People are grappling with high levels of distress and emerging mental health issues for up to ten years before reaching out for support, a major Beyond Blue survey has found.Australia’s 2024 Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, undertaken byAustralian National University’s Social Research Centre on behalf of Beyond Blue, is a representative survey that gives a reliable pulse check on the current state of mental health and wellbeing in Australia.  Researchers surveyed more than 5000 people around the country about the common causes of distress they’ve experienced in the past year and how they have supported their mental health.   This year, almost half (49 percent) of those who sought professional mental health support said they had waited until they were “very distressed” or “extremely distressed” before they reached out, compared to 30 percent who were moderately distressed.  Some people waited up to ten years before seeking support.   The top barriers to taking action included waitlists, affordability of treatment and people thinking their problem wasn’t serious enough to seek support.   Shame is also getting worse – 22 percent of people say they aren’t getting professional mental health support because they feel ashamed, up from 13 percent two years ago.   “The main reasons people don’t seek support are well known – it can be expensive and the waitlists are long. What’s important about this survey is that it’s telling us mental health literacy and increasing feelings of shame are barriers too,” Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said.  “Feeling unsure about when to seek support seems to be causing as many delays in help-seeking as long waitlists,” Ms Harman said.  “Increasingly, life feels more stressful and unpredictable. People are dealing with compounding and mounting pressures. They’re strung out but muddling through. The pressures people face can often snowball to have a real and negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing,  “This data tells us that people are delaying asking for support or waiting until they are in severe distress. Beyond Blue is working to change this with our free, effective mental health support options. It's never too late and it’s never too early to contact us.”  The release of key survey findings coincides with the start of World Mental Health Month. This is the second Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check undertaken since it started in 2022, when cost of living pressures began to climb.   Nearly half of all respondents – 46 percent – named financial pressure as a key factor in their distress. Housing affordability and personal relationship challenges were also identified as stress factors by 34 percent of respondents.  Just over a quarter of respondents who reported that they'd experienced a mental health challenge in the past 12 months did not seek any support for their mental health.   “Mental health issues, or experiences of situational distress, are easier to manage when we get onto them early, before they snowball,” Ms Harman said   “We want people to know that you don’t need to be struggling for years before your problems are worth addressing – you don’t have to be at crisis point to benefit from support.”    “Feeling constantly overwhelmed or worried, prolonged feelings of being flat or stuck, or having trouble sleeping are some of the signs you to look out for.”   “Our message this World Mental Health Month is that when it comes to your mental health, don’t wait until things really get on top of you. Let people know how you're feeling or check in with someone you've noticed changes in. The earlier the better. You're not alone.”  “Beyond Blue offers free, 24/7 support right around Australia. There’s the Beyond Blue Support Service, which offers support by phone, webchat and email, and there’s our online community forums.”   Beyond Blue’s Support Service is available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 and via web chat or email beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  Their online community forums are available on our website: forums.beyondblue.org.au 

Kiama’s first triathlon in over a decade will take place on Sunday, October 13, and roads will be closed from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.Affected Roads:Federal Street: Between Charles Ave and Riverside Drive.Riverside Drive: From Swamp Road/M1 Princes Hwy to Oxley Ave.Swamp Road: From Riverside Drive to Jamberoo Road.For full road closure times and detailed maps of access routes surrounding James Oates Reserve, click here.The standard race begins at James Holt Reserve at 8:00 AM, while the sprint race starts at 8:30 AM at North Street Reserve.Additionally, there will be a health and lifestyle expo at James Oates Reserve from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons won the EDP Ericeira Pro in Portugal on October 6 against 13-year-old Tya Zebrowski from France.The 33 year old Gerroa surfer won the final against Zebrowski with a combined score of 13.60 against Zebrowski’s 10.80.In a WSL press release, Fitzgibbons expressed her surprise at the outcome. “I knew she had a good score, but it kind of came as a surprise that I got the win. I’m so happy. This new generation coming through is fierce in freesurfs, and it gives you more drive to beat them when you get them in a heat,” she said.In 2023, the 33-year-old Fitzgibbons dropped out of the World Surf League (WSL) top ten, was cut from the Championship Tour (CT), and was forced to compete in the Challenger Series.With this recent victory, she now tops the Challenger Series leaderboard and qualifies for her 14th CT season.Fitzgibbons shared her excitement with WSL about her return to the CT. “It's mixed emotions; this year is so long. But when you put it into perspective, these women are incredibly talented, and it’s so hard to win a heat.”“It’s such an honour to be in this position, competing at such a high level as we move into 2024. I have so many goals—I want to improve my performances at the tour locations, which feature some of the best waves in the world. That really excites me,” Fitzgibbons said.She also acknowledged the importance of support from her hometown in Gerroa: “The support from everyone back home means so much to me. I aim to show up and give my best, and if that means I head back on tour, then everyone has contributed to that.”

Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has criticised the prime minister for a sarcastic comment made to a Liberal frontbencher. Anthony Albanese made the comment when being interrupted by Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor during Question Time.“Have you got Tourettes or something? You just sit there, babble, babble, babble,” he said. Albanese immediately withdrew and apologised for the comment. Gareth Ward was the first Minister for Disabilities from 2019 until 2021 who had lived experience of a disability. Ward lives with albinism and is legally blind. Ward said that he has been bullied as a result of his disability including by some of his parliamentary colleagues.“I’ve felt the very horrible sting from people who feel my condition should be targeted, mocked and ridiculed. This behaviour is unacceptable.”Albanese returned to the chamber and apologised for the remark, calling it “unkind” and “hurtful.”Premier Chris Minns recently came under fire for a comment made about the Kiama MP, calling him “blind Freddie” in a press conference in Sydney — in a response to media regarding the MP’s late night trip to Parliament House in his underclothes. Ward argued that if a non-Labour MP had made a similar comment about someone living with a disability, there would “rightfully be outrage.”“Disability discrimination is not acceptable in any workplace, including our State and Federal Parliaments,” he stated.Jordon Steele-John, Greens Senator and disability rights advocate, also expressed his disappointment on social media, saying, “If our PM could stop using disability as the butt of his jokes, that would be great. Casual ableism is still ableism.”

By Carol GoddardThe recent October Long Weekend brought the sunshine,the visitors, and the latest Classical Kiama Concert to our beautiful town, but this concert was different. It was the first concert by Classical Kiama totally devoted to Jazz.Christ Church Kiama was the venue, and it's great acoustics, in addition to the beauty of the space with its leadlight windows and gorgeous timber work, make it so welcoming for performers and audience alike.The concert was due to start at 5pm, but eager music lovers were jockeying for position way earlier - such was the popularity of the musicians and their program.Simon Tedeschi, no stranger to performing in Kiama, was joined by George Washingmachine, to present some of the fabulous tunes made famous by the likes of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and “Fats” Waller.Simon played his piano, and George played his violin and also sang, with the panache, the style and the groove of the exceptional musicians they are.And the patter! And the jokes! Wonderful. George in fact told us the story of how he got his surname. I sat riveted; I’ve always wondered. He told us. The audience broke down with laughter. It shall remain secret to all of us who attended.Being a lifetime jazz fan, and an admirer of both these consummate performers, I was not disappointed. Simon Tedeschi, George Washingmachine and Kiama Classical -thank you for a glorious 90 minutes of wonderful, wonderful entertainment.

Welcome to the first of an irregular series of informative articles on Climate Change. The aim is to bring news of important recent developments, many of which you may not see in the main-stream media. Due to the way things are connected there might be diversions. Occasionally we might also stray into explaining the process of climate change science. The best way to get an idea of what’s in store is to read this first article. So let’s begin.Planetary boundariesClimate change and the environment concern all of Planet Earth, so it makes sense for scientists to not only look through the microscope but also take in the big picture. In 2009 a group of 29 international scientists proposed “a new approach to global sustainability in which we define planetary boundaries within which we expect that humanity can operate safely.” Their paper Planetary Boundaries: Exploring the Safe Operating Space for Humanity was published in the highly respected journal Ecology and Society.The boundaries are essentially limits to processes that are critical to our well-being and the environment that sustains us. The scientists identified nine: Climate change; Ocean acidification; Stratospheric ozone depletion; Interference with the global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles; Rate of biodiversity loss; Global freshwater use; Land-system change; Aerosol loading; and Chemical Pollution. The boundaries are seen as interdependent (exceeding one boundary can worsen another boundary) and driven by human activities. Yes, we are the cause.The scientists proposed quantifiable thresholds for seven of the boundaries and claimed “Transgressing one or more planetary boundaries may be deleterious or even catastrophic due to the risk of crossing thresholds that will trigger non-linear, abrupt environmental change within continental- to planetary-scale systems.” In other words big, bad, changes that can be measured.Boundary thresholds for climate change, rate of biodiversity loss, and changes to the global nitrogen cycle had already been exceeded. Remember, this was in 2009.Planetary Health at a GlanceOn 24 September 2024 Planetary Health Check was launched. Based on the nine planetary boundaries the project claims to be “the most comprehensive, science-based global initiative dedicated to measuring and maintaining the Earth system.” Planetary Health Check 2024: A Scientific Assessment of the State of the Planet, developed by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the first of an annual series, claims that six of the boundary thresholds have now been exceeded “with all six showing trends of increasing pressure in all control variables, suggesting further boundary transgression in the near future”. In short, since 2009 things have gotten much worse and are likely to worsen even more. The Executive Summary is a shorter read but no less worrying. For Climate Change the outlook is grim: “Atmospheric CO2 levels are at a 15-million-year high, and globalRadiative forcing [using fossil fuels etc.] continues to rise, with a persistent warming trend that has accelerated since the late 20th century. Global mean temperatures are now higher than at any point since human civilisations emerged on Earth.” The financial cost of exceeding only the Climate Change Boundary is assessed at a cost to people of USD$38 trillion per year by 2050 and an 18% loss in GDP by 2050.The project offers a framework for businesses to mitigate risks, future-proof themselves and drive innovation. For policymakers the project takes a top down approach, recommending The Global Commons Stewardship Framework. The framework “emphasises integrated management, international collaboration, and governance involving diverse stakeholders to achieve four core systems transformations: Decarbonisation of energy use, circular production and consumption, sustainable cities and communities, and transformation of food, land, and ocean use.”Calling all MPs, Councillors and business leaders … we’re in trouble.

