Tag: Kiama community

When the question is bigger than blame. Let’s invite our Kiama community to be part of the solution

If you have been following my recent blog posts, you will know how we arrived at this moment. It began with a simple and reasonable question about what will happen to Kiama’s CBD once construction begins on the Akuna Street site. The more people asked the same question, the clearer it became that this is a conversation the whole community wants and deserves to have.

So I set out to explore what good planning looks like, drawing on world leading models such as Singapore where community involvement and long term vision guide every decision.

That work was never about debating the past. It was about understanding the situation we are now facing, because hindsight alone will not solve this. Akuna Street is going ahead, and the CBD will be disrupted for years.

The real question, the one that matters now, is this.

What can we do together to learn from places that have faced similar challenges and come out stronger?

Kiama is not the first town to lose its central parking.
We are not the first community to face a long construction period in the heart of the CBD.
We are not the first to feel let down by decisions made without clear long term planning.

So instead of sitting in frustration, let us shift the conversation to the shared work in front of us. Let us ask what other towns and councils have already learned, and how we can apply that knowledge here.

If we were sitting around the table together, where would we start

If I were a local councillor facing this situation, the first thing I would do is invite the community into the problem solving. Not as a gesture, but as a genuine partnership. Kiama is full of smart, resourceful people who care deeply about this town. We do not need to wait for a single expert to hand down answers. We can build them together.

Here are a few places we could start.

Identify examples of towns that have survived CBD shutdowns
Regional centres, coastal towns and small cities have all faced similar situations. Some handled the disruption well. Others did not. We can learn from both.

Look at temporary parking solutions that actually work
Examples include park and ride systems, business priority spaces, off site options, shuttle loops and temporary decks on cleared land. These solutions already exist. We do not need to invent them from scratch.

Keep the CBD alive during construction
Other towns have protected their small businesses with coordinated activation programs, weekend events, pop up markets and targeted support. Kiama’s traders deserve the same level of care.

Advocate for staged or sequenced construction
Councils elsewhere have negotiated construction conditions that avoid full closures or allow parking to be phased. Could we secure something similar.

Design a communication plan that treats residents as partners
Timely information, plain language updates and clear explanations are not optional. They are essential for keeping frustration down and confidence up.

Build a shared, forward looking vision
Instead of reacting only to the disruption in front of us, we can also ask what Kiama will need in ten years. What will traffic look like. What will our population need. What will businesses need. We can plan for that now.

Why this matters now

The CBD disruption is coming. That is a fact. How we respond as a community is the part still within our control.

We can choose frustration or collaboration.
We can choose blame or solutions.
We can choose to repeat the mistakes of others or learn from the places that got it right.

Kiama deserves a plan that draws on global best practice and local wisdom. It deserves leaders who look outward, learn widely and plan with courage. And it deserves a community that has a genuine voice in shaping what comes next.

Your turn

So I am asking you, as neighbours, ratepayers and people who love this town.

Where would you start.
Which ideas do you want on the table.
Which towns should we study.
Which solutions could work here.

I am listening. I know you are too. And judging by the speed of recent media releases, Council is watching this page just as closely as the rest of us.

#KiamaCBD #CommunityFirst #AkunaStreet #KiamaFuture #SmartLeadership #LearningFromOthers #FuturePlanning #LocalGovernment #CommunityVoice #PublicTrust

Packed House, Untold Stories. How Kiama Is Rewriting What We Know About Australian History”

L to R Aunty Dr Joyce Donovan, Sue Eggins and Dr Tony Gilmour 

The Kiama District Historical Society’s October event drew a full  house, standing room only, as locals gathered to hear Aunty Dr Joyce Donovan and Dr Tony Gilmour explore the deep Aboriginal history of the local area.

The crowd loved the didjeridoo performance by Quinten Dingo-Donovan – a moving tribute that connected the past and present.

The audience, mostly baby boomers, was visibly engaged and moved by what they heard. Many said afterward that they had learned more about the South Coast’s Aboriginal history in one afternoon than in all their years of schooling.

Aunty Joyce, a Wodi Wodi Elder and local hero recognised for her work in Aboriginal health and education, and Dr Gilmour, historian and Vice President of the Kiama District Historical Society, presented a powerful overview of Wodi Wodi Country, focussing on Kiama, Jamberoo, Minnamurra, and Gerringong. They described how the area’s saltwater people lived along the coast and gathered at Kiama to trade salt, arrange marriages, and pass on law; how Jamberoo and Minnamurra were key meeting and birthing places; and how Aboriginal names like Kiama (“where the sea makes a noise”) and Minnamurra (“plenty of fish”) connect the landscape to its stories.

