Kiama Council’s Councillor Stuart Larkins has been awarded one of the Councillor Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarships for 2024. Cr Larkins received the scholarship of $5,000 to support his Master of Public Policy studies at the University of Canberra.This award supports eligible Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students councillors and council staff in NSW, enabling them to pursue further education, professional development, or research.“Receiving the scholarship in remembering Cr Dixon means a lot to me, as an Aboriginal councillor, continuing and paving the way for Aboriginal people who contribute to the work of local government and the community,” says Cr Larkins. “I believe that education and professional development are lifelong, as it does not start and end at school and I’m always trying to learn new things.” The annual scholarships were created in recognition of Cr Dixon, who was the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in Australia. “Cr Dixon was a pioneer for Aboriginal people in local government, being elected to Armidale Council in 1983 and a Labor member,” Cr Larkins says.The late Cr Dixon serves as an inspiration for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, thanks to her outstanding contributions in local government. The goal of the scholarship is to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to pursue careers in local government and serve their communities. It also aims to provide opportunities for building technical and leadership skills, empowering participants to mentor others and promote First Nations culture within local government.“As the first Aboriginal person elected to Kiama Council, I’ve been really pleased to advocate for local reconciliation and for greater awareness of our shared history and culture both in Kiama and along NSW South Coast,” says Cr Larkins. “I’m driven by a passion to help people, and I believe local government should be able to work for everyone.” Cr Larkins’ achievement reflects the ongoing impact of Cr Dixon’s legacy, encouraging future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to pursue careers in their local governments. 

 For Mike Cains, Kiama isn’t just a place; it’s a cherished home that has shaped him as much as he’s shaped it. Since he arrived in 2008 with his family to establish Pecora Dairy, he’s felt a profound connection with the landscape and the people. The vibrant community, brought to life by his experiences at the local farmers’ market, became the heart of his journey in Kiama. “We feel that we’ve nourished the community, and that the community has nourished us, not just by way of food, but by way of soul and connection,” he shares.Mike’s commitment to sustainability is evident in everything he touches, from his dairy to his renewable energy work. As he steps into his new role as councillor, he envisions a Kiama that thrives on responsible, community-driven growth. “We can do two things at once,” he explains, with a passion for balancing environmental and economic sustainability. “Thinking about our future sustainably means looking after both our finances and our environment. It’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about building a stronger, resilient Kiama.”One of his primary goals as councillor is to keep Kiama “shovel-ready” for project opportunities, so the region can take advantage of grants and funding when they arise. Mike recalls a time when Pecora Dairy, alongside local partners, secured a grant to install solar panels and batteries on their farms. “We were able to get a grant because we gave the funding body confidence that we had done all the background work to ensure our project was ready to go,” he reflects. “Kiama’s council needs the same forward thinking. We shouldn’t wait for a grant to come up before we decide how to respond. Our community deserves a council that is prepared, that plans strategically.”In a growing region like Kiama, balancing development with preserving its character is no small feat. Mike believes that the key lies in thoughtful, deliberate planning. “We mustn’t let Kiama sprawl unchecked,” he insists. “Our natural beauty and green landscapes are a gift. We need to ensure that growth respects what makes this place special, from the rolling hills to the village feel of our townships.”Mike’s commitment extends to supporting local agriculture. “It’s about creating opportunities that keep agriculture alive and vibrant in Kiama.” he saysYet Mike knows his role is not just about policies; it’s about making the people of Kiama feel heard. He supports re-establishing council committees focused on planning and infrastructure to give residents a voice in shaping their community. He’s also an advocate for community groups that bring local issues to the forefront. “I feel uncomfortable that we don’t have community voices and councillor voices actively discussing the future of Kiama,” he says. “People need to feel they have agency, that they’re not just being talked at, but truly listened to.”Mike’s deep respect for community funds is also clear in his views on council spending, particularly the recent increase in legal expenses. “We have a duty to represent the community, but we also have a fiduciary duty to spend their money wisely,” he says. “If we’re fighting battles with little chance of success, we have to ask ourselves, ‘Is this really serving our community?’”Mike’s vision for Kiama is one of sustainability, responsible growth, and community empowerment. He believes that by planning strategically, listening to the people, and valuing what makes Kiama unique, the council can build a future that benefits everyone. As he puts it, “Kiama’s beauty isn’t just in the landscape—it’s in the people and the spirit we share. That’s what I want to protect and grow.”

