions” at this weekend’s festival were quick to sell out.Minchin - a world-renowned actor, writer, comedian, musician and poet who has a home in Kangaroo Valley - was a late entry to the festival line-up. When organisers announced the composer of Matilda the musical would join the festival earlier this month, tickets to his event sold out within 24 hours. Minchin and Marc Fennell, host of Things the British Stole, will headline An Evening of Words and Music on October 26.“This is a community-led and community focused event and it’s the locals who are selling out fast,” associate artistic director Tori Haschka said. “We have a wealth of talent on the South Coast which we are proud to showcase through events like this one.”Ms Haschka, herself an author and Berry local, said tickets are still available for many sessions, including writing workshops.“Workshops give people an opportunity to gain insight into industry professionals that they might not otherwise have,” she says. Tickets are also available for an Indigenous food workshop with authors Adam Liaw, Rebecca Sullivan and Damien Coulthard in partnership with chefs from award-winning Shoalhaven Heads restaurant Bangalay Dining. The session will explore modern Australian dining, and look at native ingredients people know and those that are less recognisable.The Berry Writers Festival is a bi-annual celebration of writing and literature held over three days, across four historic venues. The first festival, in October 2022, featured fifty authors and speakers participating in 21 sessions and six workshops over two days. More than 2400 tickets were sold. More than 300 tickets have already been sold for this year's event, which features more than 80 authors and seven workshops.“We have increased the number of sessions and participating authors this year,” Ms Haschka says. “We have also attracted a lot more local partnerships and sponsors and added a children’s program in local schools on Thursday. Ticket sales have been really strong.”Tickets are still available for the festival which runs from October 25-27 berrywritersfestival.org.au.

By A Sense of Place Publishing“Indoctrinated Brain: How to Successfully Fend Off the Global Attack on Your Mental Freedom” by Michael Nehls is a clarion call against what the author perceives as a deliberate and insidious assault on cognitive freedom worldwide. Michael Nehls, a German doctor of medicine with a background in molecular genetics and an avid long-distance cyclist, brings together his scientific acumen and social commentary in this book, which has stirred both intrigue and controversy.Nehls argues that across the globe, there’s a discernible decline in mental capacity, particularly among the youth, coupled with a rise in depression rates. He posits that this decline is not merely coincidental but part of a grander design—a “Global War on the Human Brain.” According to Nehls, this war deploys various mechanisms, including the manipulation of public health crises like the COVID-19 response, to subtly alter human cognition and behaviour.Manipulation Through Fear and Health PoliciesNehls delves into how the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the resistance against broad vitamin D prophylaxis, was not just an oversight but a tactical move to weaken natural immunity. He claims this was done under the guise of health protection, allegedly aiming to make populations more susceptible to indoctrination.The Great Reset and Mental FreedomThe book touches on the concept of the “Great Reset,” suggesting that beyond economic and environmental changes, there’s an underlying agenda for a “Great Mental Reset.” This involves using advanced neuroscientific and informational methodologies to reshape human thought, aligning it with technocratic visions of the future.Historical and Societal ContextNehls draws parallels with historical indoctrination practices, comparing modern societal controls to past regimes’ efforts to shape public thought through fear, propaganda, and control over information.On page 106, Nehls writes, “When the immune system has recovered to some degree after seven to eight months (after being spiked) a cytokine storm is not only possible again, but also even more likely, because the immune system, constantly activated by spiking, has consumed a lot of vitamin D, increasing its deficiency thus the imbalance in the immune system.”“If Dr. Nehls is right, his theory here will be as important as Dr. Sigmund Freud’s discovery of the subconscious, if not more so.” – From the foreword by Naomi Wolf.“The protagonists of the Great Reset use the latest neuroscientific and informational sciences methodology to pursue a motive that derives from their worldview: a Great Mental Reset, so that we accept without hesitation and even welcome the future of a brave new world as envisioned by the elitist technocrats,” Nehls said.“If you want to truly know your enemy, this masterful unmasking of indoctrination is a must-read.” – Monica Crowley, PhD, news analyst and former assistant secretary of the US Treasury.On page eleven, Nehls writes, “…seems to me with the help of the many seemingly isolated events and influences, such as the spreading of fear and panic, the spiking, and the primary measures to contain COVID-19, other intentions were actually pursued: to manipulate people unnoticed on a neurobiological level in order to be able to indoctrinate them more efficiently.”The book has garnered both praise for its bold assertions and criticism for its alignment with fringe theories over established scientific consensus. Michael Nehls’s background in molecular genetics and his previous works on Alzheimer’s disease lend him credibility in some circles, yet his views on public health responses to pandemics and cognitive manipulation have drawn criticism for potentially spreading misinformation. Critics argue that his narrative might cater more to conspiracy theorists than to those seeking academic or scientific discourse on cognitive health.“Indoctrinated Brain” presents a stark warning about the erosion of mental freedom through what Nehls sees as orchestrated global initiatives. While it invites readers to question mainstream health policies and societal controls, it also stands at the intersection of science, philosophy, and speculative social critique, making it a contentious yet undeniably thought-provoking read in the landscape of contemporary literature on freedom, health, and control.