Ageism Awareness Day, initiated by EveryAGE Counts and now marked in many countries around the world, is on today. EveryAGE Counts is Australia’s national coalition of organisations and individuals committed to end ageism in Australia. Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment of older people based solely on their age and will impact on all Australians as they age.Ageism disempowers and damages many older people as they age and the World Health Organisation has stated that ageism may reduce life span by 7 years.Ageism is a matter of growing concern and our research shows that:•  68% of all over-50s agree 'ageism against older people is a serious problem in Australia' (73% of those aged 60-69)•  74% of all over-50s believe Australia is 'not doing enough to raise awareness of ageism and fight against it'This year’s theme is ‘End Ageism in Advertising’. Ageism Awareness Day Takes Aim at Ageism in AdvertisingThe way people are portrayed in marketing has a very real effect on how society sees them and behaves towards them. Anything that has reached mainstream advertising is, by definition, mainstream, and feels normal and accepted.While advertisers and their agencies have made progress in how groups, such as women, people of different cultural backgrounds and LGBTQI+ communities, are represented in ads (remember how ‘housewives’ used to be portrayed and how same sex couples were nowhere to be seen?), very little has changed in the portrayal of older people in advertising.Unless it’s for cruises, funeral insurance or arthritis relief, older people are usually either excluded (which sends one message) or stereotyped as kindly old folks in the corner of Christmas ads or the butt of jokes as doddery, forgetful caricatures who lose their keys and can’t use technology.“There are so many blatantly ageist ads out there but most of them go either unnoticed or tolerated” said Jane Caro, author, anti-ageism activist, former agency creative and Gruen panellist. “Ageism really is our last accepted prejudice. If advertisers and their agencies excluded or clumsily stereotyped any other group the way they do older people, the community backlash would break the internet.”While pernicious, ageism in advertising is just one aspect of a much bigger ageism issue; a pervasive prejudice that is all around us, all the time - in employment, healthcare, retail, entertainment, news media and casual conversation. Ageism is the one prejudice that will affect us all one day – if we’re lucky enough to grow older.At a National Press Club event on ageism in Canberra last week, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM said, “When it comes to society's treatment of older people, too often we do not attribute to them the same rights many of us take for granted. These attitudes are underpinned by ageism, be it conscious or unconscious, and we often just accept this as okay. It isn’t.”Ageism diminishes the lives of millions of older Australians in big and small ways. It makes them feel invisible, excluded and their lives of lesser value. Anti-ageism advocates highlight how marketers have no qualms about generating fear to make the natural process of ageing feel like a disease you need to buy products to cure: ‘Remove ugly wrinkles’, ‘Look ten years younger’. In marketing, the inclusion of older people in mainstream campaigns hasn’t even reached tokenistic levels, never mind normal and natural levels. Ageism robs Australia of the full participation of older people with a wealth of knowledge and experience that most would willingly contribute to our society, to the social and economic benefit of all.“Today we call on all Australians to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of ageism in advertising. We call on advertisers and their agencies to raise their game, not only for the social good and because it’s the right thing to do, but because advertisers are currently alienating and irritating millions of potential and valuable customers” said Robert Tickner AO, Chair of EveryAGE Counts.On Ageism Awareness Day, author, EveryAGE Counts advocate and former agency creative, Jane Caro AM, will join Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM and US author and anti-ageism activist Ashton Applewhite in a one-hour webinar to highlight ageism in advertising and what can and should be done about it. Advertisers and their agencies are encouraged to be part of the conversation and can register 

