Kiama Beach Tag is back bigger than ever in 2026 for its fifth year, with a full house of teams, a live music line-up and what organisers are calling a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for junior players.The one-day beach tournament taking place on 7 March has grown from fewer than 40 teams to 72 this year - its biggest field yet - with waiting lists in multiple divisions.Founder Keiron Duncan said the growth has exceeded even his expectations.“We started with high 30s, maybe close to 40 teams, and now we’re at 72 and basically at capacity,” Duncan said.“We’ve got about 13 or 14 teams on the wait list, but we just can’t run it across two days. With weather, tides and swell, it’s too risky, so we keep it to one big day.”The tournament will feature nine divisions this year and features a full standalone women's division.“The standalone women’s division is full with eight teams, which is awesome.”Photo: Brian ScottThe event will again feature an exhibition match with NRL and NRLW players and junior winners will also receive Rugby League World Cup tickets, along with what Duncan described as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”.“We’re calling it that for now,” he said. “It’s going to be pretty special for the kids.”The tournament’s $20,000 prize pool also remains a major drawcard.Beyond the football, the event continues to evolve into a full community festival.In conjunction with the Sounds of Kiama Jazz and Blues weekend, organisers will open the bar on Kendalls Beach on Friday, 6 March from 4pm to 8pm, with local musician Ben Gunn performing live.“With the (original) jazz festival being called off, we thought it was a good opportunity to get some live music happening in town,” Duncan said.Saturday will see DJ Clayton Zane playing throughout the day, while Kiama Leagues Club will host an after party featuring two DJs into the night.“There’s plenty to do in town for everyone over the weekend,” Duncan said.Also on the sidelines will be the increased food and market stalls and the return of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation’s new screening bus, offering close to 100 free skin checks on the day.Duncan shared the story of Australian rugby league star Emma Tonegato, who attended the event last year and underwent a routine check.“It ended up being a melanoma,” Duncan said. “She had to take some weeks off footy at the time. Now she’s an ambassador for the foundation. So that’s a really important part of what we do.”Community involvement remains central to the tournament’s identity, with Kiama Surf Life Saving Club providing beach patrol, Kiama Lions Club assisting with parking and waste management, and strong backing from local businesses.For Duncan, who founded the event and has overseen all five editions, the secret to its success lies in its setting and spirit.“The opportunity to play with your mates on the beach, have a swim between games and be in a great part of the world like Kiama - that’s what makes it special,” he said.“There’s a really good positive energy around the tournament. People are trying to win, but they’re not overly caught up in it. It’s just as much about what’s happening off the field.”

In a follow-up to The Bugle’s report on the impact of the social media ban on regional teens, experts are warning about the “rabbit hole” of YouTube — and why it’s a lot darker than slime videos and kids unboxing Lego.New data, released by the Australian research company Roy Morgan, has revealed YouTube viewing is near-universal among 6–13-year-olds across the country, with 89 per cent of this age group - an estimated 2.5 million - watching the streaming channel between April-December 2025.Gaming and animation are the leading video categories Australian kids are watching on YouTube, according to the Roy Morgan Young Australian Survey (YAS).There’s also a gender divide.Boys are more likely to watch gaming and sport, while girls’ top-ranking categories are animals, fashion, and “unboxing” videos — usually featuring another child unboxing toys or products.Although YouTube falls under Australia’s social media age restrictions, which means people under 16 are only permitted to access the YouTube Kids app — a version designed for 12 years and under — it’s parents who are the worst offenders for side-stepping the rules.“A lot of my little boy’s favourite shows, like ‘Brain Breaks,’ aren’t available on [ the YouTube Kids app],” a local parent told The Bugle. “You find yourself getting worn down and letting them log onto the adult app instead.”YouTube creators generally make significantly more money posting content for general audiences, rather than content specifically designated as “made for kids”, because of regulations surrounding data collection and advertising for children’s content.This means, some of your kid’s favourite programs — including ‘brain breaks’ which promote movement and meditation — might be available on ‘grown-up’ YouTube only, leaving parents in a dilemma.It’s also not necessary to log in to watch the adult YouTube channel, which means the age of the user is hard to police.The research from Roy Morgan has revealed the worrying impact of regular YouTube viewing. Among 10–13-year-olds, those who watched YouTube were more likely than those who didn’t to prefer computer games over playing outside, and to worry about war and terrorism.Like adults, young people are not immune to doomscrolling – the compulsive, habitual and often unconscious act of endlessly scrolling negative social media content, even when it is distressing. Toby Dagg is a Senior Executive with the eSafety Commissioner and has been a key player in the social media age ban conversation in Australia.“There are harms faced by kids on YouTube, which isn't a safe service by any means”, he told The Bugle. “There is a ton of material on YouTube which is completely inappropriate for kids — violent, scary, sexually suggestive, graphic and threatening.”On average, there are over 20 million videos uploaded daily to YouTube, according to data from the streaming service.“Given the sheer volume of material uploaded every day, problems undoubtedly still plague YouTube, no matter how sophisticated their AI classifiers might be in detecting and removing violative content,” adds Dagg.His worries are echoed by many experts and caregivers.Jocelyn Brewer is a psychologist and founder of Digital Nutrition with a special interest in “cyber-psychology.”She has two rules for parents who want to keep their child safe on YouTube: no headphones for younger kids, and a “pause and show me” habit. Parents should always be able to hear what their child is watching, and a child needs to feel empowered to press pause and question any scary or bullying content.“It keeps things calm, makes it easier to block or adjust quickly, and keeps you in the loop without turning it into a daily fight,” says Brewer.“If your kid is watching YouTube logged out, you often miss out on a bunch of the built-in guardrails you’d get when they’re signed in. If you can, steer them to YouTube Kids or a supervised child setup.”Even if your child is watching the kid’s version, don’t become complacent.Emily Hanlon is a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist and founder of The Playful Psychologist. With her three young children, she doesn’t allow YouTube in her home unless it’s “completely supervised.”“Even platforms designed for younger users can’t fully filter every recommendation,” she says.“Autoplay, endless scroll, and algorithmic suggestions can mean kids spend far longer than intended on the app and encounter content beyond what parents choose. Assuming it’s ‘just cartoons’ they’re watching can lull families into a false sense of safety, and inappropriate material can still slip through.”Her advice? Turn off autoplay, curate playlists, and have ongoing conversations about what kids are watching.“Most importantly, join your child’s media experience rather than leaving them solo,” she says. “Co-viewing helps you contextualise content and model critical thinking around what they’re seeing.”

