Kiama Community Radio's Podcast

In this week's episode, Neil and Di deep dive into Biography and Autobiography, then embark on a wide-ranging discussion of their recent reads, from Gina Chick, to Ben Elton, to the swamp sagas of the American South.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Presenters Di Ellison, Karen Lateo and Campbell McConachie bring you chapter and verse on all things literary.This week, we'll learn about the boom in street libraries, explore the possibility of a post-literate society, and review that not-so-tasty Aussie crime saga, The Mushroom Tapes.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Presenters Jane Parbury, Di Ellison and Karen Lateo talk about the longevity of Jane Austen; when screen adaptations lead you to (or back to) a book; those rage-bait word-of-the-year lists; and their latest book club reads.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral talks to Captain Rhys Dawson from  Kiama Fire and Rescue, who are currently seeking new recruits. This is part of Gabi's regular program Living Local at 9am on KCR on Wednesday mornings. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral talks to Renee Green from Lifeline South Coast, who are opening a new Opp Shop in Kiama and looking for volunteers and staff to run it. This is part of Gabriela's regular program Living Local at 9am on Wednesdays on KCR, streaming at kcr.org.au or via I Heart radio and the Kiama Commuinity Radio App.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Let's raise a glass to this week's KCR Living Local guest: Michael Bowden from Cin Cin Wine Bar. Gabriela Cabral chats to this active and engaged local businessman about running a hospitality venue that's so much more: it hosts men's group meetings, children's cooking workshops, and supports local artists. Michael also runs Assured Transport Kiama, addressing the local taxi shortage, and is actively campaigning for the LGA's Night Economy.Join Gabi every Wednesday morning at 9am for Living Local at KCR.org.au or via your favourite streaming service. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gerroa Environmental Protection  Society (GEPS) is proposing that Seven Mile Beach National Park be extended to protect Coomonderry Swamp and the natural habitat of the endangered Greater Glider.  Coomonderry Swamp is the State's largest coastal freshwater wetland, representing 40% of coastal freshwater wetlands in NSW and 90% of this wetland type on the South coast, yet most of it lies unprotected outside of the National Park GEPS organised a public meeting on April 22nd to discuss the proposal. The speakers wereGarry Daly – author of a recent study in the Australia Zoologist Journal about the decline of Greater Gliders on the South CoastDavid Rush - who has been involved in a similar project; the Berry Habitat       Corridor linking Seven Mile Beach to hinterland vegetation  Howard H Jones  and Warren Holder – who are both founding members of GEPS and are driving the proposal. The GEPS National Park expansion proposal can be found on the GEPS website:  http://geps.kiamaregion.blogKCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

One of the big question marks with regard to Council's budget for the coming financial year is what's happening with Blue Haven Terralong and how to deal with it. In this podcast Bernie Hems talks to Edwin Humphries, president of the Blue Haven Terralong Committee and Boni Maywald, high profile resident who stepped forward to speak on behalf of Blue Haven Terralong at Public Access prior to the infamous Kiama Municipal Council Extraordinary General Meeting about the budget just after Easter.This podcast is part of a series of interviews on this subject which includes Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, Councillor Stuart Larkins and Councillor Mike Cains. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

On KCR's Living Local this week, host Gabriela Cabral meets a local hero: Elaine King of the Kiama Parkinson's Support Group. Elaine and the group are lobbying for much-needed care nurses in our area. You can hear Gabi and Living Local every Wednesday at 9am , online at KCR.org.au or via your favourite streaming service.Recorded 22.4.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

At the April 2026 meeting of the Kiama Historical Society Stuart Richards spoke about the project he has been working on for 5 years to install Heritage panels in the township of Jamberoo to share with the public the important history of the region. He was introduced by Sue Eggins, president of the Kiama Historical Society. Stuart Richards spoke to Lee Cordner on KCR's morning program ahead of the Historical Society meeting to give some background to his involvement and the history of Jamberoo. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gerringong and District Historical Society is in the midst of the 100th birthday of the Werri Beach Estate.  Geoff Webb, president of the Gerringong and District Historical Society spoke to Bernie Hems in KCR's morning program  in advance of the celebrations and KCR's Brian Warren recorded the book launch at the Gerringong Library and Museum on Wednesday April 15th. The celebrations consist of a book, and exhibition and guided walks around the Werri Estate, all organised by members of the Gerringong and District Historical Society. The exhibition at GLAM runs until April 24th 10am -3pm.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

