In 2025, Australia’s longest running and largest national day of environmental action, Clean Up Australia Day, will celebrate 35 years of bringing local communities together to Clean Up and help to improve and conserve our environment. To commemorate this milestone, Clean Up Australia is calling on all Aussies to register for the 2025 event which will be held on Sunday March 2 and join their local communities in making this year the biggest one yet.  Clean Up Australia was founded in 1990 by Ian Kiernan AO. Since its inception, over 22 million Australians have registered as a volunteer for Clean Up activities within their local community year round. The 2024 Clean Up Australia Day campaign alone collected an estimated 140,000 bags of litter nationally, highlighting the continued importance and relevance of Clean Up events and volunteers. Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said: “Clean Up Australia has a rich history of mobilising Australians to take practical action to clear up the mass amount of litter and waste that makes its way into our beautiful waterways and other natural surroundings. We know that 35 years on from when my father, Ian Kiernan, started this iconic organisation, our fight against litter is nowhere near over, but we also know that as a society we need to shift our habits to consider litter prevention and best practice to stop it from entering our environment in the first place.”  The FY23 Clean Up Australia Litter Report which provides an annual snapshot of litter collected by volunteers in a calendar year, highlighted that plastics continue to dominate, marking 81% of all surveyed litter. The report also showed that 44% of all litter was cleared from waterway sites, 16% from parks and 11% from bushland, demonstrating the need to encourage as many Australians as possible to glove up and get out into the community on Clean Up Australia Day and events throughout the new year. “I truly hope that in 2025 we can rally as many Aussies as possible to get behind Clean Up Australia and make it the biggest year of action to date. Nothing makes us prouder than to see communities from all walks of life and generations coming together with a common goal of making a difference for our precious environment,” Pip said. Registrations for Clean Up Australia Day 2025 are now open. Volunteers can receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves, bags and other resources, with packs for individuals, families and community groups available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs).  If you are unable to participate, donations to Clean Up Australia are welcome, with 100% of funds raised going directly to empowering Australians to take positive action for the environment and providing Clean Up kits. Register now at cleanup.org.au for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 2, 2025. Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday February 25, 2025 and Schools Clean Up Day on Friday February 28, 2025.

The Country Women’s Association marked a grand 25th anniversary of ‘Opera in the Valley’ last night at Jamberoo School of Arts, led once again by the talented Maestro Glen Amer. This year’s program was dedicated to the works of Puccini, commemorating the centenary of his passing, and featured a line-up of vocalists who breathed life into each piece with stunning precision and charisma.This is my second year covering this remarkable event, and once again, Glen Amer delivered a top-tier performance. Known for his engaging commentary, Amer provides insightful introductions to each piece, offering the audience both context and humour - transforming the night into an experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining. His warmth and wit create a comfortable atmosphere, making each artist’s performance even more memorable.One standout aspect of ‘Opera in the Valley’ is the complete absence of microphones. The singers’ voices fill the hall with clarity, every note resonating beautifully, unaided by technology. Dressed in elegant attire - either classic tuxedos or glamorous gowns - the performers exude star quality.The ticket, priced at only $60, includes an extraordinary level of entertainment and the CWA’s signature spread of treats at the supper that follows the performance. In a moment of pride for the event, Amer mentioned that soprano Catherine Bouchier, a newcomer to Jamberoo, will soon perform at the Opera House on New Year’s Eve - a performance commanding hundreds of dollars per ticket!Catherine Bouchier’s presence was both powerful and electrifying, with her statuesque form and striking voice captivating the audience. Another debut in Jamberoo, baritone Gennadi Dubinski, originally from Russia, won the crowd with his rich tones, especially during his lively rendition of “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof.Catherine BouchierGennadi DubinskiReturning favourites also graced the stage. Mezzo-soprano Michaela Hodgson (formerly Leisk) brought her expressive face and vibrant personality to each song, drawing particular applause for her rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Tenor Matthew Reardon, known for his warm stage presence, enchanted the audience with his rich tones, delivering each piece with heartfelt precision.Michaela HodgsonMatthew ReardonThe event concluded with a breathtaking performance of ‘Amigos Para Siempre,’ involving all four singers, but the encore, Nessun Dorma, from the Turandot opera, brought the audience to their feet. Although traditionally a tenor piece, the female vocalists joined in parts, adding a fresh dimension to this much-loved aria.Special commendation goes to Glen Amer, who skilfully accompanied every piece on piano, and even sang two selections himself. The performers - Bouchier, Hodgson, Reardon, and Dubinski - were spectacular, each bringing their unique flair to the evening. Acknowledgement and thanks also go to MC Brian Petschler, Vivienne Marris, Alan Fowlie, Trevor Fredericks, the Jamberoo Rural Fire Services, and of course, the CWA, whose tireless members make this event possible. A special mention goes to Cathy Delhaas, who has organised ‘Opera in the Valley’ since its inception.Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the next gathering on the first Saturday in November 2025, confident it will continue to inspire and entertain. Until then.Sue Good, Melissa Matters and Jenny JuddBrad Wenzel and Jenny JuddChris Bergman, Florence Rankin, Graeme Lock LeeEliza & Gloria Dalla ValleJohn & Helen Francis, Anto & Felicity Brocca, Jane & Piers ParburyLynn & Malcolm BedfordLynne Strong and Belle WoodVanessa & Liv Talbot, and Anne Hattersley

