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 Miners dig up memories on Kokoda Trail
By Kaine Johnson
Trekking the 96km Kokoda Trail over eight days was as much an emotional journey as a physical effort, according to four coal miners from Helensburgh who just returned from the historic site.
Andrew Smith, Don Bourke, Peter Mciver, and Gary Pointon (pictured) arrived home from Papua New Guinea on August 15 after completing the trail with another 48 coal miners from across NSW and Queensland.
The trip was partially sponsored by the Coal Industry Superannuation Board after one of its managers, who had already completed the trail, decided he would like to share his experience.
The trail visits the sites of many of Australia’s bloodiest battles of World War Two and is notorious for its physical demands.
Waking each morning around 4:30am, the group would eat breakfast and then leave camp, walking for between six and nine hours before taking a bath in one of the local creeks, with temperatures around 10 degrees, and bunking down in one-man tents set up by porters.
Andrew said that it was a moving experience. “We were literally walking in the footsteps of young Australians who died for their country,” he said.
He was surprised by how much he learned on the trip. “We had a war historian with us who told us things you wouldn’t read about in books. At one point we passed a large flat rock which you wouldn’t have thought anything of but we learned that it was used as a surgeon’s table during the war.”
Trekkers were constantly reminded of the history of their location with war pits, unexploded grenades and mortars, plane wrecks, and other war memorabilia, including an Australian boot with a Japanese foot still inside, all exhibited along the way.
For Andrew, the rainforest, wildlife and villages he visited were just as fascinating however the highlight was one of the four services held along the way, at Isurava, where they gathered around a monument laid by Prime Minister John Howard and the PNG Prime Minister in 2003.
“We listened to Waltzing Matilda played on the bagpipes…if you didn’t shed a tear then, you shouldn’t have been there,” said Andrew.
He intends to return to the region next June when he will be doing aid work with Rotary.
Surgery to rise from ashes
Dr Annette Beaufils will rebuild her doctor’s surgery in Stanwell Park about six years after it was destroyed by fire.
A two-storey development will be built on the property, next to the public school in Stanwell Avenue. Yorstyle Building’s Brett Highett recently erected safety barricades and expects to start work this month.
Dr Beaufils said the practice would be part time and a doctor was still being sought. “We’ve been trying to get a doctor from London for two years,” she said.
The development is the first stage of what is expected to be a wholesale change for the corner strip, with Paul and Kay Taylor’s newsagency site for sale and the house in between also on the market.
Developer Bradley Strik has pulled out of a proposed redevelopment of the newsagency, which would have seen a commercial/residential complex built on the site.
He said the option over the property had expired and he was exploring options elsewhere.
“We still own the intellectual property (design) and we may revisit it if the development approval comes through,” he said.
 Local stable wins prestigious western award
By Michael Anglin
Quarter horse breeder and trainer Glen Stibbard (right) has come a long way since overcoming his fear of horses as a child with his Glen Keiri Ranch in Helensburgh recently being awarded the Western Pleasures trophy.
The trophy is awarded by the National Pleasure Horse Association and is the progeny of US stallion Chips Texas Star.
Glen Keiri Ranch won with Cotton Candy in the three-year-old category.
“We won a trophy, $3000 and a saddle worth just as much,” Glen said.
Despite his early nervousness around horses, 10-year-old Glen reached beyond his fear and cautiously fed grass through the fence to the neighbourhood horses in Sans Souci.
Mr Whippy – a client of his father’s roller door company – gave him his first horse called Star.
“He had elite show horses and my Dad told him that I was interested in horses so he gave me his first horse that he and his daughter learned to ride on,” said Glen. “I don’t know if he is still alive but he was a nice man and I will always remember him.”
Sixty-five horses later, including show horses, brood mares, horses for sale and Chips Texas Star - an imported stallion from the United States, Glen is intent on breeding some of the most competitive horses in the Western-style horse business.
Glen Keiri Ranch is a family business with wife Tracey handling the administration, Glen’s mother involved on the breeding side and his father still riding competitively in the Masters class at the Western Pleasures shows.
“We may be one of the smaller studs but we dominate the Western pleasure scene with the best breeds,” he said.
A carpenter by trade, Glen could not imagine working elsewhere having set up his business in Sans Souci and then moving from Cronulla to Helensburgh 15 years ago.
Glen starts his day at 7am, feeding the horses and then riding them. “I ride the easily trainable horses first,” he said. “I like to start off my day nice. I end around 3pm then I give the horses their afternoon feed then give riding lessons up to 6pm.”
To find out more about riding lessons or for general information about Glen Keiri Ranch, please contact GlenStibbard@optusnet.com.au, 0417 897 473 or visit the website, www.gtqstud.com.
Stuart project gets mixed reviews
By Michael Anglin
The project manager of the Stuart Street commercial/residential redevelopment, Terry Wetherall, recently presented concept plans to a community meeting in Helensburgh.
The plans reveal a two-storey development with 42 units on the first floor and commercial units on the ground floor. The entrance would be on Stuart Street with all vehicle access to the underground 40-space car park via Club Lane.
Residents raised concerns about the impact the building would have on the immediate area.
When asked if any studies had been done to determine the project’s impact, Mr Wetherall said the market would make that determination.
