Kiama Knights Junior Rugby League Club (JRLC) President Carl Middleton has been awarded the South Coast Volunteer of the Year award by NSW Rugby League.The 2024 NSW Rugby League Community Awards took place on July 29 acknowledging the vital contribution made to the game every season by more than 31,000 volunteers across the state.Of the more than 700 clubs in NSW, 18 volunteers’ efforts were highlighted and Middleton says he is honoured to be recognised. “I’m very humbled by it because I do know the amount of work that a lot of people do in junior rugby league. There’s a hell of a lot of volunteers and it's a very strong group of people who are involved so it's extremely humbling to receive the award,” he said.Since Middleton became President in 2018, the registered players for the junior Knights has risen from 178 to 496 and Kiama JRLC Secretary Kristie Laird says that this is very much as a result of Middleton’s impact.“He has been an instrumental member of our Committee for more than 12 years, and as President he has led a number of initiatives both on and off the field which have resulted in our Club becoming one of the biggest Clubs in Group 7 and the Illawarra,” says Laird.Middleton says he is unable to quantify the amount of hours that he and others donate to the club, but says “it is all worth it in the end”.“I think there's a lot of people out there who have just got a willingness to help and assist other people and, in this case, help young kids in junior rugby league. I spend countless amounts of time on the phone and doing things, but it’s something I enjoy doing and it's something where, if you didn't enjoy doing it you wouldn’t do it,” says Middleton.And Middleton says his main joy comes from watching everyone enjoy their rugby league on a weekend and hopes that from his work, kids will be able to have happy memories of playing footy in Kiama.“Just seeing the smiles on the kids' faces, seeing their mothers, fathers, extended family, siblings having a good time at the footy on the weekend. You just want the kids to be in a position where they can enjoy their footy,” says Middleton.Other than being President, Laird says that Middleton has a lot of other roles within the club.  “He has given his time to coach a number of teams, is a qualified level 1 Sports Trainer, Vice President of the Kiama Senior Knights and is everyone’s favourite ground manager with pump-up music blaring at Chittick Oval. This award is certainly a fitting reflection of his Club-first approach,” says Laird.

Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, based in Nowra, has been awarded a $670,000 grant by the NSW government.Waminda is a culturally safe and holistic service, providing Aboriginal women and their families an opportunity to belong and receive quality health and wellbeing support.Waminda hopes to use the grant to build effective partnerships and to improve and coordinate palliative and end of life care for Aboriginal people. They will also offer specialist training opportunities for existing Aboriginal health practitioners and they also seek to increase death and grief literacy by improving awareness through education.​​“This grant for the Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation will be an important step in offering culturally appropriate and high-quality palliative care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living on the South Coast,” says David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty.The grant comes as a part of the End of Life and Palliative Care Non-Government Organisation Grants Program in which the NSW government is investing more than $3.5 million in funding over four years to increase community capacity to engage with death and dying.Other than Waminda, five other NSW organisations have been given a share of the funding including Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service, the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON), Palliative Care NSW, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and the New South Wales Council for Intellectual Disability.Minister for Regional Health and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park stresses the importance of this topic and believes funding must support all cultures and communities in NSW.“End of life and palliative care for a loved one can be a challenging time and different communities have different needs and expectations during this period,” says Park.

On Friday 2 August, Green and Gold Day, both public and private buildings, famous landmarks, sporting grounds and local councils across Australia will light up in the national colours. The initiative is to remind all Australians to wear green and gold to work, school or play to support the Aussie athletes as they take on super Saturday, which is the biggest day of sport during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.“It’s great to see so many Australians throwing their support behind the Australian Olympic Team. I know that initiatives like these really have a positive impact on our athletes, bring communities closer together and show that everyone back home is unified in their support for the team,” says Matt Carroll AM, CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee in a media release.Aussie Stingers water polo player, and two-time Olympian Bronte Halligan, was excited to learn about Green and Gold Day.“Support from home really helps to lift everyone on the Team. Seeing so many amazing landmarks lighting up to let everyone know Green and Gold Day is on, is so special, it really makes it feel like the whole country is getting behind us,” she says.“On the field of play we wear our green and gold with pride and seeing that connection amplified connecting all Australians is a real inspiration.”Find out more about Green and Gold Day.To read more from our Olympic coverage:'Allez, allez': Local Olympians ready for the ParisA ceremony in France honours fallen Australian Olympian and WWI soliderHistoric opening ceremony on the Seine to launch the Paris Olympics GamesOlympic torch relay at Blue Haven Bonaira

