Tag: Kiama votes

Serena Copley has Strong Roots in the Community, and a Focus on Small Business and Youth

  • Serena Copley, the Liberal candidate for the Kiama by-election, speaks of herself as someone shaped by deep community roots and a lifetime of civic involvement. She has lived in the Shoalhaven since 1989, raised her family there, and now counts four generations living in postcode 2541. Her children were educated locally and her grandson was born in the region.

“My roots run deep and my dedication to this community is enduring,” she told me.

For the past 14 years Serena has worked as a trainer and assessor in the vocational education sector. It is work she describes as “extraordinarily rewarding,” training unemployed young people and helping them build life skills and confidence, while also working with local businesses through traineeship programs. She sees this as a natural extension into politics:

“It’s about working with people and helping people solve their problems and making our community stronger.”

Youth issues are central to her story. Serena speaks with conviction about the young people she has trained who have discovered confidence and purpose.

“It’s about reminding them that they are valuable and have something to contribute,” she said. “When you see someone realise their own worth, it’s inspiring. They are our future.”

On small business, Serena is unequivocal: “It’s the engine room of our economy.” She believes that when small business thrives, whole communities thrive too. “Small business people are the ones who sponsor the footy jerseys, support the local charities, and keep our towns vibrant. A strong small business sector means strong, connected communities.”

“Small business is the engine room of our economy. When it thrives, communities thrive too.”

Growth, she acknowledges, is part of every community’s story, and she believes Kiama can embrace it in a way that strengthens what is unique about the South Coast.

“How we grow is a choice,” she said. “We can choose growth that is responsible, sustainable, and led by community values. We can choose development that comes with the right infrastructure, schools, parks, and services, so new families are well supported, and our environment is respected.”

On political culture, Serena stresses respect.

“I can disagree forcefully and strongly, but not disrespectfully.” She believes voters are ready for politics that models collaboration, honesty, and listening. “What you’ll get is what you see. There’ll be times my parliament colleagues may not agree with me, but I’ll always do what I think is best for the community.”

Her years in local government have also shaped her views on accountability. As a Shoalhaven councillor, she pushed for council to streamline its operations before considering rate rises. For her, local government matters because its decisions are felt immediately and directly.

“When local government works well, the whole community benefits. It should be efficient, effective, and focused on people.”

In the end, she frames her candidacy as both personal and principled.

“This is not just a flash in the pan thing for me. This is a deep and abiding love of my community,” she said. “I will be the member for everybody whether you voted for me or not, because you are part of the community I care deeply about.”

#KiamaByElection2025 #SerenaCopley #KiamaVotes #CommunityFirst #SmallBusinessStrength #YouthOpportunity #ResponsibleGrowth #NSWPolitics

The Truth About Pork-Barrelling and Why It Fails the Pub Test.

Pork-barrelling isn’t new money, it’s political theatre and Kiama deserves more than staged announcements.

Major projects like schools, hospitals, transport, and sporting facilities are not launched randomly. They are pre-planned and locked into the NSW State Budget, which operates on a four-year cycle. Each year, an Appropriation Bill is passed in Parliament to authorise spending for the upcoming financial year, while forward estimates forecast funding for the next three years.

This means even if a party wins a by-election, they cannot rewrite those allocations mid-cycle, because budgets are legally set and must follow the budget process, except in urgent, unforeseen scenarios.

What changes is the timing of announcements, not the funding itself. Politicians often delay revealing already-budgeted projects until campaign season, especially in marginal seats. That creates the illusion of surprise investment when, in reality, it is not new money, just political theatre.

That is why this by-election needs more than Band-Aids. We cannot keep mistaking staged announcements for new investment, or allowing political theatre to distract from the deeper, structural issues that remain unaddressed.


#KiamaByElection2025 #KiamaVotes #BeyondPorkBarrelling #PoliticalTheatre #PolicyNotPromises #BigPictureThinking #CommunityFirst #NSWPolitics

Could Andrew Thaler actually deliver for Kiama?

If Andrew Thaler struggled to work collaboratively at Snowy Monaro Regional Council, how can Kiama voters trust that he will work effectively with other MPs in Macquarie Street?

The Kiama by-election is now one of the most hotly contested in recent memory, with a mix of male and female candidates across the spectrum.

Andrew Thaler, a Snowy Monaro councillor, is running as a combative, anti-establishment voice. He says he wants to reopen public lands, pause housing development, and push back on what he calls “woke” agendas.

But here’s the real issue: in NSW Parliament independents only achieve real outcomes when they hold the balance of power or work collaboratively with others.

Thaler has positioned himself as firmly against all the major parties, describing Labor, Liberal, and the Greens as part of the same “coalition.”

Right now, the established independents  – Alex Greenwich, Greg Piper, Joe McGirr, and Michael Regan  – are pragmatic and centrist. Thaler’s positions don’t naturally align with them, which could leave him isolated.

That means his impact would likely be symbolic, not legislative.

👉  Kiama voters need to decide whether they want a representative who can work constructively inside the system to deliver results, or a candidate whose influence is more about protest than progress.

