In the lead up to the September Local Government Election, Kiama Council has announced a pre-election candidate information session to be held on Tuesday 14 May. This session will detail roles and responsibilities of a councillor for anyone considering throwing their hat into the ring.Alongside invaluable opportunities, being a councillor comes with significant commitment and its fair share of challenges. This briefing will allow anyone contemplating running as a candidate to make a well-informed decision. With vast content inclusions to be delivered by Jenny Dowell OAM, this is the ideal Council crash course for any potential future councillors. The pre-election candidate information session will take place on Tuesday 14 May, 5:00pm - 8:30pm at The Pavilion, located at 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama. Further information and link to registration can be found on the Council website.

“Electrifying.” That’s how Laura Stokes from Shellharbour Village describes her first-ever ice bath. “I was nervous to do it, but it’s good to prove that it can be done,” says Stokes. A beaming Sandra BiggsStokes, along with two other brave women, were the first ones to take the plunge at the pilates and ice bath-event at Killalea State Park on Saturday 21 April.The event, organised by Snap Fitness Kiama, introduced a local group of women to ice baths, which can help with muscular relief, pain reduction, inflammation and overall recovery.Laura Stokes lets it all sink inIt can also give you an “ice-bath high,” explains assistant club manager at Snap Fitness Kiama, Sam Baskerville. “It’s a bit of a serotonin boost, so it’s going to make your mood lift. And it will last ten times as long as when you exercise. Up to 24 hours,” explains Baskerville.But voluntarily soaking yourself in an ice bath with a temperature of 3°C, containing 10-15 bags of ice, takes guts.Ice bath debutante, Cassi Nash from Nowra“I was nervous about how cold it was going to be,” Stokes recalls, as she sits on a bench afterwards, face turned toward the warm autumn sun. “Especially as she [Baskerville] had the temperature, I thought, ‘oh, no’.”“The first bit was not bad. After 10 seconds it got harder. I was waiting for the timer so I knew it was time to get out,” she says.Most of the women chose to sit, each in a portable bath, for between two to five minutes. If you’re an ice bath-novice, Baskerville says the secret is to go slow.Sam Baskerville from Snap Fitness counts down the time for the women in the ice baths“Yeah, if you’re never done it before, start slow. Bring your breathing down. And the more you do it, the frequency, it gets easier,” recommends Baskerville.“Eventually, you’ll be able to go for longer and will keep getting into a little state of calm,” she adds with a smile.

This ANZAC Day, the NSW Government again acknowledges the sacrifice and bravery of all that have fought for our country. Regional and rural NSW monuments can be found honouring the sacrifice made by soldiers from across the state who enlisted, often from regional communities with a population smaller than the average present day city neighbourhood.In the first World War (WW1), thousands of young men from regional communities, many who had never even been to Sydney let alone Europe, left safety of their normal lives for war. This was a sacrifice that was echoed through World War 2 (WW2), Korea, Vietnam and even today in ongoing operations around the world.NSW recorded the highest enlistment rate in the country during WW1, with 164,030 people signing on to join the war. Approximately 21,000 never returned home, leaving bereft communities throughout the state.When WW2 broke out, the people of NSW once again stood up to defend our nation. Many of the 276,741 people who answered the call to go to war were sons, brothers or relatives of those who served in WW1, still tainted by the fresh memory of the horrors of war.Today, the reminder of regional NSW’s sacrifice is seen through the war memorials that can be found in nearly every regional and rural town. These monuments have a sombre history in country towns where they were often used as substitute graves that family and friends of those who died in battle overseas were able to visit to remember and pay respects to their loved ones.Today these monuments act as a congregating place for the local community to come together and commemorate the bravery and sacrifice, and continuing service being from those in our present armed forces.“The role of regional NSW communities in contributing to the war effort in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and even in present day peace-keeping operations cannot be overstated,” says Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty. “Families in these communities saw their sons, brothers, and fathers go off to war overseas and were left bereft when many never returned home, having made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.“Today we honour the contribution of all service men and women throughout the country and throughout our history and I thank them for their service, contribution and sacrifice that they have and continue to make in order to keep our country safe.”No doubt many will continue to gather at The Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park, which sacredly houses 1,701 samples of soil within the walls. This soil represents the names of every town, city suburb and homestead WW1 enlistees once resided in. “The Hall of Service demonstrates the geographical reach of the call to serve, and signals the willingness and enthusiasm of so many from diverse regions who answered the call to join the war. It contains the incalculable loss and grief of communities across the state whose men and women did not return,” says Minister for Veterans, David Harris.“On ANZAC Day, we come together as a community to remember our veterans and current serving members of our Defence Force, many of whom come from regional areas across our state. We pay tribute to their service, and we thank them for their efforts to allow us the freedoms we afford today.”For this ANZAC Day and all that follow – Lest We Forget. 