Over two years ago, Kiama local Holly-May took a brave step toward seeking stability in her life, enrolling in the Workforce Australia program at APM Kiama. After years of personal challenges, including 25 years in and out of incarceration, Holly-May was determined to create a better future for herself and her daughter. Through support from her employment consultant, Taleah, Holly-May set clear goals for her life: manage her mental health and secure a stable home for herself and her daughter. Holly-May’s journey began with a cleaning job which provided financial relief, until she expressed interest in a career in traffic control. APM helped her pursue the necessary training to get her the qualifications needed. Holly-May and Taleah worked together to reach out to local traffic control companies, and her persistence paid off when, in October 2023, she was offered a role as a traffic controller in Nowra.Now, a year into her new career, Holly-May continues to grow professionally with the support of APM. She has completed additional qualifications, including her Red Card and heavy machinery tickets, and feels confident with the trajectory of her career. Thanks to her stable employment and ongoing support, Holly-May was able to rent a house on a farm in Kiama, where she and her daughter enjoy a safe and secure home. Holly-May’s transformation is a powerful message of resilience and the importance of community support in helping individuals overcome barriers and grow.

Community, connection and kindness. These are the things that helped Kiama Council Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters find moments of light in the darkness that descended after her son’s suicide four years ago.They are also the things she brings to her new role where she wants to promote cultural change, to hear all points of view and to weigh up what’s best for the greater good. “I believe in supporting each other, working as a team, I believe in connection, not division,” says Cr Matters who will never forget the kindness, compassion and support the community showed her family after her 18-year-old son Sam’s death.It’s why she stepped up to be a voice for the people.“I want to support the community that supported us,” Cr Matters says. “It took me a couple of years to come out the other side of Sammy’s suicide. But the community was there for us when we needed it. Now that I’ve adjusted to the reality of life without Sam, this is my chance to give back.” A third generation member of Gerringong’s Miller farming family, her community roots go deep. So do her connections. Cr Matters has been serving Gerringong locals since her first job as a teenager at Honey Surf Shop (now Natural Necessity) more than 40 years ago.From the age of 23 to now, the mother of three boys has run several successful businesses, first in Gerringong, then in Sydney, before returning home to open The Hill Bar and Kitchen seven years ago, with husband Dean. “When I opened my first business in town my son Josh was 10 weeks old,” Cr Matters says. “He grew up in the shop. I’d be working with him by my side and realise he was missing again. He would bum crawl down the arcade to the chemist to ‘help out’.” Helping out appears to be a family trait. Cr Matters joined the Independent ticket to garner support for close friends, Cameron McDonald, who was elected mayor in October, and Erica Warren. “When I signed up for this, Cameron told me I was safe at number three (on the ballot ticket) and wouldn’t get into local council,” she laughs. “So I saw myself as a support for Cameron and Erica, people I strongly believe in. I’m still wondering how I made that leap from running safely at number three, to becoming deputy mayor.”But Cr Matters is never one to shy away from a challenge. She was voted in as deputy by her fellow councillors, a testament to their faith in her ability to get the job done.“Since Sammy died I decided I was going to make the most of every opportunity I’m given,” she says, fighting back tears. “I’m like a sponge, I love to learn, I want to soak it all up. I find the council business papers fascinating and I read every one of them. I really respect the time and effort that goes into them.”She admits she can get frustrated by the “slowness” of decision making in local government.“In business you have to be quick on your feet, local government is a different process,” she says. “I’d like to see things done a little more efficiently, but I’m getting better at being patient.” Kiama Council was placed under a performance improvement order two years ago for failing to meet its legislative responsibilities in relation to its financial management. The council is now a step closer to having this order lifted. The NSW Audit Office, responsible for overseeing the council’s financial improvements, this month gave the organisation’s 2023-24 financial statements the tick of approval.With the council’s finances back on track and a new team of councillors, Cr Matters believes this could be a “turning point” for the council. “We are all quite young, six of the nine of us went to Kiama High School and many of our teachers were there to support us on election day,” she says. “We all have strong community connections. It is an opportunity for us as councillors to work together with council and the community to service the community’s short-term and long term infrastructure needs in an area that is rapidly growing, like all coastal towns.”Housing development is a key issue for both local and state government and Cr Matters is keen to start working on strategies to “get the balance right”.“We can’t say ‘oh no not in my backyard’ there needs to be considered and sustainable growth for new families moving into the area, and for retirees who want to downsize but still want a small yard or garden,” she says.“I would love to look back, down the track, and say ‘we got this right’, we kept the village, the community and the connections while also making space for new families to join it.”Cr Matters’ biggest concern is not having enough time to achieve all the things she would like to do for the community in her four-year term.“There is a lot to do in four years and I hope we can fit it all in,” she says. “But I am confident councillors can work together as a team, with the council, to get the best outcomes for the community.” 