Some residents requested certain aesthetic changes be made to maintain a softer quality of the surrounding buildings.
Other resident concerns were:
• high-density development in a commercial zone;
• building set-backs on the residential component of the development on Lilyvale Street, Club Lane and the adjoining villas;
• stormwater runoff affecting drainage in Club Lane;
• building height affecting adjoining villas.
• the lack of energy efficient features and the environmental impact;
• lack of natural light to lower units because of the narrow central courtyard;
• overshadowing and lack of privacy to adjoining villas;
• garbage collection on a narrow one-way street;
• design conflicting with “country-town” style of many buildings in Helensburgh;
• extra traffic.
The Project Manager and his team will review the issues raised by residents before submitting the development application to Wollongong Council.
Small steps, greener planet
By Kaine Johnson
Local residents concerned about global warming could contact their electricity provider and change to renewable energy, according to Greenpeace campaigner Stephen Campbell.
Stephen, an Otford resident, convened a meeting at the CWA Hall in Stanwell Park on 31 August where he urged residents to join the fight against global warming.
“Climate change is the most important issue facing our generation,” Stephen said.
“People all around the world need to take swift action to avoid the imminent crisis we are all facing.”
Changing energy sources was a practical, easy example.
“Residents who transfer will be getting their energy directly from renewable sources like windmills and the Snowy Hydro facility,” Stephen said.
“It’s easy to do and only costs around $2-$3 extra per month.”
He said the most significant cause of global warming was the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere, which Greenpeace attributes to society’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Stephen said he organised the meeting to educate local residents about what they could do to help solve the problem.
The consequences of global warming include increases in atmospheric and water temperature, changes to water currents, melting ice caps and rising sea levels.
For further information, contact Stephen Campbell on 0407 546 486.
 Devil of a time getting here
By Kaine Johnson
After four long years of negotiations, Symbio Wildlife Park has finally received approval to import two Tasmanian Devils to Helensburgh.
Achieved in conjunction with the world’s largest Tasmanian Devil sanctuary, Something Wild in Tasmania, the permit will allow the first of the threatened species to be imported to the Australian mainland in more than five years.
Symbio general manager John Radnidge said this was an event of “international significance”.
“It’s something Symbio is extremely proud of,” John said.
John’s son, Michael, who is the operations manager at Symbio, said the park was determined to ensure every detail of the devils’ transportation was done correctly to avoid delays. Although the devils are two females, the park plans to establish a breeding program and operate as a holding facility for Something Wild in the near future.
According to John, the Helensburgh community had always offered strong support to the park, especially during times of need like the 2001 bushfires and the recent threat of closure.
“We don’t own the park - the community does,” he said.
He was delighted to hear that the Helensburgh community was considering adopting one of the marsupials.
Adoption and sponsorship is a part of the “Devils in Danger” conservation program launched by Something Wild and supported by Symbio.
If it goes ahead, John believed it would be the first time a community had sponsored an animal like this.
 Black Duck goes multicultural
Helensburgh chef Caroline Pontello has brought a touch of Europe to the Black Duck Restaurant at the Wombarra/Scarborough Bowls & Recreation Club with her rustic yet stylish twist on cooking.
Caroline’s environmentally friendly, multi-cultural catering business The Red Kitchen has been influenced by her travels around the world.
“When I was three, my family and I returned to the UK to live, my mother being English,” she said. “My brothers and sister and I went to school over there but, in the school holidays, Dad would pack up our little Audi sedan with his home-made roof rack and off we would go around Europe for weeks at a time with a large canvas six-man tent and foam mattresses to boot!”
“I remember in France we would stop by the side of the road and eat French bread, pate and cheeses with Mum and Dad sipping on red wine. Very civilized, I guess, but in reality Mum and Dad were just trying to do it on the cheap.
“Dad always encouraged us kids to ask for food in the native tongue wherever we were in Europe. Mum recalls a particular time when we were in Italy where Dad was after some grapes and asked ‘Uno kilo grappo’.”
Caroline says her early experiences and later travels have strongly influenced her love for food, particularly multicultural cuisine.
“Like Jamie Oliver, I have a passion for Mediterranean food - it is just so simple, fresh and wholesome but I also love Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican and, well, all food to be quite honest!”
The Black Duck menu reflects the diversity of cultures around the world with a healthy kids menu as well. It is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 5.30pm. Bookings, phone 4267 2139. For band information, visit www.bowlo.com.au.
Upcoming Events
Bush Tucker Night, Saturday, 23 September. Ali & Starry of Go Native/Indigenous Eats will host a 3-course meal of authentic Bush Tucker. Cost $40 per head incl. free wine/beer & band. Bookings essential .
Inanimate Objects & Pettibone, Saturday, 30 September. Groovy Wollongong bands will entertain you with an interesting mix of gypsy swing and pop rock.
The Wetsuits, Saturday, 14 October. Free. The original surf music band is returning to The Black Duck.
 Mooch opens his heart
Stanwell Park artist and Sydney Morning Herald graphic designer Michael Mucci will launch his first annual Art to Heart exhibition at the Clifton School of Arts on 1 October.
