Local council is responsible for making important decisions that impact the Kiama community. They are in charge of providing better policies, programs and services and improving the well-being of their community. What are local elections?Local government elections are held on the second Saturday in September every four years.At local government elections voters elect councillors to their local council. Elected council members run for a term of four years.It is compulsory to vote in a local government election if you are eligible to do so.You are eligible to vote if:You are an Australian citizen, or an eligible British subject enrolled to vote in Australia on 25 January 1984are 16 years of age or older (but you cannot vote until you are 18)have lived at your current address for at least one month.This upcoming election will also serve as a referendum into whether Kiama should have a directly elected Mayor. What is the role of a councillor?Local government plays a crucial role in the delivery of services for the community. Councillors are to represent the needs of the community at a local level, make decisions in their interests, demonstrate conduct that the community expects, and plan and oversee the running of business in the area. 

26-year-old Kane Presland is a manager at local cafe Penny Whistlers, a surf instructor for the Veteran Surf Project and is also fourth on the ballot paper for Matt Brown’s group in the upcoming local election.From his experience living in the area, working so many jobs, and in his role as the WithYouWithMe youth project lead when they partnered with Kiama and District Stronger Community (KDSC) to help underemployed and unemployed youth in the area, Presland is very familiar with the issues of unemployment and housing affordability in the Kiama LGA. Presland is unsatisfied with the current situation for young people and struggles to see many being able to afford to live in the Kiama LGA long term.“Housing and accommodation is a significant issue. I am lucky to have work here and would like to see a way I can settle down in my home area in the future, but currently I don’t have high hopes. Jobs are also important,” says Presland.“Working as a surf instructor for veterans who are experiencing PTSD and as the manager for Penny Whistlers, I know first-hand how important our visitor economy is, along with nature based tourism.”Presland has always been passionate about the community and understands that employing solutions to meet the community’s needs is a process heavily bogged down by politics. He hopes that the new Kiama Council will be able to quicken this process and get to the results.“I have always been community minded, having grown up in Toolijooa and Gerringong and now working in Kiama. I wanted to support the work Matt Brown has done for our area, especially his support for young people, jobs and mental health,” says Presland.“I am interested in seeing how governments can help people and communities. But not particularly interested in the politics side of it, I prefer seeing outcomes over heated debates.”Presland is hoping that he can also make an impact through bringing younger voices to the forefront of Kiama Council, but he says it’s a two-way street and that the Council can provide young people with a voice, but young people are the ones who have to say something.“I think the Council can always find ways of better connecting with young people. I think we as young people could probably articulate our concerns better too. There are some Councillors who take up our issues and who encourage us to get more active,” says Presland.  “As long as there is goodwill all round, good outcomes will be found. Maybe a more direct form of communication aimed at young people would work better than simply asking for our views from time to time.”Presland will be speaking at the Kiama Youth Forum on Thursday, August 29 from 3-4pm. If you can’t join us at that time, fill out this questionnaire for any questions you might like to ask Presland or any of the other young candidates. More information about the Youth Forum can be found here.

With the local government elections fast approaching, the voices of young people who experience our community in a different way than the rest of the population tend to fall by the wayside.Low youth participation in the electoral process occurs across most democracies. In order for young people to feel engaged and enliven the election process, The Bugle is establishing a youth forum for councillor-candidates to listen and act on the issues that affect our young community. The first event hosted by the recently established youth forum will give young people in Kiama a chance to ask constructive questions and suggest topics for discussion to the four speakers:Imogen DraismaCr Draisma is the Deputy Mayor of Kiama Council, she became one of the youngest female politicians at the time of her introduction to Council. At only 25 years old, she has advocated for a range of issues that she believes in; diversity, affordable housing, mental health, reduction of carbon emissions, maximising renewable energy resources and arts and cultural hubs.Kane PreslandPresland is dedicated to improving mental health within the community, he is actively involved in the Veteran Surf Project and Waves of Thinking. He manages the beloved Penny Whistlers cafe and is strongly committed to affordable housing and employment challenges that his age group experiences. Harrison LedgerLedger is 19 years old, making him one of the youngest candidates to nominate for Kiama Municipal Council. He is currently studying Law, Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of NSW.Jordan Casson-JonesCasson-Jones, who was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year Award for suicide prevention in 2021, is second on the ticket and he identifies that one of the main issues affecting young people in Kiama at the moment is the rise in the cost of living, and he says his first focus will be on addressing that.The online forum will be held next Thursday, 29 August at 3.00pm. The session will be guided by questions and topics suggested by an open survey, fill it out to get your questions answered. A study conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission showed that young Australians vote because it is compulsory, not because they see their vote as a form of change for the way they experience their future.“Because the government doesn’t affect my day to day life. Therefore I don’t care who gets elected,” a participant in the study said.The study found that one-in-two students feel they lack the knowledge to understand the issues, parties on the ballot and voting system.