The Friends of Kiama Library present author Candice Fox, introduced by president of the FoKL, Perrie Crowshaw. Recorded at Kiama Library by Candy Andersen 16.4.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral chats to architect Madeleine Scarfe about working with an architect, why you would want to do that and how good design can change your life. Recorded 15.4.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral chats with Sally Bursell from Destination Kiama about Kiama After Dark ; an exciting project exploring how we can grow and energise night-time activity across the Kiama LGA. What could our evenings look like in the future? More dining, more culture, more reasons to stay local after sunset.Recorded 15.4.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Bernie Hems talks to Councillor Mike Cains about last week's Extraordinary General Meeting at Kiama Municipal Council and the proposed budget cuts brought about by the Performance Improvement Order imposed on Kiama Municipal Council by the Office of Local Government. Recorded 14.4.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Bernie Hems talks to Councillor Stuart Larkins about the proposed budget cuts that were discussed at last week's Extraordinary Council Meeting in an effort to balance the budget in the 2026/27 Financial Year in line with the Performance Improvement Order imposed on Kiama Municipal Council by the Office of Local Government. Recorded 13.4.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

The Co-op, next to Gerringong Station has completed the latest phase in their long term plan, opening The Courtyard adjacent to the carpark. Gabriela Cabral talks to Co-op manager Erica Warren about how it's going. This interview was recorded as part of Gabi's weekly program Living Local, Wednesday mornings at 9am on KCR. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Gabral talks to Toula Andronicos from Lick My Bowls, a popular food truck at the Kiama Farmers' Market every Wednesday afternoon.  This interview was recorded as part of Gabi's weekly program supporting local businesses The Shop Around the Corner every Wednesday morning at 9am on KCR. Recorded 1.4.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

In a special Council Counsel reprise , Bernie Hems talks to Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters about the controversial proposed budget passed at last night's Extraordinary Council Meeting.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

At an Extraordinary General Meeting this evening Kiama Council is proposing a number of budget reforms including relocating the Museum set up and run by the Kiama Historical Society for years, from the Pilot's Cottage next to the Visitors' Centre at Blowhole Point to the space underneath Kiama Library (currently the Family History Centre). On his morning program this morning Jason Beasley Hahn spoke to Dr Tony Gilmour , secretary of the Kiama Historical Society, about the implications of this move for the Museum and the community. Jason presents KCR's Morning Program 7-9am, on Tuesdays. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Glenn Shepherd talks to Champion Rower Nardia Guillaumier and her coach Alan Swan as part of his regular program about local sports Around the Arenas on KCR. Nardia and Alan raised  a total of $65,205 for cancer research in the Kiama Fitness Challenge in November 2025; nardia rowed 100km on an indoor rowing machine and Alan rode 200km on a stationary bike at the Kiama Surf Club, supported by several teams from the local community, More recently, Nardia has won 2 gold Medals at the 20026 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Presenter Gabriela Cabral talks to Rebecca Armstrong from Culinarius, arguably the region's premier provider of creative catering. This is part of Gabi's regular weekly program supporting local businesses The Shop Around the Corner, Wednesday mornings at 9am.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabi Cabral chats to artist Grahame Kime, who worked as a Community Arts Officer at Kiama Municipal Council in the ‘90s and set up the Old Fire Station as an Art Gallery. This interview is part of Gabi's regular weekly program Living Local at 9am Wednesdays on KCR. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Glenn Shepherd chats to Mark Burns, who started The Man Walk 8 years ago in Kiama. It has now grown to  100 separate locations across Australia and is spreading across the world.Mark has now turned his attentions to another project called 'Building Young Men':  a mentoring program for year 10 boys from Kiama High School to guide them into adult life.These interviews were recorded for KCR's Morning Program, every morning 8 from 7-9am, of which Glenn is the custodian on Friday mornings. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

