Not even a mega downpour on 11 May deterred families from heading to the Open Day at Kiama Fire Station, which has become one of the region’s main annual attractions.Five-year-old Lachlan Rossiter had been “waiting for days for the fire day!” And the big day finally came for Lachlan, who attended with his dad, Cam Rossiter, and younger brother, three-year-old Ollie Rossiter. It was the third Open Day at Kiama Fire Station that they’ve attended. The 2024 edition definitely met their expectations. Lachlan shared that he liked holding the fire hose and going into the cab of the fire truck the most.The brothers were proudly wearing their orange ‘Fire and Rescue’ helmets. They do come in handy, if you’re going to help a tall, grown-up fireman or -woman.Because once a year, during the Fire Station Open Day (which is a statewide event), firefighters at Kiama Fire Station get to do a bit of ‘show and tell’ about the fire trucks, station and, above all, the important work that they do in and around Kiama.“Yeah, it’s really good to see everyone here,” said Kiama Captain, Rhys Dawson. “To get a good understanding of what we do, and also ask questions about any fire safety measures that can be implemented in the home.”“For us, to push the home fire safety message in,” he underlined. The most common type of kitchen fireThere was a kitchen simulator on display, just outside the back of the fire station. Deputy Captain, Brian Guillaumier, stood ready to demonstrate what to do and - equally crucial - what not to do if there’s a kitchen fire. It is, as it turns out, the most common type of house fire. “It’s always a handy thing to know, especially when it comes to cooking fires,” said Captain Dawson. “And to make sure that we got those preventative measures such as fire blankets and fire extinguishers (which you can purchase relatively cheaply from somewhere like Bunnings, for example).” Deputy Captain Guillaumier agreed. “That is 12 bucks well spent, if you ask me,” he said. Parents and children lined up under the protection of the roof, close enough so that they could see the sink, but within a safe distance from what was about to happen.On the stove stood a saucepan with only 10 millilitre of oil in it. But it can cause a lot of damage, especially if left unattended.Ablaze. The Kiama firefighters simulate what a fire in the kitchen looks like, caused by only 10 ml of oil.“Just give this a couple of minutes, you can see that it’s smoking already,” explained Deputy Captain Guillaumier. When the saucepan caught fire, firefighter Tristan Reid was at hand to quickly step in. “He’s simply going to put out the fire by putting a lid on it. And, you’ll see. Look at that! He puts the fire out. If he takes the lid off, it’s going to catch fire again.“We don’t use water on a kitchen fire. Use a fire blanket, a fire extinguisher and get out of the house,” stressed Deputy Captain Guillaumier. Make sure to have working smoke alarms in the houseAnother fire safety measure is a smoke alarm.Deputy Captain Guillaumier held one in his hand as he turned to the group. “What happens when they go off?” he asked, and put on the smoke alarm, which immediately started beeping.“Get out of the house to the letterbox,” one girl offered up.“Get out of the house to the letterbox,” Deputy Captain Guillaumier repeated. “Do we go back into the house? Of course, we don’t. We’re outside the house, we stay outside the house and call 000.”If you don’t have a smoke alarm or aren’t sure if it works properly (the alarms have an expiry date and usually needs to be replaced every ten years), call on the friendly team at the fire station who offer free home safety checks. To request one, you can either call the station directly on 02 4232 1222 or go to the ‘Home fire safety’ section on the NSW Fire and Rescue’s website, www.fire.nsw.gov.au. Home safety checks are available all over Kiama. Boys hanging out by the fire truck (from left to right): Lachlan Rossiter, Cam Rossiter and Ollie Rossiter“But anyone from Jamberoo and Gerringong can also request one and we generally work with the RFS (Rural Fire Service) to make that happen,” explained Captain Dawson.Since Kiama Fire Station is an on-call station, they try to coordinate it so that all the home safety checks can be done in one day. That generally translates to once a week.One of the most unusual questions that Captain Dawson was asked during the Open Day is what daily life is like for a firefighter.Wanted: On-call firefightersNow, it’s a bit different because they’re on-call firefighters, which means that they also work other jobs. “In our days off, we carry a pager. The pager activates whosoever is on at that time, we’ll come to the station, we’ll get the fire trucks, go and help the community,” said Captain Dawson.Currently, there’s a full on-call staff of 21 firefighters. Plus the trucks. There are two of them: an urban trucker and a bushfire tanker.