Greyleigh, the crown jewel of Kiama’s hinterland, set the stage for a spectacular evening of elegance, connection and purpose as guests gathered for The Man Walk’s premier fundraising event. From roaming canapés and a dessert bar to a silent auction and heartfelt speeches, the formal garden party drew supporters from Kiama, Jamberoo, Sydney and beyond, all united by one goal - keeping men walking and talking. And talk they did.Among those speaking was Glenn “Ernie” Wright, a poet, former soldier and long-time supporter of The Man Walk. His poem, written on the morning of the event, moved the crowd to tears.“No one is immune to the pressures of life,” Ernie said. “Sometimes just walking beside someone is enough to help them keep going.”Founder and CEO Mark Burns also addressed the gathering, reflecting on how far the movement has come and the people who helped shape his thinking along the way.One of those people is Judy Henderson, who also spoke that night. Judy held Mark in her arms when he was just three days old. Her decades-long career in international policy and change management has made her a trusted voice in his life.“She’s a voice of intelligent reason,” Mark said. “When I’m unsure, Judy is one of the first people I call. She reminds me what matters, and how to keep going with care and purpose.”When Judy stood to speak, she didn’t say much, but her words landed with weight.“Their pride in him was shining when he was three days old,” she said, speaking of Mark’s late parents. “And I know it would be just as strong if they could see him now.”Derek McMahon Alan Threlfall Joe Cato and Paul TurnbullThe Man Walk, which began humbly in Kiama, now operates in more than 80 locations across Australia and internationally.Its quiet success stems from its simplicity: regular walks, no judgment, just conversation and connection. The ripple effect touches not just the men who walk, but their families and communities.One of the longstanding board members helping to steer that growth is property developer Charlie Daoud. On this night, he was simply one of many giving his time and energy to a cause that has quietly changed lives.“The mental health crisis can affect anyone, at any point of their lives, and that’s the scariest thing,” Charlie said. “When we hand over the keys to a new homeowner, there is a level of satisfaction, of course."But nothing compares to the feeling of knowing you’ve genuinely helped someone, or a large part of the community, through the Man Walk. This kind of satisfaction does not fade. It only grows stronger with time. And I hope we can continue to increase the scope and influence of the Man Walk for years to come.”Robert and Rhonda Williams, Fiona Phillips and Stuart Larkins.Chairing the board is Alex Wade, a former finance executive who once called Kiama home and now lives in the UK.He joined The Man Walk during a difficult period in his life and has helped expand its reach globally, including a new walk in a small village in Wiltshire.While the gala was dazzling, the message was grounded. “We do need more support from the big end of town,” Alex noted. “But we’re building something powerful here, and people want to be part of it.” Perhaps, in time, the Kiama community will begin to see some familiar names in a new light, not just for what they build, but for how they show up.Because at the heart of this movement is something simple. A man walking beside another man. And that, in the end, is how change begins.Gareth Ward, Mick Emmett, Nathan Strong and Lance Cross.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor has thrown his considerable support behind Andrew Constance in his battle to regain the seat of Gilmore for the Liberal Party at the federal election on May 3.Constance and Taylor held a joint media conference on Friday to criticise the Anthony Albanese government’s track record on a range of topics and also fire broadsides at incumbent Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips over what they believe has been a lack of action in the electorate over the past three years.Taylor, the Member for Hume which borders Gilmore to the west, and Constance held a business roundtable at The Pavilion in Kiama on Friday to speak to local business owners about their plans to ease their financial burden.“Andrew's been an incredibly important voice in this part of the world for a long period of time, and I've been very privileged to work with him when he was in the State Government and now as a neighbouring electorate,” he said.“We have been talking to small businesses this morning and, of course, we're seeing enormous pain across the small business sector - 29,000 insolvencies, margins being cruelled by a Labor Government that has lost control of costs and, of course, customers who are much more reluctant than they were a couple of years ago to spend because their own cost-of-living pressures have been bearing down on them.“We're already seeing a very stark choice, a very stark difference between a Prime Minister who has only laid out a plan for the future of his job and Peter Dutton, who has been laying out a plan for the future of this great nation.”Constance said he was not interested in personal pot-shots between the candidates and wanted to put the focus on the issues that are central to Gilmore over the next five weeks.After Labor won the seat by the closest margin of any seat at the 2022 election, it is expected to go down to the wire again with Community Independent Kate Dezarnaulds and The Greens’ candidate Debbie Killian also in the race.