Aunty Dr Joyce Donovan is presented with a certificate by Kiama District Historical Society president Sue Eggins, marking her appointment as the Society’s first Aboriginal Elder Patron — a recognition of more than 15 years of collaboration and contribution to keeping Kiama’s shared history alive.

They also revisited the history of King Mickey Johnson and Queen Rosie, whose lives in the late 1800s and early 1900s show that Aboriginal people remained part of community life long after colonisation. Their stories now form part of a new, evolving display at the Pilot’s Cottage Museum, a living history project that welcomes new knowledge, corrections, and contributions.

“This is a living history,” said Aunty Joyce. “We’re still learning, still listening, and still adding to what we know. History belongs to everyone, and it grows stronger when we share it.”

Dr Gilmour agreed, describing the project as a way of completing the story of Kiama rather than rewriting it. “We’re not taking anyone’s history away,” he said. “We’re filling in the missing chapters. The story of this place didn’t start in 1797 when explorer George Bass landed in what is now Kiama harbour. And it hasn’t stopped. It’s a continuing story that connects us all.”

The energy in the room suggested more than nostalgia. It reflected a wider hunger for understanding and a recognition that history told only through rose coloured glasses leaves us poorer.

As one attendee remarked.

 “It’s time for Aboriginal history and culture to become a genuine, continuous part of the curriculum, not an elective reserved for the senior years. In a global world, young people are hungry to understand where conflict comes from and how empathy begins with truth. It isn’t about rewriting history. It’s about completing it.”

Around the world, societies are re-examining how their histories are told. When people study the past honestly, whether it’s the brutality of Europe’s religious wars or Australia’s frontier conflicts, they begin to see why divisions persist and how understanding grows from truth.

#AboriginalHistory #KiamaHistory #WodiWodiCountry #KingMickey #QueenRosie #LivingHistory #TruthTelling #AustralianCurriculum #SouthCoastNSW #KiamaCommunity #Jamberoo #Minnamurra #Gerringong #PilotCottageMuseum #LocalHistory #Reconciliation #HistoryEducation #AustraliaBefore1788 #KiamaEvents #CulturalHeritage

From State Government Talking Points to Cash-Flow Pressures: A Tale of Two Conversations

“Small business is the engine of our regional economy. If we fuel it properly, confidence and community will follow.”

Kiama By-Election Independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds has written an op-ed about Monday’s Business Illawarra forum at Kiama Pavilion. She describes a striking contrast.

On one side, the Premier and Treasurer with their polished talking points about hospitals, schools, and long-term reforms.
On the other, small business owners raising the real and immediate pressures they are facing: spiralling insurance, high energy bills, housing shortages, unreliable trains, disappearing support programs.

Kate argues that this is exactly the gap we need to close, between “policy horizons” and the weekly cash-flow reality of the people who keep our communities running. She points to six practical shifts that could make a difference now: fixing insurance settings, lowering energy bills for business, building housing near jobs, reliable trains, tailored business support, and unlocking employment land.

Her message is simple. Small business is the engine of our regional economy. If we fuel it properly, confidence and community will follow.

#KiamaByElection2025 #SmallBusinessVoices #KiamaCommunity #BeyondTalkingPoints #NSWPolitics #LocalEconomy #BusinessReality #Kate Dezarnaulds

A Creative Eye on Kiama’s Housing Crisis. Kate Dezarnaulds’ Ideas for Change

Kate Dezarnaulds has built a reputation for turning ideas into action. From grassroots initiatives to high-profile advocacy, she has long worked at the intersection of creativity, community and strategy. Now, as  the Independent candidate for the Kiama by-election, she is applying that same approach to one of the region’s most pressing issues: housing.

Kate believes housing policy should balance social need with individual investment. A roof over one’s head should be treated as part of the basic social safety net. She argues that solutions must be practical, grounded in the realities of community life, and bold enough to bridge generational perspectives

“We all want a roof over our heads, we want to make sure our kids can aspire to do the same, and we want to know that people are not being left homeless in our towns,” she says.