“At the moment, we are sitting at 17 and do have a couple of vacancies,” continued Captain Dawson. “If anyone is interested in becoming a retained firefighter, you can log onto the NSW Fire and Rescue’s website and there’s an area where you can apply under, called ‘On-Call Firefighters’. It gets filtered through to the local zone office for consideration.”Family Reid at the Kiama Fire Station (from left to right): Bec Reid, Beau Reid, Tristan Reid and Olivia Reid.He suggested that if you’re interested in applying, remember to check out the criteria. If there are any questions, you can always call the station or the zone office at Wollongong.“But again, if you’re applying, we’re more than happy to have a look anyone. Please consider applying,” he encouraged.Bec Reid’s husband, Tristan, is an on-call firefighter. It’s the second time that she and their two children, three-year-old Olivia and two-year-old Beau, are at the Open Day event. Olivia beamed that she was having fun while she pulled out the fire hose and jumped into the fire truck.Like many others in attendance, Olivia and Beau greatly enjoyed being with their dad at the fire station. It was a day sure to be remembered.Photo credit: Malin Dunfors & Bec Reid

When we explained to our children, aged 3, 5 and 7, that we were going to plant trees before our friend’s wedding, they were excited as it was an excuse to get muddy. A close friend, the presenter and environmental educator Laura Wells, was getting married and, as part of the celebration, she and her husband had partnered with Shellharbour City Council to plant over 3,000 trees with their wedding guests at Blackbutt Forest Reserve.My husband works in the environmental sector and, in the early days of our relationship, we spent our weekends volunteering with Illawarra Intrepid Landcare — a group of young volunteers who undertake conservation projects. Since becoming parents, we have let our commitment to ‘eco-volunteering’ ebb; however, on this rainy day in Shellharbour, I remembered why I was drawn to it. According to a study by the Australian Health Promotion Association, environmental volunteering has a number of ‘co-benefits’ — meaning it benefits the planet and the people who are doing it. For volunteers, it can enhance mental, physical and social health, and strengthen their connection to the environment. It can reduce ‘eco anxiety’ and feelings of helplessness around climate change. It’s also a fun, free activity for the entire family.“It’s great to see families attend [Bushcare sessions],” says Bronwyn Anderson, team coordinator for Bushland Management at Shellharbour City Council. “Parents get to see their children discover how to nurture nature, and they get to learn valuable information about weeds and natives that they can take home with them or share with friends.”Currently, there are seven Bushcare and Landcare groups operating in Shellharbour, including Warilla Dunes Bushcare and Tullimbah Landcare, working to rehabilitate and preserve native bushland. Although Kiama does not have an active Bushcare program, it does have multiple Landcare groups, stretching from Jamberoo to Foxground.The main difference, according to the Illawarra Landcare website, is that Bushcare groups are supported by funding and resources from local Councils. In May 2022, Shellharbour City Council’s Environment Team successfully secured $160,000 in grant funding, as part of the Flying-Fox Habitat Restoration Program. This funding will support the planting of 30,000 trees, including the ones my children dug into the ground.For families, the commitment is not overwhelming. Most Landcare and Bushcare groups meet once a month, on a Saturday or Sunday, with projects that suit different capabilities. For children, they can learn by doing.“If you are a parent with young children and are interested in getting involved, I would say try it once,” says Anderson. “We want it to be a rewarding experience and not a task, so, there’s no commitment pressures. Every little bit counts towards helping the environment.”Register your interest in planting trees on the Shellharbour City Council website.There you can also register for an event celebrating the National Tree day on 28 July. For more information, visit shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or landcareillawarra.org.au.

As National Walk Safely to School Day approaches on Friday 10 May, Shellharbour schools are gearing up to embrace the initiative with open arms. Mayor Chris Homer is encouraging children and their parents or carers to ditch the car and lace up their walking shoes. The initiative aims to highlight the numerous benefits of regular walking, particularly to and from school. Tullimbar Public School in Shellharbour is one such school participating in the initiative. The annual National Walk Safely to School Day is in its 25th year of promoting physical health, the importance of road safety and environmental consciousness due to decreased car dependency that causes air pollutionMayor Homer emphasised the significance of daily physical activity for children’s overall health and mental wellbeing saying, “I have always been an advocate of leading a healthy lifestyle. This initiative is a wonderful way of setting up regular walking habits for children.”  The initiative is championed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia. Their Chief Executive Harold Scruby adds, “Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day.”For more information click here.