“As with any election, it's about the community and, pleasingly, confirmation of the date now allows the residents of Gilmore a very important decision, one which is based on cost of living, one which is based on local roads investment, one which is based on getting community infrastructure up to speed,” he said.Angus Taylor and Andrew Constance at The Pavilion in Kiama. Photo: macourtmedia.com“But more broadly, as part of a Liberal team, we're going to tackle the issues around cost of living by strengthening the national economy and, in doing so, strengthening the regional economy, which is fantastic.“In terms of the Gilmore Plan, I will be very focused over the next few weeks in relation to ensuring that our community amenities are upgraded, along with making sure that we get our roads invested in and, in particular, the Princes Highway.“We need to grow our regional economy as quickly as we can to get out of the cost-of-living crisis which has been foisted upon us by the Albanese Government over the last three years.”Constance said Gilmore residents would benefit from Dutton’s plan to cut the fuel excise from 50.8 cents a litre to 25.4 cents for a year.“The big issue, which is highly targeted for our region in particular, is we have an enormous dependency on motor vehicles and this is where the immediate relief comes into it with the reduction in the fuel excise,” Constance said.“That's something which is key to addressing some of the household budget pressures that people are feeling.“And that's why the announcement of the fuel excise, as opposed to Labor's 15 months off in the Never-Never tax cut, which is a hoax, comes into it. We are offering an immediate relief straight away into the pockets of everybody given the dependency on vehicles in the region.”Taylor claimed Albanese believes that the cost-of-living crisis is permanent in this country.“Well, it will be if Labor stays in power,” he said.“But there is an alternative after three years of people going backwards under Labor, and that's an alternative to get the country back on track with strong economic management that will beat inflation, will boost growth and will back small businesses like the ones we were here talking with today, with initiatives like accelerated depreciation, getting rid of unnecessary waste, cutting red tape and allowing small businesses, who are the backbone of our communities, particularly in places like this, to get on with it.”

The prestigious Blue Plaque awarded to Kiama’s beloved Hollywood costume designer Orry-Kelly will be placed in a special spot.It will adorn a wall outside the Heritage Conference Rooms of The Sebel Hotel - the site where Orry attended school - and it will be available for everyone to view.He has been recognised as one of 16 new recipients of a prestigious Blue Plaque.Launched in 2021, Blue Plaques NSW is a state government initiative that highlights individuals and events that have shaped New South Wales’ rich history. Blue plaques are installed at publicly accessible sites across the state, commemorating significant local figures and moments.Orry-Kelly will be the second person in Kiama to receive this recognition, following Charmian Clift. Kiama Historical Society President and Orry-Kelly expert, Sue Eggins, sees it as a significant achievement for our small town.“The Blue Plaques recognise people who were born and who lived in a particular area as people of significance. And to get two in the one town is apparently quite rare,” Eggins said.The 16 new plaques were chosen from 184 public nominations and assessed by Heritage NSW and independent historians. They join 49 already announced from Waverly to Wagga Wagga, Beecroft to Broken Hill.Eggins, who was a researcher on Women He’s Undressed - the movie about Orry-Kelly’s life - says the Blue Plaque is another important step in giving the designer the recognition he deserves, particularly in his hometown.“When I first started researching him in Kiama, people thought his name was Horace. His father was quite famous here, more famous than him. Because his father did a lot of things in the community and for the community. His father had a file at the museum, but Orry didn't have a file. His name is even wrong on his father’s gravestone,” Eggins said.“And I've been nagging about him for many, many years and people still say, who’s that? So, I think he's well worth the recognition. Plus in a lot of interviews with Orry, and in his biography, he references Kiama and being a Kiama boy.”Sue Eggins is also a part of the Kiama Icons and Artists group who are planning an Orry-Kelly themed event called: The Orry-Kelly Gala: Dressing Hollywood held at The Sebel on 26 July. For more information on that, join their Facebook page.The Bugle have also done a series of articles about Orry-Kelly’s life - including his relationship with Hollywood stars Cary Grant and Bette Davis.The full list of Blue Plaque recipients are: Bobby Goldsmith, Building Bridges Concert, Bessie Guthrie, Golding Sisters, Ida Leeson, Koori Knockout, Leslie Mervyn Tanner, Louisa Lawson, Malcolm Cole, Orry-Kelly, Paul Sorensen, Peter Allen, Sarah (Fanny) Durack, Sister Kaliniki, The Introduction of Weet-Bix, Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie.