Kitchen table conversations

Kate’s approach to politics begins with listening. She hosts coffee mornings that feel more like kitchen table conversations, where people can sit down with her, share their experiences, and know they are being heard. The most important part, she says, is not to talk but to listen.

She uses what she calls powerful questions to guide those conversations.

“What change do you want to see for yourself, for other people, and for your place?”

By framing it this way, she helps shift people out of the complaints department and into constructive dialogue. It creates space for people to identify what matters most to them, whether that is housing security, opportunities for their children, or the character of their towns. For Kate, these conversations are the foundation of building trust and shaping policy that reflects real community priorities.

Building social licence

For Kate, one of the missing pieces in the housing debate is social licence. She describes this as community consensus, the willingness to accept change because people can see that short-term pain leads to long-term gain. Without social licence, every proposal is met with opposition.

She draws on her experience in bushfire recovery, where she learned the importance of hosting conversations in times of complexity. She believes the same skills are urgently needed for both housing and energy transition.

“Our political system has become very good at saying no. We need to get better at building licence to say yes, so we can move forward together,” she says.

Rethinking affordability

Kate is blunt about the limits of the way “affordable housing” is often used in policy. She sees it as a distraction from the real issue.

“What has been missing is the willingness to integrate social housing into our communities. If we build support and funding for social housing solutions, the rest of the housing system will not be under as much stress.”

She welcomed Kiama Council’s recent Housing Strategy, which acknowledged the transition ahead and the need to build community consensus.

“For the first time, I heard recognition that change must be accepted and managed. It was not developer led, it was led by demography and social inclusion, and that gave me hope.”

Generational fairness

Younger residents are desperate to get into the housing market. Older residents worry about security and affordability. Kate believes the way forward is to make the conversation real, not abstract.

“Start with where people are at. For some that means daily survival, for others it is about their children or their town. But everyone should be asked what change they want for themselves, for other people, and for their place. That is how you build a bigger picture and common ground.”

Fixing the system

Kate is clear that investor incentives like negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions have distorted the market, but she argues the deeper problem is the massive backlog of social housing.

“We have a one million home shortfall in social housing nationally. People have been on waiting lists for ten years or more. Unless we are brave enough to build social licence for public housing, the rest of the debate is just smoke and mirrors.”

She adds that pouring Commonwealth rent assistance into the private market only worsens the problem. “That money should be building new public housing, not propping up unaffordable rents,” she says.

A new way forward

For Kate Dezarnaulds, housing is not just about supply or tax tweaks. It is about trust, inclusion, and the courage to lead the community through change.

“Proper planning leads to happy, resilient communities. We need to stop fighting over the scraps and start planning for the future together.”

#KiamaVotes #KiamaByElection #HousingCrisis #SocialHousing #CommunityVoice #KitchenTableConversations #KiamaCommunity #Shoalhaven #SouthCoastNSW #LocalLeadership

Why a Simple Train Idea for Travel Between Kiama and Nowra sent Facebook Into Meltdown

Every time a new idea lands in Kiama, the comments light up. When Greens candidate for the Kiama By-election Dr Tonia Gray suggested battery powered trains as an alternative to the ageing diesel service between Kiama and Bomaderry, the response on Facebook was swift and, in many cases, nasty.

It was not just about trains. For some, anything linked to The Greens is dismissed out of hand. For others, it was the fear of change, the suspicion that new technology will cost too much or never work. There is also the cynicism that comes from years of broken transport promises. And of course, Facebook has its own way of fanning the flames, where debate quickly shifts from issues to personalities and tempers run hotter than they would face to face.

But if you strip away the noise, the question remains: what is the smartest, cleanest and most affordable way to connect our communities into the future? Battery powered trains deserve to be part of that conversation.

I slipped up a little on terminology (we don’t need the electric word there) as there are no electric wires associated.

As Dr Gray says

“Shoalhaven is one of the growth areas of New South Wales. Why not put the infrastructure in before the boom happens. We are not your country cousins. We are professionals who want the cleanest, fastest and most efficient way to move between Kiama and Sydney.”

Why Battery Trains Make Sense for Kiama to Bomaderry

✨ Social benefits
Battery powered trains would connect our communities with transport that is cleaner, quieter and more reliable. They make it easier to get to work, school, health services and social activities. Replacing diesel means better air quality for children, older residents and anyone with health conditions. Projects like this also build community pride by showing we are investing in the future.