In the debut episode, hosts Di Ellison, Neil Reilly and Campbell McConachie chat about the book that changed their lives. What's your life-changing book? Kiama Book Space also welcomes a very special guest: Bruce Elder, a journalist and author, who's been involved in writing more than 60 books. His Blood on the Wattle was nominated as one of the 10 most influential works of non-fiction published in Australia in the 20th Century.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral talks to Ula Hole from Ovatu; a global booking and business management platform designed to make running a small business easier, more human, and less complicated. Hear how innovation and heart can go hand-in-hand in the world of business.It's a conversation about leadership, empowerment, and creating positive change.Recorded 4.3.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabi talks to Moira Jefferson from Zonta International about International Women's Day and the important work Zonta does to empower women and girls in our community and beyond.This is part of Gabriela Cabral's weekly program Living Local on KCR every Wednesday morning at 9am. Recorded 4.3.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabi  talks to John Larkins from the  Kiama Lions Club, one of KCR's sponsors, about the Club and its current projects. This is part of Gabriela Cabral's weekly program Living Local every Wednesday morning  at 9am on KCR.Recorded 24.2.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabi talks to Zeynep Testoni, the talented ceramic artist who runs Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong.If it's local, we're living it every Wednesday on KCR! Listen to Living Local with Gabriela cabral every Wednesday morning at 9am. Recorded 4th march 2026.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral talks to Dr Tony Gilmour from the Kiama and District Historical Society  about the upcoming event A Night At The Museum on Feb 19th at the Pilot's Cottage in Kiama.  Gabi and Tony also talk about what's happening with the Family History Centre and Kiama Municipal Council. If it's local, we're living it on Living Local, every Wednesday 9am on KCR! Listen online at KCR.org.au or stream via your fave app.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabi Cabral talks to accountant Mark Londal from First Class Accounts. If numbers or finances aren't your thing, Mark will explain how to make them work for us. If it's local, we're living it every Wednesday on KCR! Listen online at KCR.org.au or stream via your fave app.Recorded 18.2.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

On Saturday February 21st Kiama Council hosted the Gerringong Community Expo at Gerringong Library, designed to showcase the variety of community groups operating in Gerringong, and what a dedicated and inspiring bunch they are.  If you couldn't make it, here is a summary of what you missed.  We tried to get around to all the community groups on hand but we apologise if we missed you out; feel free to email us at admin@kcr.org.au. Recorded 21.2.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Wedding celebrant Trish Fallon talks to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. Recorded 11.2.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral talks to Kelly Morrison from travel agency Travel Focus Group in Gerringong.  Kelly also runs Roam, which she describes as a travel community for women who want to travel by themselves.  This is part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. Recorded 11.2.2026KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabi Cabral talks to Zoe McCarthy, Director of the Miss Zoe's School of Dance, which is celebrating 20 years of helping young people grow in confidence and shine through performance. This is part of Gabriela's weekly program The Shop Around the Corner which supports local businesses, every Wednesday morning at 9am. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral talks to Emma Veiga Malta about the Creative Business Summit which is organising.  The Creative Business Summit is an exciting initiative designed to help artists turn their talents into sustainable careers, challenging the “starving artist mentality” and encouraging creatives to value their work.This was recorded as part of Gabriela's weekly program Living Local, Wednesday mornings at 9am on KCR KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Felicity Leitch talks to Michelle Barry, Team Leader (Health Promotion) for Healthy Cities Australia about Let's Play Kiama, an event in Hindmarsh Park Kiama in January this year. This interview was recorded 19.1.26 during the Morning Show on KCR, Monday to Friday  from 7am to 9am.  Felicity is in the hot seat on Mondays. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Jane and Fiona talk to local gardener and ABC personality John Gabriele about propagating and transplanting to make the most of your garden. This is part of KCR's weekly program Grow and Sow, Friday mornings at 9am. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

KCR reporters were on the ground at the Kiama Show checking out the scene. From the wood chopping to the show bags our intrepid reporters Lee Cordner, Peter Sullivan, Felicity Leitch, Gabi Cabral, Bernie Hems and Joe Carter were there making sure you don't miss a thing. In this the second of our 2 part podcast we chat to the other occupants of the Local Homegrown Hub:  Steve  from Stoic Brewery, Zaynep Testoni  from Soul Clay Studios, Suzie Storrie from Twin Figs Farm, Rebecca from the Jamberoo Jerky and Biltong Company, Shaye Lucason from the The Kiama Chocolate Company, and Rachel Peedom from Bee Inspired.  We also talk to carpenter Tom Michu Wright , Judith Russell from Products that Heal and Michael and Michelle Crofts from Mermaidia Braids, Bonnie and Peter Maywald from Wrap with Love, Joe Carter from the Kiama Community Garden, Meredith from Landcare  and David Toohey from KCR. Recorded over 2 days; 23rd and 24th January 2026. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