Imogen Draisma, 25, and Harry Ledger, 19, are both on the Labor party ticket for the upcoming election and they hope that their age can supply the Kiama Council with a new and fresh perspective.Draisma, who already experienced some time as acting Mayor earlier this year when Mayor Reilly went on leave, believes that the Council must do more to engage with the younger generation of our community.“Young people are the bread and butter of our economy, they fuel our hospitality, aged and disability care to name a few,” says Draisma.Both Draisma and Ledger identify that one particular issue which affects young people in Kiama is the housing affordability problems, and they both are adamant on addressing these issues.“Young people want to stay here, but they can’t,” says Draisma. “If short term rentals take over this town it will cripple the South Coast.”“I am particularly attuned to some of the big issues of the future, chiefly housing affordability. I’m a university student now so that’s on the top of my mind,” says Ledger.Ledger at 19 is one of the youngest candidates ever to nominate himself for council. You may remember him giving up his car, which he had spent two years saving for, and giving it to a victim of the Northern NSW floods.Ledger believes that a good council should have a mix of experienced and young candidates so that all perspectives on issues can be explored.“There’s a lot of experienced voices and people around who have been in this community for several decades, they’ve seen it grow and change and this is a real asset. But I also think youth is an asset. Being a young person is a very unique experience these days and it does provide a perspective that can be valued when advocating for local solutions,” says Ledger.Ledger and Draisma are combined in saying that Kiama has struggled in the past to engage with their younger residents and they hope that a solution can be reached so that life in Kiama for young people can be a more enjoyable experience.“If we can engage young people to combat those issues on a closer level, it can become local-based activism and change how young people experience this town,” says Draisma.“There’s no formal or really decent process to get those (youths) voices elevated and that’s not necessarily an indication that something is wrong but it’s probably just an opportunity that we could, through a program or the youth forum, try and bring these voices up. It's something that we need to look at and find a way forward,” says Ledger.The Bugle are looking to start a youth forum engaging with both Ledger and Draisma, and if you’d like to get involved, communicate your ideas or ask questions, please contact The Bugle or stay tuned for our future articles on the subject.

Jordan Casson-Jones: the young addition to the Greens partyThe Kiama Greens council have added 20-year-old Jordan Casson-Jones to their ticket for the upcoming September elections and they think this injection of youth is just what Kiama council has been needing.Casson-Jones, who was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year Award for suicide prevention in 2021, is second on the ticket and he identifies that one of the main issues affecting young people in Kiama at the moment is the rise in the cost of living, and he says his first focus will be on addressing that.“My primary focus will be on relieving the cost-of-living crisis on locals as well as the housing crisis. It is my understanding that the Kiama community is a green community supportive of renewable energy and is working towards solving the climate crisis,” says Casson-Jones.Conveying Kiama’s youth residents’ opinions and ideas has been a struggle for the council over the years and Casson-Jones hopes that he will prove to be an example that there are ways to be heard in our community.“I would hope that coming in as a young person I can show that it can be done and that youth can make an impact,” says Casson-Jones.Casson-Jones believes that there are many young people in Kiama with opinions and ideas, but they just don’t know how to get these things heard.“I know of a lot of strongly minded political people in our community. In the grand scheme of things young people are faced with a lot of present issues that they are inclined to advocate about. They’re very outspoken on what they want and what they need, they just don’t know where to put those opinions,” says Casson-Jones.The third member of the Greens party, Mark Whalan, believes that having Casson-Jones on their team gives them an edge over some of the other parties.“Jordan at 20 years old is definitely bringing a whole new mix of values and skills and that is what this council needs, some diversity. I think there is some genuine criticism of the last council that they could’ve done more and I think a lot of them are fairly tired,” says Whalan.The Bugle are attempting to create a youth forum to give young people a space where they can converse and express opinions and ideas that will be heard and can actually make an impact. Whalan says that this is something that is vital to the Kiama community.“One of the big things in Australian politics is lifestyle, Australians don’t care about politics unless it affects their lifestyle personally and that applies to under 21’s in Kiama just as much. But if they want something added to the town or want to express something they don’t really have an avenue to do that at the moment. I think a regular youth forum is a great idea,” says Whalan.If you are a young voice in the Kiama LGA and would like to be involved with creating a youth forum, please get into contact with The Bugle and stay tuned for our future articles on the subject.

