Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCamman’s new book has come a long way since starting out as an inside joke that they shared while working together.They will launch their new junior fiction book, The Marvellous Submarine, at The Kiama Pavilion on April 2 at 6.30pm.The pair first met while working at Clay’s former bookstore-café, Bouquiniste, on Terralong Street. Both dreamed of becoming writers and while working on their individual projects, they accidentally stumbled upon a collaborative venture.“We just started collaborating, almost as a joke, about this kids’ series we wanted to create,” Clay said. “Somewhere along the way, we thought, maybe this does have legs, so we decided to write it down and expand on it.”Conor recalls how they would be midway through work at the café, with one person tending to the business while the other wrote.“We were literally writing it during business hours. One person would be steaming milk and calling over their shoulder, Mr Brains should say this, while the other would be writing it down on the laptop. Or while one of us was sweeping or something. It all just happened in our heads, and we got it down as it came,” says Conor.The project reached new heights when they figured out Conor had a talent for drawing - after doodling on some of the store receipts.“Anytime something funny would happen in the shop, Conor would print out receipt paper and draw it like a comic. We had these comics posted everywhere, capturing little funny moments from the shop,” Clay said.“That’s when we realised how well Conor could draw. He started illustrating some of the book’s characters, so we ended up with all these little bits of receipt paper stuck up around the shop.”The Marvellous Submarine follows twin siblings who live on an island with their mother, a famous inventor. When their mother is kidnapped, the twins must embark on a submarine adventure with a crew of animals to rescue her. Along the way, they encounter pirates, a blue whale, exploding basketballs, and a host of other ridiculous hijinks.Collaborating on a book can come with its problems, but Clay and Conor both agree they were perfectly matched when it came to their collective vision for the book.“There were times when I’d come up with an idea, tell Conor about it, and he’d instantly know how to bring it to life,” says Clay. “He’d draw it, and I’d think, That’s perfect. That’s exactly what I had in mind.”This is Clay’s second book, following 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze. After finishing The Marvellous Submarine, they handed it to his publisher and agent, and the rest, as they say, is history.“I had the ability to put the book in the right hands - both to my agent and my publisher - and we were surprised to see how much they enjoyed it,” Clay said. “To the point where I don’t even think they changed anything when we first handed the book in.”When asked what they enjoyed most about writing a children’s book, Clay and Conor mention the joy of reconnecting with their childlike imagination and creating moments that both kids and adults can enjoy.“After the release of my first book, I had the opportunity to visit schools and festivals, meeting other children’s and teen writers,” Clay said. “Especially when you’re workshopping with kids, their imagination is incredible. They’re not limited by anything, which as adults, I think we lose a little bit.”“We tried to make it fun for parents to read to their kids as well,” says Conor. “For example, the pirates in the book turn out to be investment bankers at a costume party on their mega yacht, and they get blown off course and they have to become real pirates just to survive.”The book will be released on launch day on April 2 and will be available for sale at the Kiama Pavilion, and you can grab a free ticket here.

Kiamasala Festival will bring the sights, sounds and flavours of India to Kiama for a celebration of Culture, Community and Collaboration.Kiama Harbour will be transformed into a delicious street food market, a market stall bazaar and a vibrant performance space where community members can soak in a mix of classical and contemporary dance and music to transport us and educate us on the rich ancient Indian culture. It’s a time to dance, come together, share a plate and party.The festivities will include yoga workshops, cooking Demonstrations, cricket games, Bollywood Buffet Night, travel talk, Indian handicrafts and fashion stalls.Food is deeply intertwined with Indian culture, going beyond sustenance to represent tradition, hospitality, spirituality and identity. Take a food journey at Kiamasala, starting in the North with the Nepalese Fare Stall and travel through the various regions down to our South Indian Kerala style stall. Washed down with a refreshing Mango Lassi or a Hot Masala Chai?Bring a picnic rug and bring some company.And if you would like to share your photos, send them to [email protected]’s the schedule of Saturday’s events: 🕚 11:00 AM 🎤 Korma Kids🕛 11:40 AM 🎶 SKM (Sitaron ki Mehfil)🕛 12:20 PM 🌟 Bollywood Exclusive🕛 12:35 PM 💃 Kathak🕛 12:45 PM 🌟 Bollywood Exclusive🕐 1:00 PM 🎙️ Welcome to Country - Aunty Gwenda🕐 1:20 PM 🥁 Shivagarjuna Dhol Tasha🕑 2:00 PM 🎭 Nethra🕑 2:30 PM 🌟 Bollywood Exclusive🕑 2:45 PM 🎶 Desi Genes🕒 3:00 PM 💃 BollyOn Australia and DJ Dance Party

