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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foster children in New South Wales are in a ‘critical’ situation, with the number of active foster carers slowly decreasing across the state. From 8 September until 14 September is Foster and Kinship Care Week and highlights the importance of foster carers and the vital role they play in keeping vulnerable children safe and secure. CareSouth Illawarra is a community-services organisation that focuses on foster care, NDIS, early intervention, youth support and therapeutic residential accommodation services. CareSouth, Julie Heck and Karen HooperThe organisation currently has 44 young people in their foster care program, Karen Hooper, CareSouth Illawarra Carer Engagement Team Leader says de-stigmatizing the role of a foster carer is crucial to rebuilding the available homes for children in need.“Foster Care Week is not only an opportunity to thank our wonderful carers but to encourage people to have a conversation about what it’s like to be a foster carer and break down any myths or barriers to becoming a carer,” says Ms Hooper. According to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, 23 children were in out-of-home care in the Kiama local government area in 2023. The number jumps to 903 across Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama combined, which accounts for four percent of the total population of children living in the Illawarra region. Over the past five years, the number of foster carers in NSW has decreased by 15 per cent, leaving the system vulnerable and children in foster care to be moved around constantly in stressful environments. Illawarra foster carers Julie and Peter Heck joined CareSouth as foster carers in 2019 and say it’s the best decision they ever made.“We’ve got so much love to give, so thought we would go down the fostering path after considering it for a fairly long time,” says Julie. “Then one day we just took the plunge and I made the phone call and we’ve never looked back. Now I can’t imagine life without these two little people in it.”There is an urgent need for more foster carers like Julie and Peter to provide a loving home for children and young people who are unable to live with their own families. If children are not able to be placed into a stable foster care environment, the effects are alarming.A harrowing report into the dire alternative care arrangements young people are living in across NSW was released by the Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP) earlier this year.The NSW Government responded with an urgent review into the foster care system looking into how taxpayer finances are being spent in the industry and use of emergency accommodation for children in out-of-home care.Children placed in these living arrangements recounted their lack of access to ongoing schooling, constant relocation, living in pest-infected rooms and a 12-year-old reported experiencing sexual assault during a stay in a hotel.Earlier this month, the government announced a ban on all alternative care arrangements for vulnerable children across the state. Alternative care arrangements can cost upwards of $2 million per child, per year. These arrangements place children in hotels, motels and caravan parks with rotating shift workers instead of registered foster carers. These arrangements are provided by non accredited agencies who are not required to meet NSW Child Safe Standards for Permanent Care.“As a mum I’m horrified to hear that there are children in the child protection system who feel like they’re animals, being moved from cage to cage,” says Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington.“Under our government, unaccredited emergency accommodation will become a thing of the past, which is long overdue,” Washington continued.Those interested in becoming a foster carer are encouraged to contact CareSouth on 1300 554 260 or visit www.caresouth.org.au. You can also visit the NSW Government website for more details on how to become a foster carer.

While some candidates have been granted access to community phone numbers, others have been left in the dark. But how do these candidates feel about the potential misuse of private information for political gain? We reached out to several independent and opposing candidates to get their thoughts. Independent candidates expressed frustration over the lack of access to similar resources, citing concerns over the fairness of the election. "If one party can target voters directly while others can't, it creates an imbalance," said one candidate, who wished to remain anonymous. "It calls into question the integrity of the process." Another candidate running on a community-focused platform said, "I have never been comfortable using personal information without consent. Elections should be about honest engagement, not manipulating people's trust by exploiting their private details." Many candidates are now pushing for an investigation into how the data was acquired and used. Some have called for clearer guidelines around data usage in local elections, while others believe the community should have the right to opt out of political communications altogether. Residents are also reacting, with some expressing concern that their phone numbers were used for political messaging without their explicit consent. As we head closer to election day, these are the issues that demand attention. It’s essential for all candidates to have their say and for the community to understand the broader implications of data privacy and political outreach in local campaigns.

Remember to vote this SaturdayKiama Council reminds our residents and ratepayers to make sure they vote in the council elections this Saturday (14 September).Our municipality has eight (8) polling places available for you to cast your vote between 8am and 6pm:Gerringong Town Hall - 106 Fern Street, GerringongGerroa Neighbourhood Centre - 37 Stafford Street, GerroaJamberoo Public School - 29 Churchill Street, Jamberoo - Jamberoo will also have a stall selling homemade crafts, sweets, jams and pickles! Kiama High School - Shoalhaven Street, KiamaKiama Uniting Church - 48 Manning Street, KiamaMinnamurra Public School - 85 Charles Avenue, MinnamurraNorth Kiama Neighbourhood Centre - Meehan Drive, Kiama DownsWerri Beach Progress Hall - Pacific Avenue, Werri BeachLocal voters will be asked to select their preferred candidates for our nine (9) councillors.You will also be asked to vote in our referendum on changing how the Mayor is selected.The Mayor is currently elected every two (2) years by the nine (9) Councillors.The referendum question is:Do you want to change to the direct (popular) election of the Mayor by the voters of the Kiama Municipality, for a four (4) year term, with the number of Councillors (including the Mayor) remaining at nine (9)?Voters simply have to write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.Any change would come into force at the next council elections in 2028.Voting in council elections, like federal and state elections, is compulsory.Further information:2024 NSW Local Government elections

