David Finlay is a self-confessed creature of the night. While most people are tucked up on the lounge in front of the television, the Kiama scientist and photographer watches one of the greatest shows on Earth. Mother Nature lighting up.From glow worms in Helensburgh’s old railway tunnel to bioluminescence in Kiama Harbour, fireflies at Macquarie Pass or ghost mushrooms in suburban front yards, David captures it all on camera while the rest of us “nest”.Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnels are open again“Once the sun goes down, people have dinner and sit and watch TV,” says David. “Humans have this tendency to nest at night. But from a really young age I was out in the backyard lying on a blanket looking at stars. That interest in science and astronomy just worked its way into my adult life.”Born in Orange, and an industrial chemist by trade, David first saw bioluminescence — living organisms that emit light — flashing in the waves at North Beach when he moved to Wollongong from the bush. It sparked a life-long fascination with all things that glow in the dark.Colloquially known as seas sparkles, bioluminescence presents as pink algae during the day. But at night, when the algae-filled water is agitated, it lights up like a Christmas tree and the waves appear to sparkle. Protected bays and harbours are the best places for sea sparkles and Jervis Bay is the second most prevalent place in Australia to see it (after Tasmania’s Derwent River). Recently Kiama Harbour hosted a bioluminescence bloom and David was there with his camera to capture it, but to also offer advice to those witnessing the rare phenomenon.Bioluminescence lights up the waves“If bio is in the water we ask people not to throw rocks in to agitate it and make it sparkle,” he says. “When people throw rocks, they’re actually disturbing the marine environment and potentially ruining habitats on the ocean floor. The best thing to do is actually walk through or put your hands through it.”Sea sparkles are just one of the four types of bioluminescence that live on the South Coast. The others include fireflies, glow worms (native only to Australia and New Zealand) and ghost mushrooms. “This region has the perfect ecosystem for bioluminescence,” says David. “From where I live in Kiama I’m only a short drive away from all four forms. I can see sea sparkles in Kiama Harbour, a glow worm colony in Helensburgh, fireflies at Macquarie Pass and ghost fungi in Kiama front yards. We have amazing access to these things right here, but it can be quite difficult sometimes for people to find them, to know what they're looking at.” Fireflies at Cascade Falls, Macquarie PassDavid has been chasing things that light up in the night for so many years that he has all the tips and tricks needed to spot them, and he’s more than happy to share his knowledge.Last year he offered firefly tours at the base of Macquarie Pass and was blown away by the community’s response, with thousands of people expressing an interest. David’s idea for a “free walk and talk to educate people about fireflies and the environment” became a fully-fledged business venture requiring a National Parks eco pass and public liability insurance. He also had to limit group numbers to protect the environment and sessions booked out almost as quickly as a Taylor Swift concert. David quickly realised that “people want to experience these things for themselves, there is an interest out there”.“The more people that you can teach how to enjoy being in nature, while also preserving it, the better we all are,” says David who widely shares information and images of spectacular events like watching fireflies, glow worms, bioluminesce and ghost fungi on his Instagram page. Next year, if conditions are favourable, David is looking to offer Ghostbusting tours where people can sign up to join him on a guided ghost fungi tour.Ghost mushrooms glow in the darkIn the meantime you can follow David’s Instagram page @davefinlaydigital and stay updated with Bioluminescence Australia to see all the best that Mother Nature has to offer.

On October 13, Kiama’s Ali Day won his tenth Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold Ironman, maintaining his unbeaten record at the event.The gruelling 41.8km event includes a 23 km ski, a 1 km run, 3.5 km swim, 6.1 km board and an 8.2 km run and Day has raced the event ten times for ten wins.The 34-year-old father of two won the race with a time of 3:59:31 and declared that it will be his last ever race of the event.In a media release from Surf Life Saving Australia, Day stated, “It takes a village to get me here, and as much as I’d love to come back next year, it’s someone else’s turn to win. I hope there’s a kid out there now watching me who can say they’ll do the race next year. But that definitely won’t be me—10 and done.”While Day expressed pride in his victory, he emphasised his commitment to the sport: “Winning is one thing, but showing up year after year, regardless of the conditions or competition, is what I’m most proud of. I’ve challenged myself mentally every time, and that means so much.”Reflecting on his journey, Day recalled, “I came here in 2007 for the old course with my brother for a team event and thought, ‘How does one person do the full race?’ I struggled to complete 23 km as a 16-year-old, jumping off my ski three times because my butt fell asleep. I returned in U19s and failed miserably, telling myself I’d never do it again. And here I am now.”Day is originally from Kiama, and began at Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club at the age of 9. On top of his 10 Coolangatta Gold titles, Day is also a five time Iron series champion.The Bugle congratulates Day on adding another spectacular achievement to his ever growing list.

Gerringong local Annette Pust has experienced the housing crisis first hand as a renter in one of the most expensive LGAs in the country. After seeing close friends leave the township in search of more affordable housing in the Illawarra, Annette felt there weren’t enough options available. She began a petition calling on Kiama Municipal Council to utilise the vacant aged care facility in Havilah Place by turning it into housing stock. She believes the site will help ongoing rental stress, provide emergency accommodation and aid the housing crisis in the second most expensive town in the country. Council have stated that the Blue Haven aged care facility in Havilah Place is in an “advanced state of dilapidation and cannot be repurposed.”A German native and Gerringong local for fifteen years, Annette said she is perplexed by the situation at hand, and feels a part of the solution is right in front of the Council.“It’s been empty for five years… I don’t know how you can have a site sitting empty and have the building rot away in essence, I can’t explain it.”Council voted in favour of receiving a report on the options for a public-private partnership and mixed-use development on the site, ensuring at least 25 per cent is allocated to social and affordable housing — a motion put forward by Councillors Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins last term.The former residential aged care facility on Havilah Place has been deemed as unsafe and unhealthy to enter. Blue Haven has been operating since 1979, the most recent addition in 2019 is Blue Haven Bonaira — which is currently in the settlement phase of being sold to private owner Hall & Prior.Council are in the process of exploring options to subdivide and divest the facility as a requirement outlined in the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order. A business case will be presented to councillors for consideration and a site masterplan will be drafted.Birgetta Smith, a Gerringong local and supporter of the petition, is facing the housing crisis with the added stress of a recent divorce.“We have to sell the house and probably move out of the area.”“My kids have grown up in Gerringong, they would love to stay, but there’s not a chance. There’s no affordable rentals around, it’s not affordable to buy something.”Gerringong has 74 houses available on the market as of September this year — with a median price of $1,400,000 as of July this year. “Any petition regarding future uses for the Havilah Place site would be subject to our Petitions Policy and would need to accord with already resolved decisions and the substantial staff work already undertaken on implementing these decisions, alongside the State required work articulated in the PIO”, a spokesperson for Council said.Property market analyst Propertyology ranked Kiama the second most expensive township, above Australia’s most populous city, Sydney.The petition will be located at Gerringong Pharmacy. 

