Within the last five years, Michael Williams, his best mate Josh Walton, and his younger brothers, Ben and Tom, all played their 200th game for the Kiama Power Senior AFL club. Michael plays in the backline, Josh is a utility, Ben’s in the midfield and Tom’s a forward.They have also won three premierships together: in 2009 (versus the Bomaderry Tigers), in 2011 (versus Wollongong University) and in 2018 (versus the Wollongong Lions).The Bugle reached Michael on an morning off from work to chat about his 200 games landmark moment.1) When did you reach the 200-game milestone?“Myself, I reached it in 2022. Josh and Ben, both did in 2019. And Tom last year,” he says.Brothers Ben, Tom and Michael Williams. Photo credit: Michael Williams.2) How did it feel?“It felt really good.”“Me and Josh have been playing for Kiama since we were 10-years-old in 2000, which was the second year for the Junior club. Josh played in the first-ever year for the Juniors in 1999.”“We both started playing for the senior club in 2006, Ben in 2008 and Tom in 2010.”3) How was it celebrated that you'd played 200 games?“The whole club and team made it a big deal. It was a bit embarrassing. But the others got the same treatment, so it was good,” he chuckles.4) Did you receive anything to commemorate the occasion?“They gave us a beer mug with the 200 games engraved and the Kiama logo during the end-of-year presentation. I got it in the living room, in a display cabinet.”“It’s been a good journey, playing together with my two brothers and my best mate. I feel lucky,” he concludes.

At just 21 years old, Sam Scobie is already making waves in the real estate industry as a dedicated agent at Ray White Kiama. With a family legacy spanning three generations in real estate, Sam has a passion for his work. This is evident in his commitment to providing exceptional client services. Sam began his journey in real estate less than three years ago, yet swiftly proved his dedication. He was awarded Youth Business Person of the Year in 2022 at the age of 19. Despite his youth, Sam has extensive experience in various roles within the industry. These credentials have allowed him to develop his skills and understanding of the market dynamics. He places great value on client experience and his professional approach exemplifies this. Sam has finished his apprenticeship with Ray White and is now a licensed real estate agent. He finds his young age can occasionally be considered a disadvantage. However, his work speaks for itself. His genuine commitment to the job and his clients serve as a testament on its own.  For Sam, every day in real estate is an adventure filled with new and unique opportunities. He thrives in a dynamic and fast paced environment, and has proven he is not afraid to rise to challenges. Beyond his professional life, Sam talks of his love for the Kiama area. Having grown up in the region with no plans to leave any time soon, he knows the town like the back of his hand. This knowledge and passion enhances his ability to excel in his job. In his spare time, Sam likes to play golf, swim and spend time with friends and family. He has a laser focus for building his career and watching it grow.  Sam is undoubtedly a rising star in the industry. He has made a significant impact in a short time, no doubt with greater things yet to come. Need proof? Check out Sam’s two latest listings in Kiama Heights; a grand waterfront reserve at 42 Elanora Road & a gorgeous three-bedroom house at 24 Kalang Road.Whether you are buying, selling or seeking expert advice, Sam is your go-to agent in Kiama. You can reach him at [email protected] or 0451 523 680.

Dr Lindsay Sharp, the founding director of the Powerhouse Museum, says state government plans to move priceless objects, including one of the oldest working steam engines in the world, to Castle Hill while the Ultimo site undergoes destructive renovations “is madness”.“This proposal wastes tens of millions of dollars, destroys the campus, reduces exhibition areas by more than half, wrecks the Wran Building and Galleria and creates a completely unnecessary carbon load,” says Dr Sharp.The world-renowned museologist, who lives at Foxground with his artist wife Robyn, is a vocal member of the Powerhouse Museum Alliance.The Alliance, a group of museum professionals, former trustees and design and heritage experts, opposes plans to remove hundreds of thousands of key objects from the Ultimo site and house them in Castle Hill until the Powerhouse Museum reopens in the the city in 2027 and at its sister site in Parramatta in 2025.The original Ultimo museum opened in 1988 but closed to the public in February to undergo a $250 million renovation, with the Minns government scrapping a proposed $500 million rebuild and opting for a less costly “heritage revitalisation”, saying it would create a “world-class museum experience” when it reopens.But Dr Sharp fears that once “magnificent objects” like the Boulton Watt engine are removed from the museum it may never return to its historical home.“To put these incredibly fragile objects in Castle Hill is madness,” he says. “It is culturally unwise, unjustified and not properly planned. “First do no harm, as with medicine so with museology,” says Dr Sharp. “A museum’s collection is its core DNA. If the fragile beam of the Boulton SteamEngine is broken during transportation between Ultimo and Castle Hill it will not only be inoperable but not in a condition for display. We’re talking about a heroic piece of history.”For a museologist the proposed rebuild is heartbreaking, not least because of the risk to the exhibits but also because of concerns about community access.“All those incredible objects that are an integral part of the Powerhouse Museum collection in Ultimo will be rehoused at Parramatta and Castle Hill,” explains Dr Sharp. “That means that people who come from Kiama, or other regional areas, have to go cross country to access a collection that was right near Central train station. Visiting those [western Sydney] sites will be much more difficult, especially for school students. “The fundamental reason why museums should exist is to bring joy, excitement and real engagement to the people who own them, the taxpayers. The top down development of museums is very unwise and elitist. “If you’re going to spend taxpayer’s money you better have a jolly good business case and make sure that’s what the public wants.”Dr Sharp, who has a PHD in cultural history from Oxford University, has been the director of major museums around the world, including London’s national Science Museum Group and the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.His overseas tenure was not without criticism and he admits his detractors accused him of being a “show pony”, at one point earning him the nickname Showboat Sharp. But back home in Australia he was lauded for his work on the development of the Powerhouse Museum. A letter to Dr Sharp in 1986 from the then Secretary of the NSW Premier’s Department Gerry Gleeson states: “Your contribution to the development of this Museum has been the outstanding single force in bringing about its completion. I certainly look forward to the continued association with the Powerhouse Museum because it will be one of the jewels of the Wran era”.There is no doubt the cultural consultant is a passionate exponent of his craft, which is why, for almost a decade, he has continued to fight to preserve exhibits in-situ at the Powerhouse Museum that he helped curate; the “jewels” that tell our history.  “There’s this idea that all museums are old hat, but that’s a very old fashioned view,” says Dr Sharp. “Other museums around the world, in London or Paris, they're doing extraordinary things with immersive experiences, using cutting edge technology, to tell stories and engage people.“If what is being proposed for Ultimo, taking out all those incredible objects and simply replacing them with immersive projections, was earmarked for a museum in London or Paris it would be laughed at by the museological profession.”Dr Sharp believes the pride of the museum's collection, the famed Boulton and Watt steam engine, first installed in a London brewery in 1785 and known as the "Mona Lisa of steam engines", might not survive a move and was effectively uninsurable. Other expert museologists agree.Between 1988 and 2018 roughly 20 million people visited the Powerhouse Museum, many came to see the famous steam engine and Catalina flying boat.“For a relatively small society like Australia that’s a lot of people,” says Dr Sharp. “When I meet people who say ‘I went there with my school and I’ve taken my children there,’ I can’t tell you what a thrill that is.”Dr Sharp’s passion for preserving culture has not waned over the decades since he embarked on his first job at London’s national Science Museum in 1976 as assistant keeper of 2.5 million images.“Museums should engage people to develop their own opinions, thoughts and feelings and have some wonderful objects as well,” says Dr Sharp, recounting the story of Norm Harwood, a colleague who discovered a priceless train carriage rotting in a field in the middle of nowhere.“A fellow museologist, an expert in trains, was driving to somewhere like Tibooburra and spotted a train carriage being used by a local farmer as a chicken coop. He knew immediately it was the third class carriage commissioned as part of the first ever train to run in NSW, from Parramatta to Sydney.“The farmer was happy to be rid of it, he had a brand new chicken coop. So a low loader was procured for 50 quid and the carriage was dragged by a tractor to Sydney where it was lovingly restored over a decade at the Eveleigh (now Carriageworks) railyard.”Dr Sharp tells this story to highlight the importance of society’s understanding of history, heritage and what is worth preserving. For most people that train carriage was a rusted piece of metal, full of chicken droppings. But its history, its story and its cultural significance is so much richer.“I feel the same way about the Powerhouse Museum, it’s worth struggling and fighting for,” says Dr Sharp.His battle, and that of the Alliance, is to ensure that balance between innovation and history occurs at the Powerhouse’s Ultimo site. He singles out the Gerringong Library and Municipal Complex (GLaM) as a benchmark.“This is one of the best municipal libraries in Australia in my view,” says Dr Sharp. “It’s got a lovely, local museum, an incredible exhibition space and some of the most excellent library staff I’ve ever come across. It’s a powerful living example of cultural engagement. And that’s what museums should be doing. That’s what the Powerhouse Museum is designed to do. [Gerringong] is my second favourite library in the world.” His first? Duke Humfrey’s Library at Oxford University where he spent his formative years studying. As for favourite museums the Powerhouse is undoubtedly one of them.Dr Sharp and the Powerhouse Museum Alliance will hold a seminar in Parliament House next month to discuss how to plan great museums.“I will never give up, while I can continue this fight,” says Dr Sharp. “Especially now that the state’s GST revenues will total $12 billion less over the next four years. This is a disastrous result for the Powerhouse Museum proposal, with more money likely to be stripped from cultural programs.” 

