On Sunday August 18, the Gerringong Music Club will host an interactive superhero-themed concert especially for children at the Gerringong Town Hall.The event is designed by Clear Strings, a professional string quartet, and it will include melodies of Superman and Wonder Woman as well as popular TV songs and hits by artists like Billie Eilish. It will feature violins, a viola, a cello and a double bass.It was inspired by an intensive music education program which was conducted by the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney which resulted in huge improvements in learning, development, behaviour and attendance.Music Director of Clear Strings, Renae Zink, says, “It has been proven that interactive musical experiences at a young age can foster a life-long love of music. The importance of exposing children to engaging and exciting musical experiences cannot be emphasised.”Musical Director of the Gerringong Music Club Imogen Stewart says, "We are excited to present our first concert designed with children in mind. We’re learning more about how important music is for well-rounded child development, helping kids feel, think and move better and are committed to bringing those experiences to Gerringong for our kids to enjoy.”The event is sponsored by the Gerringong Branch of Bendigo Bank provided through its Community Grant Scheme.The event starts at 2pm on 18 August, doors open at 1:30pm. Book your tickets online at www.gerringongmusicclub.com.au. Members, children and students are free. Visitors $30.

On behalf of the Gerringong Womens Bowling Club, it is with great regret and sadness that we announce the passing of our Bowls Coordinator and good friend Barbara Murphy.Barbara was a stalwart of our club. Her organisational skills and attention to detail were exceptional, which was proved in the many large, successful tournaments she organised. Barbara was also one of our top bowlers and won many competitions including the Major Singles, Club Pairs, Club Fours, Selected Triples, Major/Minor Pairs.Our sympathy goes to Barb’s brother, Pat, and his wife, Rita, and their family. We have lost a very special lady. We will miss her.Rest in peace Barb.

Tragedy struck the Burnetts on Barney community earlier in the week as they mourned the loss of one of their own, Debra East. The Jazz Festival performances became a touching tribute to her legacy, turning the stage into a canvas of remembrance adorned with flowers and a portrait of Debra. Elizabeth from Burnetts, with a heavy heart, delivered a moving tribute before the performance, dedicating the stage to Debra. In addition to honouring her memory, the event served as a platform to raise funds for the Lions Club Of Kiama Cancer Care Trust. Strawberries, drinks, and delicious food were sold, with all proceeds going to the Trust.The sudden loss of Debra left many in the community grappling with sorrow, as expressed in Burnetts' Facebook post: “Deb left too soon and without time for goodbyes, but the memory of her welcoming smile and gentle, selfless kindness will remain in our hearts forever.”Tom Harrigan, who graced the stage with a wonderful acoustic performance, empathised with the audience, sharing his own recent loss of his dear nan. His heartfelt condolences resonated with the crowd, making his set a memorable and emotional experience. It was evident that the Jazz Festival had become a platform for shared grief and healing.Despite the sombre circumstances, Debra's close family attended the event, choosing to celebrate her life amidst the sorrow, and share her love of live music. In a statement Burnetts expressed their sympathy: “We will miss her sway when she was listening to music playing in the quarry. She loved the Jazz Festival above all else and this Saturday our Jazz Festival music will play in Deb’s memory.” Tom Harrigan Playing his set with the stage set in memory of Debra

The Saltwater Kiama family is mourning the sudden loss of Jason Orange, their talented chef and dear friend, who passed away on Tuesday, March 5.  "Jason was the rock who supported us from the beginning, staying on in the kitchen when we took over the cafe in May 2021, and easing our entry into the community", says owner Gülçin Töpel.  Jason’s contribution to Saltwater’s success is measured in the thousands of customers who enjoyed and praised his food, especially the many who made a point of visiting the kitchen to thank him.  His daughter, Annalyce Orange, has set up a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for his funeral, to help family, friends and colleagues give him a fitting send off. Please follow the link below to donate in Jason’s memory. All who knew Jason through Saltwater will no doubt share and understand the loss. The staff are struggling with grief with this unexpected loss, so please forgive them if their trading hours are shorter and their faces not as cheerful as you’ve come to expect.  For those who wish to pay their respects to Jason, we will post details of the funeral service as soon as we receive them.