The exhibition will display some of Michael’s best Sydney Morning Herald illustrations from the past 20 years as well as his most recent personal paintings and drawings completed since winning the 2006 Archibald’s Packing Room Prize with his portrait of TV personality and personal friend Scott Cam.
The exhibition is open until Sunday, 8 October, from 10am to 4pm weekends and the public holiday, and 10am to 2.30pm weekdays.
Ten percent of all sales will be donated to UNICEF Australia.
For further information, please call 4294 3773 or email mucciart@ozemail.com.au
Get fire wise at RFS Open Day
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Open Day is a relaxed and fun event where you can meet your local volunteer firefighters and check out some of the equipment we use.
The 2006 RFS Open Day is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet, and we welcome everyone in the Helensburgh District community to visit Charles Harper Park on 16 September from 10am to 2pm.
Helensburgh, Otford, Darkes Forest and Stanwell Park Rural Fire Brigades will be holding a Group Open Day
As volunteers of brigades, we give up our time to protect our community. We can be called out 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round.
While we are very active in the community, attending emergencies such as bush and house fires, transport accidents, floods, storms and search and rescues, we may not have met some of you yet.
We would love you to come along to Charles Harper Park and have a chat. Find out more about the RFS and learn about protecting your property and family from fire. You can even learn more about joining your local Brigade.
We are going to have lots to see and do. Our fire tankers will be on display and we will have giveaways like badges, stickers and key rings to name just a few.
You think that’s all? We are also having displays, at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm of:
• fire extinguishers and fire blankets
• portable pumps, and how to use them
• chainsaw safety
• firefighter emergency safety procedures
For more information, contact Illawarra Fire Control on 4284 8596.
 Yoga calms kids
By Bronwyn McGrath
Local yoga teacher Amber Muller has launched yoga to primary school children at Otford and Scarborough Primary Schools and the feedback from students, teachers and parents is extremely positive.
Otford Principal Peter Holmes said following parent suggestions to add yoga to the school program, Amber’s classes were so well received he decided to extend the program to a double term this year.
“Yoga is suited to all kids regardless of their fitness or motor skills and the students love Amber,” he said. “They really look forward to her visit. In one of my classes they heard Amber had arrived and cheered!
“I just can’t understand why they prefer yoga to times tables.”
He said yoga was a discipline children must focus on to derive the benefits.
“It has a wonderful calming effect on children,” Peter said.
According to Amber, yoga teaches self-awareness, self-discipline, self-reliance and respect for yourself and others.
“Regular practise of yoga early in life helps foster an awareness of what is going on inside as well as outside and improves concentration, promotes clear thinking, fuels imagination, boosts creativity and facilitates learning,” Amber said.
“I have three children aged 12, 9 and 3 and they love to join in as I practice. The visualisation techniques I have taught them are an important tool they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Amber has 12 years formal training commencing in London at the Sivinanda (hatha) yoga school and has been practicing for 16 years. She started teaching children in schools in 1998 when she was living in Indonesia and has been teaching full time since arriving in Australia in 2001.
Amber’s classes suit all ages and levels of experience and she offers pregnancy classes and can help people with injuries.
“Yoga has been practised for thousands of years and is a wonderful gift to yourself no matter what age,” she said. “By connecting mind and body through the breath and yogic positions, we gain more flexibility and calmness and we can minimise the ageing process by improving circulation, strength and flexibility.”
To find out more about Yoga with Amber, call 4294 4699.
Community raises $7700 for cancer
The Doherty/Doherti memorial charity golf day has again raised a large sum of money totalling $7,773.85 through the efforts of sponsors, players and donations from local businesses.
The event held at the Illawarra Country Golf Course welcomed 102 players who each received a gift pack, sausage sizzle breakfast, 18 holes of golf as well as a BBQ lunch and beverages at the Centennial Hotel Helensburgh.
A total of 15 team prizes were awarded as well as prizes for male and female longest drives, nearest the pin on all par 3s with many drive and pitch shots also receiving recognition.
The overwhelming support given by those involved is a true reflection of the spirit that the Helensburgh community shows on a regular basis, having raised more than $27,000 through this event.
Undoubtedly sponsorship is the key and this year the trend continued with local businesses embracing the charity golf day.
Donations for prizes and assistance on the day were greatly appreciated.
A special thanks to all the players who supported the day. Your involvement was directly responsible for what we achieved and very much appreciated.
