Thirroul Village

TVC members had a fun day catching up with the community yesterday at the Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival. Thank you to those who shared their ideas as to what they would like to see happen or be improved in Thirroul. Also a big thank you to those who helped out at the stall. It was a fabulous day.

MINUTES FROM TVC GENERAL MEETING 4 PM,
SUNDAY 1st MARCH 2026

Attendees:
Ray Smith, Elliot Stein, Paul Tuckerman, Tony Horneman, Susannah Cavill, Annette Jones, Maryanne Stuart, Catherine Philps, Lynne Parker, Christine Hill, Stephen Young, Mary Ellen Durrance, Cr Richard Martin, Cr Dan Hayes, Ken Clunas, Neil Walker

Apologies:
Cr. Jess Whittaker, Cheryl Akhurst, Ian McKinley, Judy Bourke, Ross Dearden, Stephen Young, John Mebberson, Kaye Smith, Glen Durrance, John Groom

1. President’s Report

Welcome was extended to Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote, Cr Dan Hayes and Cr Richard Martin. Cr Jess Whittaker sent her apologies. Appreciation of support was extended to Maryanne and the Councillors. Not much to report this quarter due to the holiday season.

2. Minutes of General Meeting on 23rd November 2025 – accepted as read

Moved – Tony Horneman; Seconded – Stephen Le Bas

3. Treasurer’s Report

Bank status is as follows:
Bank balance $1635.97
Cash $11.70
Total $1637.67
Outgoings – TRIPS Hall fee $50, festival insurance (for 29th March) $38.29
Incoming - Lions Club $500
Interest $.03

4. Secretary’s Report

Due to the Christmas break the TVC did not receive as many emails as usual - around 100 on a range of issues: WLPP re Redman Avenue, Lot 303 Amy Street, Bulli Bypass (Memorial Drive extension), Thirroul Plaza, Anglicare Seniors development, overgrown vegetation on LHD near Austinmer, e-bikes, amenities block in Thomas Gibson Park and graffiti.

As requested at the last meeting the TVC wrote to Council about dog parks, keeping C2 land near Amy St in public hands and support for Hewitts Creek Bushcare group.

February was a busy month as there were a number of plans and projects on exhibition that the TVC responded to:

• TfNSW draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) – discussed later
• WCC survey regarding beaches – TVC submission suggested work is needed on the 85-year-old beach promenade at Thirroul Beach as part of it is subsiding; improvements needed to lighting and seating; trees and a picnic shelter needed at the southern end of the parkland at Thirroul Beach.
• WCC survey regarding aquatic and indoor sports facilities – TVC recognised that WCC has a larger number of supervised pools and rock pools to maintain than neighbouring Councils (Murray’s analysis). Although a cost to Council the pools remain a drawcard for many – locals and visitors alike - and need to be maintained by WCC. Thirroul pool is one of a few supervised Olympic size saltwater pools where the seawater is pumped into the pool by two centrifugal pumps, therefore replacing the seawater on a regular basis. Council is currently monitoring the use of Thirroul pool, via an overhead counter.

Mailing List: Early in 2026 the TVC was advised by the email service provider – Mailchimp, that they were changing their conditions. Charges were to be incurred if there were more than 250 email contacts. An email was sent to members asking if they wanted to stay on the TVC mailing list or not. To maintain this free service, we have reduced the TVC contact list.

ACTION: Annette to forward a copy of Murray’s analysis of Wollongong Beaches and traffic issues to Maryanne and Ward 1 Councillors.

5. Subcommittee reports:

• Graffiti Report

Since the last report 21/11/25, the council register recorded 8 graffiti attacks in Thirroul. There were 12 in last report. This does not include the numerous tags removed or painted over by residents. Total cost to council to remove graffiti for the period in Thirroul was approx. $1,371. For the LGA $97,187.78.

Pleased to report that for the nearly 12 months, there were zero cases of graffiti vandalism at the Telstra Building in Station Street, Thirroul - probably due to the beautiful mural of St Thomas completed in April 2025 by Street Artist Jack Hendry.

