By Donna Portland & Lynne StrongCampaign signs are inevitable in any election and one can drive around the LGA to see them dotting the kerbsides during election times. While some candidates opt for small corflutes that are nearly impossible to read, a few colour choices stand out: vibrant shades of orange, red, and green.Marketing experts will tell you that there is a strong correlation between colour and brand recognition, especially in political campaigns. Colour acts as a visual shortcut, helping voters identify a party or group before even reading the text. Research in both marketing and psychology suggests that colours are powerful tools for triggering recognition, association, and emotion.The possible impact of colour on campaigns in our LGA’s latest electionGroup A’s orange:Orange is a vibrant and energetic colour, often associated with enthusiasm, innovation, and action. Its warm tone can create feelings of friendliness and approachability, which appeals to voters looking for community-minded candidates. Group A's choice of orange may convey the energy and forward-thinking mentality they want to project.Labor’s red:Red is traditionally linked with strength, passion, and urgency. It's a bold and powerful colour, perfectly aligning with Labor’s advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice. Red’s intensity suggests a commitment to decisive, bold action – qualities that Labour hopes to project to voters.The Greens’ green:Unsurprisingly, green is a clear nod to environmentalism and sustainability. The colour immediately signals The Greens’ core focus on ecological preservation and a connection to nature. Green's soothing, natural associations perfectly align with their policy platform and appeal to environmentally conscious voters.Why does colour recognition work?Speed of recognition: Colours are processed by the brain faster than words, enabling quick identification of campaign materials even when passing by a sign at speed.Emotional impact: Each colour carries its own emotional weight. Red, for instance, evokes urgency and passion, while green suggests calmness and environmental awareness. This emotional trigger is crucial in influencing how voters feel about candidates.Consistency across materials: By maintaining consistent colour use across all campaign materials—banners, leaflets, and digital ads—a campaign strengthens voter recognition and builds trust. The repeated exposure to these colours helps voters quickly associate them with specific parties or candidates.In political campaigns, a carefully chosen colour, paired with a clear message, can have a significant effect on voters' ability to remember and identify with a party or candidate.Beyond colours, familiarity plays an essential role in earning voter confidence. Voters are naturally drawn to candidates they know and trust. Group A’s candidates - Cameron, Erica, Melissa, and Mark - are not just names on a ballot; they are long-standing members of the Kiama community. Their active involvement in local initiatives showcases their commitment to the region's growth and well-being.These candidates have built trust over the years by focusing on balancing the budget, supporting local businesses, and promoting sensible development. These practical, down-to-earth policies resonate with voters who want to preserve Kiama’s unique character while ensuring it thrives economically.Group A’s success in the election isn't just about strong policy positions - it’s about the trust and connection they’ve cultivated with the community. Their balance of business acumen and community service has clearly struck a chord with Kiama’s voters, making them trusted leaders in the area.Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand

Lotus Dining Group, renowned for its modern Asian cuisine, has brought a fresh dining experience to the Southern Highlands with the opening of Lotus at the Park Proxi Hotel Gibraltar in Bowral. The restaurant’s philosophy centres on showcasing seasonal produce, with an emphasis on sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, further boosting the region’s vibrant food industry.Offering a unique blend of Asian flavours with a contemporary twist, Lotus is a haven for food lovers seeking something beyond traditional Chinese fare. The dishes are subtle yet complex, delivering a refined fusion of flavours that will appeal to a wide audience. Dumpling enthusiasts, in particular, are in for a treat.I had the pleasure of attending the restaurant’s official launch on Wednesday, September 11, where I sampled a thoughtfully curated menu. From delicate dumplings to fresh seafood and signature dishes like Kung Pao chicken, the offerings celebrated the region’s finest ingredients. The menu struck a perfect balance, providing enough variety to satisfy diverse tastes without overwhelming diners with endless options.For those struggling with the age-old dilemma of what to order, Lotus offers two banquet options, allowing diners to sample a range of dishes and enjoy the full culinary journey. With carefully selected choices across each category, there’s something for everyone.Although the restaurant’s physical renovations are still underway, it’s easy to envision Lotus becoming a sought-after destination. The pricing is particularly appealing, offering exceptional value for the quality and craftsmanship behind each dish.Next time you find yourself in the Highlands, be sure to visit Lotus at 7 Boronia Street, Bowral, for an unforgettable dining experience.

