Foxground author Kirsten Nixon, a registered nurse by trade, always dreamed of being a writer. So in 2021 she decided to “bite the bullet” and forge a career in the book business.“All my life I’d really wanted to write a book, or have something to do with books. So I started talking to friends and family who had their own small businesses to find out how you would go about being an author.“They started telling me really important and inspiring stories about how they set up their businesses and I knew I needed to capture them, shine a spotlight on these women, and get their stories out into the world.” These stories became Kirsten's debut book, Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners and features 17 women mostly from the local community who transformed their dreams into thriving small businesses.“The book highlights the resilience, creativity, and determination of women entrepreneurs who have overcome many obstacles to succeed in their ventures,” says Kirsten. “Their stories inspired me to write a book, even though I was completely clueless about how to go about it. So I wanted to make sure the book included practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.”The book has tips, heartfelt advice and relatable stories of women who work in manufacturing, retail, wellness, hospitality, and artistic/creative spaces. Women who feature in the book come from a diverse range of businesses, including Kerry Fahey of Kerry’s Klothes, Sue Clelland from Saltwood Café & Lifestyle, Olivia Deroche from Wax Lyrical bookshop, Jo Quirk from Revive with Jo beauty, Lillie Nixon from Nixon's Cleaning and Maintenance, Emily Simpson from Full Bloom and Dianne McNamara from Punkin Head Air Sports, which makes aircraft covers for light planes. Artists Arabella Gypsy, Nicole Brown and Deborah Dicembre also feature in the book along with website designer Michelle Barraclough, Robyn McKean from Myotherapy, Balance your Body, Peta Godfrey from Travel Focus Group, Alyse and Alison Mitchinson from Arlo’s Garden, Lucy Nixon from Shoalhaven Professional Bookkeeping and porcelain doll maker Di Godfrey.“The women I spoke to are amazingly resilient,” says Kirsten. “When you think of what they’ve gone through with floods, fires and COVID it’s been a really tough time for them, but they hang in there and continue to inspire those around them.“I found out when I was writing this book that it really does take a village and the women who feature in it are so supportive and encouraging of each other as a community of small business owners.”When asked if she has achieved her dream she laughs and says: “Yes! That’s the crazy part about it, after interviewing all these women I’ve come full circle. I’ve got a book that I’m very happy with and I've also started my own small business.”Since publishing Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners Kirsten now runs her own writing business, Broughton Creek Publishing. She says writing her debut novel has enriched her life and she wants other women to be inspired to follow their dreams. “I hope this book serves as a beacon of hope and a source of practical wisdom for all women who aspire to make their mark in the business world,” she says. “The beauty of this book is that it has top tips from each of the businesswomen, along with themes that run central to all of their stories: love what you do; have the courage to have and go; persevere when things are hard and value and educate yourself.”The Bugle has a copy of Kirsten’s book to give away to one lucky reader. We are inviting people to nominate an inspiring woman in your life who you think deserves a copy of Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small Business Owners.Copies are also available from https://kirstennixon.com/ and Amazon https://amzn.asia/d/iHOa4dj  

Kiama is gearing up to host its first triathlon in more than 10 years, with the event set for October 13 and all spots already sold out.The race will kick off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Minnamurra River followed by a bike ride out along Swamp Road and back and finishing with a run from Minnamurra, up into Kiama Downs and then back.There are two races: the standard race (1.5 km swim, 38 km bike and 10 km run) which begins at 8am and a sprint (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) which begins at 8:30am.Kiama Triathlon Club Vice President Geoff Besnard says the event will be very good for the community of the Kiama LGA and he hopes that if it’s successful, the event will become an annual occurrence.“I think it’s great for the town, it’s an event that promotes health and fitness and it will bring a lot of people into town. The race will probably only go for a few hours, but people will come down for the whole weekend. They’ll go out for dinner and drinks and go into the local businesses,” says Besnard.“This year is a bit of a trial run, but hopefully if all goes well, we will be able to run this event annually.”While the excitement is building, one concern is the potential for traffic congestion and limited parking in Minnamurra. To address this, Elite Energy, the event organisers whomanage multi-sport events along the East Coast, have devised an incentive for participants to use public transport.“Elite Energy has introduced an idea where racers who use public transport to get to the event will receive a $50 credit toward their next event, which is a nice perk since triathlons can be a costly sport,” says Besnard.Although they aren’t running the event, many of the Kiama Triathlon Club members will either be participating or volunteering to help.“I think we have about 15 of our members participating in it, but a majority of the rest will be helping out on the day. It takes a lot of people to run an event like this,” says Besnard.For those interested in spectating, Besnard recommends watching from the transition areas, particularly the transition between the swim and bike portions, and of course, the race finish.“If anyone wants to catch the action, the best spots will be along the Minnamurra River early on, especially to see the athletes transition from swim to bike,” he says.The Kiama Triathlon Club has had a highly successful 2024, recently winning their fifth state championship in seven years. Between August 15-25, 11 of the club’s members competed in various events at the National Championships, with Tanya Fraser, John Dormandl, and his partner Dan Merange all making it onto the podium.