The Organisers would like to thank the Centennial Hotel Helensburgh for their facilities, Porters Liquor for seeking further sponsorship and Ashley Marsay from the Illawarra Country Golf Club for the generosity shown to this great cause as well as the following 31 major sponsors:
Paul McCleay MP, PRDnationwide Real Estate Helensburgh, Porters Liquor, Centennial Hotel, Helensburgh Coal P/L, Al and Lissa’s Family Meats, Buckley’s Concreting Service, Robyn Doherty and family, Helensburgh Car Services, John Ryan of Southern Brick Haulage, Chipperfield & Chipperfield Financial Solutions Menai, Helensburgh Smash Repairs, Helensburgh Family Practice, Premier Additions, Barry Doherty and Family, Gala Trophies, Allan Hanna Plumbing, Helensburgh Workmen’s Club, Illawarra Credit Union, Sam Braz of Stepsafe, Tony Tag of Heathcote Motor Repairs, Allendale Boarding Kennels, Helensburgh Pharmacy, NSW Police Credit Union, Ray White Real Estate, Northern Brew, Pictorial News, Hansen and Cole Funeral Directors, LJ Hooker Real Estate, Small Business Accountants and Carly Warn. Thank you for the donations from the Helensburgh Driving Range, Bi-Lo Supermarket, Dr Gellatley, Symbio, Community Alliance Credit Union, Civic Video, Helensburgh Newsagency, Helensburgh Post Office, Five Quarters, Sunrise Nursery, Helensburgh Veterinary Clinic, South Coast Hair and Beauty Supplies, Tosti Cellars Woonona, Helensburgh Beauty Therapy, Helensburgh Hot Bread Shop, McGuigan Wines Ulladulla, Hair 10 Helensburgh, Helensburgh Butchery, Piccadilly Travel Service, Ambience, Invision Photographics, Bewdifull Balloons and blooms, WH Lawyers, East Corrimal Butchery, Leisure Coast Gas and Helensburgh Cellars. Also a special thanks to Kevin O’Brien and Jack Smith for their tireless efforts, the other organisers as well as David and Janelle Faust and Col Warn .
Congratulation to the winners for the day: 1st – Steve Ridley, Lloyd Griffiths and Peter Doak, 2nd – Bernie Ryan, Farley Kahovic and Bob Proudfoot. 3rd – Tracey and Graham Buckley and John Ryan.
The winners were presented with a Perpetual Trophy that is displayed at the Centennial Hotel. We are looking forward to next year, which we hope will be just as successful.
Lawrie Drury
On behalf of the Organising Committee
James Morrison performs at Kirrawee High
One of Australia’s best known musicians, jazz virtuoso James Morrison, will be performing at Kirrawee High School on Tuesday, 26 September, and Wednesday, 27 September, at 7.30pm.
The event is a rare opportunity to see such an acclaimed musician perform in such an intimate space.
James will be performing with his brother John, Ed Wilson, Mark Isaacs, Emma Pask (she recently sang the bridal waltz at Nic and Keith’s wedding) and a seven-piece band.
The cost is adults $25 and student/concession $20. It is a fundraiser for the Kirrawee High School Senior Stage Band’s trip to Cuba in December.
To book, contact Kirrawee High School on 9521 2099.
 Scholarship helps vanishing Malaysian tribe
Donations are being sought to help with the education of promising students from the remote native village of Kadazandusan in Sabah, Malaysia.
The students will be part of the Sandakan Memorial Scholarship Scheme at St Michael’s Secondary School in Sandakan.
It was people from Kadazandusan who helped our prisoners of war on the Sandakan-Ranau death marches in 1945.
The Australians who survived owed their lives to these stalwart and loyal folk. Some villagers who aided POWs on the march were severely punished.
This living memorial is therefore a wonderful way of acknowledging the risks and sacrifices of many unknown Kadazandusans who extended the hand of friendship to total strangers at a time of very great adversity.
According to Canon Moses Chin, the Rector of St Michael’s, it will take a long while before this ethnic group can match the challenges of the modern world and, without help, will be left behind in the urbanisation effort of Malaysia.
Just recently, a political writer in a local newspaper suggested they may be one of the vanishing tribes of the world unless some effort is made to help them.
As a race, the Kadazandusan are generally poorly educated so it was agreed that promising students be invited to take up an offer of food, lodging and additional tuition classes at St Michael’s School.
At the moment, this offer is aimed at girls who have no hope of fulfilling their potential without outside help.
The cost of board, lodging, general education and extra tuition as well as transport for the students to visit their families is A$700 a year.
To donate, please make out a cheque or money order to the Sandakan Memorial Scholarship Scheme and forward it to 15(B) Ada Avenue, Wahroonga 2076, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a receipt.
Lynette Silver
Honorary Co-ordinator
 Good breeding in the genes
Sarah Hopkin’s great grandfather was a good dog man.
He judged canines in the UK and had a successful breeding bitch called Snowy Kingdom.
Sarah decided to follow her ancestral calling about five years ago and is now a registered breeder with one of her six Yorkshire Terriers about to deliver six pups.
They will be sold when they’re about eight weeks for between $800 and $1400, depending on their size and sex.
“The smaller ones cost more as they’re meant to be a small dog,” said Sarah.
“We’ve showed the dogs at the Easter Show and Nardia was a runner up in the Open Bitch category.”
She said winning the Australian Champion title would give the dog status and would enable her to charge more for pups from her Snowy Kingdom stable or to hire males out for mating.
Sarah also trains dogs and will spend just as much time with the owners teaching them how to look after their pets.
“Giving dogs a lot of praise is the most important thing,” she said.
The hardest aspect was teaching owners the different tones required to convey approval or disapproval.
“The high voice is for praise and the low is for a reprimand so it’s sometimes hard to get women to pitch their voices low enough.”
Sarah doesn’t use food to train dogs as this won’t always be available.
“Dogs are just like children,” she said. “They use bad behaviour to get attention.
“Make sure you talk to them continually and praise them when they’re behaving.”
For further information, call Sarah on 4294 1282.