Our recent story on the Kiama Community Garden struck a chord with readers, sparking a surge of interest in this humble patch of land that has become a thriving, shared space. To dig a little deeper, The Bugle sat down with passionate gardener and community advocate,Tracey Henderson, whose enthusiasm for what the garden offers is as infectious as it is inspiring.“People are constantly learning from each other,” she said. “Even experienced tomato growers will pick up new tips. There is a lot of seed swapping, sharing of techniques, and people experimenting with composting or different ways to build soil health. It is not just about gardening, it is about growing knowledge together.”Having spent five years in the community garden at Redfern, Tracey knows how they can serve different groups. But the heart of the idea remains the same - openness and inclusion.“Community gardens do not want you to stand back and admire. They want you to come in. They invite artists, bakers, musicians, school kids, older people. It is about enjoying a beautiful space together. That is what it is all about. It is hardcore community.”Tracey believes community gardens are one of the few public places truly designed with older people in mind.“We build skate parks, footy fields, playgrounds. But we forget that older people want somewhere to go too. Community gardens are our playgrounds. Not for old people, but for older people. It is where we feel welcome.”The benefits ripple well beyond the garden beds. Residents of Blue Haven enjoy fresh produce thanks to the garden’s generosity. The garden is also home to a strong Landcare effort, which Tracey describes as “genuinely meaningful”.“They have regenerated bushland, removed invasive weeds, and helped Council maintain land that would otherwise be neglected. And they fund it themselves. Landcare generates support that goes back into the soil, more seeds, more effort, more love. It is not commercial, but it is deeply productive.”In a town like Kiama, where public spaces are often skewed toward sports or youth, the community garden offers something quieter but no less essential.“It is the most open environment in Kiama,” Tracey said, smiling wide. “Supportive, encouraging, positive. All types of people, all welcome.”

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is adamant the Federal Budget announced on Tuesday night contains significant initiatives that will make a meaningful difference to South Coast residents doing it tough.Not surprisingly, Liberal candidate Andrew Constance said the Budget was about the Labor Party trying to be re-elected at the upcoming poll in May rather than looking after the national interests.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday morning that the election will be held on May 3 and Gilmore is expected to be one of the closely contested seats in the nation with Community Independent Kate Dezarnaulds and The Greens' candidate Debbie Killian also throwing their hat into the ring.With Labor holding onto Gilmore by the slimmest margin of any electorate at the last election, the bonus for the South Coast residents is that the government, or the Coalition for that matter, cannot ignore the seat at Budget time.Phillips said the centrepiece of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Budget was the offer of two more tax cuts to every Australian taxpayer in 2026 and 2027, adding to the first round from last year.“I know cost of living is biting hard, and that’s why the Albanese Labor Government is delivering more tax relief for every Australian taxpayer, more energy bill relief for every household and small businesses, plus cheaper medicines, a well-deserved wage increase for aged care nurses and stopping unfair non-compete clauses,” she said.Phillips said the Budget’s $792.9 million commitment to boost women's healthcare would mean the South Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton would be expanded to provide menopause and perimenopause services.“Women’s health is a priority for me and I’m so proud to support our local endo team that is changing the lives of women of all ages from Helensburgh to the Victorian Border,” she said.Constance countered by saying the Gilmore electorate “can’t afford three more years of our local Fiona Phillips MP and the Albanese Labor Government”.“This is a Budget for an election, not one for our country’s future,” he said.Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher.“At a time when living standards have suffered the biggest collapse on record and when the security environment is the most dangerous since the Second World War, Labor’s Budget has failed to deal with the economic and national security challenges our country faces.“The Budget confirms that the South Coast communities have been left poorer after three years of the Albanese Labor Government.“A Liberal Government will always better manage the economy so we can pay for essential services and keep our country safe and secure. We will invest in upgrading local roads, invest in community safety, and support local businesses and jobs.“The Liberals have a plan to strengthen our economy and get Gilmore and Australia back on track.”Phillips said young people would be better off after this Budget was handed down because it would be easier for people to buy and rent a home, while a 20 per cent cut to student debt would help ease the financial burden that comes with higher education.