Gerringong Public School (GPS) students dazzled at the 2024 Southern Stars event, taking place over Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August. Two choirs and two dance groups (Berkley and WEC) from Gerringong assembled at the high school ahead of the event, 19 students involved in the choir performances and 39 across the two dance groups. Gerringong Public School Teacher, Michelle McPhillips said her favourite part of the event is seeing the students come together.“Watching the joy on the students' faces during show week and how excited they are to perform…How the students mix with others and learn new skills, and students push themselves even though they are scared of performing and their excitement when they do it.”One student tried out for the Southern Stars performance company and one for the First Nations Dance group Yanggaa Garaba Dance Group.“I loved the community aspect of it and how the children got to talk and make friends from other schools and how we could see the kids shine in a way that NSW Public Education does so well on a large scale”, says Kate Egan, GPS teacher.Southern Stars began in 2001 with a determination to provide students in the Illawarra area and beyond with performing arts opportunities. The event has since grown into a spectacular that has seen over 50,000 public school students perform since its inception. Schools, students, and communities were all encouraged to be part of Southern Stars, the annual event is held at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong and all public school students across NSW are invited to showcase their dance, drama and musical performances.“It was amazing and fun as we could watch the show, and I could see my parents when I performed,” GPS student Leesha says.  With an annual audience of around 12,000 people, Southern Stars has cemented itself as a highlight in many schools’ annual calendar.The Bugle congratulates the children on a job well done, and also their dedicated teachers for all the coaching that went into it.

Almost exactly one year after they defeated the Shellharbour Sharks in the 2023 Group 7 grand final, the Gerringong Lions have done it again.On September 15, the Gerringong Lions became back-to-back premiers when they defeated the Shellharbour Sharks 28-10 in the 2024 Group 7 grand final.Gerringong were first to score early in the match when hooker Nathan Ford, who was playing in his 250th game, put second rower Corey Mulhall over for a try.Shellharbour managed to strike back a few moments later, with a near mirror image play on the opposite side of the field, when hooker Brody Rigg put veteran centre Ryan James over to level the score at 4-4.It seemed Shellharbour were destined to take the lead with a few repeat sets, but Gerringong’s defence was too strong.In the 20th minute Gerringong went over for their second of the day when a wayward pass from lock Jake Taylor was picked up by Toby Gumley-Quine who was untouched on his way to the line. Taylor converted to make the score 10-4.Quickly after, young fullback Wes Pring broke through the line and was caught with a swinging arm by Shellharbour’s Ryan James who was sent to the sin-bin for ten minutes as a result. Gerringong opted for a penalty goal that Taylor converted to make it 12-4.Just before half time Gerringong crossed again through Jordan Chandler who took advantage of a rebounded kick. Gerringong led 16-4 at half time.Shellharbour had to be first to score and, off the back of an offload, Kade Sampson managed to draw the last man and put Nicholas Hay over to get the Sharks back into the game and make it 16-10.Not long after that though, Gerringong were back on the board with a beautiful try off the back of a kick that led to Rixon Russell diving under the sticks to make it 22-10.In the 65th minute the Lions sealed the game with some individual brilliance from Gumley-Quine that brought the score to 28-10, which was what it remained until the final hooter sounded.Rixon Russell (left) and Nathan Ford holding the premiership trophy. Source: Gameface Photography.The Lions have been in every single first grade grand final since 2020 (there wasn’t a grand final in 2021 due to COVID) and have only lost only one of those four. The Lions’ reserve grade team also went back to back making Gerringong Lions the second club, the other being Albion Park in 1998 and 1999, in Group 7 history to win back to back premierships in the top two grades.

