A shout out to the bloke who for the past two weekends has single handedly mowed (with his own mower) the public park near the kids play equipment at corner Hillview Cct and South Kiama Drive. Legend!

To whom it may concern,It disturbs me to read the anonymous letter in the 28th January edition of The Bugle that takes aim at Kiama Council for 'treating the ocean as a rubbish tip'. Given the amount of rubbish and litter that is left or deposited in bins by locals and visitors to the area, the Council does a remarkable job and needs to be thanked for cleaning up after us. The offenders here are the public who do not dispose of their rubbish as they would in their own home. Keeping our locality clean is as much our responsibility as it is Council's.  By Michael Barbato

To the Editor, The Bugle: This advertising billboard has been anchored opposite the Sebel Hotel since 22 December 2023. It takes up a parking space which should be available for those visiting the hotel or nearby houses, for tradies servicing this area, for emergency crews, for customers at Yves and the Penny Whistler, and for visitors to School Flat and Black Beach—including those who attended the New Year’s Eve fireworks.If every business in Kiama parked its vehicles in public parking areas, their clientele would vanish. The visual blight in question is innocuous enough, but what if such vans were to display liquor or gambling advertisements, or advocacy for Palestinian or Jewish causes, or volatile political positions? After a month at anchor, this anomaly should be declared an abandoned vehicle and towed away, at the owner’s expense. Kiama Council should consider setting time limits on parking along Minnamurra Street, as it has along Terralong, Manning, and Collins Streets. Yours, etc., Bruce Ryan

I took the photograph from my handbag and sat it on my lap as I waited patiently for my turn at the psychic reading. While the others around the table were listening intently to the first reading by Sapphire, the resident psychic, I scanned their faces: a habit I had acquired since I began working with the police. After years of investigation it was now time to wrap up the cold case I had been recently assigned. I already had a plethora of evidence however there was one more step I needed to take in order to secure a definitive conviction. The suspect had to give themselves away. Most of my uniformed colleagues found my methods rather unusual; however I was building up a long list of satisfactory arrests and convictions that many envied. The historic Grand Hotel was the perfect setting for a psychic reading session and it wasn’t the first one I had organised there during the course of an investigation.“Who’s next,” Sapphire announced after abruptly finishing her first reading.I quickly handed her the photograph before anyone else could respond. She ran her hand across the face and held it up for all to see. Then she began:“Ah, a sweet girl with a lot to say from the grave. I see a grisly death. Near water. It seems she wants the truth of it to come out so she can pass over.”I scanned the faces of my suspects sitting unknowingly next to my invitee plants. I was particularly interested in anything revealing from my main suspect Tom Hughes. However, nothing. Yet. I waited patiently.Sapphire looked at the back of the photograph, shut her eyes and continued:“Her name is Sophie.” Addressing the photograph directly she followed with: “Sophie, can you hear me? What do you want us to know? Can you tell us who did it? Who took your life-force away?”With these few words my main suspect Tom Hughes started wriggling in his seat and loosening his collar. His face was beginning to redden. Under the table I could sense his foot tapping on the floor. All signs of rising anxiety. He was also eyeing the exit door.Gotcha! I thought.So, before he had time to make a dash for it, I surreptitiously sent the message with the initials TH to my team. Then, as they stormed into the lounge to arrest him, Sapphire winked at me. She had played her part well . . . once again. I'll definitely use her next time, I thought. It always amazed me how easy it was to lure suspects to a psychic reading session with free tickets they thought they had won. I smiled as they took him away in handcuffs.On the way back to my car I stopped when I heard some of my favorite music coming from the Festival at the Showground in full swing. I smiled and did a little jig.  I've still got it, I mused. The rhythm that is!

Biodiversity loss is what is risked when pristine natural habitats are destroyed. Right now, the Australian government is currently destroying and continuing the planning of destruction of tens of thousands of square kilometres of land and sea that have been designated wildlife habitat and protected sanctuaries for decades. Industrialising the last of our untouched natural environments will not save us from damage created by the industrial revolution. We need to find Earth friendly solutions to our problems. We cannot afford to continue worshipping at the altar of heavy industry and high finance. Our biodiversity and wildlife welfare is threatened by plans to cover tens of thousands of square kilometres with massive monster turbine fields and the required steel, concrete and giant electric cabling and substation infrastructure required to facilitate their domination of Australia's last pristine natural areas of land and sea. The areas under threat add up to the size of many countries, like at least Switzerland or several dozen others! These activities include an outrageous production of CO2 emissions from manufacturing, operations and use of vessels, air and land transport, all of which depend on fossil fuel power. The absurdity of this CO2 production makes a joke of claims these efforts will lead to lower CO2 emissions. The devil is in the details, especially on this topic. Anyone who bothers to look into those details would see a gnarly tangle of special interests and deep pockets leading to ecocide on a grand scale and, ultimately, a widespread biological collapse, as what is left of the natural world is industrialised beyond recognition and the industrialists, who created our current carbon crisis, continue marauding across the face of the Earth.The government of the day has a costly PR team working hard to paint a picture of the opposition as in deep need of psychiatric treatment and the turbine plans and corporations as benign and beneficial. And they are using our own tax dollars to push this narrative as hard as possible, while moving forward with plans behind the scenes that do not include contributions or representation from the communities and wildlife they are destroying.At some point, media other than Sky News, is going to have to start looking at what is happening. Those of us in opposition realise opposition to Labor in general will take advantage of the opposition to wind turbines. However, a large contingent of those in opposition are long-time Labor and Greens voters, horrified to learn what their representatives have chosen to do behind their backs. Where is the fair press on this topic? In hiding it seems!Regards, Jean Walsh

I write in response to the letter from Kate Jackson, representative of Boral on 22/12/23. Ms Jackson correctly points out that Boral’s sand mining activities on the current site in Minnamurra (known as 5B) are legal and were authorised by the NSW Independent Planning Commission. So yes -Boral is within their legal rights to mine this area of enormous ecological, historical and cultural Aboriginal significance. However, Boral can be well-reminded that the actions of companies in 2024 will be judged not solely on whether you can do something but whether you should. Rio Tinto was within their legal rights too when they detonated the 46,000 year old Aboriginal culturally significant Juukan Gorge caves in 2020. The international community and shareholders judged these ‘legal actions’ as falling short of societal expectations with untold reputational damage to Rio Tinto. So Boral, should a historical heritage site, the probable site of the Minnamurra Massacre be destroyed when there are alternatives? Should you ignore the wishes of the local Aboriginal people after you consulted them? History is likely to say no. Come on Boral, do the right thing here and by stepping away the goodwill you engender could return you far more profit. Dr Fiona MackieKiama Resident

During my art exhibitions at Kiama's Old Fire Station I am constantly asked if there is a harbourside designated seafood restaurant nearby, that celebrates the coastal aspect of the town. Sadly apart from the take away outlet, the best located buildings around Black Beach are public toilet blocks. Looking at the convenience block near the courthouse, l think how wonderful it would be to have more than a public loo clogging this quite awesome view.Sadly this quite dated building is very much an example of a 1950's council approach. How about placing the loo facilities lower into the ground with an awesome seaside grill / oyster bar above, to really give the site an ability to celebrate the location.Black Beach and Kiama harbour needs at least one facility to give locals a seven-day chance to actually add a water level restaurant with a huge Wow factor view.Kiama is a very special tourist destination. It should be possible, with vision, to achieve such a dream.Regards,Greg Martin Vale

To the editor,I would like to respond to the letter in the Bugle from Boral regarding Aboriginal Heritage matters at the Boral Dunmore sand mine near the Minnamurra River. Boral’s claims of extensive consultation with Aboriginal people, their questioning of the proximity of the sand mine to the Minnamurra Massacre site, and the downplaying of cultural significance of the area for Aboriginal people really needs to be challenged. They gloss over the fact that traditional Aboriginal custodians Gary Cains and Sharrylin Robertson, supported by Illawarra Land Council, have appealed to the Federal Government to protect the high cultural heritage values of the site from sand mining. Their claims are contradicted by the findings of Dr Corrigan, the independent consultant appointed by the Minister to report on the need to protect these heritage values. In this report Dr Corrigan said: The mine area as of particular significance to Aboriginal People in accordance with their Laws and Customs; The Heritage Management Plan prepared for Dunmore Sand & Soil Pty Ltd is not considered to provide sufficient protection for the potential burials from injury or desecration.There is evidence indicating potential burials being in close proximity to, or overlapping part of, the approximate location of the 1818 Minnamurra Massacre site as set out in a map prepared by Professor Lyndall Ryan, as part of the University of Newcastle’s Frontier Massacre Mapping Project. Dr Corrigan’s report also concluded that to avoid the destruction of Aboriginal heritage values, the entire area should be protected from sand mining. Boral’s claimed consultation doesn’t necessarily equate to listening and we believe that Boral has not heard what Aboriginal people have been telling them. Their selective citing of the IPC finding that the massacre was unlikely to have occurred within the proposed mine area is not supported by the extensive work done by Professor Lyndall Ryan on the Frontier Massacres and which has been acknowledged by Dr Corrigan. Sewing doubt about this history is disrespectful to the living Aboriginal descendants of the massacre, who are genuinely concerned about the desecration of this cultural landscape, it perpetuates notions of invisibility and undermines truth telling. Howard H Jones Secretary, Gerroa Environmental Protection Society PO Box 71 Jamberoo