“We are strengthening digital connectivity, with funding to complete the NBN fibre network which will provide improved access to premises across Gilmore.”She added that the government’s commitment to ensuring regional airline Rex stays afloat and supporting the sale process would be a huge boost for South Coast residents.“These commitments recognise the critical role Rex plays in keeping the South Coast connected and supporting local producers, jobs, medical services and tourism.”Phillips added that Kiama, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla councils would benefit from increased support to maintain local roads after the government doubled the Roads to Recovery funding to progressively increase from $500m to $1 billion per year.The Shoalhaven is set to benefit from the awarding of a $313.5m contract with Sikorsky Australia to maintain the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet.“This contract is anticipated to generate 75 new jobs, including 20 apprenticeships, sustaining up to 275 highly skilled, well-paid jobs at the company’s maintenance and logistics facility in Nowra, which is a huge boost for our area,” Phillips said.

A local Kiama family is offering a $1000 reward, no questions asked, for the safe return of a bracelet that went missing last month.The bracelet, which holds huge sentimental value, belongs to the mother of the family and it was dropped in Kiama on the weekend of February 15-16.The bracelet contains the gold of her wedding ring that she had she melted down after her husband died at the age of 37.She had worn this every day to keep his memory with her. He was a local builder in the 1970s and ‘80s and many of the homes he constructed are dotted around the town.The family think the bracelet may have fallen off her wrist while she was on her daily walk anywhere from Tingira Cres, Tombonda, Bonaira St, the Surf Beach and Kendall's Beach pathways, down towards the post office, the harbour walk and fish market, up past the Pavillion and even at Kiama Cemetery. They are praying for its return. If you have picked it up, please contact The Bugle via [email protected] to arrange its return and collection of your cash reward of $1000. The family is hoping that someone honest has found it and that they are just waiting to see an article like this to return it to its forever grateful owner.The loss has also been reported to the police and the event number is E99234944. 

Independent for Gilmore Kate Dezarnaulds has welcomed household relief in the 2025–26 Federal Budget, but says lasting change for the South Coast depends on how promises are delivered.Dezarnaulds praised new investments in health, infrastructure and education, and acknowledged the $7.9 billion bulk billing boost and aged care pay rise as “steps in the right direction”.However, she said the test will be whether these measures translate into better access, particularly in rural and coastal towns.“There’s no doubt this Budget offers some relief,” she said, “but for communities like ours, what matters is how these commitments are felt day to day - in housing, health care, and our ability to access the services that city residents take for granted.“In places like Nowra, Milton and Ulladulla, the problem isn’t bulk billing, it’s finding a GP at all. “We need investment in the rural health workforce, not just funding lines.”The Budget’s failure to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance stood out for Dezarnaulds, especially in a region where over 90 per cent of renters are already in housing stress. “When housing affordability is this bad, tinkering around the edges won’t cut it. We need serious strategies for regional housing - more affordable rentals, more diverse builds, and community-led models like modular homes and build-to-rent.”Kate Dezarnaulds. While the government’s Help to Buy scheme may help some first-home buyers, she noted it does little to help renters right now. “In Gilmore, the crisis is immediate — families are being priced out or pushed out.”And while the $13 billion for disaster recovery is significant, she urged the government not to neglect prevention. “In high-risk regions like Shoalhaven, we need flood-proof roads, fire breaks, and climate-resilient infrastructure — not just recovery cheques after the damage is done.”She also called for a national conversation about home and business insurance in disaster-prone areas. “People here are already struggling to get affordable cover. That needs urgent attention.”Despite commitments to clean energy, Dezarnaulds says more clarity is needed on how the transition will create jobs and opportunities in regional areas. “Grants for small business energy upgrades are great, but will local businesses even know how to access them? “And where’s the investment in community solar, EV charging and storage? These things should start in regions like ours.”Dezarnaulds also questioned the silence on mobile coverage, with no update on the $6.5 million previously pledged for the Princes Highway and Kangaroo Valley black spots. “It’s hard to build a future if we can’t even get a phone signal.”Pay rises for early educators were another bright spot, but access remains the bigger issue for South Coast families. “It’s good to value our educators, but if parents in Kiama or Ulladulla can’t find a place, what use is a pay rise? We need solutions for regional workforce shortages too.”While Dezarnaulds believes the Budget includes worthwhile commitments, she is urging a sharper focus on how these translate to communities like Gilmore.“One per cent of not much is still not much,” she said. “It’s not about spending more, it’s about spending wisely, so it actually improves lives here on the ground.”

