The Kiama/Shellharbour Zonta group celebrated its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June after successfully welcoming more than 20 members in its first month of May, and continuing to grow in numbers. This Zonta chapter is part of an international organisation with a focus on female empowerment and improving conditions for women across the globe. During the AGM, new members were initiated into Zonta with a small ceremony where they received name badges and a certificate. The group also elected board members, naming Meredith Bryce as president.  The Zonta club of Kiama/Shellharbour continues to encourage local women to join and participate in their mission. As the chapter looks forward to the journey ahead, the AGM set a positive tone as discussion began about the ways the group can start helping the community.Please contact Rita ([email protected]) or Meredith ([email protected]) for more information. For further information on Zonta International, visit: zonta.org.

Gerringong RSL sub-branch would like to confirm that the inaugural Commemoration of the Middle East Area of Operations will be held at the Gerringong Memorial Headland, eastern end of Belinda Street at 4:30pm on 11 July. Everyone is invited to join us at the Headland and afterwards for light refreshments, provided by the sub-branch, in the Soldiers Memorial Hall, corner of Belinda and Fern Streets in Gerringong.This is an important occasion, allowing us to honor those men and women who served in this, the longest conflict in Australia’s history, and those that did not return. Laying of wreaths is welcome. Please join us.

Close to 900 people competed in this year’s edition of the Reevies Kiama Coastal Classic on Sunday, 23 June. The runners faced tough and wet conditions, due to the heavy rain overnight, but neither puddles nor mud could deter them from having an all-around great time.“It was an absolute mud bath! But really a lot of fun, I like these kinds of conditions,” says Josh Bignell from Shell Cove, who won the 21km on the men’s side.It wasn’t his first time on this course, living locally he likes to run it during lunch, whenever he gets the chance. Bignell is not a Kiama Coastal Classic novice either, having done the race once or twice before a couple of years back.“I’ve done half-marathons, ultra marathons, 100km. This is a bit of a shorter run, really,” he says with a grin.Josh Bignell is the male winner of the 2024 Reevies Kiama Coastal Classic.As for his winning time of 1:32:59, Bignell notes that on this particular day, it wasn’t about time.“It was just running through the conditions. If I could run hard, I’d run hard.”Bridie Temple from Dapto finished fourth overall, and first in the women’s category. Having completed her first-ever Kiama Coastal Classic, she’s looking at the orange juice offered to the runners in the finishing area.“It looks amazing, I’ll grab one of those,” she says. A nice top-up of C-vitamin will come in handy, considering she has just done her third-ever half marathon and won it.“Absolutely unreal. The energy out there on the course couldn’t have been better,” she says. “It’s a local route and I do a lot of training out there so I thought I’d join up.”Asked about her winning time, she agrees with Josh Bignell: “I think it was 1:40:38. But it was all about conditions today with it raining all night.”Bridie Temple, the female winner, crosses the finishing line.The sun did make an appearance, along with a rainbow, as the racers set off in the morning. A gorgeous setting, which is what the event organisers, Elite Energy Events, had hoped for.“We really want to see some happy smiles out on the course. It’s going to be a beautiful day. We’re just hoping for a really fun day for everyone out on the course,” says Hannah Jonsen, marketing coordinator with Elite Energy Events.She’s excited over the number of runners participating.“Absolutely, a bit more than we had last year. Last year, we had around 840, and we’re at 884 this morning. And we’re expecting a few more on the day of registrations. So great turnout,” Johnsen says. “It’s really great for Kiama. Great to have all these people here seeing our beautiful South Coast.”Elite Energy Events’ next trail run is the Summit Shoalhaven on 28 July. RESULTSMale1) Josh Bignell, 01:32:59 (category 40-49)2) Danny Soglanich, 01:35:40 (category 30-39)3) Max Gordon, 01:38:21 (category 20-29)Female1) Bridie Temple, 01:40:38 (category 16-19)2) Jessica Cannings, 01:50:02 (category 30-39)3) Gem Dawkins, 02:00:04 (category 20-29)

By Lesley BerryGerroa combined probus recently gathered for another engaging meeting, filled with both informative insights and creative expressions.Guest Speaker Jeff Trott, hailing from Shellharbour Marine Rescue, took the spotlight to underscore the paramount importance of water safety. Amidst nods of agreement, Jeff regaled the audience with humorous anecdotes about the pitfalls of boat and trailer launches—a lesson in what not to do! Member Matt Dalton extended heartfelt thanks to Jeff, acknowledging the vital role Marine Rescue plays in our local waters.In a delightful contrast, member Betty Vietch delighted attendees with her exquisite handmade creations. Displaying a collection that showcased her craftsmanship, Betty expressed particular pride in a piece adorned with delicate butterflies. Her creations, born from hours of dedication and love, left a lasting impression on all present.These gatherings remind us of the diverse talents and shared values that knit our community together. Stay tuned for more stories from our vibrant community!