Today is headspace day — a national day of support for the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians. This year’s theme,‘Pause. Reflect. Reconnect.’, encourages young people to take a step back and take a moment to reconnect with things that bring them joy.New research from a national survey conducted by headspace shows that family members are struggling to help with their young people's mental health needs. 2,059 participants across parents, carers, siblings, elders, close friends and stepfamily who care for young people aged 12-25 completed the survey, which revealed that 8 in 10 family members show concern about their young person's mental health.Those caring for a LGBTIQA+ young person (90 per cent) and those who belong to multicultural communities (85 per cent) as the most concerned.One in five participants reported not feeling confident enough to ask for professional support for their young person. The findings also showed that the more concerned the families are, the less likely they are to have ‘difficult’ mental health conversations.Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan says the survey highlights the size of the challenge facing families, who are doing their best to respond to their young people’s mental health needs. “It’s not surprising that families are worried about their young people’s mental health, given some of the challenges we’re facing right now, including school refusal, cost of living pressures and impacts from extreme climate events.“Family members are the first group that young people will reach out to when they need support, so it’s important they stay engaged with their young person’s mental health and wellbeing by being aware of any changes in their behaviour, such as disengaging from social activities, difficulty focusing, or changes in sleep habits.While these can be early signs of stress, they also present opportunities to check in, provide support and create a safe environment that encourages open communication and seeking help when needed.”Trenthowan also sends a reminder that most of us are not mental health experts, and it's okay to ask for help and support. “It’s important to remember that there’s no expectation for you to be an expert and it’s okay to get things wrong. Just being there for your young person and showing that you care for them unconditionally is a good start. “There’s also still a portion of family members who don’t feel confident reaching out for support, perhaps due to stigma or because they don’t know what is available.“This headspace day, we want to put a spotlight on the services that help family members to feel more confident when supporting their young person’s mental health journey.”To help build the skills needed to seek professional support, headspace encourages family members to:Start conversations early: Approach your young person with openness and empathy, creating a safe space to talk.Use available resources: Familiarise yourself with online tools and support services provided by headspace.Seek professional help when needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals (such as headspace) if you’re unsure how to proceed.All connections are good connections: if your young person doesn’t feel in a place to share with you how they’re coping, then it’s OK for them to talk to another supportive adult in their lives. The most important thing is that they feel connected and supported.Practice self-care: Supporting a young person’s mental health is challenging. Take time to care for your own mental wellbeing as well.Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward used headspace day as an opportunity to promote taking time for self-care among his constituents.   “Whether it is spending time with your family and friends, pursuing a new hobby, or simply taking a break for reflection and relaxation, finding time for self-care is essential. “I encourage local residents and community groups to visit the headspace website for information on how you can get involved, find great tips, and explore activities to support your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.”This Headspace Day, take a moment to pause and breathe deeply. Reflect on both the challenging and joyful times that shape you. Reach out to family and loved ones, and start conversations about mental health to help remove the stigma around it.If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.

Opinion by Lynne Strong As the results of the Kiama council election settle, the message is clear: our community has chosen a path focused on the greater good, not personal agendas or divisive politics. There’s hope that the newly elected councillors will bring much-needed collaboration and integrity to the table.While the councillors have yet to prove themselves, the election marks a shift towards unity, where long-term solutions, innovation, and fiscal responsibility must take priority. As Zora Neale Hurston wrote, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” Now, Kiama needs answers.Across Australia, we’ve seen elections where controversial figures, like Andrew Thaler in the Snowy Monaro Region, have gained seats on local councils. Thaler’s campaign tactics leaned on stirring conflict and driving wedges between people, a style that echoes populist politics seen in the US focused more on tearing others down than fostering cooperation.By contrast, Kiama’s councillors were elected on a platform of working together and focusing on what really matters—housing affordability, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure. Tackling these issues will take a balanced approach, with councillors who listen to different perspectives, engage with the community, and focus on real solutions.This election serves as a reminder that voting matters. Our community has set the tone, but it’s up to us to hold our representatives accountable, ensuring that promises turn into action. By fostering respect and collaboration, we can build a council that represents the best of Kiama.The road ahead won’t be easy, but there’s optimism. Let’s support our councillors as they work to tackle the challenges ahead, and together, ensure Kiama thrives.

Councils across the state have received their rate pegs for the upcoming 2025/26 financial year. Kiama Municipal Council has seen a decrease from the 2023/24 financial year— with a decrease from 4.5 to 3.7 per cent. The rate peg is the maximum percentage amount in which a council is allowed to increase its general income for the year. There is a separate rate peg for each of NSW’s 128 councils.The main purpose of a rate peg is to protect ratepayers from excessive increases in their rates bills. IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the rate pegs limit the amount by which councils can increase their rates income and allow them to meet changes in the cost of providing services. “The Tribunal understands that the community has been facing significant cost of living pressures and we have taken this into account in our decision making.”Rates constitute on average one third of a council’s total income.Councils receive income from different sources, this can include grants, user fees and charges. Rate pegs only apply to ‘general income’ which is received mostly from rates.Each council’s rate peg is open to councils to decide not to implement the increase or delay it. “Ultimately, elected councillors decide whether to increase rates and by how much,” Ms Donnelly said.The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) is the independent authority and pricing tribunal of the NSW government responsible for regulating markets and government services. 