Sydney FC are hosting the Kiama Football Festival at the Kiama Sports Complex for children aged 6-12, on September 14 and 15. Teams of 8-10 players are encouraged to enter and will play a minimum of six games each on the day.The Kiama Council wrote in a press release, “This festival is a fantastic way for players to celebrate the end of the winter season and experience the thrills and excitement of a football gala.”The day is open to all mixed boys and girls teams with a cost of $300 per team. You can register your team at the My Sydney FC Website here: https://my.sydneyfc.com/kiama-football-festival.

Ever tried ordering dinner with your family and everyone has different ideas? You might end up with a bizarre mix of sushi, pizza, and curry! That’s why it’s crucial for all of us to have our say in the Kiama Council Draft Housing and Growth Strategy to ensure it suits everyone's tastes.In the end, it's all about trust. Believing that everyone involved wants the best outcomes for the community is crucial. Understanding that, like politics, development is the art of the possible helps set realistic expectations. It's important not to ask for something impossible to deliver, but rather to focus on achievable goals that can make a significant difference.To make informed submissions, we must first be prepared to educate ourselves about the proposals and their potential impacts. This involves understanding the details of the strategy, such as proposed housing types, environmental considerations, and infrastructure plans. Engaging with the material provided by the council, attending community meetings, and discussing with neighbours and experts can help build a comprehensive understanding.Being informed also means recognising the balance between growth and sustainability. The strategy aims to address housing shortages while preserving the character and environment of Kiama. By supporting well-planned developments that include diverse housing options and sustainability measures, we can advocate for growth that benefits everyone.Through collaboration, transparency, and informed participation, we can shape a future that reflects the aspirations and values of our residents. By being informed and actively participating in the consultation process, we can ensure that our submissions are constructive and grounded in reality. This approach not only strengthens our community's voice but also fosters trust and accountability between residents and the council.We can show that through informed and collaborative efforts, we can build on the momentum of positive change, fostering a community where every voice is heard, and every stakeholder is committed to the collective good. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage deeply with the Kiama Council Draft Housing and Growth Strategy, making our submissions count towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

The federal government awards the Kiama Central Netball Club a $3,500 volunteer grant. “These small grants can make a big difference to community sporting organisations that are providing a fantastic training ground and fun social outlet for young players,” says Fiona Gilmore, Federal Member for Gilmore.Phillips called to congratulate the players and volunteers during a recent round of games. “The place was buzzing,” she said.The Kiama Central Netball Club has about 180 members — 16 teams, 20 coaches, 16 managers, 30 umpires and 15 committee members. Players range from six to 60-years-old across all playing groups.Kelly Schofield, the Club president, welcomed the funding, saying:“The grant will go towards computer equipment, electronic payment devices and storage to assist the committee with its organisation of the running of the club and its events.It will also assist our coaches, managers and umpires with new resources, equipment and First Aid supplies.”Twenty-five community groups across the Gilmore electorate will share more than $66,000, including the Gerringong Districts All Sports ($3,500), the Lions Cub of Gerringong ($2,000) and Gerringong Sunrise Rotary ($1,100), according to Fiona Phillips.“This funding boost is welcomed as it will provide greater support for local volunteers and ensure they continue to support their community.At the end of the day, we want volunteers to know that we are backing them, and I will continue to support their work in assisting our South Coast communities.”

