September 2022

Bob Ascoli retired in 2000, after 43 years in the NSW Public Service as a Senior Human Resource & Industrial Relations Manager. He moved to Thirroul in 2006, joined Austinmer/ Thirroul Lions Club in 2007 and has served as secretary for five years and president for one year. Bob was one of the founders of the Thirroul Men’s Shed in 2010, having worked from 2008 to form the Shed and secure its current premises in 2016. He served as president of the Shed for two years. His interests centre around church, family and he enjoys lawn bowls at Club Thirroul.

Brian Kelly first stepped into the Illawarra Mercury office as the new kid from Thirroul nearly 40 years ago and is still managing (just) to hold on tight to a career he is grateful has dragged him to the UK (10 years), then Perth and Melbourne before a return to the district in 2008. He deems it a pleasure to get back into the grassroots stories of the northern suburbs.

Amanda De George is a naturalist, writer and photographer based in the Northern Illawarra. Her passion lies in discovering interesting critters in urban environments and sharing them with the followers of her social media pages and website. Oh, and adventures and naps and wine; she’s passionate about those things too!

Iris Huizinga migrated to Australia from The Netherlands, where she was a screenwriter. She graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. Since 2009 she has volunteered locally, at the surf club and with the fire brigade. Iris makes short films for the Flame

Dr Rebecca Goodman is a GP at Bulli Medical Practice. As well as her qualifications in medicine and general practice, she has a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health. Rebecca has a special interest in Women’s and Children’s Health and has a Diploma in Child Health and a Certificate of Reproductive and Sexual Health and can provide Implanon and IUD insertions. In her free time, when she’s not chasing after her own children, Rebecca likes to travel, read and spend time with family and friends.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The publishers acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their cultural and spiritual connection to this land. Their stories are written in the land and hold great significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, from the mountains to the sea.

EDITORS Gen Swart, Marcus Craft

CONTACT editor@2508mag.com.au; 0432 612 168; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508. TheIllawarraFlame

ADVERTISING www.theillawarraflame.com.au 0432 612 168 | T&Cs apply

DEADLINE 21 Sept. Contributions welcome.

COVER Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club members and Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM. Photo: Anthony Warry

THE ILLAWARRA FLAME is published by a family business, The Word Bureau, ABN 31 692 723 477

DISCLAIMER: All content and images remain the property of The Illawarra Flame unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed do not reflect those of the publishers.

About 100 people – including the Electrify 2515 crew – gathered at Coledale Hall on 14 August for the launch of Together We Can, a book about everyday Australians doing amazing things to save our planet by Austinmer author Claire O’Rourke. Pictured below: Yael Stone, actor and founder of Hi Neighbour; Claire O’Rourke; Wollongong City Councillor Mithra Cox; and the ABC’s War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel.

Survey sparks huge response

Just last month we announced that we, a group of local volunteers who formed Electrify 2515, were keen to see if our own community would be interested in participating in a potential pilot project that would see our whole community electrify. And the response has been, well, electric!

For 2515 to be considered for this potential pilot, we were set a goal of 500 households to register their interest. We met that in the first week!

Our electric community!

It is clear that our community is a perfect fit for taking on such an innovative idea – we’re so proud of the support for positive action that we have here. We’re now in the phase of getting as many people as possible to register their interest. Essentially, the higher the number, the greater our chances of something happening here. So please complete the quick survey to register and tell your neighbours too (see QR code and link below).

If the pilot project proceeds, participants will be subsidised and supported to convert their homes to the most energy-efficient appliances for cooking, heating and hot water, as well as have solar panels and a battery installed and access to an electric vehicle. It’s a wonderful opportunity to try to create a net zero emissions community and to save on power bills.

Have some questions?

From questions about renters or shaded roofs, to who Electrify 2515 and Rewiring Australia are, please make sure you check out our FAQ page on the website which is regularly updated. If there’s anything that is not covered there, please let us know and we’ll happily add to it.

Not in 2515?

Our goal for electrified communities does not stop at the 2515 boundary. In fact, about one in six respondents have been from outside the postcode. We’re hoping we can help mobilise communities around Australia. If you’re not in 2515, please still register your interest to stay up to date with any possible expansion of the project. Also, we have provided some starting points for those looking to kickstart something in their own neighbourhood – which we fully encourage and we’re keen to support however we can.

Finally, get in touch if you want to grab yourself a free t-shirt or sticker to help get the word out!

Visit www.electrify2515.org to register your interest and find out more

Why so many locals sell with Julie York

I found Julie very approachable, easy to talk to & nothing was a problem. Any questions I had, Julie would answer day or night & was very knowledgeable in all areas.

- LeanneIn every way Julie delivered a service that was highly professional, yet had a compassionate understanding. Through diligent communication by Julie we achieved a successful sale. Thankyou Julie!

Trevor & DeirdreWe highly recommend Julie and her team, they are fantastic. They really go above and beyond to ensure you get a great result!

- Dean & Vicky0405 128 070 julie.york@helensburgh.rh.com.au

Trailer built to serve

In the 1990s the Lions Club of Austinmer (now the Lions Club of Austinmer-Thirroul) commissioned a local fabricator in Helensburgh to build a new BBQ trailer for the club that became an iconic symbol in the Northern Beaches community as part of many fundraising ventures.

The Lions Club has used the trailer at the annual Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival for 25 years. The festival has been the club’s major fundraising venture, with profits being returned to help many individuals, organisations and community groups.

The money raised has helped convert family vehicles for those with severely disabled children, buy a hospital bed to support a house-bound child, lay pathways to aid a person in a wheelchair, buy new IRBs and all-terrain vehicles for Austinmer and Thirroul SLSCs and many other projects. The club has put more than $1.5 million back into the local community since it was formed in 1959.

Covid isolation in 2021 gave me the opportunity and time to design and gain club support for the proposal and to arrange construction and acquisition of a new custom-built trailer.

The new trailer is fully enclosed with three slide-out barbecues and a fixed twin-bowl sink with gas hot water. The trailer has its own freshwater supply with electric pump, greywater tank, and 240-volt power for LED lighting over barbecues and sink areas. Most medium-size family vehicles can tow it.

The sides and rear panels fold up to provide shelter from the elements for operators as well as on-board storage of

Book your fair stall

Please save the date of Saturday, 22 October 2022 for our annual Lions Country Fair. We are in full planning mode with entertainment and rides booked. The Rural Fire service will be bringing a great display that includes a helicopter model.

To book a stall and be part of a great day, visit our website at www.helensburghlions.org

We are looking for volunteers on the day. Contact us on info@helensburghlions.org.au or

equipment, such as Bain Maries, tables, chairs, power leads, and other equipment essential for set up and clean up in any major operation.

The new fully self-contained trailer replaces the former need for a back-up vehicle towing a box trailer to transport ancillary equipment.

The trailer performed extremely well during its baptism of fire at the 2022 Seaside and Arts Festival only having been delivered two weeks earlier.

The club acknowledges the community’s significant financial support and that of the Australian Lions Foundation, One Agency Kane Downie, a grant from the Federal Government’s Community Grants programme and other local organisations and businesses, such as McCormack Signs Austinmer and KBS Coatings.

The trailer is available to support local not-forprofit organisations, such as schools, surf clubs and similar organisations.

Want to the use the trailer with Lions members in support? Email enquiries to the Austinmer-Thirroul Lions Club secretary at austinmerthirroullionsclub@gmail.com

come to our meeting on the 4th Monday of the month at the Helensburgh Hotel at 6.30pm.

We are getting back into fundraising activities to support our Lion projects with a regular monthly Saturday BBQ outside Helensburgh Coles. Come say hello and enjoy a sausage sandwich.

This World Diabetes Day, 14 November, we are calling for Australians to ‘Lap the Map’ for diabetes prevention. Can you help us walk a combined distance surpassing the circumference of Australia?

Clubs across the country will be hosting family friendly walks and events to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness.

Excellent time at Open Day

On Friday, 6 August our students and staff proudly welcomed many parents and care-givers to our school to celebrate Education Week.

Our visitors watched superb performances by the school choir, drumming group, and the senior dance ensemble at a special assembly.

Our new school ACE awards were presented for the first time to some very worthwhile recipients. Two students from each class received an ACE award. ACE awards recognise excellence in Attitude, Conduct and Effort.

After the assembly our visitors attended mathematics workshops facilitated by our teachers. The workshops involved explanations of mathematical concepts and games to play with children to consolidate their knowledge and skills.

Next were open classrooms where visitors played mathematical games and activities with the students.

We would like to thank the large number of visitors who attended our open day and helped us to celebrate Education Week.

Masala dosa for everyone

Ahead of the Ganesh Visarjan festival on 4 September, Iris Huizinga visits the temple canteen

It takes A. Pakkyanathan 40 minutes to drive from his Strathfield home to Helensburgh’s Sri Venkateswara Hindu temple, but he does it before dawn most weekends. “Pakki”, as he is known, has been a volunteer there for more than 15 years.

“You feel happy that you have helped somebody,” he says.

Pakki arrives at 5.30am, often coming on Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday. “First thing in the morning I help the chef. I do some mixing of the rice and arrange the condiments. We have three counters. To man the counters, as well as getting the food ready, we need about six people,” he says.

Working alongside Pakki is Sri Naidu from Holsworthy, who helps out every second week.

Masala dosa is the most popular dish at the canteen, where an online ordering system streamlines the workflow. “People love it, especially our locals here in Helensburgh. They come and pick up masala dosas.”

A dosa is a type of crispy pancake. “The batter is ground urad dal [lentils] and rice,” Sri says. “They soak the urad dal and rice for eight hours, so it gets fermented. Then you put it in the pan. Masala is what you stuff it with. It is a potato curry. Along with this we supply sambar and chutney.”

Masala dosa is Sri’s favourite, followed by lassi and masala chai. Lassi is a drink made of mango and yogurt, with a bit of cardamom and sugar. “Sweet in taste but it is very healthy and tasty.”

The Sri Venkateswara temple has received approval to build an educational/cultural building, and soon work will start on a new modern canteen.

“I encourage everyone to come, especially our Aussie girls and boys,” says Sri.

Visit the Videos section on the Flame’s website to watch this interview

‘Save our RSL’

Coledale RSL Club urgently needs community support or the historic venue established in 1948 could close by the end of this month.

About 80 people attended an extraordinary general meeting on Sunday, 21 August. “That’s about four times as many people as we’d normally get,” said secretary/manager Warrick Try, 80, who has spent the past few years juggling club renovations, Covid restrictions and wet weather in a bid to keep the Coledale RSL alive.

Four local volunteers stepped up at the meeting. The board now includes Warrick (who agreed to stay on through a transition period), Adam Tegel, Simone Read and newcomers Jeramy Pope, Jarod Cunningham, Greg Todd and Glen Cahill.

Warrick said it was “a mixed day”.

“We are still in awful danger of closing. One of the options to consider is perhaps amalgamation with a larger group of clubs. Other than that, we will probably be closed by the end of September.

“The membership gave us approval to seek amalgamation with some larger clubs. And we have two expressions of interest.

“The business model of a small RSL club like ours seems to be on the way out. There have been 60 closed in NSW, and nearly 100 across Australia that have closed or amalgamated since Covid.”

The Coledale RSL Club’s customers have changed in the past decade, as sea-changers, Sydney families and city commuters snap up coal miners’ cottages for a couple of million.

Profits from the pokies have been “practically non-existent”, Warrick said. “Frequently we have days here where there’s only one person at a time playing… Then they get a jackpot, and it blows you

out of the water. Particularly if it’s a large jackpot, it means that your profit for the whole week is gone.”

Members at the meeting refused permission to sell the club’s poker machines, however. “It means that we’ve actually got our hands tied a bit, as far as liquidity goes,” Warrick said. “It may have a reverse effect and force us into insolvency much quicker.”

Wet weather is another major threat.

“We’re very weather dependent and the outlook for this coming summer is dreadful because La Nina is supposed to carry on, with a wet summer all the way through to next March. If that happens, there’ll be many more venues like us that’ll just go out of business.

“We’re hanging on desperately now for an increase in trade in the coming spring.”

Residents could lose Coledale’s only restaurant that is open seven days, Warrick said.

“They’ll also lose the very good Coledale RSL Anzac Day ceremony. It will still be here, run by the sub-branch, but it won’t have the support of a club behind it, so it’ll be a very small operation.”

Built on an old soccer field, purchased by 18 locals each contributing £10, the venue first opened on 31 July 1948 as the Soldiers’ Memorial Club, to provide a centre for returned services personnel. For the past seven decades, the club has supported local groups via sponsorships and donations.

On 6 August the Oysters Winter Swimming Club – which has made the venue its home for 50 years – held a trivia night fundraiser to ‘Save Our RSL’. It was the busiest the club has been in months.

“If the club could get even a little of this sort of patronage regularly we wouldn’t be contemplating having to close,” Warrick said.

A Coledale institution needs your custom to survive, the Illawarra Flame reports

Time tostep up

Janice Creenaune meets Wendy McKay, a retired primary and special education teacher and consultant for student welfare in NSW, who has become Thirroul Probus Club’s first female president

Wendy McKay sees herself as unremarkable, but after only a few years in Thirroul she has stepped up to take the helm of the Thirroul Probus Club.

“I want the members to see that if I can lift myself out of my comfort zone to be president of the club, then any member of the group can also do it. And our club is growing.