Opinion piece by Lynne Strong The recent decision by Transport for NSW to reduce the speed limit on Jamberoo Road to 60 km/h has sparked a mixed response in our community. Kiama MP Gareth Ward, responding to considerable feedback from concerned residents, has launched a petition to reinstate the 80 km/h speed limit, citing concerns that the reduction won’t improve safety and will result in fines for local commuters.While Mr Ward’s concerns about the impact on residents are understandable, it is crucial to remember that decisions like these are made with community safety in mind. Politicians are often caught between responding to immediate feedback and making choices for the long-term good. The reduction in speed limits on Jamberoo Road should be seen not as an inconvenience but as an essential measure to saving lives. Reducing speed limits is not a knee-jerk reaction; it’s backed by extensive research. Numerous studies have shown that lower speed limits directly lead to fewer accidents. According to the World Health Organization, a 5% reduction in average speed can result in a 30% decrease in fatal crashes. On roads where speed limits are reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, the number of accidents drops by 25–40%.Jamberoo Road, like many rural roads, is frequently shared by cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. The lower speed limit gives drivers more time to react and significantly reduces the severity of accidents when they do occur. While Mr Ward is right that maintenance and roadworks are critical, lowering the speed limit is one of the most effective measures we can take to make this road safer for everyone. The decision to reduce the speed limit along Jamberoo Road will add just 1 minute and 39 seconds to the average commute — a minor inconvenience when weighed against the potential life-saving benefits. Many of us have loved ones in this community, and none of us want them to become a statistic on our roads. If lowering the speed limit by a small margin helps protect them, then it’s a step worth taking. It’s natural to be concerned about fines or small delays, the real question should be: What is the cost of doing nothing? The risk of serious accidents and fatalities far outweighs the extra minute added to the journey. One area where Australia could certainly improve is in its signage reminding drivers of speed limits. While travelling in Spain, I noticed impressive signage that serves as a constant reminder of the speed limits, helping to keep drivers aware of the road rules. It’s not just about reducing speeds but also about making sure motorists are consistently aware of their surroundings. This is definitely something that could be implemented more effectively in Australia to support safer driving habits. Mr Ward’s call for additional road works and better overtaking options is certainly valid. These are important components of improving road safety, and they should work in tandem with speed reductions, not as an alternative. A holistic approach that includes infrastructure improvements, better signage, and lower speeds will create the safest possible environment for all road users.However, focusing solely on issues like tourist and motorcyclist behaviour, as Mr Ward suggests, misses the broader point. Speed limits affect everyone, and slower speeds give all drivers more time to react, reducing the likelihood of fatal accidents. At the heart of this debate is our shared goal: to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone. While it’s understandable that Mr Ward, like many politicians, may feel the pressure of public feedback, it’s important to remember that road safety is not about popularity—it’s about protecting lives.No one enjoys receiving fines, but compliance with speed limits is a basic requirement of road safety. If the reduced speed limit saves even one life, isn’t it worth it? We should be prioritising the well-being of the community, not the potential inconvenience of a few extra minutes on the road.

By A Sense of Place Publishing“Indoctrinated Brain: How to Successfully Fend Off the Global Attack on Your Mental Freedom” by Michael Nehls is a clarion call against what the author perceives as a deliberate and insidious assault on cognitive freedom worldwide. Michael Nehls, a German doctor of medicine with a background in molecular genetics and an avid long-distance cyclist, brings together his scientific acumen and social commentary in this book, which has stirred both intrigue and controversy.Nehls argues that across the globe, there’s a discernible decline in mental capacity, particularly among the youth, coupled with a rise in depression rates. He posits that this decline is not merely coincidental but part of a grander design—a “Global War on the Human Brain.” According to Nehls, this war deploys various mechanisms, including the manipulation of public health crises like the COVID-19 response, to subtly alter human cognition and behaviour.Manipulation Through Fear and Health PoliciesNehls delves into how the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the resistance against broad vitamin D prophylaxis, was not just an oversight but a tactical move to weaken natural immunity. He claims this was done under the guise of health protection, allegedly aiming to make populations more susceptible to indoctrination.The Great Reset and Mental FreedomThe book touches on the concept of the “Great Reset,” suggesting that beyond economic and environmental changes, there’s an underlying agenda for a “Great Mental Reset.” This involves using advanced neuroscientific and informational methodologies to reshape human thought, aligning it with technocratic visions of the future.Historical and Societal ContextNehls draws parallels with historical indoctrination practices, comparing modern societal controls to past regimes’ efforts to shape public thought through fear, propaganda, and control over information.On page 106, Nehls writes, “When the immune system has recovered to some degree after seven to eight months (after being spiked) a cytokine storm is not only possible again, but also even more likely, because the immune system, constantly activated by spiking, has consumed a lot of vitamin D, increasing its deficiency thus the imbalance in the immune system.”“If Dr. Nehls is right, his theory here will be as important as Dr. Sigmund Freud’s discovery of the subconscious, if not more so.” – From the foreword by Naomi Wolf.“The protagonists of the Great Reset use the latest neuroscientific and informational sciences methodology to pursue a motive that derives from their worldview: a Great Mental Reset, so that we accept without hesitation and even welcome the future of a brave new world as envisioned by the elitist technocrats,” Nehls said.“If you want to truly know your enemy, this masterful unmasking of indoctrination is a must-read.” – Monica Crowley, PhD, news analyst and former assistant secretary of the US Treasury.On page eleven, Nehls writes, “…seems to me with the help of the many seemingly isolated events and influences, such as the spreading of fear and panic, the spiking, and the primary measures to contain COVID-19, other intentions were actually pursued: to manipulate people unnoticed on a neurobiological level in order to be able to indoctrinate them more efficiently.”The book has garnered both praise for its bold assertions and criticism for its alignment with fringe theories over established scientific consensus. Michael Nehls’s background in molecular genetics and his previous works on Alzheimer’s disease lend him credibility in some circles, yet his views on public health responses to pandemics and cognitive manipulation have drawn criticism for potentially spreading misinformation. Critics argue that his narrative might cater more to conspiracy theorists than to those seeking academic or scientific discourse on cognitive health.“Indoctrinated Brain” presents a stark warning about the erosion of mental freedom through what Nehls sees as orchestrated global initiatives. While it invites readers to question mainstream health policies and societal controls, it also stands at the intersection of science, philosophy, and speculative social critique, making it a contentious yet undeniably thought-provoking read in the landscape of contemporary literature on freedom, health, and control.

