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In a close vote, Kiama councillors have decided to hold a poll to show whether residents want Kiama Council to stand alone. Over the coming weeks before the plebiscite on May 7, the push will be on to get as many people as possible to go and vote. It's not the only thing happening in Kiama, as you'll find out when you read this latest edition.
Citation preview
In a bold move, Kiama
Council has narrowly de-
cided to hold a poll to send
the Premier a message from
residents about the depth
of feeling for their current
local government area.
It is thought to be the first
time that a poll has been
held on its own, and not at
the same time as a council
election. Voters are to have
their say on Saturday 9 May.
The question they will be
asked - Do you want Kiama
Municipal Council to stand
alone? - has been designed
to cover both the proposed
forced merger with Shoal-
haven City Council, and the
possibility that another
variation on the theme may
emerge in the interim. The
latter has happened to other
council areas which are now
finding themselves facing
entirely new proposals.
“This is our last chance,”
said Councillor Dennis
Seage when proposing the
motion. “We really need to
have a poll. If the govern-
ment was fair dinkum it
would withdraw us from this
ridiculous race. But they
continue to make us grovel
for our very survival.
“I think the only thing left
is for the community to have
their voice heard. If this
government ignores that
then they are completely
ignoring democracy.”
He again quoted the
Mayor of Noosa, a council
which faced a similar situa-
tion and is now de-merging,
who said “if you sit on your
hands the bastards will cut
off your feet”.
While some councillors
expressed concern about the
estimated $120,000 cost of
having the NSW Electoral
Commission conduct the
plebiscite, others strongly
defended the cost (while
expressing resentment that
the government has not seen
fit to conduct the poll them-
selves).
“I am sure the community
would be willing to go with-
out a footpath, a driveway or
something that is going to
cost a similar amount,” said
Councillor Gavin McClure.
Councillor Neil Reilly was
amongst those who agreed,
“A couple of months ago we
gave $600,000 for street
sweeping equipment. Surely
we can afford $120,000 to
keep the streets.
“In the grand scheme of
things - how much is our
survival worth?”
It was agreed the money
is to come from Council’s
contingency reserve.
Concerns were also ex-
pressed about:
• the timing of the poll this
late in the decision making
process, as indications
are that the Minister will
make his decision in late
May/early June. The
appointed Delegate is due
to hand his report in at the
end on April.
• the need to get a high
voter turnout.
Councillor Seage is adamant
that the plebiscite is the only
choice of action left.
“If we have a poll, people
will come out in force and
the passion of our commu-
nity will be on display to
all.” he said. “When it is a
normal type of election there
is a lot of complacency
around. This is not about an
election. This is about our
very survival.
“It is the only way we will
change the government’s
mind. If they ignore this
democratic process, they
don’t deserve to hold gov-
ernment.”
Our story last issue on
the proposal to hold a poll
prompted Max Reitze to
write of his strong support
for the move. See page 7.
12 March 2016
A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of
people and places on the people and places on the people and places on the people and places on the
Upper South Coast of NSWUpper South Coast of NSWUpper South Coast of NSWUpper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama,
Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs,
Minnamurra and Gerroa
and now at www.thebugleonline.com
Protesters off to
Sydney rally
p 3
New tennis surfaces
at Blowhole Point p5
Building houses in
Cambodia
p 8
Inside this issue
Phone: 42322757 Fax: 4232 2676 21B Barney Street, KIAMA [email protected]
After Hours Towing 0438 424 574
ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS
• LOG BOOK SERVICING
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• BALANCE AND ROTATION
• FULL RANGE AVAILABLE
REGISTRATIONS
• PINK SLIPS – CAR, VAN, BIKE, TRAILERS
The BugleThe BugleThe BugleThe Bugle Community to be asked: Should Kiama stand alone?
Surfers ‘putting smiles on dials’
Get involved in this year’s Surfing for
the Disabled Day at Gerroa - p7
2
What’s on?
The BugleThe BugleThe BugleThe Bugle
Editor:Editor:Editor:Editor:
Cathy Law
t 0412 415 101
Sales:Sales:Sales:Sales:
Steve Law
t 0428 662 499
Or email us at
emailthebugle@
gmail.com
Disclaimer:
Every effort has
been made to ensure
the accuracy of
the information
in this publication,
but we are only human.
PO Box 304,
Gerringong 2534
Let us know if there’s an event you’re organising. Just email the details to [email protected] or phone 0412 415 101 Listings are free, and at the editor’s discretion
Every Wednesday Kiama Farmers’ Market
Kiama Harbour 3-6pm
On weekends Live music at The Sebel,
Kiama Leagues Club,
The Mecure, Jamberoo
Pub and other venues.
11-13 March Jazz & Blues Festival
(see p xxxxx)
11 March Australian Haydn
Ensemble with
Sara Macliver
Berry Uniting Church
Hall, 7pm. Tickets $50
($40 conc) from
australianhaydn.com.au
First release movie
at the Library
Book in for details, 3pm
12 March Locals Long Lunch,
Gerringong Town Hall,
1pm $35 t 4232 0416
12-13 March Kiama Woodcraft Group
Annual Expo, Masonic
Hall Lodge, Collins St
9-5 Sat, 9-4 Sun
14 March Spirituality in the Pub
The first speaker for
2016 is Dr Elizabeth
Farrelly, Sydney Morning
Herald columnist and
critic on architecture
and public issues.