Kiama’s resident beauty queen is more than just that, Chelsea Jones is a proud Wodi Wodi woman who has shown resilience in the face of difficult life challenges. 25-year-old Jones will be representing her mob in the upcoming Miss Multiverse pageant, a competition featuring 30 women from varying backgrounds and celebrates cultural diversity in Australia.Chelsea JonesDescribed as the "pageant with a purpose," it raises funds for The Cancer Council Foundation, generating vital support for cancer research, services and organ donation for life.Chelsea stands out as the only contestant born in Australia and the only one representing Aboriginal culture. She aims to share her story to inspire others.Her supportive Aunty, Dale Vaux, reflected on discovering their ancestry and how perceptions have shifted over time.“During my growing up, you never spoke about it (her Aboriginal heritage) — it was something that was ‘out there.’ My mother and her mother didn’t talk about it. We didn’t know much about our family until my daughter started doing Aboriginal studies at school, and then Mum opened up.”Through Dale's research, she found a connection to the 'Longbottom' line, with some family history documented in Helen Laidlaw's book, On Wadi Wadi Country - From the Mountains to the Sea, particularly in chapter 13.“I can remember being teased at school, saying I was adopted because I was a different colour,” Dale recalled. “Now we can identify proudly and be accepted.”Chelsea proudly embraces her heritage, crediting those who paved the way for her. “Women in my life, like Dale and my nan, have paved the way for the acceptance I feel. Many women in Kiama know them for their community work, and I want to make them all proud,” she said. In her young life, Chelsea has faced significant challenges. After moving to Sydney and landing her dream job at Taronga Zoo, she had to quickly return to Kiama to care for her ill mother. Following her mother’s passing, Chelsea struggled with depression and a loss of confidence.She shared, “It's been empowering for me to do this and get out there again. I lost a lot of confidence after Mum's death. One day I woke up and chose resilience.”That’s the message she wants to share: “Just resilience, that's being a woman. I want to make my mum proud, make my family proud, and show others that you can achieve things like this.”“I’ve been able to help my family through one of the hardest times of our lives, and it’s been an honour to do that,” she added.Chelsea still feels her mother's presence along her journey. Chelsea received the number seven in the pageant line-up—her mum's favourite number. “The way this is all set up feels like it’s where I’m meant to be right now,” she said.Chelsea also connected with Kirrikin Fashion, a design studio featuring the artwork of contemporary indigenous artists from around the country. They offered her the chance to choose items from their catalogue for the pageant - a proud honour for Chelsea. She selected prints symbolising strength and unity, and explained that the colours represent different Aboriginal communities. The Wadi Wadi people use blues and yellows to represent the beach and water, while inland communities often paint in reds and oranges for the desert.The competition will take place at The Sofitel in Sydney on October 18. To support not only Chelsea but the Kiama community and Wodi Wodi people, you can donate to The Cancer Council Foundation using 'Chelsea Jones' as a reference by scanning the QR code provided. You can also follow her on Instagram at @chelseaa_jones to keep up with her journey.Scan the QR Code to donate, Use 'Chelsea Jones' as your referenceIt’s clear that Chelsea is beautiful inside and out, and truly embodies the essence of Miss Multiverse: diversity, empowerment, and resilience. The Bugle would like to wish her the best of luck in the upcoming competition, giving a platform to her people and community, to share her powerful message of resilience. Chelsea Jones

This month, it’s all about spreading awareness for breast cancer.Breast cancer affects thousands of Australian families each year, but together, through research and funding, we can make a significant difference.Did you know, breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and tragically nine Australians lose their lives to this disease every day.Each year, over 21,000 people, including about 200 men, are diagnosed with breast cancer. Daily, 58 Australians receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Annually, over 3,300 people, including 33 men, succumb to the disease.Your support can change lives. To donate and contribute to vital research and prevention efforts, please visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation at the link below:Donate NowSo pretend everyday this month is a Wednesday and wear your pink to spread awareness. Together, we can combat breast cancer and support those affected. 