Seaside Fun Day at Stanwell Park
Pack a picnic and get down to the beach on Saturday 11 November for the CWA Seaside Fun Day at Stanwell Park reserve.
Find a shady spot under the trees and relax and enjoy a magical day by the sea.
There will be delicious international food stalls, innovative and original markets plus plenty of amusement rides including a bungee trampoline.
The CWA Stanwell Park branch would like to invite anyone interested in taking a stall in the markets to email bronwyn.mcgrath@bigpond.com or telephone 4294 3633.
Premier visits Helensburgh
NSW Premier Morris Iemma visited to Helensburgh last month, promising that security fencing at Helensburgh Public School would be addressed in Term 3.
“The Department of Education tells us that a representative will be in touch to organise an onsite risk assessment at the school,” he said.
The Premier was asked about compensation from Integral Energy following the 2001 bushfires and said the mediation process was progressing.
“I was delighted to hear that residents were very happy with the upgrade to Helensburgh Station, and they recognised the work we’re doing to improve reliability of train services”.
The Premier said he was grateful to community leaders who attended the meetings. “They’re an essential part of our plan to encourage local input into the State Plan, which will set the priorities and goals for NSW over the next decade.
“This plan is being developed in partnership with the people of NSW to deliver sustained improvements in State Government services and I want to make sure Helensburgh is included.”
Shape city’s future
Revitalising Wollongong, the plan for the city centre, is on public exhibition and residents are invited to comment.
Developed by a team of Wollongong City Council and NSW Department of Planning staff under the direction of NSW Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, the Plan will guide the development of the city centre as one of six key regional cities.
Revitalising Wollongong incorporates a number of elements contributing to the Plan’s objective of a sustainable and vibrant city core, including development guidelines, public domain preservation and civic improvements, transport and employment.
The plan is on exhibition until 22 September.
Lord Mayor Alex Darling said the plan was a “blueprint for our future” and vital for everyone to have their say.”
Revitalising Wollongong consists of four documents - a Vision for the City, a draft Local Environmental Plan, a draft Development Control Plan and a draft Civic Improvements Plan.
All four documents can be viewed online at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/wollongong or by following the link from Council’s website, www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au.
Copies can be viewed at Council’s Administration Building or the Wollongong City Library, and can be purchased at the Administration Building for $25. A CD-ROM can also be purchased for $10.
Hanging Swamp matter settles
Wollongong City Council’s legal battle with the owners of the environmentally sensitive Hanging Swamp at Stanwell Tops has been settled.
The council alleged landowner Austcorp No 601 Pty Ltd had cleared vegetation and conducted illegal earth moving works at the Hanging Swamp, causing ecological damage.
The matter reached the NSW Land and Environment Court in March when the council claimed Austcorp failed to comply with an order to restore the land.
During a Land and Environment court mention, legal representatives for Austcorp said a settlement had been reached between the two parties.
Illawarra Mercury
Tops part of heritage study
Wollongong City Council will continue to invite contributions to a heritage assessment of the Illawarra Escarpment. The study seeks to build upon a preliminary study of the Escarpment’s historical places and heritage conducted during 2003.
Six key objectives are sought as a result of the assessment, including the preparation of a brief thematic history of the Escarpment, analysis of known heritage sites and the ‘filling in’ of any gaps existing in knowledge of the area’s history.
The project will also include field work, the first part of which was held on 30 August at sites in Mt Kembla and Stanwell Tops.
The consultants met with residents at Stanwell Tops to inspect walks, lookouts and stonework built during the 1930s by the noted developer Harry Halloran. The ‘drop in’ sessions are open to all interested residents at which residents can meet with the consultants managing the process and share information, photos and documents about significant places and events. These will all take place 9.30 to 11.30am on 16 September at the Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre.
Food for Thought
with Michael Anglin
The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that the only topic of discussion more polarizing than religion is politics. Even sports comes a distant third.
A few months ago I attended a meeting at the CWA Hall in Stanwell Park where the development of a new complex was up for discussion. While there, someone mentioned that this community would get no help in this because it was not a stronghold of a particular government.
This had me asking myself the one question that is important; why must communities be held hostage for essential services simply because these communities do not vote for or support a certain political party?
No matter where you go, be it to a big city or a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere, ordinary citizens become the pawns to political parties that find them either a liability or an asset. Depending on what side of the political divide one falls, one is likely to receive a windfall of handouts from the politicians or walk away empty handed.
What troubles me more than ever is that not enough of us seem to stand up for the very basic of things. Is it that we do not want to rock the political machine or do we hope that when the tide turns, and the party we support rises to power, we will do the same to our political opponent?
I like politics. It is the underhandedness that drives me nuts.
Politics is a game of compromise and negotiation. One’s ability to negotiate with members of the opposite party, be it the incumbent or the opposition, will determine just how much one’s community benefits. If, as claimed, this community is not a political stronghold for the incumbent, how then are we to benefit?
We need to offer them something that is appealing to them. What it is, I am not sure. However, community leaders who are savvy enough have the political will to find the tools necessary to effectively engage the political leaders of this area.
One of the problems is that this community has an identity complex of sorts. Politically, it is the gateway to the Illawarra yet is has a Sydney attitude. It is part of the Wollongong Council yet perhaps, for ease of conversation, we feel more comfortable speaking of ourselves as part of Sydney. Even some local magazines advertise Helensburgh, Stanwell Tops and Stanwell Park as being part of Sydney’s south.