Her topic is Beauty,
Sacredness and Change.
All welcome. Jamberoo
Pub, 7.30pm
14-20 March Mardi Gras Regional Art
Prize Exhibition
(see p10)
17 March Campfire Sessions
Kiama Scout Hall,
Kiama Harbour,
7.30-10pm, $5 or $3
18 March Illawarriors Fundraiser
$80 for cocktail dinner,
welcome drink and to
hear Simon Poidevin
and Phil Kearns speak.
t 0413 027 939
19 March Gerringong Village
Markets In and a round
the Town Hall.
Friends of Kiama
Library Talk (see below)
20 March Kiama Seaside Markets
Kiama Harbour, 9-3pm
Red Hot Summer Tour
Kiama Showgrounds
1-8.30pm, $95
21 March 2016 Colourfest Film
Festival (see p8)
22 March Book launch at Kiama
Library See right
25-26 March Kiama Makers &
Growers Market,
Kiama Harbour, 9-2pm
27 March Jamberoo Village
Markets, 9-2pm
Kiama Seaside Markets
Kiama Harbour, 9-3pm
1 April Pics & Flicks: Far From
Men, Gerringong Town
Hall, 8pm
2-3 April Blowhole Big Fish Classic
4 April Friends of Kiama
Library Talk:
Jim Eames, The Flying
Kangaroo, 2.30pm
SHOP ONLINE for regional and local food
Greenbox is a non-profit, regional food co-op based in
Gerringong, run by a team of passionate volunteers
www.greenbox.org.au Order online every week
from 10am Fri to 7pm Mon for collection or delivery
Thurs from 2.30 to 6pm
Attention Tradies and DIYs
AUTUMN
CEMENT SPECIALS
No need to leave town, no need to even leave your ute…
Burnetts On Barney
are passing on massive autumn price savings
to their trade and home owner customers
for all quality bagged cements.
Book launch at Library Many of us dream of
writing a novel once
we retire, and well-
known human rights
activist and peace
academic Stuart Rees
has achieved just that
with the launch of
his debut novel,
A Lover’s Country.
Stuart, who lives
at Hyams Beach, has
taught in major universi-
ties in the UK, Canada,
the USA and Australia. For twenty years he was Professor
of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of
Sydney. He was co-founder of the University’s Centre for
Peace and Conflict Studies and the founder of the Sydney
Peace Foundation.
A Lover’s Country is a historical novel that sheds light
on the intrigue, struggle and behind-the-scenes wrangling
associated with the nomination of a Palestinian woman as
the recipient of a major peace prize.
With a cast of memorable characters, a tightly crafted
plot and touches of memorable poetry, his book is an illu-
minating tale of justice with a hard-won message of hope.
Given Stuart’s background, it is a must-read for anyone
interested in the current plight of the Palestinians, Arab-
Israeli relations, and the presentation of these questions
by the Western media.
Details: Tues 22 March, 6pm, Kiama Library.
Copies of the book will be available
for purchase and signing on the night
(cash sales only). Bookings essential.
Call 4233 1133.
Kiama and the Western
District of Victoria contain
the best Australian exam-
ples of historic dry stone
walls built in the 19th cen-
tury. These walls help to
shape the distinctive char-
acter of our area to this day,
thanks to the work done to
protect them.
Kiama and District His-
torical Society has secured Les
Davey and Ian Downes to speak on
this topic at their next meeting.
They will be talking about the
Kiama district's dry stone walls
and the involvement of Kiama
Rotary Club with their protection
and promotion as part of our local
heritage.
Les is a former Kiama councillor,
was the principal of Kiama Primary
School, and was a driving force
behind Kiama’s Dry Stone Wall
Committee where the concept
of the dry stone wall town entry
markers was conceived. Ian is our
present ‘Thomas Newing’ stone-
wall builder, having constructed
twelve of our entrance markers, as
well as other stonewalls in our area.
Details: Saturday 19 March,
2.30pm, Family History Centre
underneath the Library
We love our stone walls
80 Barney St, Kiama t 4233 1322
Open
7.30-4.30 Mon-Fri
7-4 Saturdays
Bag prices (+gst) Sand and Cement $5.80
Savings of up to Concrete Mix $6 $3 per bag GP Cement $6.50
Quickset Concrete $6.80 Brighton Lite Off White $8
Yes, you can even pre-buy pallets at this trade price!
Plus, all trade account customers who spend $500 on any
Burnetts On Barney products go in the draw to win back
$500 in product. Sale and customer draw ends 30 April.
Sunday at the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival Make sure you drop
down to Hindmarsh Park
with family and friends
for the free concert on
Sunday.
There’s something for
everyone: Chris Harland
Blues Band 11am, the
Australian Navy Big Band
at noon, Dane Laboyrie
Band 1pm, Blue Eyes Cry
2pm, Sound of KoKo
3pm, Tommy M and the
Mastersounds at 4pm.