Today marks the beginning of the bushfire season in Kiama.If you want to conduct a burn, you will need a fire permit from your local rural fire service brigades. Fire permits are free, and ensure household burn offs remain safe and controlled. Rural Fire Service Inspector David Bartlett says the new processes are easy to follow, it’s about knowing what has changed.“Anyone on a rural property who wants to do some pile burning or light a fire, they're going to need a fire permit from the rural fire service,” “Apply online through the Rural Fire Service website… we’ll have a volunteer come out and do an assessment to ensure the fire you’re looking at is going to be safe.”  You can also obtain a permit from local rural fire service stations or from the Illawarra Fire Control Centre on Airport Road in Albion Park.The permits go through digitally, and once that has been obtained, households will need to reach out to Kiama Municipal Council for further approval.Council has a no burn policy, which means they will consider burn-off applications for properties over one acre that ‘carry out rural activities’.If both applications are approved, you must notify your local fire authority and neighbours of your intention to burn at least 24 hours in advance. David says the best way to prepare your property for a bushfire is getting a plan in order that will suit you best. “The best thing they can do is ensure they’ve got a bushfire survival plan in plan, whether they’re looking to stay and defend their property or leave.”Keeping up to date with road closures and active bushfires is crucial to leaving safely.David suggests monitoring fire activity, planning out the trip to make sure you’re not driving into bushland and doing all of this without delay. “If they’re leaving, they’ve got to leave early.” If the plan is to stay put, the bushfire survival plan will help ensure your home is well prepared. The Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October until 31 March.For more information on the Bush Fire Danger Period and requirements around safe burning, visit the RFS website. For Council applications, visit their website.

Joyce Wheatley Community Centre will be receiving upgrades and refurbishment worth over $190,000 through an initiative by Kiama Council and the NSW Government.The upgrades announced by Council include a new kitchen, audio-visual system and a new accessible bathroom. Upon completion, the centre will provide sitting options for up to 120 people.The Centre will be closed from the end of September until works are completed, which is expected by December. Kiama Council recently unveiled the new and improved park facilities at Hindmarsh Park, a project that was completed a month before schedule. This project is being funded by Kiama Council from their capital works budget and the NSW Government through a Creative Capital Minor Works and Equipment Grant.

A young woman from Bomaderry is thriving in her dream career in horticulture after being named one of 25 national winners of the Global Footprints Scholarship. Olivia Williams, 23, discovered her passion for horticulture during a gap year as an exchange student in Austria, where she stayed with a family that ran a business specialising in endemic plant species. (Endemic plants are those found only in a specific region, often requiring particular altitudes, climates, and soil conditions.)Upon returning from her gap year in the rocky Alps, Williams enrolled in a Certificate III in Horticulture at TAFE NSW Nowra. She has since completed an apprenticeship with Schultz Landscaping and now co-manages the business.The Global Footprints Scholarship provides $9,000 to recipients in agriculture, horticulture, or trades to travel overseas for industry experience and professional development.“When I got the call telling me I’d been awarded the scholarship, I almost dropped the phone,” Ms Williams said.She plans to use the scholarship funds to travel abroad and explore her interests in species conservation and bush regeneration.“I’m really interested in the intersection between horticulture and conservation, and this will be an amazing opportunity to see how other countries are approaching this,” Ms Williams said.TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Horticulture Ben Garnero noted that Ms Williams is part of a growing group of female horticulturalists leaving a positive impact in the field.“Horticulture is an exciting field to be part of right now, and it’s great to see TAFE NSW graduates like Olivia achieving such success,” he said. “This is another example of the real-world skills TAFE NSW provides to train the workforce of the future.”Congratulations Olivia!

Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) volunteers assisted two men after their catamaran capsized on St Georges Basin over the weekend. Radio operators received a call from a member of the public alerting them to the accident on Saturday afternoon.MRNSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a vessel from Sussex Inlet was deployed for the rescue mission. “[A volunteer crew] immediately deployed to assist the sailors at Erowal Bay while NSW Ambulance was called’, Sullivan said, “thankfully, the two men made their way to shore.”Rescue jet skis also responded to the event, the two men were assessed by paramedics and MRNSW crew righted the capsized catamaran as it posed a navigation hazard.Hobie catamaran capsized on St Georges Basin this weekend.MRNSW have also completed a recent refurbishment of Shoalhaven’s largest vessel, extending its operational life for another decade. As a part of the extensive works, Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said volunteer safety and crew comfort has been improved to manage fatigue.“We have changed the seating arrangements on the vessel to shock-absorbing Salti Bliss seats, making it much more comfortable for the crew to use.”A volunteer crew have set sail on the revamped vessel today, departing south of Newport this morning and are expected to arrive home on the Shoalhaven River around 2pm this afternoon.Parkin has said the vessel passed the extensive sea trial yesterday with ‘flying colours’ and the vessel will now be able to provide many more years of service to rescue operations. “Shoalhaven 30 is a solid Steber vessel and she has served the unit extremely well over the years. We look forward to another good decade of service from her,” Parkin said.