If residents see graffiti vandalism, please report it to council. Or remove the graffiti with Graffiti Remover spray available from Bunnings. Follow the directions on the bottle. Thanks to TVC members who continue to volunteer to clean or overpaint the graffiti.

Report graffiti crime to:
a. Police on 131 444 or 000 if you see graffiti vandalism in progress.
b. Contact WCC via: Phone on (02) 4227 7111, or by email: [email protected].

Garden Report

Not much to report in this space. Council has taken over the maintenance of the Railway Parade garden – poisoning weeds and removing fronds. Unfortunately, a lot of the plants in Jackson Park have been eaten by rabbits. Work has been done on the Community Centre garden that faces Lawrence Hargrave Drive, and it looks very good. The garden group is exhausted from constantly removing weeds from the Station Street garden beds that front Thomas Gibson Park.

It was noted the planter boxes installed by WCC outside the shops near Raymond Road are looking good. Council is watering these. Council is maintaining the gardens in the playground at Thirroul Beach.

• DA Report

Thirroul Plaza

The TVC spoke to the development manager for Thirroul Plaza, Louis Goulimis last week. He advised that the project is on hold pending internal re-structure between the owners and as such, that he instructed the consultant team to hold on any works until there is direction to proceed. He said there is no indication to assume anything other than this at present and that he will update the TVC as he is updated by the owners in order to resume Design Development. This will involve the community.

Louis reported that the managed carpark is seeing a lot of damage to bollards and boom gates from locals every weekend and that the owners will be mitigating this in the coming weeks. Police are patrolling the area constantly in the hope of stopping this behaviour. If members see anything please report it to the Police.

Anglicare Seniors Living at Sandon Point

The TVC contacted Anglicare to find the latest about the Seniors Living Development at Sandon Point (McCauley Estate). Basically, nothing much has changed since the last contact in June 2025, except there is a new community contact - Dylan Malloch, Head of Media, Brand and Communications.

6. Business on Notice:

• Update by Maryanne Stuart

Amy Street Thirroul – This is currently sitting with the General Manager of WCC, so unable to give any update. Councillors will follow this up.

Vegetation on LHD – Grey area as this land is identified as private property. Maryanne facilitated communication between WCC and TfNSW. WCC contacted the property owners and arranged to have the work done. Scheduled for Tuesday 3rd March.

Thanks were extended to Maryanne. However, it was noted that this should not have gotten to this stage as it is a safety issue, and as such, there is a feeling that TfNSW should have stepped in and conducted the work.

Graffiti removal – Maryanne said she regularly gets calls about graffiti on Seacliff Bridge and arranges its removal. This is a significant cost to taxpayers.

In addition, she regularly receives calls about rubbish removal. If people see rubbish gathering contact her and she will contact the correct authorities to have it removed – e.g. Homes NSW and Council for the removal of rubbish in front of housing in Station Street. There has been a lot of rubbish out front due to improvement works at the Homes NSW site.

Mariyung trains – Should be arriving soon – 6 to 8 weeks. Trials are underway. There will be a new timetable in August. Work still to be done on this. She is concerned that these trains will not stop at Wolli Creek. The reason being that they can’t travel on the eastern suburbs line. These trains need to terminate at Central, thereby by-passing Wolli Creek station as they use a different line. In addition, they don’t fit on the platform. She is working with Sydney Trains on this to get a good solution for south coast travellers.

E-bikes – Maryanne reported there are around 750,000 E-bikes in NSW. There is a lot of work happening in this area with changes made in different tranches of the E-bike Policy:

Tranche 1 – Shared bikes – identified the need to install bike racks where E-Bikes can be stored when not in use, adjusted speed limits on these bikes, introduction of technology to ensure compulsory helmet use.
Tranche 2 – Introduction of compulsory helmet use for all E-bikes, reduction of speed to 25kms/hr.
Tranche 3 – Policing of E-bikes including the seizure and destruction of non-compliant E-bikes. This will be introduced in August to allow time for owners to adjust the throttle and ensure compliance. Age restrictions are being looked at.