On 6 July, a group of Kiama Scouts participated in an enriching event organised by The Buddha’s Light Scout Association, Sydney. Held at the Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley, this one-day event welcomed Scout groups from across the globe, including Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Vancouver.The day commenced with Tai Chi in the temple’s main courtyard, followed by a brief meditation session. This initial activity allowed the students to center themselves, readying for the diverse challenges ahead, and fostered early connections with their international peers. Following this, the Scouts embarked on a comprehensive tour of the temple and its serene gardens, where they gained insights into Buddhist philosophies.Sam Hines, Kiama ScoutsMorning tea featured a Tea Meditation ceremony, an eye-opening experience for many. Participants were required to make and taste various herbal teas in silence, underscoring the ritual's emphasis on mindfulness and respect. The ceremony highlighted the significance of engaging fully in the process of tea preparation and tasting, rather than merely consuming the tea.Kiama ScoutsLunch offered a vegan menu, featuring special vegan burgers, potato wedges, rice, and spring rolls. While some students approached the meal with hesitation, the potato wedges emerged as a favorite.The afternoon was filled with engaging activities such as archery, bushcraft, and tackling a large climbing wall. Despite the challenge of retrieving arrows, the students enjoyed the archery, with many striving to hit the bullseye. The climbing wall was particularly popular, with most Kiama Scouts reaching the top.Kiama Scouts try archeryThe day concluded as an immensely rewarding experience, providing the students with a deep understanding of Buddhist beliefs and practices. It also offered a unique platform for Scouts from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate, fostering a spirit of global camaraderie and mindfulness.

There will be closures on the Illawarra Highway at Macquarie Pass between 9am and 3pm from Tuesday 13 August to Thursday 15 August.The Illawarra Highway will be closed in both directions between Tourist Road and Yellow Rock Road.Detours for light vehicles will be in place via Jamberoo Mountain Road and motorists are advised to allow an additional 20 minutes travel time for this.Maintenance work on the road will include repairs of drains and signs, maintenance of electronic signs, vegetation clearing and collection of litter.This work will be weather permitted and there will be updates if rain is predicted.