“We can run more frequent, reliable services — no one should be stranded two hours at Kiama station with their suitcases in the cold. Let’s bring our region into the 21st century with Wi-Fi and charging stations, so commuting fits the hybrid lifestyle so many of us now live.”

🌿 Environmental benefits
Battery trains mean zero local emissions and can recharge through regenerative braking. They need far less infrastructure than full electrification, which means fewer impacts on our landscapes. Every battery powered trip replaces a diesel service, cutting greenhouse gases and reducing noise for the towns along the line.

“This idea is an absolute winner. We lower our carbon footprint, we decarbonise, and we modernise.”

💰 Economic benefits
Electrifying entire lines with overhead wires is costly. Battery trains are a smarter, more cost effective option because they can run on existing tracks with only small upgrades. While the upfront cost is higher, they save money in the long run through lower fuel use, reduced maintenance and higher efficiency. This benefits the whole economy. Essential workers and visitors can move more easily, local businesses thrive, and tourism gets a boost from fast, modern, green transport.

“All we need is a new train, no wires, no massive digging, just a simple, smart change. Proper planning leads to happy, resilient communities.”

🔋 Batteries to power freight trains
Batteries are not just for passenger trains. The Albanese Government has backed a ground breaking 9.4 million dollar project with Aurizon to retrofit a freight locomotive with a 1.8 MWh battery electric tender. The goal is to prove battery technology can haul heavy freight as well as power regional passenger services. . Read more here ➡️

There is no need for infrastructure like overhead electric wires and substation, all we need is a passing loop.“

🚄 Proven technology

Battery trains are already a reality, not just a futuristic idea. Europe is now seeing regular deployment of battery-powered trains on regional lines. For instance, France is converting five regional train sets from diesel to battery power, aiming to launch fully electric services on routes that lack overhead wires

Dr Gray points out that these trains also have the capability of 1500V DC electric trains, the same system used by Sydney Trains, to charge their batteries and then continue running on non-electrified lines. That would eliminate the need for passengers to change trains at Kiama, delivering a seamless journey. “It is the perfect solution for 21st-century transport,” she says.

“I am calling on all candidates to back me in this proposal, because it is good for the Kiama electorate.”

You can read my coverage of the Kiama By-election candidates here   

#KiamaVotes #KiamaByElection #FutureTransport #BatteryTrains #CleanEnergy #RegionalRail #KiamaCommunity #Shoalhaven #SouthCoastNSW #SustainableTransport #DieselFreeFuture

When a woman leads with policy and a man hears “lovely morning tea”

You have to laugh. Or you’ll cry.

A strong, clear media release goes out: factual, future-focused, and full of integrity. It speaks to leadership, collaboration, and the kind of good governance our communities are crying out for.

And somehow, somewhere between inbox and interpretation, it becomes… “she said they had a lovely morning tea.”

Of course she did.

She didn’t speak – but she still got quoted

You can’t make this stuff up.

The Mayor hosted the event.
He spoke with clarity and warmth.
He was the only male councillor in attendance.
He honoured the seven women being recognised for their extraordinary contributions.
And he said this:

“Volunteers are the bedrock of our community. We’re proud to recognise these remarkable women and grateful for the legacy they continue to build.”
– Mayor Cameron McDonald

That quote was in the official media release.

It did not appear in the published article.

Instead, the only quote included was from the Deputy Mayor, a woman who did not speak at the event, and it was about morning tea.

So let’s be clear:
The man who did speak,  and said something meaningful , was erased.
The woman who didn’t speak was given a flippant quote about catering.

This isn’t inclusive storytelling. This is careless distortion.

It undermines everyone involved. The Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, and most of all, the women being honoured. It suggests that what mattered most wasn’t the decades of service, or the formal recognition, or the collective legacy of women shaping community life – but the muffins.

That’s why it makes you cringe.

Because we know this move. We’ve seen it before.
A woman is made visible, but only in ways that soften and shrink her.
The men who show up with leadership? Erased.
The women who deserve to be quoted for courage? Rewritten.

And what makes it worse is this:

You had the facts.
You had the quotes.
You had the truth.
And you still chose the scones.

You can read the article in The Bugle here. Then ask yourself: why did the only quote we see reduce this important event to something twee?

Women don’t need front pages if all they get are crumbs.
We need stories that reflect who we are and what we bring – not the leftovers from someone else’s narrative.

So next time, tell the truth. All of it. And read past the biscuits.