Mother’s Day has ancient beginnings and a good place to start is with the Romans, who honoured Cybele (the Great Mother).She was the goddess of nature, fertility, mountains and wild animals. Raucous celebrations were held in spring, which included games, feasts, sacrifices and eunuchs.The early Christians held a celebration on the fourth Sunday of Lent for the Virgin Mary, although with less sacrifices and eunuchs. This was called Mothering Sunday and it’s still part of the Catholic tradition.The modern celebration of Mother's Day grew out of calls for peace after the American Civil War (1861-65). The writer and women's rights activist, Julia Ward Howe, wanted women to unite and bring peace throughout the world.The idea didn’t take off until 1908, when Anna Marie Jarvis, an American woman, held a church memorial to honour the legacy of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a pacifist and abolitionist.Anna pushed to have a day set aside to honour all mothers. Her campaign paid off when in 1914, US president Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May to be Mother's Day.Mother’s Day was captured by commercial interests in the 1920s in favour of a more benign celebration of mothers, with breakfast in bed, a card and a red rose.The Suffragette vision of women rising as a political class with important political and social roles to play outside the home was bypassed - but not forgotten by women in the 1960s and 70s.UK Suffragettes in actionIt wasn’t until 1924, following the slaughter of World War I, that the first Mother's Day was held in Australia.Sydney woman Janet Heyden started the tradition after seeing so many poor and lonely women in the Newington State Hospital. Many were left widows after the Great War.Historian and Emeritus Professor Richard Waterhouse from Sydney University says Christmas Day, Easter Sunday and Mother's Day, still bring people together.“In a secular society, those days have lost their importance as occasions for religious celebrations but (they) are still significant for the purpose of family gatherings,” Professor Richard Waterhouse says.“Mother’s Day will continue to be important but the role of mothers will be celebrated in different ways. Women are no longer regarded as the moral guardians of the home but equal workplace participants with their husbands.”“Mother's Day is not just about thanking women for their domestic contributions to families but also their wider contribution as wage earners and equal partners in family life.”

With Mother’s Day just around the corner on 12 May, I want to focus on ways of staying active for women in their middle age (45-64 years old) – an important but often invisible group in our community. Middle age is a crucial time for staying active, as it is when our physical capacity starts to naturally decline. Unfortunately, many during this stage may become less physically active. Women in middle age have unique barriers to being physically active, which makes them less likely than men to exercise regularly. For example, while women make up 47 percent of the paid workforce, they also perform three quarters of the unpaid domestic and care work. Often described as the ‘sandwich generation’ because of their multiple roles caring for ageing parents and their own children, twice as many middle-aged women than men are primary carers. With so many competing demands, prioritising self-care often goes out the window in the service of caring for others. Exercise may be considered a luxury or self indulgence.My argument to the women that I regularly see in my physiotherapy practice, who find themselves suddenly unable to fulfil their myriad duties due to an injury or illness and struggle to be regularly active is this: they must put on their own oxygen mask first. If they don’t take care of their own health, including being regularly physically active, then eventually they will be no help to the people who rely on them when they themselves become incapacitated.  Re-framing exercise not as self-care, but as a necessity to continue to serve others is one way to prioritise physical activity without the guilt that women so often feel when doing something for themselves. If you would like help to get more physically active, my research team is evaluating a new program aimed at supporting women aged 50 and over to become more physically active. You can find more information out about it here: activewomenover50.org.au or by scanning the QR code:

Mother’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive to be impactful. These inclusive ideas will warm the heart of your mum and mother figures in your life.Share the LoveIf words of affirmation are a mum’s love language, putting thoughts on paper is priceless. ‘Love Jars’ are a cost effective gift that little kids will love – upcycle an empty jam jar, cut up paper strips and encourage children to write down or draw things they love about their mother, grandmother or caregiver. After you give the jar as a gift, your family can continue to fill it with things they’re grateful for or happy memories. The online design tool, Canva has free templates, you can fill in and print out – just log onto the website and search their templates for ‘things I love about you.’ canva.com.auSay Their NameThe first Sunday of May is known as Bereaved Mother’s Day – a day that honours mothers who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. But Mother’s Day on 12 May is also for these mums too. Meagan Donaldson is the author of the book, Still a Mum, having experienced infant loss with her first child, Violet and third child, Remy. “You can help include a bereaved mum simply by just remembering them as a mum,” she told The Bugle. “Saying their baby’s name is something most bereaved mums love to hear. A text message as simple as, ‘Violet is so lucky to have you as her mum’ means the world.”Embrace their HobbyOn 12 May, how can the whole family get behind a mother’s passions and interests? This could mean joining a mum for their morning ocean swim – with minimal complaining about the cold water. Or, putting the kids on their scooters and bikes, so the adults can go for a run together. The annual fun-run, the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, will be held again in Wollongong this year, with money raised for breast cancer and ovarian cancer charities. You can even download a free ‘tribute bib’ to showcase the person you’re running to remember. mothersdayclassic.com.auCelebrate your ‘Bonus Mums’In addition to celebrating the woman who gave birth to you, Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate and thank the mother figures in your life. Although the term ‘bonus mum’ is commonly used to describe a step-mother, its origins are much wider – any woman who offers the love and support of a mother. Thanks to the diversity of modern families, you can buy ‘Bonus Mums’ cards, including e-cards, which can be text or emailed – just search Google, and celebrate your ‘other mothers’ too.

