Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterised by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, often triggered by uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur in the evening or at night, especially when a person is sitting or lying down. Although moving the legs temporarily relieves the discomfort, the symptoms often return, making it difficult to relax and sleep.RLS can begin at any age and tends to worsen as a person grows older. Its impact on sleep can significantly interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life.Symptoms of Restless Legs SyndromeThe primary symptom of RLS is the persistent urge to move the legs, accompanied by sensations such as:Discomfort during rest: Unpleasant feelings often emerge after periods of inactivity, such as sitting in a car, airplane, or movie theatre.Temporary relief with movement: Symptoms usually subside with activities like stretching, jiggling the legs, pacing, or walking.Increased symptoms in the evening: The discomfort is typically more intense at night.Nighttime leg twitching: RLS is sometimes linked to periodic limb movement of sleep, a condition causing involuntary leg twitching and kicking during sleep.People commonly describe RLS sensations as crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, aching, itching, or electric. These feelings usually occur on both sides of the body and are felt deep within the legs, though they can also affect the arms.Impact on Daily LifeThe severity of RLS symptoms can vary widely. For some, the condition is mildly uncomfortable, while for others, it can severely impact their quality of life. Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common, leading to excessive daytime drowsiness. In severe cases, the disruption of sleep can contribute to depression and other mood disorders.While the sensations of RLS are challenging to describe, they are distinct from muscle cramps or numbness. The hallmark of the condition is the irresistible need to move the legs, which may improve or worsen over time. In some cases, symptoms may even disappear for a period, only to return later.Causes and Risk FactorsThe exact cause of RLS is often unknown, but research suggests it may be related to an imbalance of dopamine, a brain chemical responsible for controlling muscle movements. The condition sometimes runs in families, particularly when it begins before the age of 40. Genetic factors have been identified on certain chromosomes that may contribute to RLS.Pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, or hormonal changes can exacerbate RLS symptoms. However, these symptoms typically subside after childbirth. While RLS can develop at any age, it becomes more common as people age and is more prevalent in women.Although RLS is usually not associated with serious underlying medical conditions, it can co-occur with other health issues such as peripheral neuropathy, iron deficiency, kidney failure, spinal cord conditions, and Parkinson's disease.Managing Restless Legs SyndromeFor those with mild RLS that isn’t linked to an underlying health condition, simple lifestyle changes can often provide relief. These may include:Avoiding evening stimulants like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.Quitting smoking.Engaging in regular daily exercise, while avoiding strenuous activity close to bedtime.Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding naps, and relaxing before bed.During an RLS episode, the following measures may help alleviate symptoms:Massaging the legs.Taking a hot bath in the evening.Applying a warm compress to leg muscles.Engaging in distracting activities like reading or watching television.If RLS symptoms interfere with your sleep, cause daytime drowsiness, or significantly impact your quality of life, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can offer medications and other treatments to help manage the condition.

Construction on the new Shellharbour Hospital has begun, marked by an official sod turning ceremony nearly a decade after the hospital redevelopment was announced. During the 2015 election campaign, the NSW Government promised $251 towards the redevelopment of the Shellharbour Hospital. Jillian Skinner, former NSW Health Minister quietly announced in 2016 that five major hospitals will be redeveloped under public-private partnerships, including Shellharbour Hospital. The idea was scrapped the following year after union rallies broke out and a petition with over 12,000 signatories was tabled in Parliament by Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson.In May, Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward scolded Labor for failing to include the construction of a helipad and lack of a dedicated maternity ward, calling both an oversight on critical care for the Illawarra community.Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park stated that the $700 million hospital will be designed with a helipad in mind for future construction, not as a part of the original build.Kiama MP Gareth Ward has again criticised the decision, calling for the helipad to be built now rather than retrofitted later. “Rather than posing for photo opps, NSW Labor need to explain why the existing Shellharbour Hospital has a helipad and a brand-new hospital will not. This is just madness.”Ward condemned the Labor government for “politicising” the hospital project, stating Labor are taking credit off the former Coalition government. “Let me be very clear, in Cabinet I fought for and secured $720 million for Shellharbour Hospital,” Ward says, “Labor turned a second sod, took a photo and took all the credit.”Ward has also called out Illawarra Labor for his and re-elected Mayor of Shellharbour, Chris Homer's, lack of invitation to the event.“It’s one thing to ignore me, but to ignore Mayor Homer who was overwhelmingly re-elected just days ago smacks of political games by Illawarra Labor who are desperate to look like they have delivered something. They haven’t.”It is expected the construction of the hospital will generate around 800 jobs in the Illawarra region.Additional services and upgrades to expect include; emergency department expansion, increased surgical capacity, rehabilitation and aged care facilities, mental health services, renal dialysis, outpatient services, improved parking and public transport connections. “[The hospital] will cater for local population growth into the future and relieve pressure on other parts of the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network, including Wollongong Hospital,” Park says. Park says there will be no delays to the completion of the hospital, despite a lengthy tender process resulting in BESIX Watpac being chosen as head contractor in August of this year.The Shellharbour Hospital construction is expected to be completed in 2027.  The project is a part of the wider Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project which includes expanded sub-acute services, meaning more than basic at-home care but less than hospital intervention, new rehabilitation and palliative care beds at Wollongong Hospital and a new community health centre in Warrawong.