It is no wonder political leaders in Wollongong remain aloof when dealing with this us.
Maybe one day communities and invariably citizens will be viewed as valuable contributors and not as pawns in some political chess game. There still is much to be said for common decency.
The views here do not in any way reflect the views of the Helensburgh and District News
Helensburgh Beautification
Landscaping of the area at the Temple Road/Lawrence Hargrave Drive intersection has begun, with 16 ton of fill, soil and mulch recently maneuvered into position. Great thanks to Allure Landscapes.
This area will eventually be planted with natives to create an impressive entrance to the town as a compliment to the existing welcome sign.
Quotes for the construction of the community sign at the top of Parkes Street have been provided by local builders.
The committee is now narrowing these down for lodgement of the DA.
Small engraved plaques will be fixed to each of the 12 street pots on Walker Street this month to recognise the community spirit shown by those participating businesses.
Local community members have come forward to assist with these various projects and we now have someone who is keen to beautify the area in front of the library.
We urge anyone with an idea like this to contact us so that we may collaborate.
We also urge local shop keepers and community members to take ownership of their space - if you see rubbish, weeds, tags/graffiti, do something about it.
Pick it up, pull it out, rub it off. It’s easy....
Landcom consults community
Helensburgh community members met recently with Landcom personnel to review stage three of the Gymea Glade development.
In reviewing plans before submitting them to the Wollongong Council, community members raised concerns about the development with promises from Landcom that all considerations would be taken on board.
One major concern was that, similar to stage one of the development, all vegetation would be removed leaving only a sea of houses.
However the light industrial area of the plan is well hidden from the houses by banks of natural vegetation.
Stage 2 of the development, around Francis Street, has not been finalized.
The community is awaiting findings from the scientific committee as it seeks to retain the apple shale blackbutt vegetation.
In March Wollongong Council decided to only partially approve the third release, excluding nine lots from the 28-lot subdivision based on concerns for the apple shale.
 Helensburgh Stanwell Park Surf Club wins best of the best
Helensburgh Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club has again won the prestigious Illawarra Surf Life Saving Club of the Year award for 2006.
All of the 17 surf clubs in the City of Wollongong contest this award which is judged on how the whole club performs, including beach patrols, training for surf life saving awards, junior activities, community involvement, competition and administration.
In accepting the honour at the Illawarra Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence night at the Novotel on 29 July, club president Mark Thompson paid tribute to all members for their achievements and being part of the team.
He thanked the Helensburgh and Stanwell Park communities for the tremendous support they gave not only to surf life saving but to the many other community organisations and sporting bodies in the district.
Congratulations also to neighbouring club Coalcliff on its achievement in gaining another prestigious award, the best patrolling club in the Illawarra.
Our Club is extremely fortunate that it receives financial support from the community, and in particular many of the local stores in Helensburgh and Stanwell Park. Helensburgh Workmen’s Club continues to assist with annual donations and this year funded the purchase of equipment to facilitate training using CD-ROMs and other computer based training packages.
Helensburgh Coal provided another donation to assist with our competition activities enabling the purchase of a new surf boat. To all donors, we extend our sincere thanks.
The Australian Government has proclaimed 2007 the Year of the Surf Lifesaver in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the first surf clubs in 1907.
Helensburgh Stanwell Park Club ranks amongst the first clubs to be formed and is officially acknowledged by Surf Life Saving Australia as being one of the first 10 clubs.
We intend a number of activities during 2007 and early 2008 and will be inviting the community to join with us in celebrating both the Year of the Surf Lifesaver and our own centenary. Planning is already under way for a gala celebratory dinner on 9 February 2008.
For more information about registrations and who to contact, please visit our website www.stanwellparksurfclub.com or email hsp@stanwellparksurfclub.com.
Alternatively telephone the Secretary on 4294 1573. Registration Dates: Saturday, 9 September, outside Bi-Lo 8.30am to noon. Sunday, 17 September, at the Surf Club 9am to noon. We where we will have the BBQ fired up and an introduction to the surf club. Sunday, 15 October at the Surf Club from 8am. This is also the first pointscore for the season when we will hold the Run/Swim/Run. Pointscore starts at 8.45am.
Fun Run needs legs
The Burgh to Beach Fun Run may not rate with Sydney’s City to Surf but it has all the elements and is shorter – even downhill!
A few locals are keen to kickstart the run and are seeking anyone who may have information on the event to get in touch.
Please contact editor@helensburghnews.org.au and your details will be passed on.
Helensburgh Netball Club
Summer Night Competition
Commences 17 October. Games are played on a Tuesday night at the local courts with the first game starting at 6:30pm. Team registration forms are available from the Shell service station.
Players must be 15 years old by December 31st. Registration 19 September 7:30- 8:30pm at the local courts.
Non-winter players $55. Winter players $30. Individual players welcome
Any enquiries to Kristy 42943793
Helensburgh Junior Rugby League Football Club
This year’s Presentation Day will be held on Sunday, 15 October, from 3pm at the Helensburgh Workmen’s Club.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 27 October, at 6.30pm, also at the Worker’s Club.