It is impossible to meet David Butcher and not be completely enthralled. Here is a man who has spent his life working with animals, building institutions, and leading organisations, all while maintaining an unshakable sense of curiosity and ingenuity. And yet, when you ask him about the highlights, he shrugs.No big deal. Just built a zoo from scratch in the middle of nowhere, under budget and almost on time. Just fired the public works department when they became an obstacle. Just changed the way people think about conservation, animal welfare, and agriculture. Just.David Butcher and his partner Amanda Large are both heavily involved in their local community Born in New Zealand, David started his veterinary studies at Sydney University in the early 1960s. In those days, there was no veterinary course available in New Zealand, so students had to go abroad. He began his career in dairy practice in Taranaki at a time when the industry was shifting rapidly. The days of small family-run farms with 30 cows were disappearing, making way for larger-scale operations. New Zealand’s approach to pasture management was evolving, and David was in the thick of it, working with farmers as herd sizes grew into the hundreds.But his career wasn’t just about cows. After a stint working with thoroughbreds, he became disillusioned with the racing industry.What followed was a wildly varied career, each phase as remarkable as the last.Locum work at Taronga Zoo turned into a full-time offer to lead the establishment of what would become the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.In true David fashion, he took a haphazard, bureaucratic project and got it done. He became a quantity surveyor, a project manager, a civil engineer, and when needed, a demolitions expert.He worked with a crew of farmhands, bushies, and practical problem-solvers to build roads, enclosures, and entire animal habitats. And he did it all in 13 months, delivering the project for $2.7 million and $300,000 under budget.Transporting animals became one of the most fascinating parts of his career.Giraffes from Taronga had to be carefully lowered as trucks passed under low bridges. Elephants from England were transported on cargo ships, surrounded by stacked containers forming enclosures.Aboard planes, giraffes had to descend slowly to prevent fainting from air pressure changes. David worked with Qantas to fly animals across the globe, including the first koalas to Japan. Every transport was a logistical puzzle, requiring creative solutions and careful problem-solving.After eight years at Dubbo, he returned to Taronga Zoo, this time as Assistant Director. But the politics of big institutions never suited him. He soon moved on to run the RSPCA, where he worked to reform animal welfare enforcement and modernise the organisation.His career then took him to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where he spent a decade leading conservation efforts across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.Under his leadership, WWF tackled major environmental issues, including the preservation of marine habitats, reforestation projects, and climate change mitigation.His work with WWF took him to some of the most remote and fascinating places on the planet, collaborating with international organisations and governments to drive sustainable environmental policies. He played a key role in projects that addressed overgrazing in Tibet, the deforestation crisis affecting the Yangtze River, and sustainable farming practices that protected local ecosystems.Later, he led Greening Australia in New South Wales, pushing for streamlined national management in a sector that often tripped over its own bureaucratic complexity.Throughout these roles, David remained committed to veterinary practice.Except for his years at the zoo, he continued to work part-time as a vet at his practice until 2014 when Bankstown Veterinary Hospital was sold. His career also included a stint in North Yorkshire in mixed practice adjacent to that of Alf White, known as James Herriot. He still holds his veterinary registration, though today his continuing education is largely focused on wildlife issues.His stories are endless.Tales of solving a power crisis in Broken Hill by changing dairy cattle feed to disrupt a flock of 10,000 corellas. Of discovering an old army tip site by watching a bulldozer sink into the earth, spitting up army rations as it went.Of an elephant who, given medication disguised in a loaf of bread, promptly spat it out after rinsing her mouth with water.David’s approach to life is simple: trust people, empower them, and get the job done.And if something isn’t working he gets rid of the roadblocks and handles it himself.

The environment will be a major issue in the seat of Gilmore at the upcoming Federal election and the heat was on Liberal candidate Andrew Constance at a community forum this week in Kiama. Organised by 350.org Australia, the Australian Conservation Foundation and Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, the Gilmore Candidates Forum at Kiama Uniting Church gave incumbent MP Fiona Phillips, Mr Constance, Community Independent Kate Dezarnaulds and The Greens’ nominee, Debbie Killian, a chance to address a crowd of 145 locals.Kiama Uniting Church Reverend Kath Merrifield moderated the debate, which was civilised until a few rabble-rousers who snuck in towards the end were asked to leave for being rude and disruptive.“It was high spirited and passionate,” she said. “It was certainly focused on climate and environmental issues, so questions about wind farms and nuclear power and logging, all of those sorts of issues were covered.” Rev Merrifield was also part of a faith-based delegation organised by the ARRCC that met Mr Constance at a separate meeting on Monday before the candidates forum and she has concerns about Peter Dutton’s environmental policies if he wins government from Anthony Albanese.She said Mr Constance was favouring information from a Frontier Economics report that was commissioned by the Liberal Party over recommendations put forward by the CSIRO.“The CSIRO is a highly reputable body, and it seemed to me he was questioning their integrity rather than addressing the urgent need for action to address climate change,” she said. Reverend Kath Merrifield moderating the debate: Photo: Cathy Russell“In our meeting he said something very similar about the integrity of the Climate Change Authority, which is another impartial organisation that had also put out a report of its own, showing that going down the nuclear pathway would hugely increase our carbon emissions as it would take so long to build and would prolong the use of coal and gas in the meantime. “It seems Mr Constance doesn’t like the facts: nuclear will both cost people more and damage our climate.”Mr Constance told The Bugle that Frontier Economics had years of experience in energy economics, and understood the necessary and correct assumptions to work out the price of nuclear energy.“The Liberals commissioned leading and independent advisory firm Frontier Economics to cost emissions-free nuclear at several current coal-fired power generation sites,” he said.“Australia cannot gamble its future energy needs on a '100% renewables only' policy, which has been found to be 40% more costly than nuclear given the huge investment required in new transmissions assets across farmland and national parks. “My focus is the devastating impact Labor's policies are having on electricity and energy prices in this cost of living crisis. Locals are in serious trouble.“I am the only candidate standing with a plan to tackle the cost of living crisis, whilst the remaining candidates show no regard to the impact of their climate policies on the welfare of locals.”Ms Phillips countered by saying: “It’s interesting that Constance didn’t mention nuclear in his opening statement, and only spoke about the Liberals’ nuclear energy plan when questioned directly about it. It was most definitely the elephant in the room.Community members at the forum at Kiama Uniting Church. Photo: Mick McGrath “I think the Libs are finally realising that switched-on Australians don’t want to go down the nuclear path, and the topic seems to have completely disappeared from their talking points.”““It was fantastic to see so many Kiama locals out supporting climate action and the need to swiftly transition to renewable energy to put pressure on electricity prices, to create local jobs and to ensure we meet our target of 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.“I believe the majority of Kiama residents are smart enough to see right through the ridiculous offshore wind scare campaign being peddled by Dutton and Constance. They understand the science behind renewables, and they know we need to get more energy into the grid to reduce electricity costs for families and businesses.” Ms Dezernaulds said when she is out and about talking to community members, the environment is top of mind in the electorate.“The priorities for our campaign are people being able to afford the basics, people being able to protect what they love about this place, a just energy transition, integrity in politics and infrastructure suited for our regional population,” she said.“I really focused (at the forum) on the opportunity for people to be able to reduce their household bills and their small business expenses with the opportunities of the energy transition and just where the government policy has seen the electorate of Gilmore falling too far behind.“I think the opposition to wind farms is concentrated in a vocal minority and is ideologically driven. Whipping up fear within the community without a proposal on the table is politically motivated.”Ms Killian said The Greens had a really clear set of “quite ambitious policies”, not just about environmental issues.“The transition to renewables is a big thing not only for Gilmore but for everywhere.“We need to look very carefully at offshore wind. Once we get a proposal that’s environmentally viable it would be great to have, because of the jobs. We know that with good, careful planning they can work without destroying the ocean,” she said, while adding that The Greens would oppose any plan which harms wildlife such as whales and sea birds.Bob Hayward, a committee member from Repower Shoalhaven, which is part of the South East Climate Alliance which helped organise the event, said taxpayers were tired of bearing the cost burden for infrastructure while coal companies enjoyed massive tax breaks.“There has been a lack of pace on climate change, the urgency is now,” he said.“A number of the candidates got applause for their commitment to seek ways to accelerate it. People are rightly anxious about the cost of living and climate change is a major contributor in terms of insurance costs and the damage done to public infrastructure which we have to pay for with our rates and taxes.”