If you are looking for fulfilment and balance in your life then Illawarra author Deborah Devaal’s debut book, ‘Social Freedom: The Path to Wellbeing’ is for you.Deborah, an accredited art therapist and wellbeing coach, says true freedom is found in our ability to understand and regulate our emotions and allows us to make connections with people to live a fulfilling life.“My book focuses on emotional identification and looks at why we feel certain things, what certain emotions mean and how we can use those emotions to guide us to make positive changes in our lives,” explains Deborah, who is also an artist.  The book came about after Deborah began drawing sketches and writing notes for her clients to take home at the end of their art therapy and wellbeing sessions. “I work with a range of clients who need some extra support to navigate their emotions and build resilience,” explains Deborah. “I found that giving them a visual representation of what they have worked on during their sessions was very helpful.“Sometimes I work with teenagers struggling with mental health issues, mums who are juggling to balance everything that is going on in their life, or retirees who are making big life changes. But after each session I would provide sketches and notes of things to work on and so one day I thought I should put it together as a guide so I can print it and give it to them.”Deborah realised that many people outside of her client base would also benefit from her handwritten notes and sketches. So she reached out to a local illustrator who helped bring her art and easy-to-read content to life. “The idea was to put something together for my clients,” says Deborah. “Then it just grew and grew and after three years it turned into a book. Those who have read it say there’s something in it for everyone. Writing this book was a beautiful process for me, it was so nice to get everything out of my head and onto paper and have it all in one place.“Younger people in particular, those in their teens and early 20s, are really interested in understanding their emotions, way more than the older population. It has been really refreshing to see that they want to know how to navigate their emotions and this book gives people the tools to understand how to do this.”Deborah will officially launch her book later this month. It can be purchased at www.devaaldesign.com.au

After the success of Dirt Town, in her compelling second novel, Girl Falling, Wollongong author Hayley Scrivenor delves into the complexities of friendship, grief, and identity, exploring the haunting effects of a single moment on the lives of those left behind and the way that an event can shift and distort in our memory.Photo source: Pan Macmillan AustraliaThe life of Girl Falling began at the end. “I had this image of a woman standing on the cliff at the end of the book questioning her own story. In that little flash I had the location—the Blue Mountains. I had this idea for a love triangle. And I had this woman who is this young, lost woman trying to figure out what had happened to her life. But there were so many things that I didn’t know about the book at that point,” says Scrivenor.The novel opens with a tragic rock climbing accident that forces Finn, our main character, to confront the aftermath of her girlfriend Magdu’s death. As Finn navigates her grief, the narrative alternates between past and present, mirroring Scrivenor’s own creative process, which involved writing scenes out of order.“My theory is that everybody is living in all three tenses at once—we’re always thinking about what happened, what will happen, and what is happening right now. And so having the past to go into when things were heavy or where I needed to explain something more or lay the groundwork was very essential for me,” says Scrivenor.Girl Falling is written from Finn’s point of view as she tries to dissect that fateful day she was climbing with Magdu and her best friend, Daphne. As the story progresses you learn that Finn and Daphne’s relationship is very strange and readers begin to suspect that there may have been foul play involved. Scrivenor’s choice of a single, unreliable narrator immerses readers in Finn’s internal struggles, compelling them to question the validity of her experiences.“I think we’ve all had that experience where we’ve known someone who made us question our take on the world and made us wonder if we were in the right or the wrong. And I think it's really interesting to ask that question by having the reader read a book in the first person. You don’t know whether Finn's story is the right one,” says Scrivenor.This exploration of perspective is further illustrated through the idea of an unreliable narrator and the question of what story is the ‘true’ story, which is threaded throughout the novel. Scrivenor says she’s always been the type of person who will listen to a story from one perspective and agree with that person, only to then listen to the same story from another perspective and agree with the absolute opposite.We see these ideas not only in Finn’s retelling of stories from her life and the central crime of the book but also in Finn’s shifting persona around both Magdu and Daphne, which underscores the novel’s exploration of identity and the influence of friendships.“I was interested in showing a complicated female friendship and showing the way that people—not just those we’re in romantic relationships with, but others—can bring out parts of us that we like or don't like. And I think we’ve all had that experience of meeting someone who makes us feel like a different sort of person,” says Scrivenor.The novel, as is natural for the crime genre, has many twists and turns, forcing readers to reckon with who the characters are and what they are capable of. Scrivenor’s narrative not only entertains but prompts readers to reflect on the unpredictable nature of human behavior.“Often what I’m trying to do in my fiction is show people that all of us are capable of almost anything if enough things line up in the right sort of order. I’ll start with an end and a final twist that I know is extreme but isn’t believable. And then my challenge as a writer is to bring you into that story world and make you care about the characters and then slowly, structurally build towards that so that it’s kind of inevitable in hindsight,” says Scrivenor.Scrivenor manages to use the crime genre and narrative structure as an outline to a picture that is then filled in with all of her deeper ideas and beautiful similes. She says that her first drafts are often overflowing with similes, which are whittled down by the final edit to only 1%.In that 1% in Girl Falling, there are lines like: “There was something unnatural about a girl dying, something that made you want to be still and small, so the universe didn’t notice you and start getting ideas.”Her writing often yields unexpected gems, as she describes: “So much of that stuff is subconscious... I often talk about the book being smarter than me. I write to know what I think and to know what I might come up with because I’m genuinely surprised by what comes out,” says Scrivenor.The ending of Girl Falling is one of those endings where you go back and read the whole last chapter again just to make sure you didn’t read it wrong. It makes you wonder whether it is possible to alter history from inside your mind as though the truth was just a bad dream you woke from.The novel is out now, and Scrivenor will be a speaker at the Berry Writers Festival from October 25-27.