The Links Shell Cove hosted some of the rising stars of women’s golf over the weekend at the final event of the Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series.The prestigious tournament is one of six regional qualifiers held across NSW, giving professional and elite amateur golfers the chance to secure one of only two coveted spots in the NSW Open - one of Australia’s premier women’s golf championships.Just under 70 women competed in the tournament, including Kiama Golf Club member Sage Laird. Seventeen-year-old Victorian Amelia Harris emerged victorious.Harris was exceptional across both days, carding rounds of 69 and 67 to finish eight-under par, claiming victory by two shots.After her win, Harris told Golf NSW she was lost for words.“I mean, it’s obviously super special for anyone, but I don’t have any words. Speechless,” she said.At just 17, Harris played with composure beyond her years and closed out the second round with a blemish-free scorecard featuring five birdies.“I just didn’t worry about the other girls, and I just believed in myself. I mean, it probably looked like I was a bit angry out there, but that’s just how I like to play - just doing my own thing,” she said.“Not much was running through my head, honestly. Just telling myself positive words and hoping I hit it straight.”The victory earns Harris a place in next week’s 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open, co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and WPGA, where she will line up against world-class professionals.Typically unfazed, she is approaching the opportunity in the same manner.“Same as this week - just play my own game. It’s a really good experience and I’m super excited, so I’ll just see how it goes.”Korea’s Jeongmin Cho, who goes by Cecilia, finished second at six-under par, also securing a place in next week’s Women’s NSW Open. She spoke glowingly about Harris.“Congrats to Amelia, she played really solid. Yesterday she had one bogey in that wind, and today she was also solid. Good player coming up for Australia.”Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said he was proud to host such a prestigious event.“This is a proud moment for Shellharbour. Hosting an NSW Open qualifier puts our city and our course on show, and we’re thrilled to welcome players, visitors and fans to experience everything our region has to offer,” Mayor Homer said.The next step for Harris and Cho is the Ford Women’s NSW Open, which takes place at Wollongong Golf Club from February 26 to March 1.

Lime Building Group is making waves in Kiama – this time, helping the local surf life saving club replace a 20-year-old rescue boat with a new life-saving vessel.The donation from the local building firm has already been put to good use with the new Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) officially “christened” at Sunday’s nippers event. The old boat, which had been in service for two decades, was worn and outdated. Joel Stewart, founding director of Lime Building Group, was proud to support the community initiative."We’re fortunate to have such a passionate, talented and welcoming surf club community. “The work they do is crucial in keeping our beaches safe for both locals and the thousands of visitors we attract each year," Stewart said.As a local business owner and a parent whose children enjoy Kiama’s beaches, Stewart felt it was important to give back to the community."I’m honoured to support the club so their volunteers and professionals can continue their vital work,” he said.“Their previous IRB was in desperate need of an upgrade. “We’re incredibly proud to play a small role in helping ensure our beaches are not only beautiful, but some of the safest on the coast."Stewart emphasised the surf club’s central role for the local area."The surf club is such a cornerstone of this community. They give so much to our town, and supporting them is really an investment in the safety and future of our whole community."His journey from growing up on a farm in Foxground to founding one of the South Coast’s most respected building firms reflects his commitment to local excellence and community.Through both his professional work and civic engagement, Stewart continues to make a tangible difference in Kiama and beyond.