Kiama Oztag is set to begin its 15th season on October 14, with over 2,000 players registered across various age groups, making it the biggest participant sport in the Kiama LGA. Oztag is a non-contact version of rugby league that focuses on speed and agility, making it accessible to everyone. Kiama Oztag Association Coordinators Keiron Duncan and Ross Thomas say they never expected the game to grow so large, but they believe its accessibility and fun atmosphere are key draws. “A great part of the competition is that we have that duality. You have competitive players who want to win and play at representative levels, and then you have those who just want to have fun. You don’t need a rugby league background; players come from soccer, AFL, netball—it's all about having a go and running around with your mates,” says Duncan. Thomas emphasises another valuable aspect of the competition: the opportunity for individuals without teams to inquire about joining others. “There have been around 70 individuals who expressed interest in joining teams, and we’ve successfully placed about 56 of them. We hope to find spots for the remaining 12 before the competition starts. It’s a fantastic way to get active, socialise, and meet new people,” Thomas adds. The competition will run through early January and will be played across four venues, including the newly added Kiama Sports Complex fields next to the Kiama Leisure Centre. “We play on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Mondays are for over 35s and senior divisions, Tuesdays are for juniors and some seniors, and Wednesdays feature mixed and men’s teams at the Kiama Leisure Centre, which is a change from previous years,” says Thomas. “This setup allows us to utilise more fields and better lighting, enabling later games, and the parking and facilities are significantly better than at Gainsborough.” In addition to local competitions, Kiama has its own representative team, the Kiama Phantoms, which competes in the State Cup. Players from this team can be selected for national and even international competitions, with both young and older players proudly representing Australia. Duncan and Thomas are optimistic about continued growth, especially in age groups where participation in sports is less common. Since introducing an over 35s men's group and a women’s competition two years ago, participation has surged—from four teams each to eight teams this season. Both coordinators commend each other for their dedication to managing the league, which includes over 150 teams. They also express their gratitude to volunteers, referees, local photographer Brian Scott from The Bugle, and the Kiama District Support Council for their unwavering support. As the season approaches, there’s still time to join in! Interested individuals can contact Kiama Oztag at 0404 204 518. Whether you’re looking to compete or simply have fun with friends, now is the perfect time to get involved!