Just outside of the Old Fire Station Community Arts Centre there is a cow. You may have noticed her. The cow’s name is Daisy. You’ll often see her playing with kids or painted in various styles which reflect what is going on in the Kiama community.  Former Mayor Sandra McCarthy once wrote about Daisy, “It’s funny to think a paper mache cow, that stands solitary and rather longingly on a main street, can embody a town’s community spirit and culture. But that is exactly what ‘Daisy the Decorated Dairy Cow’ does.”  Daisy with no art in 1991. Source - - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookBut where did Daisy come from? What’s her story? In 1991, a crazy haired Italian born sculptor named Ernesto Murgo created Daisy, using paper mache and wire, for the Seaside festival that ran in October of that year. He based her on a real cow called ‘Meadowhaven Daisy the 47th’ who was a breed of cow that was popular on the dairy farms of the Illawarra and was owned by Jamberoo farmer Tom Walsh. Sue Blanchfield was the first artist to paint Daisy at the Seaside Festival saying, “Rather than having the cow in the landscape, I’m going to put the landscape on the cow.” Somewhere along the way Daisy was given a tougher outer skin of plaster and sisal by Grahame Kime. Kiama council bought Daisy from Ernesto after this, and she has since become a reflection of the town. A cultural and historical, ever-changing piece of art. If there was some sort of time lapse video showing each one of Daisy’s designs throughout history, you’d be presented with a pretty thorough history of Kiama since 1991. Sue Blanchfield reunited with Daisy in 2010. Source - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookShe has been covered in musical notes for a jazz festival, words for a poetry happening, butterflies, lilies, daisies and she has even been a conduit for protest. She was dressed to resemble condoms to warn against aids, a private part of her anatomy was highlighted to spread awareness about chlamydia, she has been pink for breast cancer awareness and had a red nose for cot death appeal. She is covered in hearts for Valentines Day, covered in tinsel at Christmas, green for St Patrick’s Day, flagged for Australia day and she’s been a cheerleader for sports teams. In a classic story she was also once cownapped by high school students.  Most recently she was painted to represent NAIDOC week and then for the Kiama Winter Festival weekend. The Expressive Art Experience is inviting the Kiama community to paint her. “We’re all going to paint Daisy the Cow. We’re inviting the community to come, and we’ll give them a little pot of paint and a paintbrush and there’s lots of different spaces they can paint on Daisy,” says artist and Experience Art facilitator Michelle Springett.  Ernesto Murgo and the inspiration for Daisy. Source - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookDaisy has seen a lot in her almost 35-year-old life, but she has never abandoned her post or her town. She sits there day after day absorbing new information and reflecting it back to the world. She is an unofficial mascot for the town, and she will be an important piece of Kiama history for years to come.

While walking around Kiama in October, you may spot a man in what looks like an army vest. That man is local resident Lee Mallon, who is wearing a 10kg vest for 10 hours a day throughout the month to raise awareness for mental health.When I learned about Lee's challenge, I reached out to him for a chat. He invited me to join him, so I donned a vest and walked alongside him.Lee is participating in the Top Blokes Foundation initiative, which involves carrying the 10kg vest for a total of 50 km during October. The aim is to shed light on the mental health challenges young males face. However, Lee decided to take it a step further; instead of just walking 50 km, he committed to wearing the vest for ten hours a day every day.“I decided to take that challenge to the next level and raise awareness for youth mental health as much as I could. The only way I could think of doing that was wearing the vest 10 hours a day for the entire month of October. It popped into my head a week beforehand and I thought, I’m going to do this,” Lee explains.As I strapped on one of the 10 kg packs, I immediately felt heavier and slower. While 10 kgs might not sound like much, in a vest that digs into your shoulders, it becomes significantly more burdensome.“I struggle sometimes. It’s hard work to just sit; it’s easier when you’re moving. But when you’re sitting, you can’t help but think about it,” says Lee.Driving poses another challenge for Lee. He can’t drive while wearing the vest, which complicates his job that sometimes requires long hours on the road. To compensate for missed time, he commits to doing 2 km on his elliptical machine for every hour he loses.Lee’s motivation stems from his young son Riley's personal struggles with mental health. He recalls a poignant evening when Riley confided that the weight of his issues never seemed to lift.“He told us about how things never left him, that they were always there,” says Lee. “I thought that using weighted vests would be a good way to raise awareness for these issues. I can take the vest off, but people like Riley can’t.”Lee announced his challenge through a heartfelt video on his Facebook page, detailing the difficulties his family has faced. The video has been shared nearly 30 times and has helped him raise over $3,000 for the Top Blokes Foundation.On his walks, Lee has shared his video link with 50 strangers, hoping to inspire others to open up about their own struggles.“I hope people find the courage to talk to someone if they’re feeling down. There’s so much pressure on kids these days, especially with social media, making them feel they have to be someone they’re not,” Lee says.He also encourages parents to engage with their children by asking, “Is everything okay? You can talk to me.” Building that trust takes time, and it’s essential for kids to feel safe doing so.Lee believes teenagers are at a critical juncture in their lives, where early intervention can make a significant difference. He supports the Top Blokes Foundation for their work in schools, targeting young people at this pivotal stage.“I believe that if you don’t get help early on, it’s much harder later down the track. This program is aimed at kids still in school,” Lee emphasises.During our walk together, Riley, Lee, and I managed to cover 2km, and I was relieved to finally take off the vest.Riley shares his thoughts on his father's initiative: “I think it is really good at representing the strenuous day-to-day weight that mental health issues can give you, and initiatives like this are doing great things.”Lee wants to thank everyone for their support. You can find his Facebook video here and you can donate to his challenge here. 

Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons won the EDP Ericeira Pro in Portugal on October 6 against 13-year-old Tya Zebrowski from France.The 33 year old Gerroa surfer won the final against Zebrowski with a combined score of 13.60 against Zebrowski’s 10.80.In a WSL press release, Fitzgibbons expressed her surprise at the outcome. “I knew she had a good score, but it kind of came as a surprise that I got the win. I’m so happy. This new generation coming through is fierce in freesurfs, and it gives you more drive to beat them when you get them in a heat,” she said.In 2023, the 33-year-old Fitzgibbons dropped out of the World Surf League (WSL) top ten, was cut from the Championship Tour (CT), and was forced to compete in the Challenger Series.With this recent victory, she now tops the Challenger Series leaderboard and qualifies for her 14th CT season.Fitzgibbons shared her excitement with WSL about her return to the CT. “It's mixed emotions; this year is so long. But when you put it into perspective, these women are incredibly talented, and it’s so hard to win a heat.”“It’s such an honour to be in this position, competing at such a high level as we move into 2024. I have so many goals—I want to improve my performances at the tour locations, which feature some of the best waves in the world. That really excites me,” Fitzgibbons said.She also acknowledged the importance of support from her hometown in Gerroa: “The support from everyone back home means so much to me. I aim to show up and give my best, and if that means I head back on tour, then everyone has contributed to that.”

The Glam Gallery, within the Gerringong library, will host the Wild Life and Wild Places exhibition from October 11-24 featuring works by local artists Yvonne Clough and Gay Emmerson.At ages 78 and 82 respectively, Yvonne and Gay are living proof that it’s never too late to follow your passions. Both developed a love for art earlier in life but only began to pursue it seriously in later years.Yvonne, 78, recalls how her journey into painting began at the age of 55, following an inspiring conversation with a friend.“I had never painted, but I was talking to someone who happened to be an art teacher, admiring her work,” Yvonne says. “I told her I couldn’t paint, and she said, Anyone can paint, come along to my art class. That’s how it all started.” Since then, painting has brought her immense joy. “I’m in another place when I paint,” says Yvonne. “I’m in my happy place. I have music and a candle going, and the time just disappears—I’m completely lost in it.”Yvonne is very fascinated with painting wildlife, and more specifically magpies. Magpies seem to be her muse, and she sees something in them that is extraordinary and that translates very well into her work.One example of Yvonne's quirky crows.“Magpies are all very different. Some are cheeky, some are nervous, some are just blaze and they couldn’t care if you were there or not. So, I’ll see them and then I’ll paint them and name them and feel as though I’m getting to know them,” says Yvonne.Yvonne adds a playful touch to her work. One memorable piece captures two magpies: one standing still, the other flapping its wings energetically, which she titled Who’s the Boss?“The name and the painting tell you everything about their personalities,” she says.Gay, 82, approaches her art from a different perspective, focusing on landscapes. Her fascination lies in the way human forms appear in nature—a theme that has driven her creativity since she first started painting at 37, after persistently urging her local art school to admit her.“I started to see the human body in the landscape - everything started to look like bums and bellies and breasts and things like that. The mountains are like low hills and you’d see a row of hills that looked like a backbone or a spine,” says Gay.“And then gum trees, admittedly some are a bit boring, but the ones that have twisty and turny branches can look really young and supple, while others seem to have arms with wrinkles under them.”One example of Gay's humanistic landscapes.Gay, who is originally from Canberra, moved to Gerringong in 2017 and she says the young landscape and the beautiful colours rejuvenated her artistic sensibilities.“When I first came to Gerringong in 2017 it started a renaissance and a rejuvenation for me because the colours were so fresh and youthful and the smell of the sea air and the colour of the grass was so inspiring for me,” says Gay.As a result of this human influence on her paintings, these painted landscapes seem to be almost moving in a human way as you look at them and they are very engaging.The contrasting styles of Yvonne’s wildlife portraits and Gay’s evocative landscapes come together harmoniously in Wild Life and Wild Places, showcasing their unique perspectives and lifelong passion for artThe official opening for Yvonne and Gay’s exhibition entitled Wild Life and Wild Places is on October 12 at 5pm at the Glam Gallery and all are welcome to attend.

If you are looking for fulfilment and balance in your life then Illawarra author Deborah Devaal’s debut book, ‘Social Freedom: The Path to Wellbeing’ is for you.Deborah, an accredited art therapist and wellbeing coach, says true freedom is found in our ability to understand and regulate our emotions and allows us to make connections with people to live a fulfilling life.“My book focuses on emotional identification and looks at why we feel certain things, what certain emotions mean and how we can use those emotions to guide us to make positive changes in our lives,” explains Deborah, who is also an artist.  The book came about after Deborah began drawing sketches and writing notes for her clients to take home at the end of their art therapy and wellbeing sessions. “I work with a range of clients who need some extra support to navigate their emotions and build resilience,” explains Deborah. “I found that giving them a visual representation of what they have worked on during their sessions was very helpful.“Sometimes I work with teenagers struggling with mental health issues, mums who are juggling to balance everything that is going on in their life, or retirees who are making big life changes. But after each session I would provide sketches and notes of things to work on and so one day I thought I should put it together as a guide so I can print it and give it to them.”Deborah realised that many people outside of her client base would also benefit from her handwritten notes and sketches. So she reached out to a local illustrator who helped bring her art and easy-to-read content to life. “The idea was to put something together for my clients,” says Deborah. “Then it just grew and grew and after three years it turned into a book. Those who have read it say there’s something in it for everyone. Writing this book was a beautiful process for me, it was so nice to get everything out of my head and onto paper and have it all in one place.“Younger people in particular, those in their teens and early 20s, are really interested in understanding their emotions, way more than the older population. It has been really refreshing to see that they want to know how to navigate their emotions and this book gives people the tools to understand how to do this.”Deborah will officially launch her book later this month. It can be purchased at www.devaaldesign.com.au