Work has officially started to transform the historic Nowra Bridge into a dedicated pedestrian and cycling path, thanks to a $20 million investment from both the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments. This iconic community landmark, over 140 years old, will undergo a four-stage renovation over the next three years.Stage one, commencing on Monday, 11 November, will involve extensive repairs, including:- Truss repairs and lattice work on the end trusses,- Concrete bridge deck repairs,- Removal of old handrail connections, and- Replacement of rosette-style bracing washers.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips expressed excitement for the project. “This transformation has been discussed for years, and it’s the Albanese and Minns Governments that are making it a reality,” said Phillips. “Our community can look forward to a renewed, active transport option once the work is complete.”State Member for South Coast Liza Butler echoed the sentiment, adding that the bridge has long needed “tender love and care.” NSW Labor’s Kiama spokesperson, Dr. Sarah Kaine MLC, also thanked community members who have advocated for this project, highlighting its importance as a regional asset.The first stage is expected to take around six months, with work carried out between 7 am and 6 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. The historic bridge will remain closed during the work, with temporary fencing, signage, and security measures in place for public safety.Further updates on future stages, including the removal of the cantilevered footpath, repainting, and new lighting installation, will be provided as the project progresses.

Gerringong Library is one of the oldest free public libraries in the state and this month it will celebrate 150 years of literary glory, when it launches its Sesquicentennial Exhibition on November 7. The library was built in 1874, after Gerringong council decided Kiama library was too far away for locals to access. The council voted to house a collection of books in the town's Fern St grocery store and owner Mary Ann Scott charged £14 a year for the space and her librarian duties. The library moved into the Soldiers Memorial Hall in 1921, before shifting to Gerringong’s Town Hall when it was built in 1950. In 2021 it moved into its new premises on Blackwood St, which includes the Gerringong Museum and GLam Gallery.To mark the library’s 150th celebrations, Gerringong & District Historical Society will host 'A night at the museum' with Caroline Baum from 5.30-7.30pm on November 7.Baum, a well-known journalist and radio and television broadcaster, will discuss the history and importance of libraries in shaping the nation’s literary landscape.Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the library website. The GLaM Gallery will also host a free Sesquicentennial Exhibition from November 8-23.

Two South Coast Local Aboriginal Lands Councils (LALC) will share in almost $7 million funding to employ more local First Nations rangers, as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s national expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program. The Batemans Bay LALC will receive $3,178,994, while further north, the Jerrinja LALC will receive $3,743,409 in federal funds to allow their existing ranger programs to grow and evolve. Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has welcomed the funding for two organisations in her electorate. “I’m so pleased this funding has been directed to two wonderful organisations that are encouraging young indigenous men and women to get involved and care for their environment,” she said. “And I’m proud that the Albanese Government continues to support Traditional Owners to manage and protect land and sea Country for future generations.” Batemans Bay LALC CEO Roslyn Carriage said the funding would allow the ranger group to expand. “This funding means we can employ more rangers and start training up some more young people,” she said. “Our rangers work in estuaries as well as on the land, and carry out weeding, soil erosion projects, traditional burning and surveys for endangered flora and fauna. “We’re trying to encourage more young people to get involved and get back on Country and to help bring the land back to the way it should be.” Jerrinja LALC CEO Alfred Wellington said the funding boost would allow the established ranger team to continue operating with confidence over the next four years. “We are attempting to close the gender gap a little bit too, so we hope to recruit another three to four female rangers,” he said. “This is very welcome news and means we can build on what we’ve already achieved.” Mr Wellington said the Jerrinja Rangers have adopted an holistic environmental management plan to care for natural and cultural areas across the local land, lake and river systems. They already operate a successful native flower nursery and plan to create a mangrove nursery. The new local recruits will be among more than 1,000 new Indigenous ranger jobs that will be created across the country, with the Albanese Government investing $355 million over four years to expand the Indigenous Rangers Program. First Nations women will make up the vast majority of the new full-time, part-time and casual roles, with up to 770 Indigenous ranger positions. The Albanese Government is investing a total of $1.3 billion to 2028 in the Indigenous Rangers Program with aims to double the number of Indigenous rangers by the end of the decade. Women Indigenous rangers play an important role in ensuring the protection of sacred women’s sites and the preservation of important cultural knowledge and practices. For more than 65,000 years, First Nations people have been caretakers of Australia’s land, rivers, seas, flora and fauna. Indigenous rangers continue this legacy today, managing Country according to Traditional Owners’ objectives combined with modern conservation training. They use traditional knowledge and cultural practices, and Western science, to manage land, river and sea Country and deliver environmental, cultural, social and economic development outcomes for First Nations communities. Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program would provide more opportunities for First Nations people to share their knowledge and benefit from the social and economic outcomes that come from meaningful employment. “This expansion delivers on the government’s commitment to increase the Indigenous Rangers Program’s footprint and bolster activity in existing locations, with new opportunities for women Indigenous rangers who play a unique role in caring for Country,” she said. “I acknowledge the work of all rangers and the care and strength they demonstrate in looking after Country. I also want to show appreciation for all people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who cross paths with and learn from them.” Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said by expanding both the Indigenous Rangers Program and the successful Indigenous Protected Area program, the Federal Government continues to support Traditional Owners to manage and protect land and sea Country. “We are so lucky in this country to have the world’s most successful environmentalists to learn from,” she said. “First Nations people have actively managed Country for 65,000 years and provide skilled environmental and cultural expertise that benefits all of Australia.” More information can be found on the Indigenous Rangers website. Photos: The Jirrinja LALC rangers have welcomed federal funding which will ensure the program can continue and expand. Photo by Jirrinja LALC.