The Albanese Government recently announced that Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches food manufacturing facility in Bomaderry will receive a $44.45 million helping hand to undergo energy efficiency upgrades thanks to the Powering the Regions Fund. The fund will allocate $330 million in total across nine clean energy and emissions and reduction projects at heavy industrial sites around the country. One of those sites being Shoalhaven Starches, which processes wheat to produce flour. The Bomaderry facility also produces gluten, starch, ethanol, animal stockfeed and syrups.Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, believe the grants will future-proof Australia’s heavy industries in a decarbonising world, with nation-wide projects cutting 830,000 tonnes of emissions annually. This equates to removing over a quarter of a million cars from Australian roads.Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, explained that the goal of the Shoalhaven Starches project is to recover heat to enable transformative emission reductions.“The project will deploy a suite of heat recovery upgrades and enabling infrastructure to reduce gas demand,” she said.“It’s estimated that emissions will be reduced by 95,266 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.”Mrs Phillips also praised the project for creating new jobs during construction and securing existing roles at the plant, which will continue to support local families and the community. Shoalhaven Starches has 510 employees and 400 independent contractors. Additionally, upward of 80 temporary jobs will be created during the project. 

Shadow Minister for Police and the NSW Police Force are reminding motorists that double demerits will be enforced over a five-day period, covering ANZAC Day. In a bid to crack down on illegal and reckless behaviour behind the wheel, double demerits will come into effect from Wednesday 24 April at 12:01am and remain in place until 11:59pm on Sunday 28 April. During this period, offences such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence or illegal use of a mobile phone will attract higher fines and double demerit points. Shadow Minister for Police, Paul Toole, warned that there will be a strong focus on targeting drink and drug driving. “Many people like to enjoy themselves on ANZAC Day by partaking in a game of two up or sharing a beer with a mate. No matter your plans, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking,” he said.“We often see people underestimate the effects of ‘a few drinks’ and take the risk of driving. Even the morning after a night out, alcohol can still be impeding on a driver’s ability to function properly.”Mr Toole urged all Australians to opt for plan B if consuming alcohol for ANZAC Day celebrations, such as safely leaving the car at home and utilising public transport. This, of course, applies for the entire double demerits period which, for many, may well become an extra-long weekend. “The ANZAC Day public holiday coincides with the end of school holidays, and we anticipate a very busy few days on our roads,” said Mr Toole.“Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, please think of those passengers in the car with you and other motorists on our roads so that everyone can reach their destination safely.”This is a timely reminder that speeding, fatigue and drink and drug driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads. NSW Police Force assure they will be heavily present on our roads during the double demerits period. Anyone caught doing the wrong thing will pay a hefty price. 

Gerringong couple Judy and Kevin have taken up the task of rallying support in the community for an Indigenous youth-centred program in Australia’s Central West. Down the Track (DTT) works with disengaged and marginalised youth aged 10-20, who live in remote areas, such as Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge, Central West NSW. Judy and Kevin are passionate about the cause, contributing to help the program “keep kids alive, out of jail and thriving.” The program focuses on early intervention, providing pathways to real and sustainable jobs, education and community connections for Indigenous youth. By offering diversionary activities, training and mentorship, Down the Track aims to empower young people to reach their full potential and break the cycle of disengagement. Youth crime, anti-social behaviour and youth incarceration have seen a significant decrease since the commencement of the program.Judy and her husband moved to the Gerringong area to advocate for Down the Track in their local community. They hope to inspire others to join the cause by raising awareness about this incredible program. By working together, they believe that no young person should be left behind. In line with the beliefs of Down the Track, they want to see young people given every opportunity to reach their greatest potential. To learn more and find out how you can support a good cause, visit Down the Track and sign up to their newsletter.

