A new aviation course will be offered at TAFE NSW Nowra for the first time this semester offering locals the opportunity to jumpstart a career in aviation mechanics.The course being offered is the Certificate II in Aeroskills which is a practical six month course that will equip students with job-ready skills in welding and fabrication, including repairing and overhauling aircraft electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electro-hydraulic, and electro-pneumatic components.  This forms part of a wider strategy, enacted by the NSW Government, to future-proof industry in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region by attracting more workers to meet in-demand roles, including Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Sarah Kaine, Government Spokesperson for Kiama, said, in a media release, that this new course is a win-win for local industry."Investing in education to address skills gaps is a win-win. It strengthens our industries, drives economic growth, and ensures our workforce remains competitive and capable. This new course will provide local industries with the skilled workers our state needs, while equipping students with the expertise needed to meet industry demands,” said Kaine.New South Wales employs the most Aircraft Maintenance Engineers of all states and territories, at over 30% of jobs, and 17 per cent of aircraft maintenance engineers in Australia will pass retirement age in the next decade. Head to Tafe NSW Nowra website for more information.

The annual Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup will begin on September 23 with students from across Lake Illawarra joining NSW Police officers for a mixed Oztag competition at Myimbarr Park, Shellharbour.The competition was launched in 2022 and aims to help bridge the gap between the Indigenous community and non-indigenous community and police.Around 90 students in years 7-10 from schools in Oak Flats, Warilla, Lake Illawarra, Dapto and Albion Park will compete with Police officers from the Lake Illawarra District for bragging rights.Lake Illawarra Police District Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, Glen Sutherland said in a press release that previous competitions have been a great success.“The event is a great opportunity to come together on Dharawal Country Land and be active, while also breaking down any barriers that exist between the community and police, particularly the Indigenous communities,” said Sutherland.“We have seen incredible success in the previous years, with students seeing police officers in a different light and building relationships in a more relaxed environment. They now feel more comfortable to reach out if they need police and the benefits go well beyond the field, with spectators turning up throughout the day to cheer on their friends and family and engage with local police.”The event will run throughout the day.

Acne has plagued humanity since ancient times, with evidence suggesting that even King Tutankhamun suffered from it. The young pharaoh was entombed with patchouli leaves, believed to strengthen the skin and balance oil production. The Ancient Egyptians also turned to sour milk as a remedy, while the Greeks favoured honey and sulphur. A Greek physician named Theodosius even recommended watching a falling star while wiping one's spots, in the hope that the acne would vanish along with the star.Fast forward to today, and while the causes of acne - like genetics, skincare habits, and lifestyle factors - remain the same, our understanding and treatment options have advanced significantly. Acne occurs when excess oil production clogs pores, trapping bacteria that lead to inflammation and breakouts. However, the good news is that with the right approach, acne can be effectively managed and even cured.Modern approaches to acne treatmentThe complexity of acne treatment reflects the complexity of the condition itself. The American Academy of Dermatology recently updated its guidelines for managing acne vulgaris, following a systematic review published in January 2024. This review produced 18 evidence-based recommendations and five good practice statements, highlighting the most effective treatments available today.Topical treatments: Benzoyl Peroxide and RetinoidsBenzoyl peroxide is widely regarded as one of the fastest-acting acne treatments. Dermatologists often recommend starting with a product containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to minimise the risk of side effects like dry, irritated skin. This treatment is particularly effective for mild acne and works by killing the bacteria responsible for breakouts.Retinoids, another cornerstone of acne treatment, work by unclogging pores, making other medicated creams and gels more effective. Retinoids, like isotretinoin, address the four main causes of acne: bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation. While potent, these treatments often require a prescription and a course of four to five months.Oral treatments: Antibiotics and Cortisone injectionsFor more severe cases, oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines (minocycline, doxycycline) or macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin) are commonly prescribed. These antibiotics reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne, though they should be used for the shortest duration possible to avoid antibiotic resistance. Combining antibiotics with topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide can further reduce this risk.For deep, painful pimples, dermatologists may recommend a cortisone injection, which can rapidly reduce inflammation. It's crucial to avoid picking or popping pimples, as this can exacerbate inflammation and lead to scarring.Cutting-edge treatments: Sebacia and AviClearResearch into acne continues to evolve, with exciting new treatments emerging. One such innovation is AviClear, a 1726-nanometer laser that offers a safe, drug-free approach to acne treatment. This technology, which specifically targets oil glands while sparing the surrounding skin, has recently become available in Australia after receiving clearance from the US FDA for treating mild to severe acne.Another groundbreaking option is Sebacia, a treatment designed to target sebaceous glands using a combination of light-based therapy and gold microparticles. This treatment is typically administered in a series of three sessions over 14 days. This is not yet available in Australia, however.The Future of Acne TreatmentAs research into the genetic and biological underpinnings of acne advances, we can expect even more effective treatments on the horizon. The ongoing exploration of new medications, as well as laser and light therapies, promises to provide those suffering from acne with even more options to achieve clear, healthy skin.