On September 23, the Kiama Junior Basketball Association honoured John Trappman as he stepped down from his role as President after nearly a decade of leadership. Trappman has been involved with the club for 18 years, contributing as both a coach and administrator, and he even played for Kiama’s representative team, which he captained in 1978-79. “I’ve been involved with basketball since I was 19, and now I’m 70—that’s 51 years,” says Trappman. “It all started when I was playing rugby union in Sydney. One of the players suggested playing basketball instead of training on Tuesdays, and that’s how I got started. I didn’t realise how physically demanding the game actually is.” Since then, Trappman developed a deep passion for the sport. “I’ve been addicted to it ever since,” he says. “I love playing because it’s a great game, and you can play in any weather. You can even play 2-3 games a week.” After his playing career ended, Trappman took a break before returning to the Kiama basketball community. He recalled that when he rejoined 18 years ago, basketball in Australia was struggling. “When I came back, basketball was in decline. There was even talk of the NBL shutting down for a couple of years. But they didn’t, and since then, the sport has experienced a massive incline, which is still ongoing thanks to strong associations,” Trappman says. His return to basketball was driven by a desire to give back to the coaches, volunteers, and administrators who had supported him throughout his career. One of his proudest moments was coaching a team to victory in the Country Championships in 2014—the first time the club had won in over a decade. “I coached kids from a young age all the way through, and winning the Country Championship was massive for us,” says Trappman. Reflecting on his years with Kiama Junior Basketball, Trappman expressed his appreciation for the support of parents. “The most amazing thing about basketball is how supportive the parents are. They never tell you how to coach or what to do—they just back you up, which makes the job so much easier,” says Trappman.As he steps down, Trappman feels confident about the future of the club, which he believes is in a strong position with dedicated volunteers and a capable committee. “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped over the years—there are too many to name. We had times where just one or two of us were running the club, but many people stepped up to help. It’s been hard work, but I’ve loved every minute of it,” he says.“Over the years, we’ve struggled to maintain a strong committee, but now we have one. The volunteers are great, the numbers are growing, and it’s the perfect time for me to step aside.”Approximately ten years now, I’ve been here 18 years. I came back to Kiama basketball when my children stopped playing for Illawarra - I was involved with the coaching up there and what I did then was I had a break of 12 months then I thought I’d come back. The committee of the day put an ad in the paper saying they were desperate for volunteers - I was always on the coaching side. So I come to the meeting, accepted the position as coach and ever since then I’ve been on the committee.I’ve been involved with basketball since I was 19 so I’m 70 now so 51 years. In that time I’ve coached, I’ve started and run clubs, I’ve just been involved that long - right from playing to coaching to reffing to organising anf I represented Kiama myself so it was a way of giving back to that. I actually captained the rep team back in the days when we didn’t have the stadium and we were up at the high school in 78 and 79.We had at that stage, and I was playing three nights a week at Kiama, Lake Illawarra and Wollongong, so I was involved with all three. I was 19 when I first started, I was playing rugby union in Sydney and one of the players decided that instead of training on a Tuesday we would play basketball so that was how I got started and I didn’t realise how physically demanding the game actually is. We were huffing and puffing.It’s a different game and I enjoy basketball more. I enjoy playing, it’s a great game. And its a great game because you can play all weather and you can play 2-3 games a week.Like every association it has had its ups and downs, when I first started back here 18 years ago we were still strong, but at that time basketball had taken a big decline. There was even talk of the NBL shutting doen for a couple of years but they decided not to. Then we had this massive incline which we’re still in now and thats a result of the great associations. And like everything, if the hawks are doing well then basketball is doing well.We have grown, we’ve got a very strong representative association, we have all four grades who have teams and last year when we picked our rep teams we had 20 plus kids in every age group showing up.I coached kids from a very young age right through and in 2014 we ended up winning the country championship which was massive. And that was a big thing because that is NSW country. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in our sport but the most amazing thing about basketball in my opinion is how good and how well behaved the parents are. They just back you up all the time and they never once tell you how to coach or what to do, they’re just always supporting and that makes it so easy.Id like to thank everybody over the years for their help, there’s too many to name. We had years where there was only 1 or 2 of us running it and theres just been so many who have helped me. It’s been hard, but I’ve loved it. Over the years we’ve struggled within our association to have a good committee. I now have a very strong committee. I have a strong committee, good volunteers to run the club and it was just a great time to get out.Growth is hard because we’re limited with court space, so realistically we can’t grow anymore but just to maintain what we have at the moment would be great.

The Kiama International Sea Side (KISS) Arts Festival is coming back to Black Beach over October 25-27. “With a lineup of performers reminiscent of the pre covid KISS and the biggest ever KISS adults-only Cabaret, 2024’s KISS is on and banging. We promise you the best, the most hilarious and the most ‘get involved’ festival fun this state has to offer. All right here in our gorgeous town of Kiama,” says organiser Tamara Campbell.KISS is a celebration of street theatre, circus, comedy and entertainment in one location. A blend of international acts, local talent and unique performances will be on offer for all ages to enjoy.The three-day-event kicks off on Friday 25 October with the first of two adults-only cabarets in the Kazador tent. Saturday 26 will see street theatre performances who will “blow your little socks off and intimate tent shows that will leave you oohing and aahing, so many changes to get involved you’ll feel like the star of the show,” Campbell continued.KISS is a free event for all ages to attend. Artists will pass the hat, so make sure to pack some cash and bring your card to support performers. The opportunities to take part are another thing that sets KISS apart from your average festival. Build a raft, have your say at the Unity project, flex your comedy muscle in stand up for kids, make a lantern and play along to be part of the fun. Don’t forget to get your tickets to the unforgettable and unexplainable delight of the KISS Arts Fest adults only cabaret. You don’t want to miss it, because everyone will be talking about it, but no one will know how to explain it.