At parks, bus stops and anywhere that parents gather, the conversation quickly turns to one topic: sickness. In addition to COVID-19, influenza and ‘RSV’, parents in the Illawarra are quickly becoming acquainted with this year’s most-talked about infection — Mycoplasma pneumoniae or ‘walking pneumonia.’In January 2024, NSW Health issued an alert to warn that ‘cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, specifically among children of age 5 to 16 years, have been increasing.’ Symptoms may develop over one to three weeks and include fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat and malaise, according to NSW Health. Globally, there has been an increase in cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children in China, Taiwan, Philippines, South Korea, North America and Europe. This typically occurs every 3-7 years as population immunity wanes.“We call it walking pneumonia because people can be outwardly well, or seem well, but have an ongoing, lower respiratory tract infection,” Dr Michael Bonning, President of the Australian Medical Association, told ABC News. “What we see with this is, it takes quite a long time to incubate and people can be infectious for quite a long period of time.”According to The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, people with Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be infectious for up to four weeks before showing symptoms.Now, the spread is becoming apparent in Kiama and the surrounding areas. For the week ending 28 April 2024, Southern IML Pathology released a report that showed a sharp rise in the percentage of positive tests in the Illawarra, compared to 2019-2023.“For me and my kids, it started with a sore throat and a chesty cough, then headaches, body aches, fever and fatigue,” a mother-of-two from Kiama told The Bugle. After visiting their GP, and being diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, they faced a different challenge — accessing medication. “We had to visit three pharmacies to fulfill our scripts,” she says. “Luckily, once we could start a course of antibiotics, everyone started improving.”Unsurprisingly, local parents are concerned but medical experts say, it’s important to be aware but not alarmed. Mycoplasma pneumoniae generally resolves without serious complications, although a cough and lethargy may persist for more than one month. In most cases, it is readily treated with antibiotics, however, as with all respiratory illnesses, it can be more dangerous for babies, vulnerable people and the elderly.Doctor Tom Hilliar from Kiama Down Medical Practice confirms, there has been a significant increase in local cases. “GPs in our district have seen an enormous amount of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children and adults this year,” he says. “The hugely useful test, which is sometimes forgotten in hospital or even with some GPs, is to do a ‘mycoplasma PCR throat swab’. Most cases can be treated safely at home after a doctor review.”If you are concerned about the health of your or your child, Hilliar has this advice: “Please see your GP or Urgent Care Clinic if you are worried about this illness. If you can't get advice or be seen straight away, calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222 is really helpful.” 

During lunch breaks at Kiama High School, groups of year 7 and year 8 students can be found taking part in an unexpected lunchbreak activity — the fantasy role-play tabletop game, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Led by school counsellor and registered psychologist, Chris Scobie, the school has been hosting D&D groups since 2022. In the last year, it has grown in popularity, and even become an unexpected form of therapy.“I started the groups in mid-2022 with a Year 8 boys group and a Year 7 mixed gender group,” says Scobie. “The handy thing about ‘DnD’ is that you can pack up and set up relatively easily. This, combined with DnD being illuminated in popular culture with [the Netflix show] Stranger Things, motivated me to get the groups going at Kiama High.”In case you’re not familiar with the game — which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year — it involves players forming an ‘adventure party’ who explore fantasy worlds together. There isn’t really a ‘winner’ in the conventional sense. As the makers of the game explain: ‘While the goal of many games is to score the most points or win, the ultimate goal of D&D is to tell a story’. You may remember the backlash against the game in the eighties, when D&D was accused of encouraging witchcraft and satanism. Today, its reputation has taken a dramatic up-swing, as the mental health sector explores its therapeutic benefits for people of all ages.A recent Australian study found that, after taking part in eight weeks of D&D gameplay (1 hour session per week), participants demonstrated significant decreases in depression, stress, and anxiety and significant increases in self-esteem and self-efficacy over the period. A separate study from Manchester Metropolitan University suggests the game increases confidence, helps people to express themselves and makes them feel connected. For children, the benefits were even more promising, increasing their empathy, creativity and strategic thinking.Since starting D&D groups at Kiama High School, Chris Scobie has seen these benefits first-hand. “Dungeons & Dragons combines escapism, teamwork, collaborative and creative problem solving, acting, strategy, silliness and fun,” he explains. “It creates good-old structured social interaction around a table, which has become more rare these days with our culture’s obsession with screens.” Since the popularity of the D&D groups, he has also started a ‘Warhammer’ club. Students collect, build and paint miniature figures, and fight strategic tabletop battles. Warhammer offers an accessible alternative to sports-based clubs and activities. “Sport is not for everyone and students who don’t pursue sport often pursue electronic interests,” says Scobie. “A state of ‘flow’ or ‘absorption’ can be achieved in any challenging task, be it sport, music, academic, social or artistic.”For most students taking part, they simply enjoy the adventure. As a Year 8 student from Kiama High School told The Bugle: “It’s just fun! I get to raid a dungeon, purchase a donkey with my loot, then get the donkey to kick down the goblin kings’ throne room door after I persuaded his minions to mutiny”.