Are you aged 18-25 and living in the Kiama LGA? Want to make a real impact? We want to hear from YOU!Join our Youth Forum and make your voice heard – we will notify you of upcoming events.What’s Life Like in Kiama for You?We’re curious:What’s awesome about living in Kiama?What’s tough?What changes would make Kiama better for young people?Your Chance to Shine!This is your platform to:Share your stories and ideas.Give advice to the candidates running for council.Ask the tough questions directly to the candidates.Why Should You Join?Be the Change: Your thoughts can shape Kiama’s future.Get Heard: Make sure your voice matters.Meet Cool People: Connect with other passionate young people.Broadcast with us: Kiama Community RadioPublish with us: The Bugle NewspaperPlus, Some Perks!Free Snacks: Tasty Treats!Networking Opportunities: Meet influencers and local leaders.Certificate of Participation: Boost your resume!Kiama needs more young voices!How to Get Involved:Register Now: email us on with your name/email/phone: [email protected] Updated: Youth matters Spread the Word: Tell your friends to join and be part of the change!For more check out the Local Bugle Newspaper.Don’t miss this chance to shape Kiama’s future! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Crafting a resume that grabs the attention of prospective employers is crucial if you want to stand out above your competition. Think of your resume as your personal marketing material - it should succinctly highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications. The reader should easily understand your achievements in each role.As a former recruiter with 18 years of experience, I prefer the term Curriculum Vitae, but 'CV' and 'resume' are often used interchangeably by employers and candidates. Keep it concise: No one has time to read a novel, so aim for a shorter, punchy CV—two pages is ideal if you can fit it in. Exclude any former roles that don't support the job you're applying for or mention them briefly. Overly long resumes are rarely read; many job adverts specify a page limit for both the resume and cover letter, generally not exceeding six pages.Prioritise information: A common mistake is starting with dates, which makes the resume look like a timeline. Instead, lead with the job title, followed by the organisation's name, and then the dates served. This highlights your roles and achievements first.Structure your resume effectively: Using a simple font no smaller than 10, follow these guidelines for a well-structured resume:Contact information: Place your name, phone, email, and location (suburb only) at the top. Include your LinkedIn profile if you have one.Professional summary: Offer an overview of your career aspirations as an introduction to you.Skills summary: Present your capabilities and skillset concisely. Choose those relevant to the role you’re applying for.Work history: List your work history chronologically, covering no more than the last 10 years unless necessary. Include specific achievements for each role, which can reduce the need for extensive explanations in your cover letter.Qualifications: List your most relevant qualifications at the top. You may exclude irrelevant ones.Referees: Simply state "Referees provided upon request." Notify your referees in advance of contact from a prospective employer, and list their names, positions, and contact details only when asked.Tailor your resume: Your resume should not be a generic document. It must demonstrate that you meet most, or all the criteria required for the job you’re applying for. Customise your resume to better showcase your skills and experience relevant to the specific job. Avoid using valuable space to describe irrelevant roles.Use keywords: In today's digital age, consider using relevant keywords that companies might use in applicant tracking systems to screen candidates.Seek assistance: Many resources are available to help with resume composition, including AI-powered tools that promise instant results. While AI can organise information and ensure spelling and grammar accuracy, it cannot align your skills and experience with the job requirements. Always review AI-generated content.Keep it updated: Ensure your resume is current. An outdated resume reflects poorly on your attention to detail.Your resume is a vital tool in your job search arsenal, and taking the time to craft it meticulously can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. By keeping it concise, prioritising relevant information, structuring it effectively, and tailoring it to each job application, you can present yourself as a highly qualified and attentive candidate. Incorporating industry-specific keywords and regularly updating your resume ensures it remains current and aligned with job market expectations. Remember, a well-crafted resume is not just a summary of your past; it’s a showcase of your potential. With these guidelines, you are well on your way to creating a compelling resume that stands out to employers and opens doors to new opportunities.

During the National Tree Day 2024, the local Landcare Illawarra groups hosted plantings at Seven Mile Beach, Kaleula Headland and Bombo Headland.Students from Kiama High School worked with the Landcare volunteers to plant 500 local native trees in only a matter of hours.Landcare also organised the plants, growing the majority themselves through local nurseries.The Bush Regeneration Team also coordinated site preparation and assisted with this great annual event.Lastly, but most importantly, the Minnamurra Lions Club were chefs of the day, adding their barbecue skills to feed the horticultural hordes afterwards.