Earlier in April, The Bugle featured local businesswoman Korin Koutsomihalis and the worthwhile ongoing work Korin is involved in to motivate and support the local community through her Gerringong-based small business SOUL FIT CO (which includes a program of group fitness classes at the Gerringong Bowling & Recreation Club). Korin already has an impressive list of community and fitness-based awards, including Kiama Council’s 2023 Australian Citizen of the Year. Korin explains that she actively seeks out awards programs and collaborative initiatives to build awareness around her business and its community projects. It’s not for personal glory but as a means to fulfil her life’s purpose to reach and help more and more people to live long, healthy and meaningful lives.Recently, Korin was notified that from an impressive 5,000 nominations, SOUL FIT CO had been selected as a finalist in the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards in the Fitness Services category. On Saturday 13 April at a glamorous National Presentation Evening at The Star in Sydney, SOUL FIT CO was awarded the 2024 Australian Champion Small Business-Fitness Services. In her acceptance speech, Korin said of her business: “What we have at SOUL FIT CO is uniquely special and is helping so many people train for life. I’m very proud to see people of all ages, from 10- to 103-years old, with various abilities and fitness levels, inspired to move together in the one fitness class, without hesitation and with so much teamwork.”A SOUL FIT CO class group.The Australian Small Business Champion Awards, founded in 1999 by Precedent Productions, were originally NSW-only awards. The awards base expanded in 2007 to recognise the vision, commitment and achievements of the most outstanding businesses from all over the country. There are an estimated 2.5 million small business operators across Australia, and these awards seek to celebrate, recognise and highlight the achievements and contributions of the best of them.Judges assess nominated businesses on a range of criteria including: milestones achieved; short-term and long-term goals; and commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives and wellbeing of the local community. We congratulate Korin on her latest award.Read more here

Miss Zoe's Dance Studio has achieved a milestone by being named a finalist in the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards. This marks their third time as a finalist in this competition.The studio's journey to this recognition includes previous wins such as the Most Outstanding Dance Studio in the 2023 Illawarra & South Coast Local Business Awards, along with wins and finalist spots in previous years. They were also finalists in the Australian Women's Small Business Awards in 2024, 2020, 2019 and the Australian Small Business Champion Awards in 2020 and 2019.Miss Zoe, the studio's founder, has also received acclaim, being nominated for Outstanding Business Person of the Year in the local business awards in 2018 and 2019.The upcoming awards ceremony will see Miss Zoe's Dance Studio competing with 19 other studios nationwide. Miss Zoe expressed gratitude to their community for their support, acknowledging that this achievement wouldn't be possible without them.Their dedication, talent, and passion are sure to shine on the national stage, and we wish them all the best in the upcoming awards.

“It’s finally my turn to shine,” laughs Foxground artist Robyn Sharp. “I’ve always been the director's wife, now I’m the star.”The director Robyn refers to is her husband Lindsay, the former head of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and world-renowned museologist. While her comments are tongue-in-cheek, the curation of this show, held in the Gerringong Art Gallery adjacent to the Gerringong Library and Museum (GlaM), is all Robyn’s with her husband happily following directions on where to hang her stunning artworks. Paintings and drawings which use a range of mediums, including pencil, acrylic and charcoal and capture the beauty of the Australian bush in all its variations; fire, flood and in full bloom.It is the elements that have inspired Robyn’s third show Dreaming of Dharawal Days. Much of her recent work focuses on the local landscape, at Bundanon, Jervis Bay, Moreton National Park, and of course her beloved Foxground - home to the hidden gem that is her Cedar Ridge Art Studio.It is where Robyn and Lindsay watched in terror as ash from the 2019 bushfires rained down on them, and a raging inferno edged ever-closer to their property. Thankfully their home and Robyn’s studio was spared.“But after the fires I had to create a lot of artwork to get it out of my system, I dealt with the trauma through art,” she explains, pointing to a detailed depiction of a grass tree.“This is one of my favourites. I painted it shortly after the fires when Lindsay and I went for a walk in the Moreton National Park. The bush was deathly silent, there were no birds, no animals but the grass trees were in full flower. It was so heartening to see such beautiful regeneration after the fires. It gave me hope.”Hope is something we could all use more of, given the extreme weather events that have lashed the coast in recent years.“With climate change comes more intensive weather systems and we get flooded in on our property at least once or twice a year now,” says Robyn. “When you live in a beautiful place you are often at the mercy of the elements.”But she wouldn’t trade her picturesque studio for any other in the world, and she has had a few; in the United States, Canada, England and a “little flat in Paris”.“One of the benefits of being the director’s wife is that I could go to art school in Chelsea (during Lindsay’s stint as the director of London’s National Science Museum in the early 2000s). I had some incredible teachers and mentors who shared their knowledge of figurative drawing and sculpture during that time,”But Robyn credits the free university scheme under Gough Whitlam’s government for kickstarting a long and illustrious career as an artist.“I won a scholarship to the National Art School in Sydney, under the then Whitlam Government’s free university education scheme. I had a living allowance of $10 a week for food and board, can you believe it,” she asks incredulously. It is this sense of wonder, of how far she has come as an artist, that endears the artist to members of the community who poke their head into the gallery as she sets up her Dreaming of Dharawal Days exhibition, the first show to be held in the Gerringong gallery space. A husband and wife offer to help Robyn hang one of her works and walk away with a breathtaking landscape before her show has officially opened. Dreaming of Dharawal Days will be on display at GLaM to April 24, before moving to Cin Cin’s Wine Bar May 7.