The Kiama Classic Motorcycle Club held its eighth annual Memorial Ride last weekend to honor club members who have passed away over the years.Around 80 riders participated in the event, which began at 9:30 am on Saturday, 22 March. The group made their way up Jamberoo Mountain, encountering a light rain as they entered Kangaroo Valley.The ride continued along Wattamolla Road, passing through Berry before stopping for lunch at the Fisherman’s Club in Gerroa, completing the 100km ride.“Almost every rider, plus a few extras, joined us at the Fisherman’s Club, where they reserved the function room out the back for us. "Everyone enjoyed their meals and the spectacular views over 7 Mile Beach,” says rider Bec Gregory.After lunch, the group enjoyed a scenic ride through Gerringong and continued on to Jerrara for another 30km. They wrapped up the day with a BBQ dinner, attended by 70 people.The group also went on another ride on Sunday, with 30 members participating in a 35km ride around Kiama. They visited two local sheds showcasing classic cars and bikes, then rode through Kiama past the Blowhole and Boneyard before returning to Jerrara.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has used a speech in Federal Parliament to “award” her rival at the upcoming election a gold medal for backflipping.The Labor Party MP has accused Liberal candidate Andrew Constance of flip-flopping on a number of issues and with the Federal Election set to be called imminently for a date in May, Phillips won the seat of Gilmore by the barest of margins at the previous election and with independent Kate Dezarnaulds and The Greens’ candidate, Debbie Killian, also in the race, it is expected to go down to the wire again this time around.“If there were an Olympic gold medal for political backflips, the Liberal candidate for Gilmore would win hands down,” she told Parliament. “After the devastating bushfires, he said he'd quit politics, but then said he'd run for Eden-Monaro. The next day he abandoned that idea. “Then he wanted to represent a different electorate, Gilmore, and lost. He followed that with two failed Senate preselections to represent NSW and even sounded out the state seat of Kiama.”Phillips singled out Constance’s views on the environment, health care and housing as examples of his tendency to backflip on decisions.“As a minister in the Liberal state government, he supported renewables,” she added.“Now he has backflipped: he doesn't want offshore wind and supports the nuclear fantasy. Then, on Sky News live, he said that the 2035 Paris Agreement target was 'off the table' for the Liberal Party. The only thing was: it wasn't. So he backflipped again and walked that back.“It turns out backflips are in the Liberal candidate for Gilmore's DNA. When he was the state member for Bega and minister, he supported the closing of the Batemans Bay hospital to enable the creation of the new level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital. “He said that the community should rally together and cast their parochialism aside. Now he's backflipped on that too, and is trying to fool the community.“At a Kiama housing roundtable, he supported periurban development, like over those green rolling hills. Only months later, he has backflipped again. The only housing he wants is 10 to 15 years away. “How can anyone trust a word the gold-medal backflipper says?”Constance told The Bugle last week that he believes Kiama Council should consider the Bombo Quarry as an option for extra housing in the area even though it would take at least a decade to repurpose the area for residential use.