Gareth Ward has been a local from the get-go. Born in Gerringong, attending pre-school in Kiama and school in Bomaderry, he came into the world fighting – being born legally blind and with albinism (Oculocutaneous Albinism). Despite these challenges, Gareth has worked hard to create a worthwhile life helping others and has achieved considerable success. The uneven playing field on which he grew up renders his many achievements, including being the youngest councillor to be elected to Shoalhaven City Council, even more noteworthy.While our community is largely well aware of his political achievements, Gareth has also achieved success in academia and further study. Impressively already holding degrees in Arts, Commerce and Law along with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Gareth also recently passed the toughest legal exam in the country – the NSW Barristers exam, known as the Bar Exam.While adhering to a strict separation of powers, there is no doubt the subject matters of law and politics complement each other, with Parliament responsible for writing laws, and the courts for interpreting and applying them. The Bugle got up close and personal with Gareth to find out more about his recent Bar Exam and how his legal studies have informed and enriched his work in advocating for the community.“People often confuse passing the NSW Bar Exam with being admitted as a lawyer, mostly because people have watched too many US legal dramas,” Gareth joked. “The US system is very different to what we do here”. “To become a solicitor, you need to complete your law degree and then undertake what’s called Practical Legal Training, which makes you eligible to apply for admission as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. You also need to receive approval from the Legal Profession Admission Board which involves passing a fit and proper person test. “To become a Barrister in NSW you need to pass the NSW Bar Exam, which is run by the NSW Bar Association. Once you pass the exam you undertake the Bar Practice Course and commence what’s called a ‘reading year’. The Practice Course and the reading year are the next two challenges for me to formally gain admission, but the exam is the most serious part of this challenge. “In order to apply to undertake the exam, you must first be admitted as a solicitor - so you can’t just rock up and ask to sit the exam. “The exam itself has a horrendously high fail rate. We had a study group of about 30 and only four of us passed. “There are two papers, one which focuses on criminal law and one which focuses on civil law and procedure, with questions on evidence and ethics woven throughout both papers.” Asked how he found time as a busy local MP to study and pass, Gareth explained,“I actually completed my Master of Laws at Sydney University when I was a Cabinet Minister. I like to read and read widely. I think it’s really important for politicians to have more than one string to their bow, and this is a really helpful skillset for my role as a local advocate.“So often the matters people come to you with as a local MP have a legal complexation or question. Whilst I refrain from giving legal advice, the training is invaluable in these situations as to how I can best help. “The main reason I did it was to be a better MP and more effectively help and serve our community. It’s an unusual skill set, but it is helpful”. We asked what the difference between a Barrister and Solicitor is and Gareth repeated what he told his younger brother, “When you are sick, you go to your GP, which are like the medical equivalent of solicitors. If your medical condition is serious and requires an area of specialisation, you go to a specialist. Barristers are your legal specialists - and of course barristers are trained to appear and speak in a courtroom”. We put the obvious question to Gareth – Is he planning a return to the law and to move on from politics? His response was immediate..“I love our community and serving our region, and ensuring we have the strongest advocacy is important. I’m not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.”

In October 2020, Tyran Wishart was raising the trophy after winning the Group 7 grand final with the Gerringong Lions. Now, only four years later, he’s preparing for an NRL grand final in front of more than 80 000 people.On October 6 Tyran will wear the number 14 jersey as the Melbourne Storm attempt to end the reign of the Penrith Panthers, but Tyran is adamant that it’s just business as usual for the Craig Bellamy coached side.“Obviously, the Panthers have been in this position for five years, so they have that experience. But we also have players and coaches with plenty of finals experience, and I’m leaning on them and asking questions,” says Tyran.“When it comes to facing them, you can prepare as much as you want, but at the end of the day, you have to play your own style of footy. That’s worked for us throughout the year, so it needs to work for just one more game—80 minutes.”Tyran’s father, Rod Wishart, played 177 NRL games for the Illawarra Steelers and St George Illawarra Dragons, along with 22 games for NSW and 17 for Australia.But he was only in one NRL grand final in 1999 which he lost, ironically, against the Melbourne Storm. But Rod says there is no grudge between himself and the Storm, in fact, he says, there is no better place for his son.“A lot of people ask what I think about Tyran playing for the Storm, and honestly, I couldn’t think of anything better to be honest. I have nothing but respect for the Melbourne Storm,” says Rod. “The little things they do are essential, and they’ve given Tyran the chance to develop his rugby league skills. I don’t think he’d be where he is without them.”As they prepare for this momentous game, both father and son emphasise the importance of enjoying the week while sticking to the game plan and keeping things simple.“I just try and simplify everything. In finals games, everything is a lot quicker and harder and contact is much more intense. Everything is going to be faster and naturally I’ll play a bit harder too, but I think I just have to simplify my role,” says Tyran.“At the end of the day it’s a big occasion, but I think you have to remember to enjoy it. I think you just have to be confident in your ability and if you see an opportunity, trust yourself. Trust the process that your team has got. Trust the Melbourne Storm - they’ve been there and done it that many times,” says Rod.Tyran has had an outstanding 2024 season, securing his place in the NRL side. In his 25 games, he has scored 12 tries and kicked 14 goals. Due to unfortunate mid-year injuries, he led the Storm in the five-eighth role for 10 games, achieving 8 wins.When Tyran is not in a starting role he is in a ‘sort of everyman’ position for the team. A utility coming off the bench that can slot into almost any position including wing, fullback, halfback, hooker and lock.Although this unique role does make it hard for Tyran to prepare for a game, the more he has played it, the more he has gotten comfortable with it, and in that way he has become a bit of a Mr. Fix-it for the Melbourne Storm.“I’m very proud of Tyran’s ability to adapt to any position without getting overwhelmed. He just approaches each challenge with, This is my job, whether he’s on the wing, at fullback, or in the pack. The Storm appreciates having someone who can slot into any role and get the job done,” says Rod.“It was different and a little hard to prepare, but I think I’ve managed to find a routine in order for me to get comfortable. And like I said, I don’t like to think about it too much, I just try and tick off what I need to throughout the week to know that I’ve prepared the best that I can,” says Tyran.Rod coached Tyran in the juniors at the Gerringong Lions and both believe that his time there has contributed a lot to the way he plays today, and even his decision to go and play in Melbourne.“That’s where you learn everything in your juniors, and to have those players to look up to back home just made every kid want to do well back home,” says Tyran. “The club at Gerringong is very similar to the Storm in the way that it is run, obviously to a much higher degree here. But in the simple ways: everyone gets along and family comes first,” says Tyran.Rod says that he couldn’t be more proud of Tyran and that the whole town of Gerringong will be behind him when he runs out on Sunday.“I think he’s been humble and he’s just worked extremely hard to get where he is and he deserves where he is. Win, lose or draw I’m proud of him, the whole family is proud of him and all of Gerringong is proud of him. And he is a proud Gerringong boy and he will never forget where he came from and the people who have helped him get where he is,” says Rod.The Melbourne Storm face the Penrith Panthers at 7:30 PM on Sunday, October 6. The Bugle wishes Tyran good luck and congratulates him on reaching this significant milestone!