More than 70 Aboriginal Elders from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities attended the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2024 on Saturday night, 28 July.Shoalhaven City Council hosted this year’s awards ceremony, themed ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Black, Loud and Proud’, in collaboration with the councils of Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong.The celebrations attracted more than 400 people to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.Welcome to Country during the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2024. Credit Smith Media.“Witnessing the incredible award winners, local talent and the renowned performers take to the stage was truly inspiring,” said Mayor of Shoalhaven Amanda Findley in a media release.“The NAIDOC Awards recognise the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and businesses.”The 2024 NAIDOC Award winners are:Young Achievers of the Year: Kealen Blattner and Takesa FrankOutstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Non-Aboriginal): Tracey Kirk DowneyOutstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal): Dale WrightCaring for Country and Culture: Blak CedeOrganisation of the Year (For Profit): Gadhungal MarringOrganisation of the Year (Not For Profit): Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family CentreOutstanding Contribution to the Community (Paid and Voluntary): Sylvia Timbery & Uncle Kevin ButlerElder of the Year (Uncle): Uncle Edward BloxsomeElder of the Year (Aunty): Aunty Grace Crossley.Photo credit: Smith Media.The evening also featured Shelley Ware as the MC, performances by the local cultural organisation Gadhungal Marring, Jiah King and performances by headline act Dan Sultan.

Currently funded by the Federal Government, the Heart Foundation Walking Program has grown to over 330,000 walkers nationwide. Individual and group lead programs by 700 volunteers helping those towards a healthier heart lifestyle. 1 August 2024 is set to see the Heart Foundation Walk kick off from Harry Sawkins Park in the Nowra CBD at 8am. Joining the local walking groups is Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips alongside Heart Foundation general manager Simon Cowie and Walking Program Officer NSW/ACT Lizzie Hannah. “Evidence shows that just 30 minutes of daily walking can lower heart disease and stroke risk by 35 per cent, reduce key risk factors including hypertension and metabolic disease and boost mood,” Mrs Phillips said.“Yet only one in five adults meet the level of physical activity recommended by the Australian Guidelines.”Mrs Phillips walks her dogs daily and said the benefits of joining a walking group extended beyond physical health.The National Walking Initiative focuses on five key areas:Supporting more people to participate in the Heart Foundation Walking program.Building health professional skills and confidence to discuss and prescribe physical activity.Empowering communities to lead local initiatives.Promoting active living through healthy built and natural environments.Educating the public and advancing action.Hoping to inspire more residents to participate in regular exercising habits, Mrs Phillips is eager to connect with other community members and groups. LOCAL WALKING GROUPS:https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/group/basin-bay-strollers https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/group/greenwell-point-walkers https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/group/kiama-walking-group https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/group/nowra-walkie-talkies https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/group/nsw-happy-feet