Welcome to the second instalment of our three-part series aimed at providing essential tips for young people who have recently left home. Today, we'll delve into the basics of housekeeping and laundry - areas where many young people may have gaps in knowledge. This article focuses on practical advice and useful tips to help you be economical, efficient, and avoid costly mistakes. Drawing from my experience as a professional superyacht stewardess in the 1990s, I’ve learned the finer points of housekeeping, and laundry. While it’s not my goal to turn you into a steward or stewardess, I can certainly share highly useful tips that will equip anyone at home.Let's start with laundry, an area where many people are particularly clueless, and it shows! Before anything else, sort your clothes and linens into dark, white, and mixed piles. This prevents dyes from dark or coloured clothes from greying or staining your whites and keeps lint off your black clothes. Always wash new clothes separately to avoid dye transfer, especially next to whites.Next, sort your laundry into 'like' items. Towels should be washed in the same load and never with darks. Dirty cleaning cloths or tea towels should be washed separately on a hot cycle to remove grease. All other washing can be done warm or cold since modern detergents are designed for cold washing. Never wash woollens in hot water, as they will shrink.When choosing between powder or liquid detergent, I used to prefer liquid for darks and powder for lights to save money. However, I've since discovered laundry sheets, which dissolve in the wash and are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and lightweight to carry home, that’s what I’d recommend. An obvious, but strangely overlooked task is to check pockets before washing clothes. Stray tissues will cause lint to spread, and items like phones, money, gum, notes, receipts, pens, can be damaged if left in pockets. One last important tip: look for stains whilst you search pockets and treat with the appropriate stain treatment. Not doing this will mean that stains will set and be impossible to remove later.Now for drying, even if you’re going to hang the clothes on the line, dry them first for 10 minutes and they’ll be soft and wrinkle free. Then hang them straight. They cannot possible dry straight if not pegged properly. I prefer to use coat hangers. If using a dryer only, make sure not to ‘cook’ the clothes. High heat settings can damage clothes. Always clear the lint filter for quicker and better results, and safety! You could also half-dry and then hang inside – straight – on the hanger! I have literally written a book on housekeeping – a training manual in fact - but I'll spare you the long version. Here’s a streamlined sequence to clean properly:Start with emptying rubbish, then approach the dusting.Begin at the top and work your way down, as dust falls.Microfibre cloths are great since they trap dust.Long-handled dusters made from microfibre will help you to reach walls and ceilings.Bathrooms come next:Start at the far end and work your way out.Vacuum the floor to remove hairs and dust, then mop.Open windows and doors to allow circulating air to dry the room.In the kitchen:Begin with the heavy jobs, such as cleaning the stove and oven, as grease can cause fires.Wipe the benches.Clean the fridge next. With clean benches, you can place the fridge food down while you wipe the inside with a vanilla-based product to handle food smells.Discard anything that doesn't pass the smell test but remember that some items may still be good even if they are past their use-by date.Reorganise your fridge thoughtfully identify items that need to be used up soon, to avoid waste.Re-wipe the benches and sink, making sure to clean the underside of the plug.Clean your bins regularly to avoid smells.Descale and clean dishwasher filters regularly to remove caught food. Rinse plates before placing them in the dishwasher for better results.General cleaning tips:Opt for eco-friendly products and use them sparingly.Elbow grease* works well in most cases. [In Gen Z speak this means ‘make an effort’.]Avoid air fresheners, which only mask smells. Identify and address the source of odours. Open windows to get fresh air inside; it’s much more effective than a costly spray. Flowers, indoor plants, lemons, or baking can create a pleasant aroma.Once in a while vacuum underneath the lounge cushions, and under the furniture. When I was growing up, we had a formal Sunday lunch once a week. This was when mothers taught their children how to set the table and cook a meal – the basics of ‘entertaining’. Since that happens far less these days… stay tuned for the final part of this series, where we’ll cover basic cooking and table setting.