Yet another former Gerringong Lions junior is hitting the big time in the NRL with young second-rower Dylan Egan making his debut for St George Illawarra on Saturday against Melbourne.The 20-year-old forward will line up on the interchange bench alongside his childhood friend Hamish Stewart with another Gerringong product, Tyran Wishart, starting at halfback for the Storm.It’s a proud day for the Group Seven club and it comes after Egan also signed a two-year contract extension on Tuesday.The new deal will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 season.St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan said Egan deserves his crack at first grade after impressive performances in the junior representative ranks and at NSW Cup level.“Dylan has been on a path towards NRL for a long time and it’s great to be able to both extend his contract at the club and give him an NRL debut at the same time,” Flanagan said.Dylan Egan playing for Gerringong. Photo: Game Face Photography“He’s a local junior who has come right through our pathways and Academy system.“As a player he’s got a big motor and can play on an edge or in the middle.“He’s got a great work ethic and a smart approach to his game and we’re really pleased to be able to extend his time at the club.”Egan played two seasons of Harold Matthews Cup and two seasons of SG Ball Cup with Illawarra.He was the captain of Illawarra's SG Ball outfit in 2023 and made the leap up to Jersey Flegg and the NSW Cup later that year.In 2024, the 20-year-old played in 1871 of a possible 1,920 minutes at Knock-On Effect NSW Cup level making 849 tackles – the highest among all Dragons and third in the competition – at near 96 per cent efficiency whilst tallying 11 line breaks and 45 tackle breaks.Egan captained Kiama High School’s open rugby league side to a grand final win in the NSW State Combined High Schools competition, the University Shield, in 2022.The Kiama High team in 2022.He was also named player of the tournament.After being mobbed by teammates when it was announced that he would be tackling the Storm this weekend, Egan called his mum to let her know the good news.“It means a lot to me and my family. And I’m just keen to go and do you proud on the weekend, hopefully,” he said.“It’s the club I grew up supporting and I’m very excited to put the jersey. Watching Hamish in Round 1 too, I know how much it means and I’ll try and do the same.”

Parenthood certainly agrees with Gerringong’s Reuben Garrick after the Manly centre enjoyed a bumper weekend after switching from the maternity ward to the NRL field.Garrick and his fiancee, Riley Wishart, welcomed their daughter Elsie into the world on Saturday before he had to back up the following day to play for the Sea Eagles against Canberra in their Round 3 clash at 4 Pines Park in Brookvale.Despite the unusual build-up to the match, Garrick put in a starring display as Manly registered a resounding 40-12 win.He scored the opening try of the match before adding another one just before half-time.The 27-year-old speedster touched down two more times in the second half as the home side ran away with the match. Garrick also booted six conversions from seven attempts for a personal points tally of 28, the second highest of his career.After rising through the ranks at the Lions, he played for the Steelers and St George Illawarra in the NSW Cup for a couple of years before he was signed by Manly in 2019.Garrick made his NRL debut that year, playing 26 matches in his rookie season, and has chalked up 139 appearances in the maroon and white.His four-try effort against the Raiders lifts his career tally to 82 and with 1214 points to his name, Garrick has already risen to third in Manly’s list of all-time scorers.Garrick is likely to pass former premiership-winning captain Jamie Lyon (1410) in the next year while he is a chance to overhaul club legend Graham Eadie’s record of 1917 which has stood for more than 40 years.The 28 points he put on the Green Machine was not quite the best of his time in the NRL - he notched 30 from three tries and nine goals in a 58-18 win over the Dolphins two years ago."What a 24 hours, huh?" Manly coach Anthony Seibold said when asked about Garrick’s busy weekend. "It's a great experience for him and Riley as first-time parents. I think he can be a really elite centre and a great goal-kicker." Garrick will line up at centre again at Brookvale this Sunday when Manly are red-hot favourites to continue their hot start to the season against the winless Parramatta Eels in a clash between two of the NRL’s longest rivals.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has blasted the NSW Government over its failure to deliver on election promises as Premier Chris Minns enters the second half of his first term in office.Monday marked the halfway mark of Minns’ four-year term and he was blase about its significance when asked about the milestone."I don't have much time to think about it," he told reporters at a media event promoting the Western Harbour Tunnel and the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project."And I'd suspect that your average voter thought about it even less."Ward is furious about the lack of action from the Labor government in the Illawarra and South Coast. “So many promises were made at the last election, but with so many local Labor MPs in our region and so much political muscle, nothing has been done,” Mr Ward said.  “Not a single election promise has commenced and none of them appear to be commencing this term. Nor has there been a bold and brave vision for the region. “No access ramps at Dapto, no East Nowra Sub Arterial, no Milton-Ulladulla Bypass, no maternity at Milton Hospital, no MRI at Milton Hospital, and no school at Worrigee. What have this lot actually achieved? “Projects like the Shellharbour Hospital, Shoalhaven Hospital and Jervis Bay Road interchange were all started by the former government.”The independent Kiama MP called on the government to start delivering on its promises and also accused media outlets in the region of turning a blind eye to the lack of action from local Labor MPs. “Most of the Illawarra media are running a protection racket for the Labor Party rather than holding them accountable for the promises they made,” he said.“With two years to go, people will judge this government on results, and so far, this Labor government is repeating all the mistakes of the last Labor government.”