Suggestion that maybe users need to go to Service NSW to get their ‘L’ plates before riding such a bike.

Question raised about the weight that the Land and Environment Court decision holds in relation to the height and impact of the plaza development. As it has been cited in other cases it should hold some weight.

ACTION: Councillors to follow up what is happening with the land adjoining Amy Street.
Chris Hill to email Maryanne about rubbish removal from Homes NSW property in Station Street.

• Graffiti round table

Tony attended the graffiti round table that WCC held in November 2025. A number of stakeholders were present – Police, Homes NSW, Rotary Club, various community groups, Kiama and Shellharbour Council, WCC. Unfortunately, Telstra, TfNSW and NBN did not attend. Police highlighted challenges of policing graffiti and gave insights into their GraffOff initiative. They explained that building a positive relationship with young people works well as a preventative measure.

Kiama Council explained that they have approved a number of murals around the town with positive results. Homes NSW is open to partnering with other organisations to help prevent graffiti and graffiti removal.

Frustration was expressed about the increased prevalence of graffiti. Questions were asked about if community groups are able to remove graffiti from private property or utility company if no response is received from the owner. The answer was no. Tony is currently trying to work with the NBN about the removal of graffiti from their boxes. It is anticipated these meetings will continue on an annual basis. Thanks were extended to Tony for representing the TVC at this round table.

• Report on the Lions Club BBQ at the Thirroul Open Street Festival and donation to the TVC

Elliot explained that the Lions Club held a BBQ as part of the free Thirroul Open Street Festival in November. The festival was supported by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW, with Council securing $350,000 in funding over three years. After discussions with Adam Smith from Yours and Owls, the festival organisers, it was agreed that the funds collected from the BBQ would go to the TVC. A donation of $500 was made to the TVC, for which the TVC is extremely grateful and will put to good use. An email of thanks was sent to the Lions Club.

• Murray Jones Award

One idea as to how to use the donation is to present an annual award to a person who has made a significant contribution to the local community. This will be called the ‘Murray Jones Award’. It is anticipated that this award will be presented at the last meeting of the year.

• Seaside and Arts Festival (27 to 29th March)

The TVC will host a stall at the upcoming Seaside and Arts Festival – at the beach on 29th March. Thanks to Elliot, the TVC has a new marquee, as the previous one was Murray’s. The TVC would like to acknowledge this kind donation.

ACTION: If interested in helping at the stall, please email Annette at [email protected]. There will be 3 timeslots – 9am to 11am, 11am to 1pm and 1pm to 3pm.

• TVC submission to TfNSW about the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP)

The TVC made a submission to TfNSW about the draft SRITP. The TVC championed the case for road improvements in the northern suburbs of Wollongong including such things as the need for an extension to Memorial Drive to take pressure off Bulli town centre and the failing Bulli Pass. This will become more essential once the developments around Wilton and Appin open up.

The TVC reiterated the need for a secondary route to and from Thirroul, even if only for emergency services. The TVC noted the need for improved cycleways and facilities for cyclists. And the need for better public transport. The TVC will continue to press the need for improvements in transportation with TfNSW. In addition, the submission impressed upon the need to make a decision about the Maldon to Dombarton Line, which is currently under consideration and that it be capable of moving passenger trains as well as freight trains.

• Amenities Block/ Sports pavilion in Thomas Gibson Park

The new sports pavilion/ amenities block in Thomas Gibson Park is nearing completion – not sure of the completion date, but it is anticipated to be soon. The TVC has asked Council if it is holding an official opening of the block as it is a significant piece of infrastructure in the area. Council needs to be recognised for their investment.

ACTION: Councillor Martin to follow this up with staff.

• Possible projects to submit to Council for the draft infrastructure delivery program 2026-2030

Are there any infrastructure projects that people can think need to be done locally?