3
Second new director for Council
Kiama Council has a new
Director of Engineering &
Works, following the retire-
ment of Bryan Whittaker at
Christmas.
The role has been filled
by Gino Belsito who worked
at Sydney Water for many
years before moving to
Liverpool City Council.
There he held the positions
of Manager Civil Mainte-
nance, Acting Director City Assets and, most recently,
Director City Presence.
In January, Kerry McMurray took over as Director of
Finance, Corporate and Commercial Services following
the retirement of Chris Quigley.
Among the first projects Mr Belsito will be responsible
for are the amenities block at Loves Bay and the construc-
tion of the roundabout at Oxley Ave and Riverside Drive,
Kiama Downs (see p6).
One of the people making
his way to Martin Place
for the anti-forced coun-
cil amalgamation rally
this weekend will be Bob
Shaw. An indication of
his strong feelings on this
issue is that this is the
first protest rally he has
ever attended.
“I never protested
against Vietnam,” he
says, “And I’ve voted
Liberal since 1975, but
I am so disappointed in
the lack of democratic
process that is being
shown here. They have-
n’t explained why they
are doing things.
“When you push things
through without showing
proper justification then
it raises the possibility of
corruption. Good govern-
ance deserves more.”
Bob retired from IT and
moved to Kiama two
years ago, and is now
pursuing his passion for
photography.
“I lived in six council
areas in Sydney and this
is the best I’ve ever
seen,” he says. “It is well
and truly worth saving.”
He will join a strong
contingent from Kiama,
including Mayor Brian
Petschler, councillors,
council staff and
a large contin-
gent of commu-
nity members.
“I think it is
outrageous that
this proposal has
been put upon us
without any con-
sideration or con-
sulting with the
community. I’ve
watched the advertising
being done saying how
they have consulted with
the community and this
will result in better local
government. They have
not consulted with us at
all,” says the Mayor.
Kiama’s ukulele troupe,
the Blowhole Buskers,
will ensure Kiama’s anti-
amalgamation stance is
heard loud and clear
when it performs its war
cry We Shall Not Be
Merged at the rally, at
the request of organisers.
Keep Kiama Council
Local committee deputy
chairman Peter O’Neill
urged the community to
attend the rally in large
numbers.
“It is very important
that Kiama continue to
be front and centre in
the minds of Mr Baird and
Mr Toole,’’ Peter said.
“A big Kiama contingent
at the rally will show we
are keeping up the fight.
“We will also show
solidarity to others
around the state who are
worried about their com-
munities.’’
Details: Sunday 13 March,
Hyde Park, from noon.
If you get your Bugle in
time, you’re encouraged
to catch the 8.51am train
from Gerringong (9.05am
Kiama) and get off the train
at Martin Place.
In a nutshell Next stage in hospi-tal redevelopment Council has received more
than twenty submissions
from architects and project
managers seeking to be
appointed to those roles
for the development of
the Centre for Aged Care
Excellence (the old hospi-
tal site).
Tender for key site Over fifty developers have
expressed interest in the
old Independent building
and carpark site in Shoal-
haven Street, now that Aldi
has been secured as an an-
chor tenant in a redevelop-
ment. Colliers will soon
proceed to the formal ten-
der stage of the process.
Considering options for Mitre 10 site Following the closure of
the Mitre 10 business in
Terralong St, Council will
soon call for expressions of
interest for the future use
of this strategic site. The
use will be limited to the
building only, with Council
retaining use of the land
behind which has access to
Collins and Akuna Streets.
Nobles’ latest proposal for Fern St A revised DA for the rede-
velopment of the contro-
versial land on Fern St,
which is leased by the
Noble brothers, is to be
considered at Council’s
March meeting.
New gym at Kiama Downs shops? After years standing va-
cant, and a false start as a
bar, the old function centre
at the Kiama Downs shops
(which was briefly a bikie
clubhouse) is looking to be
approved as a gym.
Express now stop-ping at Austinmer, sometimes Unless you are a regular
commuter, you might not
be aware that from Sunday
6 March some express
trains from and to Kiama
now stop at Austinmer.
While the extra time
won’t be long, we’d hate
you to miss your train so
make sure you factor this
in when using an old time-
table.
Ward to table petitions against forced merger Gareth Ward MP is to table Kiama’s anti-amalgamation
petitions in Parliament by the end of March. The tabling
of the petitions will mean that the Minister for Local
Government has to respond in writing within 35 days.
A number of different petitions have been circulating
within the community, all with the same aim, so they will
be brought together under the one banner.
The petitions are thought to contain in the order of 7000
signatures. If anyone has any petition sheets in their care,
please contact Narelle Mousdale at Council asap.
Keeping up the anti-merger fight
Bob Shaw will be at his first rally
The Blowhole Buskers are
keeping Kiama in the news.
Share your ideas With the submission period
ended, the Keep Kiama
Council Local committee
is holding brainstorming
sessions to keep the mo-
mentum going. They are
seeking ideas from as many
people as possible on how
to proceed with the fight
against the proposal, and
ways to implement those
ideas. The sessions will be
facilitated by Tamara
Campbell.
