SOUTH COAST SENIOR CRICKET - 2ND GRADEKIAMA 10 / 224 d JAMBEROO 9 / 137

Kiama Council is set to support several significant sporting facility improvements, with three major projects now progressing to the grant application stage under the NSW Government’s latest funding programs.The proposals include $250,000 for upgrades to the Kiama Netball Courts, $275,000 for new sports lighting at Bonaira Oval and $387,000 for lighting improvements at Gerry Emery Reserve in Gerringong.Under the recommendation before councillors at next Tuesday's monthly meeting, Chief Executive Officer Jane Stroud will be authorised to finalise landowner consents for the projects and enter into formal agreements with each of the sporting groups. These agreements will ensure Council project manages the works on behalf of the community clubs to guarantee regulatory compliance and quality control.At the Kiama Sports Complex, the netball courts will be resurfaced and fitted with height-adjustable posts and rings, improving safety and accessibility for players.At Bonaira Oval, the proposal involves replacing existing metal halide lights with energy-efficient LED fittings. While the Kiama AFL Club sought a 150 Lux lighting level, Council officers have recommended a limit of 100 Lux, consistent with Australian standards for amateur-level competition and to minimise light spill impacts on nearby homes.Similarly, the Gerringong District All Sports Inc proposal for Gerry Emery Reserve seeks to replace six existing poles with 11 new LED floodlights. Council supports a 100 Lux upgrade at this site as well, again balancing improved usability with residential amenity.Council’s review of the proposals found that preliminary cost estimates were based on single-source quotations and excluded key components such as geotechnical studies and service connections. To ensure value for money and compliance with procurement laws, all projects exceeding $250,000 will require public tender processes in line with Local Government regulations.It is proposed that any funding shortfalls may be covered by the Developer Contributions Reserve.

KIAMA CAVS U13 GOLD VS GERRINGONG U13 GOLDGERRINGONG 3 / 73 d KIAMA CAVS 8 / 73

This week's edition of The Bugle contains plenty of local news and views from the community.There is a feature on the Glenbrook Drive land sale saga finally coming to an end, stories on some great fundraising initiatives for local causes and the latest on the controversy surrounding Andrew Constance's appointment as Shoalhaven Council CEO.CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONConstance returned serve at critics of his appointment as Shoalhaven City Council CEO by saying if he could be Treasurer of the state, then he was more than qualified for this role.He started his tenure on Wednesday and fronted the media alongside Mayor Patricia White to address concerns about him getting the job despite no local government experience on his resume.You can also read plenty of other great community stories including a warning about the upcoming bushfire season, a couple of authors who will be visiting soon and the Terralong Street rail bridge upgrade.In sport, you can read about Kiama's preparations for the South Coast cricket season which gets underway this weekend, a soccer legend's tribute to Johnny Warren and the four generations of a little athletics family.More than 30 years ago, Craig Scott married into what could only be described as a Kiama Little Athletics dynasty - and today, he finds himself part of four generations of the same family still actively involved in the club.