The environment will be a major issue in the seat of Gilmore at the upcoming Federal election and the heat was on Liberal candidate Andrew Constance at a community forum this week in Kiama. Organised by 350.org Australia, the Australian Conservation Foundation and Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, the Gilmore Candidates Forum at Kiama Uniting Church gave incumbent MP Fiona Phillips, Mr Constance, Community Independent Kate Dezarnaulds and The Greens’ nominee, Debbie Killian, a chance to address a crowd of 145 locals.Kiama Uniting Church Reverend Kath Merrifield moderated the debate, which was civilised until a few rabble-rousers who snuck in towards the end were asked to leave for being rude and disruptive.“It was high spirited and passionate,” she said. “It was certainly focused on climate and environmental issues, so questions about wind farms and nuclear power and logging, all of those sorts of issues were covered.” Rev Merrifield was also part of a faith-based delegation organised by the ARRCC that met Mr Constance at a separate meeting on Monday before the candidates forum and she has concerns about Peter Dutton’s environmental policies if he wins government from Anthony Albanese.She said Mr Constance was favouring information from a Frontier Economics report that was commissioned by the Liberal Party over recommendations put forward by the CSIRO.“The CSIRO is a highly reputable body, and it seemed to me he was questioning their integrity rather than addressing the urgent need for action to address climate change,” she said. Reverend Kath Merrifield moderating the debate: Photo: Cathy Russell“In our meeting he said something very similar about the integrity of the Climate Change Authority, which is another impartial organisation that had also put out a report of its own, showing that going down the nuclear pathway would hugely increase our carbon emissions as it would take so long to build and would prolong the use of coal and gas in the meantime. “It seems Mr Constance doesn’t like the facts: nuclear will both cost people more and damage our climate.”Mr Constance told The Bugle that Frontier Economics had years of experience in energy economics, and understood the necessary and correct assumptions to work out the price of nuclear energy.“The Liberals commissioned leading and independent advisory firm Frontier Economics to cost emissions-free nuclear at several current coal-fired power generation sites,” he said.“Australia cannot gamble its future energy needs on a '100% renewables only' policy, which has been found to be 40% more costly than nuclear given the huge investment required in new transmissions assets across farmland and national parks. “My focus is the devastating impact Labor's policies are having on electricity and energy prices in this cost of living crisis. Locals are in serious trouble.“I am the only candidate standing with a plan to tackle the cost of living crisis, whilst the remaining candidates show no regard to the impact of their climate policies on the welfare of locals.”Ms Phillips countered by saying: “It’s interesting that Constance didn’t mention nuclear in his opening statement, and only spoke about the Liberals’ nuclear energy plan when questioned directly about it. It was most definitely the elephant in the room.Community members at the forum at Kiama Uniting Church. Photo: Mick McGrath “I think the Libs are finally realising that switched-on Australians don’t want to go down the nuclear path, and the topic seems to have completely disappeared from their talking points.”““It was fantastic to see so many Kiama locals out supporting climate action and the need to swiftly transition to renewable energy to put pressure on electricity prices, to create local jobs and to ensure we meet our target of 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.“I believe the majority of Kiama residents are smart enough to see right through the ridiculous offshore wind scare campaign being peddled by Dutton and Constance. They understand the science behind renewables, and they know we need to get more energy into the grid to reduce electricity costs for families and businesses.” Ms Dezernaulds said when she is out and about talking to community members, the environment is top of mind in the electorate.“The priorities for our campaign are people being able to afford the basics, people being able to protect what they love about this place, a just energy transition, integrity in politics and infrastructure suited for our regional population,” she said.“I really focused (at the forum) on the opportunity for people to be able to reduce their household bills and their small business expenses with the opportunities of the energy transition and just where the government policy has seen the electorate of Gilmore falling too far behind.“I think the opposition to wind farms is concentrated in a vocal minority and is ideologically driven. Whipping up fear within the community without a proposal on the table is politically motivated.”Ms Killian said The Greens had a really clear set of “quite ambitious policies”, not just about environmental issues.“The transition to renewables is a big thing not only for Gilmore but for everywhere.“We need to look very carefully at offshore wind. Once we get a proposal that’s environmentally viable it would be great to have, because of the jobs. We know that with good, careful planning they can work without destroying the ocean,” she said, while adding that The Greens would oppose any plan which harms wildlife such as whales and sea birds.Bob Hayward, a committee member from Repower Shoalhaven, which is part of the South East Climate Alliance which helped organise the event, said taxpayers were tired of bearing the cost burden for infrastructure while coal companies enjoyed massive tax breaks.“There has been a lack of pace on climate change, the urgency is now,” he said.“A number of the candidates got applause for their commitment to seek ways to accelerate it. People are rightly anxious about the cost of living and climate change is a major contributor in terms of insurance costs and the damage done to public infrastructure which we have to pay for with our rates and taxes.”

Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips is confident that cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will deliver cost of living relief with a script to cost no more than $25.Ms Phillips and Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler dropped by the Beachside Pharmacy in Ulladulla this week to announce that four out of five PBS medicines will become cheaper because of this $689 million investment in the upcoming Budget. There will be a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines, which will save Australians over $200 million each year, according to Ms Phillips.She said the last time that PBS medicines cost $25 or less was 21 years ago.“Residents in Gilmore have told me Labor’s cheaper medicines are giving them real cost of living relief – these changes will deliver even more savings,” she said.“Our community has already saved almost $10 million, and under a re-elected Labor Government they will save even more.“Our plan is clear – more bulk billing, more doctors, even cheaper medicines, a federally funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Nowra and extended hours, from 6am until midnight, at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.“Only Labor will deliver a stronger Medicare for Australia and Gilmore.”Mr Butler said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had voted to block cheaper medicines six times when he was a member of prior Coalition governments.“When Peter Dutton was Health Minister, he tried to make medicines cost more, not less,” he said.“Peter Dutton tried to jack up the cost of medicines by up to $5 a script and put free medicines for sick pensioners even further out of reach.” “The contrast, this election, is clear: cheaper medicines with a re-elected Albanese Government, or the frankly terrifying legacy of Peter Dutton, who wants medicines to cost more, not less.” If re-elected the Albanese Government will pass legislation and $25 maximum PBS scripts will start from January 1 2026.

Selling sausage sandwiches and home baked slices, muffins, scones and cakes at a Bunnings BBQ meant lots of teamwork for Children’s Medical Research Institute’s Gerringong Committee.In typical CMRI style there were plenty of members working from 8am to 5pm on the day across 3 shifts on two stalls while lots of members sent along their baked goods that proved very popular. The first fundraiser for 2025, it was a new venture with cakes being sold. Plenty of credit goes to Brenda Davy and Sue Dmetreson for organising and a big thank you to the public for their generous support.There are many significant research projects underway at the Children’s Medical Research Institute with over 200 scientists committed to finding treatments and cures for serious conditions affecting kids. Just some of the accomplishments in the past 30 years have been a world-first project to transform cancer diagnosis and personalise treatment planning, and Australian-first gene therapy treatments providing more gene therapy cures for genetic disorders in children.Over 6000 genetic diseases and other conditions could be cured with gene therapy and this ground-breaking research inspires the CMRI Gerringong committee members tocontinue to organise fundraising events that will support these projects. Go to www.cmrijeansforgenes.org.au for more information about the ongoing research.The next big event is the Mother’s Day weekend High Tea at Gerringong Town Hall on 10 May from 2pm. Tickets are $30 each with tables available of up to eight people. Tickets go on sale from 28 April at https://www.trybooking.com/CZYKA and we would love for you to come along and enjoy lots of delicious home made treats, sandwiches and good company while supporting a great cause.New members are always welcome with our next meeting on 7 April from 7pm at Gerringong Town Hall.