When John Hansen first thought about restoring the historic Kiama boat, the MV Signa, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. After 14,000 hours of work by seven dedicated volunteers in their 70s and 80s - they’re almost there.The MV Signa has been selected to participate in the International Timber Boat Festival in Hobart in February 2025, and they are looking to raise $10,000 to fund the voyage.“In April we were selected as one of the boats. There will probably be something like 1,500 pieces of craft down there and we hope to be one of the 187 in the Harbour as a festival exhibit which is a big honour,” says Signa owner John Hansen.On July 17 2022, the historic Signa boat was lifted out of Kiama Harbor to be transported to Albion Park for its restoration and then on May 8 of 2024 it returned to its home in the harbour and has since had some more work done on it.But what compels 7 seniors, all retired, to take on an insane task such as this one? They all could be kicking their feet up and taking the relaxation they’ve earnt, but instead they were stressing and sweating and hurting for 2 years over the restoration of an old boat.According to Hansen, the project was driven by love rather than profit. The crew—Hansen, Rex Jones, Rob “Hoff” Hoffmeister, Peter “Rookie” Rook, Richard “Don” Romanczukiewicz, Lawrie Lovegrove, and Geoff “Smokey” Farrah—became like family, with Graham Williams and Craig Jones providing significant help.“To see that boat come back from where it was to where it is now, I just felt so much pride, not only in the fact that I've done a lot of work, but also that a group of us could work so well together, without a blow, without a fight, without an injury, to make that boat come alive again,” says Hansen.“It changed our lives. The team were looking for purpose; they played golf on Saturdays and Thursdays, but this project became the glue that kept us together.”Hansen says that the time spent together with the crew was cherished everyday. They’d always eat breakfast together and they would often get together outside of work for barbecues.“Every morning, I made tea, bread, cakes, and coffee. Lunchtime meant fresh salad sandwiches with different meats, and once a week we’d have a proper barbecue with steak or sausages,” he shares.The French writer Antoine De Saint Exupery has a quote which goes, “Once we are bound to our brothers by a common goal that is outside us, then we can breathe. Experience teaches us that to love is not to gaze at one another but to gaze together in the same direction.”This quote encapsulates the massive two year project that these seven Kiama locals embarked on to restore the Signa, and the climax for that project would be for them to sail it to Tasmania and present it at the festival. Hansen is asking for support from the local community to help fundraise the $10,000 needed for fuel and other expenses for their journey. The Bugle will be organising this fundraiser, so if you would like to pledge, please contact us at [email protected].