The Bugle is thrilled to announce the joyous news that two of our own are getting married! The engagement comes as no surprise to those who know them best as Molly and Brendon have radiated love and happiness throughout their relationshipThe couple’s journey began two years ago, during that time their friendship slowly flourished into a beautiful love story. They have experienced many highs and lows together, but their enduring support is a testament that the pair really belong together.Swiftie Molly, known for her endearing charisma and vibrant personality, and Brendon, admired for his intellect and unwavering dedication to his work, are an unstoppable team both in and out of the newsroom. The pair are already hard at work planning the winter wedding of their dreams. With smiles that could light up the whole town, we at The Bugle can’t wait to be a part of the celebration and watch our two enamoured coworkers tie the knot among their friends and family. I am personally overjoyed to be writing this announcement on behalf of my close friend, Molly who deserves every happiness in life and it has been a delight watching her find that in Brendon. Please join us in congratulating the happy couple and sending them all the love and well wishes as they begin this enchanted new chapter together. Here's to the love that brought you both together, the memories you've created, and the future that awaits. Congratulations on your engagement, and may your love continue to flourish fearlessly.

Will Always Be Loved,and Will Always Be Missed

Terry passed away peacefully on Friday, 24th November 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Dearly loved husband and soulmate of Glenys. Dear son of Joy and Les (dec), brother and brother-in-law to Sandra and John, Gary and Don. Adored father and father-in-law to Cal and Andrew, Rob, Nick and Tash. Legend to his grandchildren, Isobel, Aiden, Ivy, and Lily. Loved and adored by all who knew him. We would love you to join us in celebrating the life of Terry on Wednesday, December 6 at 3pm, The Pavilion Kiama.

Betty Elaine Schomberg

The family of Brian Everitt Filmer, 'Rusty', would like to invite you to celebrate his life. Details below.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Frederick Coulson will be held on Thursday, October 26th, at 10 a.m. The service will take place at Stan Crapp Funerals, located at 125 Manning Street, Kiama, followed by a burial at Bombo Cemetery.Refreshments will be served at 12 p.m. at the Kiama Bowling Club, 100 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama, where friends and community members can gather to share their memories of Fred.Fred was a beloved member of the Kiama community, cherished by those who knew him through the Kiama Heart Foundation Walking Group, where he belonged for many years of his life. He had celebrated his 96th birthday this year in August.Rest in peace, Frederick Coulson. You will be dearly missed.

GUY MARRIOTT 5 May 1944 - 9 October 2023CONTACT [email protected]/illawarraPh: (+61) 4276 161199 Military Road, Port Kembla NSW 2505 Tender Funerals Illawarra is currently fundraising and looking for community support. 

The Bugle would like to acknowledge the recent passing of some of our Kiama elders.WINSOME BARKER(Winsome Barker pictured above) Winsome Barker, well-known citizen of Kiama passed away on Tuesday 5 September 2023.After an eventful life, Winsome moved to Kiama in 1990.Winsome was instrumental in the creation of Peace Park (noted for the wonderful rose garden) in Manning Street, and the Kiama Pelican statue down at harbour, which was moved to Kiama Library. Many locals have fond memories of Winsome’s many colourful hats. The Kiama Garden Club presented Winsome with her life membership in 2014. The gazebo at Kiama Peace Park, which Winsome was instrumental in creating, is named the Winsome Barker gazebo in her honour. The park was paid for by the innovative “Buy a Brick” scheme where bricks with names can be added to the walking paths, which has now has become a memorial itself. A less well-known fact is that Winsome worked for many years as a volunteer guide at Taronga Zoo, despite the long distance required to travel to and from Kiama. Winsome was a long-term member of the Kiama and District Historical Society.As part of the Tidy Town Committee, Winsome arranged for the bronze mix statue of the Kiama Pelican. The statue by artist Tim Johnman was erected in 2002 as a warning to fishers and locals about the dangers of plastic bags to local wildlife after Winsome heard the story of a real pelican at Kiama that died eating plastic bags after mistaking them for jellyfish.In 2014 Winsome Barker was presented with the Kiama Electorate Community Recognition Award by NSW Governor David Hurley.The Bugle would like to thank Barry Wilson for supplying much of the above material. Barry, Winsome’s long-time neighbour, remembers Winsome “as a distinguished lady who maintained an aura and thoroughly enjoyed talking to people and doing as  much as possible for our community.” Her legacy will be enjoyed by the community and visitors for many decades to come. Winnsome was just shy of 99 when she passed. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Winsome’s life at the Kiama Presbyterian Church on Thursday 21 September, 2023 from 11.30 am. DICK OKEDick Oke, who passed away on 30 August 2023 in Astonville, is fondly remembered by Kiama locals and former residents who have moved away for his extensive knowledge and photographic contributions to the local Facebook group, Kiama Remembers, a history of Kiama. (Dick Oke)His mother Esme Campbell’s family were from Kiama, and Dick visited Kiama many times in his youth. Dick was in many ways the heart of the Kiama Historical Pages on Facebook, and his many posts were a joy to all.Dick went to Macquarie Boys High and worked at Grace Bros in Sydney. He loved golf. His son, David Oke said: “Dad loved his Datsun 260z which he bought new and owned all his life.He was a great fan of Star Trek and the Goons. He was heavily into music and was in a band which tried out on Bandstand with Brian Henderson.”David told The Bugle that Dick had compiled a large document about Kiama with lots of photos that hopefully will be publicly available one day. As one contributor to the Kiama Remembers FB page said in tribute: “The photos that Dick put up on the page brought up so many great memories of Kiama’s past. He will definitely be missed.”Both Winsome and Dick forged connections and memories which have helped make the Kiama community all that much stronger, and they will be remembered.The Bugle shares with many locals the feeling that we are witnessing the passing of a generation as we in Kiama lose the wisdom of the elders who guided our great local community spirit for so long.