Formerly known as the Community Visitors Scheme, Ageing with Grace is combating loneliness in the elderly community with their Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).The program is funded by the Australian Government and is available to anyone receiving government funded aged care services in an aged care facility of their own home. Through this funding, Ageing with Grace is able to offer this service free of charge, with a strong focus on social support to those who need it. The scheme matches an elderly individual lacking social interaction to a volunteer who provides compassion and companionship.Loneliness is a growing concern among Australia's elderly population, with one in five reporting feeling isolated, this figure rises to one in three for older people living in aged care facilities. Social isolation and loneliness have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.By matching volunteers with older people based on shared interests, hobbies and geographical proximity, the program works to create meaningful and lasting connections. A Kiama local, Shirley, is one such participant in the program who found comfort and friendship with her match, Tania. Tania is a dedicated volunteer who heard about the visitor scheme on the radio and felt compelled to lend a hand. She has a long history of lending a helping hand in her community, and her efforts are truly commendable.She is a caring and generous person who travels each week to spend time with Shirley, usually in her home. Shirley loves flowers and her cat and together the pair spend time talking and catching up, reading magazines, doing jigsaw puzzles and much more. The pair have great plans to get Shirley out and about in the future. Tania’s regular visits to Shirley’s home have blossomed into a heartwarming friendship, acting as an exemplary scenario of how the scheme can help. Shirley’s daughter shares her gratitude for the program, emphasising the positive impact it has had on her mothers’ wellbeing. “Tania’s enthusiasm to help and her understanding of my mother’s situation has been amazing,” she said. “She is committed to providing support and friendship to my mum. We are grateful to the scheme and to both Tania and Annie.”Annie Lucas, the aged care program coordinator for the Illawarra Region emphasises the rewarding aspects of the scheme for both participants. One such example is a 19 year old woman paired with a 91 year old woman. These visits have prompted a long awaited cinema trip for the elderly woman, who had not been to the movies in 50 years. In turn, she is teaching her young volunteer how to crochet, a skill she had been hoping to develop. Annie is passionate about her work, citing the number of successful matches that have stayed in touch with each other, even once the pair have parted. Many still send letters, postcards, and call each other regularly. There are innumerable benefits involved in the program and the ACVVS aims to improve quality of life for the participants. Shown to increase self esteem, sense of purpose, increasing independence and overall wellbeing, the program is successfully working toward a sense of connectedness in the community. ACVVS is always seeking volunteers over the age of 18. If you’re seeking a rewarding way to occupy your time, why not consider being a part of something life changing? Volunteers like Tania play a crucial role in enriching the lives of the elderly community.National Volunteer Week is coming up between 20-26 May 2024 and what better time to contribute to your community and make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it.For any further information you can contact Annie Lucas, who covers an area from Bulli to Ulladulla, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 0459 542 227.