Details: Thurs 17 March,
2-4pm or 7-9pm downstairs
at the Pavilion, Kiama.
Register via the Events
section of the Keep Kiama
Local Facebook page.
4
Electricians Murray Connerty: Air conditioning and refriger-
ation specialist. t 0408 420 655
Appliance repairs CVC Appliances: Repairs to washing machines,
stoves, dishwashers, dryers etc. t 0401 294 810
Carpenters John O’Donnell Carpentry: All property mainten-
ance - decks, pergolas, windows etc. No job too
small. Lic R77219 t 0401 301 620
Horticultural services Burnett Trees: Kiama Municipality’s own tree
care service - skilled, insured professionals for all
tree care, pruning, removal, stump grinding and
mulching. t 4233 1311
Builders Burrell Builders: Cracked brickwork, underpin-
ning, insurance/structural repairs. All building
work. Ln3281c t 0419 378 000
Plumbers Kiama Plumbing & Drainage: Affordable, reliable
plumbing and gasfitting services. t 0405 654 035
Our listing of local businesses providing
trades & services is designed as a handy
reference for people wanting to get
work done by a local. At just $10/line,
it’s a great way to grow your business.
Contact Steve on 0428 662 499 or
Need work done? Use a local
Despite the inclement weather, the crowd at this
year’s Kiama Sevens was up by almost 20 per cent,
due to the calibre of the players on the field.
One face in the crowd was Andy Friend, the Aust-
ralian Seven’s Coach. With Rugby Sevens looking to
make its debut at the Olympic in Rio, players were
looking to catch his eye for selection. He said the
Kiama Sevens has grown in stature as a legitimate
pathway to represent Australia in the sport.
The Cleary Brothers Cup Final was won decisively
by Australian Rugby Legends (right).
The date has been set for next year’s 45th Sevens:
25 February. Organisers are already in discussion
with NSW and ACT rugby over the draw of Shute
Shield and Dent Cup to accommodate a pathway for
fringe Sevens players.
Planning for 45th Kiama Sevens already underway
Kiama Farmers’ Market nominated for a 2016 Delicious Award We don’t know much detail as yet,
but we’ve heard on good authority that
Kiama’s weekly farmers’ market will soon
be attracting national attention by being
nominated in these top foodie awards. Photo
s: Brian Sco
tt
5
What a difference a year makes. Last
March, the future of the historic tennis
club at Blowhole Point, established in
1892, was under a cloud following the
release of the Kiama Harbour and Blow-
hole Point Headland master plan.
While recommending its short-term reten-
tion, by improving drainage and stabilising
old quarry walls, the master plan said
“consideration should be given to removing
the tennis courts and exploring additional
tourism opportunities to support the exist-
ing tourism facilities”.
Now, after merging with the much larger
Kiama Tennis Club, the courts have had an
upgrade to a state of the art surface sure to
make them very popular amongst members
and visitors.
The work was made possible by a combi-
nation of Club fundraising and grants. One
of the courts at the Club’s large Noorinan
Street complex was also made into a hard
court, with the others remaining grass.
Details: Kiama Tennis Club members
may play on the courts for free.
Non-members can rent the courts, through
the Kiama Visitors Centre, for $10/hour.
The Club welcomes new members.
Call 4232 2431 or visit kiamatennis.org.au
Tennis anyone?
6
Drivers
Wanted A Kiama passenger
transport business
requires Casual Drivers
across all departments.
Taxi Drivers, Hire Car
Drivers, Casual Bus Driv-
ers and Special Education
Drivers are all required.
Applicants with a driver’s
authority preferred, with
immediate start consid-
ered, however those that
will need to obtain this
will also be considered.
Applicants must be able
to work some weekends
and some night shifts as
required. Local applicants
preferred.
Call 0414 377 505 or
email kiamatransport@
gmail.com
Riverside Drive update Work on a roundabout at the intersection of Oxley Ave-
nue and Riverside Drive, Kiama Downs, is due to start
this month. It is expected to take six to eight weeks to
complete.
In addition, Roads and Maritime Services has recently
changed speed limits along Riverside Drive to a uniform
60km per hour for the stretch from 100 metres north of
Oxley Avenue to Panama Street at Bombo.
It also plans to reduce the speed limit through the on and
off ramps at the Princes Highway to 60km per hour.
Last year the Council resolved to retain the traffic lights
at the corner of Meehan Drive.
It will be interesting to see how the roundabout works
the next time there are roadworks on the Highway, as the
RMS now has a policy of diverting traffic away from
works as a safety measure for workers. As previously re-
ported in The Bugle, Riverside Drive has been identified
as a diversion route.
Kiama’s Baptists came
together in late February to
demonstrate that everyday
Australians stand for gener-
osity, fairness and doing
all they can to end extreme
poverty around the world.
The event, attended by
over eighty people, was part
of the national Campaign
for Australian Aid, which
is a joint initiative of the
Make Poverty History and
Micah Australia coalitions
(representing over 50
organisations) supported
by the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation.