Marking Time is the theme for this year’s History Week. What people, events and histories will our school children want to celebrate and remember in the future? A highlight of the year at the Gerringong Museum is the visit by students from Gerringong School. During Book Week over 200 children glimpsed into the past through exhibits which revealed what our past community considered important to commemorate. We asked the students to suggest what they would put into the museum. From school and sports uniforms, ballet shoes, a 2024 newsletter and iPhone to, "it would be a picture of the old surf club. It represents many people who volunteer from the community and the families who gather there on Sunday for Nippers.”How do you personally mark time? If you have photographs, stories or memorabilia which you would like to donate to our collection please contact us at: [email protected] or drop in on Friday or Saturday 11am to 3pmOur Gerringong Scout, Guide, Brownie and Cub Exhibition is still open.

On November 9-10, Australia’s leading biodynamics educator, Hamish Mackay, will present a two-day workshop titled Introduction to Biodynamics in Kiama, alongside Douglas Ross from Nambruc Natural Farms and Mahlah and Kel Grey from The Pines Farm on Saddleback Mountain.Biodynamics is a core principle of regenerative farming, focused on enhancing soil health and vitality and Douglas Ross wants more people to know about it.“Biodynamics is two words: bio which is life and life force, and dynamics is processes. This concept has been around for many years. Biodynamics is just that practice of looking after your soil and making sure that everything you can do, and manage, in that soil is about creating and enhancing life. That is the key message,” says Ross.Ross began his career as a chemical farmer, following traditional agricultural education. But at age 45 he realised that something was wrong with his soil.“When I was 45, I suspected that my soil wasn’t being looked after and I did some courses outside the traditional educational field and talked to soil scientists and through this I got the gist that there are other ways of looking at it. So, I changed to regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, I don’t use poisons anymore,” says Ross.Ross says that when he was making the switch at 45, the information wasn’t as easy to access as it is now through podcasts and news outlets. But Ross emphasises that workshops like this are vital for bridging theory and practice.“I remember when I first started to learn, trying to dispel the myths that I’d grown up with and was practicing as a chemical farmer, and I found it hard. I found it a long-term process to go through and read and get the information. I believe that in the last 5-10 years, through social media and other outlets, it has really taken off. People are listening to podcasts and publications which makes it easy to see what’s possible,” says Ross.“I believe a course like this is about getting on the ground and getting people to actually practice some of the modalities that can actually work on day one. You can listen to all the podcasts you want and read all the books, but you have to then get down on the ground and get dirty and actually produce the food. And I think that’s what I am best suited to in helping with this education process.”The workshop will be held at The Pines Farm, where participants will learn the theories of biodynamics and regenerative agriculture while getting their hands dirty. They will learn to make preparations, biostimulants, and compost that add vitality to the soil. The course will also feature lunches prepared by inspirational chef and regenerative farmer, Emma Jane, from The Still Room in Moss Vale. The workshop runs from November 10-11, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Tickets cost $600, with an early bird discount of $100 for purchases made before September 30. Tickets can be bought at Humanitix - (https://events.humanitix.com/introduction-to-biodynamics).