By Carol Goddard So there we were, our last night in Montmartre, before a very early start the next morning, the beginning of our trek home to Australia after a glorious European holiday.Hubby, knowing my penchant for making any situation into a celebration, gives me warning:“Carol, we’re having a quiet night tonight. Just a few bevies at the pub down the street, a meal and an early night- got a 5am start tomorrow.”Off we walk down Rue Lepic, in the heart of Montmartre, a stones throw from naughty Pigalle, teeming with cocktail hour activity, and only minutes away from the Moulin Rouge.Lux BarSo we take up our stools at the bar in the little pub called The Lux, to do all our “lasts”; last drinks, last food, last people watching.We have sampled the delights of the Lux on a few previous nights, and the very outgoing waiter Max found us Aussies quite delightful.So much so that he had talked about us to a group of his regulars, who happen at this moment to be sitting at a nearby table , ensconced in drinking aperitifs , and playing a card game.These regulars are students from the nearby Sorbonne, 5 young men and women aged in their late 20s. And they apparently find us Aussie oldies to be quite fascinating.From their table they strike up a conversation with us. They introduce themselves; they are extremely articulate, and friendly.We are polite in our responses, and Max assures us they are “good kids”.They ask us to join them at their table.We respectfully decline, telling them we were only there for The One.A few minutes later, 2 little blue shots are brought to us by Max.Our new friends have shouted us.And they are now going on a Parisian pub crawl , and would we like to join them?I sense that this is potentially going to be the start of one of those travel adventures we would long remember. And I so want to join these kids.But: we have that early start looming.And, more to the point, are we being reckless, going off with a bunch of kids we’d just met? In a bar?? In a foreign country?We throw caution to the wind.And so begins a surreal, memorable, crazy pub crawl through the streets of Montmartre, which I still remember to this day with a smile and a happy heart.We go from bar to bar. All of them are student haunts, none we as tourists would have found on our own, let alone frequented.Some are so packed with bodies it is almost impossible to move. Music pumps, lights flash, and conversation due to noise is impossible.And at each place we have a different drink, bought for us by our new friends.I recall one drink which has smoke emanating from it , intriguing!Fortunately, David, one of our new friends, summons up some cheese, meats and cornichons with bread to accompany the cocktails, and in the ensuing conversation he tells me his family owns a vineyard in Bordeaux, and wants him to join the family business, which he has no interest in doing.This was just one of many tales that night.Over the next hours , we learn so much about the lives of these kids we’ve only just met. One is a local radio DJ, one has recently been released from jail, crime unspecified.And at 1am, it is time to eat.This is Montmartre. You can find a meal at any time. And so we eat pizza, their choice, drink Amaretto , as you do at 1am, and finally say goodbye to our young French friends.And of course ,we pay for everyone’s meal, before staggering back to our hotel at 3am.Yes: that early start is in 2 hours time.Much the worse for wear, we are soon on our way back to Australia.And the memories of that “quiet night” still make me glow all these years later.

Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie - step aside. Nine Year 11 students from Kiama High School (KHS) have been selected to attend the prestigious National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) which is to be held in January 2025.The NYSF is a nine-day program held at either The Australian National University in Canberra or The University of Queensland in Brisbane. Ruth Power, a science teacher at KHS, is thrilled about the opportunities it presents for the students.“They’ll participate in a whole range of activities, including lab visits and collaborations with industry partners, lecturers, and leading scientists,” says Power.The selection process was rigorous, requiring students to submit 1700 word formal applications which also included their Year 11 report. Power notes to have nine students chosen from one school is an outstanding achievement“As part of the application process the students had to write a formal application. I’m not sure how many students across Australia are chosen, but to have 9 selected from one school is amazing,” says Power.Power says that the program has been immensely successful in the past even causing some students to completely reconfigure their ideas for the future.“Every time we’ve had students attend a NYSF, they’ve always come back and said it was the best experience of their life. For some students, it causes them to totally pivot from a direction they thought they might be interested in, to something that they never realised was even available,” says Power.The nine selected students include Nicola Porritt, Claire Hayward, Jade King, Macey Guy, Emma Trudgett, Delmyr gee Crockford, Phoebe Glaessner, Sam McLean and Tiana Darragh.Macey Guy is particularly eager to explore her passion for science and its potential career paths. “I love the science subjects I’m studying at school, but I’m not sure what opportunities are out there. I wanted to attend to learn more about the careers available and to make connections in those fields,” says Guy.Similarly, Sam McLean is looking forward to meeting like-minded students and exploring scientific areas not covered in his school curriculum. “I’m curious about different areas of science that we don’t explore at school. We’ll have the chance to conduct experiments using university equipment, and there will be plenty of people there to meet and network with,” he shares.Kiama High School would like to extend a big thank you to the local Rotary Clubs and the generous community of Kiama for their support in the students’ fundraising efforts.The Bugle eagerly anticipates the remarkable contributions these future scientists will make after participating in such a distinguished program!

On October 26-27, 14-year-old Gerringong local, Lucy Darragh, continued her impressive 2024 by placing equal third at the final stop of the Australia/Oceania junior series, the World Surf League (WSL) Junior Pro event in Lake Macquarie.Darragh competed against many more experienced and older surfers, achieving third place, including a round-of-16 victory against 18-year-old Jahly Stokes, the winner of this year’s Australian Pro Junior Series. In the quarterfinals, she faced Sunshine Coast surfer Stella Green and clinched victory in the final moments of the heat. However, in a rematch against Stokes, she was narrowly defeated in a close heat decided with just five minutes left.“It was a really fun event; I was surfing with some older girls who were really good. Since it was the last pro junior event of the year, everyone was trying to qualify for the WSL world juniors. I was stoked to get into the semifinals. The competition was tough, and everyone was surfing well, so I was very happy with the result,” says Darragh.Darragh says surfing against such great surfers does make her a little nervous at first, but that once she’s out in the water - it all goes away.“It’s a little intimidating at first, but it’s good when you’ve got nothing to lose. I try to just surf as well as I can and have fun,” says DarraghLucy Darragh in action. Source: Larn Darragh.Darragh’s 2024 has included winning the Under 16’s title at the 2024 Billabong Occy Grom Comp as well as the Under 16’s title at the Taj’s Small Fries event in Western Australia.She is currently ranked equal number one on the 2024 Surfing Australia Junior Series, and her young age has not stopped her from setting her sights high for her future.“My goal is to get on the Challenger Series and hopefully reach the world tour, win a world title, and become an Olympian,” says Darragh.She has just begun distance education which allows her to do her schoolwork from home and she enjoys that - mainly because she can surf a lot more.“I surf twice a day everyday and sometimes three times if it’s good surf. It’s a really fun sport and it’s great getting out in the water,” says Darragh.Darragh’s favourite local spots include Aussie Pipe in Jervis Bay, but she can’t resist her local favourite, the beloved Werri Point break.Next up for Lucy is the Aussie Titles in December in Wollongong.

