Kiama Community Radio's Podcast

Gabriela Cabral talks to Melanie Pearce from eMerge Business Support, which  offers  tailor-made administrative services to local businesses, to help them empty their overflowing too-hard basket. This interview is part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: The Shop Around the Corner, Tuesday mornings at 9am. Recorded 5.11.25

Headspace opened in Kiama to much fanfare in October 2024. Headspace is run by Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.  In this episode of Living Local Gabriela Cabral talks to Mat King, Community Engagement Officer and  Emily Neild, mental health clinician about the services that Headspace offers and what they do. Living Local, is on KCR Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. Recorded 5.11.25

Kiama Library hosted an evening of crime recently with writers James Dunbar and Tim Ayliffe discussing their new books with Kiama author, Ryan Butta. James's previous novel Mole Creek was shortlisted in the Danger Awards, 2024 and his new psychological thriller, Twisted River, is set in Kiama. Tim's fifth novel in the John Bailey series is The Wrong Man, a tale of corruption, murder and salvation. Having spent 25 years as a journalist in Australia and overseas, Tim's novels are informed by his knowledge of espionage, extremism, politics and global power games.Recorded 7.11.25

Bernie Hems chats with historian Dr Tony Gilmour about the Kiama and District Historical Society which turns at 50 this year.  At the society's birthday bash on November 22, Tony will launch his new book about the Historical Society; Celebrating History, Defending Heritage. It brings to life why the Society was established and the fight to win control of the Pilot's Cottage, which was threatened with being turned into a fast food takeaway shop. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am.  

Bernie Hems chats to Deirdre Backhouse, co-ordinator of the Illawarra ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long COVID Support Group.  Bernie and Deirdre are joined by Councillor Yasmin Tatrai. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Felicity Leitch and Joe Carter chat with Sarah Anderson, head grower of the urban market garden at Popes Produce in Woonona, a suburban oasis that Sarah started in 2015. This is part of KCR's regular gardening program, Grow and Sow, Friday mornings at 9am. 

Felicity Leitch talks to Tatiana Williams, a Kiama menopause and strength coach who advocates that menopause isn't the end – it's the beginning of a powerful new chapter! Through her TW Wellness Coaching, Tatiana helps women in perimenopause and menopause rebuild confidence, strength and vitality through science-based training, nutrition and mindset. Ttiana is running a women's retreat at Cedar Springs on November 29. This was recorded as part of Felicity's program on KCR Mornings, 7-9am every Monday!  Tune in live online at KCR.org.au, or listen via the KCR app.Recorded 3.11.25

Joe Carter and Fiona Mackie talk to Nadiah Roslan as part of their weekly gardening show on KCR; grow and Sow at 9am Fridays. Originally from Canberra, biologist Nadiah has nearly a decade of experience coordinating Australian citizen science projects. With degrees in Zoology and Tropical Ecology, she is now the Project Coordinator for FrogID, the national initiative dedicated to understanding and conserving Australia's frogs. At the Australian Museum in Sydney, Nadiah works to communicate the scientific achievements of FrogID, oversee the FrogID mobile app, and help share its reach across Australia. She also coordinates the museum's annual FrogID Week event – the nation's largest frog count – happening 7-16 November this year.Recorded 24.10.25

Kiama Community Garden had an Open Day on October 25th 2025 to celebrate their 15th Birthday and Berni Hems spent the morning their chatting to Gabriella, Liama, Cathy, Marta and Peter. This recording was part of of Bernie's regular KCR program Chat Tuesday, 10am Tuesday on KCR. 

Writer and poet Vesna Cvjeticanin migrated to Australia from Serbia 35 years ago. Her book, An Unexpected Life, shares the inspiring journey of twelve migrant women who left their homelands as adults to start a new life in Australia. These women had to come to terms with life in a new language and for some of them a completely new profession. Vesna shares stories of their resilience, determination and courage as they overcame many challenges and personal struggles. Interviewed by Jo Bolam, KCR podcaster, at Kiama Library, October 28.Recorded at Kiama Library, October 28, 2025 

At the October meeting of the Kiama Historical Society Dr Tony Gilmour and Doctor Aunty Joyce Donovan talked about the aboriginal history section of the Pilots Cottage Museum which they have been updating for the past 18months.  The Pilot's Cottage Museum is run by the Kiama Historical Society and Dr Tony Gilmour is the Vice President. The talk was introduced by Sue Eggins, president of the Kiama Historical Society and recorded for KCR by Peter SullivanRecorded 24.10.25