The Shell Cove PromenART Sculpture Walk is back this year with an even more captivating display, featuring over 50 artworks along the scenic Shellharbour Marina at The Waterfront, Shell Cove. The exhibition will be open to the public until October 30.Building on last year’s success, the number of sculptures has been expanded by 25%, offering visitors a more immersive experience. The artistic trail, presented by ARTPark, winds its way through the picturesque marina’s pathways and boardwalks, with each sculpture accompanied by a QR code providing details about the piece and its artist.Many works reflect the stunning oceanside setting of Shell Cove. Notable pieces include three bronzes from Mela Cooke’s The Swimmers series, capturing women preparing to dive into the water. Also on display is Tobias Bennett’s striking Hungry Egret, a towering 4.5-metre sculpture made from steel pipe, which stands as the tallest piece in the exhibit.One of the standout highlights is Michael Van Dam’s Earth’s Custodian, a massive 900kg stainless steel and chain sculpture valued at $224,000. At the more accessible end of the price range, Andrew Kasper’s 105kg Fire, a weathered steel work standing at 195cm, is priced at $8,890.All sculptures are available for purchase, catering to both private collectors and corporate buyers. In addition, several artists are open to creating custom, bespoke pieces for interested patrons. Proceeds from the sales go directly to the artists, further supporting the creative community.Beyond the sculptures, the PromenART Sculpture Walk, sponsored by Frasers Property Australia and Shellharbour City Council, offers a lively program of live music every Saturday from 11am to 2pm, featuring talented local musicians like Mark Crotti, Glenn Whitehall, Jack Willis, and Blessie Pica.The event also boasts large-scale murals created by local community groups and artists along the eastern edge of the marina. Among the muralists is Claire Foxton, renowned for her 14-metre depiction of Matildas’ star Caitlin Foord on Wollongong Central. Foxton will be adding a new piece to this year’s mural collection.During the October school holidays, the Make Your Mark Youth Mural Painting Sessions will give young artists aged 8 to 18 the chance to contribute to a new mural at the northern end of Shellharbour Marina. The concept, developed by aspiring artists during July’s holiday program under the guidance of local artist Tegan Georgette, will come to life over three days between October 2 and 10.Students from Shell Cove Public School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School will also collaborate on a mural in Shellharbour Village, showcasing the community’s youthful creativity.According to Mathew Gulliver, Development Director of The Waterfront, Shell Cove, the PromenART Sculpture Walk is well on its way to becoming a signature event on the NSW arts calendar, attracting both locals and visitors alike.“Shell Cove has natural beauty in abundance and now it’s also fast developing its own cultural identity through events like this along with the likes of markets, community groups and programs. It’s all part of what makes this community the full package,” Gulliver said.For details about the Youth Mural Painting Sessions email [email protected] more information about the Sculpture Walk and its surrounding events visit www.promenart.com.au Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand

Melbourne Cup Luncheon 2024Tuesday 5 November is Melbourne Cup day and the CMRI Melbourne Cup Luncheon will be held at Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club from midday. The cost is $60 and includes a glass of bubbles, cheese board, main course, tea, coffee and slices. There will be live coverage of the Cup, sweeps and a raffle, TAB run and drinks at bar prices. Experienced judges will award a prize for the Best Dressed Female and the Best Dressed Male. Dress up, and enjoy a fun day out at the same time as you are supporting a great cause!The courtesy bus can pick up from Gerringong station - train arrives from Kiama at 12.09. Please book with the club for the bus.Tickets from Trybooking : www.trybooking.com/CUTDP from 7 October.Come on your own, bring a friend, organise a group! Remember some cash for sweeps, bets and the raffle.32nd Quilt & Craft ShowA photo from a previous Quilt and Craft Show event by CMRIThe 32nd Quilt & Craft Show is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the CMRI Gerringong Committee. It will be held on Friday 8 November (10am – 4pm), Saturday 9 November (10am – 4pm) and Sunday 10 November (10am -2pm) at Gerringong Town Hall. Entry is $5 and visitors will be, once again, impressed with the variety of quilts and wall hangings on display. Entries close 2nd November (contact Rhonda Bailey: [email protected])Tickets in the quilt show raffle will be on sale at the IGA late October/early November and at the door. The prize is a beautiful wall hanging (127cm x 127cm) made and donated by national and international prize winning quilter Merelyn Pearce. It is one of Merelyn’s classic pieces based on Margaret Preston’s woodcut entitled Cinerarias c1927. It is featured in the current poster and the raffle is drawn on Sunday afternoon, 10 November.The CMRI Craft Stall will showcase the fabulous creations made by the Monday sewing group. Purchase unique Christmas presents and indulge yourself from a vast range of handmade products. A range of stalls includes quilting supplies, fabric, jewellery and handmade felt and wool will be trading. The Quilting Group and Wollongong Embroiderers will have demonstration tables with members sharing their skills.Refreshments including tea, coffee, sandwiches and slices will be on sale. Sit down, relax and have a cuppa then continue viewing and shopping all in the Town Hall.There will also be a cake stall selling cakes, sweets and slices made by CMRI members. Christmas cakes will not be available at this time but there will be a Christmas Cake Stall in Fern St on Saturday 7 December. Next Meeting: Monday 14 October, 7pm Gerringong Town Hall. New members are always welcome.Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand

Let me be clear - I'm not pro-developers - I am pro-common sense. With the region set to house 4,000 more people over the next 15 years, development is inevitable. Instead of demonising developers, it’s time we take a practical approach - one that sees them as partners in shaping our future, not adversaries.This isn’t about blame. Land is being sold, and surveyors are already marking the next housing estates. But developers are the ones who will build the homes for this growing population. If we resist the change and push them away, we risk losing control over how that development happens. Instead, we should walk side by side with developers to ensure the outcomes benefit everyone.Developers play a critical role in creating housing and infrastructure, but if we treat them as the problem, we lose the opportunity to influence the process. By working together, farmers, residents, and developers can find a balance that preserves our region's character while meeting the housing needs of the future.We have to face the reality that more people are coming to the area, but instead of seeing developers as the problem, we should see them as part of the solution. If we work together, we can make sure the outcomes benefit the community as a whole.”Rather than fighting against change, we should embrace the chance to shape it in ways that protect what makes this region special. Developers aren’t going anywhere, and the demand for housing is only growing. By collaborating, we can ensure the best outcomes for everyone - housing that works for the community and development that respects the land.The truth is that growth is coming whether we like it or not. But how that growth unfolds? That’s something we can influence. Let’s use common sense and work with developers to ensure we get the future we deserve, not just the one we’re handed. This is an opportunity for developers to focus on building trust by addressing the following key areas:1. Transparency: Developers should openly communicate their plans, timelines, and how their projects align with the community's long-term vision. They should be clear about the benefits their developments will bring, such as improved infrastructure, community spaces, and environmental sustainability measures.2. Community engagement: A developer who listens is a developer who earns trust. Advertorials should emphasise their commitment to engaging with local residents, addressing concerns, and incorporating community feedback into their projects. They could highlight past examples of successful collaboration with local communities.3. Sustainability: Given the growing importance of environmental responsibility, developers should focus on how they are incorporating sustainable practices into their projects. This includes responsible land use, energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and efforts to minimise their environmental impact.4. Contribution to local economy: Developers should explain how their projects will create jobs, support local businesses, and contribute to the local economy. Showing that their developments aren’t just housing but part of a broader economic strategy can help build trust.5. Preserving local identity: Residents often fear that new developments will strip the community of its character. Developers should emphasise how their projects will respect the local culture, landscape, and history, ensuring the community’s identity is preserved.6. Long-term commitment: Trust grows when people feel developers are invested in the community for the long term. Developers should highlight their long-term plans to stay engaged, maintain their developments, and ensure ongoing benefits for the community.If developers focus on these areas in their advertorials, they can foster a relationship of trust with the community by demonstrating that they are partners in building a better future, not just profit-driven outsiders.

From the moment Aunty Jonny took the stage the audience was ready to dance. It was a flashback to the 1980s, when Blue Light Discos were introduced by local police as a way to engage youth in a bit of clean fun. Only this time, everyone was over 18 and the punch had been spiked!  Photo Credit: Ruby Boland“No touching on the dance floor, unless you have a permission slip from home”, actor Duncan Fellows (also known as Glenn Twenty) joked at the beginning of the evening. It was an evening of great 80s music, including a very energetic YMCA towards the end of the night, that kept everyone on their feet. There were prizes for Best Dressed and Fanciest Footwork.Photo Credit: Ruby BolandThe performers were a star-studded cast of Australian actors, comedians, and performers, including Jonny Hawkins, Duncan Fellows, Jane Watt and Cheryn Frost. Together they took up roles as the “fun-police” and engaged with audience members throughout the night. Photo Credit: Ruby BolandIf you missed this event in 2024 – make sure that you keep an eye out for the next one!