35 talented students from Jamberoo Public School took the stage at the University of Wollongong’s Great Hall as part of the NSW Department of Education’s Southern Illawarra Music Festival (SIMF). This long standing tradition, which began as the Choral Festival 47 years ago, is fondly remembered by many, including Jamberoo’s choir teacher, Mrs. Justine Doorn-McCormack, who participated in the early festivals herself as a primary school student.The Jamberoo students have been dedicated to their practice since Term 1, learning nine massed choir pieces and two solo school performances. Their hard work culminated on October 22, with a performance full of joy, energy, and unity. The students brought vibrant props, such as yellow accessories for the song "Cover Me in Sunshine" and sunglasses for "I’m Still Standing," adding visual flair to their voices.Throughout the year, they honed their pitch, dynamics, and harmonies, learning to perform both first and second vocal parts. For many, the evening’s highlights were the colourful stage lights and the joy of singing together with friends.Special thanks to the families of the choir students at Jamberoo Public School, whose support helped make this memorable experience possible.

I enjoy nothing more than a good old-fashioned supernatural horror film—something that keeps me in suspense and offers a little shock value. However, there’s something that fills me with more dread than the price of cheese this week, and that’s Halloween.It’s not the idea of some skeleton climbing out of the Blowhole or the thought of a witch circling the tower of the Kiama Post Office. No, it’s the notion that Halloween is approaching and whether I need to have a bag of candy—sorry, lollies—beside the front door, just waiting in sheer anticipation for that knock from a group of children greeting me with “Trick or Treat.”Let me share my fear and pose a question: wouldn’t you be scarred like I am if you found yourself in a similar situation?I lived on a relatively quiet street in Nowra until I received that fateful knock at the door. It was a calm evening, and I was preparing dinner for my Cattle Dog X General, about to settle in for a classic episode of Gardening Australia, when I opened the door. Before me stood a group consisting of a little devil, a zombie, a princess, and someone in yellow, which I think was an attempt at a character from Pokémon. As I looked into their eyes, sparkling with anticipation and smiles on their faces, they held out their little buckets, waiting for something sweet to drop in. Fear set in as I realised I had nothing—zilch—because Halloween is not a holiday I observe.As the smiles began to turn to frowns on the children’s faces, an idea struck me. I ducked back into the kitchen and rummaged through the pantry. When I returned, I triumphantly held various packets of cup of soups I had been saving for a rainy day—literally a rainy day.Fast forward twelve months, and my partner and I were ready. We stocked up on various packets of fun-sized treats. Like clockwork, a knock came at the door, accompanied by the familiar chant of “Trick or Treat,” and we happily distributed chocolates, bringing smiles all around.Eventually, the kids grew older, and the Halloween tradition slowly disappeared, leaving our quiet street to return to its former self—like spirits and ghouls returning to their graves as the clock strikes midnight.But to this day, as October 31 rolls around, that fear strikes me like a pitchfork stuck into my derriere. Will this be the year I finally have a bag of flavoured snakes beside the door, or can I tempt another year with those packets of chicken noodle soup sitting in the kitchen cupboard? 

Books, music, coffee and conversation. The local Bouquiniste cafe/bookstore has become synonymous with these elements since its inception in 2017. However, after seven successful years, owner Clay Comber has decided it is the right time to hang up the books.Comber, an author who released his debut novel, 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze, in 2021, plans to use his newfound free time to delve deeper into his literary pursuits.“I think it’s just time for me not to have to be at the same place at the same time every day - the reason we went into this in the beginning was for the books and the writing. And that has to take the primary concern for me rather than being in store all the time,” says Comber.Clay and then-partner Hannah Lynch opened Bouquiniste in 2017 with the dream to create a space that combined their three favourite things: books, music and coffee.“We talked about it all the time because we loved books, music, coffee and she was studying publishing and I was studying writing. So, when the time came, we thought - why don’t we make the hypothetical store the real store,” says Comber.Ironically, the location they chose—Shop 1 of Kiama Centrepoint—was the same spot where his parents previously ran their optometrist business before relocating just down the hall.“This store was actually the workshop of my family’s optometrist practice a long time ago; my dad would have been one of the first ones in this arcade. I grew up literally on this floor,” he says.The combination of books and coffee created a magical atmosphere, inspiring conversation and community engagement—something Comber aimed to cultivate from the start.“You find a lot of people saying that they came here particularly for coffee just to be around the books. People who aren’t huge readers and might not be the kind of person that go into a regular bookstore; because they’re here for coffee in the morning, books are there and they can grab them. Then everyday when they come in we can talk about how it’s going and it’s always good hearing from those customers,” says Comber.Whenever you walked into Bouquiniste, you’d often find Clay deep in conversation with a customer and that is something he will miss the most - the regulars that would come in and that he’d seen grow over the seven years of his business. “We never wanted people to feel alienated when you walked in. We wanted people to feel like they were part of a conversation, obviously people could come in and read a book or read on their own, but if you came in and we didn’t know you we loved if you just jumped in - we wanted it to feel that way more than your generic cafe,” says Comber.Bouquiniste also hosted numerous book launches and events, including the launch of Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe, now a popular Netflix series. Comber intends to continue organising such events under the Bouquiniste brand, even after the store closes.Comber also has two books slated for release in 2025 by HarperCollins and he is hoping to finish another novel by the end of the year. He also DJ’s and you may catch him at a couple of events around Kiama in the future.Bouquiniste’s closure comes shortly after Comber’s family optometrist closed its doors on June 29 this year, ending a legacy that began in 1977. The store is still open for the next couple of weeks - so get in your final dose of coffee, books, music and conversation.The Bugle extends its gratitude to Clay and the Comber family for their contributions to Kiama and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours!