The Kiama Readers’ Festival line-up features a who’s who of literary royalty; Jane Caro, Chris Hammer, Hugh Mackay, Michael Brissenden, Joanna Nell, Sue Williams, David Hardaker. The list of talent, both local and national, goes on. Organiser Perrie Croshaw admits her first foray into organising the Festival, as President of Friends of Kiama Library, was “a baptism by fire”. Thankfully Kiama is a community of book lovers and talented novelists, so when Croshaw and a dedicated team of committee members and community volunteers tapped into their networks they were able to curate a stellar line up of authors for the biennial event.Supported by Kiama Council, Destination Kiama and a plethora of local businesses and community members, the festival will launch on Friday, July 19 with a sold-out event at Burnetts on Barney. Guest speakers Fiona Weir, a cookbook author and owner of Gerringong’s Buena Vista Farm, Kirsten Bradley from Milkwood in Tasmania, and Victoria-based gardening guru Craig Castree will discuss permaculture, kitchen gardens, self-sufficiency and cooking from scratch during the morning session which kicks off the festival.“Anyone who got tickets to this is really lucky,” says Croshaw. “It sold-out so quickly. But there are many more amazing author talks to choose from, we've got something for everyone, with really talented writers coming down, and a bunch of local talent as well.” Fred Smith - songwriter, author and former diplomat - will officially launch the festival at Kiama Library on Friday night and punters can expect something “a little bit different”.“Rather than just an author getting up and doing a bit of a talk about their book, Fred will bring his guitar and tell his wonderful life story through song and a multimedia presentation,” explains Croshaw. “He will discuss his fabulous book, The Sparrows of Kabul, which has been shortlisted for the ACT Literary Awards. He will also talk about his travels around the world as a diplomat. That's going to be a really fabulous event and is being catered by Saltwater in Kiama.”Another special guest is social researcher Hugh Mackay, possibly doing his last author circuit before retirement. “But who knows because he’s addicted to research,” laughs Croshaw. Crime writers Chris Hammer and Michael Brissenden will discuss their most recent work, dubbed Cli-Fi, a term coined when crime fiction meets environmental and political corruption. It is a genre in which the former political journalists are well-schooled. They will be joined by Sydney Morning Herald book reviewer, author and crime fiction aficionado Professor Sue Turnbull, who will moderate the author discussion. The session is a partnership with BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival.  “Chris Hammer is always well supported when he comes to Kiama,” says Croshaw. “He has been a guest speaker at Kiama Library before, and was a hit with readers. We expect the same response this time around too.”Journalist David Hardaker, of Four Corners and 7.30 fame, will talk to former Illawarra Mercury editor Nick Hartgerink about politics, power and friends in high places. Karen Viggers, internationally bestselling author, vet and soccer mum will discuss her latest book Sidelines. And award-winning journalist and columnist Sue Williams will share insights into Run For Your Life, her book about a family who fled to the Australian outback to escape Putin’s Kremlin. “Some people might criticise me for asking too many journalists along, but they seem to be the people that are writing at the moment,” says Croshaw. “We're also really lucky to have non-fiction writer Andra Putnis discuss her debut novel, Stories my Grandmothers Didn’t Tell Me. The book is about her two Latvian grandmothers who lived through World War II and survived to immigrate to Australia. Sometimes you might think that you can't pick books like these up, because you know they're going to be sad. And yet, Andra’s book is so moving and beautifully written. I hope she goes on to write more.”Then there’s GP and author Joanna Nell, who has rewritten the narrative on ageing by featuring older characters who refuse to be defined by their years. “I have to admit, I’d never read any Joanna Nell books but when I did I just laughed myself silly,” says Croshaw. “I mean, it's a little bit close to home, because it's about a retirement village and I’m in my late 60s and staring down that barrel. But it was just so funny.”The festival will wrap up with a Gala dinner on Saturday night hosted by Walkley Award winning columnist, author, novelist and social commentator Jane Caro. “We are so excited to have Jane join the festival,” says Croshaw. “We know she will be very popular with the Kiama community.“We're definitely punching above our weight here in Kiama, with such a wealth of talented authors and avid readers. We have been really lucky to get the authors that we’ve lined up for this event. It's a very diverse lot and we did that deliberately to cater to everyone’s taste, but also to encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and read something they might not have picked up otherwise.”A life-long book lover and former journalist, including for the Kiama Bugle, Perrie stepped into the role as president of Friends of Kiama Library late last year. “I thought I would just be doing four author events in 2024,” says Croshaw. “Then Michelle (Hudson) from Kiama Library said to me ‘oh, don't forget there’s the festival this year! Even though we're a small committee, we do have an awful lot of friends who've come along to help us with this venture. It has really been a community effort, with all the hard work from the committee and assorted volunteers who just love books. People in Kiama will really go the distance to read a good book and support writers. It's just wonderful to see so many people giving back to the community.”The book is definitely not dead, at least not in Kiama. Tickets to festival events are available at Kiama Readers' Festival 2024 Kiama Library (nsw.gov.au) 