On Monday July 30, Blue Haven Bonaira hosted a special event to commemorate the 2024 Paris Olympics by holding their own Olympic torch relay.Denis Ryann, who proudly carried the Olympic torch back in 2000 for the relay leading up to the Sydney Olympics, began the Blue Haven Bonaira ceremony by carrying the torch accompanied by flag bearers and bagpipers from the entrance of the Barroul House Cafe.“I was given the honour of being Wollongong citizen of the year. And that honour gave me the opportunity to run with the torch at Woonona (in 2000). And when I ran it, I had a friend with me who was a bagpiper. When I had finished, I took the torch into the nursing home, and they loved it. And I thought I’d do it for the old people here and I’m proud I did it, because I think the senior citizens of Kiama just loved it,” says Ryann.Ryann walked the torch to the care home where he handed it to Val Brunker OAM, the former president of the Kiama Netball Association, who walked it into Matterson Hall.At over 85 years of age, Brunker says that sport is such an important part of a community and that it connects people of all ages together. And that the Olympics is one of a kind.“I remember watching the Sydney Olympics and I think it was just a wonderful spectacle and the athletes are just wonderful. Sport keeps a community together and it's great for people of all ages, especially the kids. For me, the TV stays on all day next to my bed. I fall asleep and then wake up and something else is on,” says Brunker.Val Brunker walking the Olympic Torch.The event brought together the Blue Haven Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) residents, the Independent Living Units (ILU) and the Community Seaside Group and Kristen Delahunty, the acting lifestyle communicator at Blue Haven Bonaira, who stresses the importance of events like these.“When residents come into a facility to live, we need to look at what their cultural preferences are, how they live their life. They should not have to stop doing the things they like doing just because they are here. So being involved in group events helps them become involved in the local community. Kiama has such a tight knit community, and we want to keep them connected with people,” says Delahunty.The event also enabled residents who were volunteers at the 2000 Sydney Olympics to reminisce about an important part of their, and Australia’s, past. “We’ve got a lot of memorabilia in the foyer from the actual Sydney Olympics. We’ve got flags and welcome presents and all sorts of stuff. And this has been a great remembrance event so the residents here who were volunteers at the Olympics have got their families to dig out their volunteers shirts and tracksuits and they’ve all gotten excited,” says Delahunty. Vince O’Sullivan is a resident at Bonaira Blue Haven, and he came to the torch relay with a 2000 Sydney Olympics hat with all sorts of pins and decorations from the games. His wife Linda was also a volunteer.“We both were volunteers in the 2000 Olympics and we both have our uniforms. Vince was a driver for the officials, he drove them around to the different venues and I was welcoming dignitaries into the venues,” says Linda.Vince O'Sullivan wearing his 2000 Sydney Olympics hat.Vince, who suffers from dementia, was in high spirits on the day and Linda praises events such as these.“It’s very important to Vince, he’s changed dramatically since he’s been here. We, as a family, think we’ve picked the best place for Vince to come, they’re doing such a great job,” says Linda.“Living with dementia is something that is here and that we have to manage and if you see Vince here today, he's having an amazing time,” says Delahunty.Other than the fabulous bagpipes soundtracking the relay, there were also some songs from the Blue Haven Ukulele group. Peter Mayes, who is part of the group says that music is very important to the various residents of Blue Haven.“We’re more than happy to share it with people and we’ll do a monthly thing with the residents because music is a universal language. For people at the end of their lives or they have dementia, music is something that seems to spark them on and take them out of themselves,” says Mayes.The Ukulele Group, Peter Mayes is pictured to the left with the vest on.It was announced on May 30 that Blue Haven Bonaira was purchased by Hall and Prior Aged Care, and Mayes, who is also the chairperson of the ILU resident committee at the Bonaira venue, says he is excited about the transition. “We’re looking forward to a change of ownership in a way because we’re looking for someone who knows about independent living and the care home. In the last few years, I think the Kiama Council has lost the knowledge base that they had. Most residents came here with the knowledge that there was 40 years of history here, so a lot of us have an emotional attachment to the Kiama model,” says Mayes. “But it is probably just time for Kiama council to focus on doing what councillors do and I think getting someone who is experienced in aged care is the best way to take everyone forward.”Blue Haven Bonaira is holding many different events over the next two weeks to get the residents involved in the Paris Olympics with showings of medal events as well as Olympic themed happy hours.