It’s been six short months since our community went to the polls and elected our new Kiama Council. Some were shocked at the results with Mayor Cameron McDonald’s “Community Minded, Business Focused” team taking one third of the seats, with another third also made up of newcomers. With the Federal election around the corner, the next two months will be chock full of campaigning, announcements, broad brush commitments and sweeping statements – we love it! The big question is, and always has been – what’s in it for us? What will our community get? And which candidates and political parties are best placed to actually deliver it? On an ultra-thin margin of 0.2%, the seat of Gilmore, which encompasses Kiama, Nowra-Bomaderry, Berry, Milton-Ulladulla, Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay and surrounds, is one of the key seats in the upcoming election. The result in Gilmore could indeed tip the result of the election one way or another. In Gilmore, it looks to be a three-horse race between the incumbent, Fiona Phillips (Labor), the failed challenger of the 2022 election Andrew Constance (Liberal) and Berry local, Kate Dezarnaulds as the independent, sponsored by Climate 200. With the benefit of a Federal Budget that will take place next week, Ms Phillips will have the opportunity to make commitments related to much-needed public infrastructure and cost of living measures. We have already seen proclamations regarding the Nowra Riverfront Revitalisation and upgrades to the Marine Rescue facility at Crookhaven Heads.  Mr Constance, historically a member of the “moderate” faction of the Liberal Party, has taken a more hardline stance on issues such as climate change, in line with the position of Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton. The Liberal Party will be latching onto historically high interest rates and inflation, and the subsequent impact on cost-of-living pressures as a core tenet of their election campaign. Finally, Ms Dezarnaulds is marketing herself as the truly independent voice for Gilmore. She sets her priorities as affordable housing and healthcare, powering the future, community resilience and honest leadership. She will be hoping history repeats itself and the Gilmore electorate supports her in the same way the Kiama community supported the independent ticket at the 2024 local council elections. The election must take place on or before 17 May 2025, and there will be a period of at least 33 days between announcing the date and polling day itself. For what it’s worth, here at The Bugle we have 10 May as our pick. Over the next 5-7 weeks these candidates will be out and about, making proclamations as to why they should represent Gilmore and our community for the next three years.  Over the next decade, our community will undergo very significant change. Whether it be to Council services or expansion of the existing town (both up and out) all of this means we are going to require more infrastructure, funding and support (from all levels of Government). The Bugle’s View is that every one of us has the responsibility to ask hard-hitting questions, seek genuine commitments and ensure we elect the candidate that will get the most for us now, and into the future.

When five-year-old Lachie walked through the gates of Kiama Public School last month, he became the fourth generation of his family to do so, a tradition that began in the 1930s.This remarkable family connection of more than 90 years offers a glimpse into the school’s progression. Lachie's great-grandfather, Alisdair Tarbert, who moved to Kiama when he was three, was the first in the family to attend the school.His daughter, Karen Rossiter, explains that he started kindergarten around 1938-39, “then my sister, brother and I started at Kiama Infants when it was down where The Sebel is”. Karen began her education in 1966 at the original site that opened in 1861 which catered for infants and as the town started to grow, a new school was built on Thompson Street in 1965 for students in Years 3-6. After a few years of renovations and new buildings, the schools amalgamated in 2001, with all students moved to the newer location. She recalled how the playground at the original site was near Black Beach and considerably different to school playgrounds today. "We used to play on the school flats of a lunchtime down there - we had the best playground in the world,” she said. Kiama Public School first class in 1940. Alisdair holds the class information board.Her father's school experience during World War II reflected a time of much greater hardship in public education. "Dad played football for Kiama Primary and the school was so poor that they had to make their jerseys out of hessian bags,” Karen says. “He said they were so itchy and very uncomfortable to wear but there was no money around." The school milk program is a prominent memory of Karen’s primary education, partly because the milk was always hot but also due to her Mum’s resourcefulness. Kiama Public School first class in 1966. Karen holds the class information sign on the left."I remember the school fetes, they were a lot of fun and we were able to be on 'dunk the dolly', people would throw balls and dunk us into the water,” says Karen. “And Santa used to come across the harbour at Christmas time in a rowboat, and see all the kids waving on Black Beach."We used to get milk every day and it was always hot, and then mum kindly let us take a little bit of Milo in a container so that we could fix the Milo in so it didn't taste so bad.”Karen was a prefect and the tradition continued with her sons."One of my sons was school captain so his name's up on the honour board, and it's lovely for Lachie to see that his uncle's name is up there, and his dad was a SRC member,” she said."We value public education and it's just lovely for that family tradition to continue."Lachie is loving it, he's having a great time, he was well and truly ready to start school. “I still have friends today that I went to school with, and my boys both have friends and my Dad even still has friends that he went to school with, so I'm sure Lachie will have lifelong friends as well."Karen’s parents are still in the area as well as her two sons as they continue to share a connection with the community forged from their days in the old schoolyard. 

Kiama Council will move forward with a staged approach to the Jamberoo Cycleway rather than returning $2.5 million in state funding. The decision, made at Tuesday’s Council meeting, reflects a commitment to delivering at least part of the long-awaited project while working to secure additional funding for its completion.The cycleway, which was planned to connect Jamberoo to Kiama’s broader cycling network, has been in development for more than 20 years. While the project was initially budgeted at $2.5 million, recent design work confirmed total costs have doubled to $5.4m, leaving a $2.9m funding shortfall.Rather than abandoning the project, councillors voted to use the funding already secured to deliver a first stage while advocating for further state and federal grants to complete the route. The motion also directs Council to engage with Transport for NSW to clarify grant conditions and explore the possibility of a timeline extension beyond the current deadline of March 2026.The meeting highlighted several key challenges, mainly that the funding shortfall means Council must now find an additional $2.9m to complete the full cycleway. The planned route crosses privately owned land and discussions with landholders will be necessary before progressing. Councillors expressed concern that delaying the project further could lead to even higher costs in the future. The detailed design plans have not yet been released to the public, with the CEO explaining that doing so could affect property values and create legal risks.It is pivotal that those with expertise within the community have access to the design so they can provide input. Never underestimate local knowledge. Those who use the roads and cycle paths every day, whether as cyclists, landholders or residents, have insights that could improve safety, connectivity and long-term success. Engaging the community in the design process would not only improve transparency but also ensure the best possible outcome for a project that has been in discussion for two decades.Understanding and addressing the concerns of landholders will be critical to moving the project forward. Many property owners have expressed valid concerns about fencing, land use and potential impacts on their operations.There is a history of resistance to certain routes, and Council must take a collaborative approach to ensure landholders feel respected and included in decision-making. Exploring ways to mitigate disruptions, offer fair compensation and ensure ongoing communication will be essential in building trust and finding solutions that work for all stakeholders.Council staff will consult with Transport for NSW on funding conditions and grant flexibility. An update on funding opportunities and project staging will be presented by May 2025. Once funding is confirmed, the project will go to tender, allowing contractors to bid for its construction.While securing full funding remains a challenge, the decision ensures progress continues on a project that has been on the community’s wish list for decades. Councillors noted that the Federal Government’s Active Transport Fund may offer new grant opportunities and they are committed to continuing advocacy efforts.For now, the fate of the full Jamberoo Cycleway remains uncertain, but Council’s decision keeps the project on track even if it means there is yet another delay.