Kiama has spoken. The NSW Electoral commission has confirmed the results of the 14 September local government elections. Kiama’s nine councillors are: Cameron McDonald, Erica Warren and Melissa Matters (from Independent Group A), Matt Brown (Independent), Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins from Labor, Melinda Lawton (Greens), Mike Cains (Independent) and Yasmin Tatrai (Independent).That means that only three from the former group of Councillors have been retained, and there are six new members. Kiama voters have spoken loudly to elect a very different group of councillors for the four-year term, and there seems to be a bias towards Independents and people with solid business experience.  Labor councillors Draisma and Larkins have already come out with a statement: “We want to thank the community for allowing us the opportunity to represent them on the council, and the hardworking volunteers and members who have backed us all the way.”Newly elected councillor Mike Cains said, "It's a great honour and a privilege to be elected. We ran a short sharp policy rich campaign and have been rewarded by the community," adding, "I have said many times that I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and represent our community diligently, sensibly and thoughtfully. To everyone who supported us, I can't thank them enough."As of 2:51 PM this afternoon, there is a 24-hour period for anyone to object and request a recount. The councillors will be officially sworn in by the CEO, Jane Stroud, at the first council meeting on Tuesday, 8 October. This meeting will also see the new council members voting for a Mayor and Deputy Mayor.Regarding the constitutional referendum on changing to a direct (popular) election for the Mayor, the decision was closely contested, but Kiama chose no with 54.67% of votes.Cameron McDonaldErica WarrenMelissa MattersMatt BrownImogen DraismaStuart LarkinsMelissa LawtonMike Cains Yasmin Tatrai

Kiama High School Year 12s rejoiced on Friday afternoon, celebrating the last day of high school with a graduation ceremony at the Kiama Pavilion.2024 School Captain Thomas reflected on his self-growth through the school's representative council and his journey with best friend, Olivia, from preschool to co-captains. Callan and Thomas “I was never someone who fit in with everyone, it was kind of my getaway [which] turned into a five year experience” Thomas said, “it’s really enlightening being able to leave and have all these memories but it’s also really sad.”Students departed the stage with yellow lanterns to signify moving into the next chapters of their lives. “It’s been an amazing experience, the class and the teachers have made it so memorable and it’s exciting moving forward with these relationships I’ve made,” graduating student Erin said. L-R Jazmin, Charli, Rachel, Front L-R Eva and Jemima“Now we face the real world,” Thomas said. Congratulations to the graduating class. We wish them all the best with their HSC exams next month. 

Jamberoo Rural Fire Service are out and about today putting on an information session for Get Ready Weekend. Get Ready Weekend is a statewide event hosted by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) each September, firefighters provide valuable information and resources to prepare their communities for the upcoming bushfire season.  There's also plenty of fun for the kids as well!Jamberoo RFS Brigade Captain Hannah McInerey wants Jamberoo families and residents to feel prepared ahead of fire season.“Being prepared… takes the panic and chaos out of the situation. Preparing the home, having an idea of where [the fire] is likely to come from — north, south east or west, if it’s ember or bushfire, direct impact and road conditions.”RFS firefighters responded to 6,220 grass and bushfires last year statewide.The Jamberoo Rural Fire Service have information packs you can take home to begin the conversation with your family.In the past eight weeks, the brigade has been busy responding to grass and bushfire jobs, as well as multi-agency jobs assisting other emergency services with rescues. “We have hit the ground running for the season, and had two total fire bans before the start of the fire season. That's a good indication that if we continue on the trajectory that we are, it’s going to be a busy season,” says Hannah.Local fire fighters can work through how to prepare your home, how to access resources such as a water source, what to do with pets or to revise your existing plan for the upcoming season. Get Ready Weekend information and resources are still up at the Jamberoo Fire Station in Young Street, Jamberoo. Firefighters are around until 2 pm today to chat through your bushfire preparedness plan.