If Bruce Lee hadn’t been quoted as saying “To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities”, it could as easily have been Serge Niazi, CEO of IT&T.The business, which Niazi started as a one-person operation out of his home in 1994, has grown into one of Illawarra’s leading providers of IT and telecommunications solutions. It now employs 22 people in-house (plus national and international contractors for specific projects). It’s quite the achievement, especially considering Niazi arrived in Australia as a skinny 14-year-old after escaping a war-torn Middle East. But Niazi is not much for beating his own drum, instead he hopes that by sharing his story, it will inspire refugees and immigrants who find themselves in similar circumstances.Much like he himself has drawn inspiration, and continues to do so, from one particular martial arts pioneer.“Since I was a little kid, my uncle was always watching Bruce Lee and doing Kung Fu,” he says. When Niazi became a teenager, he also joined a Kung Fu class in Sydney.An impressive collection of Bruce Lee quotes decorates one of the walls of his office. “I basically follow everything he says,” says Niazi, which makes sense since Lee often spoke about being shapeless like water in order to easily adapt to one’s environment. The Bruce Lee quotes on Niazi's wall.Niazi has pretty much been forging his own path since he first landed in the Land Down Under.It’s a day he’ll never forget. Niazi had asked his mum, who had already escaped to Australia, how far it was to Wollongong? Not too far, she replied as she prepared to pick up her sons from the airport in Sydney all those years ago.What she didn’t know was that Niazi and his brother would be arriving a day earlier, just in time for her birthday. The two brothers, who didn’t speak any English, gave the address to the cab driver and off they went. But after 40 minutes passed and they still weren’t in Wollongong, they began freaking out.Finally, they arrived safely at their destination and knocked on the door. Niazi’s mum opened the door just to quickly shut it again. She just couldn’t believe her eyes. It was the best of birthday presents.Niazi’s introduction to his adopted new home involved its fair share of culture shock but he pressed on and came to study at the University of Wollongong, where he earned a Master’s Degree with Distinction and Honors.After taking a Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Science, and a Master of Commerce in Business Information Technology, he began looking for a job.Niazi was short-listed for all the forty roles he applied to but still, no one hired him. So began a (career) journey which saw him take whatever job he could get and seize opportunities wherever they presented themselves. After deciding that he didn’t want to commute every day from Wollongong to the Sydney suburb of St Leonards for work, if that meant missing out spending time with his daughter, Niazi started his own business. He hustled and hustled, often bringing potential clients a coffee or a cake, and slowly began building relationships. Still, it didn’t generate any business. Until something called the internet appeared big time.“All these people are knocking on my door, they go ‘Serge, can you do this’? ‘Yeah, no problem,’ ” Niazi recalls. He said he had seen hundreds of customers and all of a sudden, 60 of them wanted to do business.As Niazi’s company grew, one obstacle after the other presented itself: financial hardship, fraud, the ramifications of Covid – you name it. But through it all, he kept going, maintaining his sense of humour and gentle spirit. It has served him well.“The longest customer has been with us for 25 years,” Niazi says as the tiny business he started all those years ago now celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The Kiama Knights Under 16’s Division 1 team made history on September 7 when they won their third grand final in a row.They became the first Kiama Knights team in 20 years to win three grand finals in a row when they convincingly defeated the Wests Devils 26-6 at Win Stadium.Coach Cindy Brookfield says the boys’ performance on the day was full of effort and maturity and that they trusted their game plan.“The boys knew their role and executed the coaches game plan perfectly in the Grand Final. It was a tough battle in the middle. Our pack earned us the right to shift the ball. The spine created opportunities for themselves and the team. Such a well deserved team win,” says Brookfield.The team was also coached by Benny Brookfield and Josh Starling and they lost only two games all year. Brookfield says that the team feels like one big family and that this has been a driving factor behind their long term success over the last three years.“The boys' connection on and off the field have created a brotherhood where they want to play for each other and the coaching staff. The team has an awesome family vibe with lots of dads taking on roles over the years and supportive parents who have enabled the 16-1’s to be brothers,” says Brookfield.Kiama Knights Junior Rugby League Club (JRLC) president Carl Middleton says that the juniors are going to miss the team’s winning and hard working attitude towards the game when they move onto seniors in 2025.“The club is extremely proud of these U16 players. They have had a desire and an ability to play Rugby League to the highest level they can. Their win is centered on hard work and to win for the third year in a row is an indictment on their dedication and desire. We wish them well into the future and their transition into U18’s next year,” says Middleton.The try scorers in the grand final were Lacom Pooching, Jaxson Ballinger, Reed Palmer and Jett Brookfield. The four goals were kicked by Asher Chapman and one penalty goal was kicked by Ashton Moore.

The state government have announced their support for Kiama’s entertainment precinct and are on standby for the community and incoming council to adopt the new rules. Labor representatives and local business owners met to continue the momentum for the entertainment precinct, calling upon incoming council members to show support”The Hon. John Graham, Special Minister of State, Minister for Roads, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy says it’s up to council to get the precinct to the next step,“We need council to back it, state government is standing by with these rules ready to change, having the communities, having the venues on board is a great first step.”A special entertainment precinct is a defined area where noise levels from amplified music is managed by a council through a management plan. Any requirements on amplified music that would normally fall under the NSW Liquor Act 2007 will not apply in precincts. Kiama local and community advocate and Branch President of the Kiama ALP, Katelin McInerney, says it’s important to fast-track the precinct and get council onboard ahead of the upcoming election. “We want to make sure our incoming council knows how keen we are to get one blanket envelope of conditions across a precinct in town… and [to allow] our local performers to put events on with minimal fuss and minimal effort,” McInerney says.The special entertainment precinct was launched with a petition in July of this year. Following the petition, Kiama Council worked with the 24 Hour Night Time Economy Commissioner to develop a strategy suitable for Kiama. A council identifies a precinct by amending their local environment plan and displaying the noise management plan on their website. A precinct may be a single premise, streetscape or another defined area.Graham says the process will be to change the rules in the centre of town to “make it easier and cheaper to put events on, making it a bit more relaxed, a little bit less costly to do these things.”