For over 45 years, 78-year-old Clive Pickering has been a resident of Kiama Downs, known not just for his long-standing community ties but also for his extraordinary passion for clock collecting and restoration. With a collection of over 70 clocks, including many towering 6-7½ foot grandfather clocks that he has painstakingly restored or built himself, Clive has earned a global reputation as being well versed in the field of horology. Clive's story begins in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, where he was born before emigrating to Warrawong, Australia, with his parents at the tender age of three. Growing up in the Illawarra, he nurtured a deep connection to craftsmanship, a passion encouraged by his carpenter father. This early influence laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to the art of restoring clocks and building for them period style replacement cases. A familiar name among readers of the UK-based CLOCKS magazine, Clive has, for the past four decades been a regular contributor. His expertise as a period casemaker and restorer is highly regarded, with his insights reaching a global audience through the magazine's extensive distribution. Clive specialises in the restoration and recasing of early Circa 1700 orphaned English longcase movements - mechanisms that have outlasted their original wooden cases, which often deteriorate after centuries of exposure to the elements. Over the course of ten trips to the UK, Clive meticulously tracked down and brought a significant number of these difficult to locate orphaned movements to Australia, where he recased them in the traditional manner.He frequently uses well-figured local native Australian Red Cedar, Toona Ciliata, for his case-building projects, a timber renowned for its magnificent grains and admired by clock enthusiasts worldwide.Interestingly, many grandfather clocks brought to the Australian colonies arrived as movement-only pieces, with their cases constructed locally by convict woodworkers using Red Cedar and other native timbers. Clive’s work continues this historical tradition, breathing new life into these horological treasures. Remarkably, Clive's expertise was self-taught, honed through years of hands-on experience and guidance from his father. “For 38 of the past 55 years, I combined my passion for clock restoration, case building, and writing with a full-time career as a high school teacher,” Clive shares. As the Head of the Physical Education and Health Department at Kiama High for 11 years, he balanced his professional responsibilities with his deep-seated love for horology. Clive’s journey into clock restoration began in 1987, when he stumbled upon an Ingraham American gingerbread clock in a junk shop in the Hunter Valley. Its case was in pieces, but Clive, a keen restorer of early cedar furniture, was captivated by the challenge. “From that day on, I was hooked on clocks,” he recalls. To date, Clive has constructed 90 replacement cases for orphaned clock movements and restored countless others. His work often requires him to master various restoration arts, from crafting replacement parts to fretting out period-style clock hands, constructing brass-cased weights, and fabricating the myriad components needed for these intricate mechanisms - many of which are unobtainable in Australia. Each project is a labour of love, with an average of 200 hours dedicated to constructing a high-quality replacement “period style” grandfather clock case. Among his most cherished restorations is a circa 1675 William Grimes “Londini” movement. Clive recounts, “Purchasing and restoring this rare early movement and then building a replacement period-style case in early hand-cut, thick English walnut veneer for the magnificent 1675 ten-inch engraved brass dial eight-day movement was just the most rewarding experience for me. It now features in horological texts and is the centerpiece of my collection.” Clive Pickering’s dedication to his craft is not only a testament to his remarkable skill but also a celebration of the timeless beauty and intricate artistry of clockmaking. His work ensures that these historical treasures continue to tick on, preserving their legacy for future generations.