Anyone wishing to nominate for a position on the committee must do so in writing before 5pm Friday, 20 October 2006.
Coaches for the 2007 season are also welcome to apply now, subject to changes next year as teams are finalised. All nominations can be sent to: The Secretary, HJRLFC, PO Box 91, Helensburgh 2508.
Stanwell Park Christian Surfers
Last term saw the first of the 2006 winter comps take place, it was well attended and with 2-3 foot conditions and a particularly nice BBQ!
Congratulations to the winners; Jai Thompson micro gromms, Riley Killham gromms, Sam Griffiths juniors, Rachel Campbell junior girls, Adele Bruce women’s, Andrew D’Ath - Weston opens and Tim Butler old salts. Well done, see you next comp.
As usual hall nights were an attraction for the local grommets who were often heard running down Stanwell Avenue. The studies focused on Marks account of Jesus life and the grommets learned the right response to Jesus is to repent (say sorry), believe and obey.
Two highlights of the term would be the Shave for Soleh where the leaders and Angus shaved their heads to raise money for our Indonesian sponsor child. The boys themselves raised $130, well done!
The walk - or slide - up Bald Hill another highlight where the Killham boys, Harrison and most others came home muddier than they left due to the recent rain and slides down the hill.
A Girls Christian Surfers, named “Adelphie”, was initiated at the end of term 2 and will continue through term 3 and onwards. Meeting at Paul and Wilma’s from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Thursday nights.
Tessa Rossington, the Anglican Church Youth worker, with Adele Bruce and Ruth Burns, will be leading the girls through the book of Mark.
Term 3 began with a low key hall night of handball, ping pong, movies and darts followed by the first study into Paul’s letter to Titus, where Christians are challenged to “walk the talk”.
Surfing Competitions will continue this term, 9 September and 4 November the scheduled dates. Keep them free.
Christian Surfers meet Thursday nights, 7pm - 9pm, $2 per night, Stanwell Park Anglican Church Hall.
Adelphie meets Thursday nights, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, $2 per night, The Campbells, 20 Seaview Cres.
Hope to see you in the water.
Craig
Your chance to Try a Tri
Coastlands Fitness Centre is offering a unique training program for people wanting to experience a triathlon. The eight-week program is led by qualified instructors and includes swimming, cycling and running sessions to prepare for the Nepean Enticer Triathlon on Saturday, 28 October at Penrith.
The sessions incorporate cycling classes such as RPM and Spin, swimming sessions at Helensburgh pool in October and outdoor running groups.
The Nepean Enticer Triathlon is an excellent introductory event for people who have never entered a triathlon as the distances are not long compared to other events: 250m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run.
If you follow the Coastlands program, you will be ready to bike, swim and run your way to experiencing the amazing sense of personal achievement that completing a triathlon can give you.
Contact Coastlands Fitness Centre to register for the ‘Try-a-Tri’ program on 4294 2253.
Helensburgh Bowling Club - Social Golf Club
August saw the final two rounds of the Annual Club Championships. Both rounds were held at The Royal Boomerang Golf Course.
The second round was held on 6 August and saw a great turn up with 30 starters contesting for positions in the Club Championships.
As expected it was going to be a highly contested event with many players all within striking distance of the final winning score.
The best round on the day was played by Clarrie Whitton in 1st place, closely followed by Roger Hendry in second place with one of our new members this year, Mark O’Conner coming in 3rd.
The third round was played on the 20 August. Another perfect day in God’s Country - fine and sunny conditions, no wind. Another good rollup with around 30 keen golfers.
The event of the day was won by Steve Snee, followed by Tony Gersbach, and in third place same ol, same ol, Dave Green.
After winning the second round, Clarrie Whitton came in with the “Bradmans Award”. He may have set a new course record on the seventh hole. This will be confirmed after consulting the “guru” of Helensburgh Bowling club golf, Norm Bell.
The bunkers were the winners of the third round - perhaps they had just been topped up with sand. Everyone seemed to be finding them, and then having trouble getting of them.
After the round, players returned to the Bowling club for the presentation. Great prizes were awarded, cordless phones, eskies and Bunning’s Gift vouchers.
Congratulations to all players. The Strike it lucky STILL hasn’t gone off.
We play the first Sunday of each month. We are all ages, so come and join in!
We play the local golf courses, Boomerang and Illawarra. Great prizes and great fun.
Any inquires please re joining please contact Tony on 4294 2696.
puh - la - tes
Joseph Pilates was way ahead of his time when he developed an exercise regime based on body control, movement precision and muscular co-ordination. Originally called “contrology” his exercise system is now referred to by his name and offered in many formats from matwork classes held in gyms to equipment-based exercises conducted in Pilates studios using specialist equipment Pilates himself designed over 70 years ago.
The overriding concept of pilates is simple…use the right muscles for the job. The focus is on balance - strengthening weak muscles and toning down over-dominant and tight muscles which may be causing you postural problems and/or pain. The result is increased overall strength, flexibility and mobility.
If you are interested in trying pilates, there are some great local studios in Wollongong and Sutherland and matwork classes are conducted locally. Studio-based pilates is the way to go if you want an individual program to address your posture or target sports specific training, like cycling or golf.