Orry-Kelly was a three time Oscar winner who worked with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn. He has credits on 300 films which include titles like Casablanca, 42nd Street and Some Like It Hot. When he died in 1964 his pallbearers included Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Billy Wilder and George Cukor and his eulogy was read by Jack Warner.You would expect a man like this to be widely celebrated and known in his home country, especially his hometown. And yet, ask the majority of people in Kiama if they know who Orry-Kelly is and they would be hard-pressed to give you an answer.Yes, Orry-Kelly was born in Kiama in 1897 and lived here until he moved to Sydney at age 17. He won three Academy Awards in 1951, 1957 and 1959 and he is known for the way he would tailor the clothes toward the actor and the character.Other than a few artefacts featured in the Pilot’s Cottage Museum and the Orry-Kelly stage in Hindmarsh Park - Orry has not had much prominence in his hometown.President and Secretary of the Kiama Historic Society Sue Eggins says that this is an improvement as when she joined the organisation in the middle of the 1980’s they had no record of Orry-Kelly at all.“No one knew or had heard of Orry-Kelly, I hadn’t heard about him and we didn’t even have a file on him in the museum. We had a file on his father William Kelly, but nothing on Orry. All they had was that they thought his name was Horace,” says Eggins.Eggins first found out about Orry in 1994 when she was handed an 8 page Vogue Magazine article written by Karin Upton Baker.“That was just a wonderful article,” says Eggins. “And from that I started talking about him. I’ve probably done a hundred talks all over - some for the historic society, the library, Probus clubs, the Lions club, Apex clubs, lots of bus groups that come to the museum - so I’ve been preaching about him but still no one seems to have heard of him.”In 2015, Australian Director Gillian Armstrong (Little Women) released the film Women He’s Undressed, a documentary film about Orry’s life. Eggins is credited as a researcher for the film.“The producer Damien Parer came down a number of times and then Gillian Armstrong contacted me and she came down a number of times with Katherine Thompson, who was the scriptwriter for the film,” says Eggins.“I drove them around the town, showing them the different places. I picked a lot of spots that they could film from, they wanted photos without the highway and the trainline so I showed them that. I picked out a dozen photos from the archive, which were photos of the town around 1890 and the 1900s as that’s when Orry would have lived here.”Eggins felt the film might have brought Orry-Kelly back into the spotlight, but she still feels he hasn’t got enough awareness in the local area. As a result, Eggins and a group of individuals called Kiama Icons and Artists are planning a major event to celebrate Orry in July, 2025 at The Sebel.“He was a little boy in Kiama who went off to become a Hollywood star. He was the only Australian for a long time with three oscars. It’s been ten years since the film, so anything to get Orry back into the spotlight,” says Eggins.“This event will celebrate Orry’s life, his movies, fashion, art, plays - everything. And I just hope that he finally gets that recognition he deserves.”If you're interested in supporting this celebration, join Kiama Icons and Artists on December 1 at 3 PM at The Sebel. Together, we can honour Orry-Kelly and ensure his legacy is remembered. More information about the event can be found here.