Kiama is gearing up to host its first triathlon in more than 10 years, with the event set for October 13 and all spots already sold out.The race will kick off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Minnamurra River followed by a bike ride out along Swamp Road and back and finishing with a run from Minnamurra, up into Kiama Downs and then back.There are two races: the standard race (1.5 km swim, 38 km bike and 10 km run) which begins at 8am and a sprint (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) which begins at 8:30am.Kiama Triathlon Club Vice President Geoff Besnard says the event will be very good for the community of the Kiama LGA and he hopes that if it’s successful, the event will become an annual occurrence.“I think it’s great for the town, it’s an event that promotes health and fitness and it will bring a lot of people into town. The race will probably only go for a few hours, but people will come down for the whole weekend. They’ll go out for dinner and drinks and go into the local businesses,” says Besnard.“This year is a bit of a trial run, but hopefully if all goes well, we will be able to run this event annually.”While the excitement is building, one concern is the potential for traffic congestion and limited parking in Minnamurra. To address this, Elite Energy, the event organisers whomanage multi-sport events along the East Coast, have devised an incentive for participants to use public transport.“Elite Energy has introduced an idea where racers who use public transport to get to the event will receive a $50 credit toward their next event, which is a nice perk since triathlons can be a costly sport,” says Besnard.Although they aren’t running the event, many of the Kiama Triathlon Club members will either be participating or volunteering to help.“I think we have about 15 of our members participating in it, but a majority of the rest will be helping out on the day. It takes a lot of people to run an event like this,” says Besnard.For those interested in spectating, Besnard recommends watching from the transition areas, particularly the transition between the swim and bike portions, and of course, the race finish.“If anyone wants to catch the action, the best spots will be along the Minnamurra River early on, especially to see the athletes transition from swim to bike,” he says.The Kiama Triathlon Club has had a highly successful 2024, recently winning their fifth state championship in seven years. Between August 15-25, 11 of the club’s members competed in various events at the National Championships, with Tanya Fraser, John Dormandl, and his partner Dan Merange all making it onto the podium.

This month, it’s all about spreading awareness for breast cancer.Breast cancer affects thousands of Australian families each year, but together, through research and funding, we can make a significant difference.Did you know, breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and tragically nine Australians lose their lives to this disease every day.Each year, over 21,000 people, including about 200 men, are diagnosed with breast cancer. Daily, 58 Australians receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Annually, over 3,300 people, including 33 men, succumb to the disease.Your support can change lives. To donate and contribute to vital research and prevention efforts, please visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation at the link below:Donate NowSo pretend everyday this month is a Wednesday and wear your pink to spread awareness. Together, we can combat breast cancer and support those affected. 

Today marks the beginning of the bushfire season in Kiama.If you want to conduct a burn, you will need a fire permit from your local rural fire service brigades. Fire permits are free, and ensure household burn offs remain safe and controlled. Rural Fire Service Inspector David Bartlett says the new processes are easy to follow, it’s about knowing what has changed.“Anyone on a rural property who wants to do some pile burning or light a fire, they're going to need a fire permit from the rural fire service,” “Apply online through the Rural Fire Service website… we’ll have a volunteer come out and do an assessment to ensure the fire you’re looking at is going to be safe.”  You can also obtain a permit from local rural fire service stations or from the Illawarra Fire Control Centre on Airport Road in Albion Park.The permits go through digitally, and once that has been obtained, households will need to reach out to Kiama Municipal Council for further approval.Council has a no burn policy, which means they will consider burn-off applications for properties over one acre that ‘carry out rural activities’.If both applications are approved, you must notify your local fire authority and neighbours of your intention to burn at least 24 hours in advance. David says the best way to prepare your property for a bushfire is getting a plan in order that will suit you best. “The best thing they can do is ensure they’ve got a bushfire survival plan in plan, whether they’re looking to stay and defend their property or leave.”Keeping up to date with road closures and active bushfires is crucial to leaving safely.David suggests monitoring fire activity, planning out the trip to make sure you’re not driving into bushland and doing all of this without delay. “If they’re leaving, they’ve got to leave early.” If the plan is to stay put, the bushfire survival plan will help ensure your home is well prepared. The Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October until 31 March.For more information on the Bush Fire Danger Period and requirements around safe burning, visit the RFS website. For Council applications, visit their website.

Joyce Wheatley Community Centre will be receiving upgrades and refurbishment worth over $190,000 through an initiative by Kiama Council and the NSW Government.The upgrades announced by Council include a new kitchen, audio-visual system and a new accessible bathroom. Upon completion, the centre will provide sitting options for up to 120 people.The Centre will be closed from the end of September until works are completed, which is expected by December. Kiama Council recently unveiled the new and improved park facilities at Hindmarsh Park, a project that was completed a month before schedule. This project is being funded by Kiama Council from their capital works budget and the NSW Government through a Creative Capital Minor Works and Equipment Grant.

Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) volunteers assisted two men after their catamaran capsized on St Georges Basin over the weekend. Radio operators received a call from a member of the public alerting them to the accident on Saturday afternoon.MRNSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a vessel from Sussex Inlet was deployed for the rescue mission. “[A volunteer crew] immediately deployed to assist the sailors at Erowal Bay while NSW Ambulance was called’, Sullivan said, “thankfully, the two men made their way to shore.”Rescue jet skis also responded to the event, the two men were assessed by paramedics and MRNSW crew righted the capsized catamaran as it posed a navigation hazard.Hobie catamaran capsized on St Georges Basin this weekend.MRNSW have also completed a recent refurbishment of Shoalhaven’s largest vessel, extending its operational life for another decade. As a part of the extensive works, Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said volunteer safety and crew comfort has been improved to manage fatigue.“We have changed the seating arrangements on the vessel to shock-absorbing Salti Bliss seats, making it much more comfortable for the crew to use.”A volunteer crew have set sail on the revamped vessel today, departing south of Newport this morning and are expected to arrive home on the Shoalhaven River around 2pm this afternoon.Parkin has said the vessel passed the extensive sea trial yesterday with ‘flying colours’ and the vessel will now be able to provide many more years of service to rescue operations. “Shoalhaven 30 is a solid Steber vessel and she has served the unit extremely well over the years. We look forward to another good decade of service from her,” Parkin said.

The Kiama International Sea Side (KISS) Arts Festival is coming back to Black Beach over October 25-27. “With a lineup of performers reminiscent of the pre covid KISS and the biggest ever KISS adults-only Cabaret, 2024’s KISS is on and banging. We promise you the best, the most hilarious and the most ‘get involved’ festival fun this state has to offer. All right here in our gorgeous town of Kiama,” says organiser Tamara Campbell.KISS is a celebration of street theatre, circus, comedy and entertainment in one location. A blend of international acts, local talent and unique performances will be on offer for all ages to enjoy.The three-day-event kicks off on Friday 25 October with the first of two adults-only cabarets in the Kazador tent. Saturday 26 will see street theatre performances who will “blow your little socks off and intimate tent shows that will leave you oohing and aahing, so many changes to get involved you’ll feel like the star of the show,” Campbell continued.KISS is a free event for all ages to attend. Artists will pass the hat, so make sure to pack some cash and bring your card to support performers. The opportunities to take part are another thing that sets KISS apart from your average festival. Build a raft, have your say at the Unity project, flex your comedy muscle in stand up for kids, make a lantern and play along to be part of the fun. Don’t forget to get your tickets to the unforgettable and unexplainable delight of the KISS Arts Fest adults only cabaret. You don’t want to miss it, because everyone will be talking about it, but no one will know how to explain it.

Kiama has spoken. The NSW Electoral commission has confirmed the results of the 14 September local government elections. Kiama’s nine councillors are: Cameron McDonald, Erica Warren and Melissa Matters (from Independent Group A), Matt Brown (Independent), Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins from Labor, Melinda Lawton (Greens), Mike Cains (Independent) and Yasmin Tatrai (Independent).That means that only three from the former group of Councillors have been retained, and there are six new members. Kiama voters have spoken loudly to elect a very different group of councillors for the four-year term, and there seems to be a bias towards Independents and people with solid business experience.  Labor councillors Draisma and Larkins have already come out with a statement: “We want to thank the community for allowing us the opportunity to represent them on the council, and the hardworking volunteers and members who have backed us all the way.”Newly elected councillor Mike Cains said, "It's a great honour and a privilege to be elected. We ran a short sharp policy rich campaign and have been rewarded by the community," adding, "I have said many times that I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and represent our community diligently, sensibly and thoughtfully. To everyone who supported us, I can't thank them enough."As of 2:51 PM this afternoon, there is a 24-hour period for anyone to object and request a recount. The councillors will be officially sworn in by the CEO, Jane Stroud, at the first council meeting on Tuesday, 8 October. This meeting will also see the new council members voting for a Mayor and Deputy Mayor.Regarding the constitutional referendum on changing to a direct (popular) election for the Mayor, the decision was closely contested, but Kiama chose no with 54.67% of votes.Cameron McDonaldErica WarrenMelissa MattersMatt BrownImogen DraismaStuart LarkinsMelissa LawtonMike Cains Yasmin Tatrai

