Kiama Community Radio's Podcast

Felicity Leitch talks to Lucy and Richard King from Slow Dough about their unlikely journey to the manse of the Uniting Church in Kiama. 

Gabi Cabral talks to visual artist Kathy Karas.Recorded 27.5.25

Gabi Cabral talks to Elizabeth Burnett about the Kiama Business Awards being run by the Kiama Business Network.  Entries close June 13th. Elizabeth Burnett is one of the proprietors of local garden centre Burnetts on Barney but is also on the board of the Kiama Business Network. Recorded 27.5.25. 

In her Chat Tuesday program on Tuesday mornings Bernie Hems talks to Boni Maywald about Wrap with Love, and the exhibition at the Gerringong Library and Museum Exhibition space to celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public.This podcast includes the launch of the exhibition by Robyn Sharp and Perrie  Croshaw. Recorded 27.5.25/ 30.5.25

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Melinda Lawton. Recorded 26.5.25

Orlando Luciani talks to Felicity Leitch during her morning program about his journey from Italy to Wollongong and now to his new pizza restaurant in Kiama.Recorded 26.5.25

On May 10th Kiama Library hosted an author talk with bestselling cosy crime author Amanda Hampson. Amanda was born on a farm in New Zealand but is now based in Melbourne. Amanda was talking about the latest instalment in her hugely popular 'Tea Ladies Mysteries' series, The Deadly Dispute. Solving crimes, one cuppa at a time. Recorded 10.5.25

At the April meeting of the Kiama Historic Society Russell Fredericks told us about three aeroplane crashes in the Kiama Local Government Area.  Not much is known about these incidents but Russell has collected the information over many years, sparked by hearing about the first crash into Saddleback Mountain when he was a child, making this presentation a world exclusive! The talk was introduced by Sue Eggins, president of the Kiama Historical Society. Recorded 5.4.25

In this episode of The Shop Around the Corner Gabriela Cabral talks to Mat King. Mat started his podcast the South Coast Kook during COVID and this has now morphed into Creative Kooks, a workshop based business painting surfboards. Matt is also Vice President of the newly formed Kiama Business Network, formerly the Kiama and District Business Chamber.

Fran Smith is an accomplished potter with a problem and Peter Smith is an accomplished software developer with a solution.  The result is Artflow Pro, an app that manages and tracks all types of artwork, from production to marketing and sales.Fran and  Peter are well known Kiama locals and Peter has been instrumental in the setup of KCR, for which we are forever grateful. 

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Stuart Larkins. Recorded 13.5.25

On 23rd April Melinda Lawton facilitated a free panel discussion for the community about Kiama Council's Draft Housing Strategy V2. Melinda is a Kiama Councillor but was not representing Council at the event. The speakers wereDr Tony Gilmour who has an established reputation in urban planning and affordable housing.  You can here Tony on many KCR podcasts in his capacity as housing expert but also history researcher and author and secretary of the Kiama Historical Society. Michelle Adair, CEO of the Housing Trust which is a Community Housing Provider based in Wollongong and active in the Kiama LGA. David Pepper, an environmental professional with diverse experience and a long term local. Jordan Casson Jones, a kiama local deeply involved in the community regularly representing young people. Jacqueline Forst, a passionate advocate for ageing with dignity, mental health rights, and carer advocacy through roles with Carers NSW, HammondCare, and Lived Experience Australia, and Madeleine Scarfe, an architect who runs her own business in Kiama. This is the second of 2 podcasts, concentrating on contributions from the floor.Recorded 23.4.25 at Kiama Leagues Club. 

On 23rd April Melinda Lawton facilitated a free panel discussion for the community about Kiama Council's Draft Housing Strategy V2. Melinda is a Kiama Councillor but was not representing Council at the event. The speakers wereDr Tony Gilmour who has an established reputation in urban planning and affordable housing.  You can here Tony on many KCR podcasts in his capacity as housing expert but also history researcher and author and secretary of the Kiama Historical Society. Michelle Adair, CEO of the Housing Trust which is a Community Housing Provider based in Wollongong and active in the Kiama LGA. David Pepper, an environmental professional with diverse experience and a long term local. Jordan Casson Jones, a kiama local deeply involved in the community regularly representing young people. Jacqueline Forst, a passionate advocate for ageing with dignity, mental health rights, and carer advocacy through roles with Carers NSW, HammondCare, and Lived Experience Australia, and Madeleine Scarfe, an architect who runs her own business in Kiama. This is the first of 2 podcasts, commencing with the opening speeches from the panel. Recorded 23.4.25 at Kiama Leagues Club. 

Bernie Hems talks to Neville Fredericks, who served as a Kiama Councillor for 14 years including 2 terms as Mayor, from 1974 and again from 1987.Neville is also a property developer, with an emphasis on ecological sustainability and effective urban planning that supports community development. Neville was responsible for the development of Tullimbar and currently has an interest in the Golden Valley developments stage 1 and 2 in Jamberoo.Recorded 22.4.25. 