Last month Kiama’s favourite pooch Ollie, won the 2024 Oz Tog Dog with a Job, beating hundreds of other hard working canines across the nation. Judges praised Ollie’s ability to “transition herself across the different areas of her jobs” including as a therapy dog in schools, courts, supporting first responders and at Lifeline. It is the second time this year that Ollie has earned the honour of top dog. She was also named one of the Top 10 Hardest Working Dogs in Australia, as part of the Dogs Down Under TV series. Ollie, along with handler Judi Sandilands-Cincotta, was hard at work again recently, walking more than 9km as part of Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows Walk on September 10 to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.The walk, on World Suicide Prevention Day, called on the community to walk 9km for the nine people in Australia who die every day by suicide. Ollie and Judi were among 12,449 Australians who joined the Out of the Shadows Walk, and the pair raised more than $1500 for Lifeline’s critical crisis call support service.“I just want to say thank you to the Kiama community who helped Ollie and I raise enough money for Lifeline’s crisis call staff to answer 40 calls,” says Judi. “I know times are tough in this current economic climate and I couldn’t be more grateful to those who have supported this important cause. “Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3000 Australians die by suicide, which has a devastating impact on friends and loved ones.”The Out of the Shadows walk is a way for people to remember loved ones, pay tribute to a friend or family member, or to show support for those experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.“Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year,” says Judi. “Staff who are at the coalface taking those crisis calls also need assistance sometimes.”Judi, who is well aware of the benefits of therapy dogs through her work as a clinical nurse consultant in mental health, began volunteering at Lifeline Sutherland with Ollie in June.Therapy dogs are an important support for frontline staff, first responders, and school students with research proving that patting a dog can release the feel-good chemicals serotonin and oxytocin, and reduce stress chemicals like cortisol. “It’s wonderful to see how much Lifeline staff and volunteers look forward to cuddles with Ollie,” says Judi. As well as volunteering at Lifeline each month, the pair work in Campbelltown’s Canine Court Companion Program, where Ollie supports women and children escaping domestic violence in a joint initiative between Victim Services and Guide Dogs. Ollie also visits police and ambulance stations in the Illawarra and is a “rockstar” at Warilla, Bomaderry and Kiama high schools where Ollie and Judi work with school wellbeing staff to support students. Ollie and Judi even have their own special uniforms for schools, court and library visits with Kiama local business owner Esther Keenan, from Known Design & Print, printing them free of charge for the pair.“I could not do what I do without the support of the community and people like Esther who give of themselves and their business so generously to help out,” says Judi.  The Out of the Shadows Walk has raised more than $2million for Lifeline’s crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Gerringong Men’s Shed (GMS) have released a cookbook with 50 recipes designed to help men gain skills in the kitchen.Mike Walker, said the book became the brainchild of himself and Graham Hanna, who illustrated the book, after noticing a number of members had begun neglecting their own nutrition after losing a wife or partner, or becoming a carer for a partner.  “Graham and I, who consider ourselves competent cooks, decided to start cooking lessons with basic, and some not so basic, recipes for those members who showed interest in learning some general cooking skills.”Most of the recipes in the cook book can be made within 20 to 60 minutes, and were developed to be simple to follow. Each recipe has a utensil list and hints to suggested products found on supermarket shelves to assist in the preparation of each meal.“The recently printed cookbook is a collation of recipes from all those lessons that we have conducted in-house over the last 5 years,” Mike said. Three sponsors helped bring the project to life, the Gerringong Bowlo, Robson Building and Gerringong Rotary Club Sunrise.Copies of the cookbook are available to purchase now, a book retailing for $25 each.You can place an order for the cookbook by emailing [email protected], all proceeds go to finance the Men’s Shed and ongoing Gerringong community projects.

Over two weekends, 19-20 October and 26-27 October, at Huskisson Pictures, Screen it Again Sam will present the ocean themed film series OCEAN1.The film series includes the films: Jaws, Morning of the Earth, The Lighthouse, Puberty Blues, Bait and The Big Blue.The series is supported by Gerringong surf shop Natural Necessity who helped bring the two surf films, Morning of the Earth and Puberty Blues, into the lineup.Screen it Again Sam is a collaboration between Shoalhaven residents Jane Johnston and Kerry de Fluck, along with Bruce Isaacs, Chair of Film Studies at Sydney University.Johnston and de Fluck explain that the idea came to them while streaming films at home. They felt the urge to watch these films as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen.“Almost all directors, except those working specifically for television, envision their films on a large scale with a proper sound system to enhance the viewing experience. The emotional connection that develops in a dark cinema, surrounded by others, is a powerful feeling you can't replicate at home,” says de Fluck.They hope the series will encourage people to support local cinemas and bring back the communal experience of watching a film, followed by meaningful discussions.“Cinemas offer something special to the community. We often take for granted that they'll always be there, but they need our support,” says Johnston.“One of our main goals is to spark conversation about films, their culture, and themes. This is best achieved when watching films as a group and discussing them immediately after. It’s also important for regional communities to have opportunities to come together,” adds Johnston.For the selection, they wanted a diverse lineup that spans different genres and styles, including blockbuster hits like Steven Spielberg’s Jaws and smaller films like Robert Eggers’ black-and-white drama The Lighthouse.“So, we wanted a whole set of films that would be able to have a variety of different feelings, thoughts, and stories about the ocean. We wanted films that were mainstream and films that were avant garde,” says Johnston.The film series will be held at Huskisson Cinema, chosen for its beautiful location and the charm of the old cinema.“It’s truly a special venue. The cinema, originally a community hall from the early 20th century, was transformed into a modern space in 1990. It’s comfortable and set in the stunning surroundings of Huskisson,” says Johnston.Tickets are available for individual films or as weekend packages. Purchase tickets online via Humanitix.