If you’ve ever wondered whether council meetings can rival reality TV for sheer entertainment value, the latest session at Kiama Council has your answer.Motion 20.4, a seemingly straightforward discussion about companion animals, turned into a purr-fectly hilarious exchange that left some councillors feline amused and others catatonic with disbelief. Councillor Stuart Larkins kicked things off with a serious pitch for developing a companion animal strategy, citing changing housing patterns, updates to the NSW Companion Animals Act, and the state’s increasing focus on feral cat management.A reasonable, well-structured argument, right? Well, enter Councillor Michael Cains, who clearly had other ideas. “I recognise that Councillor Larkins has pounced on this particular strategy,” he began, barely a minute into his speech. “But I’m not feline the same disposition towards this.” The puns only escalated from there, as Councillor Cains questioned the necessity of new regulations, floated the idea of a mayoral cat (in the newly refurbished mayoral quarters, no less), and drew comparisons to the weighty matters of Fabian socialism. “Are we supposed to create some sort of paw patrol? And where do we stop? Are we going to start counting goldfish now?” he asked, perhaps wondering if the council chambers had transformed into an episode of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Kittens. The response was swift. Councillor Larkins, whilst impressed with the feline wordplay, pointed out that the motion was about more than just cats, it addressed responsible pet ownership across the board.Councillor Imogen Draisma tried to rein things back in, noting that COVID-19 had led to an increase in pet ownership and, as a result, more compliance issues. But by then, the cat was well and truly out of the bag. As the debate continued, the council chamber became a battleground of animal references.Councillor Matt Brown declared, “You’ve got to be kitten me,” before supporting an amendment for consultation with the RSPCA. Councillor Yasmin Tatrai circled back to the dogs, while Councillor Erica Warren sought to tweak the wording on household pet limits.Somewhere amidst the chaos, a serious discussion about responsible pet ownership was taking place, but you’d be forgiven for thinking you had tuned into a satirical panel show instead. In the end, the motion passed, with council agreeing to establish a formal pet management strategy.The debate left a lasting impression, not just for its policy implications, but for the sheer entertainment value. If council meetings continue like this, we may have found Kiama’s next must-watch event. Forget Married at First Sight, this is local government at its most unfiltered.And best of all, it’s free to stream here

The Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch is launching a Veterans’ Assistance Centre at its hall on Allowrie Street, Jamberoo - directly opposite the Jamberoo Hotel.Starting Saturday, 5 April, the centre will be open on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to 12 noon, providing free support and advice for veterans and their families.RSL member and veteran Craig “Clarry” Claridge, a highly qualified Wellbeing Support Officer, will be available for consultations. A former Chief Petty Officer Medic with expertise in remote healthcare, Clarry has served with the Royal Australian Navy, Queensland Ambulance Service, and on international operations. For over a decade, he has dedicated himself to supporting veterans and their families in the Illawarra region, helping them access essential services.Craig and his wife, Danielle, also run Better Planning, a Wollongong-based NDIS company, offering free assistance to veterans and their families navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme.In addition to wellbeing support, the centre will provide Justice of the Peace services and a welcoming space for veterans to drop in for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee.For more information, contact Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch President Gary McKay on 0411 574 019 or via email at [email protected].

The Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment is leading the way in getting more women onto building sites. With 13 per cent of its workforce female, the project has more than tripled the NSW Government’s trial target of four per cent for women in trade-based roles.It is also ahead of the industry average, where women make up just 13 per cent of the overall construction workforce and a mere two per cent of trades. This project proves targeted initiatives can shift entrenched industry norms.But while women are stepping into construction roles, the same cannot be said for men entering traditionally female-dominated fields.The numbers tell the story. In health and social assistance, women dominate, making up 79 per cent of the workforce. Education sits at 64 per cent female. Administrative and clerical jobs are overwhelmingly staffed by women. Yet men are barely moving into these spaces.Cultural norms still dictate career paths. Young men are steered towards trades and engineering while caring professions are seen as “women’s work.” Pay is another factor. Construction jobs typically offer higher wages than healthcare or education, making them more attractive to men.Workplace culture plays a role too. Just as women in trades face challenges being accepted, men in nursing or early childhood education can feel out of place.Governments have backed programs to boost women in construction, but there has been little effort to encourage men into female-dominated industries. Recruitment campaigns, better career guidance and policy incentives could help shift the balance.The Shoalhaven Hospital project shows change is possible when governments and industry work together. But for true gender equality in the workforce, that change needs to go both ways.