Foxground author Kirsten Nixon, a registered nurse by trade, always dreamed of being a writer. So in 2021 she decided to “bite the bullet” and forge a career in the book business.“All my life I’d really wanted to write a book, or have something to do with books. So I started talking to friends and family who had their own small businesses to find out how you would go about being an author.“They started telling me really important and inspiring stories about how they set up their businesses and I knew I needed to capture them, shine a spotlight on these women, and get their stories out into the world.” These stories became Kirsten's debut book, Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners and features 17 women mostly from the local community who transformed their dreams into thriving small businesses.“The book highlights the resilience, creativity, and determination of women entrepreneurs who have overcome many obstacles to succeed in their ventures,” says Kirsten. “Their stories inspired me to write a book, even though I was completely clueless about how to go about it. So I wanted to make sure the book included practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.”The book has tips, heartfelt advice and relatable stories of women who work in manufacturing, retail, wellness, hospitality, and artistic/creative spaces. Women who feature in the book come from a diverse range of businesses, including Kerry Fahey of Kerry’s Klothes, Sue Clelland from Saltwood Café & Lifestyle, Olivia Deroche from Wax Lyrical bookshop, Jo Quirk from Revive with Jo beauty, Lillie Nixon from Nixon's Cleaning and Maintenance, Emily Simpson from Full Bloom and Dianne McNamara from Punkin Head Air Sports, which makes aircraft covers for light planes. Artists Arabella Gypsy, Nicole Brown and Deborah Dicembre also feature in the book along with website designer Michelle Barraclough, Robyn McKean from Myotherapy, Balance your Body, Peta Godfrey from Travel Focus Group, Alyse and Alison Mitchinson from Arlo’s Garden, Lucy Nixon from Shoalhaven Professional Bookkeeping and porcelain doll maker Di Godfrey.“The women I spoke to are amazingly resilient,” says Kirsten. “When you think of what they’ve gone through with floods, fires and COVID it’s been a really tough time for them, but they hang in there and continue to inspire those around them.“I found out when I was writing this book that it really does take a village and the women who feature in it are so supportive and encouraging of each other as a community of small business owners.”When asked if she has achieved her dream she laughs and says: “Yes! That’s the crazy part about it, after interviewing all these women I’ve come full circle. I’ve got a book that I’m very happy with and I've also started my own small business.”Since publishing Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners Kirsten now runs her own writing business, Broughton Creek Publishing. She says writing her debut novel has enriched her life and she wants other women to be inspired to follow their dreams. “I hope this book serves as a beacon of hope and a source of practical wisdom for all women who aspire to make their mark in the business world,” she says. “The beauty of this book is that it has top tips from each of the businesswomen, along with themes that run central to all of their stories: love what you do; have the courage to have and go; persevere when things are hard and value and educate yourself.”The Bugle has a copy of Kirsten’s book to give away to one lucky reader. We are inviting people to nominate an inspiring woman in your life who you think deserves a copy of Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners.Copies are also available from https://kirstennixon.com/ and Amazon https://amzn.asia/d/iHOa4dj  