Kiama Cavaliers will launch one of their biggest seasons yet this weekend, with the club celebrating its 170th year and fielding teams across every age group - including a full-strength first grade, a revitalised women’s squad, and a new fourth-grade side made up largely of “Cavs dads”.The season officially kicks off this Saturday, with all four senior men’s grades and junior teams taking the field. The senior women’s team - the Cavettes - will begin their campaign next Friday (October 17).Club president Bernie Brown said the lead-up to the season had been one of the strongest in recent memory.“We’ve had excellent registrations this season - probably the biggest pre-season we’ve seen in a long time,” he said.“We’ve locked in four men’s teams that are looking strong and competitive, and our senior women’s side has had really strong numbers too. Across the board - juniors, seniors, men and women - the numbers have been fantastic.”At the top level, the first-grade team is a mix of some new recruits, returning players and several rising stars from the junior ranks. “We'll be presenting six new first-grade caps for our first round, which is fantastic. So we’re really looking forward to some strong results on the field under captain Jaya Hartgerink, who last year broke the record as the most capped Cavalier, sitting on 364 matches,” said Brown.On the women’s side, the Cavettes are also looking strong with a host of new players joining the squad, including standout signing Ebony Winston from Gerringong. “Ebony's been a member the district and regional academies, and also played for the Southern Swans, who won the Brewer Shield in the Sydney Under-18s Premier League competition last year,” said Brown.“She’s a very experienced young cricketer and we’re thrilled to have her on board for the season.”The Kiama Cavaliers first grade captain in action last year. Photo: Brian Scott On the junior side, the club has seen a flow-on effect from last season’s popular Cricket Blast program, coordinated by Shane Wilson, who was named Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW Blast Coordinator of the Year. The club will field three under-11s teams, along with two under-13s sides, and full teams in the under-15s and under-17s divisions.“There’s been a really healthy junior-to-senior pathway this year,” said Brown. “We’ve even had such strong numbers in the younger age groups that we almost had a third under-13s team.”This season also sees the return of a fourth-grade side for the senior men - a team being affectionately referred to as the “Cavs dads”, where fathers and sons will be lining up together on the field.“It’s an opportunity for our young players in the 13-15-year-old range to experience senior cricket alongside their dads and other experienced players. It’s a great way to welcome juniors into the senior structure and keep that connection strong.”Another major development this year is the appointment of Jack McDonald as club coach - the first time in several years the Cavaliers have had someone in this role. “Participation at pre-season training has been outstanding,” said the club. “Jack’s made a real impact already - it’s a high-performance step forward that puts us in a great position across the whole club.”As for goals this season, the club isn’t afraid to aim high.“It’s not unreasonable for all five senior teams to be playing semifinal cricket,” said Brown.“We’ve got depth, strong recruitment in first grade, and players hungry to move up through the grades. That creates competition, camaraderie, and success across the board.”With strong numbers, a new coach, and major milestones to celebrate, the 2025/26 season is shaping up to be one to remember for the Cavaliers.“We’re really grateful to the Kiama Leagues Club and all our wonderful sponsors, including new major partners Royal Caribbean, who have come on board this year. It’s going to be an amazing season.”

Gerringong Surf Club and Werri Beach Boardriders have joined forces to host a fundraising night in support of local surfing sensation Lucy Darragh.Funds raised from the event at Gerringong Surf Club on Saturday (11 October) at 6pm will go towards Lucy’s journey as she aims to become a world champion.The 15-year-old recently qualified for the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, set to take place in Peru from 5-14 December. She has been overwhelmed by the local community’s support.“I feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing support from this community. I’ve grown up surfing Werri Point and doing nipper training with the surf club, which has already helped me so much in my journey,” said Lucy.“All the support and help they are giving me has definitely given me a big boost heading into World Juniors.“Being able to represent not just Australia but the boardriders and the surf club means a lot.“It’s a huge achievement for me to represent my country in such a big event, and I can’t wait to cheer on all my teammates and spread the Aussie spirit.”With the championships under two months away, Lucy is training harder than ever.Lucy when she won the Nias Pro earlier this year“I’ve been in the water as much as possible, working on my heat strategy and technique. I’ve also been doing lots of gym training with help from NSWIS and other fitness programs to improve my surfing and get ready for such a big event.”Lucy sits at No. 2 on the Australia/Oceania Qualifying Series rankings, following a huge win at the Nias Pro earlier this year. She’s determined to keep the momentum going.“My goal, results-wise, is to make the final and win a medal for Australia. But personally, I just want to show my best surfing in my heats and represent Australia with pride and determination.”Tickets are still available for the fundraiser, which promises a fun night out with:Raffles, auctions, and lucky door prizes with amazing giveawaysLive music to set the vibeDelicious food trucksAnd of course - the bar will be open!Get your tickets here: Eventbrite – Lucy’s ISA FundraiserCan’t make it on the night? You can still support Lucy by buying online tickets for the raffle: RaffleTix – Lucy’s ISA Fundraiser 2025

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 8 MIXEDGRAY SHARKS VS SPEEDY SPRINKLES

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 8 MIXEDLIGHTNING BOLTS VS KIAMA ALL SAINTS