The Kiama Readers’ Festival line-up features a who’s who of literary royalty; Jane Caro, Chris Hammer, Hugh Mackay, Michael Brissenden, Joanna Nell, Sue Williams, David Hardaker. The list of talent, both local and national, goes on. Organiser Perrie Croshaw admits her first foray into organising the Festival, as President of Friends of Kiama Library, was “a baptism by fire”. Thankfully Kiama is a community of book lovers and talented novelists, so when Croshaw and a dedicated team of committee members and community volunteers tapped into their networks they were able to curate a stellar line up of authors for the biennial event.Supported by Kiama Council, Destination Kiama and a plethora of local businesses and community members, the festival will launch on Friday, July 19 with a sold-out event at Burnetts on Barney. Guest speakers Fiona Weir, a cookbook author and owner of Gerringong’s Buena Vista Farm, Kirsten Bradley from Milkwood in Tasmania, and Victoria-based gardening guru Craig Castree will discuss permaculture, kitchen gardens, self-sufficiency and cooking from scratch during the morning session which kicks off the festival.“Anyone who got tickets to this is really lucky,” says Croshaw. “It sold-out so quickly. But there are many more amazing author talks to choose from, we've got something for everyone, with really talented writers coming down, and a bunch of local talent as well.” Fred Smith - songwriter, author and former diplomat - will officially launch the festival at Kiama Library on Friday night and punters can expect something “a little bit different”.“Rather than just an author getting up and doing a bit of a talk about their book, Fred will bring his guitar and tell his wonderful life story through song and a multimedia presentation,” explains Croshaw. “He will discuss his fabulous book, The Sparrows of Kabul, which has been shortlisted for the ACT Literary Awards. He will also talk about his travels around the world as a diplomat. That's going to be a really fabulous event and is being catered by Saltwater in Kiama.”Another special guest is social researcher Hugh Mackay, possibly doing his last author circuit before retirement. “But who knows because he’s addicted to research,” laughs Croshaw. Crime writers Chris Hammer and Michael Brissenden will discuss their most recent work, dubbed Cli-Fi, a term coined when crime fiction meets environmental and political corruption. It is a genre in which the former political journalists are well-schooled. They will be joined by Sydney Morning Herald book reviewer, author and crime fiction aficionado Professor Sue Turnbull, who will moderate the author discussion. The session is a partnership with BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival.  “Chris Hammer is always well supported when he comes to Kiama,” says Croshaw. “He has been a guest speaker at Kiama Library before, and was a hit with readers. We expect the same response this time around too.”Journalist David Hardaker, of Four Corners and 7.30 fame, will talk to former Illawarra Mercury editor Nick Hartgerink about politics, power and friends in high places. Karen Viggers, internationally bestselling author, vet and soccer mum will discuss her latest book Sidelines. And award-winning journalist and columnist Sue Williams will share insights into Run For Your Life, her book about a family who fled to the Australian outback to escape Putin’s Kremlin. “Some people might criticise me for asking too many journalists along, but they seem to be the people that are writing at the moment,” says Croshaw. “We're also really lucky to have non-fiction writer Andra Putnis discuss her debut novel, Stories my Grandmothers Didn’t Tell Me. The book is about her two Latvian grandmothers who lived through World War II and survived to immigrate to Australia. Sometimes you might think that you can't pick books like these up, because you know they're going to be sad. And yet, Andra’s book is so moving and beautifully written. I hope she goes on to write more.”Then there’s GP and author Joanna Nell, who has rewritten the narrative on ageing by featuring older characters who refuse to be defined by their years. “I have to admit, I’d never read any Joanna Nell books but when I did I just laughed myself silly,” says Croshaw. “I mean, it's a little bit close to home, because it's about a retirement village and I’m in my late 60s and staring down that barrel. But it was just so funny.”The festival will wrap up with a Gala dinner on Saturday night hosted by Walkley Award winning columnist, author, novelist and social commentator Jane Caro. “We are so excited to have Jane join the festival,” says Croshaw. “We know she will be very popular with the Kiama community.“We're definitely punching above our weight here in Kiama, with such a wealth of talented authors and avid readers. We have been really lucky to get the authors that we’ve lined up for this event. It's a very diverse lot and we did that deliberately to cater to everyone’s taste, but also to encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and read something they might not have picked up otherwise.”A life-long book lover and former journalist, including for the Kiama Bugle, Perrie stepped into the role as president of Friends of Kiama Library late last year. “I thought I would just be doing four author events in 2024,” says Croshaw. “Then Michelle (Hudson) from Kiama Library said to me ‘oh, don't forget there’s the festival this year! Even though we're a small committee, we do have an awful lot of friends who've come along to help us with this venture. It has really been a community effort, with all the hard work from the committee and assorted volunteers who just love books. People in Kiama will really go the distance to read a good book and support writers. It's just wonderful to see so many people giving back to the community.”The book is definitely not dead, at least not in Kiama. Tickets to festival events are available at Kiama Readers' Festival 2024 Kiama Library (nsw.gov.au) 