On Thursday 11 April, the electric Liam Cooper brought his show, King of the Keys, to the Shoalhaven Performing Arts Centre. The interactive show gave the audience the chance to vote for who they thought was the King of the Keys. Read on to hear who won!Liam’s infectious energy had the audience singing and dancing to old favourites. Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Freddy Mercury, Ray Charles and many more. With over 40 songs in the set, the band was as tight as Liam’s jeans. My personal favourite was Liam’s rendition of Isn’t She Lovely, which he dedicated to his little fur baby, Millie. His powerful and nuanced vocals helped with flawless transitions through clean belts and controlled falsettos. The versatility enabled him to tackle notoriously challenging tracks like Take On Me and Crocodile Rock, daring even to jump the octave on the last note of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ as if it isn't challenging enough already!In the spirit of Freddie Mercury’s (alleged) famous quote "Do what you want with my music, just don't make it boring", Liam embraced creativity together with his guitarist, Noah, who stood upon the piano as if it were a stage during his stunning Bohemian Rhapsody guitar solo. The Beyonce effect was in full swing, as Liam brought out a leaf blower to get Noah’s long locks spectacularly blowing in the wind.The band was phenomenal with an especially strong horn section. The trumpetist, Angus, deserves a special shout-out, as he had some show stopping solos. Liam himself showed off his multi talented musical skills on harmonica, kazoo, keytar and of course piano.Liam, obviously a well seasoned performer, reacted calmly and humorously to the pyrotechnics not turning off and seamlessly let the backstage crew know to unplug the fire hazard. Not only did Liam put on a fabulous show, but he did it all in heels. So, who won the grand title of King of The Keys? Drumroll please … Elton John! Liam closed the show with Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me and I'm Still Standing as a tribute to the ‘Rocket Man’. The standing ovation from the crowd was well deserved. 

“We love compost here,” declares a jubilant Peter Maywald, a staunch member of the Kiama Community Garden.But that’s not all that the dedicated members of the garden are in love with at the moment. A sense of jubilation surrounds the dedicated crew at the Kiama Community Garden, which until recently were certain they were under a death sentence. Now they’ve had a reprieve. The Kiama Council considered selling off the land, which is attached to the Blue Haven Aged Care complex. The latest performance improvement order from the NSW Minister for Local Government to the Council included the requirement that the garden, as a community resource, be separated out in a subdivision prior to the sale of the Blue Haven complex.“We were under threat,” says Peter. “The Council was talking about selling. We were certain a developer would just get rid of the garden. The Council has now publicly committed to subdividing, so this garden will be preserved. We are very relieved, actually we are thrilled that the future of the garden is now assured.”It is no exaggeration to say that the Kiama Community Garden is a community resource. The dedicated group, which boasts 49 financial members but is open to the public and welcoming to all comers, serves multiple functions, including teaching locals about what plants can be grown in the Kiama climate and how to improve their own gardens. They also hold courses explaining how people can make their own compost.  The site is known as a peaceful place where people can come just to relax. One group comes to paint. Other groups include scouts, school children’s groups, and people participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Duke of Ed). “The Garden is important to a lot of people,” says Peter. This week, the Gardens were important for a group of excited children from the Outside of school hours care (OOSH). “I love connecting with the gardens. It is good for the kids. Many of them don’t have backyards. Lots of kids whinge about eating vegetables, but when they are actively involved in the garden, pulling out carrots, picking snow peas, munching on celery, they are far more willing to try. They learn food doesn’t just arrive in a packet, it is part of a natural cycle,” says founder Sabrina Kelly.Also involved with this week’s OOSH group was music therapist Kathleen Lawson, who has just penned a new song, to the tune of John Williamson’s Home Among the Gum Trees:“There is a garden in KiamaIt’s permacultureA place to be, a community.There’s lots of things to do, And you can join us tooFun for Everyone!”“The idea of combining music therapy with the garden is that it makes it accessible to a whole range of people, young and old,” Kathleen says. “Music and nature go hand in hand. They both have healing qualities, and allow you to commit to new and different things.”“I like that the garden is big and you can play in it. I like to hide. Sometimes you can eat the lemons. I have them in my garden too. I like gardening, I am going to get chooks in my garden,” an excited James Little, 7, told The Bugle.“I like that it is a nice peaceful place and that you can come to relax. It is really peaceful and somewhere nice,” Hannah Mensforth, also 7, says.Once a dumping ground, Kiama Community Garden now resides in people’s hearts. The strawberries have finished for the year, the fig trees have been pruned back and the pumpkins are running wild. But as we prepare for winter, carrots, cauliflowers and spinach are all flourishing. Julie Howe came to the official opening in 2011, promptly fell in love and has, as she puts it, “never left.”A Minammurra local, Julie describes herself as a “gardening tragic.” “This was designed as a permaculture garden, and we continue to maintain the garden on permaculture principles.”She points to a sign overhanging the communal area: Earth CarePeople CareFair Share“They are the principles of permaculture, and that is the basis of our garden. One of the best things about the garden is I have met some wonderful people I would never have crossed paths with otherwise.” “It is the atmosphere. Ability, agility, knowledge, it is all about the community, that is so important.”Unlike some community gardens, participants are not assigned their separate plots but all muck in together.Asked if there are ever any arguments, she smiles broadly: “It is all about collaboration, cooperation and community. You learn so much here. Some people say it has helped them to fit into the Kiama community, others that it has helped with their mindset, calmed them down.”Earth CarePeople CareFair ShareYou could create a happy, fulfilling life just on those principles alone. Viva the Kiama Community Garden!