To the editor,As many in the Kiama community know, Boral has been a strong supporter of the local people and economy since we established a presence in the Illawarra region through sites that have been in continuous operation for more than 100 years.As a major employer of the region we employ directly and indirectly more than 100 people from the region at our Dunmore Quarry, concrete plant, and adjacent Dunmore Sand and Soil operations, supporting families and contributing to a strong local and regional economy. We have supported a number of community groups over the years, including the Shellharbour Field Archers and local Yacht Club, and have supplied machine and labour at no cost to assist the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council prevent unwarranted 4WD access. We have successfully relocated a Scar Tree to Killalea State Park and had a display built for educational purposes and in discussion and negotiations to gift the neighbouring community half of the rehabilitated Dunmore Lakes subdivision. We are committed and pleased to be a part of this community. There has been recent reporting on the objection of our Dunmore Lakes Stage 5 site. While we recognise the right to object to developments, we would like to provide clarity that Boral has undergone a rigorous process from the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) – including reviewing evidence for the site of Aboriginal heritage significance – and received all necessary approvals to operate our expansion. The IPC granted Boral approval in November 2020, after a detailed assessment that included consideration of Aboriginal heritage and consultation with the public and 20 Aboriginal groups who registered an interest in the project and the site, including the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council (ILALC).As part of the findings, the IPC concluded that while a massacre of Aboriginal people is likely to have occurred in the broader geographic area it was ‘unlikely to have occurred within the proposed disturbance area’ (i.e. the area now operated under the Stage 5 project). An extensive Cultural Heritage Management Plan has also been approved and is in place for the site. The plan includes unexpected finds protocols which we have not had to use to date.With the robust process completed, and the approvals granted, the reports that Boral is undertaking destructive activity on significant Aboriginal sites are simply untrue. Specifically, Boral has received the approvals required to continue our sand extraction works from Dunmore, which is critical in State and Federal infrastructure projects, such as the Western Sydney Airport, and our ongoing operations enable us to continue our role as a long-term employer in the region. The sand retrieval works are a key plank in our ability to supply cost-efficient material to support critical infrastructure, construction, affordable housing and building activity in the region, and the greater Sydney metropolitan area.We will continue to work collaboratively, as always, with all levels of government and stakeholders in the local community. This extends to collaborating with the local community on the future of Bombo Quarry in 2024, and exploring how this site can contribute to local housing supply need within the next 5-10 years.Kate JacksonHead of Property, Boral

Hi there, this is Amanda from Kiama Pie Shop on Railway Parade. She deserves to be recognised as the best customer service person. Always smiling, multitasking, everyone in the store agreed. Just wanted to give her a shout out. Thank you!