Kiama’s resident beauty queen is more than just that, Chelsea Jones is a proud Wodi Wodi woman who has shown resilience in the face of difficult life challenges. 25-year-old Jones will be representing her mob in the upcoming Miss Multiverse pageant, a competition featuring 30 women from varying backgrounds and celebrates cultural diversity in Australia.Chelsea JonesDescribed as the "pageant with a purpose," it raises funds for The Cancer Council Foundation, generating vital support for cancer research, services and organ donation for life.Chelsea stands out as the only contestant born in Australia and the only one representing Aboriginal culture. She aims to share her story to inspire others.Her supportive Aunty, Dale Vaux, reflected on discovering their ancestry and how perceptions have shifted over time.“During my growing up, you never spoke about it (her Aboriginal heritage) — it was something that was ‘out there.’ My mother and her mother didn’t talk about it. We didn’t know much about our family until my daughter started doing Aboriginal studies at school, and then Mum opened up.”Through Dale's research, she found a connection to the 'Longbottom' line, with some family history documented in Helen Laidlaw's book, On Wadi Wadi Country - From the Mountains to the Sea, particularly in chapter 13.“I can remember being teased at school, saying I was adopted because I was a different colour,” Dale recalled. “Now we can identify proudly and be accepted.”Chelsea proudly embraces her heritage, crediting those who paved the way for her. “Women in my life, like Dale and my nan, have paved the way for the acceptance I feel. Many women in Kiama know them for their community work, and I want to make them all proud,” she said. In her young life, Chelsea has faced significant challenges. After moving to Sydney and landing her dream job at Taronga Zoo, she had to quickly return to Kiama to care for her ill mother. Following her mother’s passing, Chelsea struggled with depression and a loss of confidence.She shared, “It's been empowering for me to do this and get out there again. I lost a lot of confidence after Mum's death. One day I woke up and chose resilience.”That’s the message she wants to share: “Just resilience, that's being a woman. I want to make my mum proud, make my family proud, and show others that you can achieve things like this.”“I’ve been able to help my family through one of the hardest times of our lives, and it’s been an honour to do that,” she added.Chelsea still feels her mother's presence along her journey. Chelsea received the number seven in the pageant line-up—her mum's favourite number. “The way this is all set up feels like it’s where I’m meant to be right now,” she said.Chelsea also connected with Kirrikin Fashion, a design studio featuring the artwork of contemporary indigenous artists from around the country. They offered her the chance to choose items from their catalogue for the pageant - a proud honour for Chelsea. She selected prints symbolising strength and unity, and explained that the colours represent different Aboriginal communities. The Wadi Wadi people use blues and yellows to represent the beach and water, while inland communities often paint in reds and oranges for the desert.The competition will take place at The Sofitel in Sydney on October 18. To support not only Chelsea but the Kiama community and Wodi Wodi people, you can donate to The Cancer Council Foundation using 'Chelsea Jones' as a reference by scanning the QR code provided. You can also follow her on Instagram at @chelseaa_jones to keep up with her journey.Scan the QR Code to donate, Use 'Chelsea Jones' as your referenceIt’s clear that Chelsea is beautiful inside and out, and truly embodies the essence of Miss Multiverse: diversity, empowerment, and resilience. The Bugle would like to wish her the best of luck in the upcoming competition, giving a platform to her people and community, to share her powerful message of resilience. Chelsea Jones

On September 23, the Kiama Junior Basketball Association honoured John Trappman as he stepped down from his role as President after nearly a decade of leadership. Trappman has been involved with the club for 18 years, contributing as both a coach and administrator, and he even played for Kiama’s representative team, which he captained in 1978-79. “I’ve been involved with basketball since I was 19, and now I’m 70—that’s 51 years,” says Trappman. “It all started when I was playing rugby union in Sydney. One of the players suggested playing basketball instead of training on Tuesdays, and that’s how I got started. I didn’t realise how physically demanding the game actually is.” Since then, Trappman developed a deep passion for the sport. “I’ve been addicted to it ever since,” he says. “I love playing because it’s a great game, and you can play in any weather. You can even play 2-3 games a week.” After his playing career ended, Trappman took a break before returning to the Kiama basketball community. He recalled that when he rejoined 18 years ago, basketball in Australia was struggling. “When I came back, basketball was in decline. There was even talk of the NBL shutting down for a couple of years. But they didn’t, and since then, the sport has experienced a massive incline, which is still ongoing thanks to strong associations,” Trappman says. His return to basketball was driven by a desire to give back to the coaches, volunteers, and administrators who had supported him throughout his career. One of his proudest moments was coaching a team to victory in the Country Championships in 2014—the first time the club had won in over a decade. “I coached kids from a young age all the way through, and winning the Country Championship was massive for us,” says Trappman. Reflecting on his years with Kiama Junior Basketball, Trappman expressed his appreciation for the support of parents. “The most amazing thing about basketball is how supportive the parents are. They never tell you how to coach or what to do—they just back you up, which makes the job so much easier,” says Trappman.As he steps down, Trappman feels confident about the future of the club, which he believes is in a strong position with dedicated volunteers and a capable committee. “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped over the years—there are too many to name. We had times where just one or two of us were running the club, but many people stepped up to help. It’s been hard work, but I’ve loved every minute of it,” he says.“Over the years, we’ve struggled to maintain a strong committee, but now we have one. The volunteers are great, the numbers are growing, and it’s the perfect time for me to step aside.”Approximately ten years now, I’ve been here 18 years. I came back to Kiama basketball when my children stopped playing for Illawarra - I was involved with the coaching up there and what I did then was I had a break of 12 months then I thought I’d come back. The committee of the day put an ad in the paper saying they were desperate for volunteers - I was always on the coaching side. So I come to the meeting, accepted the position as coach and ever since then I’ve been on the committee.I’ve been involved with basketball since I was 19 so I’m 70 now so 51 years. In that time I’ve coached, I’ve started and run clubs, I’ve just been involved that long - right from playing to coaching to reffing to organising anf I represented Kiama myself so it was a way of giving back to that. I actually captained the rep team back in the days when we didn’t have the stadium and we were up at the high school in 78 and 79.We had at that stage, and I was playing three nights a week at Kiama, Lake Illawarra and Wollongong, so I was involved with all three. I was 19 when I first started, I was playing rugby union in Sydney and one of the players decided that instead of training on a Tuesday we would play basketball so that was how I got started and I didn’t realise how physically demanding the game actually is. We were huffing and puffing.It’s a different game and I enjoy basketball more. I enjoy playing, it’s a great game. And its a great game because you can play all weather and you can play 2-3 games a week.Like every association it has had its ups and downs, when I first started back here 18 years ago we were still strong, but at that time basketball had taken a big decline. There was even talk of the NBL shutting doen for a couple of years but they decided not to. Then we had this massive incline which we’re still in now and thats a result of the great associations. And like everything, if the hawks are doing well then basketball is doing well.We have grown, we’ve got a very strong representative association, we have all four grades who have teams and last year when we picked our rep teams we had 20 plus kids in every age group showing up.I coached kids from a very young age right through and in 2014 we ended up winning the country championship which was massive. And that was a big thing because that is NSW country. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in our sport but the most amazing thing about basketball in my opinion is how good and how well behaved the parents are. They just back you up all the time and they never once tell you how to coach or what to do, they’re just always supporting and that makes it so easy.Id like to thank everybody over the years for their help, there’s too many to name. We had years where there was only 1 or 2 of us running it and theres just been so many who have helped me. It’s been hard, but I’ve loved it. Over the years we’ve struggled within our association to have a good committee. I now have a very strong committee. I have a strong committee, good volunteers to run the club and it was just a great time to get out.Growth is hard because we’re limited with court space, so realistically we can’t grow anymore but just to maintain what we have at the moment would be great.