What was meant to be a simple, cheerful set for the Sing Australia Kiama choir at the Gerringong Community Expo turned into something no one present will ever forget.Like usual, the choir had a handful of songs to perform last Saturday – a relaxed crowd, home in time for lunch. Nothing formal.But conductor Maree Shepherd had a small suspicion that this might not be an ordinary gig.A few days earlier, choir member Ray Lind had casually asked if he could bring “some visitors” to watch the performance. It wasn’t an uncommon request. The week before, Ray’s wife Annette had attended another Sing Australia event with friends – one of whom turned out to be a familiar face from television’s Neighbours.So when Lind mentioned visitors again, Shepherd joked “are you bringing another celebrity?”“Well … you might know her,” he replied. “It’s Jacinda Ardern.”Shepherd wasn’t entirely sure it would happen. There were no elaborate arrangements, no announcements, no security details – just a quiet possibility. Just in case, Shepherd printed copies of the New Zealand national anthem – in both Māori and English – along with a backing track.Right on cue at 11am, as choir members gathered outdoors to warm up, Shepherd asked them to hum the NZ anthem.They looked at her blankly.“It’s not Anzac Day! What was going on?”And then they saw her.Walking towards them, relaxed and smiling, was the Hon. Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.Ray Lind, The Hon Anette King, The Hon Jacinda Adhern, Garry Funnell, Maree Shepherd“She just came up and was so delightful,” Shepherd recalled. “I asked if we could get a photo and she was so gracious.”Jacinda was visiting Ray and his wife, Annette King, herself a former long-serving New Zealand MP and mentor to Ardern. In fact, Shepherd had only just finished reading Ardern’s biography weeks earlier and had been struck by how often Annette’s name appeared in its pages.“That beautiful and generous spirit of hers just came through at the Expo,” Shepherd said.“Just hearing people talk and the thrill it gave them to just be able to meet and greet her like she was just another person, but knowing what a special position she had – particularly during COVID, that Christchurch massacre – she handled with such dignity and empathy I thought was extraordinary.” Not only did Ardern happily pose for a group photo, she stayed for the entire performance. Smiling, she sang along and encouraged the choir. Then, to everyone’s delight, she joined them in singing the New Zealand National Anthem in Māori and English. For years, the group has performed at Anzac Day services, local expos and community events – often inviting audience members to join in. They’ve learned the Māori version of the New Zealand anthem, sometimes guided by members of the local New Zealand community.“I’m not sure they were looking at us,” Shepherd laughed. “I think they were looking at Jacinda Ardern!”The Hon Jacinda Adhern and Ben WongBut it wasn't the star-struck spectacle that defined the morning. “There was a real sense – no matter what people’s politics – that the office of Prime Minister deserves respect,” Shepherd reflected. “And after reading her book, I was so moved by her heart in office. That beautiful, generous spirit just came through at the Expo.”After singing, Ardern didn’t slip away. Instead, she wandered through the expo, chatting with stallholders, posing for selfies, greeting library staff and volunteers.One Lions Club member, busy at the sausage sizzle, told Shepherd meeting Jacinda was “the highlight of my life”.“She made it all feel so natural,” Shepherd said. “It wasn’t formal … she was just happy to say hello to people.”What began as a modest appearance became a vibrant, joy-filled celebration – a moment where music dissolved formality and titles, and everyone simply sang together.“As I was leaving, people were just absolutely chuffed,” Shepherd said. “You could see what it meant to them.”The choir will next be performing at the Shellharbour Seniors Expo at the Civic Centre next Tuesday at 11am and next Friday at Hindmarsh Park, as part of Kiama Council’s Seniors Expo.