2023 Christmas Messagesfrom Leaders of Christian Churches in AustraliaWe are soon to celebrate God’s presence with us in the birth of Jesus and we also encounter the reality of our world and the difficulties so many face. There is such a contrast with the beauty and wonder of the Christmas story and the present-day reality of the Holy Lands.The angels sum up the expectation of Jesus’ birth in what they say to the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem:‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’Their song was full of hope and joy: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, goodwill among people’.They enter Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus and worship. Bethlehem now is within the West Bank of Palestine and is about 70km from Gaza. Not far at all. Tensions in the West Bank are also high and Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem will be muted and Manger Square may be without the usual festive lighting.Our hearts echo the cry of the angels and we with them pray ‘on earth peace and goodwill among people’. Goodwill includes concern for the other, approval and affirmation, and actively expressed care. Much goodwill is needed!When there is heartfelt goodwill it is a sign of peace being made real. Australia’s First People need to experience goodwill from us all. Those overwhelmed by the cost of daily life need to receive goodwill in this special time of year. People in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank need goodwill from and for each other.Our prayer this Christmas could be that all in distress will experience goodwill, love, peace and justice.Reverend John Gilmore, PresidentNational Council of Churches in Australia(NB. In the Western Church, Christmas is celebrated on 25 December2023.Most Orthodox Churches will celebrate the Feast of the Nativity on 7 January 2024.)#16 messages from National Church Leaders follow.For more information, contact the NCCA Secretariat on 9299 2215.Anglican Church of AustraliaWithout being too dramatic, we are living in very difficult times! There is a very real cost of living crisis that is felt by everyone, but especially lower income earners and long-term renters. Our nation has been at each other over the Voice to Parliament. There continues to be significant domestic violence towards women. The effect of global warming seems to be growing exponentially as evidenced by significant weather events including Cyclone Freddie, the longest lasting recorded tropical cyclone in history. There were catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey/Syria, Morocco, and Afghanistan. War continues in Ukraine as well as between Israel and Hamas, civil war in Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and others.As a nation we seem exhausted. As communities and individuals, we are carrying a heavy burden and a weariness. It can appear that there is no hope, and we are left on our own.There can be a very strong desire to switch off, to disconnect, to try to ignore some of the harsh realities of life.But the good news of Christmas is that God did not disconnect but in fact leans into the world with all its challenges.At his birth, Jesus entered into the messiness that was and is human life. And Jesus, now having died and been raised and ascended to heaven, continues to lean into our world. He continues to be faithful to his promise to be with us always. He continues to be there offering hope and peace and rest and love.No matter what we are facing, Jesus coming as one of us, coming into our situation, continues to remind us that God is always there for us: he continues to lean in – no matter how tough the situation.My prayer is that as we are reminded of the events of the first Christmas, we will know the reality of our God who leans into our reality and champions the cause of good and righteousness and peace. May you draw near to God and know his close presence with you.The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide, andPrimate, Anglican Church of AustraliaAntiochian Orthodox ArchdioceseChrist is born, Glorify Him!“And I will make my home among them and live with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Cor. 6:16) God had sent prophets and even angels to call man back to Him, but it was necessary for the Creator himself to stoop to earth to lift man to heaven. The coming of the Saviour was to wipe off the dust from the image of God in man and to restore him to His rightful place as heir of His Father’s kingdom. That’s why Christmas time is the best time to pray to God and seek His love and blessings for the festive occasion and also for the year that is soon to arrive.May Our Lord Jesus Christ, the newborn, shower you with His choicest blessings on Christmas and bless you with a holiday season full of happiness and smiles.I wish you all a happy and blessed Merry Christmas.His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios, ArchbishopAntiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the PhilippinesAssyrian Church of the EastThe angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Because today a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2: 8-14)We pray the same glory of God that shone upon the Shepherds on the day of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ may enlighten the hearts and minds of all humanity, so that we all live in peace and harmony.And that Christians together may celebrate this feast of Nativity in joy and peace, especially our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.We pray that this Holy Day will be filled with blessings, peace, and tranquillity all over our troubled world.O' Lord Jesus Christ lead us to live in the path of your eternal light, You are the light of the world. He who follows You shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.May the blessings of His nativity be with us always.His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, MetropolitanAssyrian Church of the East, Diocese of Australia, New Zealand and LebanonCatholic Church in AustraliaDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,One of our popular Christmas Carols begins with these words: What child is this who, laid to rest on Mary’s lap, is sleeping? Very quickly, the carol moves to an answer: This, this, is Christ the King, the babe, the son of Mary.Each year, as Christmas comes around, we are invited to let this same question - what child is this - arise in our minds and our hearts, and to reflect on the answers which emerge.The question is, hopefully, one which matters to us. It is certainly one which matters to the Lord Jesus. You will recall the time when Jesus asked this very question of His apostles: who do you say that I am?When Simon Peter, the leader of the twelve apostles, responded to Jesus on their behalf, he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”. It is an answer which is not so very different from the one given in the Christmas Carol. And it is the same answer which has been, and continues to be, at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus is God among us as one of us. In His humanity, he is accessible to us, just as we are accessible to each other. We can know Him - and grow in our knowledge of Him - just as we come to know each other. And we can love Him - and grow in our love for Him - just as we can deepen our love for those closest to our hearts.But Jesus occupies a unique place in human history, for His humanity both conceals and reveals His divinity, if only we look and listen with the eyes and ears of faith. In coming to know Him, we come to know God. Jesus said so himself. “To have seen me,” he once said to one of his apostles, “is to have seen the Father”. When, especially in the pages of the gospels, we hear him speak we are hearing the words and voice of God. When we see him bringing hope and healing to people, we are witnesses to the compassion of God in action. In every encounter he has with people, we are being given an insight into who God really is, and what it is that God seeks to do and be in our lives.This is why Jesus can proclaim Himself to be the Way, and the Truth, and the Life: not just one of many ways - but God’s way; not just one truth competing with others - but God’s truth; not just one option for life - but Life itself, the divine life, offered to us as a gift.Our Judaea-Christian tradition rests on a profound belief: that we are made in the image and likeness of God. This truth reaches its highest expression in Jesus Christ who is, quite literally, the perfect living, human image and likeness of God. In Him we see who and what we are created and called to be - and in Him we find a companion on our life’s journey who can, if we let Him, enable us to be who and what we are called to be.This Christmas, like every Christmas, we are invited to hear once again God’s call to us, made real and concrete in Jesus, to come to Him when we are weary and over-burdened and find our rest in Him; to remain among those people who once walked in darkness but who now walk in the light; to allow ourselves to hear deep within us the echo of His voice telling us not to be afraid for He is with us.What child is this who, laid to rest on Mary’s lap, is sleeping?This, this is Christ the Lord - Come let us adore him.May this be a time of deep happiness, of reconciliation and peace, and of joyful hope for the future for you, your families and all those who are dear to you. A happy and holy Christmas to you all.The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of PerthPresident, Australian Catholic Bishops ConferenceCatholic Church in AustraliaChinese Methodist Church in AustraliaWho is the main character of Christmas?Before Christmas, people like to prepare gifts for their loved ones. They like to write Christmas cards to wish them well, decorate their homes with lights, and put a bright star on top of their Christmas tree. During all this festivity, who is the main character of Christmas?The best gift of Christmas is Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Christmas reminds us that the birth of the Holy Child Jesus is God's finest gift to humankind.The best blessing of Christmas is Jesus. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Christmas is God's blessing of abundant life through the birth of Jesus.The brightest light of Christmas is Jesus. John 8:12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” The birth of the Lord Jesus brings the light of life that all humankind can find.May Jesus be the best gift you have ever received this Christmas. May Jesus be the most beautiful blessing in your life this Christmas, so that you may live life to the full. May Jesus be the light of your life this Christmas and illuminate your way ahead.Reverend Milton PK Nee, BishopChinese Methodist Church in AustraliaChurches of Christ in AustraliaThe Best Gift of AllImagine opening a gift and then treasuring only the wrapping. Would it not seem ludicrous for a box inside, perhaps containing an expensive pair of shoes or a watch, to then be discarded?The Christmas season, with all its tinsel and trimmings, offers some shiny feelgood wrapping, too, but it is often sadly valued more than the gift it encloses.Christmas surely packages up the best gift of all, the gift of freedom and redemption that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.His arrival two thousand years ago allowed everyone, then and since, to have someone give his life as a substitute. He was perfect and therefore qualified to pay through his death for our every shortcoming, sin, or shame.That paved the way for us to connect with God for eternity. All we need do is receive this gift and open it. It is surely worth more than the Christmas wrapping of this busy festive season.The gift would not have been possible had Jesus failed to come as God in human form. He descended and lived among us on that first Christmas to become, for us, for all time since, the best Christmas gift of all.Reverend Dr. Rob Nyhuis, National ChairChurches of Christ Council in AustraliaCoptic Orthodox ChurchDiocese of Melbourne and Affiliated RegionsWhy the manger?Why did the Lord choose to be born in a manger? The manger is an unclean place that is not fit for any normal mother to give birth. What’s the significance to be born amongst the animals that are mostly set to be slaughtered?We will mention five reasons that perhaps agree with the Lord’s mission and His spirit.Finding that this was the only place available for the King of Kings to be born - resembles the sad state of the world and that Christ just wants to be born in our hearts.It was the nature of the Lord as the true lamb going to the slaughter to be born in a manger - predicting his sacrificial nature.To choose to be born in the poorest of places - to show there is no prejudice with the Lord who treats everyone equally, and gives attention to the vulnerable.To give man the greatest lesson about humility - how humility is the opposite of pride.To start His journey towards the cross in a symbolic way that defines his mission and vision towards our salvation by denying himself of every comfort and worldly pleasure.On behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia we wish everyone a wonderful and blessed Feast of Nativity. May the lessons of the manger address all of our spiritual needs towards a joyful Feast of Nativity.Very Rev. Dr. Father Abanoub AttallaCoptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Melbourne & Affiliated RegionsCoptic Orthodox ChurchDiocese of Sydney and Affiliated RegionsMessage for the Glorious Feast of the Nativity 2023On this great and joyous occasion of the Feast of the Nativity, it is my pleasure to wish you all the blessings of the Mystery of the Incarnation. Our celebration of the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is a celebration of the wondrous Mystery of the Incarnation, which reveals God's love for us.He accepted to come to our world and assume complete human nature with a rational soul, as St. John the Theologian wrote, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).The main purpose of the Incarnation is our salvation from the dominion of sin, death and corruption. This is revealed when the Archangel proclaimed that the name of the Child is to be "Jesus", which means "Saviour".In the Annunciation of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Archangel Gabriel told the Holy Virgin, the Mother of Light, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus". Again the Archangel appeared to Joseph and revealed to him the mystery of the Holy Conception; he told him, "Do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:20-21).Thus, God's goal to save us from the dominion of sin, death, and corruption was achieved through the Incarnation.We rejoice because the wondrous Incarnation of God the Word reveals God's love for us. Therefore, we ought to "love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Furthermore, God's love for us compels us to love one another in a practical way through our actions. St. John reminds us, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:11), and "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18).We celebrate Christmas this year amidst worldwide problems, especially economic hardships. Many families, especially those with limited income, face the burden of rising inflation and increase in the prices of basic necessities and commodities. We pray that God may provide for everyone from His abundant riches and save the world from wars and inflation.However, we also are required to remember our needy brothers and sisters, and actively participate in benevolent works, remembering St. Paul's word, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:9-10).Moreover, We pray that Christ the Prince of peace, grant peace tranquillity and harmony to the world particularly in Sudan, the Middle East and Ukraine and other parts of the world.May God bless our country Australia and bestow prosperity and harmony upon its people.In ChristHis Grace, Bishop DanielCoptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Sydney & Affiliated RegionsDiocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill among men” (Luke 2:14)Some two thousand years ago, joy and peace were heralded by the angels through the birth of Jesus which was witnessed by the Magi of the East and the shepherds. Though this message of peace and love was embraced by few and has transmitted to our days, humanity today is far from achieving that peace and harmony as one can imagine.Currently the whole world is in turmoil, the war in Ukraine, the war in Gaza, the ethnic cleansing of over one hundred thousand Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), just to mention a few. All these because of the greed of mankind, multinational corporations needing more raw materials to enrich their pockets and in so doing, do not stop against anything. As a result, tens of thousands of people are killed, many more maimed, the poor gets even poorer, and many starve to death while tonnes of food are wasted by the rich throughout the world.The Christians in the Middle East and so the Armenians, are suffering because of wars and conflicts between various groups and powers. Moreover, in Armenia, people experience the aftermath of the disastrous war of 2020 with Azerbaijan. Because the world at large did not react on this unjust war, thousands of people were killed, tens of thousands wounded and many were forced to leave their ancestral homeland. Now Azeris, empowered by this fact, realised their scorch earth policy eliminating ethnic Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and forcefully exiling more than one hundred thousand Armenians from their native land.Whilst here at home, a month before Christmas we see Christmas trees all around, Christmas carols heralding with joy the birth of Christ, many hold “Christmas” parties just to eat, drink, socialise, have a good time and exchange gifts, while the hero of the event, JESUS, is noticeably absent, and his message is not heard.As Christians it is our duty to reintroduce Jesus to our society. “Peace I leave with you; not as the world gives, do I give to you” (John 15: 28). A peace by which one is in harmony with his inner self with God, with the people and the world at large. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you…by this all will know that you are my disciples” (John 13: 34). As Jesus did so, we through our love to fellow man, must care for the poor, the sick, for the animals, nature, thus helping the wounded world to heal.It is time for humanity to fulfil the vision of Isaiah the Prophet “They shall beat their swords into ploughs and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4) or “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food” (Isaiah 65:25).Let us heed and follow the words and the example of the newborn Prince of Peace, let us be the true custodians of this world bringing joy and happiness to all, where people can live in peace and create harmony.Christ is born and revealed, blessed is the revelation of Christ.With Prayers,Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian, PrimateDiocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New ZealandGreek Orthodox Church of AustraliaProtocol No: 2895"Come, let us rejoice in the Lord, as we tell about this mystery. The middle wall of separation has been broken down; the fiery sword has turned back, the Cherubim permits access to the tree of life; and I partake of the delight of Paradise, from which I was cast out because of disobedience. For the exact Image of the Father, the express Image of his eternity, takes the form of a servant, coming forth from a virgin Mother; and He undergoes no change. He remained what He was, true God; and He took up what he was not, becoming human in His love for humanity. Let us cry out to Him: You who were born from a Virgin, 0 God, have mercy on us."(Troparion, Great Vespers of the Feast of the Nativity)The mystery of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ has established "once for all" (Heb. 10:10) a new reality, which not only embraces every human person, and indeed, all created existence, invisible and visible, but allows all to truly participate in the fullness of the salvific and transformative divine grace it boundlessly and abundantly imparts.Out of His infinite love, the Word and Son of God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, without ceasing to be "true God from true God", took on the very fullness of what it means to be human, except sin, in order to heal, renew and recreate human nature, not only restoring it to its "original beauty" but raising it to participation in divine life. The mystery of salvation is precisely the refashioning of the human person as truly human by "partaking of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).This mystery of Christ's divine-humanity, which is an ontological reality for Christ, becomes in and through Him an existential reality for each and every person. In order for us however to experience and participate in the mystery of Christ's divine­humanity, that it may truly become a reality in our lives, we must first and foremost strive to make Christ the centre of our heart, indeed the very centre of our existence, with true faith, love and hope in His person. By following Christ, who is the source and fullness of truth, love, and goodness, and fulfilling His life-giving commandments, in repentance and love for each other, we can truly live the fullness of life, who is Christ Himself, here and now and eternally in His heavenly kingdom.May we open our minds and hearts to Christ our Lord and God, so that we may be refashioned and renewed by the mystery of His love.Wishing all a blessed and joyous Christmas, I remain,Prayerfully yours,Archbishop Makarios, PrimateGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of AustraliaLutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand“Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”Did you realise that words of Joseph are not recorded in the whole of the nativity story. We hear ABOUT him, but we don’t hear FROM him. Joseph disappears from the stories of the New Testament, with the last mention of him being the episode where twelve-year old Jesus remains behind in the temple.Joseph doesn’t speak but he tells us what it means to be held fast by a story that is so much greater than us. We might say his actions speak louder than words, as he teaches us what is means to step into each new day with hope. Joseph discovered that his fiancé, Mary, was pregnant with a child that was not his. In the ancient world at the time, this was a difficult thing for an engaged couple. His society gave Joseph the option to publicly renounce her so she could be punished.But Joseph resolves to quietly break off the engagement. In this decision, our “voiceless” man of this Christmas story teaches us good moral behaviours such as: Be kind to others. Sometimes retreating is a good choice. We can lose for the sake of another. But there is so much more for us in Joseph’s story. In what happens next to Joseph, we are reminded that the heart of this Christmas story is not something that Joseph has done, but some that God does. This is something extraordinary and unexpected, that God does through Joseph, for the world.Just when Joseph thought that he had carefully mapped out how things were going to be resolved, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and tells him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”The angel’s words alter Joseph’s world forever. He finds himself caught up in God’s plan to reach out in love to the world, to deal with sin and evil at work in us. The angel’s words made it clear to Joseph, that what was happening with his beloved Mary was God’s work. From this revelation, Joseph discovers that he is much more than just a man doing the right thing by his Mary. God calls Joseph to speak something that has been spoken by millions and millions of people since that angel visit in Nazareth centuries ago. With all his seeming silence in the nativity story, Joseph is given the privilege to speak the name of the Lord Jesus. The angel had commanded Joseph, “You are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.”How do we know that Joseph was changed forever? His actions speak louder than words. As a changed man, he took Mary to be his wife, with no regard for what people might say about him taking on someone else’s baby. As a changed man, he welcomes the privilege of providing fatherly care to the boy who would one day be nailed to a cross for the salvation of the world.The bright hope of the Christmas story is the message that God has broken into our world to change us. God’s calls us to join in this new way that anticipates God at work on the frontiers, in unexpected places as we live a people of hope in the presence of a gracious God. In our contemporary world we are confronted by news of wars and conflicts, at home and far away. We ask God to give us the faithfulness of Joseph, that we would find our place in this hopeful way of the “Prince of Peace-making”, acting in kindness and mercy in the Lord’s name.On behalf of the people of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand, I pray a hopeful and joyful Christmas for you and for your loved ones.“Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”Reverend Paul Smith, BishopLutheran Church of Australia and New ZealandReligious Society of Friends in Australia (Quakers)“Peace on Earth, goodwill to all men”Christmas is that time when many of us joyfully celebrate the birth and the life of Jesus of Nazareth and pay particular attention to his example and teaching of peace and love.We ‘spread the love’ with family and Friends and it’s usually a happy time where we eat together and share gifts. Do we also remember those who do not have friends or family and can we find some way to include them in the festival?These last few months have been the antithesis of peace on earth. For the Middle East and the Ukraine and for other conflicts in the world, hatred and mistrust prevail and peace seems a long way away.Quakers and other people of faith know that true peace starts from within, from intimacy with Spirit or the Light, from a deep peace which can guide our life. We all have a role to play in building up the conditions for peace in the world, for rejecting conflict and working for justice.The joy and love that abounds at Christmas time can give us a sense of hope and remind us that‘Though love is weak and hate is strong,Yet hate is short and love is very long’.   (from Naylor Sonnet #3)Bruce Henry, Presiding Clerk,Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in AustraliaThe Salvation Army AustraliaThere’s a beautiful song that says….Light of the worldYou stepped down into darkness.Opened my eyes, let me see.Humbly you came to the earth you created,All for love’s sake became poor.Here I am to worshipHere I am to bow downHere I am to say that You're my GodLight of the world. Hope of the world. Jesus came. God with skin on his face. Came to show us how to live like him and for him. Saviour, Lord, King.That’s who we worship at this time of year. That’s who we worship at all times of the year. This beautiful Jesus.And it seems the world needs a whole lot of light right nowIsrael and PalestineUkraine and RussiaCost of living crisisHousing crisisShifting valuesA postmodern, post Christian worldA world that sometimes seems unstable.And, still this beautiful Jesus steps down into darkness, and asks his people to do the same.In a very dark room, a lit candle or torchlight changes the darkness.We are called to step into the darkness, and just like Jesus, bring light to our world.Pray for the people of the nations, for aid, for negotiators, for peace.Step into the darkness in our nation. Light comes from...Those who form “real community” and love beautifully.Those who serve day after day.Those who find and provide housing.Those who represent and share Jesus beautifully.Those who live like and for Jesus.Light of the world. Hope of the world.Every day, we have opportunities to be that.I think we all need that this time of the year. Light, hope, loveJust as Jesus came as light to our darkness, I invite you to be light into someone else’s world this Christmas.Matthew 5:14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.Step in. Step up. Shine! Jesus invites you to. The world needs you to.Have a wonderful Christmas, and may you be the means by which someone else might find the true meaning too.....light, life, hope, peace, joy.Bless you.Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial CommanderThe Salvation Army, AustraliaUniting Church in AustraliaIn this season of celebration, the mood seems far from celebratory in many places.In Australia many people are struggling to afford food and shelter. Others have watched their homes and livelihoods burnt in fires or destroyed by drought. Violence and war continues in places like West Papua, Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Ukraine. Some we notice. Others we don’t.This Christmas we will sing carols which speak of stillness and silence on the night of Jesus birth. At the same time, we watch and read about the violence taking place in these same lands, death and suffering that is almost beyond fathoming.Our hearts cry out as we see hospitals bombed, hostages held, babies dying for lack of basic care and homes crumbling. What does it mean to say the Prince of Peace has been born?The story of Jesus’ birth is not one that occurs in a fairy tale world of stillness and calm. Rather Jesus comes as a vulnerable baby into a precarious world, born into empire, shadowed by violence.Jesus’ birth is the announcement by God that God wills the end of violence and suffering. Jesus is God’s way of standing in solidarity with us, arriving into all our brokenness and beauty. His coming is a herald of God’s joy, hope and peace.Christmas invites us to meet God in all of life, our despair, our suffering, our wonder, our celebration. Let us rejoice in the confidence that God dwells with each of us and the whole world in love, a love that heals our broken heartedness and helps us find peace and joy.Happy Christmas!Reverend Sharon Hollis, PresidentUniting Church in Australia AssemblyAustralian Christian Churches - ACC‘God with us’Christmas is a celebration of God’s response to a lost and lonely human race. He demonstrated His immense love for us through the gift of His Son – Emmanuel – which means ‘God with us’.The Bible tells us that Jesus ‘became flesh and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14). He came to be with us, with the mission to make a way for us to live in relationship with God forever.What a wonderful message for a world that shows the growing effects of loneliness. There is something within us that cries out for a sense of belonging. The shifts in modern society have caused us to be more isolated than ever, despite having so many ways to connect to each other. Loneliness, it seems, is at epidemic proportions.This season gives the Church, and individuals alike, an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. As people gather to enjoy the festivities with family and friends, let’s spare a thought for those whose loneliness is amplified at this time of the year.Mother Teresa put it so succinctly: ‘The problem with the world is that we draw our family circle too small’.As we celebrate the wonder of a God’s extravagant love, expressed in Emmanuel, may we seek to enlarge our circles. Let’s be people that look around us with the hope of finding those who are standing alone; and open wide our hearts and doors to those who need to know that they are oved by God and loved by us.Pastor Wayne Alcorn, ACC National PresidentAustralian Christian Churches- ACCAustralian Baptist MinistriesChristmas is not what it used to be. The Christmas in the Bible was less a season and more an occasion.We spend a lot of money; Christ was born into poverty. We consider Christmas a ‘family time’; Mary and Joseph were Internally Displaced Persons (and later refugees). We hang lights and ornaments and decorations; the manger was, at best, lined with clean straw. We give lifeless objects that shine, taste good, or use batteries; God gave a person — His Son Jesus Christ.Everything about the coming of Christ contrasts with the ways in which we ‘celebrate the season.’ We embrace the culture of consumption with little more than a sideways glance at the claims of Christ.I'm no saint in this regard. My own inconsistencies shine like a spotlight amidst the tiny flashlights of other people. But I desire to be different. The first step towards change is acknowledgment. We need to diagnose and name the disease before prescribing surgery.My disease is holy secularism. The symptoms include an honourable mention for Christ, but He is mostly excluded. Look around and you’ll see it at epidemic proportions. Many of us have unintentionally become infectious carriers.The disease drives us to catalogues more than to Christ; it draws us to shopping centres and distracts us with sales. We want presents with a bow, not the presence of God. Give me the latest gadget, not the gospel truth. Sing about Santa, not the Saviour. Open the wallet, but not the home.Of course, we'll join in the carols, listen to the talks, and even add angels to the tree. However, the Christ-event which calls us to simple gratitude and humility, morphs into a season of impulse-spending, binge-buying, and excess. We use sacred terms to justify ourselves ... generosity, thoughtfulness, love, and family. But sometimes we let the marketplace, not the Master, define those terms.I suspect the waiting list for this spiritual surgery might be long. But somewhere deep within us, an authentic light pierces the darkness and compels us to consider why Christ came in the first place. Search ‘Luke 2 Message Bible’ in your browser for a booster shot.Reverend Mark Wilson, National Ministries DirectorAustralian Baptist Ministries The NCCA is 18 Christian Churches, who have embarked on a pilgrimage together. We each bring a widely varied history of place, experience, and theology, but we share a common faith and confession in the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour. We also share a common future as we are convinced that the future of Christians in Australia lies together, not in separation. Key facts:"We are soon to celebrate God’s presence with us in the birth of Jesus. Our prayer this Christmas could be that all in distress will experience goodwill, love, peace and justice." President, National Council of Churches in Australia, Rev John Gilmore.We share messages from the following: Primate, Anglican Church of AustraliaArchbishop, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the PhilippinesMetropolitan, Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of Australia, New Zealand and LebanonPresident, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference - Catholic Church in AustraliaBishop, Chinese Methodist Church in AustraliaNational Chair, Churches of Christ Council in AustraliaCoptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Melbourne & Affiliated RegionsBishop, Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Sydney & Affiliated RegionsPrimate, Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand Primate, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of AustraliaBishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New ZealandPresiding Clerk, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in AustraliaTerritorial Commander, The Salvation Army, AustraliaPresident, Uniting Church in Australia AssemblyNational President, Australian Christian Churches - ACCNational Ministries Director, Australian Baptist Ministries