Young people embarking on an independent life, outside of the family home will not only need to successfully secure a job but also begin navigating the myriad aspects of adult responsibility. Observations of young people in this age group reveal a significant gap in basic life skills essential for adulthood. These include understanding the rental market, budgeting, employment and taxation, entering contracts, and general self-care.To bridge the gap in life skills education, ideally, schools would incorporate practical "how-to" lessons for students in their final years. However, the focus often remains on achieving high HSC marks. Consequently, the responsibility of teaching these essential skills falls to parents. Yet, many parents might not realise just how unprepared their young adults are for life outside the home.One crucial area for those who have left home is navigating the rental market and applying for a rental property. Quite apart from finding a suitable place in the current market, and being accepted by the landlord or agent, you would have had to save for the bond, equivalent to four weeks' rent, which is lodged with the Rental Bond Board. Additionally, you'll need to pay two weeks' rent in advance and set up a system for regular rental payments. Tenants and landlords both have rights and responsibilities, and it's beneficial to familiarise yourself with these by visiting the various government websites. An easier option is often to share accommodation, and this can be quite easy via various share house websites, such as Flatmate Finders or Flatmates. Also bear in mind that some financial assistance can be obtained for students in certain circumstances. Another aspect of adulthood is pet care. Many find that their new rental does not allow pets, leaving parents to care for their animals. Before taking on the responsibility of a pet, it's crucial to consider whether you have the means and stability to provide long-term care.Budgeting and understanding employment are other areas where young people often lack knowledge. For instance, you need to factor in taxation when calculating your income and budget. This isn't intuitive if you've never been employed before. For example, a gross annual salary of $55,000 translates to a weekly income of $1,058, but after taxes and Medicare, the take-home pay is approximately $876. This discrepancy significantly impacts budgeting. From the net weekly income of $876, you need to allocate funds for rent, food, utilities, phone, internet, streaming services, transport, clothing, HECS debt, credit card or personal loan repayments, and entertainment etcetera.One critical skill I had to teach my son was how to shop effectively. While it may seem obvious to those of us with experience, the value of weekly grocery specials can be eye-opening for the uninitiated. Understanding that buying products on sale or switching brands when they are significantly cheaper can help stretch a budget further is a valuable lesson.A key strategy is to stock up on non-perishable items when they are half-price. However, it's equally important to avoid overbuying perishable goods, which can lead to waste if they spoil before being used. Learning to balance these aspects is crucial for efficient and economical food shopping.Similarly, clothes shopping requires a strategic approach. Instead of focusing solely on brands and logos, it's wiser to prioritise style, fabric quality and value for money. This shift in perspective can lead to better purchasing decisions and a more versatile wardrobe. We're still working on perfecting these skills but starting to adopt this mindset sooner rather than later makes a significant difference.Legal responsibilities and voting: Upon turning 18, young adults can have their own Medicare card, and also need to register with the Australian Electoral Commission to vote in elections. This is often overlooked but is an essential civic duty. Additionally, as legal adults, they can enter into contracts for mobile phones, internet, streaming services, health insurance, and utilities. While car ownership offers independence, it also comes with expenses like repayments, insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial to avoid legal and financial pitfalls.Personal safety is another critical consideration. Simple security practices, such as not being alone with strangers, locking windows and doors, not leaving valuables in plain view, and using strong, unique passwords, can help prevent many potential issues. These practices may seem like common sense but often need to be explicitly taught and reinforced.Basic household cleaning and maintenance is not something that young people have ever had to shoulder responsibility for, yet are essential for safety and hygiene. In a nutshell: Clean filters on hair dryers, vacuums, clothes dryers, and air conditioners regularly. Ensure oil and grease are cleaned from barbeques, ovens, and stovetops to prevent fires. Regularly clean range hoods, check smoke detectors, and never leave appliances on unattended. Avoid quick fixes on electrical appliances and ensure outdoor vents are clear of debris.Preparing for adult life is multifaceted and requires a combination of practical skills and knowledge that are often overlooked in traditional education. By filling these gaps, whether through parental guidance or self-education, young adults can navigate their new responsibilities more effectively and confidently.

It’s an ongoing debate within early childhood education.Some parents love being sent photographs of their little ones throughout the day. Others would prefer educators to focus on caring for their children.Across daycare centres and preschools, it has become normal — even expected — for parents to have access to an online app, such as Xplor or OWNA, which allows educators to post a feed of snapshots showing what their child is learning, playing and eating.But is it necessary — and what about digital safety?Now, the Federal, State and Territory Governments have come together to clarify guidelines for taking photos of children in childcare. Working with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), long daycare centres, preschools and kindergartens are encouraged to adopt the new National Model Code and Guidelines. These are an interim measure while government child-care safety reforms are being worked out.The guidelines include restrictions on using personal electronics to take photographs of children — instead a “service-issued device” must be used. Personal electronic devices that can take or record images, including smartphones and smartwatches, should not be carried when providing early childhood care, unless for “essential purposes”, such as emergencies and health reasons. The guidelines also dictate how images are stored and the use of ‘inappropriate’ images. For example, if a child is in a state of undress.The ACECQA notes, there are benefits to taking photos of children to share with their families.“This type of communication can and does play a role in engaging families and carers in a child’s education and care experiences, particularly where there may be low levels of literacy or English is not a first language.” There are downsides. Constant documentation can ‘reduce educators’ ability to supervise, interact and engage with children.In Kiama, early childhood education services have already begun exploring their electronics policies, with the support of families. The Kiama Preschool use the OWNA childcare app to share updates but not to post photographs. Instead, every child has a scrapbook, which contains printed photographs of their activities. At the end of term, kids take the books home to show their families. Dido Street Early Learning Centre (ELC) road-tested a “no technology day”, during which the educators did not take any photographs of children, even on service-issued devices. The feedback from educators and children was positive.Staff reported feeling calmer without the distraction of needing to take photographs and were able to facilitate more meaningful interactions with the children.Dido Street ELC is exploring further opportunities to promote a healthy balance of technology-use in the centre with input from families.