Tilley Wood’s exhibition, titled Equinox, opens at the SEVENMARKS art gallery on September 21, the day before the 2024 equinox, when the sun is directly above the equator, marking the beginning of longer days in Australia. “I live in Tasmania, where our lives are deeply influenced by the sun. Winter here is long and dark, making me acutely aware of the seasonal changes. The equinox is powerful because it signals the shift to a time of year with more sunlight than darkness. To me, it marks the start of my most active, happiest, and brightest season,” says Wood.Wood is an artist who enjoys looking at landscapes at different times of the year to see how the different seasons affect the colours and lighting of a particular place. A lot of her paintings in the Equinox exhibition feature similar landscapes that evoke vastly different emotions.“I like how similar times of year look in different environments. Last equinox I was in the Northern Territory and since then I’ve been back in Tasmania, so comparing what spring is like there to here, there’s something really interesting in contrasting those two landscapes,” says Wood.Wood’s process often begins with mixing colors on the canvas, allowing shapes and landscapes to emerge organically. “I usually start with whatever colors are in front of me, playing with them until memories and shapes appear. The painting Big Hill, lutruwita / Tasmania originated from dark colors and circular shapes, gradually evolving into the landscapes I know so well,” says Wood.Wood went to the University of Newcastle for Natural History Illustration and she says that the degree taught her technical skills and how to paint realistically, but ultimately she has found herself departing from this style of painting.“I started learning how to paint and draw in a super realistic, hyper fine way. That was a starting point for me in oils - to paint more realistic, but then working in the medium, what I love about it is the textures and how the colours sort of do their own thing when I mix them together,” says Wood.“I find that there is more interesting stuff to me in my paintings when I let it come out a bit more freely without trying to control it or represent anything precisely. In the past when I’ve tried to produce things that are more realistic, I get further and further away from the feeling of what inspired me about it to begin with.”On top of her paintings in her SEVENMARKS exhibition, Wood also has created sculptures working with wood and dried flowers. She says that all of these works were inspired by the same feeling, and that when she set out to create the exhibition she wanted to do all sorts of different things to make the experience more interactive.“I really didn’t want to just create a room with pictures on the walls that people are just looking at. I wanted to make a more physical space that people are a part of, rather than looking at something that was outside them,” says Wood.With her exhibition, Wood sets a milestone for the SEVENMARKS gallery as she becomes the first early-career artist to hold a solo exhibition in the space. Being originally from the South Coast, Wood says it was a no-brainer for her to present her work at the Kiama gallery.“Being from NSW I’ve always wanted to come back there and have more of a life there and present my work. So when the opportunity came up I thought, absolutely I can’t say no. It feels really good to be asked to exhibit in a space that is a really contemporary gallery that does work across all mediums,” says Wood.Wood’s work is very immersive and satisfies all of the senses. After viewing her paintings for an extended period of time you begin to hear and smell the environments and even see them moving through time.The opening night for Tilley Wood’s exhibition Equinox is Saturday, September 21 and her work will be featured in the gallery until October 12. 

Tilley Wood’s exhibition, titled Equinox, opens at the SEVENMARKS art gallery on September 21, the day before the 2024 equinox, when the sun is directly above the equator, marking the beginning of longer days in Australia. “I live in Tasmania, where our lives are deeply influenced by the sun. Winter here is long and dark, making me acutely aware of the seasonal changes. The equinox is powerful because it signals the shift to a time of year with more sunlight than darkness. To me, it marks the start of my most active, happiest, and brightest season,” says Wood.Wood is an artist who enjoys looking at landscapes at different times of the year to see how the different seasons affect the colours and lighting of a particular place. A lot of her paintings in the Equinox exhibition feature similar landscapes that evoke vastly different emotions.“I like how similar times of year look in different environments. Last equinox I was in the Northern Territory and since then I’ve been back in Tasmania, so comparing what spring is like there to here, there’s something really interesting in contrasting those two landscapes,” says Wood.Wood’s process often begins with mixing colors on the canvas, allowing shapes and landscapes to emerge organically. “I usually start with whatever colors are in front of me, playing with them until memories and shapes appear. The painting Big Hill, lutruwita / Tasmania originated from dark colors and circular shapes, gradually evolving into the landscapes I know so well,” says Wood.Wood went to the University of Newcastle for Natural History Illustration and she says that the degree taught her technical skills and how to paint realistically, but ultimately she has found herself departing from this style of painting.“I started learning how to paint and draw in a super realistic, hyper fine way. That was a starting point for me in oils - to paint more realistic, but then working in the medium, what I love about it is the textures and how the colours sort of do their own thing when I mix them together,” says Wood.“I find that there is more interesting stuff to me in my paintings when I let it come out a bit more freely without trying to control it or represent anything precisely. In the past when I’ve tried to produce things that are more realistic, I get further and further away from the feeling of what inspired me about it to begin with.”On top of her paintings in her SEVENMARKS exhibition, Wood also has created sculptures working with wood and dried flowers. She says that all of these works were inspired by the same feeling, and that when she set out to create the exhibition she wanted to do all sorts of different things to make the experience more interactive.“I really didn’t want to just create a room with pictures on the walls that people are just looking at. I wanted to make a more physical space that people are a part of, rather than looking at something that was outside them,” says Wood.With her exhibition, Wood sets a milestone for the SEVENMARKS gallery as she becomes the first early-career artist to hold a solo exhibition in the space. Being originally from the South Coast, Wood says it was a no-brainer for her to present her work at the Kiama gallery.“Being from NSW I’ve always wanted to come back there and have more of a life there and present my work. So when the opportunity came up I thought, absolutely I can’t say no. It feels really good to be asked to exhibit in a space that is a really contemporary gallery that does work across all mediums,” says Wood.Wood’s work is very immersive and satisfies all of the senses. After viewing her paintings for an extended period of time you begin to hear and smell the environments and even see them moving through time.The opening night for Tilley Wood’s exhibition Equinox is Saturday, September 21 and her work will be featured in the gallery until October 12. 