For a more general approach, a group matwork class may just do the trick.
As with other mind-body disciplines, like yoga or karate the practitioner is as important as the practice so do be sure to check qualifications. Enjoy yourself, and good health to you.
 Coalcliff makes waves at Bluescope Awards
Coalcliff SLSC has many hard working members, some patrolling and others by doing whatever needs to done to make it a great and friendly club.
We also have a small group of carnival competitors who have shown great sportsmanship and have achieved remarkable success throughout the years.
At this year’s BlueScope Awards of Excellence some of our members were recognised for their achievements.
The very talented Samantha Hammond was chosen as the Illawarra Junior Surf Life Saver of the Year and was also a finalist in the Rookie of the Year.
Wendy Doran’s tireless years of effort was rewarded by her Age Manager of the Year Award.
Grant Smith won the BMS Training Officer of the Year (those involved know how much work this was) and was also a finalist in the Patrolling member category.
President Peter Jordan who has worked so hard for several years for Coalcliff won the Illawarra Credit Union Administrator of the Year.
Dave Winner was a finalist in the Assessor of the Year.
Coalcliff also won The BlueScope Steel Patrolling Club of the Year which recognised the hard work and hours put in by our small group of patrolling members.
One of the night’s highlights was the Andrew Flakelar Memorial Commendation which was awarded to Michael Jordan for the rescuing a surfer in huge and dangerous seas. He received a standing ovation as all there knew what a great effort this was.
Congratulations also to Helensburgh Stanwell-Park SLSC for their success as BlueScope Steel Champion Club and to Evan Griffiths, Brendon Potter, Brooke Dent and Damien Cook for their awards.
Registration Dates:
Saturdays, 16 & 23 September, Bi-Lo, 9am to noon.
Sundays, 17 & 24 September at the Club, 10am to noon, includes clothing sale.
Alternatively, see SLSA Registration Form on www.coalcliffslsc.com.au, complete and posted to PO Box 361 Helensburgh 2508 with payment. Cheques to be made payable to Coalcliff SLSC.
Fees: Family $110; Active $30; Associate $35; Junior $60.
Late Registrations: Family $120, Active $40, Associate $45, Junior $70
Please ring Ken Newman 42943364 for any enquiries
Attitude threatens junior soccer
By Heather Smith
Helensburgh Thistles junior soccer club is in disarray, with several senior committee members expected to quit their posts and many players leaving to join other codes.
“We’ll be lucky if we have a club next year,” said one committee member who did not wish to be named.
President Steve Glover and his brother Carl, who is the fundraising co-ordinator, have confirmed they will not be recontesting their positions, while vice-president Brad Crouch is also expected to step down.
“It’s not so much disharmony within the committee but a lack of back up,” said Steve.
Committee members, former members and parents contacted by the Helensburgh & District News expressed their disappointment with how the club was being run.
“There’s too much emphasis on winning rather than having fun,” said former committee member and under 9 manager Kay Ruhe.
Her comments were evidenced at the Rooball Grand Final at WIN Stadium on 18 June when three reserves did not get a run.
It is understood the coach, Greg McPherson, was given a directive by the committee to put the best players on the paddock at all times.
“It’s very sad,” said Kay. “The club was so strong a few years ago.”
She will be leaving the club next year, taking her son Zac to football as many parents did this year.
Dave Ball removed his son Kalani when he discovered during the trial matches that a Stanwell Park team would not be fielded and the players would be split into different teams.
“They want to play with their mates and it makes it easier for parents too,” he said.
When Dave and his wife Nicole tried to get a refund on their registration fees, they were refused despite their son not even starting the season.
Kalani has since joined the football club and Dave said the attitude was more about giving the kids a go, no matter what their ability.
Canteen co-ordinator Jane Gadd is one Thistles committee member seriously considering whether she will return next year.
“It’s a big commitment,” she said.
“If everyone put in a little time each day, it wouldn’t be such a hard job.”
Jane and Joanne Buckmaster found themselves on canteen duty for most of the season, with Jane often working from 7am to 1pm on Saturdays, sometimes until 5.30pm if the seniors were playing at home, and from 7am to 1pm on Sundays for the graded players and women’s league.
Jane said it was important for parents and players to realize that a joint effort was required to make the club successful.
“I really want to make the point that everyone on the committee tries really hard and it’s easy to criticize but you have to be willing to put your hand up,” she said. Inexperience and a lack of communication contributed to this year’s problems, she said, and highlighting the issue would hopefully achieve a solution.
Steve Glover said additional help was essential for the club to function.
“A few parents do help but it’s always the same ones,” he said.
He said the commitment was too great and he was missing out on family time, not to mention missing his own children’s games.
“My brother’s the same,” he said. “He spends the whole weekend on the barbecue and misses his girls’ games.
“We’re all volunteers and we’re obligated to do it – if we don’t, we feel like we’re letting the club down.”
Steve said he was caught between “a rock and a hard place” and the job was made more difficult by the criticism by those who didn’t volunteer to help.
“I’ve had to deal with letters from disgruntled parents who won’t even sign them,” he said. “It gets a bit much.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer for committee positions or to help the club should contact Steve on 4294 3049 or email sgair@bigpond.com.
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