As we await the final vote count for the new councillors in Kiama, it is not just the councillor roles that are changing. After the August departure of Jessica Rippon from her Director of Planning, Environment and Communities role at Kiama Council, now another Director has also called it quits. Michael Malone, Director Infrastructure and Liveability has resigned.No reason has been given, only a post on Council’s website giving a ‘farewell’ to Mr Malone.Mr Malone said that he was proud of the things that he has achieved during his tenure, including a new play zone at Hindmarsh Park that opened a week before the school holidays, and the re-opening of Jamberoo Mountain Road.It’s fair to say that Mr Malone has had a challenging set of circumstances to work within, including the Council’s financial position and the various extreme weather events that have affected the community, plus operating under the NSW Government issued Performance Improvement Orders.CEO Jane Stroud announced that Seren McKenzie, who has worked in engineering and management roles for the last 18 years, will step into the Acting Director’s role in the interim to assist in leading the team. Prior to joining Kiama Municipal Council in June this year, Ms McKenzie was the Director Infrastructure and Operations at Townsville City Council where she led a team of 1,000 staff delivering across various service areas including Engineering and Asset Infrastructure Planning; Property, Fleet and Emergency Management; Resource Recovery; Construction Maintenance and Operations; and Water.Ms Stroud said, “Given Seren’s strong skillset and the imminent swearing-in of our new Councillors, I wanted to ensure the role was filled immediately. We will consider when is the best time to conduct permanent recruitment for this role.”Here is a link to Council’s website post.

Kiama High School Year 12s rejoiced on Friday afternoon, celebrating the last day of high school with a graduation ceremony at the Kiama Pavilion.2024 School Captain Thomas reflected on his self-growth through the school's representative council and his journey with best friend, Olivia, from preschool to co-captains. Callan and Thomas “I was never someone who fit in with everyone, it was kind of my getaway [which] turned into a five year experience” Thomas said, “it’s really enlightening being able to leave and have all these memories but it’s also really sad.”Students departed the stage with yellow lanterns to signify moving into the next chapters of their lives. “It’s been an amazing experience, the class and the teachers have made it so memorable and it’s exciting moving forward with these relationships I’ve made,” graduating student Erin said. L-R Jazmin, Charli, Rachel, Front L-R Eva and Jemima“Now we face the real world,” Thomas said. Congratulations to the graduating class. We wish them all the best with their HSC exams next month. 

Jamberoo Rural Fire Service are out and about today putting on an information session for Get Ready Weekend. Get Ready Weekend is a statewide event hosted by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) each September, firefighters provide valuable information and resources to prepare their communities for the upcoming bushfire season.  There's also plenty of fun for the kids as well!Jamberoo RFS Brigade Captain Hannah McInerey wants Jamberoo families and residents to feel prepared ahead of fire season.“Being prepared… takes the panic and chaos out of the situation. Preparing the home, having an idea of where [the fire] is likely to come from — north, south east or west, if it’s ember or bushfire, direct impact and road conditions.”RFS firefighters responded to 6,220 grass and bushfires last year statewide.The Jamberoo Rural Fire Service have information packs you can take home to begin the conversation with your family.In the past eight weeks, the brigade has been busy responding to grass and bushfire jobs, as well as multi-agency jobs assisting other emergency services with rescues. “We have hit the ground running for the season, and had two total fire bans before the start of the fire season. That's a good indication that if we continue on the trajectory that we are, it’s going to be a busy season,” says Hannah.Local fire fighters can work through how to prepare your home, how to access resources such as a water source, what to do with pets or to revise your existing plan for the upcoming season. Get Ready Weekend information and resources are still up at the Jamberoo Fire Station in Young Street, Jamberoo. Firefighters are around until 2 pm today to chat through your bushfire preparedness plan.