Detective Johnson switched on the tape recorder, relaxed into his chair, and placed his notepad on the desk in front of him. He stared directly at the old man sitting opposite and began the interview. “Good morning. I am Detective Johnson. This is Constable Watkins,” he said gesturing to his sidekick. “For the record can you please state your name, address and date of birth”.“Santa Claus. I Christmas Lane, North Pole. Not sure about birth date, late C14th I think.”“So,” Detective Johnson began, “you say you are Santa Claus.”“Yes. That is correct.”Detective Johnson picked up the arrest sheet. “It says here you were arrested last night for Break and Enter after being caught climbing through a window at 4 Boronia Drive, Kiama.”“Yes. But I wasn’t breaking in. I was delivering gifts. Don’t you know what Santa does?”“Hm. Do you have any identification on you?”“What! No, Santa doesn’t need identification,” the old man exclaimed.Detective Johnson jotted a few things down on his notepad then turned to Constable Watkins.  “Did he have anything with him besides the empty sack?” he asked him. The Constable instantly shook his head.“OK,” Detective Johnson said, turning back to the old man. “So why was your sack empty?”“Magic. The sack automatically fills with the right gifts for the children of the house as soon as I am under the Christmas Tree,” the old man explained.“Hm. And why are you not wearing the red outfit Santa is supposed to wear.”“I can explain that too,” the old man replied. “Mrs Claus sent it to the cleaners, and it wasn’t back in time, so I had to make do with this,” he said as he stood and pointed to his dishevelled pants and shirt.” And before you ask about the reindeer and sleigh, they were frightened off by the sirens of the police car. They will come back and get me when I am released.”“Well, I think that is enough for now,” Detective Johnson sighed, turned off the recorder and turned to his Constable again. “Take him back to the cells. We’ll talk to him again a bit later.”“The cells are pretty crowded,” the Constable replied.“So how many more do we have to interview today?”“53…it’s going to be a long day.”Seriously, not another busy Christmas, I’m already over it!” Detective Johnson exclaimed.“Yeah. Me too,” Constable Watkins added as he turned back and escorted the old man out of the Interview Room and back to the cells.    