Folk by the Sea kicks off this evening with a schedule jam-packed with 15 events starting at 5pm. Friday will be a taster of what to expect before a massive 55 event day on the Saturday of the festival. There are still 3-day full price tickets available online so if you want to grab some last minute, head to the Folk by the Sea website. You won’t want to miss out!If you’re strolling out and about on Terralong street you can pick up a copy of the three-day program schedule from Edessa Arcade. For the digitally-savvy, Friday’s schedule can be viewed below.

Fathers’ Day RaffleThe Lions’ Fathers’ Day raffle came and went. The four winning tickets were all held by locals.Ray Worboys won first prize of a set of TVS Ear Buds valued at $680 from Sound Solutions in Kiama.Second prize of a Makita Recipro saw and a Makita hammer drill donated by Gerringong Hardware and a Stoic Brewery voucher, was won by Ross Wraight.Ross Wraight receiving his second prize in the Fathers Day Raffle from Lions President Steve PottieThird prize of a hand made, single bed throw quilt, donated by Janice Mark and a voucher from Stoic Brewery, was won by Marion Hinkley.Fourth prize went to Clare Arnie, a $100 voucher from the Seahorse Oceanview Bistro at the Gerroa Fisherman’s Club, a $50 voucher from Bambinos in Gerringong and a Stoic Brewery voucher.Over $2000 was raised by ticket sales and The Lions Club boosted it to $3000. These proceeds went to SALT at Nowra, a charity for assisted housing for the homeless, the socially disadvantaged and young people at risk.SAHSSI (Supported Accommodation and Homeless Services Shoalhaven and Illawarra)Lions have formed a small committee to support SAHSSI. Collection points are being set up for donated items of need for the Women’s Refuge group in Nowra. You may have noticed a trolley at Khan’s IGA at Gerringong, near the checkouts, where items could be donated.This will be an ongoing project with items donated, being regularly collected and every 2 – 3 months delivered to the Nowra refuge. Prior to these deliveries, SAHSSI will be contacted to ascertain if they have urgent items of need and The Lions Club will endeavour to purchase a reasonable supply of these items.Items for donation include, women’s clothes and shoes (new or used condition), new underwear, socks, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, children’s books and non perishable food and grocery items.Upcoming EventsIt’s back!! The Gerringong Xmas Street Parade. Lions have committed to resurrecting the once famous event. Hopefully it will not have the notoriety it achieved, when Lions were previously involved with it, when a parachuting Santa missed the School Park and was taken by the famous Werri Nor/Easter to smash through the rear window of the car that was first prize in that year’s Xmas Raffle!So mark down Saturday 21st December in your calendar and suss out a good viewing point in Fern St - you never know who you are likely to see in this year’s parade.Planning has also commenced for next year’s MotorFest / Car Show at Cronin Oval on Saturday 15th February. Invitations have been sent out to numerous car clubs and Lions are anticipating about 400 cars of all makes and vintages to come along.Lions President Steve Pottie presenting a cheque for $1000 to Harper Payne to assist with her Rugby Tour to Japan.Junior Sport AssistanceLions have committed to help fund two young Rugby players, Harper Payne and Charlotte Gamero, who have been selected in The Australian Raptors 14 yrs Female Rugby Union Tour of Japan.