The title of the song He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies is supposedly taken from an anecdote about a young girl. The story goes that she is carrying a big baby boy in her arms when someone, seeing her struggle, asks her if she needs any help to which she replies, “No, he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”Perth director David Vincent Smith’s new film — He Ain’t Heavy — and this anecdote resonate deeply with the themes of the film, which follows Jade, a young woman who kidnaps her drug-addicted brother, Max, and locks him in their grandmother’s house for seven days in a desperate attempt to force him into rehabilitation.The idea for the film came to Vincent Smith in a moment of desperation when he literally thought about kidnapping his own brother.“I was really desperate to resolve this problem within my own family. I got to the point where I literally came up with the idea of kidnapping my own brother. Most of the conversations, the language, the intensity, even the ending of the film are all real moments from my life,” says Vincent Smith.While the kidnapping itself is fictional, Vincent Smith strives to capture the intense emotions of trying to help a loved one struggling with addiction. The film began as a short titled I’m Not Hurting You, and after its success, he adapted it into a feature, enriching the narrative with additional characters and deeper exploration of existing ones.“In early drafts I wouldn't let the characters say certain things and that was because I wasn't ready to say those things,” he explains. “So part of the writing process when I was writing the feature film was also part of confronting my own chains and feelings.”Vincent Smith says he was inspired to make the story into a film after seeing some of the personal responses the short film evoked. At the Austin Film Festival, a transformative moment occurred when a 14-year-old girl approached him, sharing her struggles with her mother’s alcoholism.“She grabbed me by the arm and said, "My mom's an alcoholic. I've never told anyone before. Can you help me? What do I do?’”In He Ain’t Heavy, Jade takes her brother’s treatment into her own hands, reflecting Vincent Smith’s scepticism toward existing rehabilitation processes. “Unfortunately, we’re not getting to the core of healing. That’s why people keep getting reincarcerated—we’re not understanding why they’re angry and treating that,” he says. He believes the prison system should function more like a radical hospital, focusing on underlying issues rather than punishment. The film’s dark and raw portrayal creates an emotional viewing experience. Vincent Smith doesn’t use comic relief or stylised cinematography to soften its nightmarish themes. Instead, audiences, like the main characters, feel the isolation and desperation confined within the house’s walls.This rawness demands equally vulnerable performances from the cast. Leila George (Animal Kingdom) and Sam Corlett (Vikings: Valhalla) deliver powerful portrayals of Jade and Max, respectively. The film truly relies on their two performances, and they are sure to inspire some watery eyes and Vincent Smith emphasises the importance of creating a safe environment on set to facilitate these authentic performances.“We shared a lot of stories, and we formed a really important bond, so that we could always feel incredibly comfortable and honest and vulnerable with each other. And it’s not only just casting the cast, you’ve got to cast the crew to create an environment where actors feel safe and comfortable,” says Vincent Smith.He Ain’t Heavy releases in select cinemas on October 17. Dark, intense and emotionally gripping, the film explores the limits of care, the best ways to support someone battling addiction, and the significance of family.A preview screening with a Q&A session featuring Vincent Smith will take place on October 14 at the Dendy Cinemas in Newtown.