When Ian Clifford glances out of his window after dark he always checks to make sure Kiama Lighthouse is shining bright.An electrical engineer who has worked in radio and television and now does contract electronics and communications work, Mr Clifford has made it his mission to try and ensure all 142 heritage lighthouses across Australia are maintained and preserved.Source: Kiama Historical SocietyMr Clifford is president of Lighthouses of Australia, a volunteer-run organisation tasked with promoting, protecting and preserving the hundreds of lighthouses that dot Australia’s coastline. It is a lifelong passion that started when he was a young boy growing up near the famous Cape Byron lighthouse.“We would roam the headland as free-range kids and annoy the keeper to take us up,” he recalls. When Mr Clifford moved to Kiama more than 30 years ago he was delighted to discover the lighthouse, which he can see shining in his windows, was an integral part of the community. One day he noticed Kiama’s iconic beacon wasn’t lit up, so he “went to some pretty great lengths” to contact the relevant custodians to ensure it was fixed. When it happened again NSW Transport and Maritime Services entrusted Mr Clifford with its maintenance.“I’m almost like a modern-day keeper,” says Mr Clifford. “The custodians handed me a key and said ‘we’ll call you if it doesn’t work’. So on the rare occasion it needs to be fixed, I sort it out. But it’s very reliable these days.”When lightning struck the tower in 2017, Mr Clifford was part of a team tasked with removing the electronic system installed in the 1970s. It was replaced with an LED conversion system that turns off at sunrise and on at sundown.Mr Clifford still checks nightly to make sure the iconic lighthouse burns bright. “I automatically glance at it every night and say ‘yeah it’s working’,” he laughs. Kiama is one of 350 working lighthouses across Australia. Built in November 1886 for £1350 pounds, it was lit up for the first time on New Year’s Day, 1887. For more than three decades a keeper would continuously light an oil-burning wick throughout the night to ensure the beacon - originally a green light - alerted ships to the dangers of Blowhole Point. Gas replaced oil in the early 1900s and by 1920 the lighthouse was unmanned. Kiama Lighthouse was electrified in 1969. “Kiama, like many heritage lighthouses, still has its original glass lens manufactured in 1886,” says Mr Clifford. “A UK company developed an LED array that could be retrofitted to the optic lenses of heritage lighthouses, some dating back even earlier than the 1880s. The heritage of these lighthouses might be a legacy from the past, but I see it as a gift for the future.The Iconic Kiama Lighthouse“Lighthouses are such a visible and rich part of Australia’s maritime heritage. They are a symbol of safety, strength, resilience and security and remain an exceptionally reliable navigational tool, even with the invention of GPS.“Many lives were saved because without lighthouses there was nothing for ships to navigate by at night, especially when it was cloudy. It is our job to preserve and protect that history and to share those stories.”Earlier this month Mr Clifford was invited to speak to experts from around the world at the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities meeting in Sydney.Kiama Lighthouse got a mention in his speech. So did Point Perpendicular, whose light was deactivated in 1994, 95 years after it was first turned on. Mr Clifford and the team from Lighthouses of Australia have worked tirelessly for the past 25 years, lobbying to have the Jervis Bay lighthouse returned to a heritage site and the lights switched back on permanently.Kiama Lighthouse's optic lens“Hopefully we are successful," says Mr Clifford. "The area where I can really make a difference is working with the custodians to try and achieve conservation of heritage lighthouses as much as is practical. Lighthouses of Australia have come to realise the public is very interested in the heritage of our lighthouses. Kiama is a great example of that, it has an incredibly high visitation rate and there is always someone in front of it taking a photo.”

On October 12 and 13, 47-year-old Minnamurra local Rob Mason completed his 36th ultra marathon at the Hume and Hovell Ultra Marathon event in Tumbarumba.An ultra marathon is defined as any run longer than the standard marathon distance of 42 km, ranging from 43 km to distances as extreme as the self-transcendence 3100-mile race (nearly 5,000 km), the longest recorded.The Hume and Hovell event was 100 miles (160km) and Mason finished third overall with an impressive time of 21 hours and 51 minutes. This race marked Mason’s return to competition after a year-long hiatus due to a hip injury“I was a little nervous going in, wondering how the injury would pull up, especially after the ten-hour mark, but it went really well and I ran probably better than I ever have. I did have a few issues during the race—I got lost, and my stomach went bad—so I had to deal with a couple of setbacks that cost me a couple of hours, but I managed to come through them and get a strong finish,” says Mason.Mason has been running ultra marathons since 2009 and considers his 2022 win at the Coast to Kosciuszko run one of the highlights of his career.“That course starts at Eden and ends at the top of Mt Kosciuszko. All in all, it’s a 240 km race, and I won that in 2022,” says Mason.So why do it? Why run these insanely long distances over and over again? Mason says that it allows him to realise he can do things he never thought possible.“When you go for those longer distances, it really becomes a mental game, and that’s where I love to find out what I’m capable of,” he says. “I think the sport becomes addictive because you're growing as a person while you’re training and realising that you can do more than you previously thought. I think humans limit themselves, and these races prove that you can do things you think you can’t and break down those limits you put on yourself.”Mason believes that these mental challenges and hardships not only allow you to run longer distances, they also allow you to test your limits in everyday life - if you can run 240km, what can’t you do?“It’s such a confidence builder and it helps you believe in yourself. If you can run 100 miles, then you can start a business, and you can be a great dad. It teaches you to go after things that you think you’re not capable of,” says Mason.In addition to his impressive running achievements, Mason has been a professional firefighter for 25 years, currently serving at the Shoalhaven Fire and Rescue. Throughout his running journey, he has raised over $21,000 for the burns unit at the Children’s Hospital in Westmead.His hip injury actually occurred while training for one of these charity runs—an ambitious run across NSW.Mason describes crossing the finish line after such an injury as one of his sweetest moments in the sport, which is why he hasn't yet chosen his next event.“I haven’t picked the next race yet—I’m trying to enjoy the feeling of this one. But I am back now, and I’m back stronger and wiser since the injury,” he says.