“We currently have about 114 members. The club began in November 2019, and was sponsored originally by Corrimal Rotary Club. I am proud to be a foundation member and to follow Mike Brennan and David Sherlock as president.”

Wendy moved to Thirroul in 2019 and enjoyed meeting other people. “I was house-sitting in the area and realised I loved the area, the seaside atmosphere, the escarpment, the natural beauty of the glorious Illawarra and so I moved from inner Sydney to Thirroul.

“Luckily I was able to transfer some of my volunteering activities from Sydney. Initially I joined Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden and became a volunteer gardener and later I became a simulated patient at the University of Wollongong School of Graduate Medicine, promoting the development of communication skills of medical students. I wanted to make a contribution to the community, using my skills and experience and remaining productive in retirement. And, of course, meet people and make new friends in the area.”

When Wendy first retired she volunteered with Volunteers for Isolated Students Education (VISE), travelling to isolated stations to tutor children enrolled in Distance Education (School of the Air).

“I loved this activity … It was an absolute privilege to be welcomed by farming families, and to participate in a genuine learning exchange.”

Wendy’s introduction to the newly formed Probus Club in 2019 was a good example of happenstance. “I received a leaflet in my letterbox … and decided to give it a go.

“We meet at Club Thirroul on Mondays once a month. We always have interesting speakers on a diverse range of topics.”

Speakers usually address topics related to living locally and have included the Thirroul Village Committee, Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid, a co-owner of Resin Brewery, Cancer Care and the not-for-profit Tender Funerals.

Thirroul Probus runs a wide range of activities, including a book club, a coffee club, a Barefoot Bowls group at Club Thirroul, and groups for cycling, swimming, walking, golf and more.

“We have Small Group Dining for which a local restaurant of the month is selected and a group of about 6-8 people share a meal at the restaurant together. It’s a great way to get to know more members … and support local eateries.”

The club hosts tours, excursions, and trips away.

Wendy enjoys the many and varied activities, the camaraderie and the building of the club.

“I really enjoy the goodwill of the club. We work together and really enjoy each other’s company.”

Wendy has found her real home in Thirroul, but it is the village that remains grateful for her inclusion. With Wendy and the efficient and energetic management committee the Thirroul Probus Club is in steady hands with a great future.

Thirroul Probus Club meets at Club Thirroul on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10am for 10.30am until 11.30am. Contact Margaret Tobin on thirroulprobus@gmail.com or visit www.

probussouthpacific.org/microsites/thirroul/2022

Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com or call 4267 4880.

2022 NINA OUTINGS

SEPTEMBER

Pick up and drop off direct to your home. Bookings essential, call 4294 1900. Book early as tickets are limited. Visit 18 Walker St, Helensburgh, Mon–Fri (8.30am-4.30pm).

DATE DESTINATION

2nd

6th

9th

13th

16th

20th

23rd

28th

30th

Shopping $11

Bellambi $5.50

Shopping $11

of Berry Museum Transport $21.50, Ticket $5

Shopping $11

– Flower Power Milperra $11

Shopping $11

Time in Bowral Transport $21.50, Ticket $8.20

Shopping $11

Aid Equipment: If anyone has any aid equipment they would like to pass on please consider donating to NINA. We are always happy to take walkers, wheel chairs etc that we loan out to clients.

Seeking Volunteers: Got some spare time and looking for a way to get more involved in the community? Become a NINA volunteer! We are always looking for volunteer drivers and for people to help at our social support groups. Come into the office or give us a call. A reminder to NINA clients. Please give us as much notice as possible for transport bookings. The more time we have to arrange drivers the better! Thank you.

Sign of the times

Your Men’s Shed has been honoured to help many local organisations. From RSL Perpetual Awards to an SLSC rescue reel, the Glowworm Tunnel Station replica sign and Fords Bakery oven, the Shed has helped keep our history alive.

So we were very happy to work with the Stanwell Park Country Women’s Association to protect and prepare for display the 1950s ‘Stanwell Park & Coalcliff CWA’ metal sign. President Carol Pugh was very pleased with the results, and the sign can be seen hanging in the CWA Hall in Stanwell Park. Another happy success story from the Shed!

And, as life continues on, we bid farewell to

Thank you

Sunday, 14 August saw the long-awaited unveiling of the panels from the ‘Make Your Mark in the Park’ campaign. The event also marked the official opening of the new deck at the CWA Hall.

It was a great afternoon, with much champagne, food (including CWA scones, of course!) and entertainment from the SPAT Singers and local band Murmur, featuring Luke O’Neil, Dave Gale, Matt Dickson and Matilda Dickson.

As well as the support from the community, we are indebted to the following for their support during the build. We extend a huge thank you to: All Pipes; Bushfire Evacuation Solutions; Dennis Smith Surveyors; Detom Consulting; GP Design; Moore Trees; Morgan-Dickson Architecture; Morris Goding Access Consultants; Projection Build; Stancourt Holdings; Sydney Wide Coordinators; Wollongong City Council.

Thank you again, and let’s all continue to enjoy the CWA Hall for many more years.

Royce Standish, one of our shedders and a good friend, who passed away in August. A keen sailor, surfer, adventurer and biker, Royce was taken too early by Parkinson’s Disease, but not before ‘doing the lap’ in a camper trailer with his partner Merrilyn. We will all miss his lively sense of humour. Vale Royce, forever Shoulder to Shoulder.

We meet at 199A Parkes Street Helensburgh; 9am-3pm Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Shed Tours and Afternoon Tea are on the first Monday each month, from 2.30-4.30pm.

Visit helensburghmensshed.org.au, 199A Parkes St Helensburgh Call Michael Croft 0413 401 522; Ron Balderston 0410 564 752; Paul Blanksby 0403 701 788

Fun at Fete

The sun was shining and lots of people were out and about on Saturday, 6 August for The Holy Cross Family Fun Day. The day was a huge success for our fundraising efforts to help the school revamp Yulunga Gardens, and we would like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who supported us. A big thank you goes to our major sponsors Peabody, Ray White and Raine and Horne for your generous donations. Thank you to Kore Property Group, EBOP Building Pty Ltd, Matthew Faulkner Accountancy Pty Ltd and Active Mail for your stall sponsorship and time. We would also like to thank the many local businesses and individuals who supported the day.

Look forward to seeing you all in March 2023!

Artists of the Illawarra

Amanda Mulder has been painting since she was a child practising daily as she grew up in Helensburgh. She was inspired by nature, what she saw of the world as a travel agent and her mission to evoke happy memories from days gone by. While her huge bird paintings on walls around Helensburgh have given Amanda a very public face in our community, she is also collected internationally by admirers such as Kevin Richardson, the Lion Whisperer.

Amanda is known for her fine detail and avian art, but now her children have taught her to loosen up and be freer in her work, and life in general. She has learned to accept that not everything has to be perfect to be beautiful and that sometimes adding a touch of humour can generate a bucket load of interest, charm and depth to her art.

Amanda uses her intuition, often adding abstract pops to her work, thick strokes and block sweeping tones. Amanda does not see herself as an artist confined to one or two subjects but rather as one who combines her passion for painting intuitively with her love for vibrant colours, patterns, interior decor, song lyrics, travel, plants and everyday life.

Amanda has a home studio in Helensburgh and shows her work at the local boutique, Indigo Designs Co. She sells originals and prints via www.amandaskye. com.au, Instagram @amandaskye_art.

To be featured, write to Edith at mcnallyedith@gmail.com

Cycling through history

In celebration of Wollongong hosting the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2022 Road World Championships, from 18 to 27 September, Wollongong Library is holding an exhibition of photographs called Cycling in the Illawarra. The exhibition is part of Wollongong City Council’s  pin Fest. From penny farthing bicycles to recent riders and races, explore a collection of historical photos from the Illawarra Images collection.

The exhibition will be on display throughout August and September during library opening hours on Level 1, in the Lab and online at: illawarrastories.com.au/cycling-in-the-illawarra

Clockwise from top left: Commonwealth Bank Classic, Wollongong (Illawarra Mercury Image Collection P23577); G Walker with penny farthing bicycle (P01114);Put into Port festival 1979 (P22735), Bulli Pass ca.1900 (P01468). Photos: Illawarra Images / Wollongong City Libraries

‘Baroque and Beyond’

The second Music and Tea at the Gallery concert will be on Thursday, 8 September, writes Felicity Woodhill, founder of Inspire Music Australia

The second concert in the series is filling up fast. Reserving a seat is advisable. Audiences will be allowed in from 10.45am and are welcome to get a cup of tea before they sit down.

Baroque and Beyond features 19-year-old violinist Beatrice Colombis, a scholarship student at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music studying with Assistant Professor Goetz Richter. Beatrice will perform with her mother, Laura McDonald, a well-known Sydney pianist and Suzuki teacher.

The program will open with a short selection of cello works performed by local cellist Tom Carolan who is an HSC student at Edmund Rice College. He studies cello at the Wollongong Conservatorium under the tutelage of Tanya Phillips and will be accompanied by Lisa Baraldi.

Fugues in Music and Art

As winner of the 2021 Melbourne Bach Competition, Beatrice will open the program with one of Bach’s famous solo violin sonatas, a set of works entitled Sei Solo, which translates to “you are alone”. In these compositions Bach explored the capacity of the violin to move beyond a mainly melodic line to represent multiple layers of music.

Chamber Music and Brahms

Beatrice is one of Australia’s leading young chamber musicians. This year she has performed and toured with the Winther Quartet and was awarded the Henderson Travelling Scholarship for her string quartet “Asta” at the Con.

Beatrice will perform Brahms’ ‘Sonata No. 3 for Piano and Violin’, a deeply romantic work in which the two performers converse through the music.

Gypsy Music and Ravel’s Tzigane

The program will conclude with Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane a highly virtuosic gypsy-inspired piece written for the Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Arányi (1893–1966), the grandniece of the legendary violinist Joseph Joachim.

Save the date: 6 Oct for Music from the Heart

This program is bound to delight. Elsa and Sophie are 11 years old, but their delight and excellence in performance is being nurtured by Sydney Conservatorium of Music lecturer Natalia Ricci.

Music and Tea at 11am, at Wollongong Art Gallery on 8 Sept, 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 8 Dec. Entry free, donations for the performers appreciated. Contact inspiremusicaust@gmail.com

Julie: After Story by Larissa Behrendt Ambitious and engrossing, After Story celebrates the extraordinary power of words and the quiet spaces between.

Library picks

Try these new books suggested by Thirroul librarians, writes Katrina Henze

Jenna: To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara From the author of A Little Life, a bold, brilliant novel spanning three centuries and three different versions of the American experiment, about lovers, family, loss and the elusive promise of utopia.

Katrina: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel. A new speculative fiction novel by the author of the amazing Station Eleven. This time the author plays with pandemics, moon colonies, and our concepts of time.

The top 4 most popular adult non-fiction books at local libraries in July were: Love Stories By Trent Dalton; Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown; Phosphorescence by Julia Baird; The Palace Papers by Tina Brown.

Beatrice Colombis

got plenty of

to pique the interest of

fans alike, from inspirational

on the best

here in Australia and around the world. Although Lawrence Hargrave Drive in Thirroul will be closed to traffic on the weekend of September 24-25, our team will be in store ready to dish out excellent recommendations all week long. And we’ll have plenty to choose from! September is the biggest publishing month of the year and we’ll be receiving deliveries of new books by your favourite authors every. single. week. Park your peloton, visit our store and take some books home with you, lest we be crushed by the boxes!

Beatrice Colombis, 19, is in second year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music studying violin under Goetz Richter. This year Beatrice performed and toured with the Winther Quartet and was recently awarded the Henderson Travelling Scholarship for her string quartet “Asta” at the Con. In July they travelled to study in Finland, Austria and Germany. Beatrice was the recipient of the Richard Mills first prize in the Melbourne Bach competition in 2021 and is a regular member of Ensemble Apex.

Laura McDonald (L.Mus.A, B.Mus.A (hons), post grad. studies Italy and Russia). A full travelling scholarship from Sydney University allowed Laura to continue her studies in Italy and Russia. While abroad Laura was very successful in international piano competitions. Laura has taught and adjudicated at the Sydney Conservatorium, University of NSW, St Catherines’s School, Ascham School and currently is acting Head of Keyboard at MLC, Burwood. Laura particularly enjoys working with advanced students on aspects of performance practice.

Beatrice Colombis, 19, is in second year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music studying violin under Goetz Richter. This year Beatrice performed and toured with the Winther Quartet and was recently awarded the Henderson Travelling Scholarship for her string quartet “Asta” at the Con. In July they travelled to study in Finland, Austria and Germany. Beatrice was the recipient of the Richard Mills first prize in the Melbourne Bach competition in 2021 and is a regular member of Ensemble Apex.

EMERGING ARTIST CONCERT SERIES

Nurturing

Making music accessible

Laura McDonald (L.Mus.A, B.Mus.A (hons), post grad. studies Italy and Russia). A full travelling scholarship from Sydney University allowed Laura to continue her studies in Italy and Russia. While abroad Laura was very successful in international piano competitions. Laura has taught and adjudicated at the Sydney Conservatorium, University of NSW, St Catherines’s School, Ascham School and currently is acting Head of Keyboard at MLC, Burwood. Laura particularly enjoys working with advanced students on aspects of performance practice.