Disclaimer: These views are my own opinions.

Mainstream media outlets have repeatedly questioned Andrew Thaler’s suitability for public office, describing him in the following terms:

2GB – Ben Fordham Live (13 Mar 2025)

Canberra CityNews (Aug 2025)

Australian Online News (18 Apr 2025)

Brisbane Times (2025 – aggregated)

ABC News (30 Jul 2025)

About Regional (31 Jul 2025)

#KiamaByElection2025 #KiamaVotes #IndependentPolitics #NSWPolitics #PopulistFactor #ElectionChoice #CommunityFirst #PolicyNotProtest

Make Your Vote Count – Thoughts on Andrew Thaler and the Populist Factor in Kiama

The Kiama by-election has already made history with an all-female field of declared candidates who have a real chance of being elected . Into that contest, a new name has emerged, Andrew Thaler, a Snowy Monaro councillor who has built a reputation for being outspoken, controversial, and often combative.

In a profile published in The Bugle, Thaler presented himself as a married father of five, a small businessman of 30 years, and an independent voice offering “fair, genuine Independent representation, with a strong desire to return lost rights and to re-open our public lands, beaches and forests for all to enjoy.” He described himself as “someone who knows the earth is round and the governments’ power is limited by the people.”

In contrast, comments he gave to the Sydney Morning Herald took a sharper turn. He was quoted saying he is the “perfect candidate to stop another woman from getting a seat in Macquarie Street,” and that “people are sick of the women and woke agenda.” Reports also noted his history of calling women “fat, bitches and cows” and referring to a female councillor as a “fat, dumb blonde.”

On paper, Thaler and I hold very different values. As a woman, I can see he is unlikely to be interested in my thoughts or experiences. What is clear, however, is that his rhetoric positions him firmly in the same territory as populist groups like One Nation. His focus is anti-“woke,” anti-establishment, and distrustful of institutions and regulation.

What impact do candidates like this have?

Kiama has seen before how late-entry candidates or smaller parties can shift the dynamics of a campaign. Fisher and Shooters, Family First, and others have at times attracted protest votes from people dissatisfied with the major parties.

The impact of such candidates usually falls into three categories:

  1. Diluting the primary vote. Even if they do not win, they can peel votes away from one or more of the leading candidates, making the outcome tighter.
  2. Shaping the debate. By raising emotive issues such as gender, land use, or “lost rights,” they can force other candidates to respond, distracting from core policy questions.
  3. Preferences under NSW’s system. In a state by-election, optional preferential voting applies. Voters can number just one box, or add preferences. This means minor candidates do not automatically funnel their votes to the majors, but they can still have an impact. If their supporters allocate preferences, those flows can be decisive in a close race.

This by-election is about more than one candidate or one party promise. It is about the kind of representation Kiama deserves. Let’s keep the focus on ideas that build community strength, equality, and long-term solutions — and make sure our votes reflect those values.

Don’t throw your vote away. I understand why people are disillusioned.  I am too. But we need to believe that we can effect real change. If we vote for candidates who have a real chance of being elected, we can be part of that change.

The Kiama by-election has already made history with an all-female field of candidates offering a range of perspectives and solutions. Into that race, Andrew Thaler has stepped forward with rhetoric that is openly dismissive of women and framed in populist, anti-establishment terms.

We’ve seen before how late-entry candidates and minor parties can shift the debate, peel votes away from serious contenders, and distract from the big issues. Even without winning, they can dilute the primary vote and shape outcomes through preferences.

This election is too important to let that happen. Let’s keep the focus on candidates with constructive ideas for Kiama’s future – housing, cost of living, youth opportunity, and the health of our environment. Our community deserves leaders who want to build us up, not divide us.

Your vote matters. Let’s make it count.

Mainstream media outlets have repeatedly questioned Andrew Thaler’s suitability for public office, describing him in the following terms:

2GB – Ben Fordham Live (13 Mar 2025)

Canberra CityNews (Aug 2025)

Australian Online News (18 Apr 2025)

Brisbane Times (2025 – aggregated)

ABC News (30 Jul 2025)

About Regional (31 Jul 2025)

#KiamaByElection2025 #AndrewThaler #Populism #PopulistFactor #NSWPolitics #KiamaVotes #IndependentPolitics #ElectionDynamics

 

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

Kiama’s All-Women By-Election: Let’s Talk Ideas, Not Insults

The 13 September Kiama by-election is a milestone in more ways than one. For the first time, every candidate is a woman: Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent), Tonia Gray (Greens), Katelin McInerney (Labor), and Serena Copley (Liberal). Between them, they bring decades of professional, community, and political experience, and, I hope, a willingness to run campaigns focused on what they will do for the community, rather than tearing each other down.

Kate Dezarnaulds – Independent

Berry-based businesswoman and community advocate Kate is running on a platform of independent leadership free from party agendas. Her focus is on:

  • Affordable housing – promoting build-to-rent models to ease rental pressures and improve housing availability.

  • Healthcare access – better local health services and specialist care.

  • Climate action – strong environmental protections and disaster preparedness.