She’s not here to decorate the room. She’s here to help lead it.

#SheLeads #HiddenTreasures #RespectHerVoice #WomenInLeadership #Kiama #TheBugle #TheBugleNewspaper #TheBugleApp #CommunityChampions #ChangeTheNarrative #EqualityMatters #VolunteerVoices

Enhancing Community Engagement Through Data-Driven Insights and Social Media

Surveys are pivotal tools for understanding community preferences, shaping local initiatives, and bridging the gap between governance and community needs. However, the effectiveness of these tools often hinges on the level of participation and the specificity of the data collected. For instance, the significant variance in preferences in my area between residents of Jamberoo village and Kiama township, which are only 10 kilometres apart, underscores the necessity of capturing detailed regional insights to tailor initiatives effectively. Yet, with our local council only receiving  250 participants responses in their recent survey, there is a risk that such nuances could be overlooked, potentially skewing results and impacting the effectiveness of community projects.

The reluctance to disclose specific regional information, such as which suburb do you live in, can greatly impede the ability to deliver tailored community solutions. This hesitance could stem from concerns about privacy, relevance, or the perceived effort required in participating in surveys. By ensuring transparency about data usage, simplifying the survey process, and aligning survey topics closely with immediate community concerns, organisations can improve participation rates and data quality.

Community groups often face challenges from disproportionately vocal minorities that can skew priorities. Data from well-conducted surveys can counteract this by providing a broader perspective on community needs, ensuring that quieter, less represented groups are also considered in decision-making processes. This approach helps in allocating resources more effectively and implementing initiatives that reflect the true diversity of community preferences.

The successful engagement of Jamberoo residents in a grass roots designed survey through a recent targeted social media campaigns highlights the potential of these platforms in reaching and involving diverse demographic groups. Notably, the enthusiastic participation of the over-65 demographic in Jamberoo dispels myths about the digital literacy of older adults and exemplifies the inclusiveness of digital engagement strategies. By leveraging social media, community groups can enhance outreach and feedback mechanisms, making community engagement both broad-based and inclusive.

The strategic use of digital tools and data-driven approaches in community engagement not only ensures a more democratic and inclusive process but also enhances the effectiveness of community development efforts. As communities like Jamberoo and Kiama continue to leverage these tools, they pave the way for more responsive and sustainable development practices that genuinely reflect the needs and values of all community members. By continuing to harness the power of surveys and social media, community leaders can foster an environment of active participation and meaningful dialogue, leading to more balanced and impactful community outcomes.

Using correlation ratios we were able to discover this

Jamberoo:

  1. Infrastructure and Utilities vs. Transport and Accessibility:
    • Correlation: 0.72
    • This suggests that people in Jamberoo who are interested in infrastructure also tend to have a strong interest in transportation issues. This can imply that initiatives improving roads, utilities, and transport systems may be well-received.
  2. Social and Community Development vs. Housing and Urban Planning:
    • Correlation: 0.65
    • Indicates that concerns about social issues (like community safety and social cohesion) are closely linked with housing and urban planning interests in Jamberoo. This highlights the importance of integrated community and residential development planning.

Kiama Central:

  1. Environmental and Sustainability vs. Health and Safety:
    • Correlation: 0.68
    • Residents of Kiama Central who are concerned with environmental issues often also care about health and safety. This correlation might guide public health and environmental conservation efforts to be more interconnected.
  2. Transport and Accessibility vs. Housing and Urban Planning:
    • Correlation: 0.63
    • This indicates a significant overlap in interests concerning transportation and housing development in Kiama Central. Efforts to enhance public transport could be aligned with developing more accessible housing.

Comparison:

  • Both Jamberoo and Kiama Central show strong correlations between transport-related issues and housing, suggesting a general interest in improving infrastructural elements alongside urban planning.
  • Unique to Jamberoo is the link between social/community development and housing, which may reflect a community-oriented approach in urban planning.
  • Unique to Kiama Central is the connection between environmental concerns and health, pointing towards a community that values sustainability alongside well-being.

These insights can help tailor community projects and initiatives to match the specific interests and needs of each suburb, ensuring that they address the most interconnected areas of concern for residents.

#CommunityEngagement #LocalSurveys #CommunityDevelopment #DigitalInclusion #SeniorTechSavvy #Jamberoo #Kiama #CivicParticipation #SurveyInsights #SocialMediaForGood