Sign

What’s On

events at www.theillawarraflame.com.au

10 Sept: Spring Exhibition at Articles

John and Frances Vander of Articles Fine Art Gallery in Stanwell Park invite you to celebrate a special Spring Exhibition on Saturday, 10 September from noon. With champagne and savouries, entertainment by Fiddle Dance Band, a demonstration by cartoonist Paul Dorin and a pop-up stall of jewellery by Precious Fusion. Artists in the galleries include: artists Paul Dorin, Gary Laird, Liz McKay, Judith Dalozzo, glass blower Eamonn Vereker, Kiama sculptor Mike Tikkeros, Southern Highlands potter Neil Boughton, ‘Barrier Reef’ paintings by David Brayshaw and new works by Max Mannix, Gary Myers, Gayle RuthlandGillard, and resident artist John Vander (one of John’s paintings will be drawn at the end of the day) 111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Stanwell Park, 4294 2491, articlesgallery@optusnet.com.au

16 Oct: A Reunion & Celebration

To those Special Students of Bulli High School turning 70ish in 2022. A Mini Woodstock in the Burgh with DJ to set the theme. Sunday, 16 October 2022, 11am-5pm. Wear the era attire. Bring your own refreshments – but planning for onsite charity BBQ. RSVP by 1st Oct 0418 671 279.

Tuesdays: Learn to play Bridge IBAND (Illawarra Bridge Association Northern Division) is offering bridge lessons at their Figtree premises, starting on Tuesday, 6 Sept at 7pm. Cost: $60 for the 6-week course plus 3 free supervised play sessions. Call Marie on 0422 375 712. IBAND plays bridge at Thirroul’s TRIPS Hall on Monday at 9.30am, Wednesday at 1pm and Friday at 1pm.

Trauma Healing ‘Self Love’ Retreat for Women Surviving Domestic Abuse 23-25 September at Otford’s Govinda Valley. With yoga, art, healing circles, dance therapy and more. Call Wendy on 0412 614 684 wendyhscare@gmail. com www.heartandsoulcare.org.au

Wollongong Traditional Arts Society

Exhibition and sale every 3rd Sunday monthly and public holidays at Wollongong Harbour. Local artists welcome to join. Meetings 2nd Wednesday monthly, call Lyn on 0411 682 856.

Helensburgh Historical Society

Every 3rd Thurs at 4pm via Zoom. Call Jan 0418 681 384 or info@historichelensburgh.org.au. Visit our Lions Fair stall on 22 Oct for book bargains.

Bulli Quilt Show back in October Bulli Corner Quilters would sincerely like to thank all the lovely people who came to their Quilt Sale in April where a significant amount of money was raised for flood victims. Quilts were donated to flood victims in the Illawarra as well as Lismore. Other local groups who benefit from the efforts of these ladies who work in conjunction with ladies of Connecting Threads include: The Homeless Hub; The Premature award at Wollongong Hospital; The Pyjama Angels; and other persons in need.

After two years of Covid, Bulli Quilters are pleased to announce the return of their annual Quilt and Flower Show on Friday/Saturday, October 14/15. Anyone who has been to this show previously will attest to the exquisite quilts on display and amazing flower show. Quilts will be for sale, as well as lots of handmade items suitable for Christmas presents. The famous scrumptious kitchen delights will also be there to tempt you.

Bulli Corner Quilters would like to acknowledge the support of: the Illawarra Flame, My Sewing Supplies, Hobbysew Figtree, Picton Patchwork, The Stitchers Cupboard, Thirroul Custom Quilting, Bulli Workers Club, Woonona Bulli RSL, Woolworths Bulli and other local organisations.

Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, cnr Princes H’way & Point St, Bulli. Entry: $5. Fri/Sat, Oct 14/15, 10am-4pm. Call Lynn 0413 963 070.

LIBRARY FUN

Bookings essential via Eventbrite,visit www. wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on/events

Thirroul Library

Music in the Library Sat, 3 Sept, 11am-noon. Cloth Nappy Workshop Thurs 29 Sept 10.30am

Spring School Holiday Activities

Thirroul Library Drop in Craft, Mon 26 Sept, 10.30-11.30, ages 5+ Movie: Clifford, Wed 28 Sept, 2-3.30pm, Ages 5+ Dance Workshop Wed 5 October, 3-4pm, Ages 5+ Offbits robots, Thu 6 Oct, 10.30-11.30am, ages 8+

Helensburgh Library

Beginner Guitar basics with David Oliphant, Wed 28 Sept, 10.30-11.30am Ages 5 + Wooden Sneaky Snakes, Wed 5 Oct, 10.3011.30am, ages 5+

Come in, we’re Bike Friendly

Local businesses are hoping for a boost thanks to the Bike Friendly Business Program, writes Caitlin Sloan

Destination Wollongong has recognised more than 70 businesses as ‘Bike Friendly’ – meaning they offer services such as secure bike parking, accessibility, washroom and drinking water facilities, cycling maps and trail information.

Among the first accredited Bike Friendly retailers was Fornix Wheels at Helensburgh Business Park, which offers bicycle tuning, upgrades and servicing, and stocks biking accessories and clothing.

“The program offers a great platform to help bring awareness to local Bike Friendly businesses in the Wollongong municipality,” says Fornix Wheels owner Dan Irwin.

Dan says the Bike Friendly Business Program – coordinated by Destination Wollongong and launched ahead of this month’s 2022 UCI Road World Championships – will help small businesses entice local and touring cyclists to visit our region, offering the assurance of quality service, equipment, and information.

“There is a world-class event rolling through town [and] we may never see an event of this calibre in our region again, so why not engage it?” Dan says.

Once accredited, participating businesses and employers are presented with a certificate and Bike Friendly Business decal to display at their locations, and their names and details are published on the Destination Wollongong website, and distributed to cycling clubs.

After a conversation with Dan, Anna Livermore, the owner of Lime Leaf Café, also in the Helensburgh Business Park, was eager to be branded ‘Bike Friendly’.

“I think it’s a great way for small businesses to get exposure in the region, and people that come to watch the UCI [Championships] and try the cafe will hopefully have a good experience and come back many more times after that.”

With an estimated 300,000 spectators predicted to visit the Illawarra from September 18 to 25, many businesses have started preparing for the championship crowds.

Resin Brewing, next to Bulli Railway Station, is excited to use its Bike Friendly business status to appeal to spectators and cyclists alike.

“We have had fully lockable bike racks out the front of our premises since our opening date… with outdoor seating and frothy refreshments for hydration [as] we have always wanted to appeal and be accessible to everyone,” says Mali Taylor of Resin Brewing.

“We’ve got the screening every day for the duration of the event. We’re also putting on a mini-festival at Resin with live music over the weekend when the surrounding roads are closed.

“Patrons will be able to wander up the road and catch the riders as they zoom past down Park Road.”

The Bike Friendly Business Program participants at Helensburgh Business Park are also set for a historic week, with Lime Leaf Cafe preparing lunch packs for event volunteers and Fornix Wheels to host and assist at workshops, demonstrations, and guided rides.

“It’s been a wild few years for all and this event is just what we all need to bring us all back together and celebrate the great outdoors on two wheels,” Dan says.

Q&A with a Dog Groomer

Please tell us about yourself.

For many years I have been passionate about dogs, all breeds and mixes of all sizes. Dogs love spending time with their humans. And dogs look to their humans to provide for their basic needs, food, shelter, companionship and care.

I trained as a Dog Groomer and Dog Trainer 10 years ago and have enjoyed helping people and their dogs ever since.

Why start a pet services business?

I was inspired to make it easier for dog owners by bringing the Grooming Salon to their door. The Mobile Grooming Van can come and groom your pooch almost anywhere as it is fitted with its own power and water supply.

The Salon is fitted with a heated hydrobath (warm water and shampoo gets through the coat to the skin) and a high-velocity dryer, which loosens dead coat and dries the skin and coat, helping to eliminate bacteria. The salon is air-conditioned for the comfort of your dog and the groomer.

What do you love about your job?

I enjoy meeting and talking to dog owners about their dogs’ grooming needs, which is of great benefit, as a bond begins with your dog and I prior to the grooming process.

It is important that our dogs are groomed regularly to keep them healthy and happy. Clients can book in for weekly, fortnightly or monthly grooms. This helps with deshedding dead hair for double-coated dogs and or the reduction of matting occurring in the mixed coated and oodle coats. [An oodle is a curly-haired mixed-breed dog, with one poodle parent.]

Our active and beach-going dogs can enjoy having a healthy coat while looking good, having their nails trimmed regularly and paws and pads kept free of sand matts.

For gingerBEARS Pet Services, call or text Jules on 0479 131 424. Follow @gingerbears_ petservices on Instagram

A co-op shop is a ‘weekly ritual’

For over 30 years I’ve been identifying plants, indeed many thousands of them – ranging from common, widespread weeds and undiscovered species to plant material implicated in forensic police cases and leaf and seed fragments removed from the stomachs of poisoned pets and livestock.

I’ve been chuffed to contribute to some very large projects like the identification of plants collected for Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, an underground collection of over 2.4 billion seeds from around the world.

Through my work with the Botanical Identification Service at the National Herbarium of NSW, I help home gardeners, farmers, conservation groups, ecological consultants, veterinarians, and other government departments.

Flame Tree Food Co-op, too, plays an important part in my life. I love supporting locally sourced

food like Highland Organics milk from Moss Vale, eggs from The Oaks, Bulli-based Illawarra mushrooms, honey from Flametree BeeKeeper, Pane Paradiso bread, not to mention the fermented goodies like kombucha from Darkes Forest.

But it’s not just the variety of delicious, nutritious food. For me, it’s also about connecting to the Flame Tree community. Through volunteering at the Co-op I’ve made some lovely friends. It’s a welcoming, nourishing, happy place. It’s also about reducing my packaging waste, and supporting a member-owned not-for-profit organisation. Oh, and on top of all that, being a volunteer reduces my weekly shopping bill!

Visit Thirroul’s Co-op at 355 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, flametree.coop

New record at pie auction!

Daniel Nesevski with the winning women’s apple pie that raised $600 for the CWA.

Incredibly, we had a perfect summer’s day for this year’s Apple Pie Day – in winter! We warned everyone to rug up, thinking it would be cold but Darkes Forest turned on its best sunshine!

We would like to thank everyone for coming and for your generosity and kindnesses on the day! We hope you got lots of photos in the blossoms and activities. A massive thanks to those who sent in pie and crumbles for the competition. The pies just keep getting better and better.

This year’s CWA representative judge, Robyn Simms, commented on how wonderful it was to see many entries where multiple generations were entering. Sharing knowledge and skills together can be so much fun.

Apple Pie Day winners

• Junior Girls Apple Pie – Edie Sorenson

• Junior Boys Apple Pie – Joint Champions, James Reid and Oliver Hughes

• Open Women’s Apple Pie – Karin Sylvester

• Open Men’s Apple Pie – Ian McDonald

• Open Apple Crumble – Lorraine Hatton

• Junior Apple Crumble – Angus Hughes

Money raised for the Stanwell Park Country

Women’s Association (CWA) was $3107.50. That was made up of $1095 from the apple pie winners auction and $2012.50 from ticket sales.

Auctioneer Ron Kissell, from Ray White Helensburgh, set a blistering pace in the auction of the six winning pies.

A new record was set for the winning Women’s Apple Pie, which sold for a total of $600. The auction lit up as the battle for this amazing pie was fought out. Daniel Nesevski of DAE Electrical, Helensburgh was the winning bidder for the number one pie.

The CWA are so excited as the money raised will be a big help for local projects!

Farm to Door delivery from the Shire to Shellharbour

Q&A with a Circus Director

Charlie Truscott is the director and founder of Treetop Arts in Helensburgh. When she isn’t working on the school, Charlie performs and runs shows of her own through her performance company Treetops Circus. Plus, she is a mother to two beautiful daughters Aphyre (2.5 years) and Dottie (11 months).

Tell us about your business.

I started Treetop Arts seven years ago. It started as one class and has now grown to 50. It is a dynamic program that caters for multiple disciplines under one roof from tumbling, dance, acrobatics and gymnastics to parkour, aerials and performing arts. We also train people of all ages and across all skill sets.

I’ve found that if you build a strong culture and your people feel valued, you’ll retain talent. Some of our trainers have been with us since we opened.

What made you want to start this business?

I studied at Dell’Arte, a clown school in the US. Part of the program was to complete a communitybased arts program. As I came back to Wollongong, I found that circus classes had a strong response from the locals. Teaching also gave me the stability to pursue my performing work.

I started the school before I had kids … It became a place where my kids and I could be around the community and a place I wouldn’t feel isolated as a mother.

What do you love about your job?

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After seven years and the growth of the school, I no longer teach. My responsibility now is to oversee the culture, curate the end-of-year performances and facilitate opportunities for my high-level students. For example, I am extremely proud to take our Aerial 4 students to the NSW Finals of Bend the Air in Newcastle in September and our Senior Circus Troupe is going to the National Circus Festival to perform at a Big Top.

I have the privilege to create opportunities for events because I have a fantastic team that supports me and helps run the day-to-day.

What’s the best advice you were given as a parent?

You can’t do it all. I have learnt a powerful lesson to shed responsibility. Currently, I am creating a role to take over part of my position so I can focus on being a good business owner and mother. It will be a considerable cost to the business but it’s so important for my happiness in the long run and I’ll be a better mum for it.