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 6LITTLE LEGENDS VS THE SPOTTO'S

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 6 MIXEDMINI-SHREDDERS VS TAGOSAURUS REXES

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 6THE WOMBATS VS THE WOMBATS

Gerringong Lions NRL utility Tyran Wishart has capped a tremendous season for the Melbourne Storm by earning selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII squad. It is the second season in a row that Wishart has made the squad, recognition of his reputation as one of the emerging stars in the NRL who could be an Origin or Test player in the future.Anthony Albanese announced the Australian men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII squads earlier this week for the clashes with their Papua New Guinea counterparts at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.The men’s team will be captained by South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi with Wishart joined by the likes of Storm teammate Nick Meaney, Rabbitohs duo Jye Gray and Tallis Duncan, Canberra trio Ethan Strange, Tom Starling and Corey Horsburgh.The women’s Prime Minister’s XIII will be captained by Cronulla hooker Quincy Dodd.Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters will oversee the PMs XIII before heading off to the UK later this month for a three-Test Ashes series against England.“The squad has a really strong mix of experienced representative players and some of the best young talent that we saw showcased in the NRL this season,” he said."There is a lot of strike across the park with the likes of Ethan Strange, Jye Gray, Bradman Best and Jason Saab and some real power and mobility up front, led by Keaon Koloamatangi who is getting the opportunity to captain the side."I’m excited to get to work with the team this week and put on a great display in Port Moresby on Sunday.”For Wishart, selection in the PMs XIII was a pick-me-up after Melbourne went down 26-22 in the NRL grand final on Sunday night at Accor Stadium after holding a 10-point lead at the break.Wishart was brought into the game early off the bench after centre Jack Howarth suffered a groin injury.The versatile 25-year-old faced a tough task filling in on the left edge against Brisbane’s Kotoni Staggs.He made 18 runs for 128 metres and made 11 tackles, missing just one.Unfortunately for Wishart, he has now lost two grand finals on the trot, doubling the tally of his father Rod, whose last match was St George Illawarra’s 20-18 defeat in the 1999 premiership decider.Wishart is entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Storm and with the Perth Bears coming into the competition the following season, he is likely to command a sizeable upgrade after becoming a permanent member of Melbourne’s line-up over the past two years.

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 16 GIRLSBOMBO BEACH RATS VS TAGTEAM

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 14 MIXEDMEAN AS MANGOS VS RED DEVILS

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 14 MIXEDGGB ALLFAB VS GETTIN' IT DONE

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG UNDER 14 MIXEDPINK PANTHERS VS LEAKY PIPES'

More than 30 years ago, Craig Scott married into what could only be described as a Kiama Little Athletics dynasty - and today, he finds himself part of four generations of the same family still actively involved in the club.It all began with Scott’s father-in-law, Don Hodgekiss.“He’s been involved since 1971 as a coach, starting at Lake Illawarra Little Athletics,” said Scott.“He’s now 90, and he still coaches little athletes. It’s unbelievable. I honestly can’t believe it when I see it.”Scott began helping out in 1993, not long after marrying Don’s daughter. Like Don, he started at Lake Illawarra, before moving with the family to Kiama in 2003, where they’ve remained ever since.The family legacy has only grown.“My daughter, Talissa, has been involved since 1996. She spent most of her Little Athletics career at Kiama. She got married three years ago, and now my granddaughter, Sienna, who’s three, attended her first Little Athletics meet just two weeks ago,” Scott said proudly.That makes four generations of one family showing up at Little Athletics meets every week - something Scott didn’t even realise until it was pointed out to him.“I didn’t pick up on it - I was too busy running around. I’m also the president of the Kiama Little Athletics Centre. I was making sure everything was ready to go when someone said to me, ‘You know there are four generations of your family here?’”Like many volunteers, Scott was hesitant at first when asked to get involved.“When our kids were old enough to attend, my wife said, ‘I want to take the kids to Little Athletics.’ So I was, for want of a better term, late - I was just dragged along because the family went.“But I found out after a while that I didn’t mind it at all.”In fact, Scott went on to become a major figure in the sport. In 2017, he was appointed Chairman of the Little Athletics NSW Board, and he is now a life member of the organisation.Even after his children stopped competing, he chose to stay involved - a decision that often prompts the question: why?“I just really enjoy being with the children and watching them grow. Now I’ve got second-generation families coming through - kids who were Little Athletes when I first started at Kiama, now bringing their own children.”“From my perspective, it’s not a requirement to have your own kids involved. If you enjoy it and enjoy being with the children, that’s enough. I’ve been mowing and marking that athletics track down there for 21 years.”For Scott, the memories made along the way have been just as important as the achievements.“As a family, we really loved going away to carnivals. Every year there’s a Zone Championships, and we’d go away for the weekend. I was also the Mid-South Coast Zone Coordinator, so I ran those carnivals too.”“We’d also travel to region carnivals in places like Dubbo, Finley, and Wellington. We’d leave on a Thursday or Friday, and there’d be 20 or 30 people from the club - we’d book out an entire caravan park or hotel. They were wonderful weekends away that I’ll never forget.”But at the heart of the story - and the reason this legacy exists - is one man.“It all stems from Don, the patriarch. I still can’t get over the fact he’s actively involved. He still runs long jump and triple jump at every club meet. And when I tell people he’s 90 years old, they can’t believe it.“He’s truly an inspiration - someone who keeps us coming back.”To have four generations of one family involved in a single club is rare - and in this case, it’s a testament to the commitment, generosity, and spirit of a family that Kiama is lucky to have.