Kiama’s Judi Sandilands Cincotta, a dedicated volunteer with Guide Dogs NSW, was honoured y in the Senior Category of the Volunteer of the Year Awards. This recognition is a fitting tribute to Judi's unwavering commitment and the profound impact she has had on countless lives through her volunteer work.Judi’s journey with Guide Dogs NSW began in 2018, shortly after she moved to Kiama from Sydney. Although she had a long history of volunteering in other organisations while working as a nurse, her involvement with Guide Dogs NSW opened a new chapter in her life. When the Canine Court Companion Program expanded into regional areas, Judi saw an opportunity to contribute. “They were looking for volunteers strong enough to handle a Labrador, and I thought, why not give it a go?” she recalls.With a shortage of trained dogs, Judi offered her own pet Labrador to help launch the program in Nowra. “He wasn’t a guide dog, but he had the temperament needed for the job,” she says with a smile. This marked the beginning of a deeply rewarding journey.Over the years, Judi has raised six guide dog puppies, each with its own unique journey:Joplin - Reclassified during the COVID-19 pandemic to support a young boy struggling with online schooling. “Joplin stepped up in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and now he’s like family to us,” Judi shares.Xyler - Served as a therapy dog.Ollie - Currently provides comfort and support at the Domestic Violence Court in Campbelltown every Tuesday and has been a constant companion in various schools, including Warilla High and Bomaderry High, where she supports wellbeing hubs and special education programs. “It’s incredible how much a dog can help someone going through such a difficult time,” Judi explains.Claire - Placed as a pet.Cruz - Became a breeding dog for Guide Dogs NSW.Shiko - From Cruz’s first sire, Shiko is on the Guide Dog Pathway and will begin a three-week assessment soon to determine his career path.Ollie’s contributions were nationally recognised when she won the title of “Top Dog with a Job” in the Top Dog Oz competition. “It was such an honour to see Ollie recognised for the difference she makes,” Judi says proudly. Beyond her work at the Domestic Violence Court, Judi and Ollie have also volunteered at Lifeline in Sutherland, Wollongong Library, Shellharbour Library, and local police and ambulance stations, focusing on supporting the mental health of front-line workers.Judi’s work has also extended to schools, where she and Ollie visit support classes and well-being hubs, bringing comfort to students and staff alike. “One of the most special moments was when a nonverbal child said Ollie’s name. It brought tears to the teacher’s eyes,” Judi reflects. “Moments like that remind me why I do this.”Looking ahead, Judi has applied to puppy raise with Assistance Dogs Australia in 2025, eager to learn new skills and continue her journey of service. “Volunteering has given me so much, and if my story can inspire others to give back, then that’s more than enough,” Judi says.Judi’s story stands as a shining example of how compassion and dedication can change lives, and her work with Guide Dogs NSW is far from over. The community she serves will undoubtedly continue to feel the positive effects of her efforts for years to come.

The Kiama LGA headed to the polls on Saturday, 14 September, to elect nine councillors to the local government. Voters also participated in a referendum on whether the mayor should be directly elected in future elections.Preliminary results indicate strong support for independent candidates. Group A, led by Cameron McDonald, secured 35.92% of the primary vote, making it highly likely that McDonald, Erica Warren, Melissa Matters, and potentially Mark Burns will earn seats on the council - a notable achievement.Labor, led by Imogen Draisma, received the second-highest share of the vote at 16.08%, followed by the Greens, headed by Melinda Lawton, at 15.55%. While both Draisma and Lawton are expected to become councillors, it's uncertain whether their respective second candidates will join them. It may be a toss-up between a fourth member of Cameron McDonald's team, or a second from Labor or the Greens - it is too close to call at this stage. Independent Yasmin Tatrai of Group G garnered 10.55% of the vote, ensuring her a seat on the council.Despite polling under 10%, independent candidates Matt Brown (Group C) and Mike Cains (Group F) are still in contention for council seats, with postal votes and preferences yet to be fully counted.Conversely, it appears unlikely that Alan Smith or Mark Croxford will secure a position on the council, having fallen short in primary votes. At this early stage, with only 2,163 votes counted, the outcome of the referendum, seems to be heading towards "No" with a 55.76% lead, against 44.24% for Yes. It is too soon for a definitive call however. Once the NSW Electoral Commission finalises the vote tally, The Bugle will deliver the official results.