Ever wondered what really happens behind those closed council doors? If the thought of urban planning, growth strategies, and housing developments makes your eyes glaze over, think again! The upcoming community meeting on August 3rd, 2024, at 2pm at the Jamberoo Youth Hall is set to be a game-changer for residents.Here’s why you should mark your calendar and join the conversation.1. Making Informed Submissions to the Draft Growth and Housing StrategyThe Draft Growth and Housing Strategy put forth by Kiama Council has significant implications for Jamberoo. Submissions for this strategy are due by August 16th. Engaging with this process allows the community to voice their perspectives and influence the planning decisions that will shape the future of their town.Informed Participation: Hearing directly from experts ensures that submissions are well-informed and comprehensive. This meeting provides a platform to understand the details of the strategy, its goals, and its potential impact on Jamberoo.Impact Assessment: Residents can better assess how the strategy will affect housing, infrastructure, and the overall growth of the area. This understanding is crucial for drafting impactful submissions that reflect the community’s needs and priorities.2. Understanding the Developers' Concept Plan for Stage 2 of the Golden Valley Road DevelopmentThe Fountaindale Group will present their concept plan for Stage 2 of the Golden Valley Road Development. This development is a significant project that will bring changes to the area, and understanding its details is vital.Direct Insight: This presentation is an opportunity to hear directly from the developers about their vision and plans. Understanding the specifics of the development helps in evaluating its potential benefits and drawbacks.Community Concerns: It allows the community to voice their concerns, ask questions, and seek clarifications directly from the developers. This direct interaction helps in addressing any apprehensions and ensures transparency in the development process.3. Asking Questions and Proactive EngagementA key part of this meeting is the Q&A session, which encourages general discussion among the attendees. This is where proactive community engagement plays a crucial role.Voicing Concerns: Residents can ask questions that matter most to them, ensuring their voices are heard. This interaction helps in clarifying doubts and gaining a deeper understanding of both the Growth and Housing Strategy and the development plans.Collective Input: The meeting provides a platform for community members to share ideas and collaborate on submissions to the council. This collective approach strengthens the community’s position and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.Benefits for the Council and DevelopersThis meeting is not just beneficial for the community; it also provides valuable insights for the council and developers.Understanding Community Priorities: It gives the council and developers first-hand information about the community’s concerns and areas of excitement. This feedback is crucial for refining plans and ensuring they align with community needs.Building Trust: Transparent communication and active listening help in building trust between the community, council, and developers. It fosters a cooperative environment where all parties work towards common goals.ConclusionThe upcoming meeting is a critical event for the Jamberoo community. It empowers residents by providing them with the information needed to make informed submissions, understand significant development projects, and actively participate in the planning process. By engaging with the experts and stakeholders, the community can ensure that their concerns are addressed, and their voices are heard, paving the way for a more inclusive and well-planned future for Jamberoo.

Recent council waste audit showed that 99 percent of Kiama households have their food and garden organics sorted - unsurprisingly scoring top marks for our waste and recycling habits.Believing there is always room for improvement, the NSW government has released new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) guidelines on 1 August 2024. Leading the change over a decade ago, Kiama Council takes the ranks as one of the first municipalities to introduce the FOGO initiative.To prevent contamination from polyfluoroalkyls (PFAs) found in household items like paper towels, tea bags and tissues. Keeping our FOGO contamination-free ensures the processing and quality of our green waste compost is as efficient as possible. You can still put most of your old favourites in the green/FOGO bin:Fruit & vegetable scrapsMeat and bonesSeafood and shellsTakeaway food and leftoversPasta, bread, rice and cerealLoose leaf tea and coffeeEggs and dairyBut the following items now need to go into your red or yellow bins:Paper (yellow)Cardboard (yellow)Newspaper (yellow)Bamboo and compostable packaging (red)Paper towels and tissues (red)Tea bags (red)Vacuum dust (red)Pet poo and kitty litter (red)For further information on the EPA guidelines: EPA Guidelines NSW Thank you to the Kiama community for doing your part in NSW’s FOGO journey!