SEVERNE EAST COAST WAVE SAILING TITLES - SESSION 2

It was a tough weekend for Kiama Cricket Club, with all grades slumping to disappointing losses as the competition reaches its pointy end.The weekend began with an achingly close match between the Cavettes and Lake Illawarra in the penultimate round of the South Coast women's competition. Both teams sat fourth and fifth respectively on the ladder and were playing for a finals berth.“Bowling first, the Cavettes started strongly, having the visitors 3-13,” said Kiama Cricket Club president Bernie Brown. “Thanks to some accurate bowling from Emma Ford (3-16) and a great direct-hit run-out from Ebony Winston.”The only other wickets came via a run-out by Naomi Poole and a wicket from Winston herself, with Lake Illawarra finishing on 6-114 from their 20 overs.“Kiama went into bat and another excellent innings from Ebony Winston (51 not out) set up the chase. Along with her opening partnership with Carolyn Perry (12), they looked to have the Cavettes on track,” Brown said.“Emma Ford fell in the 16th over with the Cavettes on 95, needing 20 runs for victory. Emma Timbs and Sharon Kelly fought hard in the face of some tight bowling but fell just four runs short in an exciting finish.”The Cavettes can still make the finals with a win over the undefeated Kookas this Friday night at Oakleigh Park in their annual McGrath Pink Stumps Day Challenge.First grade looked to maintain their strong end-of-season form as they faced second-placed Shellharbour away from home.“Batting first, the Cavs struggled to build meaningful partnerships, slumping to 6-70,” Brown said. “Before Niall Owers (37), with support from the tail, pushed the score to 148. Jaya Hartgerink (30) was the only other Cav to pass 30.”Kiama began the second innings on fire, removing the top order quickly.“Brad Ison (2-28) struck in his second over, removing one of the openers. Niall Owers then produced a direct-hit run-out to leave Shellharbour 2-35 after 10 overs,” Brown said.However, Shellharbour put on a 66-run partnership from there, and even a late collapse could not prevent them from taking the match.“Veteran Dan Reilly (1-13) broke the 66-run stand, triggering a collapse that saw the home side lose 4-8, but it wasn’t enough. Mick Norris toiled as usual, taking 2-27, while Joe Burgess claimed 1-20,” Brown said.Firsts will also play The Kookas at Oakleigh Park this Saturday.Second grade had the bye and will host the final two rounds against the top two teams, Gerringong and Lake Illawarra, to keep their finals hopes alive.Third grade bowed out of the finals race with their loss to Jamberoo, but it wasn’t without cause for celebration.“Welcoming back captain Dane Parnaby from injury, the Cavs started well, removing the dangerous top order thanks to a wonderful spell from Nick Webster (4-38),” Brown said.“At 4-75, the Cavs were in a strong position to restrict the home side to a modest total. However, a dip in intensity allowed Jamberoo to post 195.”Parnaby and Steven Piper took two wickets each, while Geoff McIntyre claimed the other.With the bat, Brown was the only player to post a significant score, finishing unbeaten on 46 as Kiama were dismissed for 136. With their finals hopes dashed, they will play the Kookas away this week.Fourth grade also suffered defeat, but there was something to smile about with bowler Giles Brown claiming a five-wicket haul.“Fourth grade faced competition leaders Jamberoo. Jamberoo struggled early thanks to Kiama’s enforcer Giles Brown (5-26), who dismissed the top five,” Brown said.Giles Brown holding the match ball after his five-wicket haul. Photo: Kiama Cricket ClubJamberoo were bowled out for 143 and Kiama had the target in sight, but unfortunately began in similar fashion.“They lost their top five cheaply. Brett Nortje (58 not out) tried valiantly, striking six fours and three sixes with some lower-order support, but it wasn’t enough as Kiama were bowled out in the 30th over for 115.”Fourth grade fall to third on the ladder but are all but assured of finals cricket. They travel to Albion Park this Saturday.

When William Shakespeare coined the term ‘sea change’ in his play The Tempest, he may not have imagined that it would become part of everyday vernacular.sea change – noun; a striking change, as in appearance, often for the better.• any major transformation or alteration.• a transformation brought about by the seaMany of us will have toyed with the idea of a sea change — for some it’s been part of a conscious decision-making process and for others it’s due to a significant life change.One particular cohort that actively considers a sea change are those in or entering retirement.With a myriad of retirement options available in and around NSW, there is one option—a striking change that ticks all the boxes for the better.Nestled within the coastal landscape of stunning Kiama on the NSW south coast, Cedar on Collins offers more than just an exquisite location, stunning facilities and amenities and high-quality apartments — Cedar offers a place where connection is built, and friendships are made.“Moving house in one’s late youth, and downsizing, is not for the faint-hearted,” one new resident shared.“On arriving here, I was exhausted and felt overwhelmed. But I arrived at Cedar to a warm welcome and my front door wrapped in blue ribbon and with a large blue bow! It was such a lovely surprise and welcome.”With 56 thoughtfully designed 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments Cedar on Collins offers contemporary, fresh spaces with a considered, spacious layout, together with tastefully appointed features and inviting living areas there is plenty for residents to enjoy.“The light. The airiness. The quietness. How easy it is to clean… My proximity to all facilities… The welcoming garden on arrival home.The beautiful potted plants dotted around the paths and entrances…it’s wonderful,” another resident enthused.It’s not just the property that enhances the experience of residents - the Concierge team at Cedar on Collins are always a step ahead, providing a comfortable and tailored experience and willing and able to provide assistance and meet requests wherever possible.“Yes, we love it,” another couple shared. “The residents all initiated Friday evening drinks where people take their own food and drink.And Cedar staff have organised a number of events such as Christmas lunch, film afternoons, morning teas etc which are an ideal way to interact with other residents. Phone numbers have been exchanged and help provided to each other.”There’s a lot to love about Cedar on Collins and the ease at which residents feel like they can move around, be themselves and make it their own has been a breath of fresh air for many.Just a short walk to the ocean front, minutes from shops, restaurants and cafés and the buzz of coastal village life, there’s so much on offer.As one resident concludes, “We are now calling Cedar home. Our family and friends love what we have done [moving here] too. It’s so relaxing!”Perhaps as you make your home at Cedar on Collins and watch the sun set from the roof-top gardens with new-found friends, you can raise a glass to Shakespeare and the bard’s words ‘to unpathed waters, to undreamed shores.’And just maybe your best days are yet to be written, and they might as well be at Cedar on Collins, Kiama.If you’ve been considering a sea change, our upcoming Open Day on March 12th is the perfect place to start. Register at cedarkiama.com.auPlease note: This is paid content