"Your elected representatives need to be focusing on bringing Council's finances back into the black. To demonstrate Council is able to generate enough revenue to pay its debts when they are due. Not just this year or next year, but in a sustained way – year in year out.In order to do this, in my view, priority should be given to:1. Optimising revenue from existing Council business units, and looking for new ways to generate revenue.2. Minimising reliance on selling property, cashing in financial investments or drawing on funds set aside for other purposes.3. Drawing more effectively from the significant expertise in our Business and Volunteer communities.4. Setting up a single fully functioning IT Financial Management System capable of producing accurate, reliable and complete financial statements and reports.5. Produce fully audited unqualified Financial Statements in line with Statutory Requirements.Free speech, contested debate, transparent and accountable decisions, and community engagement are fundamental aspects of Council’s ability to be able to achieve the above.Elected representatives must be able to freely express their point of view. To challenge and debate ideas and views that may differ from that of Council staff or other Councillors. Contested debate is what leads to good decisions in the best interest of the Community.As Councillors we have an obligation to question staff. To verify what is said. To be satisfied that we have relevant, complete and accurate information to inform our decisions.As Councillors we also have an obligation to be transparent about what has informed our individual views and decisions on why we vote a particular way.These things are the essence of good Governance.In my view a common understanding across Council is required about how we can meet these responsibilities and obligations in a mutually respectful way without fear of reprisal.Finally, our municipality has an abundance of people with extensive knowledge and expertise in local government and importantly who can also provide valuable insight in prioritisation of community expectations for the future of our Municipality. In my view Council would benefit greatly from embracing this valuable resource in a more comprehensive way into the future.For those who want to learn a bit more about me and what I see for the future of Kiama you might like to listen to my Kiama Community Radio interview from 26 September 2023. 

The Bugle has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve received since creating the Blow Your Bugle column, which gives residents of the Kiama LGA the opportunity to share their thoughts on the issues that directly affect us all.We decided to allow anonymous comments for those that want to share their opinion without receiving prejudice. The Bugle has independently verified the identities of those that submit anonymous comments before publishing to ensure they come from residents of the LGA. However, we understand that just because The Bugle has verified this information, readers can’t be assured that these comments came from a genuine source within the community. For that reason, The Bugle will no longer publish comments from anonymous authors.If you would like your comments published in the Blow Your Bugle column, you will need to provide your name and the suburb you live in.We will, of course, continue to accept anonymous comments, and may use them in the course of our regular reporting. Thank you readers for your ongoing support. Happy commenting!