One day last week at my local primary school , teachers and students alike regaled themselves in the colour orange , which is apparently the colour signifying the promotion of mutual respect, social wellbeing, inclusivity and a sense of belonging.This fact about the colour orange was something I did not know.I also had no idea why my grandson was wearing fluoro orange long socks, orange sunglasses and an equally hued headband to school.But as we walked into school, I was in awe of the creative,fabulous, and sometimes riotous outfits parents had produced, all very orange, and worn to school that day. From just a modest orange scarf, to a full blown head-to-toe sartorial experience, it was all there, and I was impressed.Of course! It was Harmony Day. A day for us to recognise and respect our cultural diversity. And to wear the colour orange.The smiles on the children's faces told a positive story. They were loving dressing up, as part of a learning experience.This led me to think more about the act of dressing up, and how much fun it is.From the time we are toddlers, there's a dress-up box of some kind. In most toy cupboards, in kindies, playgroups and childcare centres, you'll find capes, masks, tiaras, wigs and an assortment of dress-up gear.Dressing up is instilled in our psyche from a very young age. Little children love to be superheroes and princesses - we see Spider-Man and Elsa constantly at the school drop-off, the playground and the supermarket.And as we all grow, our love of dressing up gets stronger.Whether it be birthday parties, school formals, weddings, funerals, Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties, it's the done thing to dress up. Think about Melbourne Cup day in Australia. A fine example of adult dress-up, and it's not just about the hat.Come to think of it, where would the world be without Hollywood's red carpet at the Oscars, the Paris fashion shows, Elton John's crazy glasses, the make-up that made Kiss a world famous rock band, Dame Edna Everage’s enduring persona, Eurovision and that most important dress-up day of all - Halloween where scary, often grisly costumes bring great joy.Call me superficial, but I love it all.And of course, I have also indulged in many a dress-up over the years at parties.I have been Morticia Addams, in black wig and white powdered face, Patsy Stone, complete with French Roll and pretend Bolli, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and my last dress-up affair was my favourite. It was more a dress-down, which ended hilariously. The venue was one of those island holidays where, every night a different entertainment was organised. The problem for me was what to wear? Nothing in my luggage was giving me any ideas. Then hubby came to the rescue. The Creature - a black garbage bag, a staple gun and about 5kg of seaweed did the trick. I was completely covered, head to toe, in brown seaweed he had collected from the beach. I paraded around, won the prize of a bottle of very bad bottle of bubbly, and then the seaweed got incredibly smelly. Hilarious fun, and a very long lasting memory.We have all had to dress-up at some stage or another in our life. It should be creative, and it should be fun. As someone once wrote: no matter how you feel - get up, dress up, show up and never give up.By Carol Goddard

The Kiama Community Garden is more than a place to grow vegetables. It is a thriving hub of creativity, education and connection, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. Last Saturday, the garden welcomed visitors for an open day, showcasing its many community initiatives and the vital role it plays in the region.While the heart of the garden is its shared permaculture space, its reach extends far beyond. A monthly art group gathers to create, music events led by educator and gardener Kathleen Lawson fill the air with song, and an intergenerational focus ensures that at least three generations are regularly involved. A new initiative, a group for neurodivergent teenagers, now meets on Saturday afternoons, offering a safe and welcoming space for young people.“The out of school hours care program uses the garden regularly too,” said Peter Maywald, a member of the Kiama Community Garden. “Their leader is also a member of the garden and the chair of the P&C at the public school. So it is not just a garden, it is a real community resource.”Despite its success, the garden’s future remains uncertain. It sits on the same lot of land as Blue Haven, Kiama’s aged-care facility, and has not yet been formally designated as a community garden. This leaves it vulnerable to potential land sales.