The Kiama Lions have been supporting carers at the Lions Cottage by providing much-needed respite. For the second time this year, three carers have enjoyed a three-night stay at the cottage, along with goodies donated by local businesses.The Kiama Bowling Club, conveniently located across the road, donated three dinner vouchers for each group. The Grand Hotel contributed three bottles of wine, while the Kiama Farmers Market provided a basket filled with meats, jams, eggs, and a variety of fresh foods.Tracey Barker, Naomi Bowden, and Jackie Garvin are all dedicated to caring for their children with various illnesses. Their commitment has taken a toll on their mental and physical health. Although they didn’t know each other before, they have connected through their shared experiences and the need for some time to themselves.Tracey’s daughter, 19, has Down syndrome. An unfortunate injury left her husband working from home, which allowed Tracey to join the women at the cottage. Tracey's dedication and care for her daughter led to chronic stress that resulted in a heart attack last year. She reflects, “{chronic stress} It's the one thing that is very hard to manage because it's not going anywhere.” When offered this opportunity, she found it hard to let go of her responsibilities, “I haven't done anything like this before, I met with my support coordinator and when she mentioned it, my heart honestly was just racing, I was like I can't do this I cant go away… we've probably only been away a handful of times from our children.” Tracey felt anxious but realised she needed to prioritise herself “I really know I need this, and my heart attack was the biggest wake-up call.”Naomi cares for her 13-year-old son with autism and often encounters a lack of understanding from others. “Trying to educate anyone on disabilities is really hard… people often say, ‘He doesn't look disabled.’” The women all agreed that this notion is common for them. After a traumatic birth, she fought for mothers’ rights, contributing to the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry that collected over 4,000 submissions. She shares her story to empower others. “I did that stuff for me to make sure no one else experienced what I've gone through,” she says. “I don't want anyone to feel alone.” Naomi now runs the Illawarra Baby and Child Loss Support program, helping women with similar experiences.Jackie cares for her son with schizophrenia and faced her own wake-up call after suffering a stroke and a brain tumour. It was hard for her to be unable to help as well as she wanted “As a mother, the worst emotions in life are the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness,” she shares. She's struggled to receive the extent of help she needs through housing, funding and caring. Through her struggles she keeps a positive outlook saying “Life is so precious; as a carer, every day is a good day if my son is well.”All three women felt guilt about leaving their responsibilities but recognised the offer from the Lions Club as the perfect chance for respite. They often struggled to focus on their own needs after years of caregiving, feeling that “there's always someone worse off.” This mindset made it difficult for them to accept help.Their message to everyone is clear: ask for help when you need it. Don’t suffer in silence. It's important to care for yourself and prioritise your needs also, as Jackie puts it, “Everyone wants to have a life, don’t they?”The women are enjoying swims at the beach, good food, massages and shopping in the heart of Kiama, thanks to the Lions Club and their sponsors. A sincere thank you to Tracey, Naomi, and Jackie for sharing their stories, and to Cheryl Moses president of the Kiama Lions Club for organising this.