Treetop Arts is at 338 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh. Visit treetoparts.com

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Test for the Top End of the Market

This

That is 31 Stanwell Ave, Stanwell Park. The “bunker house”, as it is referred to by locals, is right on the beach at Stanwell Park surrounded by sand dunes,

and barely a neighbour in sight. It sits on a

with

given

square

access to the beach

down by a

nature

The auction is scheduled

and

a

big result for the

White Helensburgh (with

team at

agent Mattias Samuelsson).

Things that go bump in the night

You’re going to have to forgive me. I’ll need to paint the picture, predominantly, with words this month. But there was no way that I was going to let a little old, terrible quality trail-cam photo stop me from sharing with you our backyard visitor.

We’ve had bandicoots visiting our yard for as long as we’ve lived here. In fact, the long-nosed bandicoot can be found along the east coast of Australia, from Queensland right down to Tasmania. We had one particularly memorable night, before we were aware of the bandicoot visitors that stopped by as we slept, when a horrified guest shrieked that one of our guinea pigs had escaped! Cue many people running around, half-sloshed after this rabbit-sized marsupial as it dashed into the safety of a huge clump of ferns. Imagine our surprise, and that of our guinea pigs, as 6 or 7 concerned faces peered into their cage only to find them all there and all accounted for.

Now we know, mostly, who comes and goes, and the long-nosed bandicoots leave their mark. For one, they love to dig in our mulch. Using their long sensitive snout, they can sniff out food just below the surface. Once found, they use their two front paws to dig away, making just enough of a hole to get that snout in, hoping to find beetles and beetle larvae, spiders and the like, along with grasses and

roots. And our soil must be absolutely teeming with delicious things to eat, because they come here night after night. When the bandicoots are disturbed they let out a short series of noises which are best described as the squeaky kind of sound that a dog toy makes, part-squeak, part-breathy huff. And usually you can then hear them hopping off back to safety. In many cases, that little huffing squeak and the diggings are the only signs you’ll have of bandicoot visitors as they can be quite shy.

And so, last night, knowing I had a sub-par photo, I crept outside, around 8pm and set up the trail-cam once again. I steadied it and propped it up with rocks and trained its gaze at a series of diggings from the night before. A prime bandicoot spot. This morning I headed back out to retrieve what would surely be the perfect image. But on the camera there was nothing. Not a peep, not a huff, not a snuffle. Wild animals doing their wild animal thing, I guess. Next time, for sure.

Love nature news? Find fresh articles by Amanda on our website each week or subscribe to our newsletter for a ‘What on Earth’ Wednesday challenge delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up via the Get In Touch page at www.theillawarraflame.com.au

Meet a Keeper

Maritza Gaete has the best left shoulder in the business. Or at least that’s how it seems with many of this Primate and Carnivore Keeper’s charges, from meerkats to pygmy marmosets, jostling for time on that shoulder, taking advantage of the view and the snacks on offer.

As far as zoo keepers go, Maritza was a bit of a late bloomer, not getting into the industry until she was in her 40s. And even that was due to a bit of bad luck. Like a lot of people, she kept her love of animals to the side, pouring it into keeping her own menagerie healthy and happy. (And I do mean menagerie. Think dogs, cats, a princess parrot, bearded dragon, stick insects AND a pony!) But a car accident – which left her unable to work for a couple of months – got her mind ticking over and maybe, just maybe, she thought, that love of animals didn’t have to be confined to home.

Once Maritza started studying with the Taronga Training Institute, she spent time in the primate and carnivore sections and realised her passion was working with those species, thinking, “Wow. That would be such a dream working with those animals.” And during the next couple of years she learned, among other things, two very valuable skills. “I learnt how to use a whippersnipper and how to train a baboon,” she explains.

Maritza has been working with the monkeys, lemurs, cheetahs, meerkats, red pandas and dingos at Symbio now for about 10 years. When she’s not at work, she’s busy with her family of four boys and husband at their home in the Western Suburbs of Sydney. She’s hand-raised a few joeys during that time and so they’ve got to experience all the highs and lows (and aroundthe-clock feeds) of zoo keeper life alongside her.

As she walks to the back of the pygmy marmoset enclosure, a mixture of high squeals and chirping calls start up and eager little faces press against the glass. Ten years of hard work in the same organisation means that the animals

have really gotten to know her. And Maritza has really gotten to know them, too. As they bounce around her and up onto that much-loved shoulder, the marmosets looking for a taste of sweet acacia gum, all I see is a blur of fur and a flash of tail. But Maritza can tell them apart, easily.

“Hi Jo, my beautiful girl”, she coos. “Oh look, that’s Noah. He’s such a shy little man.”

And then I make a mistake. I ask, without malice and without thinking, “So, which is your favourite animal here?”

“YOU CAN’T ASK ME THAT!” she exclaims over the ruckus of marmoset calls. “I love all of them. It’s like asking who’s your favourite child! They’re all so different in personalities. I could never choose!”

See Maritza in action at her Symbio keeper presentations

Weekdays: 10:30 Meerkats; 12:30 Cheetahs

Weekends: 10:30 Meerkats; 12:00 Cheetahs; 1:15 Dingoes

Beetling About

People who go on bushwalks with me are often surprised at how many insects I find. It’s all about the ‘search image’. It’s like Tom Sawyer’s idea of throwing a second marble away to find the first – developing a ‘search image’, but perhaps risky as far as marbles go. Images of insects are indelibly stuck in my head and so that’s what I find. On the other hand, I often don’t notice what I’ve eaten for dinner or what clothes people are wearing and an artist once told me I don’t observe much. It depends on what you want to see.

Going out in the bush with colleagues, with their own search images, often reveals things that I miss. Recently the museum was visited by a spider expert, working on funnel-webs, not something I usually see. He wanted to obtain some specimens for molecular analysis, so I took him to a few of my local haunts and within 10 minutes he had four funnel-webs by the road at the Wilsons Creek waterfall, Helensburgh. These are the Sydney funnel-webs (Atrax species), whose males can kill (13 deaths in total). We found a few more at Otford and in his estimation they are common in wetter forest patches throughout the Illawarra. Certainly we have friends in Stanwell Park who have them in the back garden.

They are not just under logs but also stones, and the males wander around to find females, which is why people tend to come into contact with males rather than females. Females are not dangerous.

My German colleague’s interest in the Sydney funnel-web was piqued by finding that there is quite a bit of variation in the size and shape of the males, suggesting more than one species. This immediately raised a problem to me – are people milking the wrong sort of spider for antivenom? But I was assured that all of this group of spiders use the same venom, just different concentrations of it.

The scientific name, Atrax robustus, was coined 150 years ago by the splendidly named Reverend Octavius Pickard-Cambridge. He was the leading spider taxonomist of his day, describing more than 900 species, while administering to his flock (of humans) in Dorset. Unusually, for a Victorian cleric, he was a supporter of Darwin.

There are several different sorts of large black spiders (body length 1-5cm) in the Sydney area. The Sydney funnel-web has a smooth shiny flat cephalothorax (front half of body) with a deep curved groove on it, large downward curved jaws and four spinnerets at the end of the abdomen (but the outer pair are small). The male has a cephalothorax larger than its abdomen and long legs with a large ventral projection on the second pair. But you may not want to get that close to see.

If someone is bitten, treat like a snake bite – use a pressure bandage, keep them still, and get an ambulance immediately. Keeping the specimen (even squashed) will help to diagnose the spider.

Our own Symbio Wildlife Park has a spider milking programme: symbiozoo.com.au/ funnel-web-spider-drop-off-point/

Male Sydney funnel-web.

Photo: Mike Gray, Australian Museum.

The Australian Museum has an excellent website on these and other spiders here: australian.museum/learn/animals/spiders/ funnel-web-spiders-group/

Menopause Matters

It’s Women’s Health Week from 5-11 September and we are raising awareness about perimenopause and menopause. Most people with a uterus start going through perimenopause (the phase before menopause) between 45 and 55 years but some might be later, or earlier. Menopause is a normal phase when you stop ovulating (getting your periods) for 12 months or more.

For some, the symptoms can affect their quality of life. People going through perimenopause may be working and supporting dependent children as well as elderly parents. Their lives are busy and fluctuating symptoms can make it hard to function.

This is an important time for a GP check-up to help manage symptoms and consider preventative health issues, including bone and cardiovascular health, as risks increase after menopause.

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms

These vary but can include: hot flushes and night sweats, and poor sleep; changes to period – can vary from extremely heavy to irregular and light; mood changes (including anxiety, irritation, and depression which can be severe); forgetfulness;

headaches; sore breasts; aches and pains; dry vagina and reduced sex drive; dry, itchy skin; weight gain; tiredness.

Management of symptoms

Options include: maintaining a healthy diet and drinking lots of water; regular sleep routine; exercising most days; when you feel hot, use a fan or water spray, or wear layered clothing and take layers off; relaxation classes like yoga and meditation; psychological therapies if needed; medication. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), previously called Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT, is safe for most people with a uterus in their 40s and 50s or for the first 10 years after the onset of perimenopause. Types of MHT include patches, tablets, gels, implants and natural therapies. Ask your doctor about risks and benefits for you as an individual. Many people find it life-changing. Other medications, such as antidepressants, may help too.

For more information, speak to your GP or visit www.womenshealthweek.com.au and www.menopause.org.au

Focus on local flora

Hi readers! I’m Emma, coordinator of the Growing Illawarra Natives website. I’d like to welcome you to a new digital series in the Flame’s Wednesday newsletter. Each week online I’ll rave on about (at least) one of our incredible local plant species, from giant trees like the Red Cedar (Toona ciliata) or the colourful Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) to delicate little Necklace Ferns (Asplenium flabellifolium) or the endangered cress known as Illawarra Irene (Irenepharsus trypherus).

I’ll explore the interesting features of these plants, and the important roles they play in our environment, not to mention their potential in local gardens. Wherever I can, I’ll link the flora to local fauna, so we can explore the networks of connections between our plants and animals.

To set the scene, here’s a rough map of the region, breaking it down into different zones that are each home to different sorts of plants. Pictured is a plant that’s flowering beautifully just now, the Springbrook Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpos speciosus). I counted four different spiders on this plant in a few minutes the other morning, so the flora-fauna connections are strong here! The one pictured is a Crab Spider (Sidymella rubrosignata). (Photo by my partner Keith Horton who is more patient and skilled with the camera than me!)

Subscribe to the wild Wednesday Flame at theillawarraflame.com.au/get-in-touch

Scouts explore habitats

Terms Three and Four at 1st Helensburgh Scout Group are going to be very busy for all sections.

Cubs and Scouts will be out camping over both terms with Cubs at Mt Keira and Scouts participating in state and region camps as well as their own overnight hiking adventures.

Cubs are also exploring their cooking, climbing, craft and art skills and entering into a codes and ciphers challenge set by Bagheera for term four.

Joeys are exploring our local fauna and habitats, both at the hall and out and about. This term they are building toy animals and habitats from their observations outdoors. Mostly though, they love their games and the chocolate at the end of Joeys!

Scouts are developing leadership skills through camping and patrol-led work and have produced a program full of variety! Like the Cubs, they are very keen on climbing and outdoor challenges and games. We are nearly at capacity in Cubs, but if you are interested in your child checking out Joeys or Scouts, email bruce.crawley@nsw.scouts.com.au

Map thanks to Leon Fuller, author of Wollongong’s Native Trees

Zones of Natural Occurrence

Tree of the Month

Cryptocarya microneura (Murrogun)

This rainforest tree, native to the Illawarra, can be found in the Wollongong area through to Stanwell Park, but mostly in the northern suburbs. It also grows along the coastal plain. It can be found both in rainforest and sclerophyll forest. Its leaf is similar to Camphor laurel, but without the camphor smell.

The bark is grey and slightly rough. The leaves are alternate and stalked from 60mm to 120mm long, with a conspicuous yellow midrib. It has small white flowers and they appear between September and November with fruits from January to February.

There is one mature tree in the circle of the Reserve, and there was a smaller one to the east of the Stanwell Avenue to Kiosk track, but it was ringbarked by deer. Some regrowth has sprung up from the roots, and it is now protected by a cage. There are 3 other smaller examples west of the Stanwell Avenue to Kiosk track, and 4 new trees have come up within the deer fence.

The ABC has advised me that the segment in Gardening Australia on the Banksia Bush Care site, which was initially programmed for 4 September 2022 has been postponed until later in the year. I will keep you informed when a new date has been scheduled.

See you at Sharky’s

It’s World Clean Up Day on the 17th, writes Susie Crick of Surfrider South Coast

Welcome to Spring and our chance to showcase our community’s stunning natural assets as we host the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.

Day one of the event, Saturday, September 17th happens to coincide with World Clean Up Day.

I invite our readers to join Surfrider South Coast for our Spring Cleanup at Sharky Beach in Coledale on Saturday, 17th September at 9am. Bring your gloves, friends, family, and your dogs!

The 2022 UCI Road World Championships means thirsty cyclists and spectators. And the correct way to recycle all of the used plastic bottles and aluminium cans responsibly is back into the Container Deposit Scheme rather than just throwing them into the household yellow recycle bins. Let your drink cans and bottles be recycled to do good for the planet, and either donate the 10 cents refund to charities like CitizenBlue, Scouts, your local surf club, or take them to a TOMRA recycling station; a CitizenBlue bin is located at Planet Childcare in Coledale. Please don’t throw eligible beverage containers into the yellow bin or worse, into regular (red lid) garbage bins as it’s a waste of resources and an extra load on landfill.

