Last week I was horrified to see a large purple and red flashing neon sign reading 'Tobacco and accessories' outside a soon to be opened tobacconist at the Woolies roundabout. Is this the sort of thing we want in downtown Kiama? How was it approved? Will it sell vapes? If so it will be a slap in the face for the government's attempts to stamp out teenage vaping. And is there a risk of it being firebombed like all those other ciggy shops in Sydney?Author details shared with The Bugle

Are there any sites in the Kiama area for Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday?Apart from Vinnies doing a walk I can't see anything on either the CUA site or Council?Jenni Stapleton

Just wanted to lob some comments in regarding some articles in the Bugle dated 24 Feb - 8 March. I don't claim particular knowledge on these topics and only know what I read in the paper and hear on the news - but given the track record of Kiama Council, I am more than happy to support any body that holds them to account.Akuna St Development - I would be gobsmacked if anyone thought Kiama does not already have a pressing shortage of car parks. It's easy for Council to say that "parking considerations are being undertaken as part of the assessment" but in reality what are they thinking about? The long term solution may sound attractive, but it is the transition detail that looks somewhat untenable. For the duration of the build project, not only are we are going to lose 100 all day parking spots, but in addition there will be competition for any available all day spaces by dozens of construction worker dual cab utes - it is going to get ugly! and certainly won't help the local shopkeepers.Dido St Development - I am bewildered by the Council opposition to the development on the basis of floods cutting off access 4 times in 2 decades! - this restriction is primarily for public access, and even in these times I'm not convinced a large 4WD emergency vehicle couldn't negotiate the flooded crossing. If we do accept the Council position, what value do they place on existing residents who are currently in exactly this predicament? One might infer that the Council is waiting for a developer to fix a known and existing problem ..... That said I'm not a civil engineer, but it doesn't seem like rocket science to simply lay pipes transversely over the existing bridge and raise the roadway sufficiently to weather the floodwater (it doesn't needs to be raised any higher than the adjacent Jamberoo Rd which is not much higher).Springside Hill Development - I am pleased to read that at least this development recognises that existing utilities have a finite capacity. The ability of existing freshwater, sewage and electricity services to accept further duplex and low(?) rise developments in the Kiama CBD must be very close to exhausted (assuming someone is actually accurately monitoring these numbers ..... ).Jamberoo is already there and Kiama must be knocking on the door. Keep up the good work looking at the issues.RigbyKiama

After living in the Kiama Municipality for many years, I would like to see a Phone Shop.As the majority of residents have a Mobile phone, Laptop, IPad etc. It has become very difficult to obtain services, unless we travel to Nowra or Shellharbour. Our population has grown, very much in the last 10 years, I feel it would be appropriate to cater for our Community. Hopefully you can send my letter to all our residents. Janet GrangerEditor note: Kiama does have a few computer shops tucked away - but not a dedicated phone shop or outlet!

Hi there.. I have just been wandering today.. being a ‘tourist! in my own town and am saddened by the condition of the gardens around our historic post office.. court house and building in between..they are unkept and unimaginative!..the library also is in need of some care.. when tourists visit us they are probably disappointed our heritage buildings and gardens are not up to scratch like other beautiful towns.. the council guys do a great job in the Main Street.. it’s a pity whoever owns our historic buildings can’t match their efforts!!Ray Kiama

I was just 21 when my hard working and loveable dairy farmer dad died of heart disease. He was 54, the same age I am now. He never saw me marry and his grandchildren didn’t get to meet him.As a teenager in class at high school I was left wondering, not if but when, my father would have another heart attack – or my family waiting until I finished my university exams to tell me dad was in intensive care again.Sadly, coronary heart disease is Australia’s number one killer, with one life claimed every 12 minutes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Like most things prevention is everything.That’s why regular heart health checks are vital for the early detection of symptoms of heart disease. To enable that genuine conversation with your health practitioner and to take action to prevent heart disease. It’s why you will regularly see me out walking with my dogs, riding my bike and enjoying our great outdoors. It’s why I love our fresh local produce made with heart and soul from the South Coast community.And every sunrise and sunset is a reminder of being thankful to be alive. I made a promise to myself long ago, to do everything possible to be around to see my children marry, and one day meet their kids too. It’s also the reason I am the Co-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Rural and Regional Health, to help improve health outcomes for people in my communities and across rural and regional Australia.Last week, Novartis, in partnership with Wesfarmers Health, brought a day of free heart health screening for people to the Nowra Centre Plaza. HeartScreen was literally brought into the community my dad lived in, so more people could get their heart health checked and to spark that conversation with their health practitioner. Tomorrow, in Parliament, Novartis will launch their report “Cardiovascular Disease Impact Model Report” to learn how we can better test, treat, and track Australia’s leading cause of death. We know that Cardiovascular Disease costs our Australian health system more than $10 billion annually and that every dollar put back into prevention, helps save lives.It might be too late for my dad, but if we can help save more lives across rural and regional Australia, then that is definitely worth it.This letter was published with permission from Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore

Going for our daily morning walk on Saturday 24th February we didn’t think it would be a problem to walk past the footy fields on the public footpath where the Kiama Sevens were on. But alas - we were told by a very junior member of the Kiama knights that there was NO Access unless we paid $15.00 ! What I asked - this is a public footpath - to which he replied - I’m sick of letting walkers through -they’re all stopping and not paying ! I was aghast - they’re probably only stopping for 5 minutes- and where is the sign that states we cannot access the footpath. So we continued our walk and were followed . Surely this is just ludicrous behaviour for two young guys to be taking the sole responsibility of stopping everyone who wanted to walk along the public footpath as usual - And I imagine probably copping abuse from some irate local rate payers . Come on Kiama Council - if you’re going to ‘rent’ out Council land for the day do it properly and signpost it. Regards J. Walsh

Dear editor, I must admit to being bemused by your article about the Supreme Court action being taken by Cr Karen Renkema-Lang against Kiama Council. The article quoted comments made by the general manager that seemed to indicate a certain irritation on her behalf about the expense to Council in defending itself against such action. It would be interesting to find out from the general manager how much was spent in the last calendar year on the redecoration of her office. I am sure any enquiry by your newspaper on this matter would be met with a stony silence.I have personally been present at public meetings in the past on matters associated with Blue Haven, and when and where the Mayor has been challenged on his role in previous Council’s as to why cost over runs weren’t identified, the Mayor has wrung his hands and lamented that he probably should have been asking questions. Cr Renkema-Lang appears to be guilty of exactly that ‘crime’ – asking questions of Council staff and seeking explanations for actions. How ironic then that the Mayor himself has been identified as the one who initiated the Code of Conduct violation against Cr Renkema-Lang! You can't have it both ways Cr Reilly! Allan HolderBlue Haven Terralong

22 February 2024   Can you help?  I am seeking your support to challenge Kiama Municipal Council’s decision to censure me in 21 November 2023 over my radio interview of 21 June 2023. In that interview I gave my honest opinion, in a way which was well researched and measured, about decisions of Council.While I do feel personally aggrieved about the injustice of the process and the decision of Council, this is not just about one individual's case; it's about defending the fundamental right to free speech, and ensuring due process in the way code of conduct complaints are handled.Freedom of speech for you and your elected representatives is a fundamental part of a healthy functioning democracy. Particularly when decisions are being made that will impact you and your community for many years to come.By supporting this legal challenge, you are taking a stand for our collective voice and to ensure a more open and accountable democracy. The freedom to express and debate a range of contested ideas along every step of the journey must be protected.You and your elected representatives must be able to do this without fear of being ridiculed, ostracised or penalised.More information is provided on the Chuffed fund-raising campaign page. If you could make a contribution or a pledge to help me challenge the Council, I would be so grateful.In the unlikely event there will be unspent funds, they will be divided equally between:Illawarra Women’s Health Centre – whose vision is for all women and girls to be respected, safe and healthy and experience full participation and equality in their lives.Reach-Out – who work towards providing better mental health and wellbeing for all young peopleWorld Wildlife Fund – Australia – an organisation that works to conserve the Australia’s and the world's biological diversity and the sustainable use of natural resourcesThank you in advance. Yours sincerely,Clr Karen Renkema-LangPlease note: These contributions do not constitute a political donation and are not tax deductible.The content of this email solely reflects the independent comments & views of Clr Karen Renkema-Lang and is not a communication or product by or of Kiama Municipal Council.