Kiama residents and visitors flocked together over 15-16 June in search of their next greatest vintage find. The Rekindled Fashion Market, held fortnightly at the Masonic Hall in Kiama, is a treasure trove of pre-loved quality clothing, accessories and bric-a-brac. The Australian Fashion Council released a report highlighting the staggering amount of Australians' wardrobes ending up in our landfill each year. About 227,000 tonnes of clothing is discarded by Australian households annually. Ultra fast-fashion online stores such as Shein and Temu contribute to the ever-growing fashion waste problem. According to new research by the Australia Institute, Australians have been revealed as the world’s biggest fashion consumers. Rekindled owner and organiser, Donna, began the market as a way to do her part in keeping clothing out of landfill, and to encourage others in her community to do the same.“My passion is to recycle. The market is a tool to raise awareness on how bad the problem really is,” she said.Each of the stall holders share the same philosophy, Jean operates her stall under the name ‘Lola’s Closet’ and has been attending the market since last year. Her stall is an array of vintage leather jackets, women’s attire, sports jerseys, and coats all sourced from high quality designer brands. Jean began bringing her collection to the market after the communal store she operated her store out of was hit with a rent increase. Adriel is also a frequent attendee and has been coming to the market for four years to showcase her curated selection of vintage womenswear, compacts, handbags and shoes. It began as a personal hobby, however it was “within mind to share with the world one day,” she said.There are also other benefits for Adriel, “The great thing about the market is the community spirit.” Rekindled Fashion looks forward to new and returning customers at the market, the next pop-up will be on July 6th & 7th. Don’t miss out!For more information on upcoming market dates, visit Rekindled Fashion’s facebook page here.

Born in Newcastle on June 20, 1924 Olive Cook, known as Lee, celebrated her 100th birthday this week with parties across Kiama. There was lunch at Kiama Leagues Club with the Kiama Beachside Ladies Probus Club, a celebration with the Hospital Auxiliary, of which Lee was a member for many years, a morning tea at Kiama Bowling Club where Lee still plays social bowls. And finally to finish off a big week, cake and candles at Kiama Golf Club, followed by a robust few rounds of canasta with friends. Lee has been a card player since she was five years old and plays canasta at the golf club every Friday. She credits playing cards with "keeping her sharp and off the streets". The centenarian, who has a wicked sense of humour, says it was an honour to have her milestone birthday recognised with a letter from King Charles and Queen Camilla."But I didn't do anything except live," she laughs. And live she has, through world wars and epidemics, all while wearing one of her signature hats."The obsession with hats comes from my mother's side," explains Lee. "She was never without one and I've got the sort of hair that needs a hat. I have about 40 of them, for all occasions. My friends are always buying them for me. But disappointingly I only got one hat for my birthday!"Lee, who has three daughters, three grandchildren and a great-grandson, born earlier this year, says she has had "a very fortunate life".The former nurse and her husband moved to Kiama in the 1980s from the family farm in Molong, west of Orange."Once the girls were grown up we sold the farm, retired and came down here to live," she says. "I have had a pretty good life. I can't complain."Lee still lives independently, takes no medication, plays lawn bowls socially, still drives her car, and only recently got glasses "for distance". Last year her family gave her a walking frame, which she has nicknamed The Ferrari. Up until this week The Ferrari lived in the boot of her car and had never been used."When I got the Ferrari I told my family I would use it when I turned 100. I was true to my word."Throughout her nursing career Lee spent much of her time in hospital infectious disease units, and says one of her most memorable moments was when childhood vaccinations were made compulsory. "I was a nurse through a lot of epidemics, so compulsory vaccinations changed the healthcare system for the better,” says Lee. “It was heartbreaking to see babies dying from polio. Compulsory vaccination was a career highlight for me.”Lee has no secrets to longevity, other than having a good laugh and wearing a hat daily. She doesn't drink. "I gave up the grog four years ago, one day I just didn't like the taste of wine anymore." But if she had to share any tips for a long, happy life it would be a positive attitude, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.