Bernie Hems chats to entrepreneur and business coach Glenn Haworth. Glenn is running a workshop for small businesses  on the 7th November at the Kiama Pavilion, organised through Kiama Community College. This workshop is subsidised by the NSW Government's Targeted Skills for Business (ACE) Program so will be free for many businesses.  This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. Recorded 21.10.25

Bernie Hems chats to Councillor Matt Brown, joined at the end by Geoff Webb from the Gerringong Historical Society. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Council Counsel, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 9am. Recorded 21.10.25

The Friends of Kiama Library held an evening of music, murder and mayhem with authors Stuart Coupe and Jeff Apter discussing how two Kings of the Cross, Abe Saffron and Lee Gordon, influenced music and the mafia in Australia.Stuart and Jeff were introduced by, and interviewed by Perrie Croshaw, president of the Friends of Kiama Library.   Recorded by Jo Bolam at Kiama Library, Oct 17, 2025.

In this week's episode of Grow and Sow hosts Peter Sullivan and Joe Carter meet  Zeke Ezra from Penjing at Robertson. A retired chartered accountant, Zeke turned to gardening and, eventually, bonsai, for stress relief. Zeke opened his garden centre and bonsai nursery in Robertson in March 2023, next door to his wife's art gallery with the aim of meeting like-minded people and encouraging others to take up and enjoy bonsai and the Chinese art of penjing, the precursor to bonsai. Mentored by a neighbour who had more than 50 years' experience in bonsai design, Zeke now takes great pleasure in assisting customers with their gardens and plant selection.Recorded 17.10.25

With the recent sad passing of acclaimed primatologist Jane Goodall, humanity lost a precious connection to our natural world. In this interview Lee Cordner   meets a local friend of the primates, Fiona Kennedy, and hears of her experiences with orangutans. As a child she lived in Borneo, the orangutans' native habitat, and saw first-hand how orphaned animals were kept in nappies and not raised to survive in the wild. She has since sponsored baby orangutans and seen them re-enter the jungle through the work of the Orangutan Care Centre. Fiona visited Indonesian Borneo earlier this year with another Kiama naturalist, Rachael Peedom of Bee Inspired. Fiona tells Lee about their jungle adventure and explains how we can all help the cause. Fiona is hosting a fundraiser for the  Orangutan Foundation  International Australia at Kiama Surf Club on 16th November 2025. This is part of KCR's morning program 7am-9am, of which Lee Cordner is the host on Thursdays. Recorded 16.10.25

Bernie Hems chats to  Shane Baker from Coast and Country Community Services  about the vital work they do supporting our region. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Every voice belongs! That's the motto of the Kiama Illawarra Pride Choir, a tiny choir making a big noise in the Aussie choral scene.In this episode of Chat Tuesday Bernie Hems chats to KIPC's assistant music director, Jonnell Uptin about her musical journey, her belief in joy and kindness over advocacy and politics, and her love for the close-knit family her choir has become. Recorded 14.10.25

Grow and Sow hosts Felicity Leitch and Joe Carter meet Barb Khalifa, whose gardening passion is permaculture and preserving bio-diversity.

KCR Mornings host Lee Cordner chats with Craig McCorkell of the Veteran Guitar Group. A former Navy medic and ambulance service instructor, Craig is a member of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch. The Guitar Group is his passion project: it provides free music tuition to all ex or currently serving veterans and frontline emergency service workers. No musical experience is necessary – members simply gather, play a bit of guitar, and have a chat with like-minded people. The RSL club provides the venue free, and Craig has raised grants to continue the group. He's calling for people to donate guitars they no longer want – Craig will clean and fix them, and they will be donated to veterans who are down on their luck. Can you help?

Bernie Hems chats to Derek McMahon about Kiama Council's Draft Employment Lands Strategy.   You can comment on the Draft Employment Lands Strategy until Sunday October 19th. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Council Counsel, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 9am. 