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Do you know a local senior who makes a big difference?Kiama MP Katelin McInerney is on the lookout for the unsung heroes of the community - the seniors who volunteer, lead, mentor, or just quietly make life better for everyone around them.Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.Nominations are open for the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards and close at midday on 6 March.Categories cover everything from leadership and volunteering to sports, arts, heritage, community health and wellbeing, and enriching the lives of other older residents.“Our seniors touch lives in ways big and small," McInerney said."They don’t always seek the spotlight, so I’m asking friends, family, and neighbours to sing their praises. If someone you know has made a lasting impact, nominate them - let’s celebrate their contribution.“Nobody works harder behind the scenes than our seniors.“From volunteering and supporting local groups to mentoring younger generations and sharing their wisdom, they make our community stronger in countless ways. Many do it quietly, so now it’s time to sing their praises.”The awards form part of the NSW Seniors Festival, which runs from 2–15 March, with local ceremonies planned to celebrate recipients.Nominations are open across leadership and service, volunteering, community health and wellbeing/social justice, sports, arts and heritage, and enriching the lives of other older residents.Submit your nomination online at  Kiama Electorate NSW Seniors Local Awards 2026 Nomination Form

A group of Kiama players ventured south last weekend for the Ulladulla Summer Games and Seniors Tennis tournament. All divisions were conducted on a round robin basis. This popular event attracted 215 players from all over the state and the ACT to the Ulladulla courts. Local division one night comp player James Brown won the 60 men's singles and was pleased with his efforts. Wilco Del Haas and Bob Morgan, both looking for some form, competed in the 75/80 men's doubles, finishing third. Bob teamed up with David Graham the next day and performed in the 140 combined aged men's doubles against some seasoned pairings, mainly from Sydney. They were both carrying injuries and after soldiering on through the heat, they will look for improvement at future events. In the 100 combined men's doubles, Kiama coach Joe Moseley and club president Dave Lehman won the 100/110 men's combined doubles. With five pairs in the event, the Kiama duo had some close matches but took out the event after winning all of their round robin matches. David O'Keefe, who plays men's night comp for Oak Flats, and partner Rod Clarkson from Sydney were runners-up in the 120/130 doubles event. Honours for the weekend go to Kiama Tennis Club secretary Steve Thurstan who took out two events, winning the 130 men's doubles with Sydney’s Craig Hunt and the 110 mixed doubles with Mel Bradley from Ulladulla.There were some very high temperatures at the three-day event with players looking for some food and cool beverages at the end of each day at the well supplied sandwich and drink bar. Ulladulla is the first seniors tournament of the country circuit for the year.

Community organisations across the South Coast are being encouraged to apply for a fresh round of Volunteer Grants, with funding now available to help support the region’s dedicated volunteers.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has announced that Expressions of Interest are open for eligible not-for-profit groups that rely on volunteers, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 on offer.The Volunteer Grants program is designed to reduce barriers to volunteering while boosting participation and awareness of local opportunities.Funding can be used for practical needs such as communication tools, insurance, training, small equipment purchases, fuel, background screening checks and other items that directly support volunteer-run activities.Phillips said the program had already delivered tangible benefits to South Coast organisations.“During the last round, 24 community organisations across the South Coast shared in more than $65,000 funding to assist with things like purchasing small equipment items, fuel, training courses and background screening checks,” she said.Among the 2024–25 recipients were the Batemans Bay Youth Foundation, Callala District Soccer Club, Gerringong & District Historical Society, Kiama Pipe Band, Milton Theatre Committee and the Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Festival.“It’s fantastic that we were able to provide a boost for these 24 organisations, whether sporting, arts, social or cultural,” Mrs Phillips said.“They may be small grants, but they can make a big difference to community groups by reducing barriers for volunteers and increasing participation.“I’ll always back our wonderful volunteers that give back so much of their time and knowledge, and I will continue to support their work in assisting our South Coast communities.”Local community groups interested in applying are encouraged to contact Phillips’ office on 4423 1782 or email [email protected] for details on how to submit an Expression of Interest.

Kiama Council has closed the Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Depot to the public while staff clean up the site following a sewerage system incident on Friday.Some wastewater leaked within the site, affecting the weighbridge building and car park. Council has announced that the incident was isolated and contained to these two hardstand areas and no overflow escaped anywhere else on site.There is no health risk associated with the leak and it will nof affect Council's cleaning or garbage collection schedules with all household bins to be picked up as normal.The flooring inside the weighbridge building will be replaced so the weighbridge cannot be used for financial transactions.Staff have been relocated to other work sites and the facility will remain closed to the public.New flooring will be laid inside the weighbridge building this week and the facility is expected to re-open next week.Kiama Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused during the shutdown period.