A recent visit to the local surgery revealed an issue that is putting unnecessary pressure on both patients and healthcare staff: the two-hour parking limit outside the clinic. During a routine iron infusion, I became aware of this problem when the staff expressed concern that I might receive a parking fine. The infusion had taken longer than I expected, and the nurses were clearly worried. “We’re always getting fined,” one staff member mentioned, highlighting just how often both they and patients are penalised.Healthcare Workers and Patients at RiskThe issue is not just about one or two patients overstaying their parking. Doctors, nurses, and even emergency patients are regularly receiving fines because they are unable to move their cars in time. Staff at the surgery are often caught in last-minute emergency situations, making it impossible to step away and move their vehicles. “When it’s really busy, especially with the markets across the street, we have to park quite a distance away,” one nurse explained. “And it’s concerning to return to our cars in the dark after a long shift.”The issue extends to emergency situations as well. There have been instances where patients rushed to hospital left their cars behind, only to return and find parking fines the next day. In a profession where every minute counts, worrying about parking tickets seems unreasonable and adds to the stress of already difficult situations.The Ethical ImplicationsThis raises a pressing ethical question: Is it fair to expect healthcare workers and emergency patients to be concerned about parking fines? In a town that clearly struggles with a lack of parking spaces, should we be putting further strain on our healthcare system by penalising those who are simply doing their jobs or seeking urgent medical care?While the town faces a shortage of parking spaces, there needs to be some flexibility for those dealing with medical emergencies. Staff members often have no choice but to prioritise their patients over moving their cars, and patients in emergency situations shouldn’t be left to worry about parking while they receive necessary care.A Call to Action for the CouncilThis is an issue that urgently needs the council’s attention. While parking is a limited resource, the current regulations are disproportionately affecting healthcare workers and patients. There are several possible solutions: perhaps the council could consider special parking permits for healthcare staff, or more flexible parking zones for medical facilities where unpredictable situations arise.It’s time we asked the hard questions about the ethics of these parking regulations. Should doctors, nurses, and emergency patients be penalised for circumstances beyond their control, or is there a better solution that balances the town’s parking needs with fairness and compassion?

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has released a statement the day before the local government election criticising incumbent Labor councillors and the Greens party.Gareth Ward recently announced his collaboration with Yasmin Tatrai with a petition for the return to taxi services in Kiama. Tatrai is running as an independent after striking out her Liberal affiliation on her candidate form, according to the Illawarra Mercury.Ward has called out Labor councillors for their ‘no paid parking’ campaigning when minutes of a Kiama Council meeting revealed that Councillor Imogen Draisma voted for a working group to investigate paid parking within the Kiama region.“If I was against something, I wouldn’t be looking into it. I would oppose it… You just can’t trust Labor,” Ward says.Ward has urged his constituents to vote for independent parties and avoid casting a vote on candidates in the Greens or Labor parties.“We need more local champions not political hacks that simply respond like robots to party directives.”“You only need [to] look at the mess that the Greens and Labor have left in Shoalhaven. 44% rate increase proposals, millions wasted on failed projects, grants returned to government unspent, DAs later than ever, staffing blow outs, service cuts and constant infighting,” Ward continued.None of the candidates are running under the Liberal banner this upcoming election. Mark Croxford and Mike Cains did state their party affiliation as Liberals, but are both running under their own team names, Your Community Candidates and A Fresh Start Kiama, respectively.Election day is today and the polls are open between 8am - 6pm. Find out more about where you can vote.

Politics, particularly at the local level, can get ugly - and we’ve seen it play out right here in Kiama. The toxic atmosphere that has dogged the previous council is a reminder of how easily things can spiral when compromise is left at the door. This isn’t a time for the theatrics that have dominated recent council meetings; it’s time for a reset.As the next group of councillors takes their seats, we need something more than the usual chest-beating and "all guns blazing" promises we heard at the recent “Meet the Candidates” event. The reality is that the council doesn’t need more heavy-handed grandstanding. What we need is a new culture built on collaboration, thoughtful debate, and - most importantly - compromise.Compromise isn’t weakness; it’s the cornerstone of any functional government. The challenges our community faces are complex, and no one councillor has all the answers. The successful councillors will be the ones who know how to bring people together, who understand that lasting change happens when you work with, not against, the different voices in the room.It’s time to step up, but not in the way many candidates are proposing. The bravado on display in the campaign trail won’t work in council chambers. Instead, what our incoming councillors need to demonstrate is the ability to listen, negotiate, and deliver results through cooperation. Because the truth is, getting things done in local government isn’t about winning the argument - it’s about finding a solution that works for the whole community.So, here’s the challenge for the new council: Can you put egos aside and work for the good of Kiama? The community deserves councillors who will lead by example, show maturity, and demonstrate that compromise can drive real progress.