Since 2023 the TVC has suggested:
Beach improvement – lighting, promenade improvement; Footbridge across Flannagan’s Creek near Thirroul Beach; Road improvements – esp the Esplanade; Improvements around Thomas Gibson Park – lighting to be done, but not sure when; Borders around garden beds near the railway line in Station Street Thirroul; Relocation of Amy monument; Need for toilet facilities near McCauley Beach; Upgrade of commuter car park on LHD (really a TfNSW issue); Upgrade of carpark near Woodward Memorial Park and car parking on King Street.

Suggested – widening of shared pathway near the sewerage plant at McCauleys Beach.

Footpaths. Noted Council concentrating on those around schools.
Councillor Dan Hayes said that the State election is but 12 months away so the TVC should start thinking about possible projects and lobbying government for action.

ACTION: If you have any project suggestions please email Annette at [email protected].

7. Other Business

Members wanted to thank our local member, Maryanne Stuart for her continued attendance, support, advice and lobbying of matters to do with Thirroul. Maryanne has been actively involved on the issue of roads and safety. It was noted that this is the first time a local member has truly shown an interest in our community and that members are very grateful.

8. Meeting closed at 5.30pm.
Next TVC meeting Sunday 24th May 2026 at 4pm.

The sports amenities block in Thomas Gibson Park is almost complete. On Friday the TVC was able to have a look inside. The building is fabulous. Congratulations to all involved.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR TVC GENERAL MEETING AT 4PM ON
SUNDAY 1ST MARCH

The TVC is holding its first meeting for 2026 this Sunday (1st March) at 4pm in the Thirroul Railway Institute Hall, Railway Parade, Thirroul.

Please find below the agenda items for the meeting this Sunday:

AGENDA

1. President's report
2. Acceptance/amendments to the minutes of the last meeting
3. Treasurer's report
4. Secretary's report

5. Subcommittee reports:
* Graffiti report
* Garden report
* DA report – Plaza, Anglicare Seniors Living at Sandon Point

6. Business on Notice:
* Presentation about the graffiti roundtable
* Report on the Lions Club BBQ at the Thirroul Music Festival and donation to the TVC
* Launch of the Murray Jones Community Award
* Seaside and Arts Festival (29th March) and call for assistance
* Update on Amy Street
* TVC submission to TfNSW about the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan
* Update on the clearing of vegetation along LHD in Austinmer
* Latest on amenities block at Thomas Gibson Park
* Possible projects to submit to Council for the draft infrastructure delivery program 2026-2030.

7. Other business

All welcome.

Agenda items for TVC General Meeting 4PM Sunday 23rd November

Please find below the updated agenda for the Thirroul Village Committee general meeting today at 4pm in the Thirroul Railway Institute Hall, Railway Parade, Thirroul.

Agenda

1. President's report

2. Acceptance/amendments to the minutes of the last meeting

3. Treasurer's report

4. Secretary's report

5. Sub committee reports:

Graffiti report
Garden report
DA report, including the plaza

6. Business on Notice:

Amy Street, including request for support for a statement from the Hewitts Creek Bushcare Group

Skatepark

Memorial to Murray Jones and annual recognition award

Dog Parks

Thirroul Music Festival

Good news story about local street artist

Safety concerns for cyclists along Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Austinmer and Headlands Hotel

7. Other business

8. Close, followed by Christmas celebration

As this is our last meeting for the year there will be drinks and nibbles at the end. It is a great opportunity to mingle and have a chat. Hope you can join us.

Proposed locations for skateparks in Wollongong City and Thirroul

Wollongong City Council has put out on exhibition the preferred locations for two skateparks - one in Wollongong City and the other in Thirroul.

Residents have until 17 November to provide feedback to Council about these sites.


The proposed sites are:

MacCabe Park (eastern section) – for the Wollongong City Centre Skatepark

WF Jackson Park, Thirroul – for the Northern Suburbs Skatepark

Council wants to hear from people in the community, whether you currently use these spaces or are interested in using them in the future.

Visit the engagement page - https://our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/hub-page/skateparks - to learn more about each project, including how the sites were selected and to read the full Council report.

Residents are welcome to share their thoughts on the Wollongong location, the Northern Suburbs location, or both.