I have lived and been coming to Kiama now for 58 years.My family have lived in the area for over 100 years.And today I look at this once beautiful town and think to myself what has gone wrong?This town is now filthy. The toilets have not been cleaned for it looks like years and, in general, the town is heading fast down a lane that will not be reversible.Who is in charge? Where is the money going?I am positive it’s not going into the beautification of the town.Come on, Council. Lift your game or get out and let someone who cares take over and fix this once beautiful town again.Stephen Cook,Kiama

On the same day as one of the biggest Norfolk Pines in the local government area was chopped down, Kiama Council has been asked to review whether the iconic but non-native species should remain part of the future. Council removed a damaged Norfolk Pine, which was dead, at Belinda Street in Gerringong on Tuesday and later that night, a motion by Councillor Stuart Larkins was passed which asked Council to consider the Urban Greening Strategy as a required action item in the Delivery and Operational Plans for the next financial year or 2027-28.As part of the Strategy, Cr Larkins is asking Council to review whether Norfolk Pines should be listed as a “Tree Species of Significance” in its Development Control Plan.He said the trees have “a unique, but complex, history in our LGA”.Norfolk Pines along Terralong Street, from Collins Street to the Kiama Anglican Church, are listed as local heritage items. In his submission, he noted that the history of Norfolk Pines in coastal regions in NSW stem from colonialism, where they were planted to provide masts for ships. The tree being removed in Belinda Street. Photo: David TooheyCr Larkins said they provide scenic landscaping and identity for the town but they are not a native species which require significant public and private management that have caused significant impacts to public infrastructure, including footpaths, roads, housing and water and electricity infrastructure.“I think it's quite a complex and challenging topic for Councillors and our community when it comes to those trees,” Cr Larkins said at the meeting.“As part of reviewing and updating our local greening and tree management, we need to consider the role and the future aspects of those trees in our community.”Council CEO Jane Stroud told The Bugle that trees of all shapes and sizes are really important for shade, amenity and character of a town.“In the case of Norfolk Pines, they link to boat building and the ethos of history of eras gone by. So of course people are attached to them.“There's barely a coastal community on the eastern seaboard of Australia where you won't find a Norfolk Pine. They're everywhere. They're part of our collective culture and history.”She acknowledged that there are environmental health concerns attached to Norfolk Pines. “That said, they do create some challenges, whether that's view loss, noise. They drop really significant cones and seeds, and attract quite a lot of bird activity, which can be a good thing, can be a bad thing. “I think it's probably sensible to assume that during the development of an Urban Greening Strategy, folks are going to talk about what's an appropriate tree along the foreshore, and the question of Norfolk Pines will get raised."As for the massive Norfolk Pine on Belinda Street which was removed, Stroud said it had been identified several months ago as a hazard and Council put up a sign to inform the public that “this tree was not poisoned, most likely struck by lightning” so speculation about vandalism allegations would not gain traction. “We all know tree vandalism does happen, but on that occasion, we had complaints, we did testing and soil sampling and we could find no evidence. “So we communicated to people up front and early and say the tree has not been poisoned and it’l need to come down.“It was expensive to remove because it was so big and required an appropriately qualified arborist. “I'm sorry it will leave a hole in that streetscape because it was a significant tree, but it was dead and now it’s won’t risk anybody's property.”

Crystal lovers across Kiama and the Illawarra are invited to immerse themselves in a weekend of gems, jewellery and wellness when Gemtopia arrives at The Pavilion Kiama next month.The two-day event will feature more than 35 stallholders, showcasing an extensive range of crystals, minerals, gemstones, opals, carvings, statement pieces, handmade jewellery, and spiritual and wellness products. Visitors can browse, learn and purchase unique items across all budgets.Special guest Jaymin from The Young Guns Opal Hunters, known from the television series Opal Hunters Australia, will be in attendance with opal pieces available to view and buy. The event on 7-8 March will also include demonstrations and expertise from the Illawarra Lapidary Club, offering insights into the art of lapidary.Additional attractions include crystal readers, lucky door prizes, and a free crystal quiz and gift for children.Gemtopia runs Saturday 9.30am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm at The Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama. Entry is $5 for the full weekend, with free admission for under 18s.Organisers say the event is designed to be a welcoming, family-friendly experience celebrating natural beauty, creativity and wellbeing.