You can pledge a donation to the Bugle through our phone number 0412415101 within our business hours which are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. If no one is there to answer your call, leave a message and we will get back to you. You can also pledge online with the link at the bottom of the article.The MV Signa is a glimpse into history, the wooden vessel was built in 1971 and has been a well loved part of Kiama Harbour for many decades. John Hansen removed her from the water in August 2022 to carry out an extensive restoration project. After two years of painstaking restoration and very hard work from John and six volunteers, the vessel was returned to Kiama Harbour in July 2024.John will be speaking at the October general meeting of the Kiama Men’s Probus Club at the Kiama Bowling and Recreation Club on Wednesday 23 October and will share his illustrated talk on the restoration project. All are invited to attend the free event and even get to enjoy a catered morning tea.. Morning tea will be served before John begins his talk at 10:30am. Please RSVP to Secretary Geoff Dowd on 0408 339 322.DONATE HERE.

The Kiama region, celebrated as the birthplace of Australia’s milk cooperative movement, continues to embrace its dairy industry, which remains central to the rolling green hills and the charm that draws tourists. Our local dairy farms are experiencing exciting times, with the average age of farmers being younger than the national average, reflecting a dynamic shift in the industry. As farms grow in size, they’re creating more employment opportunities for young people, many of whom come from urban environments, including a significant number of young women. This rejuvenation is not only sustaining our community but also ensuring that the rich tradition of dairy farming continues to thrive for future generations. “As a local dairy farmer, I’m incredibly excited by the number of young people applying for jobs on our farms, particularly those who often come from urban backgrounds,” Matt Parker, a local dairy farmer, says. “It’s refreshing to see their enthusiasm and the way they’re building strong social networks within our community. The training opportunities available now are fantastic, and it’s been wonderful to watch these young people grow in their roles.“For the last 18 months, Dairy NSW has provided us with a workforce specialist, and like many industries, we’ve been experiencing labour shortages. Having this support has been a game changer for our business, allowing us to attract and retain some truly talented young people,” he adds.Matt Parker and Imogen CoeWhen Wollongong local Imogen Coe left school in Year 11, she didn’t have a farming background, but she had a dream of working with animals. Today, Imogen is thriving as a trainee on dairy farms across the Southern Highlands and South Coast. She’s gaining hands-on experience in milking and calf rearing while learning the intricacies of pasture management and animal health through Dairy NSW workshops. Beyond work, Imogen is building connections with fellow young farmers through the Young Dairy Network. “It’s the best decision I’ve made,” says Imogen. Imogen Coe journey to being a dairy farmer trainee  https://youtu.be/KmvnstIO73Y?si=B_CNIHXL4LyA2RQSMia ThompsonMia Thompson always dreamed of being a physiotherapist, but when her plans took a turn, she found herself thriving in an entirely different field—dairy farming. Mia’s journey began at Tate Dairies in Albion Park, where she’s now deeply involved in calf rearing, animal husbandry, and learning about sustainable farming practices. Through Dairy NSW workshops, Mia has expanded her knowledge in areas like feed management and animal nutrition. "I never imagined I’d love this work so much," Mia shares. The social aspect of the job, including connections made through the Young Dairy Network, has been a surprising bonus. "It’s more than just work, it's a community," she says. Mia Thompson the high-tech world of the dairy Industry and its opportunities https://youtu.be/JGyq0gqVGjkGrowing up in Griffith, Ethan Halliburton never imagined he’d find himself working on a dairy farm. With his grandparents running a large poultry farm, his experience with farming was limited to chickens—not cows. But life has a funny way of steering you in unexpected directions.Ethan moved with his family to the Illawarra when he was four years old. After completing the HSC he was at a crossroads, considering his next career move and looking for part-time work while he made his decision. One night, while out at a trivia event, a chance encounter with dairy farmer Craig Tate’s wife would set him on a path he hadn’t considered.“I was looking for something to do while I figured out what I wanted,” Ethan recalls. “I met Craig’s wife at trivia, and she suggested I give him a call about working on their farm. I’m not big on cold-calling people I don’t know, so it took me a week to build up the nerve to make the call.”Ethan Halliburton’s unexpected journey into dairy Farming https://youtu.be/4-Z1zGlzvhgThat call turned out to be the start of Ethan’s new role as a trainee dairy farmer on the Tate family farm. Although he still has plans to join the armed forces, Ethan is grateful for the hands-on experience he’s gained on the farm.“Working for the Tates has given me an opportunity I never expected. I didn’t know anything about dairy farming, but Craig and his team have been incredibly patient in teaching me the ropes,” Ethan says. “I’m learning something new every day, and it’s been a great way to develop practical skills.”As for Craig Tate, he’s happy to have Ethan on the farm and sees potential for a longer-term career in the dairy industry.With a smile, Craig adds, “You never know—he might change his mind and decide to make dairy farming his career. We’d be happy to keep him around.”Whatever path Ethan chooses, he remains grateful for the opportunity to explore dairy farming.“I’ve still got my eye on the armed forces, but I’m really thankful for the experience I’ve had here. It’s given me a better sense of direction and some valuable life skills,” Ethan says.For now, Ethan continues to build his knowledge of the dairy industry, soaking up the lessons learned on the farm as he prepares for whatever his future holds.