The Penrith Panthers etched their names in history on October 6 by winning their fourth consecutive NRL grand final against the Melbourne Storm, which featured Gerringong’s own Tyran Wishart.Tyran, who was wearing the number 14, came on the field in the 33rd minute and played until the 62nd minute. He then came back on in the 72nd minute and played out the match.In his 36 minutes, Wishart managed to get through a remarkable amount of work. He looked dangerous every time he was given the ball, managing 10 hit ups for 93 metres and 2 tackle breaks. Defensively, he made an enormous 37 tackles to go along with that, an impressive workload to get through in his limited game time.Tyran never gave up and persisted until the final siren, but the Panthers finished off winners of the 2024 NRL grand final, 14 points to 6.Tyran unfortunately joins his father Rod Wishart who also lost an NRL grand final off the bench back in 1999 with the St George Illawarra Dragons.Before the game, Rod expressed his pride in Tyran’s successful season, stating, “Win, lose or draw I’m proud of him, the whole family is proud of him and all of Gerringong is proud of him.”The Panthers’ victory solidifies their place in rugby league history, marking four grand final wins in a row and establishing them as one of the sport's most successful teams.

A motorcycle rider died in Jamberoo on the night of Sunday, October 6, following a police pursuit.At about 3:35 PM, police were patrolling the Jamberoo area and attempted to stop the rider for a random breath test. Allegedly, the rider refused to stop, prompting officers from the Lake Illawarra Police District to initiate a pursuit.The pursuit was terminated shortly thereafter due to safety concerns. However, police later located the same motorcycle crashed on Jamberoo Road.Officers commenced first aid before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived; unfortunately, the rider died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified.The section of Jamberoo Road where the crash occurred was closed off late last night.A critical incident team from the Wollongong Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, which is also subject to an independent review.The Bugle reminds everyone to drive carefully, especially during the long weekend when traffic is likely to be heavy.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or via the CrimeStoppers website. Information is treated in strict confidence, and the public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Please avoid the south end of Boneyard Beach today as an area of the beach has been littered with broken glass bottles. Families and pet-owners should remain clear of the area until the glass has been removed. Locals have joined Kiama Council to collect as much as possible, however smaller shards of glass may still pose a threat to beach-goers today.

Please note this is paid content.The independent Southern Regional Planning Panel has recommended in favour of the rezoning of Springside Hill, marking a major step forward for this project and the delivery of affordable housing in the region.This is a great win for the many hundreds of locals who contribute to the life, character and economy of a town they love, but cannot afford to live here.It gives hope to the hundreds of locals who have registered their interest to become future residents at Springside Hill. This decision means that Springside Hill will progress to the next stage of assessment and we look forward to working through the decision and providing the additional information requested by the Planning Panel.The independent Planning Panel was established to take the politics out of urban planning, so that decisions which impact the whole community are based on merit and need.Kiama is the most unaffordable place in regional NSW to purchase a home and this decision to move forward with our proposal to build around 1,000 homes is a welcome one for key workers, locals, first home buyers and those who are struggling to find housing in the region.Traders In Purple has been asked to consult with Government agencies and provide clarifications and further information, with no major changes required. This is a normal part of the planning process and a common occurrence at this stage of the rezoning.The Council and community will still have a chance to comment on the proposal as is a standard requirement for planning proposals.We have been extremely open and transparent in engaging with the community and we will continue to do this when appropriate.To date there have been more than 400 individual conversations with locals to discuss the proposal, we have had more than 6,000 unique visitors to our website and held multiple community information drop-in sessions.As we have always said, Springside Hill is a long-term legacy project for Traders In Purple and we are extremely excited to continue the journey. It is by no means job done, and we look forward to discussing our plans with the new Councillors.