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Matt Brown. Recorded 15.4.25

In this series of podcast we are interviewing the four lead candidates in more detail about their policies: 

In this series of podcast we are interviewing the four lead candidates in more detail about their policies: 

In this series of podcast we are interviewing the four lead candidates in more detail about their policies: 

In this series of podcast we are interviewing the four lead candidates in the upcoming Federal election about their policies: 

zIn this series of podcast we are interviewing the four lead candidates in the upcoming Federal election about their policies: 

The Federal Election is coming up on May 3rd and here at KCR we want you to be informed about the people you are voting for, their policies and what is likely to get done if they get elected. The Federal electorate of Gilmore stretches from Kiama in the north to Moruya in the south, taking in Nowra, Ulladulla, and many coastal and rural communities in between. Over 164,000 people call this diverse electorate home — including young families, retirees, First Nations communities, small business owners, students, and health professionals.  The Kiama LGA represents about 14% of the population of Gilmore and only 4% of the area. There are 8 candidates in total running for election.  Four of them have made their intentions clear for some months now and KCR has interviewed them already to try to get a sense of who they are as people, and you can hear podcasts of these interviews.   The other 4 candidates have entered the race too late to be included in this process.  In this series of podcast we are interviewing the four lead candidates in more detail about their policies: 

Fiona Mackie and Joe Carter talk to Lynn Clark, the Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Plant Propagation Nursery at Berry Public School. 

Bernie Hems talks to Dr Alan Woodward about the evolution of the Kiama Central Precinct Committee into Kiama Matters, a new community based group aiming to inform, engage with and represent the community  about issues that effect the built environment in the Kiama LGA.You can contact Kiama Matters at kiamamatters@gmail.com. Recorded 8.4.25

Bernie hems talks all things Council with Councillor Stuart Larkins.Recorded 8.4.25

On April 11th Kiama Council lead a panel discussion to inform the public about the Draft Housing Strategy V2. The discussion was lead by Ed Paterson, Director Planning Environment and Communities.  The panel consisted ofSimon Kersten – Chair, Illawarra UDIA CommitteeNatalie Allan – GM Strategic Projects & Growth, Southern Cross Community HousingCathryn Lyall – President, Kiama Business NetworkMadeleine Scarfe This is Part 2 of a 2 part podcast, which is a recording of the panel discussion, unedited. You can download and comment about Kiama Council's Draft Housing Strategy V2 here

lOn April 11th Kiama Council lead a panel discussion to inform the public about Kiama Municipal Council's Draft Housing Strategy V2. The discussion was lead by Ed Paterson, Director Planning Environment and Communities.  The panel consisted ofSimon Kersten – Chair, Illawarra UDIA CommitteeNatalie Allan – GM Strategic Projects & Growth, Southern Cross Community HousingCathryn Lyall – President, Kiama Business NetworkMadeleine Scarfe, architectThis is Part 1 of a 2 part podcast, where Ed Paterson summarised the Housing Strategy document. The Draft Housing Strategy V2 is on exhibition till April 27th, you can download it and comment here

Madeleine Scarfe interviews John Engeler, CEO of Shelter NSW which is a policy and research advocacy group that's been around since 1975. Shelter NSW generally advocates for residents in the bottom 40% income bracket 'promoting a sustainable housing system and a secure home for all'. Housing is a hot topic in the Kiama LGA at the moment, while Kiama Council's Draft Housing Strategy V2 is on exhibition, so we asked John to tell us more about affordable housing, recent policy reforms regarding long term rentals, social housing, short term holiday rentals and some new ideas in the pipeline. You can comment on the Draft Housing Strategy V2 here until April 27th 2025. 

This is Part 2 of the launch of Dr Tony Gilmour's book Rascals and Respectables, recorded at Tory's Hotel and featuring some of the stories of historical scandals and the individuals involved. The presentation was briefly introduced by Sue Eggins, president of the Kiama and District Historical Society and the book is available hereRecorded 22.3.25

Bernie Hems chats to Madeleine Scarfe and Karen Fowler in absentia about Kiama Municipal Council's Draft Housing Strategy V2. This document is on public exhibition till April 27th, have your say hereRecorded 1.4.25

The place was packed to the rafters at the launch of Dr Tony Gilmour's book Rascals and Respectables, at the March Meeting of the Kiama and District Historical Society. The book is a social history of the Kiama/ Gerringong/ Jamberoo area through the lens of the local pubs and drinking houses.  The meeting was introduced by Sue Eggins, president of the Kiama and District Historical Society and the book was officially launched by Gareth Ward MP, state member for Kiama. This is Part 1 of the book launch, you can also hear Part 2 when the meeting retired to Tory's Hotel in the late afternoon to hear stories of historical scandals and the individuals involved. The book is available at the Pilot's Cottage Museum or via the Kiama Historical Society website, and Tony will hand deliver the book to your door, within the Kiama LGA but only while they are available!Recorded 22.3.25

Bernie Hems talks to David Love about his ancestors' harrowing journey to Australia on the First Fleet; a story of survival, resilience and the brutal reality of life on board. David Love is a member of the South Coast Chapter of the Fellowship of First Fleeteers who meet at 10am on the first Tuesday of each month at Wests Club Unanderra.