  • Infrastructure and transparency – advocating for infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and more open local decision-making.

Tonia Gray – Greens

Tonia, also from Berry, is a former Shoalhaven councillor and educator who champions:

  • Climate justice – a rapid shift to renewables, ideally under public ownership.

  • Public services – increased funding for hospitals, schools, housing, and public transport.

  • Environmental protection – safeguarding farmland, ecosystems, and supporting agritourism.

  • Political integrity – ending “dirty donations” and embedding transparency, alongside meaningful work with First Nations communities.

Katelin McInerney – Labor

When Premier Chris Minns announced Katelin’s candidacy, he described her as “very kind” and having “a big heart.” While kindness is valuable in politics, it’s hard to imagine a male colleague being introduced in quite the same terms. Katelin is returning for a second tilt at the seat after losing to Gareth Ward in 2023. Her platform includes:

  • Housing and cost of living – boosting housing supply, supporting renters, and maintaining local cost-of-living relief measures.

  • Health and education – strengthening public health services in Kiama and improving access to specialist care; investment in schools and training pathways.

  • Transport and infrastructure – improving rail reliability and road safety upgrades.

  • Community engagement – respectful, community-first representation that prioritises listening to constituents.

Serena Copley – Liberal

Shoalhaven local and former councillor Serena is framing the by-election as a verdict on Labor’s record, asking voters if they feel better off after two years under the current government. She is campaigning for:

  • Infrastructure investment – building on the Liberals’ delivery of Kiama’s ambulance station, integrated health centre, and major hospital redevelopments; pushing for faster project delivery.

  • Cost-of-living relief – restoring Active Kids and Back to School vouchers, reinstating the Seniors Regional Travel Card.

  • Transport and health – reversing what she describes as Labor’s cuts to health funding, making train services faster and more reliable.

  • Economic management – strong fiscal discipline to support local jobs and maintain the South Coast’s lifestyle.

Why This Race Matters

This by-election is a rare chance for Kiama voters to compare four distinct visions for the region’s future. The choice is not just about personalities but about values, whether we want leadership that puts community before party, accelerates climate and housing reforms, doubles down on public service delivery, or promises a return to a more traditional infrastructure-first agenda.

The Premier’s framing of Katelin’s candidacy and Serena’s sharp critique of Labor both hint at the tone of the campaign ahead. My hope is that the focus stays on ideas, not insults. Kiama deserves candidates who will make their case on substance, vision, and respect for the people they seek to represent.

#KiamaByElection2025 #KateDezarnaulds #ToniaGray
#KatelinMcInerney #SerenaCopley #KiamaVotes
#WomenInPolitics #CommunityFirst

Still Coming to Terms With Gareth Ward? So Am I.

Over the past week, I’ve written about what it means to face hard truths as a community. I’ve spoken about the bravery of the two young men who came forward, and the importance of recognising harm even when it’s wrapped in charm, power, or public approval.

Today, I want to turn the lens inward. Because as Gareth Ward is taken into custody, many of us are left with quieter questions — about what we believed, who we supported, and how we respond when our assumptions are shaken.

We all know the spotlight is on our community right now. The media is asking the question out loud, how could we vote for someone under this kind of cloud? And maybe you’ve had friends from outside the area ask you the same thing. It’s uncomfortable, and it can feel personal. But most of us were voting for the version of the person we thought we knew. And now, we’re being asked to hold that discomfort, to reflect, and to work out where we go from here, together.

Some of my friends, people I care about deeply, were strong supporters of Gareth. I haven’t asked them how they feel now. Maybe they’re unsure. Maybe they’re not ready to talk. And maybe I don’t know how, or maybe I don’t want to start the conversation.

But here’s what I do know: empathy matters. And not just empathy for others, empathy for ourselves too. It’s okay to say we didn’t know. It’s okay to say we’ve changed our minds. And it’s okay to feel conflicted when someone who once seemed worthy of our support is revealed to have caused harm. No amount of charm, power, or public approval excuses abuse. And the courage to admit we got it wrong — that is a form of strength too.

We don’t always get it right. We don’t always see everything at once. Most of us are just doing the best we can with what we know at the time. And sometimes we learn more, and our thinking changes. That’s not weakness. That’s growth.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”
It’s okay to say, “I used to think that, but I see it differently now.”
It’s okay to change your mind without feeling ashamed.

Most of us know someone who has experienced abuse or wrongdoing. And many of us have asked ourselves quietly, “What would I have done in their place?” I know I have and honestly, there are moments where I don’t know if I would have handled it any differently.

That’s why I think the way forward isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about being honest. It’s about giving ourselves, and each other, the space to reflect, to shift, and to keep learning.

We’re on the track. Let’s keep walking it, together.

BTW If you have a subscription to the SMH this is worthwhile read

He rots in jail for sex crimes, but this MP keeps his taxpayer-funded salary

#EmpathyMatters #LearningInPublic #ChangingMinds #MakingRoomForGrowth #CivicCourage #ReflectAndGrow #KiamaVoices #CommunityHealing