Gilmore school students in years 10, 11 and 12 are eligible to enter the national ‘My First Speech’ competition, with entries closing on 27 July.The competition provides an opportunity for a student from each year group to be flown to Canberra, with a parent or guardian, to present their speeches live and undertake a program at Parliament House.Students are asked to consider what they would say, if they were a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives and record themselves presenting the speech on video.Fiona Phillips, MP for Gilmore encourages local students to speak up about the things they feel passionate about. Drawing on her background as a TAFE teacher and a dedicated mother of four, Phillips was compelled to enter the world of politics to give back to her community. “I love supporting community organisations. I love being able to shape policies, services and infrastructure that will help our communities into the future,” she said. For more details, go to: 2024 My First Speech Competition. Entries close on July 27 at 11.59pm AEST.

By Alexandra PeadeJamberoo Public School's Grade Two students dazzled audiences at the recent South Coast Dance Festival staged at the IPAC theatre, Wollongong, where they joined 500 peers from 24 schools in a celebration of movement mixed with storytelling. Despite most having little to no prior dance experience, the 18 students from Jamberoo captivated the audience with a performance that embodied resilience, colour and courage.Under the guidance of choreographer Mrs. Green, who shaped the dance inspired from the movie Sing, the students learned more than just dance steps. Green's choreography emphasised themes of pushing through hardship, building resilience, trusting oneself, and embracing challenges—a message that resonated throughout their colourful and energetic performance.The young dancers took to the stage adorned in rainbow-coloured tutus as well as super cool rockstars adorned with smart, velvet, red jackets - their costumes praised for their creativity and vibrancy. The guitars used by the rockstars were crafted with care by members of the Kiama Men's Shed, a gesture that added a local touch and community spirit to the event."Only a handful of our students had danced before, but that didn't deter them," remarked Mrs. Peade, the Grade Two teacher at Jamberoo Public School. "They showed incredible bravery and enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of the festival." Early in the rehearsals, one student had mentioned that he would be too scared to be on stage. Then, just three weeks before the performance he decided to stand on stage and give it a go. Mrs Peade said, “Nothing is more special than having a student choose to be a little uncomfortable and then reap the benefits a thousand fold in front of your eyes.” The South Coast Dance Festival not only showcased the talent and dedication of the students but also highlighted the importance of performing arts education in NSW public schools, which foster creativity and confidence.Parents, teachers, and fellow students cheered as Jamberoo Public School's troupe brought joy and energy to the stage, demonstrating what can be achieved through determination and teamwork. There was no quieting the Jamberoo staff and parents who were particularly raucous and encouraging in the audience, this definitely made the performers feel revved and ready to perform before entering the stage and, of course, made the happy tears flow. As the curtains closed on their performance, the students of Jamberoo Public School left a lasting impression, reminding everyone present that with perseverance and a willingness to try, anything is possible even when you are only seven- or eight-years-old.

It’s a thought that parents of teens have daily: “What is my teenager thinking?” A new survey of Year 12 students across Australia offers some helpful, and surprising, insight.  In its biggest survey yet of school leavers, the University Admissions Centre (UAC) asked nearly 17,000 students what matters most to them — and the results were revealing. The main takeaway: Year 12s are resilient but they’re feeling the pinch like their parents. Overall, the report found, mental health concerns are down. Students feel stressed less frequently in 2024 compared to 2023. This marks the best mental health score in the survey’s four-year history.But the cost-of-living crisis is traversing generations. In 2024, “cost” is an issue for 43 per cent of students choosing where to study, up from 34 per cent in 2023. When asked what mattered most to them, 42 per cent answered with “supporting my family”, followed by affordable housing and job security.Holly Pastor, Careers and Transition Advisor for Bomaderry High School, says the report rings true for local schoolchildren. “Many of our students indicate they are worried about supporting their families and about securing affordable housing post-school, highlighting the need for careers education in schools to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about their future,” says Pastor. “The ongoing support of Careers Advisers and teachers more broadly is vital to help students build resilience and confidence as they transition to higher education and the workforce.”Young people are working more, eating less, avoiding medical support and borrowing money to cope with the rising cost of living, according to data from the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP); 31 per cent of young people are skipping meals and 27 per cent have avoided seeking medical services. Chris Scobie, School Counsellor for Kiama High School, says students are concerned about the economy, and practical support is crucial.“Firstly, I encourage students and young people to know and utilise their support network — older personal and professional contacts that can help guide them to educated decisions on career, wellbeing and financial pathways,” he says. “This could include parents, carers, teachers, counsellors, careers advisors.”Instead of downplaying the cost-of-living crisis, he says it’s important to teach young people the skills to cope with a challenging economy.“Acknowledging and practising the wellbeing benefits of time management, organisation and budgeting can help instil a sense of confidence, life competence and an ‘I got this’ attitude,” says Scobie.“Monitoring and budgeting money spent on eating out, socialising and entertainment can be a vital factor in ‘staying on top’ of the financial challenges of modern times — no matter what age you are.”To read the full version of the Student Lifestyle and Learning Report 2024, visit: uac.edu.au