Bernie Hems chats to David Wiggins and Hannah McInerney about the upcoming Jamberoo Car Show, Sunday October 26th from where Kiama Community Radio will be broadcasting live. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Bernie Hems chats to Mary Seelis, President of the Berry and District Garden Club which has organised the Berry Gardens Festival this coming weekend. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Bernie Hems chats to Anne Chan of the Southern Illawarra Older Women's Network.This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Jeff Apter appeared at the Gerringong Library on August 9th to discuss his new biography Lee Gordon Presents: How One Man Changed Australian Life Forever. Jeff Apter lives in Wollongong with his family and is a former Rolling Stone journalist and author of more than 30 books about music and musicians including biographies of Neil Finn, The Bee Gees, Marc Hunter, Shirley Strachan, Silverchair, Keith Urban, John Farnham and a number 1 Australian bestseller, High Voltage: The Life of Angus Young AC/DC's Last Man Standing. Jeff is interviewed by KCR podcaster Jo Bolam, with an introduction by Lauren Watkins, Branch Supervisor of Gerringong Library, and this recording includes audience questions. 

On Thursday 25th September the Kiama Business Network presented the Mayor's breakfast, a chance for Mayor Cameron McDonald to talk to the community about what the Council has achieved in the past year and what they are planning next.  Newly elected State Member for Kiama Kaitlin MacInerney was a surprise guest.

Bernie Hems chats to Geoff Cole from Kiama Rotary about the Festival of Choirs which will be held at the Kiama Pavilion on October 15th.This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Bernie Hems chats to Councillor Yasmin Tatrai and Esther Keenan from the Generosity Church, who is setting up the Everyday table, a new community based initiative at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Bernie Hems chats with Mal MacRae and John Hanna from the Kiama Woodcraft Group, who meet at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Kiama on the third Tuesday of ever month at 7 pm.This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Dean Shaw from Flavourista talks to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: The Shop Around the Corner, Tuesday mornings at 9am. Recorded 24.9.25

Claudine Levy from Kiama Community College talks to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. 

Esther Keenan from Known Design and Print talks to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: The Shop Around the Corner, Tuesday mornings at 9am. 

Bernie Hems chats to Janet Peters, newly elected chair of community-based advocacy group Kiama Matters which is intended as a forum to discuss issues relevant to the residents of the  Kiama LGA. Recorded 16.9.25

As part of The Friends of Kiama Library Author Talks,  Perrie Crowshaw chats to award winning author Camille Booker about her new historical thriller, The Woman in the Waves which is set in a small fishing town on the South Coast of NSW called Widow's Peak and  may or may not bear a resemblance to places we may know... Recorded 6.9.25

Bernie Hems chats to Peter Walsh, CEO of Walkbuy, a new App connecting retailers with shoppers in the Kiama LGA. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. Recorded 16.9.25

Charles Walker from the University of the Third Age talks to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. Recorded 10.9.25

Megan Storey from Marketing Movement talks to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: The Shop Around the Corner, Tuesday mornings at 9am. Recored10.9.25

Bernie Hems chats to Yumi Lee, CEO of the Older Women's Network NSW. This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday at 10am, 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

In the lead-up to the 2025 Kiama By-Election, all 13 candidates were invited to submit audio responses to three key questions about their vision for Kiama, their priorities, and what drives them to serve.Each episode features unedited responses in the candidates' own voices — giving you the chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent our community in Parliament. 

Gabriela Cabral talks to Robert Servine, CEO of Green Connect Farm in Warrawong.This is part of Gabi's regular program Living Local at 9.30am Wednesdays on KCR.

Gabriela Cabral talks to award winning pastry chef Troy Hindmarch from Parfait Patisserie in Kiama.This is part of Gabi's weekly program suporting local businesses The Shop Around the Corner, Wednesday mornings at 9am on KCR. Recorded 3 Sept 2025

Bernie Hems chats to Guy Stearn,  winner of the Robert East Memorial Award at the recent Kiama Council Local Government Awards.Guy is also President of the Kiama Show Society and, the quote Kiama Council: Guy Stearn has consistently demonstrated strong dedication and commitment to the Kiama Show, playing a significant role in supporting its growth and long-term sustainability. His efforts have positively impacted the entire township of Kiama, providing valuable support not only to the event itself but also to individuals who seek involvement with a community group.This interview was recorded as part of Berni Hems' weekly program Chat Tuesday, Tuesdays at 10am on KCR