Over 18 weeks spanning terms two and three, Mark Burns of Gerringong led the third annual Building Young Men program with 14 Year Ten students from Kiama High School. This mentoring initiative is based on the rites of passage model developed by Dr. Arne Rubinstein and includes a 24-hour challenge and an overnight camp. The program aims to support the mental health and development of young men during a critical stage of their lives.Burns, CEO of The Man Walk, explained that the rites of passage model follows three key stages: separation, challenge, and return. He sought to replicate this through the program’s structure.“Traditionally, a rite of passage might involve a challenge with your village or tribe—like going out to hunt with your uncles," says Burns. "That would be the separation and the challenge. The return happens when you come back, and the tribe honours you as a man, with new responsibilities." Without formal rites of passage in modern society, Burns believes young men seek their own ways to prove themselves, which can sometimes lead to risky behaviours. “They’re wired for that transition at 16," Burns explains. "Without proper guidance, they may try things like reckless driving, experimenting with drugs, or other risky behaviour."This year's program involved mentoring from nine men of all different backgrounds and ages, a 24 hour walk around Win Stadium which finished at half-time of the Dragons match and an overnight camp at Kangaroo Valley.The initiative has been a huge success. Both students and parents have reported significant positive changes in behaviour and attitude following the program. “I’ve received wonderful feedback from the young men and their parents," says Burns. "Parents have told me they’ve seen huge improvements in behaviour and attitude at home.” Teachers have also noted marked changes in school performance. “Kiama High reported a significant decrease in absenteeism, improvement in grades, and better behaviour in class. They say it’s the best program they’ve had,” says Burns.One of Burns’ favourite outcomes of the program is the camaraderie it fosters among the students. “One of the guys told me he didn’t even know some of the others before, and now they’re best mates,” he shared. “They come from different backgrounds—some sporty, some more musical—but by the end, they’re a team. They look out for each other now, and will for the rest of their lives.” Burns stresses that mentorship and guidance at this age is vital. “I had mates who started to go off the rails at 16. I was lucky—I had a stable home and good guidance, but not everyone has that. Sixteen is a key age where you can make decisions that either set you on a good path or cause problems down the line.”A key focus of the program is encouraging respect, honesty, and thoughtful decision-making, especially in relation to women. “We talk about respect and decision-making with young women, and the guys were amazing in those discussions,” Burns says. “This kind of focus is critical for us to move forward as a society and address issues like disrespect, sexual abuse, and violence.”Due to limited resources, only 14 students can participate each year, and they are selected through a two-page application process. For those who aren’t selected or parents who want more information, Burns recommends The Making of Men by Arne Rubinstein. “It’s a great resource for understanding boy versus man psychology,” Burns said. “And I’m always happy to chat with parents or students who want to learn more about how to help young men make good decisions.”

Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc promises magic this October school holidays with the Broadway adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Running from October 3th to October 6th at the IMB Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, the production will feature 29 talented local performers.Originally created for television, Cinderella was the only musical Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote specifically for the screen, with Julie Andrews in the title role. The stage version brings a fresh twist to the classic tale. Ella (played by Jocelyn Bray) is more than just a “pretty face with the right size shoe,” she’s a spirited, soulful character who fights for her dreams and inspires Prince Topher (Lachlan Pearce) to see the world in a new light.Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc is an Illawarra based amateur musical society, aiming to bring high quality shows to stage and offering opportunities for the community to be involved in the arts. They are excited to bring this production to life, following the success of previous shows such as Disney’s Frozen Jr., The Wedding Singer, and Shrek: The Musical.The show runs with matinee and evening performances over the weekend. Tickets are available at IPAC.org.au or the PAC Box Office at 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong. 