As children at New South Wales public schools hit the halfway point of school holidays, carers will be scratching their head for ideas, especially on rainy days when the family feels housebound. Luckily, Kiama has no shortage of activities for the second week of Autumn holidays, and many of them are free. Here are our highlights:1.Build a Lego SpaceshipOn the 23 April, anyone (aged 5 to 105) is invited to join the World Lego Space Challenge, a free event at Kiama Library, which runs from 4.30 – 6.30pm. Working alone or as a team, design and create a space vehicle that could take you across the galaxy. Visit library.kiama.nsw.gov.au2. Inflatable FunIn week two, Kiama Leisure Centre will holding three sessions of their popular school holiday program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Children aged 5 to 12, can be dropped off at the Leisure Centre for four hours of fun, which includes gymnastics, games and pool-time with inflatable toys suitable to a child’s swimming level. Cost is $31.50 per child. Visit kiama.nsw.gov.au3. Minnamurra Rainforest by TorchlightOn 24 April, see Minnamurra Rainforest at you’ve never seen it before as Budderoo National Park opens after-dark. Join an experienced guide as you explore Lyrebird Loop Walk by torchlight, navigating the suspension bridges and elevated walkways. The tour begins at 6pm and cost $25 per adult and $15 per child. Visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au4. Family Roast PicnicDiggies Kiama will be holding a Family Roast Picnic every Friday during the school holidays. Enjoy live music in the courtyard, free kids lawn games, and tennis with a delicious roast, cocktails and ice cream at a table or take away on a picnic rug. Visit diggies.com.au/kiama5. Holiday Train RidesOn April 23, Illawarra Light Railway Museum will hold school holiday train rides from 10am to 2pm. Ride trains hauled by a heritage steam or Diesel locomotive and make the most of the picnic area with free wood-fired barbeques. Prices start at $11 for children and $16.50 for adults. Children under three-years-old are free. Visit ilrms.com.au6. Outdoor CinemaOn 24 April from 6pm, pack a picnic and head to the Waterfront, Shell Cove, where there will be a free screening of the family-friendly movie, Migration, shown on a big screen on the lawn near the kid’s beach. This event is weather-dependant. To find out more, visitshellharbour.com.au7. Kiama Farmers MarketTake a break from cooking and head to Coronation Park for Kiama’s Wednesday afternoon farmers market, where the whole family can enjoy live entertainment, delicious local produce and a range of food trucks that will satisfy tastebuds of all ages. Visit kiamafarmersmarket.com.au8. Take a Playground TourAlthough Hindmarsh Park upgrade is still a work-in-progress, there are plenty of local alternatives. Parents know, the best playgrounds are close to a good cup of coffee. Popular pairings are Penny Whistlers café and Black Beach foreshore, and The Grumpy Bunny café and Coronation Park. Or, go further afield to Boongaree Nature Play Park in Berry.9 Go ThriftingA great opportunity to talk about sustainability, Kiama’s local second-hand stores can be an exciting place for children, with clothes, books, toys and jewellery that can be purchased for pocket-money. Local op shops include Salvos and Vinnies on Terralong Street, and Kiama Presbyterian Church Op Shop. 10. Surf Skate & MeditateGerringong Surf School is back with the unique school holiday program, Surf, Skate & Meditate. During the three-day program for children aged 4-15, participants will learn to surf on Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa, acquire safe skateboarding skills and be introduced to a gratitude breathing meditation. Cost is $200, including equipment and morning tea. Book at gerringongsurfschool.com.au

As the Nippers season comes to an end for local Surf Life Saving Clubs, it signals the start of the winter sports season – and there is no shortage of winter sports for kids in Kiama. This year, Kiama Downs Nippers finished its 2023-24 season early to give families an opportunity to enjoy a few free Sundays before their weekends were spent sitting on the sidelines of a sport’s field. It was a welcome decision for carers who can feel under pressure to juggle multiple sporting commitments, whether it’s netball and football, rugby league or soccer.To avoid parent burnout when it comes to winter sports, the answer could be getting more involved in the season, not less. Whether it’s volunteering or training with your children, here’s how families can embrace winter sports together.VolunteerAccording to research, volunteering can provide a sense of belonging, improve mental health and physical fitness. In 2023, Kiama Knights – a family-friendly club providing opportunities for boys and girls to play junior rugby league or league tag – had over 170 volunteers helping in different roles. It might be helping to set-up or pack up the ground, carrying water for the team or manning the barbeque. Ask at your local club for volunteer opportunities.Train TogetherAs the parents