Building a successful business is a challenging endeavour, and The Bugle, in partnership with the Kiama & District Business Chamber, has developed a six-part series highlighting six critical success factors. After exploring Strategic Focus, and examining Finances, this instalment delves into the operational aspects that underpin a thriving business.Get organised: The foundation of success as a business owner lies in being well-organised and prioritising effectively. This enables you to complete tasks efficiently and manage the myriad responsibilities involved in running a business. A simple yet effective strategy is to create a daily ‘to-do list’, ticking off items as they are completed. It’s important to recognise that not all tasks carry the same weight - focus on high-priority tasks first to maximise impact.Numerous online tools can support your organisational efforts, such as Trello, Microsoft Planner, Slack, Notion and others. For small businesses, a planner or calendar, or a basic Excel spreadsheet may suffice, especially in the early stages.Consistency is key: Consistency plays a crucial role in long-term success. Repeatedly doing what’s necessary, day in and day out, builds positive habits and helps sustain profitability. Customers value consistency just as much, forming trust in businesses that deliver reliably over time.Limit distractions: Productivity experts suggest working in focused one-hour blocks, followed by a 15-minute break to maintain peak efficiency.Sometimes taking time-out from phone calls and meetings is necessary during the day so that you can focus on your priorities. Consider noise-cancelling headphones perhaps if noise is a distraction. Stick to your core business purpose - don’t try to be everything to everyone. To stay focused, consider using project management software to streamline collaboration and create prioritised task lists. While expanding your product line and exploring new markets may be future goals, it’s important not to get sidetracked from your initial go-to-market strategy.Automate repetitive tasks: Automation saves time and ensures that crucial details don’t slip through the cracks. For instance, using a CRM* tool allows you to automatically follow up with new contacts or send emails to leads visiting your website. Similarly, accounting software can automate routine bookkeeping, freeing you from the time-consuming task of manual data entry.* CRMs are a great idea, but they do come with a significant price tag. Research well before committing, as some suit specific industries more than others. Protect your Intellectual Property: Intellectual property (IP) encompasses intangible assets such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents that set your business apart. For a small business, safeguarding elements like designs, ideas, and trade secrets is vital. If competitors copy your product, it could erode your market share and damage your brand’s reputation.Study your competitors: Understanding your competitors is essential to defining your competitive edge. Larger companies often invest heavily in competitive intelligence, but small businesses can still benefit from studying the competition. Examine their taglines, value propositions, and offerings to identify their strengths and weaknesses.Depending on your industry, competitor analysis can vary. A restaurant or retail store owner, for example, might simply visit competitors and ask customers for feedback. In fields like manufacturing, where competitor insights are more restricted, trade publications, shared customers, or publicly available financials can provide useful information.Key areas to investigate include:Digital marketing strategy: How do they drive traffic and engage with leads? What kind of content do they publish, and how active are they on social media?Target audience: Who is their audience, and does it overlap with your customer base?Strengths and weaknesses: Where do they excel, and what areas do they fall short in? What can you improve upon?Stay focused on your goals: Building a business takes time, and success rarely happens overnight. It can take years to turn a profit, with many relying on savings or loans to sustain operations in the meantime. Persistence and a clear focus on your long-term goals are essential.However, if the business is not profitable after a reasonable period, it’s worth reassessing your strategy and considering whether a shift in direction is necessary.

The Glam Gallery, within the Gerringong library, will host the Wild Life and Wild Places exhibition from October 11-24 featuring works by local artists Yvonne Clough and Gay Emmerson.At ages 78 and 82 respectively, Yvonne and Gay are living proof that it’s never too late to follow your passions. Both developed a love for art earlier in life but only began to pursue it seriously in later years.Yvonne, 78, recalls how her journey into painting began at the age of 55, following an inspiring conversation with a friend.“I had never painted, but I was talking to someone who happened to be an art teacher, admiring her work,” Yvonne says. “I told her I couldn’t paint, and she said, Anyone can paint, come along to my art class. That’s how it all started.” Since then, painting has brought her immense joy. “I’m in another place when I paint,” says Yvonne. “I’m in my happy place. I have music and a candle going, and the time just disappears—I’m completely lost in it.”Yvonne is very fascinated with painting wildlife, and more specifically magpies. Magpies seem to be her muse, and she sees something in them that is extraordinary and that translates very well into her work.One example of Yvonne's quirky crows.“Magpies are all very different. Some are cheeky, some are nervous, some are just blaze and they couldn’t care if you were there or not. So, I’ll see them and then I’ll paint them and name them and feel as though I’m getting to know them,” says Yvonne.Yvonne adds a playful touch to her work. One memorable piece captures two magpies: one standing still, the other flapping its wings energetically, which she titled Who’s the Boss?“The name and the painting tell you everything about their personalities,” she says.Gay, 82, approaches her art from a different perspective, focusing on landscapes. Her fascination lies in the way human forms appear in nature—a theme that has driven her creativity since she first started painting at 37, after persistently urging her local art school to admit her.“I started to see the human body in the landscape - everything started to look like bums and bellies and breasts and things like that. The mountains are like low hills and you’d see a row of hills that looked like a backbone or a spine,” says Gay.“And then gum trees, admittedly some are a bit boring, but the ones that have twisty and turny branches can look really young and supple, while others seem to have arms with wrinkles under them.”One example of Gay's humanistic landscapes.Gay, who is originally from Canberra, moved to Gerringong in 2017 and she says the young landscape and the beautiful colours rejuvenated her artistic sensibilities.“When I first came to Gerringong in 2017 it started a renaissance and a rejuvenation for me because the colours were so fresh and youthful and the smell of the sea air and the colour of the grass was so inspiring for me,” says Gay.As a result of this human influence on her paintings, these painted landscapes seem to be almost moving in a human way as you look at them and they are very engaging.The contrasting styles of Yvonne’s wildlife portraits and Gay’s evocative landscapes come together harmoniously in Wild Life and Wild Places, showcasing their unique perspectives and lifelong passion for artThe official opening for Yvonne and Gay’s exhibition entitled Wild Life and Wild Places is on October 12 at 5pm at the Glam Gallery and all are welcome to attend.