If you see an accumulation of garbage anywhere

JPs at libraries

NSW Justices Association Wollongong Branch provides free JP services at Community Desks at Thirroul, Corrimal, Wollongong and Dapto libraries.

The association holds a monthly meeting for members and other JPs at 7pm on the second Tuesday of the month at the City Life Church in Jardine St, Fairy Meadow. All services given by JPs are free of charge. They cannot give legal advice and there are certain forms and documents that they are unable to sign or witness, but they can assist you in finding where these can be dealt with.

For more info contact Ray Vaughan on 0419 293 524.

then I urge you to download the Snap Send Solve app. It’s so easy and effective! All you have to do is to snap a photo on your phone, the app has geolocation so it’s easy to use and informs councils of exactly where the problem is.

Waste is becoming a huge problem worldwide. We can make a conscious decision to stop buying plastic because it’s literally garbage. Each plastic item we purchase will foul up the earth for generations to come. It’s the unseen things hidden in plain sight that are pervasive and causing damage too. I’m talking about the polystyrene foam balls and micro plastics washing up on our shores, the sunken plastics on the seabed, the microfibres releasing from each laundry wash, and the tyre dust from our cars washing down the drains after rains. The ocean is spewing out the garbage that we feed it. Governments are realising that plastics are a part of the climate change puzzle.

Our thinking, our global intentions and especially our global actions must consider what benefits nature, so that we leave a positive and regenerative footprint for the next generation.

The ship sails where the captain steers so if you want a cleaner, greener planet then it’s up to all of us to do our bit. See you at Sharky’s on the 17th!

Could you be an Ethics teacher at your local Primary School?

We are seeking volunteers to help provide ethics classes for all the families, who have requested it for their children. In ethics classes, children learn to think critically, disagree respectfully and support their arguments with evidence, rather than act according to habit, dogma or peer pressure.

No experience is necessary and full training is provided by Primary Ethics.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to your local school and community, email adam.bennett@primaryethics.com.au.

Bulli welcomes new Botanic Garden

The Illawarra Grevillea Park at Bulli is the region’s new Botanic Garden. On 12 August, Her Excellency, Margaret Beazley, the Governor of NSW unveiled the plaque renaming the park to the delight of guests and volunteers. Pupils from Bulli Public School were thrilled to be invited to help in the unveiling by the Governor, a memory that will no doubt stay with them forever.

For Ray Brown, founder and manager of the Park, it is the culmination of decades of effort and dedication. “I never thought that what we started 30 years ago would result in what we have here today. It is truly humbling.”

The ceremony was held in the new information centre in the Pamela Robinson picnic area. This new addition will help to educate the public on growing native plants and will complement the advice that the volunteers are always more than happy to pass onto visitors. In coming months additional information boards will be set up throughout the Botanic Garden.

Anyone who has visited the park will know it is unique. The collection of grevilleas and the scale of the gardens can be found nowhere else. Not only does it house many new and exciting plants, but also rare and endangered plants such as Grevillea caleyi, Banksia vincentia and Eremophila delisseri. The Park not only grows these rare plants, but also endeavours to make them available to the public to help ensure their survival into the future.

The Governor also opened a new sensory walk. This is housed in the rainforest and has been named after Australia’s foremost female botanical artist, Ellis Rowan. This is a place where visitors are encouraged to use their senses to experience nature. Crushing and smelling mint bush, looking up through the tree canopy, feeling different textures, and listening to the water and frogs is now mandatory! It was also important to make the sensory walk wheelchair accessible.

The Governor also launched a book, The Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden: A Photographic Portrait.

All in all, the opening was a wonderful day for the people of the Illawarra and all those involved over the years with the Botanic Garden.

Above: Her Excellency Margaret Beazley and Grevillea Park manager Ray Brown. Below: the Governor unveils the plaque opening the Ellis Rowan Sensory Walk with the help of Bulli Public students. Photos: Tracee Lea

feature Cover

City in aSpin Fest

The UCI event is more than a cycling competition, says Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM. It’s a chance to lift our spirits, showcase our city to the world and boost the cultural shift towards planet-friendly transport.

And that’s a reason to celebrate, which is why council is throwing a spring carnival called Spin Fest, a month of cycling-related events popping up everywhere from Helensburgh to Cringila.

“I think it’s very important that it’s not just about a cycling event,” Cr Bradbery says.

“It’s coming up to spring … I’m looking forward to warmth. We’re emerging from the Covid situation, the rain events – it’s been a miserable winter – and from my perspective, the Spin Fest is not just about UCI and adding to that mix, but it’s also about creating opportunities for people to get out and have a good time – to lift the spirits of the people of the city.”

It’s a wintry day for our photo shoot with the

Lord Mayor at Helensburgh Skate Park, marked by grey skies, a gentle drizzle and a rash of graffiti that will need painting over before the family-friendly Spin Fest comes to town. Spirits, however, are already high, thanks to a crew of Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (Horcc) riders rolling up after their Friday morning ride – a regular adventure on local bushland trails, followed by a coffee.

“That’s the main thing,” jokes club leader Dave Eccles, as the mountain riders demonstrate some skills before heading off to a local cafe.

Founded about 15 years ago, Horcc has become a strong part of the local sporting community. Its members built the oval’s popular bike trails and the club will field a team of about 24 volunteers from 3-6pm at Spin Fest Helensburgh.

On Friday, 23 September, this free festival is set to be both a celebration of cycling, and a fun start to the school holidays.

“We’ve got Specialized demo bikes coming

On the cover & above (L to R, front to back): Christina Robertson, Sarah Toole, Col Mawbey, Jodie Williams, Denis Black, Ulla Cady, Dave Eccles, Ian King, Dan Irwin, and Dave McNaughton. Lord Mayor Cr Gordon Bradbery

AM is front and centre. Photos: Anthony Warry

along, short movies on a big-screen TV in a marquee, some skills training,” Dave says.

“If people bring along a bike and helmet, we’ll go through basic skills, also a few demonstrations on bike maintenance. We’ll also have tandem bikes for joy rides on the oval.

“We’ll have track-stand competition too, which is just a bit of fun.”

As well as Horcc’s activities, there’ll be demos by skate, scooter and BMX pros, food trucks, a circus playground and entertainment. Helensburgh BMX legend Kai Sakakibara will be there to chat to fans. And everyone is invited to take part in the Dress Up Your Bike competition.

The event at Helensburgh Skate Park is part of a wider Spin Fest, held at libraries, beaches and cycling tracks, featuring everything from bike demos to live music, a photographic history of cycling and inflatable sculptures at Crown St Mall.

“I just invite everyone to be engaged where they

feel comfortable,” the Lord Mayor says.

“Not everyone’s into cycling … I know there’s going to be some challenges, but that’s like anything in life. If you do something new and different, there are going to be challenges as well as advantages.

“But let’s throw our weight behind this and enjoy ourselves for once.”

After a tough couple of years, and the recent winter wave of sickness, he believes Wollongong has earned the right to celebrate.

“I think we deserve a pat on the back and I’d like to congratulate the community, and engage the community in a celebratory way.”

Ahead of the UCI races, Cr Bradbery kindly took time out of a busy schedule to chat.

What memories do you have of learning to ride?

I didn’t have a bike, but my next-door neighbour

had one, sufficiently that I could get on as a child. It was an adult bike, but it was a girl’s bike, so you didn’t have the bar. Remember, there used to be boy’s bikes and girls bikes?

So I was able to borrow that every now and again and learnt to ride, but never was an overly confident cyclist until my wife and I acquired a couple of mountain bikes around about 2002, just before we were to be married. We were cycling down the South Coast and had a great time. And then she came off the bike, two weeks out from our wedding. So, fun and games …

I’ve got two sons and my previous appointment was in the Sutherland Shire at Como, and we used to go on regular rides across the Como cycleway, the old rail bridge to Oatley. My boys always had bikes. And so, as a father, I had to also jump on one. So it was just part of parenthood. It more or less pushed me into riding bikes.

Do you have a favourite cycling route?

I’m not a cyclist now. I’m more concerned about the implications of coming off and I take a lot longer to repair at 71. So as far as cycling paths go, just what I’ve observed, I think people enjoy riding around the lake, the Lake Illawarra cycleway is very popular. And then along Spring Hill Road.

A lot of time and work has gone into preparing for the UCI event. When did it all start for you?

About three or four years ago, I then went off to

have a look at the UCI event in Harrogate, in Yorkshire. That was pre Covid, about three years ago. So I got an idea of how it all works … its implications for Harrogate were immense, in terms of stimulation of the local economy, the number of visitors. It’s rather an interesting situation because the weather that we are experiencing in Wollongong at the present time is very similar to what was going on at Yorkshire – they had had flooding. And the event certainly went ahead but, boy, it was challenged at times. But they got through it.

And it also really put Harrogate on the map. As it will for Wollongong.

What are you most proud of achieving?

It’s not so much my achievement, but it’s a collaborative thing between the state government and UCI and Wollongong City Council.

From my perspective, it’ll showcase the city. It’s an opportunity for us, not only to look at the opportunities for cycling, and being designated a Bike City, under the UCI nomenclature, it’s also about the fact that we can showcase Wollongong to the world. We are not just a steel city. We’re a destination now.

This will put us on the map – in the cycling fraternity anyway – around the world, with millions and millions of viewers, who will not only look at the event, but also see the surrounds that go with it, and it has implications for our tourism.

Wollongong 2022

The UCI Road World Championships

in numbers:

• 18-25 September 2022

• 1 of the world’s top 5 sporting events

• 8 days of competition

• 11 World Championship races

• 1000+ riders

• 70+ countries represented

• 300,000 spectators lining the course

• 300 million viewers globally

• $95 million in economic benefit for Wollongong, NSW and Australia

• 1: Wollongong is the only UCI Bike City in the Southern Hemisphere, joining a network of 18 international cities that celebrate and champion cycling

The source: for more details on everything UCI, including road closures, visit wollongong2022.com.au

And also, I think it’ll lift the spirits of the city and the pride in the city.

What do you hope the UCI event will mean for Wollongong in the long run?

I think the amount of investment that we’ve put into cycling facilities, like the Cringila mountain biking park, the criterium track at Unanderra, the focus upon cycling, then will lift the expectations of the residents for cycling, and give it a higher priority in terms of our fitness, as well as transport opportunities.

There are lots of legacy issues involved here.

Not only that, but also I was only thinking, after all the rain events, we’ve got a lot of extra roads re-surfaced. [He laughs.] The focus upon filling potholes and bringing those road surfaces up to a higher standard has certainly benefitted us.

But it’s also been a focus of council to put in more cycleways and pathways and things of that nature, so that you’ll be able to get around the city, the full length of the city, which is about 40, 50 kilometres long – you’ll be able to ride from one end to the other. That, I do think, will be a marvellous addition to our activities, and more specifically to the Grand Pacific way that goes down parallel to Lawrence Hargrave Drive.

How do you feel about Wollongong becoming a cycling city? Well, we’re going to have to get our head around the fact that, into the future, cars take up a lot of

resources. And so anything that also adds to the mix of transport – cycling in lots of parts of the world is for transport, not for recreation – this is a cultural shift in Australia to get our heads around, utilising cycling a bit more efficiently and effectively to take some of the pressure off the use of fossil fuels and things of that nature.

It needs to be better integrated with public transport. So you can take your bike with you on the train or use a locker at the station.

[Wollongong] is a great place for cycling … but it has to transition away from just being for recreation over into a major contributor to our transport opportunities.

Where will you be watching the races?

Preferably, I’ll be down around the area at Lang Park – simply because it means that I can also get back to the office and do mayor things.

So a bit of multitasking?

It’ll be a case of dropping down to have a look at the events, as well as the hospitality that will be required on the part of the mayor of the city. So juggling all those bits and pieces.

But the point is that I’ll be able to walk between the hospitality venue, which will probably be the Old Court House, and then back to my office.

I’ll be doing a lot of walking that week – and avoiding road closures and those things that way.

Visit www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au

‘We are not just a steel city. We’re a destination now.’ – Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM

Spin Fest is coming to town!

When I was racing BMX before my crash, my sister and I had to travel round the world to participate in high-level racing events. The fact that the Road World Championships is coming to Helensburgh is amazing. Top level international competition on our doorstep, Helensburgh is going to become famous.

I have been asked to be a judge at the Freestyle BMX show at Helensburgh Skate Park. It’s a bit of fun but I’m going to do the best I can. This is the first time that I will be able to participate in this type of competition and sleep in my own bed at night.

I remember when the skate park was built, I was in year 5 at Helensburgh Public School. If I didn’t get there early enough it was impossible to get on the ramps because it was too packed. I have a feeling it will be even more packed as we get closer to the event.

As for me, things are going really well. I will always miss riding my BMX bike, however, I am learning new things that I have never had the opportunity to do before.

Cycling is a fantastic activity, because it doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s the one sport where you could have kids from three to adults of 103 riding. Luckily in Helensburgh we can do all types of cycling, BMX tricks in the park and one of the best mountain bike trails that is in use constantly. We also have some great roads for biking which is why the 2022 UCI Road World Championships will be held here – 1000+ riders from 70+ countries is going to be really cool.