National NAIDOC Week, running from 7-14 July, wil celebrate and honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud," chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, highlights the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations’ culture. Fire, as a central symbol, represents the connection to the Country, community, and the rich traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.“We honour the flame of the fire, kindling the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation,” said Aunty Lynette (Dr) Riley, Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee.“The resilience of mobs, our shared experiences, collective memories and kinship is a source of tremendous pride, “ said Aunty Lynette (Dr) Riley, Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee.“This year’s theme is a clarion call to continued unity and solidarity for all Australians to come together and celebrate.”‘Blak, Loud, and Proud’ encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, emphasised  Steven Satour, National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair.“This theme calls for a reclamation of our narratives, an amplification of our voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.”The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, announced an investment of $1.7 million to support activities during National NAIDOC Week.First Nations communities, registered businesses, schools, and local governments are encouraged to apply for funding to host activities and events that align with the 2024 NAIDOC theme. Eligible activities include:Arts-based activities, such as painting, dancing, crafts, and storytellingFamily fun days and community eventsCultural activities and events for EldersNAIDOC-themed sporting activities or competitionsActivities that actively promote reconciliation.Managed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the grant application process offers two tiers of funding: small-scale grants of up to $10,000, and large-scale grants ranging from $10,001 to $50,000.NAIDOC Week, which began in 1975, offers all Australians an opportunity to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and to participate in celebrating the world's oldest continuous living cultures. To learn more, visit naidoc.org.au.

The Sebel, Kiama, is showcasing their venue as a dream wedding destination for the annual Kiama I do event. The hotel is hoping the exhibition will put the South Coast, and their venue, on the map for people to host their nuptials in the region. The Sebel has a rich history with heritage listed buildings, vast harbour views overlooking Black Beach and a close-knit team who go above and beyond to make their couples dreams a reality. Venue The Sebel Kiama, Styling by Splash Occasions, Floristry by Shique Floral Designs, Stationary by White Cherry Invitations

By Barbara WylesThe Illawarra Feltmakers recently hosted their annual Exhibition and Sale at the Masonic Hall from June 8th to 10th, drawing a diverse crowd from local areas, across NSW, and even international visitors on holiday. The event showcased a wide array of felted creations available for viewing and purchase.Among the highlights were two members who have achieved notable success at prestigious Agricultural Shows like the Royal Easter Show and the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show, consistently securing wins.The entrance of the Masonic Hall was adorned with a prominent painting of a sheep, complemented by smaller sheep motifs decorating the walls and a fence adorned with a felted vine. Attendees had the chance to win a book voucher, which was claimed by Paul Casey.Glenora Weaving and Wool set up shop at the event, offering a variety of wool supplies for weaving and knitting enthusiasts. Photographs from the exhibition depicted the journey from raw wool shearing to the intricate felt creations crafted by members, including demonstrations of needle felting and the creation of felt balls. Various items made by members were also showcased, highlighting the creativity and skill within the Illawarra Feltmakers community.