KCR reporters were on the ground at the Kiama Show checking out the scene. From the wood chopping to the show bags our intrepid reporters Lee Cordner, Peter Sullivan, Felicity Leitch, Gabi Cabral, Bernie Hems and Glenn Shepherd  were there making sure you don't miss a thing. In this; Part 1 of our 2 part podcast we concentrate on the traditional competition section of the show: the flowers, the art, the plants, the sewing, the spinners and weavers in the Pavilion, followed by the equestrian events, the cattle and the woodchop. In Part 2 of our 2 part podcast we concentrate on the exhibitors: local businesses, retailers and community groups.Recorded over 2 days, January 23rd and 24th January 2026. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Bernie Hems talks to our local State MP Katelin McInerney about development and infrastructure in the Kiama LGA.This is Bernie's last Chat Tuesday for a while, as she takes a break to concentrate on her work behind the scenes as KCR Marketing Manager. Recorded 20.1.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Joe Carter and Felicity Leitch talk to Hugh Marriot, local WIRES Reptile Co-ordinator and  wildlife generalist. This is part of KCR's regular gardening program Grow and Sow which is on Friday mornings at 9am. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

KCR Morning presenter Felicity Leitch talks to Dr Fiona Mackie, Kiama resident and Deputy Chair of the SOS Fracture Alliance, about management of osteoporosis in Australia, and the new clinical standards to improve care across the board. By way of context, this interview was recorded 15.12.25,  the morning after 2 gunmen shot 15 people dead at Bondi Beach. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Felicity Leitch talks to Cameron Hayton of Walcha Coffee. Cameron is bringing his coffee to Gainsborough's new takeaway and American smokehouse, Hook & Ember.This interview was recorded as part of Felicity's weekly morning program at 7am Mondays on KCR. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela Cabral is joined by naturopath, nutritionist and Reiki specialist Arjuna Biswas to explore alternative pathways to health and healing, offering listeners fresh insights into wellbeing.This interview was recorded 10.12.25 as part of Gabi's regular weekly program supporting local businesses The Shop Around the Corner, Tuesday mornings at 9am on KCR. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Gabriela speaks with Martin Culleton from Culleton Lawyers about the most common legal issues affecting Kiama residents, from everyday disputes to the latest local trends.Recorded 10.12.2025 as part of Gabriela's regular weekly program on KCR The Shop Around the Corner at 9am Tuesdays. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Bernie Hems talks to Rev, Kath Merrifield and Madeleine Scarfe about the Community Care Cupboard which opened at the Uniting Church Kiama just before Christmas. The CCC was the brain child of 10 year old (at the time) Indi Whittaker and was brought into being by a collaboration between Indi's grandmother Annie O'Sullivan, Rev. Kath Merrifield of the Uniting Church, architect Madeleine Scarfe, the Men's Shed and (then) Councillors Kathy Rice and Karen Renkema Lang. The CCC contains free supplies accessible to the public and the motto is 'Give what you can, take what you need'.Recorded 9.12.25 as part of Bernie's regular program on KCR Chat Tuesday, Tuesday mornings at 10am. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Bernie Hems chats with Gülçin Töpel, owner of Saltwater Cafe, Kiama and the national winner in the Café category of the Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards.Gülçin moved to Kiama from Sydney in 2020 with her husband Tolga, buying Saltwater the following year. Raised in Turkey by her grandparents, she brings a deep sense of kindness, generosity and community to everything she does.Recorded 9.12.25KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: admin@kcr.org.au

Joe Carter and Jane Parbury talk to Gardening Australia's Tammy Huynh;  presenter, horticulturist and hugely knowledgeable garden writer. Tammy will be chatting about The Plant Book, her new, practical and beautiful guide to growing indoor plants.Whether you're a seasoned indoor plant parent or just starting out, this is a morning of green inspiration—on air and in the garden.This interview was recorded as part of KCR's weekly gardening program Grow and Sow, Friday mornings at 10am. 

Dr. Scott Wilson is Honourary Research Scientist at Macquarie University  and Senior Research Fellow at RMIT and has 25 years' experience as an ecotoxicologist and environmental scientist. Kiama Library welcomed Scott to tell us about microplastics and  AUSMAP, the Australian Microplastics Assessment Project, of which he is the research director. AUSMAP is a Citizen Science project which counts the number of microplastic particles that wash up on the edges of waterways in several locations around Australia. Scott was introduced by Karen Lang, who leads the local AUSMAP team, and the event was hosted by Michelle Hudson representing Kiama Library. Recorded 2.12.25

The Kiama School of Performing Arts presents The Santa Interviews, written and directed by Shannon McAlary, edited by Seamus McAlary; Groups A & B. Happy Christmas from KCR and we look forward to seeing you again in 2026.