19 February 1924 – 31 October 2022A Memorial Service will be held:Tuesday 8 November, 11amKiama Anglican Church, 2 Terralong StFollowed by light refreshments in the Anglican Church HallRSVP (for catering) [email protected] flowers please

Malcolm Weir passed away on Saturday 29 October in hospital in Sydney after a short illness at 84 years old. A funeral will be held at Gerringong Town Hall at 10am on Friday 4 November, with a livestream webcast also available at https://funeralannouncement.com.au/weir-malcolm-robert-oam/Malcolm was born in Kiama, attended Gerringong Public School and Hurlstone Agricultural High School before spending his whole life dairy farming on his family farm, Buena Vista, in Gerringong. He was a valued member of the Gerringong community, and a lifelong member of the Gerringong Rural Fire Service, a contribution which earned him an OAM in 2013. Malcolm was a keen amateur race car driver in his younger years and an enthusiastic caravanner in his later years. He was very happy to be able to pave the way for daughter Fiona to take over the family farm, although he was unsure in the beginning whether goats were a good idea. Fiona’s handmade goat cheese eventually brought him around and he remained terrificly interested in the goat dairy operations right until the end.Malcolm leaves behind his wife Gay, and children Fiona, Naomi, Suzanne and Tim. He was Grandpa to eleven grandkids and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Kevin Wallace Whalan 7th June 1929 - 25th June 2022Obituary by his son, Andrew WhalanAs he said, “I wouldn’t have missed it for quids!”On 25 June, 2022, at age 93, my Dad Kevin Whalan, journalist to the last, filed his final yarn.Born 7 June 1929, in Canowindra, he was the youngest of eight children and spent his first forty years there. He taught himself to drive, invented a poker-machine counter, and learnt to fly Tiger Moths. Until journalism became his calling. In 1951, after working an assortment of jobs, he was cleaning floors at the Cowra Guardian. There, serendipitously, he was asked to write a movie review. As he recounted, “I just wrote it.” Afterwards, he worked for the Guardian and Canowindra Star.In 1961, he married, had his first two children, and was offered the role of editor of the Kiama Independent. Instead, he leased the failing Canowindra Star. As editor, journalist, photographer, advertising manager, publisher, and sport reporter he revitalised an ailing paper, almost doubling its circulation!Dad joined the ALP (1958) and ran for the seat of Orange, against his friend Charles Cutler. He lost the seat but kept the friendship. As Dad wrote, “He (Cutler)… praised my unbiased (campaign) coverage.” After moving to Kiama, he supported local, state, and federal candidates. He joined Apex, Rotary (receiving a Paul Harris fellowship) and was a charter member of Canowindra Lions club. His service club involvement continued in Kiama including forming the Kiama Downs Men’s Probus Club. When the Canowindra Star folded in 1969, he finally became editor of the Kiama Independent. Again, he melded with the local community including the church (Ss Peter and Paul) and school, service clubs and the ALP. As a court reporter, he avoided a murder charge, being pointed out as the accused by an unreliable witness. After the Independent, he worked for the Illawarra Mercury until he was asked to reveal a source. Upon his refusal, he was sacked. His colleagues went on strike, and he was reinstated. Later as Wollongong Bureau Chief for News Ltd, he mentored many up-and-coming journalists. Until Rupert Murdoch offered him a generous redundancy package.  Even in retirement, he contributed to his church, community and charity and travelled the world. He visited Brazil, Great Britain, Japan and the United States making and keeping friends including Ronnie Biggs, the Great Train Robber. Dad lived a full life, one of stories, people, service: none of which he would have missed for quids.

A service to celebrate the life of China will be held at the Kiama Anglican Church on Monday 4th July at 11am.A full life tragically cut short.No flowers by request.