On an extremely windy Saturday at Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo Superoos legend Jono Dallas ran out for the 350th time in the team’s red and green colours.Playing in the number seven jersey on July 20, Dallas steered his team in a closely contested loss against the second placed Gerringong Lions. Even though he was proud to reach such an impressive milestone, Dallas never even expected to play at all in 2024.“I had nothing to do with the preparations for this year, I pulled myself away from it because I didn’t want that temptation. I was even training to play rugby union … and then a week before round one I got a call from the coach and he said, Look we’ve lost a lot of players and we’ve got a good group of kids that are keen but have no experience in their spine,” says Dallas.“There was never an expectation that we were going to win a lot of games, but I didn’t want to see them getting beat by 50 and 60. So the selling point was just to come back, bring a little bit of experience and make sure that the boys can compete,” says Dallas.The 2024 Group 7 season marks Dallas’ 18th season playing grade for Jamberoo and as he reminisces on his career he says that after he had finally won a premiership with the club in 2017 he oddly began playing the best rugby league in his life.“I was so committed to winning a first grade comp with them (Jamberoo). So up until 2017 I was so desperate to win that footy took up all of my time. And once I got past that I really let myself enjoy it a bit more so the five to six years after that were really the best where I was genuinely just playing footy with my friends,” says Dallas.Dallas is adamant that, more than his dedication to win and the love of the game and Jamberoo, his main driving force in coming back year after year is getting to play with his mates. And he says he’s very lucky that he got to play so many years in a row with a similar group of players that are now his friends for life.“Some of my best mates I've met because of footy,” says Dallas. “I was a groomsman at a bloke’s wedding that I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t bring him to Jamberoo. My wife met her best friends because they’re dating guys I've brought to the club. And yeah there’s money and you want to win comps, but really it's just playing with your mates. And it's made me realise how impactful being in a really good footy club can be.” Dallas had only missed one game for Jamberoo in the 17 seasons before this one, and he says that he would always play even if he wasn’t 100% fit because he humbly believes that his additions to the team were, a lot of the time, about how he led and managed the team throughout the match.“I never thought of myself as a gun really, I’ve always thought of myself as a manager of footy. So, I could play in a dinner suit when I was injured. And I always just wanted to be reliable when I signed up to play footy, so I’d always show up even if I wasn’t 100%,” says Dallas.Although the Superoos have only managed to win one game this season, they have rarely lost by more than 12 points which is very impressive for such a young squad. Captain Nathan Gallastegui says it's Dallas’ management qualities that have made them so competitive this year.“In all honesty having his leadership and experience back this year has been a blessing, I have a ton of respect for the man he is and what he does for the club, on top of the love I have for him,” says Gallastegui.“I think with his big ears, he heard we needed him back and he came running in, like a knight in shining armour,” jokes Gallastegui.On the day of his 350th game Dallas was also given a life membership to the Jamberoo club, becoming the youngest player to do so.

Most people are aware by now that on 14 September 2024, during the local government elections, voters in Kiama will face a significant decision via a referendum: should the method of electing the mayor be changed? Currently, the nine councillors elect the mayor, but Kiama is asking whether you would prefer a popularly elected major in the futureHopefully, also most people are aware by now, that The Bugle has taken the initiative to organise a public debate to explore the pros and cons of the referendum. This will take place on July 31 starting at 6 pm, at the Kiama Leagues Club and all are welcome to attend. You will hear the For and Against arguments, articulated by: We would like to ‘test the waters’ to ascertain what the community is currently thinking and a second poll will be run after the debate which Kiama Community Radio will be sharing.    You can vote now as the poll is open until Weds 31 July at 5pm.  Follow this link or scan this QR code to register your leaning:or click herePolls will open again from Weds 31 July at 8pm. Make sure you come along to the debate.

The Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc. (JVRRA) is hosting a public meeting on Saturday, 3 August, at 2 pm at the Jamberoo Youth Hall. This event provides residents with an opportunity to learn more about how the Council’s Draft Growth and Housing Strategy may impact them.Kiama Draft Strategy is currently on exhibition, with public submissions open until 16 August. JVRRA committee members have noted that the strategy is complex and has different implications for various areas within the municipality.A significant topic generating local interest is a proposal to rezone a large parcel of rural land adjacent to the Golden Valley Road subdivision for potential residential use. The developers behind this proposal, the Fountaindale Group, have expressed interest in presenting their concept plan to the community.During the meeting, representatives from the Fountaindale Group will outline their concept plan, followed by a Q&A session where participants can ask questions, share comments, and provide suggestions. JVRRA aims for this public meeting to assist residents in formulating their thoughts and submissions to Kiama Council regarding the housing strategy.

Reminder: pop this date and time into your diary. Weds July 31 @ 6pm. Join us at the excellent Kiama Leagues Club, for an entertaining and informative evening.