OpinionKiama MP Gareth Ward has called for the Rental Commissioner to be made truly independent, arguing the current system is failing renters and acting as little more than a political tool for the government of the day.Speaking to The Bugle, Ward expressed frustration that the Rental Commissioner has not responded to his correspondence and appears to be selective in engaging with communities.“They just do the bidding of the government, whoever that government might be. If they were genuinely seeking policy reform, they would be visiting regions, listening to communities, and responding to requests from all members of parliament, not just government MPs,” Ward said.He believes the structure of the commission, as it stands, is fundamentally flawed. “It is just another public servant, not an independent voice for renters,” he said.Ward is particularly concerned about the lack of accountability for landlords, citing local cases where rental properties have been left in shocking conditions with little oversight. “We are seeing anything thrown on the market by estate agents, sometimes from completely different LGAs. Imagine if there were no local agents at all, just online agencies with no real person to speak to. It is a serious issue.”His concerns are reinforced by new data from the latest REA Group Rental Affordability Report, which confirms New South Wales is experiencing its worst rental affordability crisis on record.Sydney rents have reached an unprecedented $780 per week for houses and $700 for units, making it the least affordable state in Australia.“This report validates what 67,900 people seeking homelessness support last year already know – housing in NSW has become completely unaffordable for many,” said Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe.With rising homelessness in the region, Ward pointed to a stark disconnect between political rhetoric and real-world outcomes. “Titles do not matter to someone sleeping in a tent or in the back of their car. What matters is actual outcomes. And I do not see what outcomes this commission has achieved.”Ward is now pushing for reforms, including making the Rental Commissioner independent and ensuring renters in regional areas, such as Kiama, have their concerns heard.“I will be raising this at my next cross-bench meeting and suggesting we bring the Rental Commissioner in for a briefing. If they are supposed to be a voice for renters, they need to be listening.”As the housing crisis deepens, the question remains.Will the government take real action, or will the Rental Commissioner remain little more than political window dressing?

Kiama’s pharmacists are more than healthcare providers.They are trusted members of the community, offering vital services that extend far beyond dispensing prescriptions.From vaccinations to urgent treatments, medication advice, and community initiatives, their role in our region is indispensable.Local MP Gareth Ward emphasises the importance of recognising the contributions of pharmacists, particularly during Thank Your Pharmacist Week.“Today is important to highlight the critical role that our local pharmacists play and to understand how supporting pharmacists means better healthcare access. As your local State MP, I will continue to fight to strengthen our local pharmacists' role in our healthcare system and the many benefits they provide for our region,” says Mr Ward.Pharmacists in Kiama are stepping into expanded frontline healthcare roles.Many now administer flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as travel immunisations, and provide medication for urgent conditions, ensuring patients receive timely treatment when they cannot get same-day access to a doctor.Chris Mills from Kiama Destination Pharmacy in the Woolworths Shopping Complex, Siab Mohamed from Blooms Chemist in Terralong Street, and Megan Kelly from Kiama Pharmacy in Manning Street all recognise the importance of accessible healthcare. They offer expert guidance on medication management, helping patients take medicines safely and avoid harmful interactions.Medication reviews are also available to assist those managing complex prescriptions.Our pharmacists are often the first line of support for minor ailments, mental health concerns, and chronic disease management.Many also offer home medicine delivery services, ensuring vulnerable members of the community receive the care they need.Beyond healthcare, Kiama’s pharmacists are deeply involved in initiatives that make a tangible difference.Kiama Pharmacy actively collaborates with community groups, including fundraising efforts such as the Lions Club charity stamp collection program, the Christmas Cake drive, and the ever-popular Apple Drive, where fresh apples sourced directly from farms are sold in local businesses to raise funds for community programs.Pharmacies in Kiama also provide collection points for various recycling and charity programs. Blooms Chemist and Kiama Pharmacy have taken the initiative to privately fund a needle disposal program, ensuring safe disposal of used sharps after the council discontinued the service.“We do not charge for collection. People can bring their used sharps in, and we ensure they are disposed of properly.The small fee for the containers simply covers the cost of the private company that picks them up,” explains Siab Mohamed.Additionally, Blooms Chemist has established a drop-off point for empty prescription blister packs, helping to divert this difficult-to-recycle waste from landfill.This service is in high demand, with disposal bins sometimes needing to be replaced daily.With pharmacists providing a growing number of frontline health services while supporting local charities, their contribution extends far beyond the pharmacy counter.They help people manage their health with confidence while ensuring their communities are well cared for, both medically and socially.This Thank Your Pharmacist Week, take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and expertise of our local pharmacists.They are more than just healthcare professionals.They are integral to the wellbeing of the Kiama community.

All were checked in and now comfortably seatedThe speaker was there and had been duly greetedThe meeting had started with a feeling of urgencyWhen all of a sudden there was an emergencyThe lights slowly dimmed then it quickly went darkIt was just a blackout, but some thought it a lark‘Cos a lady in red began to shout“Who’s the silly old goose who turned the lights out?”Upstairs in the club there were weird sounds and rumblingsBut back in the room there were some dodgy fumblingsEnough for the lady in red to shout out“Keep your hands to yourself, you senseless old clout!”There was pushing and shovingSome were knocked to the floorA few others joined inButMost chose to ignoreThen the lights came back on, once more shining brightIt was now time to find out who started the fightBut the lady in red, just calmly said“If it wasn’t me so it had to beSomeone else instead!”