Kiama Junior Football Club (JFC) President Andrew Wales announced on September 17 that he will be stepping down from his position following the annual general meeting in October.Wales has served as President of the club for three years, but has been part of the committee for six years and involved with the club as a coach and parent since 2012.Since he came on board as President three years ago, the club has grown and seen tremendous success with the recent 2024 season being one of the most successful in the club’s history.Under his leadership, the club has grown and achieved tremendous success, with the recent 2024 season being one of the most successful in the club’s history. Reflecting on his decision, Wales feels that now is the right time to step down, having accomplished much of what he set out to achieve.“I’m a firm believer that there’s a time for people to step up and help and equally there’s a time for them to step aside and make way for fresh ideas and new talent,” says Wales.“I think after three years as President I’ve achieved a lot and I’ve achieved most, if not all, of what I set out to achieve when I took on the role. I think it's time, and I’m looking forward to someone coming in and keeping the flag flying.”Wales says his time as President had a lot of highs and lows, but the fact that he was able to accomplish what he set out to do at the beginning is something that he is incredibly proud of.The highlight has been putting a vision together with a couple of colleagues, Kaz Appleby, Alan Appleby and Paula Shanahan, three years ago and seeing that come to fruition,” says Wales.“Seeing the club grow in numbers, seeing things that previously might have been a bit clunky become better managed to a point where people look at the club and comment that we have a professional organisation even though we are a grassroots organisation of volunteers.”Looking ahead, Wales is optimistic about the future of the club and hopes that the teams will continue to find success and remain competitive. He is also hopeful that the junior and senior clubs, which currently operate as separate entities, will merge to create a smoother pathway for young players as they progress through the ranks.“Having two separate clubs makes it difficult for young people to have a seamless pathway with their football. They get to 17-18 and they have to jump to another organisation. Which is risky because when they’re jumping they can potentially get picked up by a club outside of Kiama,” says Wales.“If you’re a young player and want to continue your football and be competitive, having a single club means you can start in under 6’s and go all the way through into your senior football with that one organisation without a blip.”Wales wanted to ensure that it was known that the success of the club over the last three years has not been just a singular effort, but a team effort.“It has been me, Kaz Appleby, Alan Appleby and Paula Shanahan and the Kiama JFC committee as a team. As President I tend to be the higher profile as that’s what usually happens when you're in that role, but it’s been a team effort which has driven our success,” says Wales.Following his retirement announcement on Facebook, the post was flooded with comments from supporters, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for his dedication to the club and for the success it has experienced under his leadership.The Bugle congratulates Andrew on his achievements and extend best wishes for his future endeavours.

As we await the final vote count for the new councillors in Kiama, it is not just the councillor roles that are changing. After the August departure of Jessica Rippon from her Director of Planning, Environment and Communities role at Kiama Council, now another Director has also called it quits. Michael Malone, Director Infrastructure and Liveability has resigned.No reason has been given, only a post on Council’s website giving a ‘farewell’ to Mr Malone.Mr Malone said that he was proud of the things that he has achieved during his tenure, including a new play zone at Hindmarsh Park that opened a week before the school holidays, and the re-opening of Jamberoo Mountain Road.It’s fair to say that Mr Malone has had a challenging set of circumstances to work within, including the Council’s financial position and the various extreme weather events that have affected the community, plus operating under the NSW Government issued Performance Improvement Orders.CEO Jane Stroud announced that Seren McKenzie, who has worked in engineering and management roles for the last 18 years, will step into the Acting Director’s role in the interim to assist in leading the team. Prior to joining Kiama Municipal Council in June this year, Ms McKenzie was the Director Infrastructure and Operations at Townsville City Council where she led a team of 1,000 staff delivering across various service areas including Engineering and Asset Infrastructure Planning; Property, Fleet and Emergency Management; Resource Recovery; Construction Maintenance and Operations; and Water.Ms Stroud said, “Given Seren’s strong skillset and the imminent swearing-in of our new Councillors, I wanted to ensure the role was filled immediately. We will consider when is the best time to conduct permanent recruitment for this role.”Here is a link to Council’s website post.