Former journalist Helen Signy will speak about her debut novel Maya’s Dance at the Friends of Kiama Library (FOKL) Author Talk on October 12.Helen is an Australian writer who grew up in England and spent much of her youth travelling the world before becoming a print journalist at Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post and then the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH). Her first book (about a chipmunk) was written when she was 6, photocopied at work by her mum, stapled together and handed out to family members. She’s been writing ever since.“During my twenty years as a print journalist, I reported on the genocide in Rwanda and famine in Sudan, worked as an editor on the foreign desk, edited sections across the newspaper, and supported the early transition from print to digital at the SMH,” says Helen.“I have never lost my passion for telling a good story, whether it’s a breaking news item or an expertly crafted novel. I still love the process of writing; the whole dreamy business of allowing the characters to come alive and create their world, the chipping away at a sentence to find the right word that will make the cadence work.”Maya’s Dance is Helen’s first foray into fiction and is based on the real-life story of Lucie Pollak-Langford who as a young girl was interned in the Sawin Labour Camp in Poland. The debut novel tells the story of sixteen-year-old Maya Schulze, who is struggling to survive in a brutal Nazi labour camp. Despite days filled with hunger, fear and despair, she is able to find courage and beauty in dancing – it is only then that she feels free. Maya falls in love with Jan, one of her Polish guards, and he risks his life helping her to escape. The novel centres on Maya’s search for Jan, with the help of struggling journalist Kate Young, 50 years after the fact.Maya’s Dance is a book about survival, resilience and enduring love. Helen will talk about her novel on Saturday October 12 at 2pm at the Auditorium Training Rooms under Kiama Library. Afternoon tea will be provided. Tickets are $8 for FOKL members and $10 for guests.Book online at library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Events/Adults-events/Helen-Signy-Mayas-Dance

By A Sense of Place PublishingMonica Smit came to prominence during the Covid era, when a new generation of political activists and a new generation of citizen journalists came to the fore. But still the ancient régime persecutes its youngest and brightest talents with all the tools of warfare at its disposal.In her new essay What is the Price of Justice? Monica writes: “Recently I represented myself against a team of government lawyers during a 13-day trial that lasted over 6 weeks…. and won! That’s great news, isn’t it? But there is a twist that has become far more important to this story than the victory itself.”It will have you asking…what is the price of justice?Imagine you’ve been wronged by a government body.Imagine your liberty was taken from you without just cause.Imagine that no one was willing to take accountability or admit any fault.Imagine you got offered a measly $15,000 with no private or public vindication.If you take the money, you have permission to keep asserting that you think you were wronged, but you will never get closure. It will always be ‘your word against theirs’.Who benefits if you take the deal?Well, the government benefits because they’re using tax-payer’s money to pay you off anyway and they will avoid public embarrassment or taking accountability.“Cell 22” by Monica Smit is a gripping memoir that charts the extraordinary journey of a woman who transformed from a carefree party girl into a political prisoner during one of the world’s most stringent lockdown periods in Melbourne, Australia. This book is not just an account of her time in solitary confinement but also a reflection on her personal growth, the societal impacts of governmental overreach, and her advocacy for freedom and human rights.Monica Smit’s narrative begins by painting a picture of her life before the tumultuous events that would change her trajectory. Initially, her life was filled with the typical indulgences of youth, marked by a party lifestyle. However, her experiences with trauma, sexual abuse, and overcoming low self-esteem set the stage for her later resilience. As she puts it in her book, “It was only through a long journey of shameful mistakes and personal suffering that I became a woman of conviction, and a person who dared stand up and fight for justice.” This quote encapsulates her transformation, highlighting how adversity can forge character.The core of “Cell 22” revolves around Smit’s arrest and 22-day stint in solitary confinement for her vocal opposition to the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. Melbourne, under the leadership of Dan