Events across the Illawarra and South Coast are set to benefit from a $1.5 million funding boost as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Event Fund for the 2025/26 financial year.Event organisers can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support new and existing events that enrich the state’s event calendar and drive increased overnight tourism to regional communities.Managed by Destination NSW, the fund is designed to strengthen regional visitor economies and is available through three key funding streams:Incubator Event Stream – Up to $20,000 for new events in their first or second year to help establish them as major tourism drivers.Flagship Event Stream – Grants of $20,000 for events running for more than two years to help boost their profile. Events that have previously received three years of funding can apply for $30,000 over three years.Event Development Stream – Up to $50,000 for established events that have completed the Flagship Event stream’s three-year funding cycle.Boosting Local Communities and TourismMinister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, highlighted the importance of supporting regional events, which bring communities together, attract tourists, and strengthen local economies.“The Regional Event Fund has already supported over 530 events with $14 million in funding, helping turn events like the Deni Ute Muster and Parkes Elvis Festival into must-visit experiences,” he said.Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, emphasised the impact of the funding on local economies.“Events bring business, jobs, and tourists to our small towns, providing a fantastic economic boost to the Illawarra and the South Coast,” he said.Previous Funding Successes in the RegionThe Regional Event Fund has already supported numerous events in the Illawarra and South Coast, including:Big Country Festival, BerryThe KISS Arts Festival, KiamaWaterfront Food + Wine Festival, Shell CoveYours & Owls Festival, WollongongNational Freestyle Mountain Bike Championships, TongarraUltra Trail Jervis BayApplications Now OpenApplications for the 2025/26 Regional Event Fund close at midnight on Sunday, 6 April 2025. Eligible events must be scheduled between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.For more information or to apply, visit: www.destinationnsw.com.au.

Kiama’s councillors are set to tackle major community concerns at the 18 March 2025 Ordinary Meeting, with a packed agenda covering infrastructure setbacks, financial oversight, and community initiatives.Councillors to vote on Jamberoo Cycleway Project suspensionCouncillors will vote on a recommendation to withdraw from the Jamberoo Cycleway project due to increased costs that exceed available funding. If endorsed, Council will formally notify Transport for NSW, submit a final claim to recover $170,000 in project expenses, and explore future grant opportunities to fund the cycleway under more favourable financial conditions.Social Media Policy Under ReviewCouncillors will vote on whether to endorse the draft Social Media Policy 2025 for public exhibition. The updates address moderation guidelines, staff conduct, and cybersecurity measures.Council Finances Under ScrutinyJanuary’s Financial Report shows an ongoing deficit, with reliance on asset sales and grants to maintain financial stability. Employee costs were higher than expected due to seasonal factors.State of Council Assets QuestionedA motion calling for improved oversight of council-owned assets, including maintenance and reporting, will be debated. Concerns remain over long-term sustainability.Jamberoo Heritage Display ProposedA proposal to establish a Jamberoo Village Heritage Display aims to preserve local history and engage the community in heritage appreciation.Companion Animal Strategy to be ReviewedCouncil will revisit policies on pet management, including stray cats and off-leash dog areas, following community feedback.Confidential MattersDiscussions on Blue Haven’s financial future, Jamberoo Mountain Road repairs, and a potential sale of council-owned land will be held in closed session.The full agenda and meeting details are available on the Kiama Council website.Watch the Livestream here

Former Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy, who is a fellow at University of Wollongong and lectures in public policy at university, is leading a constructive conversation about the importance of accessible public amenities.She emphasises that the role of councillors is to create policy, while it is the responsibility of council staff to implement those policies effectively."Public amenities should be just that, public," McCarthy asserts. "There is no reason why facilities funded by public money, on public land, should not be available to everyone."One of the key issues raised is the lack of accessible toilets at locations such as the Kevin Walsh Oval, where the disabled toilet remains locked.Users must first obtain a key from a nearby pub or supermarket, making it impractical for many. "Imagine needing a toilet urgently, only to find it locked and having to leave a person in need while you go searching for a key. It is unacceptable," said a local advocate.McCarthy congratulated the community on the opening of the new Gerringong Surf Club, acknowledging the dedication and effort that went into its development. However, she notes that despite reassurances, accessibility concerns remain unaddressed.She sees this as an opportunity for the council and the community to work together to ensure public spaces meet everyone's needs.Access to public toilets is not merely a convenience, it is a fundamental necessity. For the hundreds of people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other medical conditions, immediate and reliable access to facilities is essential. Without it, individuals face undue stress and discomfort, which can significantly impact their ability to engage in daily life.This is not just an issue of disability access, it affects the entire community.Families with young children, elderly residents and those with medical needs all depend on well maintained, accessible public amenities to participate fully in public spaces. McCarthy pointed out that even basic features such as seating, changing areas and showers are often substandard or unavailable in public spaces, while members only areas are fully equipped with high quality facilities.The conversation extends to the broader issue of how public spaces should be managed. "The more people that are around and using these spaces, the safer and more vibrant they become," McCarthy said. "We should be encouraging use, not restricting it."Federal funding is available to improve beach access, with $19 million recently allocated to install rubber webbing that allows wheelchairs to move easily onto the sand. McCarthy hopes that Kiama Council will take advantage of this funding to ensure that all residents and visitors can enjoy the beaches."We have an aging population, a growing number of visitors and a community that values inclusion," McCarthy said. "Ensuring public access to public facilities is the very least we can do."The push for better accessibility is gaining momentum, with increasing numbers of community members speaking out."It is not going away," McCarthy insists. "This is about fairness, dignity and basic human rights."McCarthy remains optimistic that by working together, councillors, council staff and the community can create meaningful change, ensuring that public facilities are truly open and accessible to all.