The Minnamurra Lions Club received an impressive turnout for their recent prospective new members evening at Kiama Golf Club on Tuesday 9 April, with the inclusion of women for the first time. The Lions are well known for their sausage sizzles. But the club contributes so much more to the lives of members and the community, which long-term members Denis Beynon and Ken Horspool expressed with obvious wholehearted gratitude during the evening.Approaching its 25th anniversary, the Minnamurra Lions Club was established in November 1999 with 38 members. In fact, Beynon was one of those original chartered members. Over the years, the Minnamurra Lions have kept their member numbers fairly stable. As the original members are inevitably getting older, Beynon emphasised the need for younger members to keep the community thriving. “When we were chartered, I was 51. We were a relatively young Lions Club compared to some others. But, 25 years later, I am not that young, middle-aged person anymore. All of us are going to get older, less agile, which impacts our service work,” says Beynon.“There is also now an emphasis on attracting women to join. Lions was historically an all-males service club, but the decision was recently made to reach out to female members.”Whilst their biggest revenue comes from the traditional snags and bacon and egg rolls at Black Beach’s Seaside Markets, the Minnamurra Lions actively raise funds for various charities and support the community via several other means. “We ran the parking at Killalea markets for many years because people running the markets needed help parking the cars. We raised quite a lot of money through that. It wasn’t just about making money, though, but also helping to keep a community event going,” recalls former president Ken Horspool, who joined in 2002.“Another initiative we try to help promote is ‘The Man Walk,’ aimed at men’s mental health. It is very early days, and we would like to get more people along to spend an hour with us having a walk and talk, perhaps a coffee.”Other contributions over the past year have included construction and maintenance of the whale watching platform and helipad at Minnamurra, offering $10,000 to bushfire relief along the south coast and allocating funding to Triple Care Farm, Kiama SES, and Illawarra Suicide Prevention & Awareness Network, among other organisations in need. On a national level, the Minnamurra Lions have also supported Camp Quality, Cancer Care Trust, CareFlight, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Royal Flying Doctor Service and melanoma research. Whilst the Lions are primarily to serve their local community, Beynon says they have the capacity to reach out on an international level.“We are a part of a Lions Association, and there is a national and an international. In the event of a major international weather event, for example, Lions Australia have the ability to donate major contributions – particularly to developing countries.”Naturally, giving back to the community and beyond in a voluntary capacity inspires a sense of satisfaction and contentment. When Beynon and Horspool are queried as to why someone should volunteer as a member of the Minnamurra Lions, both have a genuine and infectious twinkle in their eye. “As a member of Lions, you get to mix with like-minded people and bring skills that you accumulated over a lifetime and apply them,” says Horspool. Similarly, Beynon expresses gratitude for the opportunity to make lifetime friends through his Lions association. “Lions introduces you to people of different careers, talents and life experiences, which I think helps personal growth. We have volunteers from all walks of life bonding together with a common goal of community service.”Are you keen to help keep our community thriving and make some fabulous new friends along the way? If so, visit Join The Lions Club or perhaps grab a friend and head along to an upcoming meeting held every second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Kiama Golf Club. All potential Lions – young and senior, men and women – are welcome. 