Kiama High School Year 12s rejoiced on Friday afternoon, celebrating the last day of high school with a graduation ceremony at the Kiama Pavilion.2024 School Captain Thomas reflected on his self-growth through the school's representative council and his journey with best friend, Olivia, from preschool to co-captains. Callan and Thomas “I was never someone who fit in with everyone, it was kind of my getaway [which] turned into a five year experience” Thomas said, “it’s really enlightening being able to leave and have all these memories but it’s also really sad.”Students departed the stage with yellow lanterns to signify moving into the next chapters of their lives. “It’s been an amazing experience, the class and the teachers have made it so memorable and it’s exciting moving forward with these relationships I’ve made,” graduating student Erin said. L-R Jazmin, Charli, Rachel, Front L-R Eva and Jemima“Now we face the real world,” Thomas said. Congratulations to the graduating class. We wish them all the best with their HSC exams next month. 

The MV Signa is a glimpse into history, the wooden vessel was built in 1971 and has been a well loved part of Kiama Harbour for many decades. John Hansen removed her from the water in August 2022 to carry out an extensive restoration project. After two years of painstaking restoration and very hard work from John and six volunteers, the vessel was returned to Kiama Harbour in July 2024.John will be speaking at the October general meeting of the Kiama Men’s Probus Club at the Kiama Bowling and Recreation Club on Wednesday 23 October and will share his illustrated talk on the restoration project. All are invited to attend the free event and even get to enjoy a catered morning tea.. Morning tea will be served before John begins his talk at 10:30am. Please RSVP to Secretary Geoff Dowd on 0408 339 322.

The Kiama region, celebrated as the birthplace of Australia’s milk cooperative movement, continues to embrace its dairy industry, which remains central to the rolling green hills and the charm that draws tourists. Our local dairy farms are experiencing exciting times, with the average age of farmers being younger than the national average, reflecting a dynamic shift in the industry. As farms grow in size, they’re creating more employment opportunities for young people, many of whom come from urban environments, including a significant number of young women. This rejuvenation is not only sustaining our community but also ensuring that the rich tradition of dairy farming continues to thrive for future generations. “As a local dairy farmer, I’m incredibly excited by the number of young people applying for jobs on our farms, particularly those who often come from urban backgrounds,” Matt Parker, a local dairy farmer, says. “It’s refreshing to see their enthusiasm and the way they’re building strong social networks within our community. The training opportunities available now are fantastic, and it’s been wonderful to watch these young people grow in their roles.“For the last 18 months, Dairy NSW has provided us with a workforce specialist, and like many industries, we’ve been experiencing labour shortages. Having this support has been a game changer for our business, allowing us to attract and retain some truly talented young people,” he adds.Matt Parker and Imogen CoeWhen Wollongong local Imogen Coe left school in Year 11, she didn’t have a farming background, but she had a dream of working with animals. Today, Imogen is thriving as a trainee on dairy farms across the Southern Highlands and South Coast. She’s gaining hands-on experience in milking and calf rearing while learning the intricacies of pasture management and animal health through Dairy NSW workshops. Beyond work, Imogen is building connections with fellow young farmers through the Young Dairy Network. “It’s the best decision I’ve made,” says Imogen. Imogen Coe journey to being a dairy farmer trainee  https://youtu.be/KmvnstIO73Y?si=B_CNIHXL4LyA2RQSMia ThompsonMia Thompson always dreamed of being a physiotherapist, but when her plans took a turn, she found herself thriving in an entirely different field—dairy farming. Mia’s journey began at Tate Dairies in Albion Park, where she’s now deeply involved in calf rearing, animal husbandry, and learning about sustainable farming practices. Through Dairy NSW workshops, Mia has expanded her knowledge in areas like feed management and animal nutrition. "I never imagined I’d love this work so much," Mia shares. The social aspect of the job, including connections made through the Young Dairy Network, has been a surprising bonus. "It’s more than just work, it's a community," she says. Mia Thompson the high-tech world of the dairy Industry and its opportunities https://youtu.be/JGyq0gqVGjkGrowing up in Griffith, Ethan Halliburton never imagined he’d find himself working on a dairy farm. With his grandparents running a large poultry farm, his experience with farming was limited to chickens—not cows. But life has a funny way of steering you in unexpected directions.Ethan moved with his family to the Illawarra when he was four years old. After completing the HSC he was at a crossroads, considering his next career move and looking for part-time work while he made his decision. One night, while out at a trivia event, a chance encounter with dairy farmer Craig Tate’s wife would set him on a path he hadn’t considered.“I was looking for something to do while I figured out what I wanted,” Ethan recalls. “I met Craig’s wife at trivia, and she suggested I give him a call about working on their farm. I’m not big on cold-calling people I don’t know, so it took me a week to build up the nerve to make the call.”Ethan Halliburton’s unexpected journey into dairy Farming https://youtu.be/4-Z1zGlzvhgThat call turned out to be the start of Ethan’s new role as a trainee dairy farmer on the Tate family farm. Although he still has plans to join the armed forces, Ethan is grateful for the hands-on experience he’s gained on the farm.“Working for the Tates has given me an opportunity I never expected. I didn’t know anything about dairy farming, but Craig and his team have been incredibly patient in teaching me the ropes,” Ethan says. “I’m learning something new every day, and it’s been a great way to develop practical skills.”As for Craig Tate, he’s happy to have Ethan on the farm and sees potential for a longer-term career in the dairy industry.With a smile, Craig adds, “You never know—he might change his mind and decide to make dairy farming his career. We’d be happy to keep him around.”Whatever path Ethan chooses, he remains grateful for the opportunity to explore dairy farming.“I’ve still got my eye on the armed forces, but I’m really thankful for the experience I’ve had here. It’s given me a better sense of direction and some valuable life skills,” Ethan says.For now, Ethan continues to build his knowledge of the dairy industry, soaking up the lessons learned on the farm as he prepares for whatever his future holds.