The MV Signa is a glimpse into history, the wooden vessel was built in 1971 and has been a well loved part of Kiama Harbour for many decades. John Hansen removed her from the water in August 2022 to carry out an extensive restoration project. After two years of painstaking restoration and very hard work from John and six volunteers, the vessel was returned to Kiama Harbour in July 2024.John will be speaking at the October general meeting of the Kiama Men’s Probus Club at the Kiama Bowling and Recreation Club on Wednesday 23 October and will share his illustrated talk on the restoration project. All are invited to attend the free event and even get to enjoy a catered morning tea.. Morning tea will be served before John begins his talk at 10:30am. Please RSVP to Secretary Geoff Dowd on 0408 339 322.

By A Sense of Place PublishingMonica Smit came to prominence during the Covid era, when a new generation of political activists and a new generation of citizen journalists came to the fore. But still the ancient régime persecutes its youngest and brightest talents with all the tools of warfare at its disposal.In her new essay What is the Price of Justice? Monica writes: “Recently I represented myself against a team of government lawyers during a 13-day trial that lasted over 6 weeks…. and won! That’s great news, isn’t it? But there is a twist that has become far more important to this story than the victory itself.”It will have you asking…what is the price of justice?Imagine you’ve been wronged by a government body.Imagine your liberty was taken from you without just cause.Imagine that no one was willing to take accountability or admit any fault.Imagine you got offered a measly $15,000 with no private or public vindication.If you take the money, you have permission to keep asserting that you think you were wronged, but you will never get closure. It will always be ‘your word against theirs’.Who benefits if you take the deal?Well, the government benefits because they’re using tax-payer’s money to pay you off anyway and they will avoid public embarrassment or taking accountability.“Cell 22” by Monica Smit is a gripping memoir that charts the extraordinary journey of a woman who transformed from a carefree party girl into a political prisoner during one of the world’s most stringent lockdown periods in Melbourne, Australia. This book is not just an account of her time in solitary confinement but also a reflection on her personal growth, the societal impacts of governmental overreach, and her advocacy for freedom and human rights.Monica Smit’s narrative begins by painting a picture of her life before the tumultuous events that would change her trajectory. Initially, her life was filled with the typical indulgences of youth, marked by a party lifestyle. However, her experiences with trauma, sexual abuse, and overcoming low self-esteem set the stage for her later resilience. As she puts it in her book, “It was only through a long journey of shameful mistakes and personal suffering that I became a woman of conviction, and a person who dared stand up and fight for justice.” This quote encapsulates her transformation, highlighting how adversity can forge character.The core of “Cell 22” revolves around Smit’s arrest and 22-day stint in solitary confinement for her vocal opposition to the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. Melbourne, under the leadership of Dan Andrews, became infamous for its draconian measures, which Smit fiercely opposed, leading to her becoming a symbol of resistance. Her imprisonment, rather than silencing her, amplified her cause, making her a martyr in the eyes of many who saw her as a victim of state overreach.Smit’s portrayal of her time in cell 22 is raw and introspective. She speaks of the isolation, the fear, but also the clarity it brought to her understanding of freedom and human rights. “My time in Cell 22 was a crucible,” she writes, “where every moment was a reminder of why freedom is worth fighting for.” This quote not only illustrates her personal experience but also frames her broader message about the value of liberty.Post her release, Smit delved deeper into activism, founding Reignite Democracy Australia, which became a platform for those feeling marginalised by the government’s policies. Her book delves into these activities, providing insights into her legal battles, public speeches, and the community she built around the cause for freedom.The reception of “Cell 22” has been mixed but predominantly positive among those who resonate with her narrative of resistance against perceived tyranny. One reviewer on Goodreads notes, “The book is a lesson in having the balls to stand up for what you believe in even when everyone is against you.” This review captures the essence of what many readers find inspiring in Smit’s story - her unyielding spirit.Another review, perhaps reflecting a broader sentiment among her supporters, states, “I admired her courage in refusing bail conditions to set a precedent, and being the right person at the right time.” This admiration stems not just from her personal bravery but also from her strategic stance in legal proceedings, aiming to challenge the system’s overreach.“Cell 22” isn’t just a political memoir; it’s a human story about finding one’s voice, confronting personal demons, and standing up against what one perceives as injustice. Monica Smit, through her narrative, invites readers to reflect on the cost of freedom, the nature of governance, and the power of individual action in the face of collective oppression. Her journey, as detailed in the book, from a life of parties to becoming a symbol of resistance, is a testament to the transformative power of conviction and the enduring human spirit in dark times.