Learn to ride

Monster Skatepark is excited to offer ‘Learn to Ride’ lessons for BMX, Scooter and Skateboarding at SpinFest! We will be bringing all of the equipment you need to learn how to skate, scoot or ride BMX.

Participants will be coached by some of Sydney's top professional athletes and coaches. We will be joined by top Australian skater Lachie Abbott and the 2019 UCI BMX Freestyle World Champion Brandon Loupos. Not only will you be coached by the pros, but you'll get to watch them show off their skills during three demos! We'll even be hosting a fun contest where you can show off your new learns, so don't miss out!

I’m focussed on the things I can do — working on getting better and setting new goals.

One thing is for sure, I want to compete in sport at the highest level — I’m not sure which sport but something where I can put in 100% effort.

In the mean time I’m really looking forward to the Spin Fest, it is amazing for Helensburgh and it’s going to be great fun.

Please come up to say hello if you see me around.

‘A young person’s sport everyone can enjoy’

For eight years Dave Eccles has been president of Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (Horcc), which is helping set up and run Spin Fest Helensburgh.

As soon as Dave heard the UCI Road World Championships were coming this way, he went into action. “I took holidays when I knew it was on for that week, so I could embrace it,” he says.

Dave plans to watch the races in different places.

“Watching them come down Bald Hill, down to the bottom hairpin, I’ll spend one day doing that.”

Another option for him is to walk via footpaths to the Sea Cliff Bridge. “It’s the first time in Australia … we’re pretty lucky to get it, and may as well enjoy it as best we can.”

Horcc started in 2007 with a few enthusiasts, and has since blossomed into a club with over 120 members. They built the mountain bike tracks behind the Helensburgh playing fields.

Pick up tricks

South Coast Skateboards will have Team riders at Spin Fest. These riders will be doing demos, displaying tricks and teaching kids the basic tricks through to the advanced tricks. We will also have a pop-up store on display where people can buy everything from skateboards to our latest merchandise. We will also be giving away free South Coast Skateboards balloons and stickers. Pictured left are our team riders, from left to right, Jed Lungu, Felicity Turner and Wiley Drake.

Dave, 65, got into mountain biking when he was 50. “It’s a young person’s sport that everyone can enjoy, you just don’t go as crazy as the young guys.”

Anyone can join the club. It costs $10 for an adult and $5 for a child. Activities include a regular “fitness challenge” and interclub races.

“We are a very lucky club in one respect, that if we say we’ve got a working bee we get a good response. Unlucky on the other side of things: we lack a club house etc. Maybe down the track the council might see it fit to help us out.”

Dave singles out member Christina Robertson as someone who has put a lot of work into the track gardens. (See the Scouts report on page 32.)

Dave explains the different disciplines mountain bikers compete in during races: downhill, endure, cross country and 4X. Each has its challenges and tests different aspects of fitness, strength and riding skills. The bicycles differ for each discipline as well.

“You have a downhill bike for down because the suspension is bigger, they’re designed for it. So they’re designed to go fast and for the rider to be in one piece at the bottom with a bit of luck.”

During Spin Fest Dave will run a skills session with fellow member Dan Irwin. He encourages anyone to come along. “It’s a good social sport and fitness sport and there’s a bit of a thrill involved … it can be good for self-esteem.”

Biking is good for more than health. Dave points to the once-sleepy town of Derby, Tasmania, where mountain bike trails have transformed the region into a tourist attraction. “The councils and State governments are mad if they don’t step up because there are so many places popping up, like Bright in Victoria, where half their tourism is biking.

“So it’s the thing of the future.”

Need to know

Spin Fest Helensburgh is on Friday, 23 Sept 3-8pm, at the Skate Park and nearby sports fields and bike tracks. Free, all ages.

It’s part of a city-wide program of events. Visit www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Iris Huizinga chats to HORCC’s Dave Eccles

NF 1 report

2022 UCI Road World Championships

Wollongong will be impacted from 18-25 Sept with preparations impacting areas from late August. Key dates for 2508 and 2515 residents:

Sat 24 Sept - Helensburgh to Bulli, 11am to 2pm

Sun 25 Sept - Helensburgh to Bulli, 8.45am to noon

Roads impacted

• Parkes St – Park Ave to Hume Drive

• Waratah St – full street closure

• Walker St – All of Walker St from Robertson to Lawrence Hargrave Drive

• Lawrence Hargrave Drive – all – from Stanwell Tops (virtual Symbio) to Thirroul

• Lawrence Hargrave Drive will be open Sunday 18 to Friday 23 September but there maybe impacts due to preparations for the major races on the following weekend.

Wollongong2022 have informed that:

• Traffic management will be in place and allow local residents vehicle access to their properties.

• Emergency services will have priority access to all areas of the city at all times. It was noted at the meeting that no residents present from Helensburgh, Stanwell Tops. Stanwell Park or Otford had received the first letterbox drop of information that it was claimed had occurred.

Town Centre Plan - Short St Blister

A trial period of 6 to 8 weeks is to be implemented for a removable blister on the southern corner of Short St at Walker St, Helensburgh. Visual records will be collected. This is to look at the traffic impacts to vehicles moving out of Short St via a single lane to turn right or left in to Walker St and traffic into Short St, particularly Coles trucks.

Draft Helensburgh Park Crown Reserves Plan of Management – War Memorial Pool

The draft plan proposes the addition of the two reserves to the existing Community land. This means all the playing fields known as Charles Harper Park and the Rex Jackson Park Sporting Facilities would be rezoned as Community Land. This will enable some State-owned land to be used for a construction site for the new Community Centre next to the existing Swimming Pool.

A question was asked as to why all the fields need to be so reclassified and the answer appeared to be it is easier to transfer the whole parcel rather than subdivide and then reclassify.

The Helensburgh pool construction was funded by the community and mine. It was consecrated as

a War Memorial pool in 1969 and remains a War Memorial on the National War Memorial list.

We are waiting for Wollongong City Council to receive a response from NSW Planning and the Planning Minister before putting the draft Plan of Management on public exhibition for 42 days.

Lot 2 Short Lane Helensburgh – APPROVED Council refused the DA but the applicant has won the judge’s favour in his appeal to the Land and Environment court in his appeal. Council will now have to work with the developer to minimise impacts on neighbouring premises. An example of developers winning out over the community.

Alcohol Free Zones Review

AFZs are in the suburbs of Helensburgh, Thirroul and other areas of Wollongong. Council is considering the re-establishment of all Alcohol Free Zones (AFZs), and is seeking feedback. AFZs aim to improve safety and prevent disorderly behaviour. They apply to road-related public areas including footpaths, roads and car parks and hold a four-year term. Council facilitates the engagement process, review and sign installation; NSW Police Officers enforce the zone.

Bush Fire Management and Mapping Council resolved on 27 June 2022 to exhibit the draft Chapter E16 Bush fire Management of the Wollongong Development Control Plan (WDCP) 2009 and updated Bush Fire Prone Land Mapping.

The chapter outlines requirements for development within bushfire-prone land. Chapter E16 has been reviewed and updated.

Wooden coal skips in Charles Harper Park Concern was again raised over the inadequate protection of skips in Charles Harper Park next to Parkes Street. It was pointed out that timber structures decay quickly and, like the now-decrepit carriages at the Black Diamond Railway Museum, these heritage items are out in all weather and an awning would be a first step in their preservation.

Helensburgh Cemetery Greg Doyle, WCC General Manager, has advised the cemetery will see improvements by October. No date yet for restoring the portico as it needs input from Heritage NSW. Concern was raised over the lack of a toilet and the condition of the graves.

Otford Railway Weir. Council has agreed to maintain the weir. Council is pursuing the ownership of the land near the weir as it may be either Crown land or Transport of NSW.

Next meeting: Wednesday, 14 September

Vale, Russell Bourke

Russell’s father, Harvey, was a very successful tie manufacturer. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they find a load of silk ties still in their boxes when they clean out the house,” John said.

Mate Steve Thompson recalled Russell’s joy at being invited to join the school bus to the opening of the Sea Cliff Bridge in December 2005. Only parents were allowed but when Thommo called out: “Hey Dad, hurry up, the bus is leaving!” Russ headed straight to the backseat with the tacit approval of then principal Keith Tomlinson.

Russell Bourke once worked in a men’s apparel store – and he lived by the cut of his cloth.

He was a stoically independent man who died as he lived: on his own terms.

Stanwell Park’s elder statesman passed away on August 11 after returning home from a two-week stay in hospital. He was 84.

Russ was part of everything Stanwell Park: the shops, the cafes, art gallery, CWA Hall, SPAT plays (he was the ghost in The Ghost of Christmas Past), surf life saving club, beach kiosk and the sandy stretches which he would regularly clean.

Every day he could be seen on the village streets, walking around or sitting on benches with his loyal dog on a rope lead. He would sit and watch the Tuesday tennis and enjoy a cuppa with the ladies; he would sit at the bus shelter and chat to passers-by; he would be at the school gates as parents collected their children.

He had a smile and a listening ear for everyone.

Well-read and well-informed, Russell was knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and had a particular interest in vintage cars, his collection once parked along the causeway.

Long-time neighbour Jill Ryan recalled the early days when local children would arrive at Russell’s place for a weekend barbecue with a piece of bread on a stick to be toasted on the coals.

“Sometimes they’d get a snag,” Jill laughed. The children would spend the afternoon romping through the garden, climbing trees and pretending to race each other in Russell’s numerous cars.

“He let them crawl over them,” she said. “There’s a lot of young adult men around who would remember when Russell would light the barbecue in the afternoon.”

Childhood friend John Turner, who grew up in the same street at Rodd Point near Five Dock, said

“He was so proud to be on that bus en route to the Sea Cliff Bridge opening ceremony where he relished being at the front of the pack among the kids, politicians, TV cameras and a throng of people. It was like he was King of the world.”

Neighbour Cath Hill, who helped organise Russell’s transport to doctor’s visits and shopping, said he loved his jazz, especially Louis Armstrong.

“I will remember his positivity and his deep love for Stanwell Park,” Cath said. “He used to say to me ‘You get to live two lifetimes here – the escarpment lifetime and the beach lifetime’. I will miss his wonderful attitude to life and words of wisdom.”

The Stanwell Park community had been looking after Russ for nearly three years, with a daily meal roster ensuring he was well nourished.

Neighbour Janet Binns, who was the most recent volunteer to coordinate the meal roster, said she would never have met some neighbours if it weren’t for the community commitment.

“Even in his need, he brought the community together,” she said.

He was a regular at Kat Erskine’s Uluwatu Blue café where he would get a coffee and cake everyday.

“I miss Russ so much already,” Kat said of their 23-year friendship. “Uluwatu Blue is not the same without his visits. He was a great encouragement when I first opened my shop six years ago.”

Sandra ‘Baggie’ Tilyard, an aged care worker who looked after Russ as a friend, kicked off the meal deliveries in November 2019 when she realised his diabetes wasn’t being managed and he was getting skinnier.

After that, a meal was left in an esky on Russell’s back step every night, cooked and delivered by so many in the caring community. A gardening effort was also organised. “The community’s input kept him alive for three years,” Baggie said. “Everyone went out of their way to help him.

“Russ had two weeks in a luxury resort and a limo drive home. It’s exactly what he would have wanted.”

Village has its Day

Hundreds of residents came out on Save Thirroul Village Day, 25 July to show the Land and Environment Court Commissioner the strong sense of place and community that northern suburbs residents have for Thirroul.

Despite it being a Monday morning in the dead of winter, it was uplifting to see so many people willing to demonstrate their support for a better outcome for the Plaza site as the Commissioner and parties of the Court – Thirroul Plaza Pty Ltd and Wollongong City Council – came to undertake an inspection of the area.

Community members, some wearing Save Thirroul Village shirts, lined Lawrence Hargrave Drive and King St, sipped coffee at cafes and flooded the Plaza car park, all to show how vibrant Thirroul is, and that the proposal to remove most of the street parking in the main street will be detrimental to the success of the village.

Businesses wore banners on their facades, children took leave from school, shops placed “No to the Plaza DA” posters in their windows, and a sea of the “silent protest” signs were once again erected in WF Jackson park – all part of a peaceful protest to show the commissioner the community’s opposition to the Plaza proposal.

The site visit was the first day of the four-day Court hearing to determine the Thirroul Plaza proposal to erect 77 units, a larger Coles, threelevel car park, and traffic lights with removal of street parking. The hearing was webcast, and saw some community members, business people and shop owners addressing the Court to state their opposition, covering issues of concern such as the

economic impact of the removal of street parking, traffic congestion, loss of escarpment views and potential impact on live music and evening activities in the town centre.

Then followed days of various planning experts being cross-examined regarding the proposal – the Plaza’s experts advocating their position, and the Council’s experts defending their opposition.

So where to from here? There is no legal timeframe for when a Commissioner must hand down a judgement. It can depend on their workload, and how long the judgement is. This one is expected to be lengthy given the number of issues, and it could take up to six months.

The outcome will either be an approval or a refusal. An approval will likely come with conditions, but they cannot be anything that is significantly different to the original proposal (e.g., floorspace of the Coles, number of units, etc).

Appeals in both cases (regarding either an approval or a refusal) can only be made if there is an error of law. That is, if there was a mistake made during the hearing or some information was wrong. This is called a “56A Appeal”. If a 56A Appeal proceeds, it is the case that it often goes back to the original decision being re-made. The Minister for Planning has no authority to make any determination in relation to the application.