The following is a letter from Councillor Mark Croxford, JP in response to an ‘Open letter to Councillors from Sandra McCarthy OAM and Howard R Jones’, republished with permission.Dear Sandra and Howard,Thank you for your letter regarding the future of BlueHaven. Your engagement and concerns are appreciated.Council has resolved to sell the BlueHaven Residential Aged Care Facility. Personally, I hold the view that Council should not be involved in managing either Residential Aged Care or Independent Living Units. The circumstances under which BlueHaven was established in the 1980s have dramatically evolved. Changes in federal aged care legislation, heightened accreditation and compliance requirements, and the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care have significantly altered the landscape of aged care management.My personal connection to BlueHaven, particularly the memories of my mother's final days in the Mackellar Ward, are deeply meaningful to me.However, as an elected representative of our community, my duty is to make decisions based on the broader welfare of all residents, ratepayers, and business owners. Operating BlueHaven detracts from our ability to provide the essential Council services that our community expects and deserves.In this context, I will not be supporting your call to pause the process currently underway, nor any action that would result in instigating an independent review into the sequence of decisions. I believe the current path is the most responsible and prudent course of action for our community's future.Please be assured that my position is guided by a commitment to the overall progress and welfare of our municipality, balancing the practical considerations with the emotional aspects of this matter.RegardsMark