Gerringong Public Schools Parents and Citizens' Association (P&C) hosted an event to help fathers become more hands-on with parenting.Held at Stoic Brewery in Gerringong on September 5, the night featured popular parenting expert Maggie Dent, whose warmth and insight encouraged meaningful discussion. Stu Brunsdon, a P&C member, participated in the event in an effort to get fathers more involved and proactive in their parenting roles. "I think sometimes, Dads don’t dive into the key issues around raising kids, and often, that burden falls on mums," says Brunsdon. "We want to change that narrative and get more dads involved." The event marked the second ‘Dads at Stoic’ gathering, and Brunsdon observed that while the fathers were timid at the beginning of the night, Maggie Dent's charisma gradually helped them open up."Maggie can hold a crowd so well—she’s funny and very knowledgeable," says Brunsdon."At the start, it's a little quiet, and the dads are a bit standoffish, but by the end, some are laughing, some are in tears, and they’re asking amazing questions. The conversation really starts to flow." By the end of the evening, the dads were sharing stories about their children, discussing books and podcasts they’d been reading or listening to, and exchanging parenting ideas. "They’re all talking about modern-day parenting, sharing both successes and failures," Brunsdon adds. The event has proven to be a success, as Brunsdon has noticed a positive shift in how dads are engaging with their children. "I definitely see more dads stepping up—not just coaching soccer, but doing the pick-up and drop-off, and handling other day-to-day parenting tasks," says Brunsdon. "It’s even becoming a topic of conversation, with people saying, I read that book, or I tried that podcast." Participation in events hosted this year grew significantly, with more dads contributing by asking questions and offering ideas. “One guy talked about organising screen-free activities like board game nights, another mentioned gardening projects with his kids, and someone else wanted to plan a camping adventure," Brunsdon says. "In a world full of risk assessments and declining school camps, it was great to see so much enthusiasm for these ideas." All money raised from the event went toward the Gerringong Public School and Brunsdon hopes the event will continue to grow in the future, building even more engagement and conversation around fatherhood.He concluded by thanking the dads who attended and Maggie Dent for donating her time, encouraging other fathers to get involved. “If you’re a dad wanting to engage more with your kids and connect with other parents, join your local P&C, look out for events like this, and check out Maggie Dent’s podcast, Parental As Anything."

The Kiama region, celebrated as the birthplace of Australia’s milk cooperative movement, continues to embrace its dairy industry, which remains central to the rolling green hills and the charm that draws tourists. Our local dairy farms are experiencing exciting times, with the average age of farmers being younger than the national average, reflecting a dynamic shift in the industry. As farms grow in size, they’re creating more employment opportunities for young people, many of whom come from urban environments, including a significant number of young women. This rejuvenation is not only sustaining our community but also ensuring that the rich tradition of dairy farming continues to thrive for future generations. “As a local dairy farmer, I’m incredibly excited by the number of young people applying for jobs on our farms, particularly those who often come from urban backgrounds,” Matt Parker, a local dairy farmer, says. “It’s refreshing to see their enthusiasm and the way they’re building strong social networks within our community. The training opportunities available now are fantastic, and it’s been wonderful to watch these young people grow in their roles.“For the last 18 months, Dairy NSW has provided us with a workforce specialist, and like many industries, we’ve been experiencing labour shortages. Having this support has been a game changer for our business, allowing us to attract and retain some truly talented young people,” he adds.Matt Parker and Imogen CoeWhen Wollongong local Imogen Coe left school in Year 11, she didn’t have a farming background, but she had a dream of working with animals. Today, Imogen is thriving as a trainee on dairy farms across the Southern Highlands and South Coast. She’s gaining hands-on experience in milking and calf rearing while learning the intricacies of pasture management and animal health through Dairy NSW workshops. Beyond work, Imogen is building connections with fellow young farmers through the Young Dairy Network. “It’s the best decision I’ve made,” says Imogen. Imogen Coe journey to being a dairy farmer trainee  https://youtu.be/KmvnstIO73Y?si=B_CNIHXL4LyA2RQSMia ThompsonMia Thompson always dreamed of being a physiotherapist, but when her plans took a turn, she found herself thriving in an entirely different field—dairy farming. Mia’s journey began at Tate Dairies in Albion Park, where she’s now deeply involved in calf rearing, animal husbandry, and learning about sustainable farming practices. Through Dairy NSW workshops, Mia has expanded her knowledge in areas like feed management and animal nutrition. "I never imagined I’d love this work so much," Mia shares. The social aspect of the job, including connections made through the Young Dairy Network, has been a surprising bonus. "It’s more than just work, it's a community," she says. Mia Thompson the high-tech world of the dairy Industry and its opportunities https://youtu.be/JGyq0gqVGjkGrowing up in Griffith, Ethan Halliburton never imagined he’d find himself working on a dairy farm. With his grandparents running a large poultry farm, his experience with farming was limited to chickens—not cows. But life has a funny way of steering you in unexpected directions.Ethan moved with his family to the Illawarra when he was four years old. After completing the HSC he was at a crossroads, considering his next career move and looking for part-time work while he made his decision. One night, while out at a trivia event, a chance encounter with dairy farmer Craig Tate’s wife would set him on a path he hadn’t considered.“I was looking for something to do while I figured out what I wanted,” Ethan recalls. “I met Craig’s wife at trivia, and she suggested I give him a call about working on their farm. I’m not big on cold-calling people I don’t know, so it took me a week to build up the nerve to make the call.”Ethan Halliburton’s unexpected journey into dairy Farming https://youtu.be/4-Z1zGlzvhgThat call turned out to be the start of Ethan’s new role as a trainee dairy farmer on the Tate family farm. Although he still has plans to join the armed forces, Ethan is grateful for the hands-on experience he’s gained on the farm.“Working for the Tates has given me an opportunity I never expected. I didn’t know anything about dairy farming, but Craig and his team have been incredibly patient in teaching me the ropes,” Ethan says. “I’m learning something new every day, and it’s been a great way to develop practical skills.”As for Craig Tate, he’s happy to have Ethan on the farm and sees potential for a longer-term career in the dairy industry.With a smile, Craig adds, “You never know—he might change his mind and decide to make dairy farming his career. We’d be happy to keep him around.”Whatever path Ethan chooses, he remains grateful for the opportunity to explore dairy farming.“I’ve still got my eye on the armed forces, but I’m really thankful for the experience I’ve had here. It’s given me a better sense of direction and some valuable life skills,” Ethan says.For now, Ethan continues to build his knowledge of the dairy industry, soaking up the lessons learned on the farm as he prepares for whatever his future holds.