Local artist, activist and original Freedom Rider, Machteld Hali, continues her tireless efforts in supporting her community and advocating for the rights and empowerment of First Nations people. With the launch of her latest art fundraiser at The Tempest Gallery on 17 May, Machteld hopes to raise the remaining funds for her phenomenal $20k contribution to education for First Nations people at the University of New England. Machteld is guided by a strong desire to help, grown from some of her own experiences of hatred and discrimination as an immigrant in this country. It began in 1965 when Machteld participated in the Charles Perkins Freedom Ride run by Sydney University. The Freedom Ride was a 15 day bus journey through regional NSW and has since become a defining moment in Australian activism, now taught about in schools. The Freedom Ride was intended to spread awareness for the poor conditions that indigenous people were living in NSW at the time. Machteld recounts the Freedom Ride and the things she saw during the journey from a time where indigenous people were excluded from movie theatres, swimming pools, RSL clubs, etc. Many were living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions in reserves and missions in ‘shanty towns’. The fundraiser is aptly named “No More Eggs and Tomatoes” as a nod to the events that occurred at the Moree swimming pool. Machteld and the group of Freedom Riders were run out of town by angry locals throwing eggs and rotten tomatoes, spitting and fighting the peaceful protestors. Culminating in their bus being run off the road and their bus driver abandoning the group, leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere. The art fundraiser will feature a diverse selection of framed artworks generously donated by Hali herself, her students and a range of local artists. Notable contributions include pieces from acclaimed artists such as Pro Hart, Auguste Blackman, Robyn Sharp, Becky Guggisverg, and Kerrina Swords.  The evening will provide food, drink and entertainment and the opportunity to bid on the art in an auction. Currently Machteld has raised $16,125 for the scholarship administered by the University of New England, with the goal to hit $20k. Machteld has hosted at least 10 workshops, some free, encouraging students to donate their work to two previous exhibitions that have helped contribute to the funds.  In 2015, the University of Sydney hosted a reenactment of the Freedom Ride with 19 of the original members on board. The changes in the communities they visited were palpable and a complete turn around to the hostility the group had faced fifty years earlier. Healthy indigenous children lined the roads into town, and the townspeople welcomed the riders with appreciation for their past efforts. Despite progress, challenges still persist and many issues related to identity loss, intergenerational unemployment and substance abuse are still prevalent in regional towns like Moree. Machteld is motivated by these ongoing struggles and believes ‘education is the golden arrow’. Reflecting on the challenges addressed by the original Freedom Ride, Machteld emphasises the importance of acknowledging and rectifying past injustices. Those interested in attending the fundraiser or contributing to the cause are encouraged to contact Machteld by email at [email protected]. Details of the gallery open night can be found here. Through collective action and unwavering dedication, Machteld aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations people, one brushstroke at a time. In a bid to continue the legacy of the historic Freedom Ride of 1965, the artist continues to be a voice for our indigenous people, reminding us all of the importance of shared community and culture.

Adélaïde Ferrière held Kiama under her musical spell on Saturday 24 February 2024. The events organiser, Daniel Rohen, welcomed Kiama locals, playfully thanking them for choosing the ‘right’ decision - to be there insead of the rugby! The night consisted of a musical composition of classics, such as Bach, Handel and Debussy and new styles including Blue Smoke, a composition by Michael Burrit remastered for marimba, the first time ever being played in Kiama. Adélaïde, known for her exceptional talent on the marimba, carefully crafted each piece to be compatible with the instrument, adding a new experience for the audience. For compositions I was more familiar with, such as Rhapsody In Blue from Gershwin, it almost felt like a whole new song. The meditative, soft and mellow sounds of the marimba are almost a direct dichotomy from the bright timbre of a piano. Still, Adélaïde played them with conviction, effortlessly navigating the massive instrument with four mallets.A highlight of the evening was the debut of a new arrangement of "Blue Smoke" by Michael Burritt. Those in attendance had the privilege of being among the first in the world and the first in Kiama to savour this rendition. Daniel Rohen expressed pride in the overwhelming community support, evident in the filled church, and eagerly announced the upcoming classical concert on 7 April, featuring the 30th and final tour of Goldner String Quartet. We were very thankful to be able to chat to Adélaïde after her performance. She was ecstatic to be doing her first performances in Australia - and more excited for her holiday here after the tour. She explained to me that the technique of using two mallets in each hand took her ten years to master. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her precision and musicality. Check out these amazing images from the show and keep an eye on our whats on page to stay up to date on upcoming Classical Kiama Concerts.

At its magnificent location around the Memorial Plaque and Flagpole at the Eastern Headland overlooking the ocean, the Gerringong Anzac Day Dawn Service was both beautiful and moving. On a fine, clear morning, under a bright, full moon, I was completely taken aback when sudden, spontaneous tears rolled down my cheeks while listening to the powerful rendition of Redgum’s ‘I was only 19’, performed by locals Merryn Lee Perez and Chris Cutting. It left me contemplating music’s well-documented role as a catalyst to elicit emotions not readily revealed and just beneath the surface - to link us to our memories, stories, past experiences and to each other. It turns out that Merryn, the singer whose voice had evoked such a strong visceral response, had been instrumental in bringing a program of music to the Dawn Service in 2017. Working with Gerringong RSL sub-Branch President Michael O'Leary, she introduced musical tributes into the ceremony in memory of her late father. They had also been keen to include music as a means of attracting more young people, so as to educate them about Anzac Day and keep its spirit and significance alive. There are many examples of brave locals who have served our nation. Merryn’s father, beloved local RSL member and highly-decorated war hero Wing Commander Roy Walter (Nugget) Hibben DSO AFC, commanded a helicopter squadron in Vietnam in 1969-1970, flying a number of very dangerous missions, and had previously served in Korea. Merryn spoke of her father’s bravery in war, his humility and his kindness.