COORDINARE and Grand Pacific Health are collaboratively rectifying unforeseen issues surrounding building work approvals that have resulted in the delayed opening of headspace Kiama. The facility anticipates opening its 11/65 Manning Street doors in the coming months to provide young people aged 12-25 years with support for mental health issues, alcohol and other drug abuse as well as work and study support. Commissioned by COORDINARE, the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, and funded by the Australian Government’s national headspace program, the service will be operated by Grand Pacific Health. Progress is well underway, with building plans submitted and builders contracted. The facility is expected to be up and running within approximately 10 weeks of approvals being received to commence building works. Prudence Buist, CEO of COORDINARE, assures that all parties are working to get the new facility operational as swiftly and effectively as possible, with resources ready to roll once the green light is given.“There has been consultation with young people on the look and feel of the service to ensure the service will be one of a kind. Plus, there has been a consortium of partners formed and ready to assist in delivering services at headspace Kiama,” says Buist. “All headspace Kiama staff have been recruited and are working from headspace Shellharbour until headspace Kiama site opens.” Until headspace Kiama becomes operational, telehealth services via phone or video are available. Additionally, Kiama-based young people can access in-person support at headspace Shellharbour, and Kiama High School students are provided with onsite support.“From Term 2, headspace Shellharbour will be offering services onsite at Kiama High School for Kiama High students. These arrangements will stay in place until headspace Kiama is operational,” says Buist. The Bugle will continue to provide updates on the much-anticipated opening of headspace Kiama. In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs support, please phone headspace Shellharbour on 02 4225 5670 or pay them a visit at 162-172 Shellharbour Road, Warilla.   

Gerringong’s Co-Operative Dairy Society was established in 1888 so that individual local dairy farmers could, by joining together, create stronger bargaining power for the group around pricing, based on larger combined quantities. The Co-Op first operated from a timber building where Gerringong Uniting Care now stands. At that time, it wasn’t possible to send whole milk to the cities and cream was skimmed off to make butter. Thanks to the rich local pastures, Gerringong's butter was known for its quality, and commanded a high price. From Boat Harbour, shipments were sent as far as to England and South Africa.Gerringong Station opened in 1893. In 1908, after a rail siding was built, the Co-Op moved to its current location near the railway station. The siding’s subsequent extension facilitated the transfer of milk to the South Coast Milk Train. A short, preserved section of siding with buffers remains in front of the Co-Op buildings today.In 2004, the Co-Op was renamed Dairy Farmers Limited, and at that time managed over 1,400 local farms. Until the doors closed in 2007, the factory was Australia’s oldest continually running dairy Co-Op.The Miller family was one of the Co-Op’s original founders. Fast forward to present day, and current owner Melissa Matters (née Miller – at the time still a prominent local dairy farming family) reminisces about her fond childhood memories of visiting the Co-Op. “As children, we just used to love it. It was such an event to go there and meet up with everyone,” she says.Melissa and her husband Dean, who own and run Gerringong’s popular Hill Bar & Kitchen and Gather by the Hill, bought the heritage-listed Co-Op complex in 2020 with local friends, investment banker David Phillips and his wife Charlene Dawson.In early 2022, Kiama Council approved the DA for the $5 million plus redevelopment, revitalisation and repurposing of the Co-Op precinct, into an events, dining and wedding destination. The owners are seeking to recreate its past role as a vibrant community hub. While perfectly-located for visitors – right at the train station – they aim to make it an enjoyable gathering place for the local community.The team has collaborated with heritage advisers to restore and enhance the building. The restoration has seamlessly integrated the Co-Op's original features – like exposed steel beams, and a gabled roof with trusses – with new, stylish, and luxurious elements and touches. Stage One of the three-stage development is now complete. The venue is taking bookings and planning events with the expectation that it will very soon be ready to host weddings and sophisticated events in its multi-purpose indoor events space (originally called the Truck Room). A stunning mirror wall, full bar, beautiful lounge area and indoor fireplace add to the atmospheric ambience. The indoor space is complemented by a north-facing lawn, coastal garden and new amenities block. Stage Two, on which work is likely to begin later this year, will include a:courtyard beer garden with Italian alfresco style dining;state-of-the art commercial cooking facilities, including Traegar smokers, Argentinian grills and a pizza oven; children’s play area;sunny deck and fire pits;indoors dining and a bar, with double sided fireplaces, andindoor meeting or private dining room and a cocktail bar (featuring craft beers).Stage Three is as yet to be advised.The Co-Op precinct is multi-purpose and versatile. It is expected to become a sought-after wedding venue, a vibrant hub for live music, a picturesque setting for filming and photo shoots, and a pleasant and well-located space for business gatherings and leisure activities.Upcoming events include the Sam Matters Cup in May, Distilled in June and Christmas by Candlelight in July. For more details, visit The Co-Op Gerringong.

