It’s 6:10 am and the sky is sweating colours of oranges, pinks, and purples. Georgie and I lock eyes as another cocky guy saunters to mingle with fellow runners. Rhythmic waves lap against the rocks and shore, mocking my steady heartbeat. The motto ‘Win the morning, win the day’ hangs thick in the air, and I take in a deep breath, in a futile attempt to oxygenate my blood. I roll my head and hop awkwardly on the spot, in a silly performative manner to front as an avid runner. I look over my shoulder at the guy: it looks…
Author: Rachael Gregory
The seaside town of Kiama has come alive in spring with a series of cultural events including art exhibitions, music festivals, farmers markets and fundraisers. The school holidays has seen the town welcome an influx of tourists with plenty of family friendly events. Kiama has hosted the Shellharbour Arts Society’s art exhibition, the Shine Car Show and the Australian Body Surfing Classic. Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly said that council is always seeking to uplift local talent. “We do a fair bit to positively encourage and reinforce the arts in our area,” Mr Reilly said. “We have a cultural grant program…
Local creatives are hoping for more local and state government funding and support to pursue smaller arts projects and live music outside of festivals. Director of the Kiama Jazz and Blues festival, Becky Guggissberg is an advocator for more financial and community support for the arts and said that everyone can benefit from more cultural exposure. “People are attracted to live in Kiama off the back of festivals, they come and think this community is connected and people are supporting one another. But it is an evolving town, and I don’t see that support as much,” Ms Guggisberg said. “There…
The celebration of arts and culture is booming in Kiama with the KISS Arts Festival and The Kazador, a mini Speigeltent full of weeks long entertainment, returning this month with the help of Kiama Municipal Council. KISS Arts Fest will run on the 20th- 22nd of October. The free festival celebrates arts in all forms and invites patrons of all ages to indulge in the lively festivities. The festival includes several activities that the public can indulge in such as raft racing, flying trapeze and lantern making as well as a range of theatre and music performances. Creative directors of…
Bombo Clothing Co. held its sold-out fashion parade over the weekend, raising over $5000 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. The event, which took place at the Kiama Uniting Church, was a way for women to dress up for a good cause, enjoy some complimentary champagne and cupcakes, and have the chance to win a range of prizes. Bombo Clothing Co. owner Sarah Atkins said the shop has contributed to the Gerringong branch of the Children’s Medical Research Institute for the Mother’s Day high tea fashion parade for the past nine years. “This year, I kind of jokingly said we…
The Kiama Municipal Council has announced plans to replace the Kiama jetty that was damaged during a wild storm, asking the community for feedback with the proposed designs. Residents have been invited to a community consultation at The Pavilion to discuss their views for the jetty repair, with Council relying on grants to complete the works. Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the Kiama community felt a degree of ownership and stated that it was important for people to have their say. “Harbours, like homes, need maintenance and need improvements and what the Council has done is offer three…
Kiama is one step closer to having a mental health space. Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, signed the lease for the Kiama headspace centre on Manning Street, last Tuesday. The headspace centre opening, in early 2024, is a federally funded initiative delivering on the election promise from the Albanese Government. Kiama facility will offer mental health and early intervention services to youth between 12 and 25. It hopes to eliminate accessibility issues to mental health services by providing low-cost care for the Illawarra youth. Prue Buist, CEO of local Primary Health Network COORDINAIRE, said that the centre is supported by the neighbouring headspace service in…
Little Light Duo performs a cover of Gerry Rafferty’s Right Down the Line at the Kiama Community Radio Stations third birthday celebration at the Kiama Leagues Club Friday evening on the 25th of August 2023. The Kiama Community Radio (KCR), a non-profit station, first launched during the pandemic, celebrated its third birthday at the Kiama Leagues Club. The station, established to rekindle connectivity within the local community during a time of disconnection, hosted the event to fundraise for a recording studio. Community members, volunteers and KCR supporters attended to commemorate how far the KCR station has come in three years.…
Kiama business stayed open last night in response to a last-minute decision to screen the Matildas semi final on a public screen in Hindmarsh Park. Locals gathered with picnic mats and chairs to watch the big screen in front of the Orry Kelly stage with plenty of dinner options due to the support of local businesses. Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said he made the decision to screen the game against England after the community used social media to request that a public venue be made available. “We actually decided to put this together only two days ago. We all…