Shellharbour squeaked home by three wickets to beat Kiama in a South Coast cricket nail-biter at Scout Willoughby Oval on Saturday.The loss puts Kiama’s hold on fourth spot in doubt heading into the final two rounds of the men’s first-grade competition.Cavaliers captain Jaya Hartgerink’s 30 and 37 from Niall Owers lifted the visitors to a modest total of 148 and the Harbour were cruising when they reached a hundred for the loss of just two wickets with Oran Pattison making 50.But they lost 5-41 before Jim Glazbrook’s unbeaten 31 got them home to claim outright second on the ladder.North Nowra Cambewarra kept their finals hopes alive by upsetting Bay and Basin by 103 runs at Bernie Regan Sportsground. Hyeon Parsons belted 61 off 47 and Samuel Neri (49) and captain Nathan Thomas (48) also did well as they amassed 244. The Dolphins’ top order crumbled to be 4-59 and they were never in the hunt with Cooper Bramley, Parsons and Blake Horton taking three wickets each. Lake are certain to finish with the minor premiership after Ryan Maguire’s 67-ball 100 and Jake O’Connell’s 53 propelled them to 7-282 against Oak Flats.Despite half-centuries to skipper Jack Bennett (51) and all-rounder Zaied Bin Khalid (59 not out), the Rats finished well short of their target on 7-198.Ex Servos have leapt from last to eighth, consigning Albion Park to the wooden spooner spot with a six-wicket win at Hayden Drexel Oval.The Eagles were bowled out for 161 and the home side chased it down within 30 overs thanks to opener Matthew Higham’s 57 and an unbeaten 38 from Kuldeep Singh rana.Bomaderry thrashed Kookas 262-142 on the back of opener Luke Jones (67) and Riley Ingram (71) starring with the bat and new-ball duo Peter King (4-34) and Brad Cross (3-33) dominating for the Tigers.This Saturday, Bomaderry are away to Bay and Basin, Lake host Shellharbour in a top-of-the-table tussle, Kookas face Kiama at Warilla, the Eagles fly south to North Nowra and Ex Servos head north to Oak Flats.Ladder: Lake 97, Shellharbour 86, Bay and Basin 80, Kiama 76, North Nowra 69, Bomaderry 68, Rats 42, Ex Servos 37, Kookas 36, Park 34.In the women’s competition, Shellharbour claimed their first win of the season with a 50-run upset over Oak Flats Ratatouilles.Opening duo Tammie Croker (46) and Pamela Evans (41) blazed away to set up their total of 1-131 from their 20 overs before Oak Flats were restricted to 3-81.Lake Illawarra won a thriller over Kiama in the battle for fourth spot in the penultimate round.Lilly Willstrop smashed 36 in their total of 6-114 despite Emma Ford’s haul of 3-16 before Ebony Winston put the Cavettes within striking distance with her unbeaten 51. But they finished just four runs short of the total to drop to fifth on the ladder with one round remaining.Ex Servos (5-108) beat the Ratettes in the other game with Nakita Boatswain top-scoring with 47 and Rebecca Carson bagging 3-12 for the Shoalhaven side.This Friday, the Lakers lock horns with the Ratatouilles at Albion Oval, the Kookas are away to Kiama, and Shellharbour meet Ex Servos and the Ratettes clash with Albion Park in the two Myimbarr fixtures.Ladder: Kookas 48, Ratettes 30, Ratatouilles 28, Lake 28, Kiama 24, Ex Servos 20, Park 18, Harbour 8.

The four-storey proposal on the southern side of Akuna Street is a step closer to reality after Kiama Council on Tuesday night voted unanimously to approve the updated development application.A 38-apartment complex will be built at 14 Akuna St which will also house four commercial units on the ground floor.After the initial DA was lodged, Council staff informed the developer that it would need to alter its plans and an updated submission was lodged.Despite concerns over non-compliance with building height and floor to space ratio limits, all nine Councillors voted to approve the proposal.Councillor Melinda Lawton raised concerns about adopting the plan but was reassured by Council’s director strategies and communities Ed Paterson who said the non-compliance “variations” were minor.He said they “don't have any broader detrimental impact on neighbours, be it overshadowing views or whatever else the objectives of those individual controls are".“And that is what is asked of Council when assessing applications utilising Clause 4.6 of the Local Environment Plan - that you have to flexibly apply controls and ensure the objectives have been met and the public interest has been met.“So that's the conclusion that staff have come to.”Councillor Erica Warren asked whether the balconies of the proposed development will “look directly into the backyards” of nearby residents.Paterson responded by saying he could not comment on how it will directly impact the neighbours, “but it's always going to impact people differently”.“The quantitative assessment that has been undertaken is there is compliance with setback requirements in both Council's Development Control Plan and the Apartment Design Guide. Louvres and privacy screens are proposed on the balconies.“The properties on Bong Bong Street sit quite higher than this site so it's not as though all units are directly overlooking into balconies and backyards. So a relative and reasonable privacy is maintained as per our Development Control Plan.”Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald praised the planning department for its efforts in getting the modifications made to the DA, which included issues such as potential groundwater contamination and pollution, sustainability measures, aesthetics, solar and daylight access, car parking design and waste collection arrangements.“As Councillors, we need very good reasons not to follow a recommendation. What we have seen from our planning department is very good communication with the applicant and a comprehensive report prepared for Council and so as an elected body we supported that recommendation,” he said.Council CEO Jane Stroud was pleased to see this development proceed.“I was glad - that development application has a long history. It has been with Council for some time and then it was withdrawn and reworked on,” she said.“So in terms of the plans that were put forward to Council for endorsement, we were grateful that that was a unanimous decision. And now we just need to see the developer crack on with it.“That whole process is more in line with the planning reforms that are happening across the state. Rather than just leave a development application in the system and go through hundreds and hundreds of days of long, drawn-out conversations, these days we push for the withdrawal, we tell you what the issues are, we expect you to take them on board and make your application properly so that we can get it in and get it out for you.”The Caliope St site.Demolition and construction is expected to start later this year but no official timeline has been released.Council is also looking to expand the local housing supply with a new development at Caliope Street, an elongated, irregular-shaped allotment of land situated on the south-eastern corner of Old Saddleback Road.A motion was endorsed for a Planning Proposal to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway determination.If approved, the Planning Proposal would be placed on public exhibition to enable community, stakeholder and state agency consultation to occur.Paterson said a maximum of 20 low-density residential units would be available if the project goes ahead.Cr Lawton raised objections at the Council meeting over the impact on Zieria granulata, a small shrub native to the area which is protected under the Biodiversity Act and a heritage-listed drystone wall along the southern boundary.The western part of the site has been strategically identified as a suitable site for residential development in Council’s Local Housing Strategy while the remainder of the vacant land is considered environmentally sensitive and it is proposed that it would be preserved for conservation.