The NSW Government has extended an invitation to the Illawarra community to contribute their perspectives on the draft plans for the Warrawong Plaza in Wollongong. This initiative proposes rezoning to modify planning controls for 42-65 Cowper St, Warrawong (Warrawong Plaza), facilitating the creation of 1,300 new homes, including 10% designated as affordable housing.Part of a pilot program initiated by the previous Government and announced on 14 July 2023, this proposal is one of four undergoing assessment through the State-Assessed Planning Proposal pilot. The program aims to bolster housing supply and diversity in NSW via State-led Rezoning efforts.Key features of the proposal include the potential for 1,300 new homes, with 130 earmarked for affordable housing, to be distributed across 12 residential towers. This involves an increase in maximum building height from eight to 22 storeys. The existing retail floor space, approximately 50,000 square metres, must be maintained as part of the non-residential floor space.The project is expected to generate 540 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, along with another 540 full-time equivalent operational jobs. It aims to facilitate the continued operation of the current shopping centre, integrating open spaces amidst the towers. Retail services will also be maintained throughout the construction phase.Given Wollongong's housing target of 9,200 new well-located homes by 2029, with over half already approved, in progress, or under construction, proposals that support the community in meeting the remaining target and delivering additional homes are encouraged.Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, emphasised the importance of community input in shaping the future of the area and ensuring that projects yield tangible benefits. He highlighted the potential of housing development in Warrawong to expand housing options and employment opportunities for residents here.

The Kiama Council seeks feedback from dog owners and others regarding its ‘Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy,’ currently on public exhibition.Council took a large attitudinal survey to improve how dog-friendly areas are managed in the local government area. It received 533 responses with 76 per cent from dog owners, 20 per cent from non-dog owners and the remainder coming from visitors.Feedback showed the off-leash spaces were operating well with the main issue being responsible dog ownership and the need to build fenced dog off-leash areas.Kiama has 9000 registered dogs and a high ratio of dog ownership, with one dog for every 2.5 people.The survey found that most dog owners choose to exercise in and around their own neighbourhood with 82 per cent of respondents in the category.The most popular dog off-leash areas are Bombo Beach, Jones Beach, the Minnamurra Headland and Bombo Headland.Dog owners said dog waste bags and bins, and access to water, were important issues for them.Respondents also want an off-leash area in Jamberoo. In June last year, the council said it would identify and apply for grant funding before the project could commence.Kiama Council survey on dog off-leash areasThe survey showed more education and regulation was needed so the public had a clear idea of the rules and responsibilities with dogs in open spaces. There was also a call for increased presence of Compliance Officers.When owners take their dogs to an off-leash park, the RSPCA said, they need to be confident that they will reliably come to you when called and relate to other dogs without becoming fearful or aggressive.“For most dogs, this can be achieved with socialisation, reward-based training classes and ongoing reward training, daily walks and attending doggy day care,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.Councillor Stuart Larkins said he was very happy the dog-friendly spaces strategy was being developed. “This is one initiative that I have advocated for in council as part of a broader companion animal management plan. We have 9000 dogs in our LGA, and we need to make sure that they are able to enjoy the area with their families, and also keep everyone safe,” he said."I'm also pleased that Council will be undertaking its first fenced dog space in the LGA. I thank the NSW Government for providing grant funding to council for this important project,” Clr Larkins said.Kiama LGA dog-friendly spaces:Minnamurra Headland dog off-leash areaJones Beach dog off-leash area (Southern end)Bombo Headland dog off-leash area and agility parkBombo Beach dog off-leash areaKaleula Reserve dog off-leash areaMarsden Headland dog off-leash areaWerri Beach dog off-leash areaGerringong Headland dog off-leash areaBlack Head Reserve Gerroa dog off-leash area.Studies show that owning a dog encourages physical activity, which contributes to improved cardiovascular health. Contact with animals may confer psychological benefits such as relieving the symptoms of mental illness and loneliness.Public Exhibition of the DDFSS runs until 5pm Friday 21 July.

Jamberoo Superoos will be dedicating their annual Charity Day proceeds in a local direction this year when they take on Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs next Saturday, June 22.They have selected The Man Walk Australia, a national men’s mental health charity that started in the Kiama municipality in 2019 and has rapidly grown to now host and support 80 man walks all around Australia.“The Jamberoo chapter of The Man Walk has always been a powerhouse group and continues to thrive and grow in numbers week to week,” Man Walk founder and CEO Mark Burns said.“The man walk is hugely grateful for the support that the Jamberoo community and the Jamberoo Superoos Rugby League Club have given through the years and we are looking forward to an amazing weekend and seeing the players charging at the line in their special edition Man Walk jerseys.“Monies raised will help support the growth of The Man Walk to get more men walking, talking and supporting each other both locally and regionally and funds will also enable mental health education in the form of our “mental fitness for teams” program which we deliver and fund for our members,” Mr Burns added.The Jamberoo Man Walk group was established in December 2020, with numbers now around 30, of which more than 20 regularly turn out twice weekly, including a record 25 last Friday. Superoos vice-president David Hall, who helped establish the Jamberoo Man Walk, said the funds will go to helping the organisation, which helps fund men’s mental health. “All four Jamberoo men’s teams will wear special Man Walk jumpers which they are encouraged to purchase, while the Man Walk officials will have a stall with caps, shorts and other Man Walk merchandise as well as taking jumper orders,” Mr Hall said.The Club holds a charity day each year as a way of supporting various organisations and has been very successful in past years.