The following is an open letter written by former Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy OAM and former Kiama Councillor Howard R Jones to the current members of Kiama Council and the Minister for Local Government, republished with permission.Re: Lack of Social Licence for the proposed sale of Blue Haven Bonaira and call for an independent review.Council’s website indicates that the closing date for tender proposals is 19th December2023. This suggests that Councillors will be called upon to select a new owner early in2024.Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence a.k.a. Blue Haven Bonaira, is part of Kiama’smost significant public asset, an asset which has helped to define Kiama LGA for manyyears, an asset which is part of the highest employer in the LGA and which has touchedthe lives of a large part of the Kiama area community.These facts place a serious burden on the Council to ensure that the community isprepared to give Council a “social licence” to sell the asset. The term refers to the“acceptance” granted to the Council by the community to act in some way. It goesbeyond whether or not the Council has acted legally. The Ethics Centre suggests:The social license to operate is made up of three components: legitimacy, credibility, and trust.• Legitimacy: this is the extent to which an individual or organisation plays by the ‘rules of thegame’. That is, the norms of the community, be they legal, social, cultural, formal or informalin nature.• Credibility: this is the individual or company’s capacity to provide true and clear informationto the community and fulfil any commitments made.• Trust: this is the willingness to be vulnerable to the actions of another. It is a very high quality of relationship and takes time and effort to create.In this letter we highlight matters which suggest the community remains unconvinced that all avenues leading to retention have been investigated, that much of the decision making has been out of sight and that confusion in the status of Kiama’s financial circumstances has allowed an ideological belief that Aged Care is not core business for Kiama Council to dominate the outcome from the beginning.The lack of trust engendered by this process will have long term implications for Council’s relationship with its community as we face the challenges of the next decade.Our Request:We call on Council to support a motion:1. To suspend all action on the process of the divestment of assets located at Blue Haven Bonaira, on the basis that the process lacks a social licence, has not been transparent, has been flawed due to incorrect and changing financial statements during the course of the debate, and that the process has lacked any serious reference to the historical corporate knowledge of what has been a successful model of opera/on of the service by Kiama Municipal Council over decades.2. Following a suspension of action (as per 1. above), to seek an intervention by theMinister for Local Government to independently review the entire process (reclassification and proposed sale) so that both Councillors and the Community can be fully informed before such a major decision is made.Background to these concerns:A sale of Blue Haven Bonaira and Community services would be the finalisation ofwhat has been a confusing and complicated process for Council and the Communityand would involve the loss of Kiama Community’s most significant public infrastructure asset, and an aged care service for the Kiama Community which has been part of defining Kiama as a compassionate and caring Local Government Area for decades.Such a profound sale must not only tick any legal boxes, but should also satisfy therequirements of a “social licence” to make such a decision on behalf of the KiamaCommunity. As such, it must also tick the boxes of “legitimacy”, “credibility”, and“trust”.For over two years the Community and Councillors have been provided via mediareports, a negative view and future for a much-loved asset and service to support anideological opinion that aged care services are not core Council business, despite agedcare being a core Kiama Council business for 40 years. This negative public campaignappears to have been to boost support for a sale and inadvertently or otherwise, webelieve has unnecessarily harmed the reputation of Blue Haven.Further, such an ideological position flies in the face of the Royal Commission intoAged Care Quality and Safety which found that not-for-profit agencies such as LocalGovernment provide a better level of care than for-profit services. It also immediatelyestablishes a bias towards the sale of the asset and suggests to the Community an unwillingness to properly assess and balance the financial and social factors. Webelieve that Council has demonstrated apprehended bias in this regard.Given the importance of the facility in the lives of so many people, the growing olderdemographic of the LGA and the ongoing standing of Kiama LGA, we believe that asocial licence to sell has not been established with the Kiama Community.It is extremely concerning on reading the recent Independent Auditor’s Reports thatthe elected Councillors voted to sell Blue Haven Bonaira on information and reportsthat were deemed to be incorrect and subject to a disclaimer. This would appear tobe a breach of fiduciary duty and trust of the elected Council. Councillors are electedto protect the public interest.Early publicity relating to Council’s troublesome financial position was quickly blamedon Blue Haven Bonaira and yet the most recent audited financial statements (for thefinancial year ended 30 June 2022) show that Blue Haven was out-performing Council’s other municipal operations in that year. Given the financial “moving feast” described in the public reports and financial statements over recent times and more detailed forensic reviews being subject to confidentiality restrictions, together with an unwillingness by the auditors to fully sign off on Council’s “books”, the Community is justified in having very little confidence in any decision to sell.The difficult financial status of Kiama Council was from the beginning, both linked to the Blue Haven Bonaira facility as well as to supposed systemic financial problems dating back many years to previous administrations and elected Councils. Under the cloak of confidentiality, little of any comprehensive detail required to support such allegations has been made available to the Community, nor to those whose reputations have been questioned as a result.Councillors and the Community were assured from the beginning that all avenuesopen to Council would be assessed however the Community is yet to see the fulldetailed comparison of the long-term business plans that supported a “sell” ratherthan “lease”, “joint venture”, or “retain” options.As so often happened in this matter, principal documents remained confidential, andthe community saw only those extracts which supported the case for sell. Why hasthe Community been shielded from these business cases and proof that all avenueshave been exhausted?The highly publicised “existential threat” posed by Council’s loan commitments, wereoriginally only seen as being resolved through the sale of Blue Haven. Over time we have seen Council assets sold which have contributed to all but $15 million of the loanbeing repaid. This latter amount is now the subject of a renegotiated agreement withTCorp, questionably Ted to a sale of Blue Haven Bonaira.Very little information has been made public about whether the sale of other assetsbeing considered by Council might fill the “TCorp” gap allowing Blue Haven Bonaira toremain in public hands.We highlight a number of specific matters below and request Councillors note withconcern that these inconsistencies and/or lack of clarity and transparency undermineany “social licence” needed to take the profound action of “sale” on behalf of theKiama Community.1. The promised detailed study of the relative benefits of the “lease”, “sell”, “jointventure” or “retain” options prior to Council making a decision to “sell”, has notbeen presented in full to the CommunityComprehensive business cases, outlining the “lease”, “sell”, “joint venture” or “retain” options as per a Council resolution of 23 May 2022, were also a requirement of the Performance Improvement Order in November 2022.The Community is entitled to see the full detailed business cases for each option, particularly given the early call for a sale, the comments about aged care not being a core business of Council and the uncertainty about the financial status of council.Access to these cases is fundamental if the community is to understand the reasons for choosing “sell” over the other options.Given the full report was confidential, the Community should not have to “second guess” the basis of decisions being made about a sale.This lack of transparency and fulfilment of both the promises via Council resolution and Ministerial directive undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has to make a sale.2. Report on the general purpose financial statements does nothing to provide thecommunity with confidence in Council’s decision.There is significant uncertainty implicit in the 28 September 2023 Disclaimer of Opinion of the Independent Auditor’s Report where the Director, Financial Audit Branch, Lisa Berwick, states:“I do not express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements of the Council. Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of my report, I have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements.”“Council disclosed $53.9 million of externally restricted cash in Note C1-3 'Restricted and allocated cash, cash equivalents and investments' at 30 June 2022. I was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support the completeness and accuracy of the amount that Council has designated as externally restricted as at 30 June 2022 with respect to holiday parks (Crown Land); Blue Haven aged in-home care unspent client fund; domestic waste management; Blue Haven ILU Maintenance Levy carried forward surplus(Terralong and Bonaira); Blue Haven Residential aged care prudential standards and Blue Haven Community Services Bus replacement fund. These components are reported at $11.5 million.””The material nature and pervasiveness of these issues means I cannot express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.””I draw attention to Note A1-1 'Basis of Preparation', where the Council reported it has accessed externally restricted funds without the required Ministerial approval. Such unapproved use does not comply with sections 409 and 410 of the LG Act.”“The Councillors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the LG Act, and for such internal control as the Councillors determine is necessary to enable the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.”“In preparing the financial statements, the Councillors are responsible for assessing the Council’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting.”“......... because of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of my report, I was not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements.”Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has tomake a sale.3. Report on the special purpose financial statements does nothing to provide the community with confidence in Council’s decision.There is significant uncertainty implicit in the 28 September 2023 Disclaimer of Opinion of the Independent Auditor’s Report, where the Delegate of the Auditor-General for New South Wales, Lisa Berwick, states in relation to the Declared Business Activities of Council, i.e., Holiday Parks, Blue Haven (Residential Aged Care Facility and Independent Living Units), Commercial Waste and Plant Hire Activities, and the Pavilion:“I do not express an opinion on the accompanying special purpose financial statements of the Council's Declared Business Activities. Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of my report, I have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the special purpose financial statements.”The Income Statement of Blue Haven for the financial year ended 30 June 2022 showed a surplus of $1.080 million. This figure is in contrast to the long running statements by some Councillors and Council staff during 2022, that Blue Haven was operating at a loss and the underlying cause of potential financial ruin of the Council.It has taken until the October 2023 meeting for Councillors to be provided with more reliable financial facts for Blue Haven - a year later Council resolved to sell Blue Haven Bonaira.It appears that we are faced with the spectre of a potentially profitable business of Council for decades providing a highly regarded community service, being sold and that services which are a greater drain on Council’s finances being retained.Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it hasto make a sale.4. The overstated value of Blue Haven Bonaira Residential Aged Care by $49.1MSuch an error does not engender Community confidence in the accuracy of information presented to Councillors when assessing the need to sell and the longer-term impacts of the sale. Was this over-valuation used as part of Council’s assessment of the value of a sale?Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has tomake a sale.5. Inconsistencies in Council resolutions and statements regarding the future ofHome Care packages and Community TransportThroughout the divestment process there has been considerable uncertaintyregarding the future of the Home Care Packages and Community Transport which had their offices in Blue Haven Bonaira. It has been an “on again, off again” merry- go-round driven by public statements, Council resolutions and Council reports. This uncertainty, associated with matters which were at the heart of support for residents and others gave little confidence in the process.Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has tomake a sale.6. Reclassification process and the Public HearingIn response to a Council resolution of 23 May 2022 requesting an analysis of all optons for Blue Haven in its entirety, i.e., “lease, sell, joint venture, or retain” being presented to Councillors “for approval of the preferred option”, a Council report was issued for the 28 June 2022 Council meeting, which stated:“Reclassification of the Bonaira site to operational land must be undertaken to allow existing site usage to occur legally regardless of any option” [lease,sell, joint venture, retain] and that “$60,000” was required “for planning work and public hearing required for classification”.Considering the language used that the land “must” be reclassified for existing siteusage to occur “legally”, it was understandable that a majority of Councillors would vote to put $60,000 towards planning work and Public Hearing required for reclassification, and thereafter support a reclassifcation.The community is yet to see information in support of the statement that a reclassification “must” occur for Blue Haven Bonaira to operate “legally”.It is extremely concerning that Councillors were provided with unsubstantiatedadvice to facilitate a reclassification process.Further, it was not until the Public Hearing for the Planning Proposal to reclassifythe land from Community to Operational that the Community became aware ofthe restriction on the use of the land (by the Health Administration Corporation)that until 2027, the land is not to be used otherwise than for the construction andoperation of a 134 bed Residential Aged Care Facility, seniors living accommodation including independent living units and assisted living units, and all ancillary facilities and uses.This was agreed to by Council to expand aged care services for Kiama and theRegion.NSW Health was supportive of the Council project as it provided aged care for citizens that were taking up public hospital beds awaiting nursing home placement.Any purchaser of Blue Haven Bonaira would be entitled to do whatever they wish with the land and buildings after 18 January 2027 despite the hollow attempt to argue that somehow Council would be able to control what happened after the sale. The Council website states:“Council has already said that any sale must be to an approved Aged Care Provider. Further, in the clear acknowledgement of its intention that the operations continue, it has stated the provider needs to operate under the Aged Care Act and Retirement Villages Act.”All Aged Care Providers need to operate under the Aged Care Act and the Retirement Villages Act. This does not preclude any Aged Care Provider that may purchase the complex repurposing the land and buildings after 18 January 2027.The Independent Living Units are subject to contract, but as for caring for our most vulnerable nursing home citizens there is absolutely no obligation after 18 January 2027. One future possibility is the closing of the only publicly owned nursing home in Kiama LGA and a loss of 134 aged care beds in the Illawarra region.Such a lack of transparency undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has to make a sale.7. A determination to sell seven (7) months prior to the Public Hearing, includingresolutions of Council and many public statements to that effect, provided anunequal “playing field” in which the various Community concerns were nottreated with seriousnessCouncil’s frantic search for reasons as to why the land had not been classified within three (3) months of acquisition, ultimately settling on the questionable “oversight” reason stated in the Planning Proposal, and unsubstantiated reasons provided in Council reports as to why the facility “should” be reclassified to “Operational” did not cover up the fact that it simply needed to be reclassified in order for a sale to be made.Whilst the Mayor said publicly that the Department of Planning and Environment “agreed” with Council’s proposition that the land defaulted to being “Community” due to an “oversight”, another more likely interpretation is that the Department was simply taking on face value that the “oversight” reason provided by Council in the Planning Proposal was correct.We have ascertained that there is no letter from the Department to Council mentioning the word “oversight” nor “agreeing” with “oversight” as a reason for the default “Community” land classification.At the time of acquisition of the Bonaira land, due to Council’s long term and continuing commitment to aged care, there was no suggestion that the land needed to be “Operational” nor was there any intention in the future to sell. It was totally reasonable for Council to let the default “Community” classification occurafter 3 months of acquisition, as the Local Government Act provides. Council concluded that the absence of a Plan of Management (POM) for Blue Haven Bonaira supported an “Operational” land classification, however the absence of a POM can reasonably be explained by “Timing”.We note that residents of Independent Living Units and the Residential Aged Care Facility did not move to the new facility until mid-December 2019, and Barroul House did not open until mid-2020 with the opening delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The former General Manager took leave a few months later in November 2020 and resigned in December 2020, with the current CEO not commencing with Council until June 2021.Enquiries were made with Council as to whether a Plan of Management would be produced, however the topic of a Plan of Management was disregarded in the pursuit of an “Operational” land classification. Enquiries were made with the Office of Local Government with their advice being that a Plan of Management be pursued with the Council. All attempts to address this issue with the Council proved fruitless.Council’s decision to sell Blue Haven Bonaira in October 2022 made a mockery of the Public Hearing in May 2023 which effectively had a predetermined outcome and gave lip service to the Community concerns raised. This is evidenced in the Executive Summary for the finalisation of the Planning Proposal for the 20 June 2023 Council meeting, which states: “Council has previously resolved to reclassify the land in October 2022.”Fifteen (15) out of sixteen (16) speakers at the Public Hearing either opposed the reclassification completely or opposed the inclusion of Barroul House. The 15 speakers opposing, represented significant involvement with and knowledge of the history, management, and social significance of Blue Haven.The Public Hearing Report noted Community interest in Council’s ongoing decisions about the proposed reclassification and future of Blue Haven Bonaira and stated that the provision of information regarding questions raised “may assist in responding to community concerns and will need to be given consideration in furthering the reclassification process”. Council responded by issuing a half-page report which did not satisfactorily answer the questions raised in the Public Hearing Report.The Public Hearing process of May 2023 was undermined by the prior decision of Council to “sell” in October 2022 and purportedly “again” in February 2023.The Public Hearing process therefore undermined any social licence the Council may believe it has to make a sale.8. Community faith in the process has been further eroded by the fact that Councilmade no public references to the perceived conflict of interest that saw some ofthose who advised the Council to sell then taking a major role in the sale processAlthough not implying that any wrongdoing resulted from these actions, there areconcerns that Council did not demonstrate to the community that the potential for conflicts of interest had been identified and publicly responded to.The Community was also given no explanation about the “en-masse” resignation of the Blue Haven Board and experts in mid-2022, contributing to the concerns about management and the perception of reduced Community involvement in the governance of Kiama Council’s largest asset.The lack of transparency in these fundamental processes, and concerns about governance undermine any social licence the Council believes it has.9. Retention of Barroul House as a public asset, on land which remained “Community” land was simply ignored as an option by Council staff and Councillors who voted for the reclassificationThis was a total rejection of the submissions and arguments in favour of the well documented “public” and “community” role that the refurbished historic building should play. For example, as shown in the Commonwealth Standard Grant Agreement – Building Better Regions Fund – Barroul House, which provided Council with $1.4 million for the refurbishment, there are a substantial number of statements confirming the “Community” values, including:a. “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.”b. “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.”c. “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 will be a combine plants, landscaping ie pathways, materials, story boards and opportunities for community to touch, smell and taste our local indigenous food. These components will also be linked café [sic] and where possible indigenous people and suppliers will be used.”d. “The heritage listed Barroul House will be restored and re-opened to the public through the inclusion of a café, art gallery, art studio, meeting room space, landscaped gardens to provide a safe sensory area for dementia patients and dementia sufferers from the local area to visit.”e. “The intention is that the entire site be vibrant and inviting to the community and the residents and act as the nucleus of Blue Haven Aged Care Facility.”f. “Our Project has the ability to become a community and social hub both for residents, workers and the community. Improving community connection and social inclusion for our ageing population is improve to maintain active wellbeing, including mental health. A community hub that engages with all ages of our community will improve connectons within our community. Barroul House will improve our community connections.”g. “Kiama Council have been working on the overall strategy since 2008 to ensure the region of Kiama have an aged care facility on the Kiama Hospital site. Part of this site includes the Historic Barroul House. The funding for Barroul House will ensure that the Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence (KACCOE) provides the residents and community with a safe meeting space away from the aged care facility, that will provide a sensory environment and garden area benefiting both dementia residents and the general community assisting with their quality of life. These senses will be not only sight, but sound, touch, taste and smell.”h. “This part of the project is seen as the priority by the community and is an essential benefit to our community through the reusing of the old Kiama Hospital Site. It is only by achieving the full redevelopment of that site that Council will be able to provide the community of Kiama with a fully integrated health and aged care living precinct that will be a centre of excellence that also offers community facilities and welcomes people ontothe site.”i. “This project represents a vision from Kiama Council for its community. The Commonwealth Grant Agreement for Barroul House, dated 15 September 2018, contains a substantial amount of information to show that the land at Blue Haven Bonaira was always intended to be classified as ‘Community’ land. Even from a “devil’s advocate” standpoint, if not the whole of the land at the very least Barroul House and its curtilage, the latter being supported by a “hatched plan” in the “Request To Note Retirement Village” that Council signed on 10 September 2019, which excluded Barroul House and its curtilage from being recorded as a “retirement village”.The totality of this information discredits the “oversight” reason that was stated in Council’s Planning Proposal, on the Council website, by a Council staff presentation at the Public Hearing, by the Mayor, and reported in The Bugle newspaper.It is extremely concerning that relevant content within the aforesaid Commonwealth Grant Agreement was not included in Council’s Planning Proposal or mentioned by Council at any time during the reclassification process, and that the document was not produced until the day before the 20 June 2023 Council meeting was held to reclassify the land.On Monday, 19 June 2023 at 4:53:29 PM, Council issued a second Supplementary Agenda containing the Commonwealth Grant Agreement, with that timing preventing members of the Community from being able to read the 65-page document or register to speak about it at Public Access which was held at 5:00 PM.The refusal of the Council to embrace their “public” and “community” responsibilities through the retention of Barroul House contributes to the Council failing to obtain the “social licence” needed to proceed with a sale.Finally, as indicated on page 2 of this letter, we request that Councillors exercise the power of good governance and act with care and due diligence:(1) By suspending all action on the process of the divestment of assets located at Blue Haven Bonaira; and(2) By seeking an intervention by the Minister for Local Government to independently review the entire process (reclassification and proposed sale).It is the most fundamental duty of elected Councillors to protect the assets and services that are owned by the Community.We reassert that Council has not earned a social licence from the Community to proceed with a sale of any assets located at Blue Haven Bonaira.Emeritus Mayor, Sandra McCarthy OAM0409 366 723Former Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Howard R Jones0404 149 374