Feedback will be accepted until midnight on 17 November 2025.

Let's Talk Wollongong Stay informed by joining Let's Talk Wollongong

Don't forget that the 'Let's Talk Thirroul' event is on this afternoon in Excelsior Hall in the Thirroul Community Centre. It starts at 3.30pm.

You can find out more from Council Officers about issues that impact on you - stormwater and flooding management, transport and the proposed skate park. Go along and join in the conversation.

TVC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 2025

AGENDA

• Tribute to Murray Jones

Annual General Meeting

• President's Annual Report
• Secretary’s Annual Report
• Treasurer’s Annual Report

Election of Office Bearers:

• President and Chairman
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Assistant Secretary
• Public Relations Officer

General meeting:

Secretary's quarterly report

Subcommittee reports:
• Graffiti
• Garden
• DAs

Business on Notice:
• New look TVC web site
• Update on skate park
• Lighting between McCauley Estate and Thomas Gibson Park and at Thirroul Beach
• Condition of sand dunes at North Thirroul Beach
• Response from Paul Scully about the Complying Development Certification process
• Apparent inconsistency between the Local Environment Plan (LEP) and State Policy on Low and Mid Rise Housing

Hope you can join us on Sunday.

Photo of Murray courtesy of the Illawarra Flame

Livestream of Murray's funeral

For those unable to attend Murray's funeral today please go to the link provided below.

Wollongong Livestream Cinema — COLE STUDIOS - PHOTO - VIDEO - LIVESTREAM Stream funeral services and watch memorial Wollongong Livestream Cinema replays online. Cole Studios offers respectful and reliable livestreams.

TRANSPORT FOR NSW TO BEGIN WORK IN BULLI TOWN CENTRE

The TVC received the following notice from Transport for NSW about changes they are implementing in Bulli Town Centre. These works start on Monday 18th August and will continue for 6 weeks. Extra travel time may be required.

What work are we doing?

We are making improvements in the Bulli town centre to help traffic flow better and make the area safer for everyone.

Work will include:

installing new traffic lights and underground cables so drivers can safely turn right from the Princes Highway onto Park Road
adding new line marking and signs to stop right turns into Station Street
building a new pedestrian crossing and shared path on Railway Street
installing new pedestrian crossing on Park Road.
In the coming months, we'll also be adding more car parking and new street lighting on Station Street.

Once all work is complete, extended clearway hours will be introduced to help ease congestion during busy times. We'll make sure to let the community know before these changes take place.

Speed zone change

From Tuesday 19 August, a permanent 30 km/h speed limit will be introduced on Park Road, Station, Railway and Bank streets and Veigals Lane.

Road access changes

Upon completion of this stage of work, vehicles will only be allowed to turn left into and left out of Station Street. Right turns will no longer be permitted.

When we’ll be working

We'll be working from Monday 18 August for six weeks, weather permitting.

Night work will be carried out from Monday 18 to Thursday 21 August between 7pm and 4am, Monday to Thursday.

Day work will be carried out from Monday 25 August for five weeks between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

What will this mean for you?

There will be temporary impacts to road users and surrounding residents while we carry out this work. You may notice:

workers and vehicles
traffic controllers and signage
noise, light and vibration from machinery and equipment
parking around work areas will be temporarily unavailable during work.
We will make every effort to minimise our impacts and complete this work as quickly as possible.

Traffic impacts during work

During work, single lane closures and a reduced speed of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and road users.

Road users are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.

For more information visit TfNSW website: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/bulli-town-centre-improvements

TfNSW Contact
If you have any questions about this work or would like more information, please contact the project team:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: Project Manager, Zac Tasker 02 4222 3223
Post: PO Box 477, Wollongong NSW 2520

Bulli town centre improvements | Transport for NSW The improvements for Bulli town centre have been developed in response to community feedback and will include additional parking, pedestrian and cyclist facilities, placemaking treatments and changes to traffic flow.

For those who knew Murray please find below the details of Murray's funeral which will be held next Friday at Sandon Point SLSC at 11:30am.