Deputy Principal of Dapto High, and Kiama’s own Darcy Moore has been awarded The Peter Davison Award for contributing to the study of George Orwell. Darcy was presented the award for new discoveries relating to thirteen letters written by George Orwell to sculptor Siegfried Charoux which appear to have been previously unknown to scholars. The 2024 Peter Davison Award is the second year it has been awarded, with Darcy receiving the honour from George Orwell’s son, Richard Blair. Through independent financing and without the support of a University, Darcy has completed considerable research in Europe and India, contributing to years of his work. The award recognises Darcy’s dedication to independently studying Orwell’s life and writing, providing significant new information to scholars. Held on Thursday 24 October 2024, Darcy received the award at University College, London by The Orwell Society.Congratulations Darcy on this prestigious achievement!For more information on Darcy’s work you can find it here https://www.darcymoore.net/2024/10/27/dear-charoux/

Kiama residents and their pets will soon benefit from a new state-of-the-art dog park funded by a $42,600 grant from the NSW Government. The project is in response to growing community demand as the number of dog owners increases in the Kiama area. The park The new park will be located at Wyalla-Gibson Crescent in Jamberoo, it will feature separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, shaded seating, water stations, and secure fencing. The project has already received widespread support from local residents who have expressed the need for more outdoor recreational areas for pet owners. As the first councillor in years to table a petition in a council meeting of more than 1000 signatures for a fenced dog space, Councillor Stuart Larkins is proud to be delivering on his commitment.“I’m very pleased to see significant progress being made on delivering our first fenced dog space in the Kiama LGA.”The development will provide a safe, off leash space for dogs to socialise and exercise. It is part of a broader initiative by the Minns Labor Government to enhance green spaces in the Shoalhaven and surrounding areas. MP for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has been contacted for comment, more updates to come.

A new initiative is set to energise the Kiama community as Electrify Kiama officially launches their community survey this week. Following in the footsteps of our Northern suburbs neighbours, Electrify2515, this exciting community group is focused on increasing take-up of efficient electric appliances and vehicles, to save every home money and reduce our carbon emissions.70% of Australia's domestic emissions occur at the household and business level. To meet our emissions targets, we need to rapidly replace the fossil fuel machines that sit in homes, driveways and businesses with efficient, electric versions powered by renewable energy. According to Rewiring Australia’s research and projections, by 2030, Australia’s households could be saving over $40 billion a year, which is close to - and in future could overtake -our export earnings from coal. The most economical path to powering our everyday lives is to significantly increase rooftop solar take-up and fully engage the associated storage capacity in vehicles, house-batteries, and thermalsystems, including hot water. (Castles & Cars Discussion Paper, Rewiring Australia)Here, in the Kiama LGA, people are already keen and on board with this switch. There are 41% of households in our municipality with rooftop solar so we are sitting well above the NSW state average of 36%. When it comes to electric vehicles, as of July we are ahead of the state but at 1.8% there is still lots of opportunity to increase take-up of EVs across Australia and in our local community. “One local resident told me they recently took their Tesla on a 2,300km road trip to Phillip Island and back. They said they spent $170 on chargers and they were mainly on the highway section. They never encountered a broken charger or had to queue. The car was amazing and they said the autopilot is a must for long-distance driving.”“As a group, we want to understand where people in our local community are at with electrifying their households and share information that will support further take-up and action, so we are launching with a survey to understand what people already have and what their needs/interests are.” –Alexandra McPaul, Member of Electrify Kiama. The survey for people living in the Kiama LGA includes questions about people’s current use of electric appliances and what types of additional electrification, information or events they are interested in. Fill in the survey now by following this link. “The electrify movement is all about encouraging and supporting people to install rooftop solar, replace gas with efficient induction cooking, use reverse cycle air- conditioning (rather than gas), use heat pump hot water (or electric with solar), switch to electric vehicles and use home or community batteries for back-up power.”“Often people feel powerless to make a difference as individuals, this is about coming together as a community to make a difference and share information and knowledge.There are people in our community who have already made the switch, and others who are sitting on the fence, or unsure. Through sharing people’s experience and learnings, we hope people will feel more confident to take that next step,” said Alexandra McPaul, member of Electrify Kiama.We are inspired by a vision of creating a more connected and forward-thinking community. Some of the opportunities we plan to explore include:facilitating conversations with industry experts on the latest advancements in technology,sharing local and global trends, andrunning educational workshops/events to promote change that benefits both the environment and the local economy.“Our goal is to connect local residents, professionals, and enthusiasts with the tools and information they need to embrace a more energy efficient and sustainable future. Join us as we work together to make positive change.” For more information about Electrify Kiama and how to get involved, follow their updates on social media. For more information about the overall approach check out Rewiring Australia. For further information contact: [email protected]

The Zonta club of Kiama-Shellharbour held its trivia night on Saturday 26th October 2024, raising funds for their various service projects. They raised over $5,500 in prizes and donations for the night, with many amazing sponsors who are listed below. The donations were plentiful, as well as the Kiama/Shellharbour ‘Zontians’ all donating prizes, additional sponsors that supported this night were, Jeff Sheppeard Photography, Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, Holmans Commercial, The Bugle, Expressive Arts, Kathleen Richardson, Vspora Art, Towels For Earth, Gill Hunter, Warilla Bowling Club, great Outdoor Cushions, Total Tools, Woolworths Kiama, Marlow Richards, Knickerboxers, Balinese Spice Magic, Bombo Clothing, Native Grace, IGA Gerringong, BWS Kiama, JJ’s Indian Kiama, Mr Minit Nowra and Soul Brow Shellharbour. The donations for prizes totalled $6,086, a huge effort from the local community. Rita Sullivan from Zonta says “we are so thrilled to have raised this money to put towards our service projects. Last friday we had almost no funds at all!’The Zonta club of Kiama-Shellharbour service projects focus on supporting breast cancer survivors, promoting education for girls and women, and raising awareness about domestic violence.They will be holding a remembrance ceremony for victims of domestic violence in NSW on November 25th in Coronation park. The solemn event will pay tribute to the women, men, and children whose lives were cut short by violence. They invite attendees to bring a flower to lay next to shoes, each pair representing a life lost too soon. Zonta thanks all who contributed to their Trivia night and a special thank you to Kiama downs surf club for allowing the use of their venue. Zonta will be hosting more charity events, you can find them on facebook here and if you're interested in becoming a ‘Zontian’ you can reach out here. 