Andrews, became infamous for its draconian measures, which Smit fiercely opposed, leading to her becoming a symbol of resistance. Her imprisonment, rather than silencing her, amplified her cause, making her a martyr in the eyes of many who saw her as a victim of state overreach.Smit’s portrayal of her time in cell 22 is raw and introspective. She speaks of the isolation, the fear, but also the clarity it brought to her understanding of freedom and human rights. “My time in Cell 22 was a crucible,” she writes, “where every moment was a reminder of why freedom is worth fighting for.” This quote not only illustrates her personal experience but also frames her broader message about the value of liberty.Post her release, Smit delved deeper into activism, founding Reignite Democracy Australia, which became a platform for those feeling marginalised by the government’s policies. Her book delves into these activities, providing insights into her legal battles, public speeches, and the community she built around the cause for freedom.The reception of “Cell 22” has been mixed but predominantly positive among those who resonate with her narrative of resistance against perceived tyranny. One reviewer on Goodreads notes, “The book is a lesson in having the balls to stand up for what you believe in even when everyone is against you.” This review captures the essence of what many readers find inspiring in Smit’s story - her unyielding spirit.Another review, perhaps reflecting a broader sentiment among her supporters, states, “I admired her courage in refusing bail conditions to set a precedent, and being the right person at the right time.” This admiration stems not just from her personal bravery but also from her strategic stance in legal proceedings, aiming to challenge the system’s overreach.“Cell 22” isn’t just a political memoir; it’s a human story about finding one’s voice, confronting personal demons, and standing up against what one perceives as injustice. Monica Smit, through her narrative, invites readers to reflect on the cost of freedom, the nature of governance, and the power of individual action in the face of collective oppression. Her journey, as detailed in the book, from a life of parties to becoming a symbol of resistance, is a testament to the transformative power of conviction and the enduring human spirit in dark times.

Kate Fisher's new book “Milkshakes for Marleigh” could be the next “Boy Swallows Universe”, according to acclaimed author and podcaster, Hedley Thomas.“Milkshakes for Marleigh” shares the stories of blood donation recipients to thank current donors and inspire readers to begin donating blood. Marleigh Fisher, the eight-year-old daughter of the author, lives in Queensland with an incurable, life-threatening condition, Autoimmune Encephalitis.(Supplied) Marleigh Fisher with a copy of ‘Milkshakes for Marleigh’ Regular plasma infusions are life-saving for Marleigh, and at her sickest, she required infusions every 10 days to keep her alive. The book recounts tales of survival from those who have received blood transfusions, informed by interviews over three seasons of Fisher’s podcast of the same name.Hedley Thomas spoke with Kate at the Brisbane Writers Festival and praised the book for its captivating storytelling.“The last time I read a book like this was Trent Dalton’s, Boy Swallows Universe and I can see Milkshakes for Marleigh having the same level of success.”Kate hopes the book will bring attention to the persistent shortages of blood products available across Australia.“I had no idea that there were such frequent, critical blood shortages until I had a child who is reliant on blood products to survive. A blood shortage could mean the end of my child’s life and I don’t want other families living with that fear.”In May, Australia’s national blood collector and distributor, Lifeblood, released an immediate call for blood donors as the organisation revealed their blood reserves were at a critical level and at risk of dropping to the lowest level this year. Lifeblood’s Cath Stone said only three per cent of Australians donate blood regularly, but many more are eligible.“There are about 10 million more people who could donate today, but don’t,” she said. Kate hopes readers who have donated blood to think about how their contribution could have saved one of the lives featured in the book—Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, actor and cancer activist Samuel Johnson, or Greater Western Sydney Giants player Phil Davis.And for those who haven’t donated before, she hopes the book will inspire Australians to roll up their sleeves and consider the life-saving stories they could help create.“If you’ve been waiting for the right time to become a donor or have been thinking about coming back to donate, this is the time to act,” Stone said. 