We can only hope that the OUTSTANDING turnout on Save Thirroul Village Day made a significant impression on the Commissioner (how could it not?!) and that this proposal is refused.

When the Court came to town

John Corker takes a light-hearted look at Thirroul’s big day out, Labradoodles and all

It was Monday mid-morning, 25 July in Thirroul and I’ve never seen the village so busy! It had the look of a movie set where dozens of extras had been instructed to go about their “normal business” while cameras rolled. There were men with prams and children, people wearing bicycle helmets with shopping trolleys and bags. There were dogwalkers, some with two; Labradors, Labradoodles, Poodles, even a Bichon Frise.

People were popping in and out of shops, standing on corners in groups chatting, glancing around at their own spectacle, standing on the stairs of the tired and long-serving shopping centre whose demolition was almost inevitable.

That was what it was all about today! The Land and Environment Court was in town to inspect the site proposed for the contentious Thirroul Plaza multi-storey development.

Save Thirroul Village had managed to mobilise most of the population to be downtown, to be themselves, to carry on their ordinary ‘village life’ to demonstrate through sheer presence how much they loved this village and its atmosphere.

Outside the dilapidated building, scaffolds had been erected with long poles pointing skyward above the horizon, each topped with a fluorescent orange witch’s hat. The hats spelled authority but also a fairytale presence. Yet this was no fairytale.

The scaffolds had been ordered by the court so that everybody could see where the proposed new building line would be, and how the sacred views of the escarpment that protected and held the village safe would be obstructed from view as one walked down the main street.

People were upset about this. They were pointing and sighing, some loudly exclaiming about the prospect of a disappearing vista.

Suddenly around the corner a group of ‘suits’ emerged. This was the party of the Commissioner, the parties, their lawyers, their experts, the owners, facilitators and their associates and hangers-on. They wandered slowly like an informal procession of mourners after a funeral service. There was chatting, taking notes, pointing at things like a cluster of inspectors on duty. They halted on the corner, looked up and were momentarily hushed by the panoramic view of the escarpment, albeit dotted with witch’s hats.

Suddenly next to me a man spoke loudly, “Who the hell are they? It’s not the right time of the year for the Mormons to visit, is it?”

And laughter erupted.

Illawarra OWN started 24 years ago. This photo was taken in 2003 to mark the 5th anniversary of OWN’s first meeting in 1998.

Don’t Sit Alone

Join OWN, writes Ann Baumber

Illawarra Older Women’s Network can make life exciting for us older women.

Founded in 1998 in the Illawarra, the group meets at Corrimal Community Centre on the first and third Thursday of the month. The first meeting is a business one and the second a social time that may involve a speaker or be a members’ social, such as Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

Membership is $15 a year and each meeting is $5. This money covers the hire of the hall, morning tea and other incidental costs.

Membership entitles you to meetings in Corrimal and Wellness in Coniston.

There are several social functions each month. On the Tuesday following a meeting at the Community Centre, members gather for coffee at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow. There is usually a lunch at a local club on the fourth Thursday of the month. Twice a year we celebrate Christmas; in July and December.

Bus trips are popular. These can be to anywhere from Sydney to Nowra. Costs are as low as possible and the day is almost always declared a great success. This September we will visit Robertson to see the beautiful Waratahs. For more information, call Margaret on 0466 339 448.

To help us keep fit for our busy social lives, Wellness is held at the Coniston Community Centre, next to the train station, on Monday and Tuesday. On offer are: aerobic exercise (two levels), dancing, drumming, ukulele lessons, yoga and tai chi – all in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Costs are $5 to $10 a session. For more information, call Lynn on 0434 407 017 or email dell.obrien@yahoo.com.au.

OWN is a national organisation with about 20 NSW groups. OWN Sydney began in 1987.

NIRAG re-elects committee

Thanks to Secretary and Treasurer Ross Dearden for providing the information in this report

The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG), which was formed in 1984 to protect Sandon Point, held its annual general meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, 3 August upstairs at the Bulli Community Centre.

Fourteen people attended the AGM, including two Wollongong City Councillors, Richard Martin and Cameron Walters. There were no new nominations for the committee and all office bearers were re-elected:

• President: John Croker

• Vice President: Dave Beswick

• Secretar y: Ross Dearden

• Treasurer: Ross Dearden

• Membership Secretary: Susannah Cavill

• Public Officer: Michael Crighton.

It was unanimously agreed not to collect membership fees again this year.

In his report on NIRAG activities in 2021-22, president John Croker noted that a founding member, Max Ackerman, has retired to Queensland and will be “greatly missed”.

The President’s Report also highlighted Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (NIRAG continues to support the creation of a Keeping Place at Sandon Point); Bulli-Thirroul Traffic (NIRAG supports the retention of on-street parking and the minimisation of clearways); and Thirroul Plaza (the size of the proposed development has been reduced, but the impact is still seen as “excessive”).

On lobbying efforts for improved cycling conditions, the report said: “There has been success in the better prioritising of cycleway upgrades, and in planning for wider paths when the upgrades do occur. NIRAG has also lobbied for improved bicycle parking and for better road shoulders.”

NIRAG, an incorporated association since 1994, has been filling the role of Neighbourhood Forum 3, which covers from Woonona to Austinmer, while council waits for someone to volunteer as Convenor. (If you’re interested, contact Tom McColl, WCC Engagement Coordinator.)

NIRAG collaborates with other groups, including Better Planning Network; Thirroul Village Committee; Illawarra Bicycle Users Group; and the Illawarra Escarpment Alliance.

After the AGM, NIRAG held its quarterly meeting. The following text is an edited extract from the minutes:

Closing Hewitts Lane, Thirroul to the public No Entry signs are up and the lane will now only be maintained as ‘right of way’ for council. Land and

Environment Court decision has allowed the creek realignment work to commence and the retaining wall on the northern boundary has been built.

DA 2021/796, 2 Weaver Terrace Wollongong Local Planning Panel refused this development application for a double block extension and pool on 8 March. No information was available at the meeting. It has since been advised that an Appeal has been lodged in the Land and Environment Court and proceedings have been listed for Conciliation on 1 September.

2022 Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP)

The Draft CSP was presented to Council on 2 May. NIRAG’s submission was followed up with a meeting with the Director Infrastructure and Works (Jo Page) on 23 May. It was encouraging to receive a positive response, with NIRAG’s input resulting in changes being made to the Northern Cycleway reconstruction program and completion of Point Street footpath design, in particular.

Sandon Point headland Maintenance is needed to control growth. We were disappointed with the response received, which states, “Unfortunately Council is not resourced or planning to undertake such work, and such work is unlikely to meet the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit for the site.”

Crs Walters and Martin agreed to follow this up.

Objection to DA2021/1324 Amy St, Thirroul (and Panmills Dr)

The applicant has lodged a deemed refusal and although no new information was available at the meeting, on 20 August a joint meeting was to be held with Thirroul Village Committee and the developer to consider alternative proposals for improved vehicle, cycle and pedestrian access that would be safer and avoid demolishing the existing foot bridge to Wilkies Street. A revised plan is being prepared for consideration before the LEC hearing scheduled on 12 October.

Pioneer Dr to Woonona Beach cycle path

NIRAG is acting to support local residents who want reconstruction of the existing path in its present location, not in a new location to the south.

NIRAG will next meet on 2 November at 7pm. All welcome. Contact Ross Dearden by email nirag@bigpond.com or text 0411 484 166.

Meet your councillors

Welcome to our new series by journalist Brian Kelly. Wollongong has 12 councillors and over the next year, we aim to introduce you to all of them. First up, meet Linda Campbell, an Australian Labor Party councillor for Ward 3, which covers the southern part of our city

Linda Campbell says the only thing more bruised than her hand when she tumbled off her e-bike in a Port Kembla lane would have been her pride – if anyone had been looking.

Luckily for her, the incident occurred in one of the suburb’s quieter laneways. The Wollongong councillor didn’t quite have the speed required and gravity had done the rest. The problem had been, she said, “loss of momentum”.

A lack of velocity would hardly seem the Wollongong councillor’s day-to-day problem as she regularly ticks off a ream of tasks that would tire the Energizer bunny: reading stacks of council papers – in the bath, if necessary – being the oldest member of Dapto Physie, writing and directing stage plays, writing an occasional column on Netflix viewing, dodging snakes while kayaking in Mullet Creek, keeping up with grandchildren.

Ward 3 would seem her natural place to advocate for community needs; she’s been a Port resident for more than 35 years and grew up in Berkeley and Dapto, where memories included swimming to Gooseberry Island, camping on a friend’s farm on a soggy night, and joining her mum and dad on the drive up to Wongawilli Colliery, where he worked (and, quietly, she doesn’t think the roads have improved).

Linda is excited about getting West Dapto’s ongoing residential development right, and understands the importance of roads as part of the

overall equation. “For someone like me, who thinks it’s important to have places where communities can get together … it’s hard to argue for those when you don’t have the roads to get to them.

“People will say ‘you’re getting all that money from rates’, but it’s a floodplain – the stuff the money goes on is invisible. It’s drainage, gutters –all the hidden things.”

Linda has been a Wollongong councillor for just six months, but has long stewed in the foibles of local governments, having managed community services in Kiama, Shellharbour and Camden, among others. Now she’s an elected policymaker, not “hands on”, and she savours and understands the importance of the difference.

Passionate about libraries and their role, Linda is turning her attention to Warrawong’s upcoming library and community hub, planned for the corner of Greene St and King St, rising building prices notwithstanding.

“All the prices have gone through the roof, so there’s always that challenge delivering any kind of big building,” she said.

“But we’ll work through it. I think people respond to your expectation … if we deliver a really high-quality public building in Warrawong, it sends a pretty powerful message – that we believe people there are worth in investing in, and I absolutely do.”

DOG NEEDS A HOME!

Louie, a five-month-old boxer-cross, is a cheeky loveable puppy who has a little basic training but is ready and willing to learn and practise his lessons, as he just wants to please everyone. Such a gorgeous friendly boy, ready to start his new life in his forever home!

For more details, email ccarpetrehoming@tpg.com.au

Country Companion Animal Rescue

Memories of L-plates

After finishing a night shift, I walked out to the car park, ready for the 70-minute drive home. After driving 30-odd metres, I noticed something wrong with the car. I pulled over to see the right rear tyre was as flat as the hat the old ‘carters’ wore at the Bulli workers club.

It was dark at 6am, the rain was coming down and the wind was howling (best described by my grandfather as a ‘lazy’ wind – it would not go around you, it just went through you).

After I’d emptied my car boot of all my footy training gear and boots and balls, I found out that I had a ‘space-saver’ tyre as the spare. Despite the challenging conditions, I was soon on my way.

The thing about a space-saver tyre is: you can only go 80km/h. And once you pass Heathcote and Waterfall, doing 80km/h is not popular. Cars were flashing lights at me, I think a few were indulging in a bit of road rage until they saw my tyre, when a bit of empathy might have snuck in.

It reminded me of when I was a learner driver. The old man was keen for me to get as many hours behind the wheel as possible, but he’d never allow me to go faster than 80km/h.

On a country trip up the Hume Highway at night I could always see a sea of white lights in the rear-view mirror. This could well be several hundred metres, but he would not let me speed up or pull over. It did get a bit nerve-racking when you saw the next overtaking lane was 17km away. Nor did it matter when eight cars would try and overtake at once when there was the slightest break in the oncoming traffic.

One lesson stands out. We had just gone out on a 42°C Melbourne day and we pulled up on tram tracks at a set of traffic lights on a very steep hill. As the lights turned green, I struggled to take off (manual car, as we all learned to drive in) on the hot tram tracks. After a couple of stalls, panic crept in as there were a few beeping horns behind me. The old man, who has never been renowned for his patience, started a barrage of abuse during which he questioned my intelligence, capabilities and, oddly, my parentage. So, after more kangaroo hops than you’d see at Symbio, I finally drove the car through the intersection and pulled over. I got out, said I’d had enough and was not getting back in the car. There were a few choice words thrown in. The

old bloke slid into the driver’s seat, informed me to make my own way home and took off.

At that time I questioned my actions as it was frightfully hot and I was about 35km from home.

I roughly knew where the closest train station was so I took off in that direction. Upon arrival after a 20-minute walk, I realised that I’d left my wallet in the car. No money for the train fare, let alone a can of Coke. The thought of spending a day’s wage on a cab did not appeal to me so I thought I’d dodge the fare as it was a Saturday and the station wouldn’t be manned. To my surprise, there was a bloke at the station collecting and checking tickets.

Plan B was to walk to the next station, but the heat and dehydration were taking a toll. A few garden hoses were taken upon to quench my thirst.

Being the other side of town, I wouldn’t say I was lost, I just didn’t know where I was.

Finally, I found an unmanned station, like an oasis in the desert, and started my journey home.

A few hours after my hasty departure from the car I made it home. I had walked only two steps into the house when the old man was yelling at me for taking off. He said he had gone back to look for me but couldn’t find me. I wasn’t sure what he’d expected me to do – wait against a lightpole like the girls in Wentworth Street? He knew I’d left my wallet in the car, so he asked how I got home and fair to say there was another lecture on thievery which, in his mind, dodging a fare was akin to. (I am hoping the statute of limitations applies for the hideous crime of dodging a fare.)

So, the moral of the story is just give the “L” plate drivers a bit of courtesy and understanding as we all have to remember we were behind the wheel for the first time at one stage as well.

Now, I don’t want to paint too harsh a picture of the old bloke, but a few years later he was a goal umpire in an AFL game I was playing in and he made a horrendous mistake. I advised him that he was too old and should give it away. He informed me that if I said another word to him he’d report me and I’d have to go to the tribunal. I explained to him that if he did, he’d have to drive me to the tribunal as my car was in for a service. Luckily common sense prevailed, but the coach did take me off the ground for arguing with an umpire.

Spring is Get Ready time – usually

Around about this time each year I help the RFS with their “Get Ready” Campaign to raise awareness of the bushfire season.

While the campaign will still go ahead, it’s unlikely that we will be having a bad bushfire season and more likely we’re in for another wet summer. I know, I know – I’m just as depressed about that as you are! It’s a real downer if you’re planning on going camping.

That’s not to say we don’t have things to do around the house to prepare for a wet summer and, in fact, many of these tasks are similar to those for preparing for bushfire season. Step 2 in the Get Ready Campaign outlines things you can do to make your home more bushfire resilient. One of the most important tips is to clear out the gutters.

I’ve been up on our roof on an almost monthly basis this year. We live under the canopy of many trees, but you’d be surprised how quickly your gutters can fill up with leaf and bark litter. I’ve found all sorts of living creatures up there as well. How a huge centipede found its way up and into my gutters is a mystery – failed kookaburra strike?

Having clear gutters and downpipes is probably the most important way to prepare for rain or bushfire. It also gives you a chance to assess the condition of your roof. Checking ridge lines, antenna connections, valley gutters, flashings and skylights are all important as well. When you think about it, the roof is your first and best defence against the elements. Maintaining it is the most important regular task one can do to upkeep a house. But it’s also one of the most dangerous, so

Join the fire brigade

Want to make a difference? Learn new skills, help others, be more involved in the community? Meet new people, get out and about, protect and preserve this beautiful area and awesome town?

Beat the captain to the sausages on the barbecue?

Helensburgh Rural Volunteer Fire Brigade is looking for new volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds. If you live in Helensburgh, come and join the local men and women who get called out for a variety of emergencies, not just bush fires.

Especially if you are sometimes available in daytime, we’d love you to sign up for a new adventure. We encourage all locals to become part of our brigade which consists of about 35 active members ranging in age from 18 to 78.

Find us on Facebook @NSWRFSHelensburgh

please be ladder/roof safe and if you don’t feel comfortable, check out the local directory of this magazine for a competent tradesperson who can do the job for you!

The other items on the list are all pretty straightforward. “Spring cleaning” tasks, such as trimming plants near the house, removing flammable items outside of the house and mowing. All these also allow for good ventilation around the house’s external envelope, which helps to reduce the chance of mould.

One thing we’ve been slowly integrating into our landscaping is river rock mulch around the house’s perimeter. During the East Coast Lows, our gutters overflowed, turning soil into swamp. Putting down non-flammable stone or pebble mulch around the edges of the house not only reduces water retention but also creates a good base for ember protection in the event of a bushfire.

As an architect, I used to hand over large folders to clients, full of maintenance details for new homes. This practice has slowly disappeared. The assumption is this information is just a google away. Cars still come with a bible-sized manual – why don’t our homes? If we think about how much we service our cars to keep them roadworthy, we should be spending the same (if not more) time and energy on the upkeep of our homes. So, with a 50/50 chance of another La Niña looming, time to grab the ladder and garden tools, get out there and show “emoh ruo” a bit of TLC.

‘Get Ready’ info at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Pointscore moved to October

What a difference a bit of sun makes, as we wrapped up another great Pointscore at our local Scarborough in July. There was a bit of swell so juniors were put on hold but the waves were so good they wanted to take it on so we let them. Great waves all day and smiles on dials as we ran finals for every division.

Congrats to all our champions, Joshua Pepper got the cash in A Grade beating the Squiers duo of Nick and Mannix. Kasey Hargreaves took the honours in the Open Women with Talina second and Anna third.

The 18’s had three rounds and taking out each heat and the final on fire was Oscar Hargreaves. The 14’s saw Rhett Mattock combo the field while Jesse Fitzgibbons and Ashton Mekisic had their usual entertaining tussle in the 12’s with Jesse getting the win this time. The junior girls bravely took on the swell with Macey taking the win but the day really belonged Michael Croft in 55’s for basically putting his fellow competitors all in combo land!

A few dates changes for our crew to note for the remainder of 2022:

1. Pointscore # 9 on September 18th has changed to Sunday 9th October. This is to allow our juniors to attend Kirra Juniors Team Challenge.

2. Presentation @ Beaches Hotel – date changed from November 26 to December 3. This is to allow our team and supporters from the club to attend regional qualifiers for the 2023 Australian Boardriders Battle.

Free Cycling in VR

Tell us about your business.

LundinStudio is a VR and production studio, based in Helensburgh. LundinStudio was set up by Dennis Lundin, an ex-stuntman and specialist in film, digital and virtual production techniques, who has lived in the Illawarra for more than 10 years. Adam Bennett has also lived in the Illawarra for over a decade and works with Dennis, having completed a research degree in Virtual Reality systems before gaining more than 20 years experience in digital media.

What is Cycling in VR?

Cycling in VR is done on a stationary bike, like an exercise bike, and wearing a Virtual Reality headset. Sensors on the bike allow you to pedal through a virtual environment, while looking around freely.

Why should people try it?

Cycling in VR might sound strange but it is surprisingly easy to get into and is a unique, immersive experience. Cycling in VR is a fun way to exercise or simply explore, visiting far-away landscapes, which may be real or imagined.

What are you offering in September?

In collaboration with AusCycling, LundinStudio is excited to offer Cycling in VR for free, from 18 to 25 September. LundinStudio is in Helensburgh Business Park, 3/21 Cemetery Road.

Visit www.stuntman.com.au/vrcycling or email vr@lundinstudio.com

Join new ocean swim club

Ocean swimming is gaining popularity as a fantastic, low-cost, health and wellbeing activity for people living in coastal communities. The Illawarra doesn’t currently have many opportunities available for people to join supervised non-competitive ocean swims that operate on a regular basis.

Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club (CSLSC) turns 100 in 2024 and ahead of this significant milestone, the surf club, generously supported by Equilibrium Healthcare as principal sponsor, is kicking off a new initiative for the 2022/2023 season: the Coalcliff Ocean Swim Club. This will be an inclusive ocean swimming club, focussed on participation rather than competition, which will provide adults from the community with the opportunity to practise ocean swimming skills on a regular basis and to connect with others in a friendly and supportive environment.

In supporting the Coalcliff Ocean Swim Club, Equilibrium Healthcare aims to promote and contribute to the development of healthy lifestyles in the community. Both the business and the club share this core value of supporting people to participate in healthy activities in the ocean.

The club swims will be scheduled for every second Sunday during the season, and the course will be selected on the day, depending on the weather and conditions. The plan is to have a number of distances for participants to choose from on the day. The club will provide full surf lifesaving support to participants, who will all be easily identified by their brightly coloured swim caps provided at the start of the season.

While the swim club offers a great opportunity for participants, another key benefit is that it will provide Coalcliff’s patrolling members with additional regular practice throughout the season. Using the watercraft, radio operations and signals is an important way to maintain core skills and build capacity within the club.

For this first season, there will be a limit of 40 places. To register your interest in joining the Coalcliff Ocean Swim Club for the 2022/2023 season, please send your expression of interest to events@coalcliffslsc.com.au. Registration details, updates and the dates for the swim club will be added to the Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club Facebook page and dates will also appear in the Flame’s What’s On page from October.

If you’d like to join the club as a new volunteer member please go to the Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club website, navigate to the membership section and click on ‘join’ or email. We look forward to meeting you down at Coalcliff beach!

Golf news

Tradies Social Golf

Barry Thompson reports

Good to see that Terry and Sparrow were able to play in this tournament, although I am sure they wished for better weather to step back into the fray.

Mick Carroll won the Stroke event with 65, followed by Jerry Reilly (66). Gary Overton (68) took third from Geoff Hammonds on countback. Jerry beat Mark Ryan in the only Matchplay game. Mark won the Bradmans and then joined Jack Hardacre to cook a very welcome barbeque.

There are still places available for the Golden Jacket weekend extravaganza of golf, playing some great Southern Highland courses from November 12-14. Call Mick Carroll (0414 734 353). Mick is also taking bookings for our Sunday away game at Jamberoo on October 23.

Thanks to Helensburgh Butchery, Gallardo’s Pizzeria, Tradies and Helensburgh Driving Range for their support. I’m sure this will continue for our next round on Saturday, September 17th at Boomerang. We tee-off for this Stableford event at 7am. Remember: carts are back in use, if needed.

Let us hope that our first Spring game brings warmer conditions!

Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club

Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports

Members’ plaudits continued as HSSGC set about Hurstville GC on August 7th.

Frank Morgan triumphed in our Stableford event, with 39 points. Brett Carrazo followed up on 35, ahead of John Brunton whose handicap copped a hiding after his June 26th bionic antics to show his skills and come in 3rd on a count back.

On-course prizes were shared eight ways.

Our next scheduled event is at Hurstville on August 28th, when this issue goes to press.

We continue at Hurstville in September on Sunday 11th, tee off at 7:50am, and on October 9th at Kareela. Other news: Craig Seakins and Dave Morris completed 2nd cards. El President, now in recovery mode, continues to keep members up to date with emails. Call “Titanium”

Tony on 0418 863 100 for membership details.

Please support our sponsors – Christian’s Premium Meats and Helensburgh Golf Range –and other local community businesses.

Back on course, join us and enjoy a game of golf. Indy signing off: For those of walking and not sharing a cart … “I’ve been playing golf for a long time and thought I knew all the terminology of the game, but what’s a rider?”

“A rider is when you hit the ball far enough to actually get in the golf cart and ride to it.”

Guides splash out

On 10 June 2022, the Helensburgh Girl Guides went to Aqua Aerobics! It was held at the indoor heated pool at Crawchy’s. We did exercises in the water such as 30 secs of kicking, pushing ourselves off the wall but trying to keep our legs on the wall too; running in the water to create a whirlpool and then turning around and trying to run against it and other fun challenges. Aqua Aerobics tired us out so much, but it was the most fun that I have ever had in the pool!

I liked Aqua Aerobics because I was with the Girl Guides, we got to work as a team, it was challenging and Aqua Aerobics helps your body get stronger and fitter for your health. It is super fun and I bet you would love it too! Aqua Aerobics classes are at Crawchy’s Swim School in Helensburgh every week so go and try it!

Register for cricket

Registrations for the 2022/23 Cricket Season with the Helensburgh Cricket Club are now open.

For the Junior Club, ages range from five to late teens, covering all the cricket stages. Junior Blasters (5- to 7-year-olds) learn the basic skills of cricket while having fun. Master Blasters is for 7- to 10-year-olds, where we play a modified game of T20 cricket in teams of between 6 and 8. Junior and Master Blasters run for no more than 90 minutes on Saturday mornings at Rex Jackson Oval. The next step up is into Junior Cricket, into the whites and for ages 10-17. Games are played over three hours, on Saturday mornings, across the Illawarra. For over-18s, there's Seniors Club Cricket in First to Fourth Grades.

Go to helensburghcc.nsw.cricket.com.au, click on the Registrations tab or get in touch via our Facebook page @Helensburghjuniorcricket

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On a sunny Saturday bicycles of all shapes wait patiently to be tried out in the car park of the Disability Trust in Spring Hill. Adam Hockhing whooshes past on his recumbent tricycle while Matthew McMaugh zips around on his twowheeler. Both are here as part of CycleAbility, a program that encourages disabled people to get out and have fun.

“I can get out and get exercise,” says Adam, who lives in Corrimal. “I can possibly catch up with some people at places and get out in the sun.

“Whereas probably if I didn't have a bike, I wouldn’t get out as much.”

CycleAbility is a free program that was kicked off in 2021 by Ed Birt of The Disability Trust. Ed raised funds to buy tricycles by cycling solo from Perth to Sydney, 5500 kilometres. It took him 23 days.

Michael Norris and Linzi DeSousa, both employees of the Disability Trust, give up their free time on Saturdays to assist anyone who wants to have a go, helped by enthusiastic cyclists like Matthew and Adam.

“The most important thing about this program is that it is a free program,” says Michael. “We are fortunate to have volunteers to help the participants ride the bikes, learn how to ride and to

connect with their peers in a fun social setting.”

The program teaches bike riding skills, road awareness and safety, road rules, bike maintenance and the importance of activity.

Matthew, from Woonona, comes down on Saturdays to help out.

“I get a lot of bike-riding in. I like to come here because it keeps me fit.” Matt says his bicycle is a big part of his independence, and he enjoys helping others ride properly.

Today a new batch of bicycles has arrived in flatpacks. Ed opens up a box full of cycle parts. These e-trikes will take several Saturdays to put together, but there are smiles all round.

CycleAbility Program: every last Saturday of the month, 10am-noon, 5 Edney Lane, Spring Hill. For more information about the Disability Trust and this program, call 1300 347 224. Visit the Videos section of our website to watch the Flame’s interview with Adam.

‘If I didn’t have a bike, I wouldn’t get out as much’