Former resident and well known Kiama identity Coralie Attwater (wife of the long-time former editor of the Kiama Independent, Peter Attwater) recently celebrated her 80th birthday amongst friends and family.A number of Kiama and Illawarra residents attended the big birthday celebrations on the Gold Coast where Coralie and Peter now live.

Shellharbour City Council is calling for nominations for its prestigious Hall of Fame, which honours outstanding members of the community. The Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and requires nominees to have been residents or business owners in the Shellharbour City LGA for at least 10 years. Nominations close on 28 June.Inductees are selected every four years from various fields, including science, innovation, education, research, business, public services, arts, sports and recreation.  Currently, there are 35 notable individuals currently in The Hall of Fame, these include researcher Harold Goodwin, former alderman and mayor Keith Grey, Antarctic explorer Robert Dovers, Olympic swimmer Beverly Whitfield. Shellharbour Mayor, Chris Homer emphasised the importance of recognising those who have excelled in their fields, stating, “Hall of Fame recognition is reserved for those who have shaped their field and contributed to the community and beyond.”For more information or to make a nomination you can visit Shellharbour Civic Centre.

Dementia rates in Illawarra and Shoalhaven are projected to surge by 55 percent by 2054, exceeding the national average by four percentage points because of its older demographic. Despite this, those affected by dementia and their families often face a significant lack of support to manage life post-diagnosis.To address this gap, Berry has been chosen by leading dementia care provider Group Homes Australia to host the first free, government-funded regional Rementia Together Retreat from August 19 to 23, 2024. This retreat aims to provide transformative support for both individuals living with dementia and their chosen 'support partners' (loved ones). It is designed to equip them with the emotional, psychological, and mental tools necessary to understand the diagnosis and live well with dementia.This regional retreat follows a series of successful Sydney-based Rementia Together Retreats, which have profoundly impacted lives through education, community building, and enhanced understanding.Group Homes Australia’s Founder and Executive Director, Tamar Krebs, co-designed this unique retreat with dementia experts Dr. Meredith Gresham and Jackie Pool. The program is based on the concept of ‘rementia,’ a term that shifts the focus from ‘dementia’ (Latin for ‘away from the mind’) to ‘rementia’ (Latin for ‘return to the mind’). The Rementia Together Retreat is revolutionary in its approach to post-diagnostic care, promoting a return to purpose and meaning for those affected by dementia.Krebs explained, “In just 30 years, the number of people living with dementia in this region is expected to more than double. For every person with dementia, there is almost always a support partner who also needs help. We aim to assist both individuals in living beyond their diagnosis and reclaiming their sense of purpose and relevance. Our retreat leaders help participants reconnect with their sense of self, facilitating rementia.”Catherine, 57, who lives with dementia, attended a previous retreat with her husband and support partner, Steve. She described the experience as transformative: “Getting a dementia diagnosis can be really difficult. But when you have the right people around you, it changes everything. That’s exactly what the Rementia Together Retreat did. It brought me a whole community of people going through what I’m going through, and Steve was by my side every step of the way.”Steve added, “It’s hard to put into words something as meaningful as the Rementia Together Retreat. Catherine and I did our research on dementia beforehand, but it felt like our eyes were truly opened at the retreat. We learned so much, and we could do it together. It completely transformed our perspective on dementia, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone newly diagnosed and their support partners.”Donna Ward, Program Director at Group Homes Australia, leads the program. Having experienced the challenges of her own mother's dementia diagnosis without early support, Ward underscores the retreat's value: “For most of us, a dementia diagnosis is terrifying for both the individual and their loved ones. The Rementia Together Retreat is specifically designed to overcome this fear. It provides lasting change in how both parties understand dementia, flipping the script and channeling fear into empowerment.”The Rementia Together Retreat is fully funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.Residents with a recent dementia diagnosis and their support partners from Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Southern Highlands, and nearby regions are encouraged to register their interest by June 30 at www.grouphomes.com.au/5-day-retreat or by calling 1300 015 406.