Kiama Junior Football Club (JFC) President Andrew Wales announced on September 17 that he will be stepping down from his position following the annual general meeting in October.Wales has served as President of the club for three years, but has been part of the committee for six years and involved with the club as a coach and parent since 2012.Since he came on board as President three years ago, the club has grown and seen tremendous success with the recent 2024 season being one of the most successful in the club’s history.Under his leadership, the club has grown and achieved tremendous success, with the recent 2024 season being one of the most successful in the club’s history. Reflecting on his decision, Wales feels that now is the right time to step down, having accomplished much of what he set out to achieve.“I’m a firm believer that there’s a time for people to step up and help and equally there’s a time for them to step aside and make way for fresh ideas and new talent,” says Wales.“I think after three years as President I’ve achieved a lot and I’ve achieved most, if not all, of what I set out to achieve when I took on the role. I think it's time, and I’m looking forward to someone coming in and keeping the flag flying.”Wales says his time as President had a lot of highs and lows, but the fact that he was able to accomplish what he set out to do at the beginning is something that he is incredibly proud of.The highlight has been putting a vision together with a couple of colleagues, Kaz Appleby, Alan Appleby and Paula Shanahan, three years ago and seeing that come to fruition,” says Wales.“Seeing the club grow in numbers, seeing things that previously might have been a bit clunky become better managed to a point where people look at the club and comment that we have a professional organisation even though we are a grassroots organisation of volunteers.”Looking ahead, Wales is optimistic about the future of the club and hopes that the teams will continue to find success and remain competitive. He is also hopeful that the junior and senior clubs, which currently operate as separate entities, will merge to create a smoother pathway for young players as they progress through the ranks.“Having two separate clubs makes it difficult for young people to have a seamless pathway with their football. They get to 17-18 and they have to jump to another organisation. Which is risky because when they’re jumping they can potentially get picked up by a club outside of Kiama,” says Wales.“If you’re a young player and want to continue your football and be competitive, having a single club means you can start in under 6’s and go all the way through into your senior football with that one organisation without a blip.”Wales wanted to ensure that it was known that the success of the club over the last three years has not been just a singular effort, but a team effort.“It has been me, Kaz Appleby, Alan Appleby and Paula Shanahan and the Kiama JFC committee as a team. As President I tend to be the higher profile as that’s what usually happens when you're in that role, but it’s been a team effort which has driven our success,” says Wales.Following his retirement announcement on Facebook, the post was flooded with comments from supporters, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for his dedication to the club and for the success it has experienced under his leadership.The Bugle congratulates Andrew on his achievements and extend best wishes for his future endeavours.

The Kiama Lions Club was pleased to welcome well-known artist Ken Tucker to a recent meeting. When they reached out to discuss their Cancer Care Fund, Ken, known for his charitable work, generously offered to donate a piece of his artwork to raise funds.During the meeting, Ken live-painted a scene of Blowhole Point, completing most of the artwork on-site and finishing the details at home. The 800 x 800 artwork will be raffled, with 200 tickets available at $20 each. Ken Tucker is a local artist known for his charitable contributions. Originally from Bathurst, he has lived in Kiama for the past 15 years, drawing inspiration from the town's coastal and forest landscapes. He has received several awards, including Best in Show at both the Shoalhaven Art Exhibition and the Kiama Art Exhibition.The Cancer Care Fund was established in 1994 by the Lions Club after they sadly lost several members to cancer. The fund provides anonymous financial assistance to Kiama residents in palliative care. Referrals typically come from healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Only cancer patients or their carers who live in the Municipality of Kiama are eligible. Friends or neighbours who know someone who might qualify can contact Geoff Heinecke at 0431 100 622.The raffle will be drawn on November 28 at the Lions Club Christmas party, where Ken Tucker will be a special guest. To purchase tickets or donate to the fund, contact Geoff Heinecke at the number provided.

A 28-year-old female contract climber Toni Sterai is making waves in the world of arboriculture. As the reigning NSW state champion, Toni recently secured the title at the 2024 Tree Climbing Competition, earning her a spot to represent NSW in the National Competition in Canberra next year.Toni Sterai wins NSW ARB competition“I studied at TAFE NSW for 18 months, earning my Level 3 Arboriculture during Covid,” Toni shares. Her passion for climbing goes beyond competition. “I climb trees and prune branches to ensure they can coexist within the community,” she explains. Recently, Toni has been on storm damage patrol - handling jobs that the SES can’t. “There are canopies that snap off into other trees, and I have to climb up and use my roping skills to safely bring the branch or canopy to the ground,” she says. One such job was for Shellharbour City Tree Care.Originally from the Northern Territory, Toni now lives around Kiama in her van, working as a contract arborist near Wollongong and Sydney. “I’ve set up my career so I can travel, follow the seasons, and work with multiple crews. It keeps me engaged in different kinds of work - habitat, storm damage, delicate pruning, heritage pruning, and now, arborist competitions,” she reveals.Toni is also deeply committed to tree conservation. She follows the Instagram @thetreeprojects, run by Steve, which seeks out giant trees in order to protect them from logging. “Recently, ‘Big Spotty’ has come under threat, and we need to engage the community and raise awareness about these ancient eco-lords,” Toni says.Located near Ulladulla, ‘Big Spotty’ faces significant threats from logging. “It’s like having a skyscraper among a field of tiny homes or caravans. The elements this tree has to endure alone are a threat,” Toni explains. Despite a 60-meter radius of protection, the tree needs more to survive. “We need to prioritise and sustain old-growth forests with the help and knowledge of Aboriginal lore,” she emphasises.Toni also highlights that giant trees in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, and across the globe require recognition and protection from society and private logging companies.As Toni prepares for the National Competition in 2025, her journey exemplifies a blend of passion and purpose. Whether she’s climbing for a championship or fighting to save a centuries-old giant, Toni’s dedication to her craft and the environment she loves is evident. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to not only appreciate the beauty and importance of trees but to take action to protect them for future generations.