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

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

Send entries into [email protected] 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 - email your nomination to [email protected] to go in the draw to win a copy of Voices of Entrepreneurial Women.Copies are also available from https://kirstennixon.com/ and Amazon https://amzn.asia/d/iHOa4dj  

The Miss Multiverse competition took place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Sofitel, Sydney Wentworth. Kiamas very own Chelsea Jones, who represented the Wodi Wodi people and Australians alike in the competition, achieved First Runner-Up, earning a crown and $7,000 in prize money. “I am feeling so absolutely proud for being able to showcase who I truly am and where I come from.” Chelsea said.“This experience has been like none other, I want to thank the whole team at Panache International for supporting and guiding me through this journey, without this team this dream would not be possible. “Live your truest form of yourself and your dreams will follow, this is only the beginning.”  If you haven't read our previous article on Chelsea, we encourage you to do so. Her journey is inspiring, and the judges clearly recognised her talent. Congratulations Chelsea, we are all so proud of your achievement!

Kiama knows the names Kiki and Pascal, but who are the people behind this hilariously cheeky duo? Tamara Campbell and Dave Evans have a rich performing history and have created opportunities for themselves and local artists. They’re bringing “The Kazador Experience” back to Kiama from October 31st to November 24th. With talents ranging from kids' shows to magic, burlesque, and plenty of comedy, there’s something for everyone.Making a career in performance is no easy feat. Dave noted, “When we first moved to Australia, we’d come here from the European festival circuit where there is a rich, rich source of work, everywhere, almost all the time…“When we came here, there’s a lot less work… So we decided fairly quickly that we should create our own company.”The duo loved the freedom of running their own shows without having to compromise artistically to please councils or sponsors.Tamara agreed, saying, “It’s kind of in our DNA, I guess… I always used to say that I didn’t want to be a waitress waiting to be an actor.“I think both of us just came from a background of creating our own opportunities rather than waiting for someone else to discover us.”The pair are dedicated workers. Tamara has a vast network across Europe, from when she arranged three to nine-month tours, managing everything from accommodation to bookings and travel. Remarkably, they even completed a nine-month tour with their then four-year-old and newborn. “It was freaking bonkers,” they both agreed.They branched into running their own festivals 13 years ago, shortly after they started ‘The Kazador Experience’. Tamara reflected, “It’s quite scary to take those risks and produce your own stuff because you don’t have anything to fall back on. No one’s paying you.”The duo has always been committed to ‘bringing the arts and theatre to the people’. “That’s what the Kazador is… It’s bringing it here to Kiama, to a small place, so that people don’t have to travel to have a high-quality arts and culture experience,” said Tamara.“The idea that the arts and culture are elite or not for everyone is a misconception. “Art and theatre are great community builders, just like sport. Australians often connect through sport, but we’re still in the process of teaching people that the arts are not scary or elitist—they’re actually really fun and a great way for people to come together.”One initiative they started to achieve this goal is ‘Friday Wine Downs’, a free performance outside the Kazador Tent. Dave explained, “The first one was quite well attended, and by the end, it was heaving with people—a wonderful community gathering.“It wasn’t like a concert where people had to sit and listen… It was really relaxed…. If you wanted to get up and dance, you could. It was just the community hanging out in a lovely location.” During the upcoming Kazador Experience, they’ll be hosting Friday and Sunday Wine Downs for the Kiama community.The Kazador tent is specially curated to create an electrifying and portable performance space. This space gives smaller towns the opportunity to see dazzling theatre without the hassle of going into a big city. Dave said, “you're taking a theatre to the people as opposed to trying to get the people to the theatre.”“And so a whole lot of people who would never normally step through the door of a theatre were like, oh, yeah, give it a go. It's my local festival or whatever. They’re dedicated to providing opportunities for local talent to perform close to home. “We don’t have a theatre here (in Kiama). We don't have a cinema, or even many dedicated music venues.“We don't have all those trimmings and wonderful things that you have in a city.“It’s important to have a theatrical space,”Tamara reflected on the differences between performing in Europe and Australia. “Sometimes, when I mention I’m a performer, people ask, ‘Where would I have heard of you?’ “In Germany, they celebrate the ‘kleine Künstler’—the little artist—just as much as anyone on TV.“I feel like in this country sometimes it's like, well, you're either famous or you mustn't be any good. “I suppose I want to demystify or just encourage people to engage with creative stuff. It's the kind of people who are way more into cars or horses or whatever they're into, and yet they'll walk into a tent and experience a show and leave going, oh, that was awesome. And then they'll come back to see another one, another one. And it's that sort of it's that little chipping away, I suppose, at how, how great this, this can be.”Tamara has a personal philosophy that the arts can save the world. Her thinking is that coming together through arts could actually decrease a lot of tension and problems by engaging people more with creative pursuits. “Laughing together is a magical thing.” she said. She explains that comedy is like holding up a mirror to yourself “It gently asks you to look at yourself in the way you think. It puts things under the spotlight for you to think about. And it's so interesting that comedy is now becoming a thing that's quite difficult, because you can't say that. You can't say that. You can't say that, when in actuality, I think we need to keep pushing through and keep holding up that mirror because it helps us to be better people.”Tamara and Dave are well known for their hilariously cheeky characters Kiki and Pascal. The characters were born out of a need for growth in their performance and it took a while for them to fully round out the characters. Originally the characters were going to be French, Dave explained that the names Kiki and Pascal were born when trying to think about the most cheesy magic names they could. However when he said this during a radio interview in France, he put his foot in his mouth when the translator for the interview revealed his name was Pascal.. And his wife's name was Kiki!Despite this slip up, Kiki and Pascal persevered and have been entertaining for over 15 years of laughs. Kiki is set to undergo her final evolution in this upcoming season. “I’m doing a show called The De-masking of Kiki, where Kiki will start the show, and I’ll transition from her into myself… sharing my life story.” says Tamara. To support local artists and talent, make sure to buy your tickets and catch some shows. There’s truly something for everyone. “It’s a great thing. If it’s not supported, it won’t keep happening” said Tamara. To show your support for local arts visit The Kazador Experience for a line up of the shows and tickets. The duo will also be hosting the Kiss festivals ‘Kabaret’ again this year, to see more and get your tickets, check it out here - https://www.kissartsfest.com.au/kabaret-2024.

Ted Beedles was 45 years old when he began umpiring netball down at Gainsborough. The year was 1999, but the origin story of Ted’s umpiring career began a year earlier when he was watching his two daughters play on a Saturday.“The lady who was the coach of the team that my older daughter was in said to me, ‘Umpire!’ And I replied, ‘Yeah, okay I’ll have a go.’”Ted had tried his hand at umpiring and refereeing cricket and touch football—sports he had played before, which meant he was somewhat familiar with the rules. He states he was always a better umpire/referee than player.But he learned the rules of netball and passed the exam, beginning to umpire every week in 1999 with an instructor behind him, correcting him whenever he made a mistake.“I had Terry Moran running behind me blowing her whistle and telling me I had missed some sort of error, contact, obstruction or whatever it was I missed. I slowly started to pick things up and gained a bit more confidence. I would start hearing good things from Terry rather than the criticisms,” says Ted.One month and two days before he turned 50, Ted was awarded his C Badge in netball umpiring, which allowed him to umpire more games, teach younger umpires, and demonstrate his experience to coaches and spectators.Ted then became even more involved with netball through the administrative side. He started as registrar and then became umpires convenor for Gainsborough. After this, he served as umpires convenor for Kiama Netball Association for nine years.“Umpires convenor entails things like organising the umpire’s exam—a paper exam twice a year—which involves coordinating people to come in and take the test. You’d also organise umpires to go to different carnivals throughout the year—all the state titles,” says Ted.But Ted’s passion is for umpiring; he simply can’t get enough of it. He finds it hard to describe the feeling he experiences when running back and forth on the court, but he knows he loves it.“I don’t know how to put it into words, I just love being involved. I’m playing netball each week, but I’m playing the umpire position—not wing defence, or wing attack or centre—I’m umpire. But I’m playing,” says Ted.The difficult side of umpiring is that umpires are only human and can only call what they see, which means they may make mistakes. He cites a moment from his training as a great example of this.“One of the senior umpires came down with a video of her umpiring a game. The video was taken from the opposite side of the court from where she was. In the video, there was an incident where she called a contact,” says Ted.“From the video, we knew she was wrong. But she said, ‘The view on my side looked like it was the other way,’ and she only knew she was wrong from watching the video. So, where you are makes a difference to how you see what happened.”So, umpires do unfortunately receive unfair criticism from players and spectators. Although Ted says he is old enough to not let it affect him, he believes it can discourage bright and talented umpires from continuing.“It’s very frustrating for me because we have a lot of good competent umpires, and especially the young ones; once they have a bad experience with a team, we lose them,” says Ted.He believes a good umpire is consistent with their calls. He recalls a game where he was forced to umpire a grand final between Gainsborough and another club, despite the potential for a conflict of interest.“We usually try to avoid that, but that day we didn’t have enough adequate umpires available, so I had to. The other coach said after the game that she didn’t always agree with my decisions, but she felt that I was consistent. I think that is the best feedback an umpire can get,” says Ted.The best games to umpire are the ones that flow continuously. This is when Ted feels most in tune with the game—when both umpires and players work together to create a seamless and beautiful flow.Ted has many highlights in his long umpiring career, including grand finals and state championship games. However, he remembers one particular game he umpired with his daughter as one of his best experiences.“The day before my 64th birthday, I umpired a game between Central and Beachettes. The umpire on the other side of the court was my daughter Annette. At a normal game here in Kiama, if the two teams between them score 80 goals—that’s a reasonable game. We umpired that game and at the end of it, it was a draw 64-64, which was funny because I turned 64 the next day,” says Ted.“And that was a fantastic game because it flowed, and I was confident enough to call the advantages and let the game keep going, instead of stopping for penalties. If I can see a game that flows, and I’m helping that, then that really pleases me.”In addition to his enjoyment of the game, Ted emphasises that the friendships he has formed with both young and old—whether they are players, umpires, coaches, or administrators—have been invaluable.In 2024, Ted unfortunately broke his rib and was unable to umpire for part of the year. However, he maintains that he will be back and ready to go for the next season, hoping to inspire more men to get involved in the great sport of netball!

By Kiama Community RadioBrian Warren’s media journey spans decades, crossing continents and industries, making him a respected figure in both commercial and community broadcasting. "Radio has always been close to my heart," Brian shares. "It’s a personal and immediate way to connect with people, something other media can’t replicate."Starting in radio and TV in Orange, Brian moved to Channel TEN in Sydney in 1967, an era he describes as an “adventure.” "Television back then was a dynamic environment. Every day brought something new, and working with the team at TEN helped shape my professional outlook."In the early '70s, Brian relocated to London, working for Rediffusion before embarking on a life-changing overland journey through Europe and Asia. This experience deeply influenced his worldview. "Travel opened my eyes to different cultures, and that perspective has informed my work ever since," he says.Returning to Channel TEN, Brian rose to producer on *Good Morning Australia*, a career highlight. "Producing that show was an incredible experience. There was an energy and creativity that made every day special," he recalls.Afterwards, Brian held various high-profile roles, including Director of Operations at SBS-TV, and co-founded a broadcast service company that worked with clients like Sky Racing and IBM. One of his most memorable moments was broadcasting live with the Dalai Lama from India. "That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he reflects.In 1997, Brian joined Foxtel, working part-time until his retirement in 2010. But his passion for radio never waned. "Community radio brings me back to my roots. It’s about giving a voice to the voiceless and sharing stories that matter."Brian’s involvement with community radio began with 2VTR-FM in Windsor, encouraged by his son. He later volunteered at 2SSR in Sutherland, where he served on the board and helped the station grow. After moving to Gerroa in 2009, he joined 2UUU-FM in Nowra, stepping into technical roles and eventually becoming chair, playing a significant part in building the Milton studio.Now, Brian is a key voice at Kiama Community Radio. "KCR is a passion project," he says. "It’s about keeping people informed, entertained, and creating a sense of community."Tune in to Brian every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, as he brings his wealth of experience and unique insights to the airwaves, continuing his lifelong dedication to community radio.

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.