Nineteen Year 12 students from Kiama High School's Geography and Marine Studies classes recently embarked on a five-day excursion to Cairns. This trip was integral to their HSC studies, focusing on the Great Barrier Reef as an ecosystem at risk. The students explored the biophysical interactions on the reef, assessed human impacts on its health, and studied management strategies in place to protect it. Additionally, they conducted surveys with tourism operators and tourists, enriching their understanding of the relationship between people and economic activity.During the excursion, the students engaged in snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, hiking at Mossman Gorge, and visiting Port Douglas. The itinerary also featured a day trip to the Atherton Tablelands, where they marveled at the Cathedral Tree and Lake Eacham. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and represented Kiama High School admirably throughout the trip.

Youth Week 2024 (11 - 21 April) has been hailed a success by both young people and their families. Hosted by Kiama Council’s SENTRAL Youth Services team, Youth Week was packed with a variety of activities and events to provide entertainment and a sense of community for people aged 12-24 years. The festivities boasted a variety of engaging options, such as classic favourites like a day at Zone Bowling, which included laser tag, arcades games and bumper rides. Other events included an outdoor movie night and gaming sessions at the SENTRAL cottages. SENTRAL also encouraged the creative side of young individuals, providing an array of workshops including 3D printing and painting. Other events fostered exploration and appreciation for our environment, such as fishing outings that provided an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about marine life. For those seeking more adventurous experiences, an overnight camping trip featuring kayaking and bouldering offered a chance to develop survival skills, resilience and teamwork. The theme of Youth Week 2024 was ‘Express, Empower, Get Loud!’. SENTRAL services did a great job providing opportunities for young people to emulate these values, providing them with experiences and educational opportunities to build skills and feel empowered in a safe and inclusive environment. The young participants got to have their say for future Youth Weeks, with suggestions such as deep sea fishing, surfing, rock climbing, and biking all at the top of the list for next year - a challenge the SENTRAL team is more than willing to accept.  

Kids Helpline, run by yourtown, has unveiled a new mental health care platform called ‘My Circle,’ in response to the growing demand for mental health support digitally. In collaboration with several stakeholders, including the Bupa Foundation and the University of Sydney’s Cyberpsychology Research Group, My Circle offers a free, private, and anonymous social network, moderated by clinical professionals and provides a safe space for peer support. The platform introduces a new level of accessibility for how young people access and receive mental health assistance.Tracy Adams, CEO of yourtown, emphasises the urgent need to address mental health challenges that young people face today. “We cannot allow mental ill-health to become the new norm in children and young people,” she states.Supported by a $1M investment from the Bupa Foundation, the platform has already gained significant traction with nearly 4,000 new users last year, 70 per cent of which falls within the age group 13-17. With an age range of 12-25 years old, young people in the Kiama area are encouraged to join the free platform. My Circle has seen a lot of growth since it began in 2021 and is a safe and private way for our youth to connect on matters that are prevalent to their peers with qualified Kids Helpline Counsellors monitoring. With its innovative approach, involving young people in the design and implementation of the platform, and commitment to empowering young people, My Circle represents a significant step forward in the provision of mental health support for teenagers in Australia. Fore more information and to join the platform you can click here.