They would have been cowering in fear and desperately ringing triple zero, if only they had known.The security camera footage is startling.Three cars were parked in the garage at the luxury residence in Gerroa. There were obviously people at home.But that didn’t stop the brazen attempt at a home invasion recently.The security footage shows two young men in hoodies, with masks covering much of their faces. They arrive on the property shortly after 2.50am and can be seen trying the front door, two windows and a side door at the rear of the house.Fortunately for Ian and Janice Dolan, the owners of this magnificent property, and equally fortunately for their three female visitors, all the doors were security-locked and the windows safely secured.To this day, they are shocked by the blatant nature of it all.The footage shows the would-be home invaders checking all the car doors at the front of the house, unfazed by the lights coming on.Without any alarms being triggered, the Dolans slept through it all.They only discovered the terrifying incident – which could have ended very badly for both of them – through happenstance.Ian’s sister-in-law, a meticulous person, kept insisting someone had been in her car and stolen her remote.He brushed it off at first, but she kept insisting. Finally, he got to thinking: she’s not the sort of person who would misplace anything.That led him to check the security camera footage.“It is bloody terrifying,” says Ian. “As people get older they feel more vulnerable. How would you like to be an octogenarian and have a stranger roaming through your house?“They were so casual. The lights came on at the front of the property and they didn’t even hesitate.“It feels like you lose a lot of your freedom. You should be able to relax and feel free in your home. It is an awful proposition.”He is thankful there were no young children in the house.“My wife had broken her foot and couldn’t walk at the time. What am I going to do? I am not going to move while they are holding a knife at my wife’s throat. They have no fear. They don’t care whether they kill you or not.”Janice says they are now diligent: “We live in such a beautiful place, you are always a target. We’re religiously checking; everything is locked all the time.”Ian has dropped leaflets throughout his neighbourhood, warning everyone of what has happened. As a result, residents are updating their cameras and their security.One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was thinking of getting a Bull Terrier. Her security footage shows the would-be thieves walking past her home at 3.01am.“They were so brazen,” she says. “They were rattling the doors of one of my neighbours. It is frightening.”Potential thieves know the enclave – with spectacular views down Seven Mile Beach – is wealthy. The Dolans bought their property in 2003 for just over a million dollars, then a record for the area.“It was more than I could afford at the time,” says Ian. “There were dolphins jumping out of the surf as the auction was going on, and I got auction fever.”A million dollars gets you nowhere anymore, with small blocks of land on the ocean side of the street fetching more than five million.That sort of money attracts thieves, making locals nervous. Some of Ian’s friends, even with their doors locked, routinely sleep with baseball bats or iron bars beside their beds.“One day those thieves are going to wake up the wrong person,” Ian says. “Nothing good is going to come out of this.”The footage of the incident, along with the number plate of a car circling the block at the time, have been passed to the police.According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, only 13 per cent of break and enter offences in the state are ever solved.Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said the NSW Government was focused on ensuring peace of mind for residents, which is “why we are delivering extra Police assigned to the Lake Illawarra Command this year”.“I know any attempted break-and-enter would be deeply worrying to local residents and distressing for the family impacted and it is important for the community to know that the Police not only take these matters seriously but are acting to arrest individuals found committing these crimes,” she told The Bugle.“When I spoke to Superintendent Commander Darren Brand, Lake Illawarra Command, about this matter and the community’s concerns about recent break-and-enter events, he confirmed Police have already investigated a number of these cases and that Police have made a number of arrests related to break and enter in Kiama over the past few weeks.“I will continue to work with our local command and support the community in this as we all want the same thing – safe streets, secure homes and peace of mind for our families and neighbours.“Superintendent Brand also reiterated that simple steps like locking your doors, securing your home and vehicles, as well as reporting suspicious behaviour can make a real difference.”McInerney said residents should call Crime Stoppers, contact the Police Assistance Line or visit Kiama Police Station, which is open daily between 9am to 5pm, and she also recommended downloading the Protect Your Home document from the NSW Police website for tips on keeping your property secure.Lake Illawarra Police District and Kiama Council were requested for comment but declined.