Normally known for their
Sunday worship services,
youth ministries, and kids’
holiday programs, people
met at the church to cele-
brate the work of Australian
aid and show their support
for giving the world’s poor-
est people the foundation
for a brighter future.
Information on Australian
Aid and the impacts of the
cuts to Australian aid on real
people were presented in a
variety of ways.
In 2014 alone, Australian
aid helped to immunise
more than two million chil-
dren, supplied 2.9 million
people with safe drinking
water, helped more than one
million children enrol in
school and provided disaster
relief for emergencies in
24 countries.
Unfortunately, a signifi-
cant proportion of Austra-
lia’s aid budget is now being
diverted to fund immigra-
tion detention and offshore
asylum processing centres in
PNG and Nauru.
Details: For more
information about
the campaign visit
www.australianaid.org
Kiama Tennis Club Inc.
Now at 2 locations:
Noorinan St and Blowhole Point
For Court Hire, Membership or
Ladies and Mens Competition enquiries
please call 4232 2431 or email
Concern over foreign aid
It’s World’s Greatest Shave time again, where people get
sponsored to shave or colour their hair to support Austra-
lians with blood cancer and fund research. Twelve year
old Jessie Fredericks of Kiama will be shaving her hair off
next week to help this great cause.
She has been touched by a very close family friend
whose family has been challenged by cancer, and knows
how life changing it is.
“World’s Greatest Shave has been on my bucket list for
some time and I am glad that I get to participate this time
round,” Jessie said. “Cancer is one of those things in life
that gives you a real hard kick up the behind. I really think
that the people who are going through hard times are more
important than my hair. It is an honour that I get to shave
off my locks for the thought of others”.
Details: To support Jessie you can donate at
Jennie’s Book Nook Kiama or online at
my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/jessiefredericks
Jessie ready to join in World’s Greatest Shave
7
RED HOT SUMMER CONCERT
KIAMA SHOWGROUNDS
Sunday 20th March 2016
ROAD CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
BONG BONG STREET FROM SHOWGROUNDS TO
ROUNDABOUT IN MANNING STREET
11.30am to 9.30pm
For 30 years, the Disabled Surfers Association (DSA)
has been giving disabled people the opportunity to
share the exhilaration of surfing. The South Coast
branch is holding its last event for the summer next
week - its 15th Annual Hands On Day at Gerroa.
“We are not teaching people to surf, we’re just
giving them a surfing experience and making them
feel special for the day,” says Kiama’s Jim Bradley.
“It is a way for the surfing fraternity to give back
for a few hours.”
Last year’s event attracted over 250 people to the
beach, including carers and volunteers. “We have
the voluntary power to handle any situation,” says
Jim. “We have a minimum care ratio of 6:1, but it
can be up to 30:1 for severe physical disability.”
Years of experience has established safety proto-
cols and procedures, so DSA can offer the experi-
ence to people with the full spectrum of disability.
“Our aim is to put smiles on dials. We feed every-
one, and participants go home with a trophy.
“People enjoy the experience so much they plan
their holidays around the Australia-wide events.”
The organisation gets no government funding, and
new volunteers are always welcome.
Dear Editor
I was delighted to read in The
Bugle that the Kiama Council
had approved a Poll to gauge the
true feeling of the Kiama people
in regard to the proposed forced
amalgamation.
I have heard people say… “It’s
a foregone conclusion. They’re
going to do it anyway no matter
what we think or do...” I heartily
disagree with this line of thought
and believe that, if we go down,
it wont be without a fight!
Julius Caesar was confronted
with a similar problem about
50BC He was then a Consul of
Rome. He drafted a bill to grant
land packages to veterans of for-
eign wars and placed it before
the Senate, that assembly of arro-
gant Patricians (Aristocrats) who
promptly blocked it because they
wanted the land for their own
speculative purposes. Caesar
then took his bill to the forum,
that great market place in the
heart of Rome. He stood on the
Rostrum, (the stone platform that
can still be seen today) and laid
his bill before the Plebeians
(common people). He received
unanimous approval by vote
from the plebeians for the Bill,
marched back to the Senate who
could not refuse it because such
an action made it law by the Ro-
man Constitution. This is where
we get the term Plebiscite.
Kiama Residents: your
Council has placed itself in the
same position as Julius Caesar.
The Council will stand on the
Rostrum before the people (us
plebs) and ask for YOUR vote.
Will you give it the authority (by
Plebiscite) with which to con-
front the Government with a
unanimous 100% “NO AMAL-
GAMATION” vote (from all us
Plebs!) that they dare not refute?
The Poll will certainly get my
YES vote (accompanied by my
donation to help defray the
Council's expected expense!).
Finally, a message to our State
Government... Be warned...no
Australian likes the word
FORCED... we've shed too much
blood to purchase our freedom to
have it abused by a few politi-
cians!!! Please consider the
position of trust we have placed
you in.
I'm sure that I am not the only
person that thinks this way!
Max Reitze, Kiama
Letter to the editor
The Bugle welcomes Letters to the Editor, which it will publish
at its discretion as space allows. See p2 for contact details.
South Coast surfers share the waves for the day
Details: Sunday 20 March. Meet at Emery Park, Gerroa no later than 9.30am.