Kiama Rugby’s opening game on 13 April didn’t only mark the club’s first win of the season, but also Scott Duncan’s 300th game for the club. The Bugle caught up with the long-time Kiama player, as he reflected on this impressive milestone. Duncan becomes the seventh player in the club history with 300 games under his belt.How was it running out for your 300th game?“Pretty emotional, actually. Everyone, friends, family and the whole club, were there supporting me. My dad passed away earlier this year, in February. He had supported me during my whole career. We had spoken a lot about my 300th game. It was a funny feeling that he wasn’t there,” Duncan says.“When Mick Cook and Al Marsden, former players, presented me with the jersey ahead of the game, they said that dad’s looking over me.”Reflecting back, is there any game or any period that has stood out in particular?“Look, we were pretty successful in the early 2000s. We won a couple of grand finals.”Kiama Rugby won the first grade premierships in 2002 and 2003, and the Illawarra club championship in 2003.“Every game, I’ve really enjoyed. All the people that I’ve met. Every time I go to New Zealand, I visit people. I know guys in Ireland,” Duncan adds. What are you looking forward to this season?“Just that the club has recruited really well. It’s probably the youngest second grade I’ve ever seen. Lots of really good juniors. It’s shaping up to be a cracking year,” he concludes.Quick factsAge: Turning 42 this MayBorn and bred: KiamaHome club: Kiama Rugby Football Club (I started playing for Kiama Rugby in the juniors in 1995).Position: I play in the forwards mostly at #8. But when I was younger (and faster), I played at #7 (openside flanker). I can also play inside centre, if called upon. 

Gerringong couple Judy and Kevin have taken up the task of rallying support in the community for an Indigenous youth-centred program in Australia’s Central West. Down the Track (DTT) works with disengaged and marginalised youth aged 10-20, who live in remote areas, such as Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge, Central West NSW. Judy and Kevin are passionate about the cause, contributing to help the program “keep kids alive, out of jail and thriving.” The program focuses on early intervention, providing pathways to real and sustainable jobs, education and community connections for Indigenous youth. By offering diversionary activities, training and mentorship, Down the Track aims to empower young people to reach their full potential and break the cycle of disengagement. Youth crime, anti-social behaviour and youth incarceration have seen a significant decrease since the commencement of the program.Judy and her husband moved to the Gerringong area to advocate for Down the Track in their local community. They hope to inspire others to join the cause by raising awareness about this incredible program. By working together, they believe that no young person should be left behind. In line with the beliefs of Down the Track, they want to see young people given every opportunity to reach their greatest potential. To learn more and find out how you can support a good cause, visit Down the Track and sign up to their newsletter.

Earlier in April, The Bugle featured local businesswoman Korin Koutsomihalis and the worthwhile ongoing work Korin is involved in to motivate and support the local community through her Gerringong-based small business SOUL FIT CO (which includes a program of group fitness classes at the Gerringong Bowling & Recreation Club). Korin already has an impressive list of community and fitness-based awards, including Kiama Council’s 2023 Australian Citizen of the Year. Korin explains that she actively seeks out awards programs and collaborative initiatives to build awareness around her business and its community projects. It’s not for personal glory but as a means to fulfil her life’s purpose to reach and help more and more people to live long, healthy and meaningful lives.Recently, Korin was notified that from an impressive 5,000 nominations, SOUL FIT CO had been selected as a finalist in the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards in the Fitness Services category. On Saturday 13 April at a glamorous National Presentation Evening at The Star in Sydney, SOUL FIT CO was awarded the 2024 Australian Champion Small Business-Fitness Services. In her acceptance speech, Korin said of her business: “What we have at SOUL FIT CO is uniquely special and is helping so many people train for life. I’m very proud to see people of all ages, from 10- to 103-years old, with various abilities and fitness levels, inspired to move together in the one fitness class, without hesitation and with so much teamwork.”A SOUL FIT CO class group.The Australian Small Business Champion Awards, founded in 1999 by Precedent Productions, were originally NSW-only awards. The awards base expanded in 2007 to recognise the vision, commitment and achievements of the most outstanding businesses from all over the country. There are an estimated 2.5 million small business operators across Australia, and these awards seek to celebrate, recognise and highlight the achievements and contributions of the best of them.Judges assess nominated businesses on a range of criteria including: milestones achieved; short-term and long-term goals; and commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives and wellbeing of the local community. We congratulate Korin on her latest award.Read more here

In the heart of Kiama's Community Radio scene, a new voice has emerged, bringing with it a wealth of diverse experiences and a passion for the airwaves. Peter Sullivan, a recent addition to our area and Kiama Community Radio, boasts a journey that spans from the microscope to the bonsai garden, with stops at biochemistry, genetics, naturopathy, and even dispute resolution along the way.Born in Manly, Sydney, Peter's upbringing was steeped in the hospitality industry, thanks to his father's role as a hotelier. It was his formative years in Wagga Wagga, surrounded by two siblings, that laid the foundation for his eclectic interests and curious mind.Venturing to Canberra for university studies in microbiology and genetics, Peter found himself immersed in a world of microscopic exploration and meticulous experiments. "Patience," he emphasises, "was key in unravelling the mysteries of microbes and bacteria." It was here that he honed the invaluable skill of meticulous attention to detail, a trait that would serve him well in his future endeavours.Peter's introduction to the world of radio was a journey into the melodies of pop and easy listening, where the dulcet tones of Casey Kasem held sway. With admiration for the American DJ's global broadcasts, Peter reminisces, "We would sit on the beach in Wagga, tuning in to the top 40 on our transistors. I guess the younger generations would have no idea what that meant."His university days were filled with the vibrant sounds of live performances, where the likes of Ralph McTell's "Streets of London," Maria Muldaur's soulful "Midnight at the Oasis," Don McLean's timeless "American Pie," and Janis Ian's poignant "At Seventeen" resonated deeply. Amongst the rich tapestry of Australian music, names like Richard Marks, Sherbet, and an abundance of Aussie rock from the '60s and '70s added to the soundtrack of his youth.Reflecting on his personal style during those rebellious times, Peter recalls with a chuckle, "Yes, I sported shoulder-length locks, though mine tended to curl at the ends, perhaps less cool than intended. Clad in a lumberjack coat, torn jeans, tie-dye shirts, I exuded an air of rugged discontent." During an era marked by protest and societal upheaval, Peter didn't shy away from voicing his dissent, participating in demonstrations against the sacking of the Whitlam government, a stance that brought lectures to a standstill. "I believe it's a rite of passage to embrace a bit of rebellion during your formative years," he muses, "ultimately paving the way to becoming a responsible citizen."During his tenure at the Australian National University, Peter delved into the intricate dynamics of marine biology, focusing on the yellowfin and skipjack tuna and their genetic interactions within the ocean’s currents encircling Australia and New Zealand. Amidst the bustling activity of tuna trawlers along the coast, he meticulously sampled, froze, and analysed specimens, discovering that despite their cohabitation within the same current, these tuna populations remained distinct species, segregated by the nuances of their migratory patterns. This discovery echoed in his subsequent research on rabbits in Urana, where he explored population genetics and the biological intricacies of interbreeding. In his work on the Wallaroos of the Atherton Tablelands he concluded that they also did not interbreed. A major highway effectively prevented interbreeding between the highway and mountain populations, with different skull size, teeth and eye socket measurements showing the differences. It all sounds a little CSI!Peter met Barbara during his university days and that marked the beginning of a lifelong journey together. They have been blessed with three daughters and seven grandchildren, bringing endless joy and laughter into their lives.Peter’s professional trajectory took him through various avenues, from his tenure at ANU to roles in defence science and technology, where he navigated the intricacies of human resources and IT as a business analyst. It was during this time that he honed his skills in dispute resolution, delving into mediation and conflict resolution.Transitioning into a second career in naturopathy ignited a passion for holistic healing, fuelled by an avid interest in iridology and herbal medicine. Under the tutelage of esteemed naturopath Dorothy Hall, he immersed himself in courses, embracing a plethora of "ologies," from astrology to Bach flowers. Though his endeavour to establish a health centre was met with love and enthusiasm, the harsh realities of entrepreneurship led him to reassess, realising his preference was for hands-on involvement rather than administrative duties.Peter’s next focus was on Lifeline, where he volunteered in warehouse operations, and later at Lifeline’s second-hand bookshop, Book Lovers Lane where he managed the music.Retirement three years ago gave Peter time for his bonsai collection, also volunteering at the National Bonsai and Penjing collection at the National Arboretum. Post-retirement last January, Kiama drew him in; he liked the proximity to Sydney. He knew Kiama had a community radio, and there was a Bonsai group in the area!  “The draw to Kiama was real but I had been established in Canberra for over fifty years. Life here is so relaxed, and it is a different climate – much cooler in Canberra and very cold winters. I was beginning to feel the cold in my bones.”In Canberra, Peter worked for Radio Artsound for five years and Queanbeyan FM for four. He got involved with Artsound because they invited seniors (over 55) into broadcasting. He trained with Gabriela, who also does the training at KCR. His own blues program followed.BLUES IN THE NIGHTJoin Peter on Tuesday nights for a soulful journey of “Blues in the Night! “Get your dose of Australian and international blues, R&B, soul, funk, and a sprinkle of jazz, all in one place! From established legends to emerging talents, Peter's got you covered, with a special focus on artists from 2000 to now. But that's not all! Peter will also be taking a trip back in time, diving into the history of blues with some classic tunes from the 1900s. Don't miss out! Tune in every Tuesday from 7-9 pm on Kiama Community Radio, where every Tuesday is Bluesday!

