Kiama Community Radio's Podcast

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. 

Dianne Tierney, President of the Kiama CWA Evening Branch talks to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am.  

Dr Jonell Uptin from Uptin's Educational Consultancy talks to Gabriela Cabral about her work with young refugees and her longstanding association with orphanages in Thailand. This interview was recorded as  part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. Recorded 3.12.25

Bernie Hems chats to Howard H Jones, President of the Gerroa Environment Protection SocietyThis is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. 

Jason Beasley-Hahn talks to Mike Leonard, Branch Secretary of the Ulysses South Coast Branch,  about the 35th Annual South Coast Toy Run—a fantastic community tradition bringing local motorcycle riders together to support families in need this Christmas, which happened on Sunday 7 DecemberRiders are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child aged 3–17, with a special call for gifts for young people aged 13–17. Every item and every dollar goes directly to Family Services Australia Shoalhaven/Illawarra.This interview was recorded (4.12.25) as part of Jason's regular Tuesday morning program 7-9am on KCR. 

Joe Carter and Fiona Mackie talk to Narelle Happ, a horticulturalist, landscape- and permaculture-designer, and educator who specialises in native gardens, edible native/bush-food gardening, and permaculture design.Narelle runs A Garden for Life, delivering beautiful garden designs, workshops, and community/education projects across the Illawarra, Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, and Shoalhaven regions.Recorded 28.11.25

The Kiama Historical Society has turned 50, and secretary Dr Tony Gilmour has written a book to commemorate the occasion:  Celebrating History, Defending Heritage; Fifty Years of Kiama Historical Society.   The book was launched at the November meeting of the Kiama Historical Society, with speeches by Dr Tony Gilmour and President of the Kiama Historical Society Sue Eggins, who joined the Society back in the 80s and has been a major driving force of the Society since then.  The welcome to Country was delivered by the first Aboriginal patron of the Society, Aunty Dr Joyce Donovan. Recorded 22nd November 2025

Michelle Springett from Expressive Art Experience 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

Gabriela Cabral talks to Dr Kathleen Lawson from Life Rhythm Integrated Healthcare about music therapy, its uses, and its healing benefits, as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. Recorded 26.11.25

Gabriela Cabral chats to recently elected Katelin McInerney MP, member for Kiama, about Arts funding. This is part of Gabi's weekly program Living Local, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 9am. Recorded 26.11.25

Felicity Leitch talks to Jacqui Webster, author of the acclaimed travel memoir Two Bugs on Bikes: Our middle-aged gap year cycling across Europe and Africa.Jacqui's story is about an unexpected adventure that became a life-changing expedition across two continents. This is an inspiring and uplifting conversation for anyone who loves travel, storytelling, or simply hearing from someone brave enough to take a leap into the unknown.Felicity presents Mornings on KCR, Mondays 7-9am. 

Neil McCann from the Illawarra Folk Club talks to Gabriela Cabral about the decision to stop running the Folk Festival  Folk By the Sea in Kiama. This is part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR Living Local , Tuesday mornings at 9am. Recorded 19.11.25

Nashla Chikhani from the Latin American food truck Ola Chola 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 19th November 2025

Public submissions to Kiama Council on the latest Finding Fillmore's development application have now closed, but the conversation certainly hasn't.This week on Chat Tuesday, host Bernie Hems speaks with Fillmore's owner Morgan Lewis about the proposal and the broader issues it has sparked — from planning and compliance to noise, neighbourhood amenity, community vibrancy and the impact on local business and live music.It's a complex and sometimes emotional topic, with strong views held across the community.  This is a chance to hear directly from Morgan and engage with the issues that affect us all.This part of Bernie Hem's weekly program Chat Tuesday on Tuesday mornings at 10am. Recorded 18.11.25

Hosts Jane Parbury and Joe Carter talk to Tye Purnell of the Backyard Habitat Project. Tye is a qualified horticulturalist and long-time native plant enthusiast with a deep passion for Australian biodiversity. His goal is to create native gardens for people to share with wildlife. He believes every garden, no matter how small, can become a thriving refuge for native wildlife.recorded 14.11.25

Teresa Nguyan & Joe McElroy from Specsavers talk to Gabriela Cabral as part of Gabi's weekly program on KCR supporting local businesses: Living Local, Tuesday mornings at 9.30am. Recorded 12.11.25

Taite Arney from mortgage broking company Loan Market Kiama 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 12.11.25

Bernie Hems talks to Paul Field; the voice of The Cockroaches, the former Managing Director of The Wiggles, and now a solo artist, producer and storyteller.Paul is coming to Wollongong with a new show, Celebrating the Music of  Countdown – a celebration of the music, mayhem and magic of the era that shaped a generation, Saturday December 6th.This is part of Bernie's weekly program Chat Tuesday, on KCR, Tuesday mornings at 10am. Recorded 11.11.25

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