Thursday 19 September, 4:30pmA waste fire broke out at the Minnamurra Recycling Centre yesterday afternoon.The fire has since been extinguished by Fire and Rescue firefighters and has been re-opened for public use tomorrow ahead of the Saturday Household Chemical Clean Out. The Up4Grabs shed remains closed to the public.Council has engaged a consultant to undertake an investigation into the root cause of the fire, and have reported the incident to the Environmental Protection Agency for review. Wednesday 18 September, 4:30pm Fire and Rescue NSW have responded to a fire at the Kiama Community Recycling Centre in Riverside Drive, Minnamurra. A waste pile caught alight in the household bulky waste drop off zone of the facility and the centre has been closed to the public while emergency services attend to the fire.There are no reported injuries as a result of the fire."An investigation into the cause of the fire will occur once the current situation is dealt with," a spokesperson for Kiama Council said.A structure broke out at the facility earlier this year in February, firefighters from the Albion Park and Dunmore Rural Fire Service and Shellharbour Fire and Rescue well called upon to extinguished the blaze.

Members of the Australian Religious Response Climate Change (ARRCC) met in Coronation Park on Tuesday to discuss their beliefs on the future of renewable energy in the region.The meeting is a part of a nationwide multi-faith Week of Action, running between 14 - 24 September and calls upon people of all faiths to advocate for federal investments in clean energy.The Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, Jeremy Greaves has called for a stop to government investment in fossil fuel industries.“We must stop giving around $11 billion of public money annually to the coal and gas industries. They have enough of their own.”State and federal governments spent an enormous $14.5 billion on subsidies to fossil fuel producers and major users last financial year.The federal government election will be taking place this time next year, and ARRCC hope their advocacy will result in decision-makers transitioning away from fossil fuels.“We are in a climate crisis in Australia and globally people are dying, losing their homes and livelihoods because of floods, fires and droughts,” says Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black OAM.The turbulent climate debate has been front and centre after the offshore wind zone was declared between Wombarra and Kiama in June of this year.Religious figures around the world are taking a public stance on the climate crisis, most notably Pope Francis’ declaration of Vatican City’s plans to run entirely on renewable energy. The Dalai Lama recently declared he would back an environmental party if he were to vote in an election.“There is nothing sacred or holy about this. Taking care of our planet is like taking care of our houses.”

The Sydney FC Football Festival was held at Kiama Sports Complex on September 15 and 16. It achieved great success, drawing 60 teams and nearly 600 players from across the Illawarra, Sydney, and Southern Highlands.Kiama Junior Football Club president Andrew Wales says the weekend was so successful that many are already eager to register for next year. “The weekend was an outstanding success. Despite the wind on Sunday, all teams had fun, and many have already commenced planning to attend the 2025 Festival. The partnership between Kiama Junior Football Club and Sydney FC has grown even stronger, and we’re also grateful to Destination Kiama and Kiama Council for their support,” says Wales.The festival was introduced to counteract the lack of junior football games played this winter due to poor weather.Event organiser and Fan Engagement Manager for Sydney FC, Billy Kirk, says festivals like this are crucial for maximising opportunities for young players in smaller communities.“It’s about being able to give back and provide smaller communities, like Kiama, opportunities that they’re not normally going to be able to experience compared to clubs and communities in major cities like Sydney and to a smaller extent, Wollongong,” says Kirk.“So, it's good to be able to get down to Kiama and run something for the Kiama community and also to bring people down to showcase what Kiama is all about.”The festival was a great way to top off a successful year for the Kiama Junior Football Club.