“We have been asking for years to have it excised and added to the sports field lot,” Maywald said. “But with the fate of the old care home still undecided, council has not made any moves. If Blue Haven was sold, we could go with it.”Although some steps in the right direction have been taken, such as securing independent water and power supplies, progress remains slow. Community consultation and a formal change of land use are required to protect the garden’s future.“We have heard plenty of friendly words from Council,” he said. “But no real action.”The Kiama Community Garden operates on permaculture principles, meaning all produce is shared rather than allocated to individual plots. Any surplus is donated back to the community, fostering a spirit of generosity and sustainability.“We set up the Crop and Swap, which has grown so big that it now runs at the nursery,” Maywald said. “People bring along whatever they have, homegrown produce, baked goods, preserves, and take what they need. It is not transactional. There is always a surplus, and no one goes without.”This philosophy extends to the garden itself. Members do not take more than they need, knowing that there will always be another harvest. “Some gardens have individual plots, but you cannot grow enough in a small space to feed a family,” he said. “By sharing, we can.”With over 100 active participants, the garden is not only producing food but also fostering community spirit. Older members who can no longer take on heavy tasks contribute in other ways, helping with administration, baking for morning teas, or simply offering encouragement.“The garden works because people just get on with it,” Maywald said. “It is a beautiful example of how a community can support itself when given the space to grow.”Now, the challenge is ensuring it has that space for years to come.

One of Kiama’s most famous exports, Orry-Kelly, has been recognised as one of 16 new blue plaque recipients as part of the NSW Government spotlights people and events that have shaped our rich history.Born Orry George Kelly in Kiama in 1897, he was known as Hollywood’s designer to the stars and he led the costume design on over 300 films.Known as Orry-Kelly, he won three Academy Awards and was the most prolific Australian-born Oscar winner for over 50 years until fellow costume designer Catherine Martin. His father, William, was a tailor and opened his shop, W Kelly & Co. Men’s Mercers and General Outfitters, on Terralong Street, in 1888. He moved his shop further up the road between Shoalhaven and Collins streets the following year and it was part of the block that was burnt down in the Great Fire of Kiama in 1899.Orry went to school at Kiama Public School before moving to Sydney as an adult to live with his aunt to pursue a career in banking. He developed an interest in the Sydney theatre scene and Orry set off for New York in 1921 and designed costumes and sets for Broadway. He moved in with a little-known English actor called Archibald Leach who would later achieve great fame as Cary Grant and he moved to Los Angeles with his on-again, off-again closeted partner in the 1930s.Orry-Kelly in 1937.Orry, who was also well known as an artist with paintings that can be found all around the world, won three Academy Awards for Best Costume Designs for An American in Paris (1951), Les Girls (1957) and Some Like It Hot (1959)and was nominated for a fourth.A long-time alcoholic, he died of liver cancer in Hollywood in 1964. Cary Grant and another member of Hollywood royalty, Tony Curtis, were among his pall-bearers.“My concept is that my clothes wrap around the form like smoke. If you do that, you will be ahead of your time,” he said.In 2015, his memoir – found in a pillowcase in his sister's family home following his death - was published. It became a documentary film ‘Women He’s Undressed’ by award-winning filmmaker Gillian Armstrong.Danish-born landscape designer Paul Sorensen, who designed Wollongong’s Gleniffer Brae and more than 100 other gardens in NSW, has also been recognised as one of the blue plaque recipients announced on Monday. With work spanning seven decades, Sorensen designed remarkable gardens from Glen Innes in the far north to Cowra and Orange in the west, through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and south to Wollongong and Canberra. Many of his iconic designs, including Gleniffer Brae and Everglades in the Blue Mountains, are must-see examples of his work for garden lovers. These gardens, often described as ‘outside rooms’, showcase his signature seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. “The Blue Plaques NSW program is a great way to celebrate the remarkable people and events that have shaped the state’s history,” Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said.All nominations are assessed by Heritage NSW and independent historians.

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.”