In preparation for the NSW election on Saturday September 14, the Kiama District and Business Chamber are holding a ‘Meet the Candidates’ event.The event will take place on Thursday, August 22, and the Kiama District and Business Chamber are requesting Members, as businesses in the Kiama LGA, to send in questions that they want prospective Councillors to answer.There is no limit on questions per person, but the Board will select the best questions to ask on the night. The “Meet the Candidates’ night will be held at the Pavilion on August 22 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and you can register to attend here.

On July 20, Kiama resident Gordon Bell contacted The Bugle asking us to meet him at the Kiama Railway Commuter Car Park (KRCCP) on Bong Bong Street. We tried to arrive early, but weren’t familiar with it and had trouble locating where it was.Finally, a little late, we came upon a fairly sized car park with a boom gate that we’d never noticed before. Mr Bell says our inability to find the car park was an apt description of his main problem with it.“I reckon that 95% of people in Kiama don't have a clue about this car park. It was opened in April 2021 and yet it hardly seems to get used,” says Mr Bell.The KRCCP is a 40-space car park for commuters using public transport. They can use the car park for free for up to 18 hours at a time as long as they tap their opal card at the boom gate after usage. Non commuters are charged at a flat rate after 20 minutes.Mr Bell believes that commuters are either not utilising this resource, or they have no idea about it. To back up these claims, Bell visited the KRCC everyday from June 1 to June 28 between the hours of 11am to 12pm and recorded the number of cars parked inside.He found that on most weekdays there were upwards of 30 available spaces in the car park and on weekends/public holidays there was even less use, with the number of available spaces never getting below 33.“We have a resource here, on weekends and public holidays, that basically gets no use whatsoever. There's one handicapped and 39 other spots. So what's to stop them saying when you come on a weekend and a public holiday that you can park here even if you aren’t commuting,” says Mr Bell.Mr Bell presented his findings to Kiama MP Gareth Ward and presented his solution for the car park to be made available to the public on weekends and public holidays.“I strongly support Gordon Bell’s survey findings, which clearly observe a vacant and underutilised publicly owned car park at times when our town is full to overflowing,” says Ward.Ward then sent a letter to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon. Jennifer Aitchison, who replied in her own letter, “NSW TrainLink is not considering opening the car park on weekends to the Kiama community at this time, and notes that public parking is available around the station in local streets.”Ward has now requested a meeting with Transport for NSW to discuss the matter further and he hopes that they can come to an understanding about the situation.“I’m always happy to work with the Government and Department to get results for my community. But there is no need to knock back a sensible request coming from the grass roots, such as this, to relieve parking when there are clearly free spaces that could be used by commuters or locals,” says Ward.The Bugle attempted to contact Minister Aitchison for a comment and was put through to a Transport for NSW spokesperson. The spokesperson wrote, “To ensure that there is sufficient parking for public transport passengers there are no plans to open the car park boom gates on weekends. Public parking is available around the station in local streets.”So, any action has hit a standstill and with the Akuna Street car park scheduled to be closing soon, Mr Bell has appealed to The Bugle to circulate this information in an attempt to get Minister Aitchison to reconsider her position.“People are desperate to find parking spots,” said Mr Bell. “And it’s a ripple effect and to have 40 spaces here absolutely doing nothing, especially on weekends and public holidays, seems like a waste of a public asset.”When The Bugle visited the KRCCP on July 20 it was the weekend of the Kiama Readers Festival and there was minimal parking around town, but the KRCCP was almost completely barren with 38 empty spaces.

Norma Stead, beloved long-time caretaker and life member of the Kiama Tennis Club, turns 99 on Thursday, 25 July.The Bugle, on behalf of the Kiama Community, would like to wish Norma a great big happy birthday!Don’t miss the story on Kiama Tennis’ matriarch in the next print issue on 10 August.

Saltwater Cafe are supporting local 6-year-old girl Myla Sheaff who has cystic fibrosis. 100% of the sale proceeds from the $15 lunch special will be donated towards finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.When: Friday 26 July Time: from 11:30 am to 3pm.The Bugle salutes Gulcin and her team for their efforts to help Myla.