of a sporty child, it can feel like your own fitness comes second place. There are various ways for the whole family to workout together. At Taekidokai Martial Arts, they offer a family class on a Tuesday night in their Albion Park location and a Thursday night in Kiama, where children, aged four and above, and their parents can learn a martial art together in a safe, family-friendly environment. Play to your SkillsetWhen it comes to volunteering, think about what skills you could add to an organisation, whether it’s on or off the field. Kiama Little Athletics Centre are currently looking for new committee members to replace several long-serving Committee members from September. The goal of a Committee is to plan strategies to ensure the sustainable future of the club and help it to stay visible in the local community. For more information, visit lakiama.com.Think AheadEven if you can’t get involved in a club this current season, consider upskilling now to help in the future. Football NSW has a range of online training programs, from coaching and volunteering with MiniRoos, to becoming a referee. There is also a push for growing the competency and capability of female football coaches across the State. For more information, visit footballnsw.com.au/coach-hubBe a Positive SpectatorIn May 2024, the Office of Sport will kick off a new campaign called, ‘Shoosh for Kids’, which encourages positive spectator behaviour at junior sports games. They don’t want parents to stay silent on the sidelines but they do want interactions to be positive, fun and respectful. Their guidelines include: “If your comment is negative, then Shoosh. If your negative comment is directed at a child, then Shoosh. Reward good performance with applause and, if you can't, then Shoosh. The campaign is supported by the AFL, Basketball Australia, Football NSW and Hockey NSW, amongst other partners. For more information, visit sport.nsw.gov.au/shoosh-for-kids

Every year, at Kiama’s Anzac Day dawn service, amidst the crowds of people walking up to the lighthouse, are children in their pyjamas, babies in prams and toddlers holding out coins to put in the donation jars. There are many benefits to involving young people in Anzac Day traditions: it teaches children about history and the sacrifice of previous generations; it gives families an opportunity to talk about war and peace in a way that is respectful, empathetic and age-appropriate. The Aussie Childcare Network has this advice for child-friendly Anzac day activities: focus on the pride of the country, talk about the freedom we have to feel safe, bake some ANZAC treats or read Anzac-themed children’s books.You don’t have to wake up before sunrise to show your respect. This year, Kiama will offer a range of Anzac Day activities to suit people of all ages.Kiama Dawn ServiceA favourite with local children, Kiama Dawn Service knows how to put on a show. As well as the service itself, it’s an opportunity for children to see the lighthouse in action, with the sound of the blowhole in the darkness and an impressive line-up of motorbikes and sidecars. There’s also the option to head into Diggies café afterwards — they open early on Anzac Day to cater to the lighthouse crowd.Paint a PoppyLocal libraries are inviting people of all ages to ‘Paint a Poppy’ in the lead up to Anzac Day — a symbol of sacrifice and remembrance. At a series of workshops in Kiama and Gerringong libraries, local artist Kylie Morrison will guide you through a step-by-step process with classes for people aged five and upwards. Workshops run from 8 – 22 April and bookings are essential. For more information, visit library.kiama.nsw.gov.auMarch with your SchoolThe Anzac Day March in Kiama is one of the largest community events of the year with local schools offering students a chance to march behind veterans and community organisations. Although details are yet to be confirmed for 2024, last year the March began at 10.30am, with school groups gathering outside the old Council Chambers on Manning Street, before marching down Terralong Street. Students walk with educators from their schools and parents collect them from the Memorial Arch afterwards.   Plant a GardenThe ancient Greeks used to say that rosemary helped memory, and, in many countries, it signifies remembrance, particularly in Australia on Anzac Day. In the lead-up to Anzac Day, visit Burnetts on Barney Street for a rosemary plant that your family can plant together, whilst talking about how it became significant to soldiers on the Gallipoli peninsula.Escape the CrowdsIf your children are sensitive to noise or crowds, a dawn service or march can be intimidating — but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out. Ever since the Anzac Day lockdown of 2020, when people stood at the end of their driveway at dawn, some local families have continued the tradition. “It’s a more accessible way of observing Anzac Day for our family,” a parent told The Bugle. “We stand at the end of our driveway and watch the sunrise whilst listening to the Sydney service streamed on ABC radio. For us, it’s very special.” 