It was eerily still and quiet. Foreboding storm clouds had been gathering for sometime. I watched and waited in readiness for the first bolt of lightning to ignite the sky and thunderclap to break the silence. It didn’t take long. Within minutes the torrential rain began, tramping my rainforest undergrowth and turning what were once walking trails into muddy river-lets streaming down to my lagoon, taking with them anything in their path.Strong wind gusts lifted anything unsecured into the air, randomly depositing them back to the ground onto piles of debris from earlier storms. My once pristine shoreline did not escape the developing onslaught either. Powerful sea swells combined with the wind gusts rhythmically pounded my rocky shore, and then retreated to pound and retreat, over and over again.There was little I could do but hold on tight and wait patiently until the storm passed and tranquillity restored. It always did. The cycle of storm and calm had been going on for as long as I could remember but it had become more frequent over the last hundred years and each storm more destructive than the one before. There was not enough time between these regular assaults for any recovery and regeneration. My rainforest, lagoon, and coastline once flourished with life but I was no longer a safe habitat.I used to listen, fascinated, to the sounds coming from my rainforest, especially at night. Small animals would scurry around in search of night time snacks or to meet up with their mates. Insects would buzz and chatter in high-pitched crackles and frogs would join in the chorus with their own special songs. But their numbers had gradually diminished over time. Birds once nested on my cliff tops but with local food sources declining from raised sea temperature. Now only a few hardy ones would bother settling here.My lagoon used to be a marvellous place for all kinds of aquatic activities and teem with marine life too. Many local and exotic fish, turtles and aquatic greenery had called it home for centuries, proving a food source for other life here, but the gradual encroachment of sea water and the constant attack by storms made it a difficult place for them to thrive.The humans that had called me home for centuries were eventually forced to leave and find higher ground and a more stable environment to live and raise their families. As well as the demise of their small scale tourist ventures and the decline in availability of local food sources, fresh water too had become a scarce resource due to the increased salinity of ground water.Every day I miss them. I miss the regular pace of their daily lives. I used to enjoy watching them fishing on the reef and bringing their catches back; children frolicking on the beach, dipping in and out of the waves on very hot days; the aromas coming from campfire cook-ups when families got together to share a meal and take pleasure in each others company. There was always something to enjoy about their presence here. I needed to get used to the idea I had now been deprived of all that energy and delight. It made me sad.Forever etched in my memory are scenes of the days the last groups of humans left in a flotilla of boats. For good. Tears ran down the faces of children clinging tightly to their mothers who it appeared were trying to show a stoic acceptance of their fate. Most of the men had already left to set up new homes for their families and find work elsewhere. It was an overwhelming sight.I had always enjoyed visitors, chuffed that they found me a place they wanted to explore. This always made me feel special. But the only visitors that have arrived regularly recently were groups of scientists and environmentalists measuring changes in the shoreline; assessing wildlife varieties, counting their numbers and testing waters. It bothers me to think that they believed they will be able to do anything about the issues their investigations reveal. But deep down, I hope they can.Eventually the rain, sea swell and the wind began to ease and the dark clouds started to dissipate. It was then time to survey the damage they left in their wake: a task I dreaded every time. However, the hours after a storm passed was often also a magical time as cracks of sunlight peeping through created glistening effects on wet leaves and small signs of the remaining life began to emerge. And if the atmospheric conditions were just right, a multi-coloured rainbow would appear to brighten up the sky. As I started to relax after this last tempest, I really hoped one would.

When Kiama author Ryan Butta told his wife he was going to write a book her response was blunt: “No you’re bloody not, you’re going to find a job first”. The couple had recently moved back to Australia after living in South America for several years. Ryan, who has an MBA and ran a consultancy business in Latin America, had worked for large companies like HSBC Bank and Rio Tinto, but struggled to find a job on his return home. “I was on a bushwalk with my wife and I remember saying ‘maybe it was a mistake coming back. You know what I’m going to do, I’m going to write a book’,” he recalls. A voracious reader, Ryan had always wanted to publish a novel. “Once I said it out loud I thought ‘I actually have to do this’. So I ended up finding a job with Austrade, but before and after work, I started writing fiction.”In 2019 Ryan self-published his first novel, a spy thriller loosely based on his time in Latin America. “It’s one of the things I am most proud of,” he says. In the five years since writing his debut, Ryan has followed up with two non-fiction titles. The Ballad of Abdul Wade, shortlisted for the South Australian Literary Awards nonfiction book of the year 2024, tells the story of an Afghan entrepreneur who first brought camel trains to the outback. Ryan’s most recent release, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli, was launched at Bouquiniste Cafe last month and is based on the life of Harry Freame, the first Australian soldier to win the distinguished conduct medal at Gallipoli. While researching Harry’s story Ryan uncovered the sad truth behind the death of one of Australia’s bravest, but least-known soldiers. Ryan’s meticulous research ensured he got the recognition he deserved. Harry Freame was not your typical ANZAC. He was born in Japan and had an Australian father and Japanese mother. He was raised as a Samurai, under the Bushido code - the seven principles of righteousness, loyalty, honour, respect, honesty, courage and consistency which samurai warriors live by. “When I was researching this book, it was tragic and very emotional to read about what these young soldiers went through,” says Ryan. “They had no idea about the horrors they would face. But it wasn’t just young British Australians out there on the battlefields of Gallipoli. There were Africans from the French colonies fighting alongside ANZACs; there were Indigenous soldiers, Maori soldiers, Sikh soldiers; there was the Zionist mule regiment doing all the transport. So it