On October 28, Andrew Constance, the Liberal candidate for Gilmore, hosted a regional housing roundtable at The Sebel, bringing together key stakeholders to address housing supply challenges in the Gilmore region. Among the attendees were Shadow Assistant Housing Minister Senator Andrew Bragg and Simon Croft, Executive Director for Building Policy and Services at the Housing Industry Association.Decline in HousingA significant focus of the discussion was the sharp decline in housing construction under the current Labor government. “Just six years ago, the country was building 220,000 houses. This year we'll only get 160,000 houses. Labor has presided over a massive collapse in housing construction despite a significant increase in migration, the largest since 1950,” says Bragg.Constance emphasised the need to unlock funding for essential local infrastructure, saying, “It wouldn’t matter if it was a local road, sewage, water connection or drainage. We've got to make sure that we have that infrastructure right to facilitate homes coming onto the market quickly.” He mentioned the proposed policy, previously announced by Peter Dutton, to allocate $5 billion towards “last mile infrastructure,” which could be creatively utilised by councils and private developers to get housing projects moving.Medium-density housingThe roundtable also explored solutions for Kiama’s local housing crisis, particularly the development of medium-density housing to better serve seniors looking to downsize. “The opportunity for, particularly, our seniors community, who do want to downsize was brought up, emphasising the need for housing options that suit the lifestyles of older residents.”Bombo QuarryHe also suggested that Bombo Quarry could serve as a valuable location for new housing, saying, “Bombo quarry is a classic example where over a five to seven year period, you could bring on a fantastic option for people who do want to downsize.” “It’s a unique place in Australia close to the beach, transport, and roads, also you’re remediating a quarry site which does have to happen.”Labour shortagesCroft addressed the workforce challenges involved in meeting housing targets, stressing, “To build the sort of housing targets that we need, we need 83,000 more workers. That's 22,000 more carpenters, 17,000 more electricians, and 12,000 more plumbers.”He added that the need for skilled labour is even more pronounced in regional communities, underscoring the urgency of addressing these shortages to construct the homes desperately needed across the country.Short term rentalsWhile the issue of short-term rentals wasn’t a primary focus, Constance believes a proposed solution for first home buyers—allowing them to use their superannuation—coupled with ideas for downsizing housing for seniors, would both assist this issue in Kiama. He stated that the style and nature of development, along with proactive measures from the building sector, can mitigate the impact of short-term rentals.“Sensible approaches from a Commonwealth level to reduce the cost of building and lending practices will, I believe, lessen the impact these short-term rentals are having on housing in Kiama,” says Constance.

Local MP, Gareth Ward, is continuing his quest to keep the sale of David Berry Hospital in public hands, calling on NSW Health Minister Ryan Park to release the results of a recent community survey of which many Kiama residents took part. The survey, which concluded on Monday 21 October, has been accused of bias by Ward. “This survey was skewed, and many members of the community felt that the government guided the questions in order to get the answers they wanted. In spite of those thoughts, our community wants to see the results and I call on the Minister for Health to release them,” Mr Ward said in a press release.Another point of concern for Mr Ward is the original intention of the donation by The Berry family, which, from the survey questions, is seemingly being ignored.“Of particular concern is that one of the survey options is to turn the David Berry Hospital site into social and affordable housing. The Berry family gifted this land as a health facility, and I would be strongly opposed to closing the hospital and turning the site into housing,” said Ward.Mr Ward sent a letter to Mr Park calling for the release of these results and invited him to support his bill. “I am keen to work with your office on the future operations of David Berry Hospital and to reflect the community’s views on these matters.“I note that you have previously committed to take up my request by amend(ing) the David Berry Hospital Act to prevent any future government from selling the site.“I would like to request further information on your proposed bill or I invite you to support my bill which will preserve the Berry family’s bequest in perpetuity,” wrote Ward.However, the promised bill is yet to be seen. “I don’t trust this government when it comes to David Berry Hospital. Whilst they have promised to introduce a bill to rule out its sale, we are still yet to see the promised bill come before Parliament.“I have a bill before the house to do exactly that and I call on Labor to match the pledge by the Coalition to back the bill.“Our local community wants to keep David Berry Hospital in public hands and I won’t stop campaigning until the future of this site is certain and confirmed,” Mr Ward concluded.