There is no need to book for the day, just be there on time so resources can be allocated.
8
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Kiama districtKiama districtKiama districtKiama district
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find out how by sending a message to
calling Steve on 0428 662 499
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In September, the latest team of people
will be going over to Cambodia to con-
tinue a tradition begun in 2006 when
Gerringong and Kiama locals started
building houses with Tabitha Cambo-
dia (see box).
The volunteers (29 in total, including
10 children between 11 and 17) not
only have to fund their own trips,
but raise the money needed to build
the houses. Each house costs $1700.
The 2016 team is planning to build
more than twenty houses.
The group’s recent fundraiser at
the Leagues Club raised over $10,000,
well above expectations. “The people
in this area are so generous, both in
purchasing but also in donating items,”
says the night’s organiser Jen Hines.
She is going on the trip with her
eleven year old son and her father.
“I thought it was a good opportunity
to show my son how people can live,
what they make do with, and what they
do without,” she says. “Kids in our
society are generally very fortunate,
and I think it is important to show
that not everyone is as lucky as they
are. No doubt it will very eye-opening
for me as well.”
She likes Tabitha because every
dollar raised goes to the building, with
no monetary losses to administration.
“In addition we work with the Cambo-
dians, rather than trying to do it for
them,” she explains. “We don’t take
the work from them.”
Details:
For more information,
or to donate,
go to www.tabithaaustralia.org.au
Since 1994, Tabitha Cambodia has directly
or indirectly reached millions of poor Cambo-
dians, working with families through their high
impact community development programs –
savings, house building, cottage industry,
water sources and schools.
Its fundraising arm, Tabitha Foundation
Australia was established 14 years ago, and
has sent more than $11 million to Cambodia.
Every dollar raised goes to Cambodia and is
used directly for the purpose it was donated.
All administrative costs are met by the direc-
tors and Tabitha Cambodia is funded by its
cottage industry program so no donated funds
are lost to administration.
Jen Hines with one of the donated items
The volunteers help families build new homes
Raising money for Cambodians Celebrate Harmony Day Kiama Council is inviting
you to attend a series
of short films from
the 2016 Colourfest
Film Festival to mark
Harmony Day.
Harmony Day cele-
brates Australia’s
cultural diversity.
It is held on 21 March
each year to coincide
with the United Nations
International Day for
the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination.
The films focus on
social inclusion and
identity, and are
suitable for a family
audience.
Kiama is one of more
than 30 local govern-
ment areas that will
screen the session that
day.
Details: Monday 21 March,
7-8.30pm, Saddleback
Room, The Pavilion Kiama.
Free, inc light supper.
To register book at
kiamaculturenetwork.
wordpress.com or call
Louise on 4232 0549
Deciding if or when to stop driving after a
dementia diagnosis will be among the top-
ics covered at a Kiama Council workshop
in April.
Timed to coincide with Seniors’ Week
activities, the On the Road 65 Plus Demen-
tia and Driving workshop will look at the
effect dementia can have on driving ability.
“The workshop will assist people in de-
ciding when to stop driving after receiving
a diagnosis of dementia. It is about helping
them with that decision, not making it for
them,” says Kiama Council Road Safety
Officer Janelle Burns. The workshop will
also cover alternate transport options.
Workshop guest speaker will be Cath-
erine Andrew, Australia Catholic Univer-
sity Occupational Therapy Lecturer.
Ms Andrew was a co-author of the Uni-
versity of Wollongong’s Dementia and
Driving booklet.
Details: Friday 8 April, 10-noon,
Kiama Library. Free, but RSVP essential
by March 21. For more information and
bookings, contact Janelle Burns on
4232 0444, or email
Book now for Dementia Driving Workshop
Photo
: David Finlay
9
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The last day of summer saw a dramatic
two-person rescue for Kiama Municipal
Council Lifeguards at Surf Beach.
A man in his mid-40s, who was un-
able to swim, was rescued after stray-
ing away from the flags, getting out of
his depth and being pulled into a rip.
Supervising Beach Lifeguard Andy
Mole said he was sure the man would
have died if lifeguards had not been on
hand.
“Sometimes in your career as a life-
guard you are involved in rescues
where you think the person would
have been ok on their own,” Andy
said.
“But then there are rescues you do
where you think ‘if I had not got to
that guy, he would have died’.
“This man was literally in chest-deep
water but could not swim a stroke and
had no education in the ocean whatso-
ever. He gave us a massive hug when
he got out of the water.”
While attempting to get the man
onto the rescue board, the experi-
enced lifeguard was also sucked into
the rip. He supported the man on the
board until a second lifeguard reached
the pair.
The incident highlighted an area of
major concern for lifeguards.
“People who don’t have strong swim-
ming abilities putting themselves at
risk in conditions where they are not
confident is always of concern to us,”
Andy says. “And again we have an is-
sue with people swimming out of pa-
trolled areas.”
It was a very busy peak season for
the Council lifeguards, which saw
them conduct 72 rescues,152 instances
of first aid, 2668 preventative actions
and enforce beach and reserve regula-
tions just over 1000 times.