As a youngster from Merimbula who grew up in Sydney, Evin Priest would marvel at the beauty of Gerringong golf course each Christmas when his family returned south to see family on the Sapphire Coast. “I’d always think, ‘look how amazing that course looks’,” recalls Priest, who turned his childhood passion into a career as a US golf and sports correspondent for the Australian Associated Press several years before returning to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.But never in his wildest dreams did Priest, who joined the Gerringong club during the lockdown, imagine he would one day play the picturesque course with Steve Williams - one of the world’s greatest caddies.On October 10, Williams - the man who helped Tiger Woods reach the top of his game - will join Priest at the beachside course to play 18 holes, followed by a signing of Together We Roared, the book the pair co-authored.Priest met Williams while travelling the world and writing about the globe’s greatest golfers and their caddies, and the humble Kiwi bagman and laconic Aussie scribe became mates. But COVID clipped Priest’s flying wings and, after living in the US for several years, the journalist returned to Sydney to work.Evin Priest.Golf was his lockdown activity of choice and Priest joined Gerringong, the course he admired as a child.He and Williams also started a popular golf podcast, Chasing Majors, in 2022 with the successful first series sparking the idea for Together We Roared. Priest describes writing the book with Williams, which recounts the New Zealand-born caddy’s time on the bag for 13 of Woods’ 15 major titles, as “a dream come true”.Evin tries his luck at Gerringong.“To write anything that contributes to the historical literature of Tiger Woods, and Steve’s role in that, has been incredible,” says Priest, who would update Gerringong’s club members and staff on the book's progress each weekend when he played the course.“Jake and Shane (Gerringong pro shop staff) and the club president Tony, would hear all about it and cheer me on every step of the way.“When Shane asked me if I was doing a book launch in Australia I thought okay, why not? The book’s official launch was in Sydney but it made sense to have one in Gerringong too, given it’s the course that really kicked things off for me.”So, Priest pitched the idea of an informal book signing and Q&A session at Gerringong to Williams and was delighted when he agreed, doubly so when the caddy jumped at the chance to play 18 holes.“I never knew if Steve was going to go for it or not,” says Priest. “But to his credit he just said ‘yeah absolutely I'd love to come down and play the golf course you've told me about’ and to hear him excited makes me even more excited.”Priest describes Williams as one of the most humble people he’s met, and compares playing Gerringong with him to the way Williams felt when Tiger played at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, the caddy’s home course, before the 2002 New Zealand Open.“Steve fought back tears when Tiger was playing a practice round ahead of the NZ Open,” says Priest, recounting an excerpt from Together We Roared. “Steve just couldn't believe that, not only was his home course hosting the greatest player who has ever lived, but that he was working for him.“So for me to take Steve to Gerringong, while it’s not my childhood course, it is very special to me, it’s going to be amazing.”While Priest says he won’t be fighting back tears, he’ll certainly struggle to wipe the smile from his face.“To think that I'm bringing a guy that I consider a hero to play at Gerringong golf club and then speak to not only the members but the community at the footy club that night, it's just a pinch yourself moment,” he says.“It’s a really fun course, it’s got that laid-back South Coast approachability which Steve really appreciates, and the views are just incredible. The maintenance team do an amazing job with the rain and wind Gerringong receives. “Some of the world's most famous beach courses might have 14 holes looking at the ocean but at Gerringong you can see the sea from every hole, you’re looking at the crashing waves on every single shot.”And there will be no shortage of members lining up to share their tips on playing the course’s trickier holes with the world-famous bagman.The book signing will be held at the Michael Cronin Oval Clubhouse at 6.30pm. Tickets are $75 and include a copy of Together We Roared, which Williams and Priest will be available to sign. For more information visit Gerringong Golf Club’s website or Facebook page.