With childcare places in high demand in Kiama and surrounds, it would be easy for childcare centres to get complacent. At Dido Street Early Leaning Centre (ELC), however, they are going above and beyond to meet the needs of local children and their families.In 2024, Dido Street ELC – an independent childcare centre owned and run by Kate McNaughton – will be establishing a range of new leadership roles within their team. This includes an Inclusion Officer, who will oversee support for children with additional needs, a Reconciliation Action Leader to ‘strengthen cultural competency’, and a Sustainability Leader who promotes appreciation for the environment. An existing team member will also be appointed as a ‘Munch-and-Move Leader’, overseeing the NSW Health initiative, Munch and Move, which aims to promote active play and healthy eating in children from birth to five years old. And a number of staff members will lead a new foreign language program, called ELLA, which gives preschoolers the chance to explore up to 13 languages. “Staff professional development is a key factor in our teaching,” says Kate McNaughton, owner and director of Dido Street ELC. “The leadership roles are designed to enhance our ability to provide personalised attention and support to each child. By delegating specific responsibilities to dedicated leaders, we can ensure that every child receives the individualised care and guidance they need to thrive.”In September 2024, a new childcare centre, part of Little Zak’s Academy, will open in Kiama. The extra competition, however, is unlikely to be a concern for Kiama’s existing centres, who are inundated with requests from families to join their waiting list. Indeed, Kiama has been previously labelled as a ‘childcare desert’ in a report by research centre The Mitchell Institute — one of many locations across the State where child care access is scarce. It is worth noting that the problem is not confined to Kiama.In January 2024, following an enquiry into the childcare industry, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission called for more childcare support in regional and remote locations, with a focus on supporting children with disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse families.It seems, Dido Street ELC are ticking all the boxes with their new initiatives. “The love for the job speaks volumes when it comes to centres wanting to go above and beyond,” says McNaughton. “This commitment stems from a genuine dedication and passion to providing children and their families with a nurturing and enriching environment.” Click here for more information.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) has initiated a new campaign in South Eastern NSW aimed at discouraging parents from providing alcohol to their underage children. The ‘Keep their Future Bright’ campaign seeks to increase education and understanding surrounding the wellbeing of adolescents and their developing brain. The new campaign highlights that any amount of alcohol can damage the development of cells inside the adolescent brain. The detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption can range from accidents and injuries to long-term health issues.There are many short-term and long-term risks that underage drinking poses to a developing brain and feedback has shown locals participate in drinking at a concerning rate, contributing to the highest rates of alcohol related hospitalisations across the state. Dr Erin Lalor AM, the CEO of the ADF, reiterates the critical period of adolescence and the vulnerability of developing brains to even small amounts of alcohol. The campaign raises awareness about the adverse impact of alcohol on cognitive function. For a young person, the effect of alcohol on the brain affects school work, sporting performance, emotional processing skills and focus capabilities. With a focus on providing resources and information for parents, the ADF campaign strives to empower families to navigate the complexities of adolescent drinking. By understanding the needs and perspectives of parents, the initiative seeks to create lasting positive changes in community attitudes toward underage drinking. The campaign endeavours to discredit common misconceptions about underage alcohol consumption. When parents were asked, many said they believed supply of alcohol under their supervision was safer or that a strict approach might lead to teenage rebellion though research indicates that the younger children are introduced to alcohol, the more likely they are to engage in excessive drinking later in life.Recognising the cultural context of Australia’s drinking culture, the campaign addresses the influence of alcohol marketing on young people. Many companies employ a direct approach, tailoring media to young people, promoting the idea that socialising is more fun with alcohol. These messages are reaching children on social media and the internet. The campaign urges parents to resist this messaging, and create open and honest dialogue in your home. The campaigns targeted messaging and community engagement will help to aid meaningful conversations between parents and children helping to create a safer, healthier and more informed environment for future generations. For more information and resources, parents are encouraged to visit the ADF website.

Local schools are seeking parents and grandparents to volunteer as ethics teachers to help develop a future generation with strong ethical reasoning skills. In public schools across the State, ethics classes are offered as an alternative for children who do not participate in the Special Religious Education (SRE) program. However local schools in the Kiama district are facing a shortage of ethics teachers, even though the position does not require any previous teacher training or experience.Since 2011, the Special Educations in Ethics (SEE) program has been implemented in over 500 schools in New South Wales, delivered by the not-for-profit organisation, Primary Ethics. The goal is to support students to develop skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and collaborative inquiry. For young people, it teaches a variety of skills: how to listen to all points of view, disagree respectfully, resist peer-pressure without losing friends, and be able to give the reasoning behind their opinions. As a year two student from Minnamurra Public School told The Bugle: “I love my ethics classes. It teaches you about what’s fair and not fair, and how to feel proud of yourself for your decisions.”For ethics teachers, however, it is an unpaid position and requires an ongoing weekly commitment, preferably for a minimum of one school year. This means it can be difficult for parents or grandparents to juggle alongside other jobs and childcare.But, according to ethics teachers, the reward is worth the effort. Lisa Shirlaw is in her third year of teaching ethics at Minnamurra Public School. “I just love teaching ethics to my daughter and her peers,” she says. “It’s such a beautiful opportunity to see them working together and having thoughtful discussions.”  For eligible adults interested in training to become an ethics teacher, Primary Ethics offers free training both online and face-to-face, lessons scripts and ongoing teacher support. All volunteers undergo a Police Background check and a Working with Children check.“The lessons are easy to follow, all the resources are ready to go and you’ll always have the support of the classroom teacher in the room with you,” explains Shirlaw. “I would highly recommend anyone who enjoys working with the curious minds of children, and wants to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, to give teaching ethics a go.”Currently, ethics classes at Kiama Public School are held on Wednesdays, and at Minnamurra Public School on Tuesdays. To find out more, visit primaryethics.com.au/volunteer.