The Kiama Quarriers Football Club (KQFC) will conclude an impressive year with grand finals for two of their men's teams on September 20 and 21.Of the six teams, four KQFC squads advanced to the semi-finals held on September 15. The teams included the men’s over 45’s, the men’s all-ages, the women’s over 30’s and the women’s all-ages.Unfortunately, both women’s teams, who play in division 1, were unsuccessful in their pursuit of a grand final. The women’s all-ages team lost 2-0 in a competitive match against Fairy Meadow United FC, while the over 30’s team lost against Albion Park 6-1.The over 45s men’s team, playing in division 2, faced Woonona, a team they had previously faced twice, resulting in a 0-0 draw and a 2-1 win for Kiama.It was a fast-paced game with Kiama holding the ball well and dominating the play. s the match progressed, fatigue set in for both teams, but Kiama capitalized on their opportunities, scoring two unanswered goals in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory.Whilst the men’s all ages team, who play in division 4, managed to stun the minor premiers, Coniston, pulling off a remarkable comeback from behind to win 5-4. The team had lost both regular season games against Coniston and when the score got to 3-1 Coniston’s way - it seemed like the semi-final would follow suit.But goals to Bryeson Lloyd, Adrian Meta, Conor Plataniotis and Ethan Summers brought the score to 5-3. ​​The Quarriers managed to maintain their lead, even amidst a brawl that resulted in a red card for a Coniston player, ultimately winning 5-4.KQFC Secretary Nerissa Peterson says of the team, “They came in fourth and they beat the top team, and I think there were a few top quality additions to that team this year and when you get a couple of good players they lift the whole team and you attract more players.”Kiama Quarriers men's all-ages team. Photo source: Nerissa Peterson.The Quarriers used to compete in the district league but now play in the community league and Peterson says this change in competitions has contributed immensely to the club’s success in 2024. “We’re in the community league and I think that has just made everyone very happy. We’ve had big turnouts at social events, and we’ve become quite a family orientated club. Everyone is playing just to be a part of a team sport and for the enjoyment of it. I think a happy team makes you more successful,” says Peterson.The men’s over 45’s will play Gerringong in the grand final on Friday, September 20. The all-ages men’s team will play their Grand final on Saturday, September 20 against Woonona.Peterson is quietly confident that both teams will rise to the occasion and take home the glory for the Kiama Quarriers.“I think they’ve both got good chances to win. The all-ages team defeated the minor premiers so I think they feel like they can beat anyone and the over 45’s have been strong all year,” says Peterson.Additionally, the RMB Kearns & Garside Lawyers 6-A-Side summer competition will kick off on October 10 at the Kiama Quarry Sports Complex. This relaxed social competition is open to the men’s and ladies’ teams, with one more men’s team still needed. Interested parties can contact Secretary Nerissa Peterson at [email protected].

Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward moved a motion in Parliament on Tuesday 17 September to ban the distribution of electoral material within one kilometre of a polling booth.Under the motion, how-to-vote cards handed out at pre-polling and polling day will be prohibited. “People aren’t stupid, and most people have made up their mind by the time they arrive at a polling booth”, Ward says. How-to-vote cards display suggestions in relation to the casting of votes and are given to voters during pre-polling and election day to promote a particular candidate.At the recent election, candidate volunteers urged passers-by to bring the cards back to be recycled for the next day. Ward says the environmental detriment that single-use cards have can be avoided through digitisation of campaign material. “How-to-vote material can easily be distributed electronically and how-to-vote material could be on display inside each polling booth…Think of the trees we’d save.”Leading up to the local election, the town was plastered with a sea of event signage on corrugated plastic material made from polypropylene, or corflutes, that usually display a candidate’s headshot and slogan. Corflute signage contaminates mixed recycling bins and does not break down in landfill, according to Monash University. “Given that other jurisdictions have done the same without challenge, I don’t envisage any constitutional issues given that this isn’t a case of limiting speech but regulating an electoral process,” Ward says. 

Level 33 have submitted amended plans and design documents for the controversial Akuna Street development, open for public exhibition and comment now. The application for the multi-storey residential and commercial Akuna Street development was met with public debate, many residents calling for a reduction in building height, others praising the introduction of more retail options in the town centre.Residents have voiced their opinion on the development application online, some against the location and some viewing it as an opportunity to enhance Kiama's central business district. “I believe the number of proposed apartments is however excessive. The height is too high and will ruin the feel of a village. It will look more like a mini Bondi,” one resident wrote.“This is a great proposal, looks good, and relative to alternative places for development, this is an attractive and sensible location in terms of proximity, amenity and infrastructure,” another resident wrote.The amended plans submitted by the developer attempt to address key concerns raised over the public consultation period, this includes accessibility, height variations, acoustic privacy, traffic, vehicle access and parking, open space management, apartment design and other details.The proposed development encompasses a multi-storey, mixed-use structure, featuring 344 basement car parking spaces, 24 retail premises, 2 supermarkets, and 82 shop-top residential units.The amended Development Application is now on public exhibition for our community to review and make submissions on the Kiama Council website.Submissions must be made by 15 October.