The Property Council of Australian (PCA) wants more retirement villages built to cater for Australia’s ‘expanding’ ageing population.Executive Director Daniel Gannon - who heads the PCA’s Retirement Living Council - said recent ABS national population figures show the fastest growing age cohort was 75-79 year old’s.This was due to the large baby boomer cohorts born after World War Two moving in to the older age cohorts.“With an annual growth rate of 6.73 per cent, the 75–79-year-old age group significantly out paces all other demographics with an overall growth rate of 2.48 percent,” Mr Gannon said.While the National Housing Accord plans to deliver 1.2 million homes over the next five years, little mention is made of housing for retirees. The unknown element is how many will stay in their own home.People investing in retirement housing need to have their financial wits about them, a spokesperson for National Seniors Australia said."The cost of good legal advice (for a property purchase) may be thousands of dollars. Some solicitors charge up to $5,000, and older people often decide against getting this advice because of the cost. But not doing so also could come at a very dear cost, much more than the legal advice," said National Seniors Australia.Mr Gannon said retirement villages across the country save the commonwealth government $945 million every year, as Australia’s population continues to age.“They achieve this through better designed homes that minimise trips and falls, which means residents can experience fewer visits to the GP, shorter hospital stays and delayed entry to aged care,” Mr Gannon said.“All of this reduced interaction with doctors and hospitals releases capacity back into health systems for those who need it most, when they need it most,” he said.There are no official figures which state that people living in retirement homes saves the commonwealth government $945 million a year.According to the 2023 Intergenerational Report (IGR), Australians are expected to live longer and spend more years in full health.The five main spending pressures of health, aged care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, defence, and debt interest payments, are projected to rise from around one-third to around one-half of all government spending.The population is projected to reach 40.5 million in 2062–63, similar to projections in the 2021 IGR.

On Monday, 17 June, the President of the Kiama Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) displayed the club’s gratitude to the local community for all their support with fixing the clubhouse.President, Phil Perry, invited local, state and federal members of council to come along to the surf club to outline the new grant they have received, and to thank everyone that supported them along the way.“Today is basically about thanking our LGA for the support they’ve given us in the last few months. It’s been pretty well publicised that we needed to fix a few things around the club and the support we’ve received has been overwhelming,” says Perry.Due to the massive response from the Kiama community, the Kiama SLSC was able to raise enough money, paired with the grant they recieved from the NSW government, to fix the roof of the clubhouse.“Basically we started the fundraising in November, and I think we raised $15,000 on New Years Eve, which is massive. We ended up making $40,000 which was the co-contribution amount we needed for the entire works (with the grant),” says Perry.Work is predicted to begin in the first week of July. Not only will the roof be fixed, but an accessible toilet will also be added to the top level of the club.“It’s about a five week period … Not only are we getting the fascia replaced and the box guttering and all the drainage fixed for good, we have also been afforded some funds to build an accessible toilet upstairs,” says Perry.Perry also used the day to highlight the support of the federal, state and local governments who have supported the club as well.“We also want to thank Gareth Ward who has helped us immensely in parliament, and Federal member Fiona Phillips,” says Perry. “And I can’t say enough about the Kiama Council, they've really helped us a bunch.”Mayor Neil Reilly, who attended the event, says that the surf lifesavers play a vital part in the Kiama community and that it’s important they have the right facilities and resources to carry out their work.“We have quite a number of beaches here, each with different typographies, each with different angles - north facing, east facing, south facing - and the training that these people have to do to work on each of those beaches is remarkable and whatever we can do to help, we will,” says Mayor Reilly.There are a long list of local businesses that the Kiama SLSC wanted to thank: Blue Water Charters, Cicada Luxury Camping, Sebel, Butchers Nook, Easts Beach Caravan Park, Manning St Cellars, The Lodge, El Corazon, Jamberoo Action Park, Miss Arda, Silica, IGA, Fredericks IGA, Family OOSH, Club Jamberoo, Top Shop, Burnetts on Barney, Saltwater Cafe, Nude Cafe, Kiama Lions Club, Kiama Leagues Club, JJ's Indian, IMB Bank, Gerringong Lions Club, Kiama Amateur Fishing Club, Kiama Motor Cycle Club, Clayton Comber - DJ, Jaxstax & The Thrill Seekers - Rock Band, Bedrock Ceramics & Tiles, Coast 2 Country Painting Services, City Coast Services, DG Electrical, Connected Audio Visual, Dentocalm Dentist, Active Feet Podiatrist, Kiama Pharmacy, Coastal Float, Linen House.