Two years ago, Kiama Quarriers striker Alyce Quod was ruled out of her team’s grand final after injuring her back in the semi-final - an injury that required surgery.A year later, she returned to the field, only to tear the plantar fascia in her right foot and spend nine weeks on the sideline. Just two weeks after making her comeback, she broke her arm and was out for another six weeks. Then, in the semi-final, she suffered a Grade 4 AC joint injury in her shoulder - and missed the grand final again.This year, things finally went her way. Quod made it through the entire season injury-free, played in an undefeated Division One team, won a long-awaited grand final, scored 25 goals, and was awarded the Golden Boot for the entire Community League.“It’s been a friggin’ journey,” she said.The 35-year-old received the award at the Football South Coast presentation night. Despite playing for more than 25 years, this is the first time she’s claimed the league’s top scorer title.“I think I've played enough to not really feel much when it comes to winning that kind of award. Obviously, it's a very individual award - but my job is a striker. I’ve been playing striker for 25-plus years, so that’s my job: to put balls in the back of the net,” she said.“And if that means at the end of the season they tally up to win an individual award, then that’s fantastic.”Although recognised for her goal-scoring achievements, Quod made it clear she couldn’t have done it without the team behind her.“No one can win the Golden Boot without the tireless effort of everybody in the team. The ball has to come from the back to the front - and it’s just my simplistic job of putting it in the net.”When asked about her favourite goal of the season, Quod didn’t hesitate - she had three, and all came in the preliminary final against Moss Vale, the game that secured her team’s place in the grand final.“We were actually down - I’d scored first within the first few minutes, then they came back and scored two. So we were losing and just getting absolutely smashed,” she said.“Then I got this awesome corner. I just jumped up, put my head on it, and it went into the top left corner - we levelled the scores with about eight minutes to go.”“And then we had this random free kick, well outside the box, out on the right-hand side. I’m just sitting there thinking, what am I going to do with this? She kicked it up, floated it in - I was about 11 metres out - and I just jumped up, connected with my head, and in slow motion, the ball soared over the keeper’s fingertips and went in with just moments to go.”Reflecting on the season, Quod admitted that things didn’t always look promising - and she almost didn’t play at all.“It was a really interesting start to the season. We started off with about seven confirmed players. We didn’t think we were going to have enough, and I was on the verge of doing something else,” she said.“Then, out of the woodworks, floated in all these different women from all walks of life - mostly young. I’m the third oldest in the team. But we started training hard, twice a week, with lots of fitness. And the girls were amazing.”Despite the rough start and unfamiliarity among players, things started to click - and Quod believes that team chemistry played a huge part in her goal-scoring success.“Even though we were really talented across the board, it was rusty at the start. Chemistry needed to be built - and I think it didn’t take us long,” she said.“I just needed to figure out how my midfielders and wingers were going to service me the ball. Probably about a month in - four games under our belt - and we started to mesh together. That was really pinnacle.”After years of setbacks, Alyce Quod’s season was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the joy of finally getting the reward she never stopped chasing.