Entries are now open for the Kiama Art Society’s 45th Annual Art Exhibition, to be held at The Kiama Leagues Club in July. This is the Art Society’s major event, which draws entries each year from local artists, the South Coast, Metropolitan Sydney and beyond. Prize money this year is $10,000, with the major “Best in Exhibition” prize of $3,000. Prizes are awarded in Landscape/Seascape, Local area, Abstract, Still Life, Portraiture and Figurative. Works in these sections can be in any medium. There is also a special prize for watercolour. “The exhibition is a wonderful display of varied and interesting art, ranging from traditional to abstract and contemporary” said Helen Pain, art society president. “This is a great way for artists to have work hung in a professionally presented exhibition which will be viewed by hundreds of visitors and local art lovers. There is something for everyone across a wide price range, and each year many works find new homes.”The exhibition is sponsored by many local business, including major sponsors Kiama Leagues Club and Kiama Municipal Council. The exhibition Opening function will be on June 7th, Opening hours 10am to 5pm, June 8  to June 16th. Entries forms can be downloaded from the website kiamaartsociety.org.au. Entries close April 30th, 2024. For further information you can contact Helen Pain at 0432 232 054 or by email [email protected]

Jamberoo Probus Club Inc. held their sixth annual meeting at Club Jamberoo recently and in a massive nod to the fabulous work of the previous committee, most were returned unopposed.President Mike Douglas was returned for a second term, as was his vice-president Robert Lee, while Bruce Johnston will continue as Treasurer for a second term also.The one change in the executive was Shirley Johnston replacing her Newsletter Officer’s hat with the Secretary’s one, replacing Alison Relf who has done such a sterling job over the past couple of years.The Newsletter position is in abeyance for now.After a very busy period of activity, our Tours, Events and Activities team of Pam Facey, John Pearce and Fiona Turner all remained for another term, much to the delight of our members.In three new changes Kerry Brennan will replace the outgoing Helen Hoogandorn as Membership Officer, while Kevin Gilbert will be Member Speaker Officer, replacing David Barnes, while David Hall will handle Publicity. Anne Edwards will be Welfare Officer. Any positions vacant will be filled at a later date.

Severe flooding from Jamberoo Creek wreaked havoc on the Kevin Walsh Oval and the southern end of Jamberoo Tennis Club courts after the wild weather on 5-6 April.The floods caused extensive damage to the courts and also the clubhouse. The President of the club, Bruce Roberton and Secretary, Bev Corfield warned members that the facility is likely to be closed for at least a month. Local tennis court specialist Mal Kessel inspected the courts, confirming significant water infiltration beneath the synthetic carpet, requiring major repairs. The cleanup effort saw the local fire brigade, club members and SES volunteers removing thick mud and silt from the courts. Jamberoo Rural Fire Service helped with the cleanup, dedicating seven personnel and their truck for over five hours to water blast mud and debris off the affected courts, requiring at least a half dozen trips to refill water tanks. The community has shown an incredible display in helping clear the debris and Jamberoo Tennis Club will be making a donation to JRFS and the club is asking for anyone willing and able to contribute to this fund, as it would be greatly appreciated. You can donate by EFT to the Jamberoo Tennis Club account (BSB:062 562 ac: 1008 6657) and reference JRFS  or by cash to one of the committee members.Further details can be gained from Club President Bruce Roberton on 0418318749.

Soul Clay has expressed appreciation to the Kiama Council and Kiama NSW Australia for the opportunity to have tourism signage for Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong.The new signs welcome an exciting phase of the growth for the business, who recently celebrated three years at their Rowlins Road location. Head into Soul Clay to browse their range of unique handmade ceramics made by resident artists and ready to purchase. Group tours, workshop bookings for groups and individuals are all available at the studio. For more information about their upcoming classes and events check out their website.