Lifeguards had to call paramedics
on seven occasions over the period for
a range of injuries including spinal,
broken bones and water immersion.
To extend the lifeguards’ reach,
an emergency radio was installed in
the sand dunes at the start of South
Bombo last year in response to a large
number of rescues at that unpatrolled
beach.
“The emergency radio was used to
rescue two surfers at South Bombo on
a busy day during the January holi-
days,” Andy said.
“The radio is a valuable rescue tool
and means that Lifeguards on patrol
at North Bombo can be on the scene
at South Bombo on 1.5 minutes.
“The more people who know its
there, the more valuable it will be in
ensuring the safety of swimmers who
persist in swimming at unpatrolled
beaches.”
He stresses that the radio is only in
use during the Council patrol season.
Surf Beach is the only beach still
currently under patrol during the
week, with the season ending on 22
April. Local surf clubs patrol beaches
on the weekends.
Over the winter months, Andy will be
working on developing a shark detec-
tion airship project with fellow Kiama
lifeguard and PhD student Kye Adams.
A September or December school
holiday launch date is anticipated.
The project has received a $5000 State
Government grant.
Hats off to our lifeguards
Kiama Library has been successful in
obtaining a Public Library Infrastructure
Grant through the State Library of NSW.
The Grants are aimed at projects that will
assist NSW councils to improve public
library infrastructure, including buildings
and information technology systems.
A total of $60,521 has been allocated
to Kiama Library to digitise the Council
Minute Books of Kiama (1859-1968),
Gerringong (1871-1954) and Jamberoo
(1891-1954) councils.
The Just a Minute project will also pro-
vide public access to these records via a
digital asset management system (DAM)
through the internet.
After the digitisation of the district’s
council minutes, the preservation of these
fragile books will continue to be main-
tained by the State Records Authority of
NSW. The grant will therefore provide not
only public access to these documents, but
also ensure their continued physical exis-
tence.
Through the DAM, Kiama Library will
also provide public access to its vault of
images, oral histories and documents.
The Library already has strong links with
the Kiama and Gerringong Historical
Societies, and with the Kiama Family
History Centre. It aims to become a local
studies and family history hub where com-
munity access to these resources will facili-
tate further and more extensive research
into the rich and unique history of our dis-
trict and its people.
Grant will ensure old council records are preserved
Time to apply for grants from your local clubs ClubsNSW is now calling for grant appli-
cations from community groups involved
with community welfare and social ser-
vices; community development; community
health services; and employment assistance
activities; with funding opportunities open
throughout the year for community devel-
opment and support services (including
sporting, cultural and recreational projects).
Last year more than $100 million was
provided through ClubGRANTS funding,
to thousands of community organisations,
charities and sporting groups.
Details: www.clubsnsw.com.au/clubgrants
or 1300 730 001
10
2016 Green Day Out
Kiama’s inaugural Mardi Gras
Regional Art Prize has been a great
success, with 30 entries from artists
throughout NSW, as well as Queens-
land, WA and Victoria.
Celebrating the life of Kiama's
Orry Kelly, artists were asked to
create work that immortalized a
famous expression from his memoir
“you should only be ashamed of
bein’ ashamed”.
The works of the 19 finalists are
going on show in Kiama next week,
with a panel of experts choosing the
final winner.
“What has emerged is an extraor-
dinarily diverse body of work that
celebrates diversity, resilience,
empowerment, passion, beauty and
determination,” says the competi-
tion’s initiator Bruce Ferguson
from local events company, Canvas
Events.
The public will have the opportu-
nity to vote for their favourite work
too, in a People's Choice Poll taking
place the week of the exhibition.
Details: 15-20 March at the
Old Fire Station and the
Little Blowhole Cafe Art Bar.
The winner will be announced
at an artists party at the Art Bar in
Tingira Crescent on Saturday night.
Art competition attracts a strong field
"I Am What I Am"
- Artist Ann Clarke
"Sewing Our Own Story" - Local artist Belinda Brooks
"Orry with himself"
- Artist Nikolai Preece
These hard working women played in the Green Day
Out as well as helping to organise it, in their roles
as CMRI members and executives.
CMRI Gerringong is very grateful for the generous
cheque for $3000 donated to its fundraising by the
Gerringong Golf Club. Above: Sue Reid (treasurer), Kate Quinn (past treasurer and
life member), Belinda Wall (assistant treasurer), Rosalie Cronin
(president) and Lorraine Jolley (vice president).
The Green Day Out win-
ners this year were the
Village Whispers Team of
David Scerri, Mark Scerri
and Paul Hazelwood.
The annual fundraising
day for Gerringong Golf
Club was a great success,
thanks to the many spon-
sors and participants
(108 players). Local busi-
nesses contributed well
by sponsoring a hole and
entering a team in the three
person Ambrose event.
While some got close,
no-one went away with the
Harrigan Ford sponsored
Hole in One car giveaway.
The success of the day
lies with the support of
many local businesses,
with the major sponsor
for the event being First
National Real Estate
Gerringong.