Nominations for the Australian Philanthropy Awards 2024, recognising and celebrating extraordinary achievements in contemporary philanthropy, will close on Sunday 25 February 2024.The national awards honour those working to create lasting, positive change and contributing to a generous and inclusive Australia. People and organisations from across Australia can nominate and be nominated – they don’t have to be a member of Philanthropy Australia. It’s simple and free to nominate.Philanthropy Australia CEO Jack Heath said:“I’m delighted that the awards are back for 2024. They are a wonderful opportunity to showcase what’s taking place across the country and to model great practice.“Following a review and feedback, we have made changes to the awards, including a streamlining of the nomination process. It’s now a simple 1-2 page document or a two-minute video,” he said.“We will profile the finalists for each award category, not just the winner,” Jack said. “The awards ceremony will celebrate a full range of outstanding contributions across the philanthropic sector.”Participants can nominate an organisation, individual, project or program which they believe has inspired more and better giving in Australia.The awards ceremony will take place in Sydney on Tuesday 16 April. All relevant details, including eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, can be found on the Philanthropy Australia website or directly on the Australian Philanthropy Awards site.  Nominations close on Sunday 25 February 2024 at 11.59pm AEDT.  Key award categories: Collaboration AwardInclusion AwardInnovation AwardLeadership AwardCause-related co-partnered categories:Community Philanthropy Award (presented with Community Foundations Australia in collaboration with Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and Australian Communities Foundation)Environmental and Climate Philanthropy Award (presented with the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network)International Philanthropy Award (presented with the Australian International Development Network)The Eve Mahlab AO Gender-wise Philanthropy Award (presented with Australians Investing in Women)First Nations Philanthropy AwardPhilanthropy Australia, the national peak body for philanthropy, aims to achieve a generous and inclusive Australia through more and better charitable giving. Our members include trusts, foundations, families, individual donors, companies, professional advisers, intermediaries and not-for-profit organisations. Philanthropy Australia runs the Australian Philanthropy Awards but note that you don't have to be a Philanthropy Australia member to enter.

Hear Hear Wendy McDonald regarding your letter covering the flourishing weeds at Gainsborough.Pre Christmas I to sent a letter to the Bugle headed - we’ve been invaded.One solution I put forward was a council led program involving community groups and individuals to make these overgrown areas a project that would result in long term gains for the community and individuals.Councils answer to this was to hand ball it to Land Care who in the kiama municipality are grossly under resourced.There is an opportunity here for council to take up the cudgel and earn some much needed brownie points.Dick payne Gerringong.

I am delighted at the Gerringong section of the Bugle. I am sure the local community groups will be also. Many thanks for steering the initiative to fruition.CheersGeoff Webb

Just wondering if Cr Kathy Rice has received her apology from the CEO for saying that Cr Rice’s motion to pause the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira was “intentionally politically motivated and not in the greater public interest”.Anyone who makes the effort to follow Cr Rice’s time on Council will find that she ONLY has the public interest at heart. And for the CEO to say that Cr Rice is politically motivated by her actions is totally unprofessional and, actually, quite embarrassing to have to stoop that low.Susan GriffithsGerroa

This was my experience attending the Council Chamber and I feel for the Reporter and Editor as they would have had that on 1/2/2024 Regards George Dear Politicians I was glad that I did not go as from this experience I had after allowed to come at the Kiama Council Meeting . And told you can not address the Councillors I was told on 13:12:2023 that it would be Debated on 14/2/2024 But Extraordinary meeting was to be on 1/2/2024Which IS NOW TKO of the advertised motion for DebateBut what a TKO AS it is NOW lost to come by 7to 2 by chairman who May Consider a PETITION in the future and cost more $ to the rate payer ! When ?Sorry for keeping you aware before the Christmas :AUSTRALIA DAY break what the COMMUNITY WAS told will occur !! And answer is in the Bugle 10/2/24If Bugle was not there To report This was to be a TKO By the Councillors who already made up their mind before the Contracts Of DIVERSEMENT were to occur by September 2024 for the NEW Councillor in their term if there is going to be A Kiama Council 2024 to 2027 at the Local Gov Minister of NSW shortly ! By ? 6/52 weeks Regards Dr George Puris  LIFE time member of AMA 

What a wonderful leader in the latest edition of “The Bugle”! Please keep up your fearless reporting, so much of our media is now hobbled by threats of defamation et al it is so good to read an honest and unbiased description of a matter of great community interest. PS. How fortunate for you to have such an exciting meeting to report on in our sleepy little town! Brendon must have thought “Oh yes, thank you”.C Sugar

Having closely followed the proposal by the current Kiama Council to sell the Council owned Blue Haven Bonaira retirement complex I feel it pertinent to make the following observations.Kiama Council has for more than 40 years (prior to 2020)  conducted a very successful retirement  operation known as Blue Haven Aged Care Facility (Nursing Home) and Retirement Village, Terralong Street, with absolute minimum cost to ratepayers.This establishment was the pride of the Community and earned acclaim far and wide. Kiama’s reputation in caring for its community in Community Health and retirement living was such that Emeritus Mayor Sandra McCarthy was invited to speak at various seminars both in Australia and overseas. Over 70% of those who were either living in one of 1 of 5 independent living buildings or  were residents in the nursing home were Kiama Residents.Blue Haven Terralong was managed by key personnel responsible to the Blue Haven Advisory Board which in turn reported to Council. The Board included a number of highly respected local residents.In addition to the above mentioned Council provided a wide range of community services, including Community Transport, Community Nursing, the Community Centre and Community Option advice, all under the same umbrella, making Kiama an ideal place for people to retire.Over the years a Blue Haven Auxiliary (‘Friends of Blue Haven’) worked tirelessly to provide various items for the nursing home not available through other funding channels. This volunteer group, through the Annual Blue Haven Fete and other activities  raised an amount estimated in excess of $200,000 over the years for this purpose.Independent Living establishments, by virtue of the NSW Government Legislation under which they operate and the financial benefit obtained when units are on sold reflecting Real Estate price increases, means the establishment operates in a revenue positive revenue structure.If Council sells Blue Haven Bonaira it should certainly retain Barroul Houseand its curtilage. 15 of 16 speakers at the inquiry to reclassify the land to enable it to be sold spoke against the sale with extremely strong opposition to the sale of Historic Barroul House. The Commonwealth Grant of $1.4m  purpose of restoring Barroul House was explicit in the future use of Barroul House and its curtilage.As taken from a previous letter to Council and the Bugle these included;The Proposal will maximise the public access to Barroul House providing a safe entrance and use, and enhance the community engagement of the project and understanding of Barroul house.The vision for Barroul House precinct is to be arts, cultural and community hub, helping to overcome social isolation in our ageing population and provide opportunities for children and ageing to link together in a community setting.Council will liaise with the Local Wodi Wodi Indigenous people to create a sensory and indigenous garden that tells the story of the local indigenous community in a landscaped and engaging way. It would combine plants, landscaping ie pathways, story boards and opportunities for touch, smell, and taste our Indigenous food.What a wonderful asset this currently is for Kiama.What a pity it is if this is lost.What does the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira really mean.A NSW Government condition included in the sale of the site to Council was that it was to be used for retirement purposes until 2027. This is now only 3 years away! The purchaser of the Blue Haven Bonaira would then be in a position to do as it likes including building several hundred apartments. Council would have no say.What a windfall!Should this occur, Kiama would be left without a nursing home for its predominately ageing residents. Family and friends of those requiring nursing home care would have to travel to Gerringong (if a bed became available) or much further afield to visit their loved ones. 164(?) nursing home beds would be lost in the Illawarra.In summary;Option 1   Council should retain ownership of Blue Haven Bonaira and appoint staff to manage BLUE HAVEN in its entirety.This is currently not a preferred option of Council.Option 2   Council retain ownership of the Independent Living establishment, including Matterson Hall, Barroul House and its curtilage and SELL the Nursing Home to a not for profit registered retirement provider.The issues of access and parking could be accommodated on the Deposited Plan of subdivision.Barroul House ‘coffee shop’ could be leased with a committee appointed to oversee the activities proposed above.This would ensure Council own the major part of the site and would  control the future of the site.Option 2Ensures Council maintains control of the site into the future.Council receives a considerable financial return upfront through the sale of the nursing home and derive a substantial annual income from the remainder.Residents in Independent Living Units at Terralong Street and Bonaira are subject to similar condition, both being in Council ownership. The occupants of Blue Haven Bonaira ILU’s would be comforted knowing their future is secure.       4.    Barroul House and its curtilage meet the purpose of the Government Grant.       5.     Option 2 allays Council’s concerns regarding the management of a nursing home.        6.    Preserves a future Nursing Home facility for Kiama residents in their own town.               7.    Addresses the concerns of the United Services Union re its members employment.I am committed to obtaining the best outcome for Blue Haven Bonaira and I feel the option to retain ownership is the preferred option of the wider community.This is evident by the fact that 15 out of 16 prominent respected individuals spoke strongly against the sale at the inquiry to reclassify the land to enable sale.Noel Edgell, Former 14 year (1987 – 2000) Director of Engineering , Kiama Municipal Council.

It is now 12 years since I came to live in Kiama and to reside in Gainsborough.  One of the joys of living where I do is the generous parks and walkways that make my daily walks so peaceful and enjoyable. That is, until recently. Unmowed grass and flourishing weeds are taking over the parklands through lack of maintenance, making it almost impossible to leave the pathway.  It is not only unsightly but is becoming a hazard should one walk off the beaten track.  On a recent early morning walk I espied a large flock of ducks, not on the Gainsborough Chase grassed area but congregated on the basketball court.  I swear they were debating what to do about their home being turned into a jungle!I understand that Kiama Council is working its way through some financial difficulties that may impact grounds maintenance, however, one only need visit Kiama, just a six minutes’ drive away, to see how discriminatory the Council’s maintenance policy is – picture-book garden beds, manicured lawns, not a rogue blade of grass peeping out anywhere.  This really isn’t good enough. We should not be made to feel second-class citizens, nor should we feel ashamed to take visitors through our once beautiful parklands. I implore Council to review the situation and implement an even-handed approach to the maintenance of all community open spaces.Wendy Macdonald

My biggest concern with Council has been its almost bloody minded unwillingness to engage with the community or to be open and honest about asset sales, monopolistic land ownership, changing height restrictions and scale implications. Many people still remain unaware. The Council built up good will over the years and it wasn’t until post amalgamation that fiscal misrule, and failure to oversee the administration has come home to bite an old guard still present on the Council.We were once a cooperative community, our letters were answered, compromises made and problems resolved! That seems like a long time ago. This is such a shame given the talent and resources within our community. Thank you for doing the responsible and vital job of watching out for our community. We need and have received apolitical local reporting at a high level and we are grateful for it.Many ThanksGail Morgan

Hands down, the GM's response report to Councillor Rice's NoM is the rudest report from a GM at Kiama Council I have ever read. Can you imagine if a Councillor said the GM was “intentionally politically motivated” without any evidence to support that statement? That Councillor (depending who it was of course) would have a Code of Conduct complaint slapped on him/her in a moment. However, it appears the GM can state such a thing without any worries - this says a lot. The GM states the motion is “unlawful” – the report shows that it is only the GM’s opinion as no legal advice is referred to, and allowing the Mayor to make the call transfers the responsibility to him. The NoM has been around since December and it's now February and the current report does not refer to legal advice - interesting, or is something going to be dragged out at the last minute as per usual? The report is a distraction from the issues raised in the Open Letter, ALL of which are substantiated by evidence. The report does not even quote ANY of the issues raised in the Open Letter - it's all very vague and reminds me of previous reports about the reclassification - saying a lot yet saying nothing about the actual issues being raised. And, by virtue of the GM’s accusations of this “political motivation” nonsense, essentially the GM has made it “political” because it effectively encourages people to start reacting “politically” which is what has been happening on Facebook, for example! As such, it would be easy to conclude that the GM is the one that is acting in a “politically motivated” manner rather than anybody else. What a load of nonsense. And, as for all this dumping on the Greens that has been going on: At no time in the history of Greens on Kiama Council have there been more than 2 out of 9 councillors. It is therefore not true to suggest that the Greens by themselves have ever been in a position to dictate policy. In recent times when the Greens may have proposed an alternative direction regarding Blue Haven Bonaira, they have failed in getting enough support to move forward with the proposal. If it happens that a Greens proposal is supported, it is only with the support of three other Councillors and is thus a majority decision of the Council, not just the Greens. Perhaps those posting this sort of criticism can identify a single “Greens” thing that actually progressed past the ideas stage that they find problematic. Details from Council’s meeting minutes would be good proof. And, as for the GM’s consistent statements since the 28 February 2023 Extraordinary Meeting that all Councillors voted "again" to sell Blue Haven Bonaira - that cannot be correct, because: 1. I made enquiries with the CEO as to which point in the resolution of February 2023 indicated that all Councillors voted to sell BH Bonaira “again”. The CEO advised me it was point 2, which stated: “2. Note that the commercial in confidence report substantiates the previous resolution of Council in October 2022 to divest of all aged care assets and operations (residential, aged care, home care, community transport) located on the Blue Haven Bonaira site.” Never in the history of voting at Council meetings, has the word “Note” meant “vote”! And, at the August 2022 Council meeting the CEO confirmed that “Note” was to shift away from “endorse”. This is what was said: Councillor Brown: “My question is, in the Council report ‘we receive and adopt’ whereas in this motion, point 1, we ‘note’. I just want to be clear with the CEO’s advice that because it’s a June statement we don’t have to ‘receive and adopt’ and the word ‘note’ is adequate. I just want to make sure that our motion fulfils whatever statutory requirement…” GM, Jane Stroud: “……So, I am okay if Council does not choose to ‘endorse’ it and instead shifts its wording to ‘note’” How does the GM get away with creating a new meaning for the word "Note" in February 2023, and continue to repeat the creation that “Note” effectively means “vote” or 'endorse'? Because she can, because she did, and nobody is going to do anything about it because there is no accountability in the system. Even other government departments have stated in correspondence that Council resolved to sell again in February 2023, so clearly nobody is paying attention to any actual facts - but some in the community have known that for the last few years.Debra Moore