Over 18 weeks spanning terms two and three, Mark Burns of Gerringong led the third annual Building Young Men program with 14 Year Ten students from Kiama High School. This mentoring initiative is based on the rites of passage model developed by Dr. Arne Rubinstein and includes a 24-hour challenge and an overnight camp. The program aims to support the mental health and development of young men during a critical stage of their lives.Burns, CEO of The Man Walk, explained that the rites of passage model follows three key stages: separation, challenge, and return. He sought to replicate this through the program’s structure.“Traditionally, a rite of passage might involve a challenge with your village or tribe—like going out to hunt with your uncles," says Burns. "That would be the separation and the challenge. The return happens when you come back, and the tribe honours you as a man, with new responsibilities." Without formal rites of passage in modern society, Burns believes young men seek their own ways to prove themselves, which can sometimes lead to risky behaviours. “They’re wired for that transition at 16," Burns explains. "Without proper guidance, they may try things like reckless driving, experimenting with drugs, or other risky behaviour."This year's program involved mentoring from nine men of all different backgrounds and ages, a 24 hour walk around Win Stadium which finished at half-time of the Dragons match and an overnight camp at Kangaroo Valley.The initiative has been a huge success. Both students and parents have reported significant positive changes in behaviour and attitude following the program. “I’ve received wonderful feedback from the young men and their parents," says Burns. "Parents have told me they’ve seen huge improvements in behaviour and attitude at home.” Teachers have also noted marked changes in school performance. “Kiama High reported a significant decrease in absenteeism, improvement in grades, and better behaviour in class. They say it’s the best program they’ve had,” says Burns.One of Burns’ favourite outcomes of the program is the camaraderie it fosters among the students. “One of the guys told me he didn’t even know some of the others before, and now they’re best mates,” he shared. “They come from different backgrounds—some sporty, some more musical—but by the end, they’re a team. They look out for each other now, and will for the rest of their lives.” Burns stresses that mentorship and guidance at this age is vital. “I had mates who started to go off the rails at 16. I was lucky—I had a stable home and good guidance, but not everyone has that. Sixteen is a key age where you can make decisions that either set you on a good path or cause problems down the line.”A key focus of the program is encouraging respect, honesty, and thoughtful decision-making, especially in relation to women. “We talk about respect and decision-making with young women, and the guys were amazing in those discussions,” Burns says. “This kind of focus is critical for us to move forward as a society and address issues like disrespect, sexual abuse, and violence.”Due to limited resources, only 14 students can participate each year, and they are selected through a two-page application process. For those who aren’t selected or parents who want more information, Burns recommends The Making of Men by Arne Rubinstein. “It’s a great resource for understanding boy versus man psychology,” Burns said. “And I’m always happy to chat with parents or students who want to learn more about how to help young men make good decisions.”

Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc promises magic this October school holidays with the Broadway adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Running from October 3th to October 6th at the IMB Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, the production will feature 29 talented local performers.Originally created for television, Cinderella was the only musical Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote specifically for the screen, with Julie Andrews in the title role. The stage version brings a fresh twist to the classic tale. Ella (played by Jocelyn Bray) is more than just a “pretty face with the right size shoe,” she’s a spirited, soulful character who fights for her dreams and inspires Prince Topher (Lachlan Pearce) to see the world in a new light.Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc is an Illawarra based amateur musical society, aiming to bring high quality shows to stage and offering opportunities for the community to be involved in the arts. They are excited to bring this production to life, following the success of previous shows such as Disney’s Frozen Jr., The Wedding Singer, and Shrek: The Musical.The show runs with matinee and evening performances over the weekend. Tickets are available at IPAC.org.au or the PAC Box Office at 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong.