Gerringong Rotary is organising a Trivia Night at the Gerroa Fishermen’s Club on 25 October to raise money for ROMAC, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children.ROMAC is a project of Rotary Clubs in Australia and New Zealand. It facilitates medical aid for children in Oceania in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery, not accessible to them in their home countries. As well as organising medical care, ROMAC also organises carer families to look after the patient and a family member during the recuperation period. See their website for stories on ROMAC’s terrific work.Top Blokes indeedGerringong Rotary supports Top Blokes, a charity addressing young men’s mental health issues. Daniel and Jacob from Top Blokes spoke to one of our August meetings to tell us more about what they do.Top Blokes started in Wollongong, then expanded to Sydney and the Central Coast, then elsewhere in regional NSW. In 2020 they moved into Queensland and are now looking at taking their programs to Victoria and New Zealand.Top Blokes focuses on young men’s mental health – suicide is the biggest killer of young men in Australia. Young men are suffering from a lack of good male role models and the pressure of social media and access to pornography, leading to them bringing unhealthy attitudes into their relationships.Poor mental health leads to poor physical health, with sufferers more likely to use alcohol, drugs and vapes. Conversely, introducing healthy routine also improves mental health. Top Blokes teach the importance of the Big 6: Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Water, Hygiene and Routine.With 75% of mental health issues emerging before young men turn 24, early intervention is vital. Top Blokes have three programs, targeting different age groups.For ages 10-13, a mentor goes into school for a term to explore the concept of masculinity.For 14-17, two mentors go in and the program lasts for six months. It is billed as a leadership program and the school selects a mixture of boys from different friendship groups who will benefit from the program, with a view to them then teaching their peers. The high school program deals with alcohol, drugs, mental health, relationships and pornography. Schools that have adopted the program have experienced improvements in behaviour that have flowed through to cost savings for the school from a dramatic reduction in detentions and suspensions.The third program is for young men aged 18-24 and is running with air force recruits. It deals with mental health, body image and gambling. It started in Williamstown and is now being extended to Darwin and Brisbane.Top Blokes gets boys and young men to open up about the mask they feel they have to present to the world – strong and in control - and how they really feel inside.Realising that everyone feels anxious and uncertain is transformative.New members and friends are always welcome at Gerringong Rotary - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact [email protected].

This year’s Jeans for Genes campaign was the 31st to be launched in Gerringong and the community again supported this fundraising with generosity and goodwill.A total of 180 people attended the Trivia Night at Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club and they bought lots of raffle tickets on the night and at Gerringong IGA prior to the event.CMRI Gerringong members worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success with lots of friendly competition between tables and fast questions by emcees Glen Isemonger and Dave Peade. The Jeans for Genes fundraising target is traditionally around $10,000 for the Gerringong committee and this year the target was met again thanks to our generous supporters. These included the businesses who donated prizes, the Boat Fisherman’s Club, Gerringong Public School students and Kiama Quilters’ Guild which creates and donates a beautiful denim-look quilt each year. The aim is always to support the ground-breaking research carried out by the scientists at Westmead to find cures for childhood diseases: cancer, neurobiology, embryology, genomics and gene therapy. Nationally, the Jeans for Genes campaign was held on 7 August and raised $2.5 million. Families of children living with genetic conditions held sporting events, formal dinners, denim days at their schools and cake stalls. Lucy Hill, President of the CMRI Gerringong Committee geared up for Jeans for GenesThe families of the 1 in 20 kids facing a birth defect or genetic disease are used to hearing words like “incurable” or “lifelong effects”. It doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, we’re working on gene therapy to find cures for previously incurable genetic diseases. Kids just want to be kids, but instead of playing sports with their friends or catching butterflies on a sunny day, these kids are getting liver transplants, taking dozens of medications, or getting their next dose of chemotherapy.Your support helps the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute find cures, so these kids and millions more like them can go back to being kids. Gerringong Breakers players Romy Christiansen and Louis Astin helped spread the news about the Trivia NightAlessia is one of the 2025 faces of Jeans for Genes the iconic fundraising day that supports the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute so scientists can do work today to change lives tomorrow.She was born perfect in the eyes of her parents Adriana and Adam but one call, when she was two weeks old, delivered devastating news. Alessia had become the first child in NSW to be picked up for Spinal Muscular Atrophy on the newborn screening test.Mum Adriana said Alessia who had the severe form of the disease, was pre-symptomatic, and they had to act fast.“The natural course of the condition is that the nerves connecting to her muscles would waste away, and it would affect her ability to sit up, to crawl, to walk, to meet all of her milestones, to the point where she would lose the ability to breathe,’’ Adriana said.“Ultimately it would take her life! As a best case scenario, we were looking at a lifespan of two years.’’ As Alessia’s parents tried to comprehend this news – they were told something equally life-changing! NSW was taking part in a trial of a new gene therapy following its success overseas. With one injection, Alessia’s genetic error could be corrected within her cells, effectively curing her condition.“I couldn't believe what I was reading with gene therapy,’’ Adam said. “It was truly amazing. Reading about it was incredible, but then for it actually to be happening in front of our eyes was, next level.’’Alessia slept through her gene therapy infusion and went home. Over the next few years her parents waited and watched as she reached many childhood milestones that should never have been possible, and today, she is a happy and healthy seven-year-old lacking only a small amount of muscular strength in her legs.To find out more about the research a monthly Discovery Day held at the Westmead CMRI laboratories allows members of the community to tour the labs, meet the scientists, learn about the research and enjoy a wonderful lunch. To book a Discovery Day visit contact CMRI on 1800 436 437 or email [email protected].

Do you consider yourself a travel packing expert, or rather a serious over-packer who could use some great advice? Either way, these tips from the latest ROAM* Breakfast Travel Club are designed to make packing less stressful and more efficient.Packing doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a little planning, you can travel light, stay organised, and have plenty of outfit options. Here’s how:1. Choose a Colour Palette. Select a few core colours that work together. Every item packed should coordinate, allowing for mix-and-match combinations that maximise outfit options without adding bulk.2. Plan Outfit Combinations. Think in terms of combinations, not single outfits. For instance, 4 tops and 3 bottoms create 12 potential outfits. Adding a couple of dresses or jumpsuits increases variety without overpacking.3. Pack Multi-Use Layers. A lightweight wrap or scarf is incredibly versatile. It is perfect for the plane, cooler evenings, or as a cover-up at cultural or religious sites.4. Limit Shoes to Three Pairs. Bring just three pairs: one for travel, one for walking, and one dressier option. Ensure all are comfortable and well-worn to avoid blisters or sore feet.5. Skip “Just in Case” Items. Avoid last-minute additions for hypothetical scenarios, they rarely get used.6. Pre-Plan Outfits with Photos. Take photos of each outfit and save them to a phone album. This makes getting dressed easier, reduces decision fatigue, and helps when jet lagged.7. Use Compression Packing Cubes. These cubes save space and keep clothing organised. Include one with a full change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed.8. Separate Dirty Clothes and Shoes. Use a laundry bag for worn clothing and individual bags for shoes to keep dirt away from clean items.9. Mini Toiletries & Tech Organisation. Transfer toiletries into travel sized containers to reduce bulk. Keep chargers, cords, and adapters in a single pouch to prevent tangles.10. Pack a Foldable Tote. A lightweight tote is perfect for markets, day trips, or spontaneous shopping. It takes up minimal suitcase space but is highly useful on the go.For more travel tips and insights, join the next ROAM* Breakfast Travel Club, held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Travel Focus Group office. It is a relaxed gathering for women who love travel. Head to www.travelfocusgroup.com to register your attendance for our next meet-up and to place your complimentary coffee order!

Vincent Sherrell was 16 when he walked into the library at his high school and heard something different. Not your typical assembly but a conversation, about manhood, responsibility and mental health.He didn’t know then that signing up for the Building Young Men program would change the way he moved through the world.Each Wednesday, in place of school sport, he joined a group of boys and mentors in a quiet circle. They talked and listened, and week by week, trust replaced hesitation.“One of the biggest takeaways was connection,” says Vincent, now 17. “How a group of people can build each other up.”They walked for 24 hours. At first it felt impossible. But they finished it, together. And that’s the point of the program: not to test boys, but to show them who they are when things get hard.At the centre of it all were the mentors. Some in their 20s, others much older.“They shared their mistakes,” Vincent says. “They showed us how to treat people. What to avoid. What matters.”This is not a story about saving boys. It’s about giving them space to grow. It’s about recognising that in an age of constant pressure, especially online, belonging can’t be assumed. It has to be built.Vincent has built new friendships, confidence and a sense of purpose that extends beyond school. He’s studying hospitality, finishing his work placement hours at a local café, and imagining a career in outdoor recreation, shaped, in part, by the wilderness camp he attended through the program.“Wednesdays became the highlight of my week.”In the quiet circle, boys speak truths they might never say elsewhere. What they find is not judgment, but a kind of steady, unspoken respect. That, more than anything, is what helps them stand up straighter.Young men today face a lot of pressure to be everything at once, be strong but sensitive, be confident but humble, be successful but relaxed, be resilient but emotionally open. Society often sends conflicting messages about what it means to be a man. Instead of always having to live up to those pressures or expectations, what young men often need most is a place where they don’t have to perform or prove anything , where they can just be themselves, be accepted, and feel safe.Each year Gerringong Golf Club hosts the Sam Matters Cup in honour of the talented local footballer and golfer who took his own life five years ago.The Sam Matters Cup will be held on September 12. Call Gerringong Golf Club Pro Shop on 4234 3333 to book.All money raised will go to The Saving Sammy Foundation which will again fund the mental health mentoring program, now in its fourth year, to support Year 10 students at Kiama High School during a critical stage of their development.Anyone seeking support can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au (all services are available 24/7).

From: Gerringong Community Action Group for Youth There’s been no mention of funding for youth facilities and programs in the upcoming Kiama By-Election, other than funds to upgrade existing sporting facilities. Is this because youth doesn’t have a vote?The Liberal Party’s Kiama candidate, Serena Copley, is pledging $26M for the Kiama Sporting Complex, funding the first stage of Council’s draft masterplan to upgrade its sporting facilities. The Kiama Mayor, Cameron McDonald, is requesting $110 to $150 million dollars to upgrade the Kiama Sports Complex and its sporting facilities. On Monday morning Serena Copley announced a pledge of $200,000 to upgrade the lighting at Cronin’s Oval in Gerringong. Labor candidate, Katelin McInerney, has announced that the State Government will provide $200,000 to establish a special night entertainment precinct in Kiama, and $3M to fix potholes and repair roads. Labor’s “plan for our community” leaflet identifies one item, Number 30, on their map for Gerringong. It states: “Gerringong Golf Club: New facilities are being provided for golfers.” Funding is concentrated in Kiama itself and does not appear to flow to other populated town centres outside of Kiama. Gerringong/Gerroa has a population of over 5,300 people with more than 600 under the age of 18. There are a number of sporting fields for young people to participate in traditional sporting activities. There are a number of community facilities located in Gerringong including the Surf Life Saving Club, the Library, the Museum, the Bowling club, and the Gerringong Town Hall. However, these facilities are not designed, or suitable, for recreational activities and programs for young people. Margaret Lester, Chairperson of the Gerringong Community Action Group, said there is a need for a designated Youth Centre in Gerringong. The South Werri Beach Reserve would be a suitable location, near the Surf Life Saving Club, the Bowling Club, the tennis courts, the basketball court, and the Skate Park. The proximity to the beach would make a youth centre very attractive to young people. Kiama’s current Draft Masterplan for the South Werri Reserve proposes the redevelopment of the Reserve with wetlands, walking pathways, tree plantings and picnic areas for visitors. The Draft Masterplan has not identified the opportunity, or the need, to earmark space for a Youth Centre for Gerringong. Margaret Lester stated that many young people experience difficulties in making the transition from childhood to adulthood during their teenage years.Not all young people, or their parents, enjoy competitive or contact sports. Youth centres around Australia and overseas are being designed by architects specifically to meet the needs of young people. Youth centres are designed to cater for recreational and creative activities and programs for the general youth population without stigmatising young people’s participation. Youth Centres have been established in local communities and are primarily funded by local and State Governments. Currently the process of designing and constructing new youth facilities is very much concerned with involving as many young people as possible - high school students, school leavers and youth workers, determining the colours and materials to be used in the building and the activities to be provided. The process is important, not only to gain the best outcome that will attract participation but also to foster ownership by local youth. Youth centres today are designed for multipurpose use, catering for small and large groups as well as for individuals. Youth centre designs have separate spaces for recreation and rooms for creative arts, music, computers, and even a climbing wall, outdoor spaces for BBQs, fresh air, sunshine and a small vegetable garden to accompany the kitchen for cooking skills and healthy eating. Given there are no designated Community Centres or Neighbourhood Centres in Gerringong it would be advantageous to utilise the proposed youth centre for other community groups and adult use, when not in use for youth, such as when young people are at school or at work or studying. After researching architectural designs for youth centres a concept design has been proposed. A floor plan showing what could be provided for young people attending a Gerringong Youth Centre has been attached to this paper. A Community Action Group for Youth has been established in Gerringong to inform the community and government bodies of the need to plan ahead for a designated youth centre for the growing population of Gerringong.Kiama Council has recently approved a land release for housing on the western side of Elambra Estate. In 5 years’ time, Gerringong/Gerroa’s population could be as high as 7000 people. Margaret said that the group is determined to take this issue to the next State and Federal elections.

Sunday afternoons are just the best time for doing all manner of lovely things. Like walking aimlessly, enjoying nature. Or curling up cosily on your sofa with a good book. Watching Sunday afternoon footy, either at the game or on telly. Catching a cheeky wave or two, or immersing yourself in a round of golf. Meeting up with friends at a cafe or pub for a languorous, long lunch.Or for doing not much at all.Listening to live music is certainly one of my favourite things to do, at any given time. The sheer joy of rounding off the weekend with an inspiring musical experience, now that's the best activity of all, in my humble opinion.And so last Sunday afternoon in Gerringong, I joined many other grown-ups introducing their children and grandchildren to an exceptional presentation, brought to us by the wonderful Gerringong Music Club.Four members of the band Sonido treated us to an hour's musical journey through South America. And indeed it was a treat.Sonido is the Spanish word for "sound", and that is exactly what we got. Glorious, South American sound, performed by four very talented musicians, Eddy, Cesar, Stephen and Marco, playing traditional instruments, and also giving us delightful snippets of Latin musical information along the way.We were introduced to the gorgeous sounds and rhythms of the traditional flute of the Andes. Then there was the Bombo, the Latin American bass drum; the charango, the lute-like stringed instrument of the Andes strongly resembling a uke. And my favourite, the panpipes, or zampona, made of cane tubes, mostly bamboo, emitting the archetypal sound of the Andes.Throughout the show we the audience were invited to speak Spanish, to tap our feet and clap our hands, to dance, to share in moving to the sheer rhythmic delights of music from the Andes, Peru, Chile. We engaged, we learned, we interacted. All of us, from age two to, well … my age. It was a fabulous, fun hour of intoxicating Latin music where the children were invited to join in, to play some percussion, to have the pleasure of an interactive and joyous musical experience. Well done, Sonido!The very best news is that they will be back to Gerringong in March, this time with a seven-piece band, to bring us more vibrant, fabulous, hip-wiggling music. Don't miss them.

In a child’s life they will often come across adults who will freely give of their time to provide activities or experiences that make their childhood something they look back on with fondness.At school, many teachers will volunteer to take extra work coaching sporting teams, dance groups or choirs. It goes without saying that schools would not function without the input from parent helpers in such things as transport.In any community there are many adults who will do the same, sometimes for decades. Gerringong is certainly a place like this.In my childhood I also had many people like this and I will admit I was remiss in thanking them for what they did as a child.Some of the wonderful people from Gerringong I have touched on in previous articles, Bob Rogers and Bob Daniel in the scouts and Ken Hodges in the surf lifesaving club are ones that come to mind.But for me cricket was a big part of my childhood. And there are two gentlemen who had a big part in that - Athol Noble and Norm Carradus.Come the Gerringong cricket season in 1977-78, I was part of a group of young blokes around 18 years of age or so. We were a tearaway group who liked to have a good time but we did enjoy our cricket. We put together a team and entered the third-grade competition. Now being immature and more than a little bit disorganised we needed someone with a lot of maturity to mould us from being a raw lot with potential to being a game-winning group.Sort of like a father figure/coach/captain in the Wayne Bennett type.So, into the void steps Athol Noble. Now this was something he did not have to do. He did not have some family member or associate that inspired him to take on the job. He had already done 10 lifetimes of service to many groups in Gerringong. He did it because it needed to be done and he was a man who always stepped up when needed.And yes, he did the job. He marshalled this team together, trained them up, led them like a general and we won the premiership - my only one. The fast bowlers would do their stuff to begin with, of course (Paul Rose was very fast!). But if this did not shift a dangerous batter then Athol would come on himself. He was not a young man but he would roll up and bowl the juiciest of balls that would just bounce and sit nicely on the pitch. An accomplished first-grader would easily dispatch them all to the boundary in short order. These were not first-grade players. They could not resist the temptation to try and whack them over the boundary. Alas, most of them went down the throats of yours truly and the rest of the fielders in the outfield that Athol had placed out there for just that purpose.Norm Carradus was a builder who lived in Werri Beach with a wife and two children. I was lucky enough to be the same age as his son, also named Mark.During the winter months, Mark would play soccer and Norm would devote his time to that, but come summer, it was time for cricket. There was no chance of us boys playing cricket, however, without a coach and that is where Norm stepped in.Once a week, after school, we would leave Gerringong Public School, which was where the park in the main street is now, cross the street and buy some chips from Miller's Fish and Chip Shop which was where the surf shop is now, roughly, then walk over the hill past what was the Scout and Guide hall (GLaM) and down to Jubilee Oval, (Michael Cronin Oval).It used to have a concrete cricket pitch in the middle. We would get set up at the practice nets which were behind the oval beside the coral trees. Norm would turn up from work. I remember he always wore a work shirt, shorts, and workbooks with gaiters. We would then proceed to each have a bowl and a bat with some fielding practice thrown in under his watchful eye. Woe betides any person who mucked around. I remember getting into trouble, quite justifiably I might add, for doing the same.Come Saturday, if we were playing at home, we would turn up early to drag out the mats to cover the concrete pitch to play our game. Then we would rush over to see where we were going to bat, I was usually number 10, I was not very good. But hey, we were not a great team and often I would still get to bat twice. One week the team only got a total of nine Away games were a little trickier. There was no one else, no special buses to transport all of us. Norm had a huge Ford station wagon, which, empty of tools, would squeeze, kit included, all the team for the trip to Albion Park, Shellharbour or some other place. We never thought twice about being squashed up in the back. It’d never be allowed today.After I retired, I did a lot of research on the history of the Gerringong Cricket Club. I came to appreciate, apart from having a very distinguished senior career as a batter, just how much time Norm dedicated to junior cricket. On the honour board under the heading of “Gerringong Juniors” the name Carradus is very prominent.

Gerringong Lions five-eighth Ashton Ward tore St George Illawarra Dragons to shreds in South Sydney Rabbitohs' rousing NRL win at Accor Stadium on Thursday night.Ward was exceptional in the 40-0 flogging of the Dragons, getting the last laugh on centre Hayden Buchanan, another Gerringong junior who recently made it into the NRL.The 21-year-old playmaker booted six goals from seven attempts and had a hand in South Sydney's attack all night, setting up tries for the outside backs in just his fifth match in first grade.Andrew Johns, considered the game's greatest halfback of all time, was mightily impressed with Ward's contribution.“He’s got the foundations to be a 200-game half. He’s tough and he competes," the Knights Immortal said from the Nine commentary box.The Dragons targeted Ward, who is the smallest player in the NRL, but he got through 31 tackles without missing any and one of his hits jarred the ball free from a Dragons attacker, leading to Souths scoring just before half-time.They led 16-0 at the interval before scoring four more tries in the second half to join the Dragons in a share of 12th spot on the ladder.Another Gerringong product, Dragons forward Hamish Stewart missed the match due to a concussion suffered in last week's loss to the Warriors in Auckland.They had plenty of players out injured but coach Shane Flanagan said they should have performed a lot better against a Rabbitohs side which was also heavily depleted."Souths had a shorter turnaround than us, they've got injuries. We're not tossing up any excuses," he said."If I start tossing up excuses, then I become one of the weak ones."The opposition didn't give us a chance to breathe. They were outstanding with the football. We were the opposite."St George Illawarra take on Manly at Kogarah next Saturday before finishing the regular season with a showdown against Penrithin Wollongong on 6 September.

It has been five years since Sam Matters, “a lovable, cheeky, beautiful boy with every reason to live,” took his own life.Each day his family - dad Dean, mum Mel and brothers Josh and Perry - still expect him to come barrelling through the back door of their Gerringong home, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes and his beloved dog Red by his side.“Why he chose the path he did is something that we will grapple with for the rest of our lives,” says Dean.Sam, a talented footballer and golfer who was loved by all in the close-knit coastal town, was just 18 when he died. Every day without Sam is a struggle for his family, but they are determined to save others from the devastation of suicide by raising awareness and funds to support youth mental health.Each year the family hosts the Sam Matters Cup at Gerringong Golf Club in honour of their beloved boy.The charity day was the brainchild of the club’s professional Shane Cochrane, one of many golfers who witnessed Sam’s determination to master the game from the moment he first picked up a club as a 10-year-old.“Golf was such a big part of Sam’s life,” says Shane. “We wanted to do something to honour his memory.”Sam takes a swing at Gerringong.Now in its fifth year the charity event has raised more than $100,000 to fund youth development programs at Nowra PCYC and a mentoring initiative through the Building Young Men Program.Gerringong’s Mark Burns, CEO of The Man Walk - a group for men to walk, talk and improve mental health through community connection - leads the successful Building Young Men Program which has supported dozens of boys from across the region to “understand their value”.The Saving Sammy Foundation will again fund the mental health mentoring program, now in its fourth year, to support Year 10 students at Kiama High School during a critical stage of their development.“Mentors talk to the boys about their own challenges, the difficulties they faced in growing into young men,” explains Dean. “It is a fantastic initiative which I wish had been available when Sam was alive. Maybe the outcome would have been different.”Sam’s mum Mel, an independent Kiama Councillor who stepped into the role to give a voice to the community who continues to rally around her family, says the golf day is a chance “to remember our Sam with our community and friends and prevent the same heartbreak happening to another family.”Sam at his 18th birthday party.“If we can save one young person Sam's life will not have been in vain,” says Dean. “Raising awareness and holding this event in Sammy’s name might help another young person feel seen, valued, and not so alone.”The Sam Matters Cup will be held on September 12. Call Gerringong Golf Club Pro Shop on 4234 3333 to book.Anyone seeking support can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au (all services are available 24/7).

The old saying there’s safety in numbers has never been truer, as adventures for solo female globetrotters become one of the travel industry’s fastest growing sectors.Gerringong travel agent Kelly Morrison, one of the many women travelling alone or on female-only tours, has tapped into the growing market with Travel Focus Group’s new business venture – ROAM, a travel experience designed specifically for women. A 2025 travel trends report found solo female travellers are on the rise, with Tourism Research Australia and Austrade data showing women travelling alone made up 40 per cent of the domestic market, with 30 per cent of women heading overseas solo.Morrison, who joined Travel Focus Group as an agent three months ago after moving to the area for a sea change, embraced solo travel after divorcing and becoming an empty nester.But she says there are downsides to going it alone, with clients reporting safety as the top concern for female travellers, not to mention the higher cost of a singles supplement.When Morrison and her sister decided to embark on a Moroccan adventure, they chose to travel with an all-women’s group tour “for the safety aspect”.“It was one of the best trips I’ve been on,” she said.After the group tour ended, the sisters had two days on their own in Morocco’s bustling capital and safety quickly became an issue.“We got followed by a male and had to duck into a shop and hide behind the racks,” she explained.Kelly in Morocco. The safety scare sparked the idea for ROAM and Morrison held the group’s first breakfast recently for like-minded females to travel together.The get-together was a hit, with more than a dozen women registering their interest in the small-group, female-only adventures. The first tour, in November, will be to New Zealand and include good food, fine wine, a health spa and jet boat ride.“There are a lot of adventurous women out there who want to go off the beaten track but still have that safety net of travelling with a group,” she addedMorrison has designed the inaugural itinerary around the things she likes to do as a traveller; a bit of sightseeing, an off-the-beaten track adventure, excellent food and wine and boutique accommodation.“Many organised tours are extremely structured; you have to get up at 6am to be on a bus by 7am to visit multiple tourist attractions every day. Those sorts of tours are very cookie-cutter, very generic.”Her idea of a good holiday involves more peace than pace.“You won’t experience jam-packed schedules or tourist traps on our tours. ROAM is all about leisurely mornings, local culture and meaningful experiences.“My mum did a bus trip through Europe and she said it was the most exhausting holiday she had ever been on. One day she just refused to get out of bed, maybe that’s where I get it from!”ROAM group tours will be much more fluid, allowing people to linger over a nice breakfast before they “go off and do things” and incorporating experiences that allow women to give back to the communities they visit.“On a trip to India or Vietnam we might visit an orphanage and ask women to bring some baby clothes to donate. It’s all about letting women share experiences in a safe environment,” Morrison said.“The beauty of these tours is that they try and cater for everyone’s interests. Travelling doesn’t have to be go, go, go, it’s just as important to slow down, take things in, immerse yourself in the experience so you have a chance to enjoy it while you’re there.”Photo: Lara MathewsonMany solo female adventurers are also looking to link with other women to share the cost of the dreaded singles supplement - an extra fee charged to those travelling alone when booking accommodations or tours designed for dual occupancy.With enquiries on the rise, Morrison also plans to link up solo travellers interested in similar experience, with a view to them sharing the cost of a double room or tours for two.“We’ve had several women in their 80s come in and say I really want to go to Antarctica but they don’t want to travel by themselves,” she explained. “The single supplement is so expensive and we help them find a like-minded person who they can travel with and share a room with to avoid that cost. It’s not only cheaper but much more fun when you share the experience with someone else.”Morrison said all-female group tours are the opposite of a “draincation” - a phrase coined to describe travelling with kids or a partner where the mental load is still high – and involve more wine and less whine.“Travelling with children or a partner is not always a holiday, you still carry the same burdens as at home, just in a different location,” said Morrison. “Sometimes it’s even harder because kids are out of their routine and comfort zone.“On a ROAM tour you don’t have to worry if everyone has packed enough underwear or will eat what’s on the menu, you just get to focus on yourself and the things you like to do. And let’s be honest wine always tastes better with girlfriends.”

Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart has been recalled to the St George Illawarra side for Saturday's crucial clash with the Roosters at Kogarah.Stewart was stood down from last Saturday's 28-24 loss to the Raiders in Canberra after suffering a concussion in the prevoius round when the Dragons knocked off Parramatta at WIN Stadium.The rookie lock has been cleared to make his return and was named on the interchange bench when Shane Flanagan announced his Round 19 team on Tuesday.Former Maroons forward Jaydn Su’A will line up for his 150th NRL game after the Samoan international previously played for Brisbane and South Sydney.He joined the Dragons in 2022 and after winning the Dragons Medal a year ago, he has been one of the team's top performers this season.Queensland winger Valentine Holmes has been named to back up from Wednesday's State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium, which means centre Corey Allan has been dropped to the reserves.Veteran second-rower Luciano Leilua has overcome a quad strain which sidelined him last week to also boost the pack alongside Stewart.Michael Molo has been relegated to the interchange with Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Viliami Fifita now in the reserves.The Dragons have won just six of theeir 15 starts in 2025 but are still in the playoff hunt in 11th spot, just two competition points behind eighth-placed Manly.They could leapfrog the Roosters, who are in ninth, if they can topple them at Kogarah this weekend.The Roosters have five players on representative duty - Connor Watson, Robert Toia, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins, while centre Billy Smith (knee), halfback Sam Walker (thumb) and lock Victor Radley (concussion) have also been named to make their return from injury.This Saturday's match will be a double-header with the NRLW side taking on the Roosters at 3.15pm before the NRL match at 5.30pm.The club will be celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the 2010 grand final victory over the Roosters with a strong contingent of former players on hand for the clash.

Gerringong surfer Lucy Darragh has risen to the top of the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series rankings following her standout victory at the Nias Pro in Indonesia.The 15-year-old surfed her way to a breakthrough win on the international stage, dominating the event held in Nias from June 21 to 26.“The trip was such a cool experience,” Lucy said. “I learnt so much. The waves at Nias were incredible - especially for a competition.”In the final, Darragh faced close friend Charli Hately. She locked in scores of 7 and 6.53 on her opening two waves - enough to secure the win.“It was so good to share a final with such a good friend. We were laughing and having a chat out there - it was such a good atmosphere,” she said.Her father, Larn Darragh, was waiting in the channel during the final. Once the result was confirmed, Lucy paddled over to share the special moment with him.Lucy surfing in Nias.“Both my dad and I were so excited - and a bit shocked too! It took a while for the achievement to sink in, but I’m so happy and can’t wait to compete there again,” said Lucy.The win bumped her to number one on the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series Rankings - one of her major goals for 2025.“I’m surprised to be on top of the rankings this early, especially with how many incredible surfers are competing,” she said.“I’m hoping to do well in the upcoming QS6000 events later in the season and hopefully finish in the top four to qualify for the Challenger Series.”While in Indonesia, Lucy also competed in the Krui Pro, facing off against a field of more-experienced surfers. She advanced to the Round of 32 before being narrowly eliminated.“Although I got knocked out early, I learnt a lot of new heat strategies and gained experience at the top QS level,” she said.“Krui is such a special place - with so many waves to surf and fun adventures - so I’m really grateful I got to go there.”With her sights now firmly set on the Challenger Series, it seems Gerringong may have another rising star in the making - following in the sandy footsteps of local legend Sally Fitzgibbons.

By Clive Emery Blacksmiths were such an essential part of the community more than a century ago, especially in country areas. Before tractors, cars and trucks, horses would do most of the work. Clive Emery brings to life the story of one in Gerringong, Billy Lees. Billy Lees was one of four blacksmiths we had in Gerringong, from early in 1900 to about 1950. Other names were Cockerill, Bourke and Fitzpatrick.Billy's shop was in Fern Street where the old Post Office building (now changed to commercial enterprises) was situated. I well remember turning the handle of the bellows for him while a horseshoe was being softened for shaping in the bed of coke or coal simmering in the bed of ashes. This was contained by brickwork against the northern wall of his corrugated iron premises.There was a sign painted on the outside of the southern wall of the building, which was displayed in blue lettering and read, for as long as the premises remained: “Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills.” As a boy I thought it was some remedy for ailing horses, because Billy was also a horse doctor. I knew this because he came to our farm at Crooked River once to dose one of our horses suffering from gripes. The remedy, as I remember, was a bottle of whisky. The horse was up and about within the hour!There are many things for which Billy should be remembered besides shoeing horses. The principal one was his eternal good humour. In all my life I do not remember meeting him in anything but a cheerful mood.Billy was a nugget of a man whose strong, hairy arms were never covered. He wore a short-sleeved flannel shirt open at the neck and heavy tweed trousers with a bluish tinge. He had a breaking-in yard on the boundary of the school ground where we could watch him breaking in horses for the farmers. Two sons, Tommy and Tod, would be helping on most occasions, especially if a horse was to be broken to the saddle. The Walker residence Gerringong, where the chemist is now. Photo: The Emery Family CollectionYoung Tod did this job in the circular yard. Tod was a great horseman and as a young man, worked in Neely's store, riding around the district taking orders each Monday, and delivering them in a sulky the next day. Tommy was the elder of the boys and worked on the roads mostly during his period in Gerringong. Tommy had bright blue eyes like his father and remained an excellent citizen during his lifetime in Gerringong.Billy was to be found in his pole and corrugated iron premises on most days, and the “ring” of steel as he hammered shoes into shape and mended broken machinery and plough shares for the farmers could be heard all over town. On most days, if they were “shoeing days”, the smell of burning hooves was abundant as red-hot shoes were temporarily fitted and shaped the hoof rather than the reverse, to be then cooled and refitted. He had room in the shop for three horses at a time, and most farmers waited for the job to be done, when the horse would be put back in the shafts and driven home. Everyone in town knew when it was “shoeing day”, for the mixture of coal fire and burning hooves floated before the breeze. However, shop doors were never shut as a result, for Billy was as much entitled to free trade as anyone else, and respect for him as a person and a worker would be far too strong in any case.Billy had a daughter, “Bubby”, who attended the school as her brother had done, and for a period when I was a student. She was slight of build and wore her hair shoulder length. She and Ella Donovan were neighbours as well as great mates. His wife was a great worker for the Anglican Church but otherwise was content to care for the home beside that of the Donovans.Billy's shop was a Mecca for idle men. When Tom Love retired from dairying to Fern Street he would always be found at the shop, helping Billy by turning the bellows handle if it was necessary while Billy shaped red-hot shoes and punched seven holes for the nails.Great yarns were told and retold, when Tom pushed the old wooden window out and propped it with the swinging shaft to keep it stable and sat on a block at the aperture to watch the traffic. Perhaps a cart or two or Jim Donnelley delivering a passenger to his destination with his coach and pair, or perhaps he might spot James Walker looking out his shop doorway for a sighting of an approaching customer. Billy and Tom were a great combination - they pondered, proposed and predicted between yarns and hammer blows, even while Billy was shoeing a horse with six nails in his mouth as he hammered the first one home!Now they are gone forever! The shop has gone, the smell of burning horsehair has gone, and the ring of steel on steel will never again be heard in Fern Street.The present has overtaken the past, as time goes by, taking the local smithy with it. My personal interest in Billy as a young child was because he was the first man I had ever seen with gold in his teeth clearly visible when he smiled, as he did often, and I thought him a rich man. The one thing in which he was rich was heritage, because his grandfather arrived on our shores in 1822, and his father settled in our district on a farm near the foothills of Willow Vale. Billy died in 1953, aged 72.This article is from the archives of Gerringong historian Clive Emery.

Gerringong firefighter Andrew Sweeney has been awarded a King’s Birthday honour for more than 35 years of dedication to the Rural Fire Service.The bush fire risk specialist has spent more than three decades of his life fighting and investigating fires, supporting volunteers and ensuring all the crews he oversees are safe.Most recently, he spent a week in Taree supporting RFS crews assisting involved in rescue and clean-up operation after devastating floods.Sweeney was one of nine RFS members honoured with the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal.“The recognition is humbling, but that’s not why we do the job we do,” said Sweeney, who was appointed head of the Gerringong Brigade in 2014 before stepping into a leadership position as Illawarra District Group Captain in 2020.“It’s good to be acknowledged for all the hard work and all the time spent away from family, especially when you’re responding to disasters like floods and fires that have devastated so many communities.”Along with responding the recent floods on the mid-north coast the wildfire and structural fire investigator played a pivotal role in investigating the 2019–20 Black Summer bush fires that devastated the South Coast.He was also a lead wildfire investigator in the Southern Highlands Green Wattle Creek fire where two volunteer firefighters were killed after a tree fell on their truck near Buxton.“Investigating that fire, it was one of the biggest of the season and destroyed around 298,000 hectares, where two firefighters lost their lives and so much property was destroyed was pretty traumatic,” he added.“We have critical incident support teams and chaplains to help us through that but of course it has an impact.”Sweeney is one hundreds of first responders - police, paramedics, firefighters, marine rescue and State Emergency Service volunteers – awarded King’s Birthday honours for their dedication to keeping communities safe.The awards fall in the same week as Thank a First Responder Day which encourages people to honour those who dedicate their lives to helping communities in often tragic, always challenging, emergencies.Thank a First Responder Day is an initiative of Fortem Australia, a support organisation for emergency service crews and their families which aims to educate people about the psychological toll these roles can take.According to research by Beyond Blue post-traumatic stress disorder affects between 10 and 20 per cent of first responders, and nearly one in seven are impacted by anxiety and depression.Sweeney is no stranger to the psychological toll placed on emergency service personnel and part of his role in overseeing safety is ensuring the wellbeing of crews.“There used to be a stigma that when a chaplain showed up on scene it was because someone died, but for the past few years chaplains have called or dropped in to stations for a chat and to build rapport and people tend to open up more with someone they trust.”Fortem CEO Michael Willing says one in three first responders experience high levels of psychological distress from on-the-job trauma; a far higher rate than the general population.“This alarming figure highlights the urgent need for greater support and appreciation of the sacrifices first responders make,” says Mr Willing.“We know that feeling appreciated and valued is important for our wellbeing. The simple act of saying thanks for the challenging, traumatic and often dangerous work our first responders do will ensure these dedicated men and women know that they are recognised, appreciated, and valued by the communities they protect.”Thank a First Responder Day is now in its sixth year and Fortem Australia is encouraging communities to show their appreciation by thanking a first responder, on any given day, to ensure they know just how valued they are.

Over the recent glorious long weekend, The Co-Op at Gerringong lit up with the Distilled festival showcasing a talented selection of local and visiting distilleries and artists.The Co-Op owner, Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters was thrilled to see hundreds of people out and about in the beautiful winter weather to sample some of the local delights and some great music. “We were lucky with the weather and the crowds,” Cr Matters said. Among the distilleries on show were several from the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands regions, including Tara Distillery, Wolf and Woman Distillery, Old Salt Distillery and Merrigangs. “There were a couple of different changes we had to make with the licensing, so we had to adapt. It still went well,” Cr Matters said.“It is really good for other businesses to come in and have a few hundred people have access to sample their products. I think they are really happy.“People love to come down and have samples.“A lot of locals came on Sunday (to Distilled), with many out of town, I think overall it is really fabulous to see that.” Local emerging singer-songwriter Olivia Coggan was one of the 15 musical performers who entertained the crowds.“People obviously love music, and it is good to have options around. We want more of that for people to come and enjoy some live music,” Cr Matters said.“Other events like the winery had a great turn-out, and I’m pleased that there’s no rain for them as well. I think it is just fabulous for businesses to have all the venues ‘happening’ and people going in between venues.” With many events held across the region on the long weekend, it highlights the region’s strengths with the engagement from locals and tourists.It is estimated that around 400 people attended the Distilled event over the two days.

By Stephanie Kemp Helping those in needGerringong Rotary Club continues to support the work undertaken worldwide by ShelterBox, who work with disaster-affected communities to provide the emergency shelter, essential items and training needed to support families in the long process of rebuilding their lives. This year marks ShelterBox’s 25th year since being founded. Since inception, with the assistance of Rotary, ShelterBox have supported over 3 million people recovering from disaster or conflict. Rotary's partnership with ShelterBox continues to make a significant impact across the globe including supporting families in Lebanon and Gaza (through collaboration with Rotary in Jordan), those who lost their homes after Hurricane Beryl swept through the Caribbean, and those families displaced through drought in Ethiopia. Later in the year we are planning a big travel raffle – watch this space!We have also been able to help those affected by the recent Queensland floods.The April Markets, held on Easter Saturday, were a great success. We had the best BBQ results for a while and were able to make a donation to the flood relief efforts.Volunteers neededIn order to keep making a difference by helping charities like these as well as running local initiatives like the monthly Gerringong Markets and helping to found Active Aging NSW, which is bringing new dementia programs to the South Coast, we need new volunteers. While our focus is on our charity work, we are a social bunch – Wednesday morning meetings in Gerringong Town Hall have a visiting speaker, once a month we all go out to dinner and we have sporadic social activities, such as our visit to the Jervis Bay Botanical Garden and our morning tea at Tilda and Cacao chocolate makers in Gerringong. Later in this year a group from the club is planning a few days away.A Focus on travelPeta Godfrey, owner of Travel Focus in Gerringong spoke at one of our recent meetings about her journey as a travel agent through the COVID period and what has changed between before and after the pandemic.Peta grew up locally and joined Guidepost Travel, the predecessor to Travel Focus. She bought the business in 2017 and in 2020 she was suddenly facing closing borders and clients stuck overseas, with no idea how long the situation was going to last. Thanks to JobKeeper, she could retain some of her staff, but the business was making no money so she had to close the office and surrender her lease, while working from home to get clients back to Australia and cancelling and rebooking holidays, rebooking and rescheduling up to three times to prevent the client losing their money altogether. By the time borders reopened in 2023, staff had got other jobs, as had Peta herself! Airline staff were untrained, pilots had left the industry and there was a shortage of planes as it took six months to get them back in the air again after being parked in the desert. Flight prices had gone up threefold and Peta was wondering whether to reopen the business at all in the face of these challenges as she was enjoying her new low stress life.What made the decision for her was locals stopping her in the street and asking when she was going to reopen so they could book a trip. Peta talks to the Club. The people reignited her passion for the industry, and she has found that business now is even better than it was before the pandemic. Travel has become more complicated with new visa requirements everywhere and clients now appreciate the service they receive from a specialist travel agent and how much time they save compared to doing all the bookings themselves. The service has become much more consultative and for the agent, the satisfaction comes from hearing clients’ stories about what a great trip they had.The joy of learning to appreciate fine chocolateA wet Wednesday morning saw 16 or so Rotarians assembling at Tilda and Cacao in Gerringong for a talk on the origin of the business and how chocolate is made and how artisan chocolate differs from the mass produced (think fine wine as compared to the cask!).Tilda and Cacao buy from small sustainable producers and, like wine, the terroir influences the flavour of the chocolate. They also process the cacao without roasting so that all the natural flavours are revealed. The big factories buy their cacao from numerous producers and roast it and add flavourings like vanilla to ensure they always produce a standard product, but the artisan chocolatier relishes the regional differences in flavour. Sarah from Tilda & Cacao.They have also focused on local ingredients, such as Davidson plum, to flavour their chocolate and create something unique.As well as learning about the grinding and tempering processes, we were able to try the product (delicious!) and enjoyed a chocolate inspired morning tea.New members and friends always welcome - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact [email protected] from Tilda & Cacao.

Gerringong’s Greg Ball, a volunteer firefighter of 35 years, continued his lengthy history of helping those in need by helping the flood-ravaged NSW Mid North Coast recently.Greg joined crews from all over NSW and beyond in the extensive recovery operation led by the State Emergency Service. The historical floods decimated several Mid North Coast townships and five people died as the result of the devastating natural disaster. “It’s shattering… it’s just mind boggling,” Ball said. “Even driving up there, the mess, the fences, the debris.” Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade was a part of an 836-strong service partner personnel from NSW and across the country, which contributed to the rescue efforts in the towns across the Mid North Coast. Up to 800mm fell within parts of the region in May. “That was just terrible. If it comes up gradually over two weeks, there is no force (with the floods) and people can prepare a bit better,” Ball said. “A couple of old ladies against the Macleay River just wanted their pathways cleared so they could get to the clothesline. Little things, but important things.“It’s depressing, but you know you got to help each other … we gave a couple of upset ones a cuddle and then you get a group hug. Little things for morale.”. To remain as close to the affected areas, a basketball court was turned into makeshift accommodation for volunteers which resembled a base camp with rows of stretches for their beds. Ball praised the SES leadership which helped direct the rescue efforts. “It is not just about us boots on the ground, it’s the whole system right from the top down to the individual districts. It was really well done,” Ball said. “It’s great working together and we all get on and they do their jobs, have a bit of a yarn here and there, the food was great.”Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said in a statement: “We’ve seen thousands of people come together in support of one another with many more putting their hand up to join our volunteer ranks.” Also representing Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade was fellow volunteer firefighter Sandra Lightfoot. It was her first deployment to a rescue appointment.“My mum has been up there for 30 years, so to me it was really important, and I really wanted to assist because it is like my second home,” Lightfoot said. “They needed heavy vehicle license drivers to go up north and I hold that license.” NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing thanked the SES volunteers “and our emergency service colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand for their dedication and commitment during this crisis”. The NSW Reconstruction Authority has now taken over from the NSW State Emergency Services and will now assume responsibility for managing clean-up and repair efforts in the impacted communities as part of the recovery process.

Bright red and pink florals set the tone inside Gerringong Town Hall on Saturday 10 May as more than 160 guests came together for a joyful Mother’s Day High Tea celebrating motherhood, friendship and fundraising.There were cupcakes for the kids, bubbles for the mums and enough sausage rolls to keep the grandads smiling.Platters of home-baked sweets, savoury quiches and dainty sandwiches filled the tables, while pots of tea and coffee in bone china cups kept conversation flowing.Adding to the atmosphere was 17-year-old Sophie Wallis, who sang and played guitar throughout the afternoon.A volunteer with framerunning, Sophie knows the value of medical research and donated her time in support of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).The Gerringong CMRI Committee brought their usual sparkle to the event, with 15 years of high tea experience evident in every table setting and plate.“It’s the teamwork that makes it happen,” one guest remarked between bites of sponge cake.A highlight of this year’s event was the raffle of a handcrafted quilt featuring fabrics collected by Annette Hoskins on a quilting tour of France.Created and donated by Annette and the Kiama Quilters, the quilt was won by Marie Cimerman of Gerroa, who had purchased her ticket at IGA.Sixteen other guests took home prizes from the multi-draw raffle, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals.From spa vouchers to handmade jewellery, the support shown by the community made every ticket count.All funds raised go directly to the CMRI to support research into childhood genetic diseases.

Share a glass of bubbles while chatting about chick lit with a well-known Gerringong author and her special guest Susannah Hardy.Hardy will be in conversation with local novelist Lisa Darcy (Christmas Actually; Lily’s Little Flower Shop) at Kiama Library on June 10.The free event will feature, bubbles, nibbles and lots of laughs from the queens of rom-com, whose witty, feisty writing style is sure to translate into a night of funny, incisive and self-deprecating banter about the trials and tribulations of life as an author.Hardy’s most recent book My Hot Housemate, tracks the ups and downs of an actress on the verge of her big break in Tinseltown, and draws on the author’s personal experience as an actor chasing the role of a lifetime.In a previous life Hardy was a performer who studied theatre in Paris, before turning her hand to writing. Her first novel, Loving Lizzie March, was published by Pan McMillan in 2021.“Performance helped me discover a passion for writing comic stories about flawed characters navigating their way through life and love,” says Hardy, whose second book tells the story of actor Indigo James.After failing to crack the LA acting scene, Indigo finds herself back in Sydney housesitting a labradoodle named George and living with insufferable flatmate Jermey Taylor. Just when she discovers Jeremy might not be so bad after all, Hollywood comes calling and Indigo is forced to choose between love and success.Hardy and Darcy will be in conversation at Kiama Library on Tuesday, June 10 from 6pm-7pm. The event is free and both authors will be available for book signings and purchases. Bubbles and nibbles will be provided and booking is essential.If you want your next read to be a fun, flirty, feel-good romance, washed down with a glass of bubbles, then reserve your spot via this link.