was a very multicultural fighting force, I’m not sure that comes through when we talk about the ANZAC legend.” Ryan says Harry’s dream was to become a commissioned officer. His research found correspondence between Australian military generals who agreed Harry should be commissioned but didn’t think such an honour would be bestowed upon him because “he was Mexican”. “Everyone thought Harry was Mexican because of his dark skin, the way he dressed and the fact he carried revolvers instead of a rifle,” says Ryan. Despite never reaching the rank of commissioned officer, Harry was loved by the troops he fought alongside and the leaders he aspired to be like. “Men rallied behind him, he was a leader of men,” says Ryan. “When it came down to it, our troops relied on his intelligence to launch attacks. Harry would crawl around No Man’s Land on his belly and map the Turkish trenches, their defences, the number of machine guns they had. He was captured in the trenches at one point and managed to escape. He was wounded so many times his body was covered in scars.”Renowned war correspondent and historian Charles Bean called Freame “the finest scout at Gallipoli” and “the most ubiquitous soldier on the peninsula”.“Harry received the distinguished conduct medal but he should have got the VC (Victoria Cross),” says Ryan. “But were (the military) going to give the first ever VC to a non-white person at a time when the White Australia policy was in place? Probably not. These are lessons that Harry’s story teaches us.”Despite being wounded 18 times, Harry survived WWI and returned to Australia to live on a small farm near Armidale as part of the Government’s soldier settlement scheme for war veterans. He married and had children but the scheme was “a complete bust”.“It was riddled with corruption, the plots were too small and Harry couldn’t make a living,” explains Ryan. “So by 1939 he was broke. He tried to enlist just before WWII broke out but was told he was too old (he was 60). Instead, Australian military intelligence recruited Harry to spy on the Japanese community living in Sydney.”Harry moved to Sydney, where he was also recruited by Censorship to read Japanese letters. Shortly before war broke out, External Affairs sent Harry to Japan as an interpreter (a cover to continue his work as a government spy). But a report in a newspaper about Harry’s work as an interpreter blew his cover. “Despite this he was still sent to Japan,” says Ryan incredulously. “Three months after arriving in Tokyo he was attacked on the street. Japanese military police tried to garotte him.”Miraculously Harry survived the attack but was badly injured and hospitalised in Japan before being sent home.“Harry was fearful of the Japanese doctors so didn’t tell anybody what happened,” explains Ryan. “When he arrived back in Australia he could hardly walk off the boat, and he had barely eaten because his throat was mangled. Specialists were unable to work out what was wrong with him and he was sent home. Eventually Harry told his wife, children and close friends from the RSL that he had been attacked. A couple of weeks later he died.”Ryan’s research found that immediately after Harry’s death, Military Intelligence and External Affairs tried to get hold of Harry’s death certificate and the doctors who treated him. “When his death certificate was released it said he died of gallbladder cancer,” says Ryan, who smelled a rat and began digging into Harry’s medical records, as well as asking two forensic pathologists to consult on the cause of death. “It smacked of a government cover-up,” explains Ryan. “They leaked Harry’s role as a spy to the press and then sent him behind enemy lines, where he was attacked. No autopsy was carried out and gallbladder cancer is extremely rare. I managed to get hold of Harry’s repatriation file and it says three weeks before he died he was released from hospital undiagnosed, so where did the gallbladder diagnosis come from?” When Harry’s wife tried to get a headstone for him and some compensation as a war widow it was refused, with the government saying he died of cancer unconnected to his previous war service. “His wife spent 20 years trying to get Harry a headstone and have his service recognised,” says Ryan.” She died with her husband still buried in an unmarked grave. Harry’s son, who finished top of his class in Duntroon, was killed fighting the Japanese in WWII, and his daughter died aged 92, in 2019. They all died without giving him a proper burial.”Harry’s story became so much more than a book for Ryan. It was also a quest to convince the Australian government, including the Prime Minister, to recognise Harry’s service. “The complicity of the government (at the time) in Harry’s death is probably why he wasn’t celebrated as he should have been, essentially that’s why I wrote the book,” says Ryan, who never imagined he would spend months petitioning the government to recognise Harry’s service.When Ryan first came across Harry’s story, the soldier was buried in an unmarked grave in Sydney. When he finished the story, Harry had a headstone. Australia’s first soldier to win the distinguished conduct medal can finally rest easy. Ryan will join the Berry Writers Festival on October 27, to discuss his latest book, now available at local retailers The Bookshop Kiama and Bouquiniste.

Bestselling romance author and former midwife Fiona McArthur will visit Kiama Library on 3 September for a free author talk to celebrate her new book Back to Birdsville.McArthur’s latest novel honours the resilience of families living not just in Birdsville, but remote towns all around Australia. It celebrates the women who are always there for each other and the men who stand by their side, painting a vivid picture of a place where community spirit thrives against all odds.The author looks forward to returning to the region where she spent cherished childhood holidays visiting family.“I have so many wonderful memories of visiting my grandparents in Gerringong.” “We always visited the blowhole in Kiama, which was exciting for kids. As an adult, I just love the scenery, the hills and the green that runs to the sea.”Back to Birdsville is the 13th book in McArthur’s Aussie Outback Medical Romance Series, which includes the bestselling As the River Rises. The prolific author has also written five books in the Aussie Doctors Series, four novels in the midwives of Lyrebird Lake Series, three novels in the Outback Brides Series and one in the Outback Babies Series.McArthur’s non-fiction book Aussie Midwives, features interviews with 20 midwives who reflect on their practice with the passionate former midwife. McArthur was awarded the NSW Excellence in Midwifery Award in 2015, the Australian Ruby Award for Contemporary Romantic Fiction in 2020, and was shortlisted for the same award in 2023.McArthur will be at Kiama Library from 10.30-11.30am on 3 September. She will also talk at Nowra Library from 5.30-6.30pm later that night. Books will be available for signing and purchase.

As we approach the last chapters of Turner’s Rage on the Bugle app, we are running a competition for readers to provide the correct answer to a question in the story.The Bugle will contact two winners after Chapter 26 release on 8 September. Entries are free and must be made by email to The Bugle – [email protected] competition prize is a morning tea with James Seymour, the author of ‘Turner’s Rage’ in Kiama, and a free copy of the novel ‘Turner’s Rage.’ In addition, the winners will receive a free copy of James Seymour’s new novel, which is due to be released in March 2024, ‘Turner’s Strength’, the third book in the Turner series. You will have the opportunity to discuss Turner’s Rage personally with James Seymour, hear about his reasons for writing the book, the characters, and discuss the content and plot. Competition Question:What is the butler’s name at the Earl of Fintelton’s townhouse, ‘Harting House’, at St James Square, London? All correct entries will be included in the draw.

I stood by the kerb quietly contemplating the short walk down to the Community Centre. On any normal day this would be easy and uneventful, but as it was Election Day, I expected the walk to be particularly annoying. Both sides of the path were flanked by colourful sandwich boards displaying the faces of the local candidates and the parties they supported, creating potential trip hazards if a speedy get-away was required. I wasn’t looking forward to the stroll, but it was my nearest polling booth and I had forgotten to vote in the pre-poll or organise a postal vote.I took a deep breath and hesitantly stepped onto the path to be instantly greeted by eager candidate supporters thrusting ‘how to vote’ pamphlets into my hands. I took each one gracefully, keeping silent to avoid any conversation. I thought I was managing this well until I was accosted by a close neighbour, dressed in a brightly coloured tee shirt printed with the picture of the candidate he was volunteering for. “Hi. Great to see you here on such a fine day,” he began, offering me one of his pamphlets. “We are having a celebratory party at my place tonight,” he continued confidently. “You are welcome to join us.” I smiled a smile that I hoped didn’t suggest I would be at all interested attending and proceeded to join the queue at the main entrance.  Damn, I thought, the last thing I need is a rowdy party tonight that may last into the wee hours of the morning regardless of the outcome of the election.  Luckily there was no one I knew in the queue. The tantalising aroma of sausages and onions being barbequed filled the air, enticing me to believe it was nearly lunchtime, which it actually wasn’t. I made a mental note to check it and the local school fundraising cake stall before heading home. As the queue inched forward, I could see a crowd collecting in the park.  It appeared to be one of the candidates surrounded by a dozen or so supporters. I made another mental note to avoid it at all costs.Suddenly at the head of the queue I was ushered inside. I made another mental note to avoid such a busy time of the day for the next election. Soon I was being crossed off the electoral roll by a grumpy middle-aged lady who thrust the ballot papers into my hands and pointed to the booths. Obviously, she wasn’t having a good day. Perhaps an early start?It was only as I was marking my preferred candidates as a dutiful member of society, I remembered I had arranged to meet my bestie for coffee afterwards. The actual voting didn’t take much thought as I’d already decided weeks before. I hurried it up, placed the papers in the ballot boxes and scurried outside to see if my bestie had arrived yet. She hadn’t. While waiting I handed all the ‘how to vote’ pamphlets back to each volunteer as a silent protest about the paper wastage.I heard a familiar voice behind me.  “All done?”“Yep. You?” I replied, turning around to greet her.“I voted a few days ago. Coffee?”“Smart choice voting early. Coffee? I thought you’d never ask.”Then as we started heading towards the coffee shops in the street, I suddenly remembered something and stopped. “Wait. We’ve got to get a sausage sandwich first,” I said pointing in the direction of the barbeque, “and perhaps a couple of cupcakes.”Before long we were sitting on a bench in the sunny park eating our sausage sandwiches and sipping our coffees.“Guess what,” I began as I took my last bite, “I was invited to a celebratory party tonight at one of my neighbours’ places.”“You going?”“Gosh no. Tonight I am going to curl up on my sofa with the cat and a glass of wine watching a movie, occasionally flipping over to see the election results.”“Yeh. Me too…minus the cat.”