The Bugle has offered all the candidates a final blog to let the local community know what they stand for. Here are Yasmin Tatrai’s comments - Group G.My local team is comprised of six dedicated people with energy and experience. We are the only team with a real plan and clear priorities for our council. We will fix the budget, keep rates low, support balanced and sustainable development like the Bombo quarry project and we will stand up against the Labor/Green proposal for offshore wind farms on our coast. We want to work with Gareth Ward and all levels of government to get things done for our community. Throughout this campaign, I have had the privilege of meeting people from across our beautiful community who love where we live, but they feel that Council has lost its way. I strongly agree. I am determined to bring my small business and government experience to the chamber to ensure our council and community can be the very best we can be. My team is comprised of people with small business, professional, finance and arts backgrounds who are the essence and flavour of what our community needs to get our council back on track. The next four years won’t be easy – but we are ready to take on the challenge. We also encourage you to vote NO to Labor’s referendum question. A directly elected Mayor means we are stuck with that person for four years – good or bad. A Mayor elected by Councillors means your elected leaders can hold the mayor to account on your behalf.  Vote 1 Group G. Energy and Experience. Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand

The Bugle has offered all the candidates a final blog to let the local community know what they stand for. Here are Melinda Lawton's comments from Group E THE GREENS: Standing up for What MattersVOTE 1 Group E The Greens – Lead Candidate Melinda LawtonThere are five key priorities established by The Greens to ensure positive and active contribution for the Kiama LGA community over the next 4 years.1. Re-engaging with CommunityWe need to re-establish a strong connection between council and community. As elected councillors, it's essential that we listen to your voices. The Greens advocate for the establishment of community consultative bodies that focus on specific areas of our community, addressing the unique issues, needs, and potential for improvement. By tapping into local expertise, we can make informed decisions that reflect the true interests of our residents.2. Protect Community AssetsThe recent performance improvement order is a priority, it's crucial that we address the PIO in ways that avoid a simple sell-off of community assets and income-producing services that have been built over generations. We will explore ways to re-energise rather than privatise. Managing our assets in a financially responsible, and socially meaningful way is key to maintaining our community's strength and integrity.3. Sustainable Housing and InfrastructureGrowth must be balanced with the necessary infrastructure to support it. We need to carefully consider the impact of housing developments, particularly those that extend into high-quality farmland or scenic landscapes.4. Protecting the Environment and Cultural HeritagePlanning decisions should never compromise the biodiversity and agricultural landscapes that make our area unique. We need to increase Council’s management of our natural areas, including Jones Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Jerrara Dam and land reserves.5. Promoting Cooperation within Council.The Greens will work with elected councillors to promote a culture of cooperation, increase trust and transparency, with consistent, professional, and accountable council processes. I will propose a Councillor Charter, to be discussed and agreed upon by all elected councillors, to guide our decision-making processes. This charter will ensure that we prioritise what is best for the community. I will be at the Uniting Church Kiama for the majority of the day, please feel free to come and have a chat on your way through to voting.Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand

The Bugle has offered all the candidates a final blog to let the local community know what they stand for. Here are Matt Brown's comments from Group C.The Matt Brown and Danielle Steel team is your Sensible Choice. We provide a good combination of experience and energy to "get the balance right".Councillors need to work better together. We are constructive and respectful and will make sure the interests of the whole community are heard and factored into Council decisions.Our community needs to be "strong and vibrant" as well as being "secure and sustainable". Our raft of policies range from improving the finances to supporting local jobs and businesses to providing better community, sporting, and cultural facilities. Get to know us better and have a look at “what we stand for”. Your sensible choice will then be to Vote 1 Group C.Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand

The Bugle has offered all the candidates a final blog to let the local community know what they stand for. First cab off the rank is Mike Cains, Group F. Mike Cains wants to secure Kiama's futureTime and again our community misses out on the opportunity for new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure because we don’t have our act together in relation to state and federal funding. We deserve to have the facilities that a growing community needs for its future - but it requires planning and advocacy. It is an obvious truth that most councils don’t have the money to use ratepayer’s funds on big capital works – so we, like others, require state and federal funds in the form of grants to deliver critical projects. It is acknowledged that the best way to achieve this is to develop a list of shovel-ready projects ready for grant submissions if and when State and federal funds become available. By shovel ready we mean where the approvals have been granted, the engineering plans done, the costings analysed and the machines are ready to roll. Such a plan means being pro-active, not reactive. Some councils call this an “Advocacy Plan.” Whilst Shellharbour has a glossy well prepared 31-page advocacy plan, Kiama has a bunch of resolutions with dot points. Whilst Shellharbour is ready to be Johnny-on-the-spot, at the front of queue, hand out ready to pounce on inter-governmental grants we often scramble to respond. An Advocacy Plan is crucial for project delivery across the Kiama Municipality. The projects within our proposed Kiama “Advocacy Plan” would support the Municipality’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP), and supports our aims to address community, cultural, environmental and economic challenges. The projects will be delivered through funding contributions from Council, Federal and State Governments and only where appropriate the private sector. If we are organised, prepared and strategic we can deliver for the community without using our own cash so often. Think about some possibilities - a Dido St bridge upgrade, a new permanent home for the Jamberoo Pre-School with a fit-for-purpose facility, a foot-bridge from Bombo station across the highway to accommodate expansion of housing at Spring Creek and into the future Bombo Quarry, urgent upgrades to our regions sporting facilities, advance the revitalisation of the Harbour Precinct, finish and upgrade the coastal walk so that residents and visitors can walk between the mouth of the Minnamurra River to Shoalhaven heads, invest in renewable energy generation to bring our power bills down, tackle the ever-expanding proliferation of privet and lantana, urgent renovation and rectification works to Bluehaven Terralong and the upgrade the Havilah place sports precinct just to name just a few. I have been careful not to make promises during my campaign, but I will make this one. If elected, with the support of fellow councillors, I will ensure that we have a serviceable Advocacy Plan that develops and delivers critical projects. A professional plan that improves the liveability of our towns and villages, supports job growth and economic development whilst also promotes sustainable lifestyles.Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand

One of our community members reached out this week and asked if we could provide a table outlining each group’s focus areas and their methods for achieving these goals. The table below is based on information the candidates supplied to The Bugle.Kiama Community Radio interviewed each of the team leaders. For more information you can access their podcasts here.Words like sustainability can mean different things to community members.Sustainability refers to the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses three interconnected pillars: environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability. Sustainable practices aim to preserve natural resources, promote fairness and well being within communities, and foster long term economic resilience, ensuring that all systems—natural, social, and economic—can coexist and thrive indefinitely.Sustainability is also a concept that takes on various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are several definitions that highlight its different dimensions:Environmental Sustainability: This is perhaps the most commonly recognised definition. It refers to the responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources, ensuring long term ecological balance. It involves practices that reduce the carbon footprint, protect biodiversity, and maintain clean air, water, and soil.Economic Sustainability: This focuses on practices that support long term economic growth without negatively impacting social, environmental, or cultural aspects. It involves balancing profit with sustainable business practices and ensuring that economic activities do not deplete resources over time.Social Sustainability: This emphasises the importance of creating sustainable, equitable communities. It focuses on improving quality of life, promoting social equity, and ensuring fair distribution of resources and opportunities across different segments of society.Cultural Sustainability: In some cases, sustainability also refers to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. This can mean maintaining the cultural diversity of communities while adapting to modern challenges without losing identity or traditional knowledge.Corporate Sustainability: For businesses, sustainability refers to balancing economic success with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It involves adopting business strategies that ensure long term growth without negatively impacting society or the planet.Sustainable Development: As above is a broad term that combines environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability.Each of these definitions underscores the interconnectivity of sustainability in different aspects of life, from global environmental challenges to local economic practices. Sustainability, in all its forms, encourages a balance between meeting current needs and preserving resources, ecosystems, and social structures for future generations.

South Coast teachers have banded together at Nowra High School to rally for fairer funding between private and public schools.The rally comes after the Australian Education Union (AEU) released a report highlighting the stark disparity between public and private school funding.The report titled ‘A decade of inequity’: How Australian governments have funded private schools above public schools since 2013, stated that under current arrangements, public schools will be underfunded by $31.7 billion within the next five years. Private schools will receive $2.1 billion in over-funding comparatively to the public school sector within the same time frame.NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra has called upon Anthony Albanese and the Labor government to fix the issue.“Mr Albanese may not have created this problem but he can’t remain asleep at the wheel. It’s time to take control of this wholly inequitable mess and clean it up. Our kids’ future demands leadership,” Rajendra says."Public schools in New South Wales do the heavy lifting, educating two and half times the number of students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds. Public schools also educate almost three times as many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Yet, they are not receiving the funding they need to meet these students' needs.”Outlined in the report, six in ten NSW private schools are receiving more government funding compared to public schools, and the gap in funding received is as high as $7,282 per student. Rajendra stressed the importance of action being taken now, as school funding for the next decade is being negotiated between the Commonwealth and the New South Wales government right now.“The urgency is clear and we call on Premier Chris Minns to fight hard for New South Wales’ public school students in these negotiations.”