In the week before Easter, many local parents will be preparing for the Easter Hat Parade. On 28th March, both Minnamurra Public School and Kiama Public School will host their Easter celebrations, which include a chance for young students to create a hat and parade it in front of an audience. The tradition will also be celebrated in many of Kiama’s childcare centres. The concept comes from New York in the 1870s when the social elite would parade their Easter fashion after the day’s church services. Over the years, it has evolved into an excuse for school kids to get creative. But, in 2024, the tradition is being updated.As homemade hats have become more extravagant, with fairy lights, flashing eggs and even motorised parts, steps are being taken to reduce overstimulation for students, and to ensure that everybody can enjoy the celebrations. The disability organisation, IDEAs has published advice for schools planning a ‘disability inclusive Easter.’ Tips include, ensuring the parade route is clear of clutter and easy to navigate; practising what will happen on the day in advance, and containing cheering to only part of the celebrations. Since COVID-19 restrictions eased, many schools have continued to hold their Easter parades outside instead of holding them in a school hall. This enables people with disabilities to navigate the space more easily and for participants to feel less overwhelmed. At local schools, students with a disability are being encouraged to wear noise-reducing headphones if they feel distressed by loud noises. They can even incorporate noise-reducing headphones into their hat designs.At Minnamurra Public School, one of the highlights for young students is an Easter Colouring Competition. It’s a chance for children who aren’t excited about getting dressed-up to get into the Easter spirit in a way that isn’t as performative. But what about another Easter tradition: the Easter egg hunt? The disability service provider Scope has advice for making it more inclusive: keep eggs within easy reach for people with mobility limitations, tie balloons to eggs to make them easier to collect and always include chocolate alternatives. Woolworths offers a range of dairy-free Easter eggs and bunnies, as does speciality grocer Stocked on Terralong Street, although, get in quick as they’re expected to sell-out fast. This year, Kiama Farmers Market is also expected to return with its annual tradition – the Easter Spud Hunt. Children can search for potatoes hidden on Surf Beach, and then swap them for strawberries or chocolate, or keep the potatoes.In the spirit of Easter, traditions are being reborn and renewed, making it more accessible for all.

The Illawarra Live Steamers (ILS) started as a collection of model steam train enthusiasts who banded together to form a club to promote model engineering in general and the construction and operation of live steam locomotives, road vehicles and plant in the early 1960’s. The first official meeting of the club was in April 1965 and a raised-level track was constructed nearby at the West Wollongong Workers Bowling Club in Phillip Street, West Wollongong.In the late 1970’s the club moved locations to its current site in Stuart Park, North Wollongong with operations commencing in 1980. Over the 60 years since forming, with a lot of work the club has grown into what it is today with 1.5km ground-level 5”-gauge railway set through winding through the bush and over wetlands, as well as a 250m elevated 5”, 3½” and 2½” oval track. The club also has a Gauge 1 (45mm) dual mainline track in the centre of the grounds.The 60th Anniversary celebrations held over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of March 2024 were a chance for ILS members and our friends from other clubs to get together, reminisce on good times and run trains around the track. A short ceremony was held to recognise the milestone and the achievements of all members both past and present. The ILS is a popular track with visitors from within NSW and as well as interstate and even internationally, and we take great pride in sharing the facilities with others who always have a fantastic time.The ever-popular Hot Pot Run is our annual premier event held over the King’s Birthday Weekend in June, with the 30th anniversary of the Hot Pot Run occurring in 2024. This is a weekend of steam, scale trains, comradery, and endless cups of hot soup for members of ILS and AALS affiliated visitors alike to get together and have a run and a chat in celebration. Unfortunately, this event is not open to the general public.  We are always open to like-minded people that are interested in steam and model engineering to join our club. The hobby is much more than just providing train rides to the community, with lifelong friendships being made and travel to various clubs across the country making for a very enjoyable hobby that keeps you thinking and active. Members' interests vary from steam and diesel trains to railways, signalling, model planes, stationary engines, internal combustion engines, model boats and even gardening and general grounds care. No special skills are required and people as young as 14 can become junior members so if you are at all interested, please get in contact at [email protected] or search for “Illawarra Live Steamers” on Facebook or drop into our grounds in Virginia Street, Wollongong on the 4th Sunday of the month for our Public running Day and get in touch with one of our members.“I’ve been a member of model railways since I was 14 years old and a member of the ILS for over 10 years now. It’s a great hobby if you are interested in steam or railways and enjoy tinkering and building things. There’s heaps of support and other people to talk to, learn from and share with.”“The locomotives are roughly 1/12th scale models of their full-size counterparts. Lots of time is spent researching and building all the parts required to construct an engine, with some highly detailed models taking as long as 20 years plus to build. The steam locos work just the same as the real ones, with a coal fire and water to create the steam pressure, they are surprisingly powerful for their size and a challenge to drive.”“Lots of work goes into maintaining the ILS grounds and the track. But the work is balanced with plenty of tea breaks, lots of talking and fun using the track with our engines.”