The Big Four bank CEOs would have been extremely unhappy on Friday as they monitored the Canberra hearing of the Senate inquiry into bank closures in regional Australia.What they heard in that hearing is literally their worst nightmare: strong advocacy for a government-owned bank, operating through post offices, to force the Big Four to truly compete.Australia had public banks for more than a century before they were all privatised in the 1980s and 1990s, under lobbying pressure from the private banks whining that having to compete with public banks was unfair.Talk of re-establishing a public bank terrifies the Big Four banks more than anything else.Following a year of the Senate inquiry hearing stories of appalling private bank behaviour, the inquiry heard from multiple witnesses promoting a public bank solution, including the Licensed Post Office Group (LPOG), public policy think tank Per Capita, and the Australian Citizens Party (ACP).LPOG Chair Scott Etherington and Executive Director Angela Cramp testified on the role of post offices in banking services. When asked by inquiry Chair Senator Matt Canavan if the LPOG supported a government postal bank, Scott Etherington replied:“We’d be absolutely supportive of a government bank, and using the Australia Post network as its agency to provide the face-to-face services. We think that would be an excellent solution.”Emma Dawson testified on Per Capita’s 2020 report, “PostBank: Filling a Void, Securing Essential Services”, which recounts the story of the establishment of Kiwibank in New Zealand in 2002.“Just as we would not leave the creation and maintenance of our health system, or our roads, entirely in private hands, we should not leave our banking services, financial infrastructure, and financial stability entirely in private hands”, Emma Dawson said. “A government-owned bank offers many benefits to Australians, including improving services to those currently underbanked customers, especially in rural and regional areas, improving standards across the financial services industry, and providing stability to Australia’s economy in times of volatility in international financial markets.”After years of helping to establish many Senate inquiries into banking-related issues, including this one, in a historic first the ACP was finally invited to testify on “Why a national People’s Bank is the solution to the crisis of bank branch closures”.Addressing the ACP’s witnesses, Research Director Robert Barwick and Executive Member Glen Isherwood, inquiry Chair Matt Canavan opened: “I do want to also thank and recognise both of your efforts in both following the inquiry, at cost to yourselves, all around the country, and also just your involvement generally—it’s been very, very useful. We appreciate your interest.”Robert Barwick said: “We know a public post office People’s Bank will stop the Big Four banks in Australia from closing branches, because it’s happened before. In 2002, when Kiwibank started [in New Zealand], their banks, which are owned by our Big Four banks, stopped closing branches for seven years straight. They had closed 1,300 branches in the two decades before that; there were no branch closures in NZ for seven years straight after Kiwibank was established. That’s why we support this solution to this inquiry.”Glen Isherwood pointed out that one man in New Zealand, Jim Anderton, championed Kiwibank, just as King O’Malley had championed Australia’s Commonwealth Bank, which had eventually overcome the powerful opposition of the private banks: “You do need a Jim Anderton, you do need a King O’Malley in this place to not take ‘no’ for an answer, to take that determination forward”, Isherwood said.The ACP urged the committee to recommend the public solution in its report, due in May 2024.

Dear Editor As Christmas fast approaches, so will the point of crisis for many people struggling to make ends meet. Christmas is the busiest time of year for the Salvos. A time of hope, joy, and celebration – things that make Christmas good. But the reality is, Aussies are losing the battle to stay afloat. While generally regarded as a celebration of togetherness with loved ones, Christmas can also be stressful and isolating for many people experiencing hardship, especially in light of the current cost of living crisis. Many will be unable to afford basic necessities, such as food, utilities or housing. New research from The Salvation Army shows that 62% of Australians are more stressed about their finances this year. Behind this statistic lies countless stories of struggle. We are seeing families, once financially stable, now grappling with the daunting challenges of making ends meet. The research also found that nearly half (48.9%) of those seeking help from a charity this Christmas will be doing so for the first time. People are at breaking point. This Christmas, we want to ensure that nobody struggles alone. During these times of hardship, it is extremely challenging for people to feel a sense of belonging and connection, especially at a time when being surrounded by loved ones matters most. While the compounding impacts of the last few years continue, our support for the community will not waver. For more than 140 years, The Salvation Army has journeyed through some of the toughest times alongside the Australian community. Caring for people lies at the heart of The Salvation Army. By being present in local communities, we hope to provide the support people need for a more hopeful new year. So please reach out. The Salvos are here to lend a hand to anyone in need this Christmas – whether it is financial support to ease the burden of a stretched household budget, a Christmas hamper to feed the family or ensuring children revel in the magic of the season. We in turn hope to spread the love, peace and joy that is much needed this Christmas. We want to encourage everyone to embrace the season by connecting with loved ones, sharing meals and spreading joy by giving to one another. We aim to make sure Christmas is a safe and happy time for all – which is why we ask you to give what you can this Christmas. Your contribution goes a long way to ensuring our services can continue to provide gifts, warm meals or a safe place to sleep for those who need it most. If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Colonel Rodney WaltersThe Salvation Army 

Note: The following is my personal view and does not represent the views of Kiama Municipal Council.My Censure Context: The complaint leading to my censure in July 2023 originated from a single anonymous source, with the motivation of the complaint unknown. Despite this complaint having no direct impact on the council's decision-making process, an independent investigation was conducted, leading to a recommendation for censure by the councillors.Councillor Renkema-Lang's Censure: In contrast, Councillor Renkema-Lang was censured for speaking out against a binding resolution of the Council. This censure was based on complaints from multiple sources, as determined by the independent investigation.Key Point: Both censures were conducted under the same Code of Conduct, a requirement for 128 councils across NSW. However, the nature and sources of the complaints in each case were markedly different.Final Thought: Upholding fairness and consistency in all council decisions and processes is essential for maintaining the integrity of the council. Accepting decisions that are democratically and lawfully made by the majority vote is fundamental to being a councillor. Failing to do so undermines one's sworn oath or affirmation of office.It's concerning to see a disregard for the rules-based system that governs us all. While some may view this as commendable, it's important to remember the significance of adhering to established guidelines and procedures.It's not just about individual actions; it's about maintaining the integrity and order that are essential for our community's well-being. Everyone, regardless of their position, should be accountable to the same standards.Councillor Mark Croxford, JP