A percentage of funds
raised was donated to
CMRI (see right), with the
remainder of funds to be
used to maintain and im-
prove members and guests
facilities on the course at
Royal Gerringong. The Bugle welcomes your contributions to our social pages - just send us some pictures or let us know an event is
coming up. [email protected]
11
Have you become
a regular Wednesday
shopper yet?
Enjoy your weekly shop in the great outdoors, buying direct
from farmers and makers
Every Wednesday
Black Beach 3 - 6pm
The Bugle Crossword ACROSS
1. Leave in the lurch, Leave
behind
2. Waves breaking on the shore
3. Engine
4. Timid man or boy
5. Colloquial term for world of
entertainment
6. Extreme nervousness. On has
a case of the screaming (6,7)
7. Australias busiest port by
cargo tonnage
8. Print media published regu-
larly
10. Tea
12. Sandy foreshore next to
ocean
13. Lava of an insect with in-
complete metamorphosis
17. You sit ON this
18 Local marsupial. Sometimes
found in the roof
19.Difficulty passing a motion
21.Area of ground where plants
grow
26. Rug or mat
27. Marine creature with eight
legs
28. State of being first in
importance. First school one
attends.
30. You sit AT this
31. Male chicken
33. World’s oldest fruit. Aus-
tralians eat 5,000,000 a day.
35. Noun. Something intended
to deceive
36. Jedi Master in Star Wars
39. Adam's wife
ACROSS
1.Noun. Moderation in eating
and drinking
8. Number. Often appreviated
to No.
9. Surprisingly and unceremoni-
ously brusque in manner
10.Surname of current Gover-
nor General
11. Vombatus Ursinus. Latin
name of Australian marsupial
12. First name of new deputy
Prime Minister and leader of
The National Party
14. Woodwind instrument
15. Cartoon sailor
16. Lacking vigour or energy,
Low iron count in blood
18. Italian style take away food
19 Fluorocarbon with chlorine
Formerly used as a refrigerant
20. Princes Pacific and Hume
are the names of these
22. To impress with a seal
23. Social insect living in colo-
nies
24. Next beach south of
Coogee
25. Offensively unpleasant
odour
27. Act in disregard of laws or
rules
29. Put off doing something
32. Cry made by sheep
33. Pen with metal ball tip
34.Speed limit in KPH on Kiama
bends
37. Huge computer corporation
is called this
38. Nick name of the South
Sydney Rugby League Club
40. 25th April (5,3)
41. You drink tea from this
42. Motorised lift in a building
Last week’s solution
12
Postcard home If you’d like to share your travel
experiences, send your postcard home
Methold on books I have a problem with some of the best-selling crime se-
ries. Unlike the tales told by Conan Doyle and Agatha
Christie, who were concerned with plot as much as any-
thing, so many contemporary crime writers seem to be
more concerned with the private lives of their sleuths than
with the complexities of a good mystery. Indeed, they
seem to fill out what are really very thin plots with either
pages and pages about their characters’ relationships or
with barely relevant chunks of description.
Peter James, who writes the amazingly successful au-
thentic police procedurals, is a good example. He gives
the impression of being far more concerned with the rela-
tionships between the various officers and their partners
than with clever plotting .His novels are, therefore, also
a long-running saga about the domestic problems of his
two major detectives. In order that new-readers to the se-
ries are brought up to date with their marital situations and
sex lives, every title includes large sections which seem to
have been copied word for word from pervious titles.
I was enthralled by the first two or three books in the
Roy Grace series. The inside workings of a police force
attempting to maintain law and order in one of Britain’s
cities most notorious for the amount of criminal activity –
Brighton, would you believe? – are fascinating to read
about. By the sixth title, however, I’d had enough of
Chief Detective Superintendant Roy Grace’s domestic
traumas, and also of his DS’s. I wanted more story, more
clever plotting and much less plodding.
But I do recommend the first title, Dead Simple, and a
few of the others, if you don’t mind something rather
gritty and are prepared to do a bit of skipping.
A Kiama resident, Ken has been a full-time writer
for almost 50 years and is an elder statesman of the publishing
world. The Bugle is honoured to have him as an occasional col-
umnist. He is the instigator of a monthly lunch group of local
male readers and/or writers of crime which meets on the last
Thursday of the month. There are currently a few vacancies.
Contact [email protected]
Sometimes when you travel, you
see something you think quite
extraordinary but the locals think
mundane (or at least normal). You
are left with all these questions,
even after you’ve attempted to
understand what you’ve seen.
This happened to us in Vietnam,
where we kept stumbling upon
these elaborate structures set up
to celebrate weddings.
This one is in a relatively wide
street in Hanoi’s old quarter, but
sometimes we’d turn down narrow
lanes and there was another mar-
quee all ready to go.
They were always predominantly
white, set off with a vibrant col-
our contrast. All were meticulous-
ly decorated, and definitely not
permanent structures as they
disappeared as magically as they
appeared. It seems in Vietnam
the wedding reception comes to
the couple, wherever they live.
Strangely, we didn’t see many
of the festivities in full swing - not
sure why. I wish we’d set up camp
on one of those little blue stools
and watched the story unfold
before us.
Louise, Kiama