Former Red Rooster owners Steve Willis and his wife Jo have sold more than half a million pieces of chicken to the Kiama community over the past 16 years.Last month the pair, along with their son Grady, who has worked at the store since he was 12, handed over the keys to the new owners with little fanfare.“We slipped out quietly, kept it low key, we didn’t want to upset the apple cart and wanted the transition to be as smooth as possible for staff,” said Mr Willis, who estimates he and his wife have employed around 200 local Kiama kids, including his now 20 year-old son.Now all three family members are putting their feet up for a well-earned break before they decide what their next business move will be. But Mr Willis, who is president of the Kiama Leagues Club, is certain they will stay in Kiama.“We love this community, the 16 years we owned Red Rooster were a big part of our lives. There were a few tears from my wife Jo when we hung up our aprons, but not from me. I’d be happy not to handle another raw chicken again,” he said, chuckling.  Mr Willis, who grew up in Cootamundra, has had 31 jobs across his working life and ran five businesses with his wife by his side. He was an apprentice mechanic straight out of school, worked on the Cootamundra railways for eight years, and spent some time in the meatworks before leaving at the age of 21. He headed to Bowen to pick mangoes, and worked at a seed farm in Griffith, where machinery would knock seed pods from plants and he would sort through the piles and remove the twigs and leaves.“It was a terrible bloody job,” he recalls. But Mr Willis was a hard worker, a trait that stood him in good stead when he moved to Milperra, then Wollongong to manage pubs.He met his wife Jo, a Barrack Heights local, in Wollongong and the pair opened the first of many hospitality businesses in inner city Sydney. One was a sandwich shop near Central Railway Station during the Sydney Olympics. To say it was busy was an understatement. The couple moved to Kiama for a seachange and took over the Kiama Red Rooster store when Grady was four. For the next 16 years they became stalwarts of the Kiama community, feeding hordes of hungry families and tourists alike. It was the longest time Mr Willis stayed in one job.“Red Rooster was a whole different kettle of fish for us,” he said. “The business, which opened more than 35 years ago, was one of only a few fast food outlets in Kiama. “When we took the shop on, my son was a year away from starting kindy,” Mr Willis recalls. “One of the reasons we bought it was so that one of us could be home before he went to school and the other when he came home from school.” The days were long and the couple did everything from cleaning drains, prepping chicken, managing staff and mopping floors. By the time their son Grady was a teen he was working alongside his parents, and never missed a day of work in the six years he helped out, testament to the work ethic instilled in him by his parents.“Two of my son’s greatest achievements is that he’s never missed a day of work or a day of school,” said Mr Willis. “He went to Kiama High School for six years and had 100 per cent attendance. Only a handful of kids before him have achieved that. His number one trait is grit and I’m very proud of him, and all of the other young people we have worked with over the years.“One of the most rewarding parts of this job has been watching staff grow from 13 year-old kids to young adults. We’ve employed several sets of siblings over years, been to two weddings of staff we employed as teens and proudly watched young people move on to roles serving in Afghanistan, as teachers and electrical engineers.“We just wanted to take this opportunity to say a really big thank you to the Kiama community who supported us over the years. It’s a great community and so many of the kids who grew up here have worked for us.”

Jamberoo tradie Mitchell (Mitch) Rosser is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a man from the flash floods which occurred during the torrential downpours in the early hours of Saturday 6 April. But he doesn’t want this story to be about him. He wants to make sure it never happens again.On inspection, it’s very hard to see how the man survived at all. In the pitch dark, the flood water running over the paddocks picked up his car and smashed it through an iron gate on Jamberoo Road, just out of town near Turpentine Creek. All the electronics in the car had died. However, by some miracle, the power window wound down, and he managed to get out of the car as it was being swept into the creek. The car was later found badly damaged a good kilometre further down Turpentine Creek, ending near the 12th hole of the Jamberoo Golf Course. The location where the incident began is approximately 50 metres from the waterway. Driving in the dark, there is no reason to assume that there would be floodwater in that location. Local plumber, Mitch, was out filming the water running through his garage and feeling concerned about protecting his young family when he heard a cry for help.“It was terrifying. The whole yard was under water,” he recalls. “I said to the missus, oh yeah, the front lawn is flooded again. Our gate was gone, a road sign ripped out. It was pissing down. There’s always water when there's 100mm of rain, but I have never seen anything like this.  “I was trying to get all the tools off the floor in my shed, and I heard him screaming out for help. I just heard him yelling, help, help, help. We rang 000, but there was no way they could get there.” Mitch’s house backs onto Turpentine Creek. They could hear the man, but they couldn’t see him in the torrential rain and darkness.“I yelled to my wife, get me a torch. I could hear him screaming for help. I ran along the back fence, trying to find his voice. I was yelling, where are you? He shouted back, I am over here, help me, the water is rising.”Mitch says the only reason he saw him was because he had a reflective strip on his work shirt. “He just had one arm hanging on to a branch, and water was up to his chest. He was grabbing stuff, and it was belting down. I told him, hold on. He was in the bushes. Í could see where he was but the water was smashing through. I couldn’t reach him.“I ran to my shed, looking for a power cord, something, anything he could hold on to. I got the pole for the pool scoop.I tried to pull him out through the scrub. Eventually we locked arms, and managed to get him out.“He was shaken, rattled, and then hugged me. You saved my life, he said. I said, we need to get you inside. The neighbour’s a paramedic.”The Bugle understands the man does not wish to be identified.Mitch himself is shaken up by the event.    “If we hadn’t heard him, he was gone. He’s the luckiest man alive. It gives me chills even to think about it. I just keep hearing him screaming.” And there is one thing Mitch is certain of, and that is this man is very lucky to have survived. The power had gone in the car, but for some reason the power window wound down. His two year old son is an early riser, so for that reason the family were all awake. But if Mitch hadn’t gone out into the backyard at that exact time, they would never have heard him yelling for help. And if he hadn’t been wearing a high-viz shirt, they would never have been able to locate him. One thing is for sure, and that is Mitch never wants to see it happen again. “Every local knows that Turpentine Creek floods, but there is no signage, nothing. And this man was not a local. That is what I hope will come out of this story, to stop it happening again.“An hour later, people were out driving, and two of us were out with flashlights telling people not to drive through. Screaming, stop stop stop!” Local member Gareth Ward said he would be asking Council to install a flood metre at the site and looking at what other warning signage is required to ensure people are aware of the dangers of this section of road. “Based on the experience of locals and feedback I have received, we don’t want this to happen again. I want to consult with Council traffic engineers on what they believe is necessary, and raise the feedback from the community. “I want to commend Mitch for his heroism, and I believe this bravery should be officially recognised. If it wasn’t for Mitch’s quick thinking and heroism, the man would be dead.”Contacted for comment Kiama Council issued the following statement: Kiama residents with concerns about safety and other signage on our local roads to lodge a Customer Request for Maintenance (CRM). These CRM’s regarding road safety are provided to our Manager Design, and then to Council’s Traffic Committee.”

After decades in mainstream journalism, and having written literally thousands of stories, there aren’t too many things I haven’t written about.But there was one story about the world’s last survivor of the Gallipoli campaign, Alec Campbell, that has stuck in my memory all these years. Alec lied about his age in order to enlist in World War One, claiming he was 18 years and five months old. Throughout his extremely colourful life, Alec used to joke that because he was in fact only 16 when he went to war, he could become the oldest surviving Anzac. But thus it came to pass. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 103. I was working at The Australian as a general news reporter when, on the occasion of Alec officially becoming the last surviving Gallipoli veteran, I was directed by the Chief of Staff to do a phone interview. Most people, particularly the elderly, are pretty chuffed if the national newspaper rings them up over one honour or another. Not Alec.In the first instance, Alec’s protective wife said she wasn’t sure if he would feel like talking. An old carpenter, he was way down the back shed “banging away at things”, as she put it, and didn’t usually like to come to the phone.Alec took his time, that was for sure. He hung on the phone for a good 20 minutes or so. And when Alec did finally make it to the phone, he wasn’t honoured. He was grumpy that he had been disturbed. My generation grew up during the Vietnam War and many of us are decidedly anti-war. As a young reporter, I was very reluctant to interview old soldiers. I didn’t want to hear their war stories. But the opposite is true. There is no one more anti-war than a returned soldier. They have seen their mates die in front of them in often pointless conflicts, and do not want to relive the moment, or see anyone else go through the harrowing times they themselves have endured. I found Alec well, taciturn; utterly dismissive of politicians, proud of his union background, “up the bosses”, and contemptuous of the military commanders who had sent his comrades to their deaths in their thousands, the terrible slaughter he had witnessed firsthand.Alec refused to march on Anzac Day until very late in life because he didn’t want to glorify a lie: that war was a noble enterprise. He almost never spoke about his experiences at Gallipoli. There were better, more positive things in life.He joined what was then known as the Australian Imperial Force in July of 1915 and promptly earned the nickname “The Kid”. He arrived at Anzac Cove in November that same year and was wounded in the fighting at Gallipoli. He caught a fever and suffered facial paralysis as a result. He was invalided home and discharged in 1916, a veteran at the age of 17. Unlike many Australian veterans, who never recover from their wartime experiences, Alec got back to his home state of Tasmania and simply got on with life.Alec worked many different jobs, as a stockman, carpenter, railway carriage builder and, in his later years, researcher and historian. He gained an economics degree at the age of 50. His love of life extended to an enthusiasm for sailing, and he also circumnavigated Tasmania.On his deathbed, Alec pleaded: “For God’s sake, don’t glorify Gallipoli. It was a terrible fiasco, a total failure and best forgotten.”He was survived by nine children, 30 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.On the occasion of his death in May of 2002, I was also drafted to write a story headlined “Tributes and praise pour in for an ordinary hero”.Then Prime Minister John Howard’s media office had done a fine job of polishing up the Anzac myth for public consumption: “On behalf of the nation, I honour his life. Alec Campbell was typical of a generation of Australians who, through their sacrifice, bravery and decency, created a legacy that has resonated through subsequent decades and generations.“All Australians will forever be in debt to the Anzacs. Not only for what they did for us, but for the legend, for the tradition, for the stoicism under fire, sense of mateship and all those other great ideals that, increasingly, young Australians see as part of their Inheritance.”Then Governor-General Peter Hollingworth said Alec’s death was an occasion to reflect on the passing of the generation that helped give us our identity and character as a nation.    “Having recently returned from Anzac Day at Gallipoli and Anzac ceremonies in France, I have a renewed sense of the utter futility of war, which was such a constant message of the Anzacs like Alec Campbell.” Veterans Affairs Minister Danna Vale said Gallipoli held a unique place in the hearts of Australians.   “With Mr Campbell’s passing, we have lost our last living link to the birthplace of the Anzac spirit, which is a great loss,” she said. “Mr Campbell and his fellow Anzacs fought with the kind of courage, integrity and honour that we will never forget. It is a legacy that will live on.”   Alec, it is fairly safe to say, would have been contemptuous of the political sycophancy that accompanied his death, and disapproved of Australia’s involvement in America’s endless wars, including Afghanistan, Iraq and now Ukraine. Lest We Forget.

Kiama is blessed with a multitude of accomplished authors. Among the list, Trish Griffin, a two time non fiction published author with two more books on the way, finds inspiration writing the stories of people she meets on her travels. She grew up on a large cattle station 180 kilometres north west of Longreach in the fifties. Reminiscing on days spent barefoot, riding horses 24/7, and mastering the art of driving at a young age. "I had my own gun since I was 8 years old, we all did," she shares, on the unique realities of her upbringing. The freedom and tranquillity of her childhood inspired her to explore the world.Her second published book, “Dancing on the Head of a Pin”, was met with rave reviews. It chronicles her journey along the Camino from Barcelona to Santiago, covering a staggering 1300 kilometres in 2012. Her writing only flows when she's deeply inspired, and the individuals she encounters during her journeys serve as the perfect muse.I had the privilege of discussing Trish's current work in progress, a book focusing on post-war immigration in the Snowy Mountains region. She spent time there with locals and again inspiration hit when listening to their stories. Trish is committed to presenting these narratives without any agenda or political bias, allowing the truth to shine through organically. Keep an eye out for updates on her upcoming book release on the Bugle app.Trish gave her advice for those who want to travel in the same way she does, getting involved in the community and immersing herself in the culture. She discourages organised tours like Contiki and volunteer organisations, preferring instead to engage in independent volunteering to truly experience local culture firsthand and witness the direct impact of her efforts. Despite acknowledging the discomfort and fears associated with solo travel, she believes the rewards are boundless, stating, "It's a scary edge, but that's where all the good stuff happens - you learn things you don't learn in school."Trish's approach to travel involves landing in a new place, taking a taxi or bus to find budget accommodations, and relying on locals for insider tips on navigating the area. She describes this style of travel as being "on the edge," where one can gain invaluable experiences and insights that go beyond typical tourist experiences.Trish brings a wealth of incredible stories from her global adventures, and we're delighted to welcome her as a new columnist. Look out for her name on the byline, and stay tuned to Bugle News for updates on her upcoming releases.

In a heartfelt tribute to one of Australia's most revered writers, Charmian Clift, Kiama unveiled a blue plaque at the Kiama Library on Saturday 13 April. Attended by dignitaries, relatives and local historians the event was opened by Mayor Neil Reilly with a welcome to country by Councillor Stuart Larkins. This commemoration stands as a testament to Clift's enduring impact on literature and culture, a legacy cherished by generations.Born in Kiama in 1923, Charmian Clift's journey into the world of words began at a tender age, her pen weaving tales of her beloved hometown's wonders, such as the famous blowhole, even as a child. Her passion for writing flourished, leading her to Sydney where she ventured into journalism, eventually joining the Australian Women’s Army Service during World War II.Dr Sarah Kaine MLC with Dr Graham Tucker in KiamaClift's life took a significant turn when she met George Johnston, a renowned war correspondent, sparking a passionate yet tumultuous love affair. Despite the challenges they faced, their journey together led them to Greece, where the idyllic landscapes of Kalymnos and Hydra became the backdrop for Clift's literary masterpieces. Works like "Mermaid Singing" and "Peel Me a Lotus" echoed her experiences in Greece, captivating readers with their autobiographical essence.In 1960, Clift penned her solo novel, "Walk to the Paradise Gardens," drawing inspiration from her roots in Kiama. Her subsequent works, including "Honour’s Mimic" and the recently published "The End of the Morning," reflected her profound reflections on life, love, and society.Sue Eggins, President of the Kiama District Historical Society was the principal proponent of the submission and all the follow up required to achieve this great milestone. Her enthusiasm, effort and persistence ensured the plaque stood as a testament to Charmian's legacy. Her work is greatly appreciated by the historical society and the Kiama community.

By Prof. Paul Genoni, Curtin UniversityCharmian Clift fans will be excited to learn that The End of the Morning, a previously unpublished autobiographical work by Charmian Clift, has been edited by Nadia Wheatley and will be published in May, and that Nadia will be returning to Kiama Library on Saturday 1 June to discuss this new work.Clift described her work: “The End of the Morning is about a girl called Cressida Morley, who has appeared already in My Brother Jack, but I invented her first and her eccentric family who live in a weatherboard cottage on the edge of a beach. It is a book about young dreams and young longings and filled with sand and sea and sun and wind and seaweed draped on the front picket fence after a storm.”Of course, that front picket fence and weatherboard cottage are in Clift’s hometown, Kiama.This is a Friends of Kiama Library and Kiama & District Historical Society joint event.Please join us for afternoon tea after the talk, when books will be available for purchase and signing.Please note, the Pilots Cottage Museum will have free entry on the 1st and 2nd of June so that people can enjoy the Charmian Clift exhibition after the Nadia Wheatley event at the library.Tickets for Members of the Friends of Kiama Library and the Kiama & District Historical Society will cost $8. Guests $10. All are welcome. Tickets go on sale 1 May and will be available at the library, online, or call 02 4233 1133.The publication of The End of the Morning is a long-awaited moment in Australian literature.Readers familiar with Charmian Clift will be aware this book’s protagonist, Cressida Morley, is the writer’s alter-ego. Morley was to have been the vehicle for Clift’s self-representation in an autobiographical novel she was working on for some years prior to her death in 1969.The End of the Morning marks the arrival of Morley, as seen through her own eyes and represented in her own words.Clift’s suicide has been explained, in part, as the result of her inability to make progress on the novel that was to bring Morley to life. It was to be the tale of a Kiama beach girl whose lust for life takes her to Wollongong, Sydney, London, the Greek islands … and back to Sydney.Protracted gestationIf Clift had completed The End of the Morning, it would not have been the first time readers had encountered Cressida Morley. She was a character who emerged, after a protracted gestation, through the novels of Clift’s husband, George Johnston.Cressida was arguably first glimpsed as Charmian Anthony in the opening pages of Johnston’s Death Takes Small Bites (1948). The novel’s journalist-hero Cavendish C. Cavendish encounters Charmian adrift on the Burma Road. He is immediately taken by her lips “as pink as Danish salmon”, her eyes with the “same tint as glacier ice”, and a figure that is “slim and tight and stiff like a bullrush”.When Cavendish asks what “a girl like you” is doing in remote China, Charmian responds: “Do I look like a missionary?” Cavendish realises he is “a little out of his depth”.Johnston subsequently enlisted Clift as co-author on novels that drew on his wartime experiences in Asia, while inching forward with a series of sole-authored, increasingly autobiographical novels that invariably featured a Charmian doppelganger at the hero’s side.In Closer to the Sun (1960), he presented for the first time David Meredith, his own alter-ego, with whom he is now forever associated. Meredith and his wife Kate battle to keep their fragile Greek island expatriation afloat.Several years later, Johnston completed My Brother Jack (1964) – the first novel of his renowned “Meredith trilogy”. He called on Clift’s help, interrupting her attempts to use Cressida Morley to breathe life into her own roman à clef. When the dust settled on the wildly successful My Brother Jack, Meredith’s wife-to-be had transformed into Cressida Morley.Stripped of her essenceAt this point the famously close, complex and fractious relationship between Clift and Johnston became even more troubled. The depth of Clift’s creative crisis is artfully canvased by her biographer and editor Nadia Wheatley in an Afterword to The End of the Morning.According to Wheatley, once Johnston had snatched Cressida Morley, Clift’s progress on her own Cressida novel was all but stilled.Adding to the sting, the Cressida Morley who appeared in My Brother Jack and its sequel, Clean Straw for Nothing (1969), was stripped of her essence. She was deprived of Clift’s overriding passion: her vocation as a writer.This complex dynamic between authors and characters was brilliantly reimagined in Susan Johnson’s novel The Broken Book (2004), which opens with a National Library of Australia catalogue entry for the manuscript of an incomplete autobiographical novel by a deceased writer named Katherine Elgin.The novel proper begins with Elgin struggling with the knowledge that the world knows her as Cressida Morley, the “breath, muscle, gut” creation of her husband, novelist David Murray. She is unable to complete her own version of Morley, declaring that “my Cressida has died upon the page”. This literary death becomes a prelude to Elgin taking her own life.The incomplete novel Johnson called “The Broken Book” has emerged as The End of the Morning. True to her account, it has been lying dormant in the National Library for nearly four decades.Edited by Wheatley, it is presented as a complete novella. Clift’s seven years of sporadic work has resulted in 20,000 words describing the childhood of Cressida Morley.Essence of the commonplaceThe positives in The End of the Morning are immense. It is definitely more than a curiosity. Readers familiar with Clift’s travel memoirs and essays will find that it bears the hallmarks of her finest work. She writes with customary authority and brilliance. She has a keen ear for a well-crafted phrase. Intimacy, lyricism and expressiveness abound. The writing is taut, yet seems effortlessly paced.Also on show is Clift’s characteristic trait of rendering the familiar and the mundane in a manner that makes them feel like exotic discoveries – an important skill when narrating both the generational and individual memories of childhood.Clift has long excelled at evoking the nostalgic essence of the commonplace, as highlighted by the carefully rendered lists that dot her essays and induce instant recognition and empathy (items on a shelf; tastes of a summer picnic; things seen from a window). Has anyone ever written better lists than Clift?An early manuscript of the End of the Morning. Author providedSimilarly, few have better expressed the sybaritic alliance between sand, surf and sun found on the Australian beach that is essential to so many childhood memories. Whether in Australia or Greece, ocean swimming is a subject that always quickens Clift’s prose. The End of the Morning is propelled by the pulse of the surf throbbing beneath Cressida’s recall of home and the green valley and rail line and the quarry and the town of Lebanon Bay (Kiama) that lies beyond.Clift’s characterisation is also incisive. The Morley family dynamics are convincingly sketched. Cressida’s love of her parents is generous. She knows their strengths and weaknesses. She embraces their idiosyncracies and is acutely aware of their social status as middle-class “oddities” in a working class town.Clift also makes absolute sense of Cressida’s relationship with her older siblings Cordelia and Ben. It is a memorable childhood menage that is deeply affectionate and sometimes competitive. Cressida is constantly overshadowed by Cordelia’s beauty and first-child aspirations.Unresolved mattersClift’s fiction has attracted less attention from readers and scholars than the rest of her body of work. Her two sole-authored novels, Walk to the Paradise Gardens (1960) and Honours Mimic (1964), leave open the question of whether she was, potentially, a novelist of significance. The former is chronically uneven in tone; the latter is a confused romantic drama, a decade out of step with the tastes of the readers she craved.By this measure, The End of the Morning is Clift’s most successful piece of fiction. Its shortcoming is that it is only a piece, and one that leaves two matters unresolved.Firstly, there is the question of whether, in this form, The End of the Morning amounts to fiction. The distance between fiction and memoir can be short. If this book had been published with “Cressida” replaced by “Charmian” and other names similarly reverted, it would be read as memoir, so closely does it adhere to the known facts of Clift’s life.Secondly, with the above in mind, it is worth noting that there is more of The End of the Morning available than these 20,000 words. As Wheatley notes in her Afterword, there are other versions of the novel in the National Library.Wheatley has used her editorial discretion and selected what she calculates to be the latest draft, which overlaps to a considerable degree with an earlier draft that is longer by approximately 10,000 words.The attraction of the shorter version is it is more polished and concludes at a very specific narrative point. Cressida and Cordelia are poised for big changes in their lives: Cressida wins a scholarship to undertake her secondary schooling in nearby Wollongong; Cordelia departs for a Sydney technical college to pursue her love of art.More like fictionBut the section that follows in the earlier draft, not included in this published version, takes Cressida’s story in crucial new directions. The transition between the two is marked by the embarrassing arrival of puberty. It is accompanied by a new group of older friends, the first fumblings of adolescent sex, some academic progress tainted by failure, and the threshold realisation her future lies beyond Lebanon Bay.Also excluded is a telling and, with hindsight, poignant sequence that reveals the dangers in Cressida’s future might be found in the most familiar places. When she rescues a handsome stranger in city clothes after he wanders without caution into the local surf, the reader discerns the life saved is a suicide prevented.The beach at Kiama. Martha Almeyda/ShutterstockIn these unpublished sections, the manuscript begins to read less like memoir and more like fiction. Where the earlier sections rely on Cressida’s rendering of character and place, here the narrative gives way to something more imaginative. The plot is underpinned by motivation and will.And from this emerges the Cressida now associated with Charmian: the young woman enchanted by the “whiff of the world, the promise of something wilder and bolder and grander”, who “knew the town was too small to hold me.”The longer draft does not reach the point where Cressida imagines her future as a writer, but it does bring readers closer to a life that traced such an unlikely and durable arc. Without that section – even, perhaps, as an addendum – this welcome, wonderful, but truncated version of The End of the Morning feels like another slightly broken book.

Korin Koutsomihalis is an inspiring and tireless high achiever and award winner. Via her Gerringong-based small business SOUL FIT CO, located at the Gerringong Bowling Club, Korin proactively seeks out networking opportunities, active community events and awards programs, to inspire all Australians to move together. Korin primarily sees her passion for fitness, her awards and achievements as a means to fulfil her life’s purpose to help more and more people live long, healthy and meaningful lives. Korin has a particular passion for working with and helping older Australians.Situated on Dharawal country, SOUL FIT CO is registered with the indigenous collective  Supply Nation as a multi award-winning fitness and wellness business. It was named Illawarra and South Coast’s Local Business Award Winner for Outstanding Fitness Service 2023, AUSactive Roll of Honour Award 2023, AUSactive National Personal Trainer of the Year 2023 and Break The Bias Platinum Award Winner 2023. The business  is currently a finalist in the National Australian Small Business Awards, with the winners to be announced later this month. Korin winning Illawarra and South Coast business awardSOUL FIT CO strives to foster equality, acceptance and support in a safe and socially inclusive space for people of any background, ethnicity or social group, age, ability or fitness level. Korin says SOUL FIT CO encourages everyone to work at their own pace, celebrate who they are and always empower each other to move together for a better life. Participants have included people with dementia, physical disabilities including visual impairments and Parkinsons, frail and aged participants, and those recovering from knee, hip and shoulder surgeries. Korin says the entire operation is about ‘bringing people together through connection-driven experiences where they can smile, laugh, sweat, challenge, share, meditate and move!’ SOUL FIT CO’s regular classes are named according to their focus – ‘Strong’, ‘Golden’, ‘Woman’, ‘Spin’ and ‘Boxing’. I first met Korin in 2021 at SOUL FIT CO’s indoor/outdoor ‘Strong’ class, towards the end of the Covid lockdowns. Her positivity, drive and determination to encourage participants to push on and stretch ourselves was immediately evident and infectious. The tough workout was easier with her motivational words and sense of fun. Our hard work was rewarded at the end with a lovely, long, relaxed guided meditation in a beautiful setting at the back of the Bowlo, half under the stars with the sound of the surf as background. Korin aims for her classes to be ‘medicine for the body and therapy for the mind’.Korin describes her ‘Golden’ session as ‘a class to celebrate the essence of feeling amazing as a mature and wise Werri local’. Undertaken standing or seated, or a combination of both, it offers strengthening exercises combined with elements of balance, core activation, Tai Chi, relaxation and mindfulness. Golden Class at SOUL FITHer star ‘Golden’ class participant, 103 year old local Bev Sherwood is active and healthy, and was a motivational speaker at the Australian Masters Games in late 2023. Korin describes Bev as ‘an inspiring local Australian, super senior and an incredible role model of healthy ageing’. Korin’s classes cater to all ages, and her youngest participant is 10. Bev Sherwood at Golden ClassPresenting Korin’s award for Kiama Council Australian Citizen of the Year 2023 mayor Neil Reilly enthused ‘She is a worthy recipient of our Citizen of the Year Award for 2023’. Of her classes he said ‘Korin’s method of group fitness instruction focuses on diversity and inclusion. This goes beyond the profession to a sincere involvement in, and contribution to, the holistic health and well-being of our local community’.SOUL FIT CO is currently working with academics from the University of Wollongong to collate exercise data on the older attendees of its weekly Golden class. Class attendees have so far documented their activity level and quality prior to taking classes, any history of falls and so forth, and have shared how participation in the Golden class has improved their health, fitness, quality of life and connection to community. SOUL FIT CO’s proprietor Korin Koutsomihalis is hopeful this will lead to a further regional health study which could increase access to mobility and movement classes nationally for thousands of Home Care and MyAgedCare registered participants, to aid in falls prevention and strengthening, and to enhance the community connection and participation for isolated and physically impaired older Australians. 

Councillor Imogen Draisma may only be 25 years old, but her worldly views and leadership skills demonstrate a maturity beyond her years. Growing up in the Kiama region and now a primary figure guiding the community through a period of rapid change and growth, Councillor Draisma discusses the trials and tribulations that have shaped her.Cr Draisma moved to the region when she was four years old, shortly after the separation of her parents. She recalls a childhood that was a bit of a mixed bag and – despite a supportive community she always had a sense of not entirely fitting in. “I lived with my single Mum and two brothers in the worst house on the best street on the Minnamurra River – but had been in about four rentals prior. Because we moved around a lot, my sense of self and home was based around people rather than place,” she laughs. “I spent a lot of time running around the streets of Minnamurra with no shoes on. “A group of kids used to hang out every holidays. Over the years, I kind of became a leader of the group.”Surprisingly, though, Cr Draisma did not undertake leadership roles during her primary years – apart from being Vice Captain of her sporting team, Bradman, which under her helm rose from the ashes to reclaim the relay title. While feeling like she never quite belonged as a child growing up around Minnamurra, she later went to Wollongong High School of Performing Arts where she focused on establishing her own network. “I used to hang out with all the boys and was very assertive about how I wanted things,”” she recalls. I was the odd duck, but that actually really shaped me.” Cr Draisma can now reflect on the social complexities experienced in her younger years with new-found understanding, having discovered she was on the autism spectrum 18 months ago. Her diagnosis, far from being a barrier, gave her the insightful ability to work with it as opposed to it working against her.“As a result, I have very unique perspectives on things. It has made it a lot easier to understand some aspects of myself and how I operate.”Two influential people in her life who also helped shape her sense of self are her grandparents, who lived nearby and she often stayed with throughout her childhood. Whilst her Mum was busy supporting her children in a practical sense, her grandparents focused on supporting her interests and abilities.“My grandma taught me how to sew. My grandfather made furniture that fit under the coffee table that I could use to draw and paint. They focussed on what I was capable of from a young age.”This relationship offered her curious and creative young mind space to ask complicated questions and digest mature answers – including around politics, which became the fabric of her career. “They made me aware of politics and how it impacted my life. I had a lot of complications with my kidneys growing up. I had intensive surgery for chronic urinary reflux which probably saved my life. My grandparents talked to me about Medicare and explained that the surgery was because of things the Labor Party implemented to ensure healthcare accessibility.”This adult environment nurtured an awareness of the ways politics presented in her life, including: her single Mum accessing Centrelink, school demountables replaced by classrooms as part of stimulus programs implemented during the Global Financial Crisis, and watching Kevin Rudd’s Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples in a computer lab. Cr Draisma’s former dream of studying costume design at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney following high school was thwarted by the costs. Instead, she embarked on a double degree – Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Law at University of Wollongong. It was there that her involvement with the Labor Party began, back in 2017. With local elections looming, two of her close friends rightfully saw her profound potential and dragged her – admittedly half-heartedly – to her first Labor Party meeting at the Uni Bar. Before long, she became a prominent voice advocating primarily for the marriage equality plebiscite. She was  just 18 years of age. However, her university degree was paused when tragedy struck her family in 2019, the situation compounded by the Covid pandemic. “One of my brothers took his own life, which was really hard. And then we went into Covid. It was a very isolating period going through grief. It is something you never really recover from, but you learn so much about yourself when you go through those intensive traumatic life events. Resituating myself into what I wanted to do with my life really changed after that.”Shortly after, following pandemic-related rainchecks, Cr Draisma ran for Kiama Council in 2021. Given there had previously been very little diversity in the Council, her campaign was met with contrasting praise and pessimism within the community. “There was a movement started by women in the community called ‘more than one’, promoting change within our Council. There was also a push from the Officer of Local Government and minister, who provided a grant and regional workshops for women running for election.”Other parties who were less receptive to political diversity gave Cr Draisma a greater drive to succeed in doing positive work within and for the community. “The biggest thing I had to prove was not that I adhered to the party’s values, but that I was competent. One audience member at a community forum asked if I could actually read a business paper! I wanted to make people feel uncomfortable and rethink their understanding of what leadership looks like. You cannot do the same thing and expect different results.”Cr Draisma has taken some steep professional and personal learning curves following her council appointment, particularly during her periods covering for Cr Neil Reilly as Acting Mayor. She has been involved in unravelling the financial dire straits inherited from the previous Council. And she is often accosted at community meetings, which she views in both empathetic and realistic lights.“People can come across emotively about issues they have with Council or a particular decision – and that is understandable. On the other hand, community apathy towards politics can lead to the worst outcomes. However, a lot of it comes from them not understanding. Community expectations can far exceed the Council's resources.”Particularly with the next election looming later this year, Cr Draisma continues to set her sights high. “I feel I need to be where I can make the most positive change. We desperately need more arts and cultural spaces. Essential workers not being able to live in town is another issue to overcome, so I am also passionate about working with the community and partners to deliver more affordable housing.”As the region inevitably grows, Cr Draisma continues to encourage diversity and change. “You cannot expect this town to look the same, the people to be the same. If you make an enemy of change, you will lose the battle. We have to be part of the change process. I think we need more change, more diversity in our leadership. My legacy is that I am not the last of how leadership can change in our community.”Particularly when someone is a prominent figure leading a community through controversial times, it can be easy to forget that everyone has a story that has inspired their genuine desire and drive to help. Cr Draisma is not shy to tell hers in the hope it may encourage others. 

John Salmon Dentist, situated on Railway Parade, has been warmly welcomed by the local community. Having arrived at the practice last July, initially under the stewardship of Keith Lester, they officially took over the reins of the dental practice on September 1st, 2023. John runs the practice alongside his wife Rebecca, who serves as the practice manager. Hailing previously from a long practice in the Southern Highlands, they are enjoying the sea change! In an era where dentistry is increasingly corporate, John and Rebecca aim to defy this trend. For them, being a dentist means more than just providing services; it's about creating enduring relationships with their patients, "healthcare should be about caring for people," said Rebecca. John's commitment to his craft is evident in the fact that he has had clients follow him to three different dental practices. Recognising the anxiety that often accompanies dental visits, John is resolute in creating a soothing environment for his patients. Their philosophy is simple yet profound: to bring joy to their work while making a difference in people's lives. Unlike many dental practices fixated on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), John and Rebecca's focus remains squarely on compassionate care.Moreover, they are eager to shed light on a government initiative aimed at promoting dental health among children. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, administered by the NSW government, offers up to $1,095 in benefits over two consecutive years, covering essential dental services. The Salmon's advocacy for preventative dental care is their belief that early intervention can mitigate the need for extensive and costly dental procedures later on. You can find more information about this initiative here. John describes the transition as somewhat of a blur. The overwhelming support from the community has exceeded their expectations, keeping them busier than anticipated. Despite the challenges, they are steadfast in their commitment to serving the community and are working towards expanding their hours to accommodate the growing demand.John and Rebecca Salmon embody a refreshing approach to dentistry—one rooted in genuine care, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to improving oral health for all. Have you had your regular check up? Give the Salmons a call on (02) 4233 1313 to book your appointment today.