On 18th March 2025 the Kiama and Jamberoo Uniting Church in association with the South East Climate Alliance invited the four candidates running for the seat of Gilmore in the upcoming Federal Election to present their policies on Climate Change. The panel was hosted by Reverend Kath Merrifield, minister of the Kiama and Jamberoo Uniting Church and the speakers wereFiona Philips MP - LaborAndrew Constance - LiberalDebbie Killian - GreensKate Dezarnaulds- Independent. The 'housekeeping' has been edited in the interests of brevity but the speakers have not been edited at all. 

Bernie Hems talks to Ed Paterson, Director: Planning, Environment & Communities at Kiama Municipal Council about the Housing Strategy Draft V2, which is on public exhibition until April 27th 2025. Have your say:https://yoursay.kiama.nsw.gov.au/local-housing-strategy

As part of the 2025 Jazz and Blues Festival the Friends of Kiama Library hosted an interview with Author Jeff Apter about his latest book Carl Perkins; The King of Rockabilly.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 was interviewed by comedian Marty Bright and the talk was introduced by Robyn Dorney from the Friends of Kiama Library. Recorded 8.3.25

Bernie Hems talks to Debbie Killian, Greens Candidate for the seat of Gilmore in the upcoming Federal election. Recorded 25.2.25

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Melinda Lawton. Recorded 4.3.25

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Jasmin Tatrai. Recorded 25.2.25

Hugh Marriott is a resident of Jamberoo known for his extensive work with reptiles. He serves as the Reptile Coordinator for WIRES Illawarra. Hugh is responsible for rescuing and caring for various snake species, as well as other native animals such as lizards, turtles and echidnas.Hugh is a champion of habitat retention and regeneration in the Illawarra.

Bernie Hems talks to housing expert Dr Tony Gilmour about housing in the Kiama LGA and specifically about the Draft Housing Strategy Version 2 which is coming before tonight's Council meeting (18.2.25). Dr Gilmour shared that there are currently 74 people on the social housing waiting list in Kiama, including 9 individuals with very high needs. He noted that the waiting list is at least 10 years long, which may discourage some from registering despite needing housing support.According to Dr Gilmour, Kiama has 67 social housing properties. Between 1964 and 2021, 11 new properties were added to this stock. Social housing makes up 0.6% of residential properties in the Kiama LGA, compared to 4.2% across NSW and 6.4% in Shellharbour.With regard to the Draft Housing Strategy V2 before Council at the moment, there is no mention in the strategy of social housing and, along with no serious assessment of infrastructure works, affordable housing or the short term or long term rental market, Dr Gilmour questions whether or not this is adequate as a long term strategy for housing in the LGA. There is a motion before Council at tonight's meeting to endorse for public exhibition the Draft Local Housing Strategy V2 and if this proceeds the public will have 28 days to comment on the strategy. 

Bernie Hams talks all things Council with Councillor Stuart Larkins.Recorded 18.2.25

Bernie Hems talks to Kate Dezanauld an Independant candiate in the upcoming Federal Election for the Seat of Gilmore

Bernie Hems talks to Sharon Lewis about her film Francis which highlights the problems of homelessness for wormen over 50 of age. 4/2/2025

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Mike Cains. Recorded 28.1.25

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Matt Brown. Recorded 21.1.25

Bernie Hems talks to Liberal Party politician Andrew Constance who was the State Member for Bega between 2003 and December 2021. Andrew also served as the New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads in the second Berejiklian ministry from April 2019 until October 2021.Recorded 14.1.25

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Melinda Lawton. Recorded 7.1.25

Bernie Hems talks to the State Member for Kiama Gareth Ward.Recorded 17.12.24

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Stuart Larkins. Recorded 17.12.24

Bernie Hems talks to Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips. Recorded 3.12.24

Bernie Hems talks all things Council with Councillor Melissa Matters. Recorded 26.11.24

At the September meeting of the Kiama and District Historical Society Nick Hartgerink talked about the history of the Blue Haven Aged Care Facility in Kiama. In 2018 Nick was commissioned to write a book about the history of Blue Haven (Blue Haven: the first 40 years) to coincide with the opening of Blue Haven Bonaira, which is currently in the process of being sold. Nick is a retired journalist, ex editor of the Kiama Independent, an author and a long time local resident. Nick was introduced by Sue Eggins, President of the Kiama and District Histrical Society.