Tickets are now on sale for the Berry Writers Festival, which features a blockbuster line-up of international and home-grown authors led by Nobel Prize winning novelist JM Coetzee and popular Australian writers Michael Robotham and Sally Hepworth.Kiama’s Ryan Butta, Wollongong’s Hayley Scrivenor, Gerringong’s Fiona Weir and UK-based, Berry-born human rights lawyer and author Jennifer Robinson will join more than 80 well-known and emerging authors at the three-day festival from October 25-27. The Guardian editor David Marr will deliver the opening address. Novelists Alice Pung, Madeline Gray, Jessica Dettmann, Nina Wan, Ceridwen Dovey and Yuwaalaraay storyteller and performer Nardi Simpson, are among the talented fiction writers, who will talk about their craft.Journalist, author and Gold Walkley award winner Chris Masters will discuss his latest book, an investigation into the case against Australia's most highly decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith. Conversations That Count will feature 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame chatting with teacher and author Daisy Turnbull about risk, reward, friendship and contentment. Marc Fennell, Walkley Award-winning journalist, documentary maker and host of the television series Stuff the British Stole,  will discuss how history is told and adapting books to screens. Gina Chick, winner of the television series Alone and granddaughter of celebrated Kiama author Charmian Clift, will join author Holly Wainwright where they will discuss how to be alone.Mary Cunnane, the festival’s artistic director, and a former publisher and literary agent, said this year’s festival program will be bigger and even more diverse than the inaugural event in 2022.“The 2024 Berry Writers Festival will deliver a weekend of memorable experiences,” she said. “Words open the world and allow us to tell our stories and understand the lives of others.”The festival will also include a special Schools Day on October 24. Children’s book authors Kirli Saunders, Nathan Luff and Maryam Master will visit primary schools in Berry and nearby communities to share their stories. On October 25 Shoalhaven’s Anita Ahmadizadeh - a writer, artist, educator, researcher, and academic in children’s literature - will host Drawing Stories, a special workshop for children aged 6-12.A collaboration with the South Coast Writers Centre, New Voices of the South Coast: A Showcase for Debut Writers, gives new and emerging local literary talent a platform to showcase their work on the final day of the festival. The festival’s opening day will feature workshops with experts sharing insights into their work and the world of books and publishing. Sessions include kick-starting your novel; the business of publishing; memoir and biography; self publishing children's books and the skills needed to edit your own work.Berry Writers Festival president James Robinson said the much-loved event was for “writers, readers and people who believe in the power of storytelling, sharing ideas and healthy debate”. Access to early bird tickets is now available at: berrywritersfestival.org.au.

Helen Laidlaw is set to launch her highly anticipated book “On Wadi Wadi Country: From the mountains to the sea”.The event is to be held on Saturday 17th August at 2pm in the Kiama Library Auditorium, hosted by local Kiama writer, author and Journalist Bruce Elder. The book explores the lives of several First Nation Families and early European Families who lived in this area. These two groups are deeply intertwined with Kiama and the surrounding areas. Some of the families are the Longbottoms, the Dixons, the Weston/Johnstons and the Pikes.One of the most amazing stories is about King Mickey and Queen Rosie. Pictured on the cover is Queen Rosie in a photo from the November 1927 Sydney Morning Herald.You are invited to join Mr Elder to share your thoughts on Laidlaw's work over an afternoon cup of tea or a glass of wine. Mark your calendars as there are more events to come. Nick Hartgerink - Saturday 14 September 2024 at 2pm in Library Auditorium, to enjoy a detailed history of Kiamas Aged Care Facility, Blue Haven Malcolm Bedford - Saturday 26 October at 2pm 2024 in Kiama Library Auditorium, as he looks forward to hearing your ideas for the future of Bombo Quarry

Ollie the therapy dog and her handler Judi Sandilands-Cincotta have been busier than usual of late. Ollie, one of the hardest-working therapy dogs in the country, has joined Shellharbour Library in the lead up to Book Week Celebrations. Parents can book a slot for their children to read one-on-one with Ollie on August 8 and 15 as part of the library’s Paws and Pages Pawgust program.“Ollie is a great listener and loves to have stories read to her from the children and youth of the Library. She is an expert at providing a mood boost and happy hello,” says Children’s and Youth Librarian Kellie John.As well as improving childhood literacy at library visits Ollie continues to support teen mental health. Ollie recently joined founder of The Champions program Nic Newling during a talk the mental health advocate held for Year 11 students at Warilla High School. “This is Ollie’s second year joining one of Nic’s talks, which use storytelling as an opportunity for students to openly discuss topics that are difficult,” said Judi. “Guide Dog Shiko also came along to help students talk about difficult topics and to be on hand for anyone who needed some puppy cuddles.”Natasha Clark, Warilla High School’s head teacher of wellbeing, says having Judi, Ollie and Shiko on site for the past three years is just one of the many ways the school provides support to both students and staff.As well as visiting Warilla High School every week and Kiama and Bomaderry High School each fortnight, Ollie also provides support to victims of crime and staff at Wollongong court, pops in to visit police officers at the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command, ambulance staff at Barrack Heights and volunteers at Lifeline Sylvania each month.It is little wonder that Olie was named as one of the Top 10 Hardest Working Dogs in Australia as part of the Dogs Down Under TV series which will air on Channel 10 next month. Dogs Down Under presenter Lara Shannon says she was “blown away” by the stories of canine companions like Ollie who are “saving lives, protecting the community and bringing together people from all walks of life through a common bond and love of dogs”. “The judges and I could never have imagined how hard it would be to select just ten finalists,” says Shannon. “We will be sharing as many of the stories that we can on social media and other platforms throughout the year, to recognise and celebrate the important role dogs play in our lives and the wider community”.Keep an eye out for Ollie’s story when the Top 10 Finalists for the Most Talented, Hardest Working, Everyday Heroes and Sporting Legends categories go to air on September 7.