I have never written into a newspaper about anything in the past however I feel compelled to on this occasion.

By way of background I'm a new member of the Kiama community having only been here four years.

The recent Bugle article by Paul Suttor about the decision to 'pause' the Jazz and Blues Festival for 2026 is concerning.

Not just for the event itself but if one considers other annual events that for whatever reasons have been taken off the calendar, including the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

It raises concerns about whether the decision makers at Council do actually consider the bigger picture and the positioning of Kiama to both locals and potential visitors?

Such events are what separate Kiama from the rest.

Does Kiama wish to be an also-ran or unique?

I understand there are complexities in decision making, however one must act according to a longer term vision.

Mike Finnegan,

Kiama