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.

A young woman exploring the rocks below Tasman Drive suffered a broken leg and had to be stabilised on site before being stretchered to safety and Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club is concerned at the increase in serious coastal rescues at the picturesque spot which attracts people looking for scenic social media images.Club Captain Simon Sadler believes the growing popularity of locations like Tasman Drive, amplified by social media, is bringing more visitors who may not understand local beach and ocean risks.Long-time members of the Surf Life Saving Club say they’ve never seen so many serious rescues in such a short period. Sadler agrees. The past 12 months have been unusually intense.“We’ve had five really significant rescues. That’s more than I’ve ever seen. People are coming down in huge numbers, often for a quick photo and then moving on. "And sometimes, they end up in dangerous places they don’t realise are dangerous,” he said.The latest rescue unfolded between Boat Harbour Pool and North Werri Pool, just metres from the cliffs beneath Tasman Drive. Emergency crews, including the SES and ambulance service, responded quickly and worked together like clockwork. The helicopter brought in a doctor and landed with extraordinary precision on the narrow rock platform.“He was unbelievable,” Sadler said. “To land in those conditions, right there on the rocks, it was something else.” Sadler and fellow lifesaver Mark Booth were among the first to reach the woman, who had slipped on the rocks and suffered a broken leg.“She was with her mum and brother, visiting from China,” Sadler said. “They were incredibly humble and grateful. "We used a translation app to communicate. It showed just how important it is that we do more to help people feel safe and informed, especially if English isn’t their first language.”Sadler recalled another incident where a group of visitors walked down from Tasman Drive and unknowingly placed themselves directly in a rip. “They had basically parked themselves in the rip at the south end of Werri Beach,” he said.Gerringong SLSC is now actively looking at how to expand its educational role.Most of its interventions are low-key, quiet conversations encouraging people to swim between the flags.But the club is exploring new, culturally respectful ways to share safety messages with the growing diversity of beach visitors.“It’s people from everywhere, people from overseas, people from Western Sydney, many of whom didn’t grow up with the ocean. Some don’t even realise where the rips are. We’ve got an opportunity and a responsibility to meet them where they are,” Sadler said.That might mean partnerships with Western Sydney councils, more translated material, or simple video content shared through the same platforms drawing people to the coast in the first place.“This is about adapting. If our coastline is going to be more popular than ever, we need to make safety just as visible as the views,” Sadler said.

As the colder months approach, the combined churches of Gerringong are coming together to support those in need through the annual Community Food Drive, running fromMonday, June 16 to Tuesday, June 24.Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items by placing them in the specially marked trolley located inside Khan’s Super IGA in Gerringong.All contributions will be delivered to Salt Care, a registered charity based in Bomaderry that provides essential support to disadvantaged and homeless individuals and familiesthroughout the Shoalhaven region.This is a simple yet powerful way for the community to make a difference this winter. Every donation counts.

Gathered around a table at Perfect Break Café in Gerringong, Sue Daniels and Kent Ladkin share a laugh over vegan toasties and freshly squeezed juices.The conversation flows effortlessly, interspersed with stories about surfing, yoga, and local happenings.For these passionate South Coast Vegans, their lifestyle isn't just about diet, it's about community and friendship.Sue Daniels, a fourth-generation vegetarian turned vegan, moved to Australia ten years ago from the UK, bringing with her a strong commitment to animal welfare and community connection.She quickly realised the importance of camaraderie among like-minded people."Our vegan group is mainly for friendship, sharing recipes, and welcoming anyone interested. You don't have to be vegan to join," Sue explained.Sue Daniels is a regular volunteer at the Gerringong Bowling Club Community GardenKent Ladkin, owner of Perfect Break Café and the neighbouring Natural Necessity surf shop, embodies this ethos.A long-time vegan and dedicated yoga teacher, Kent opened the café as a place to foster community.He believes the café isn't just about food, it's a gathering space for conversations and connections. "Our goal has always been to create an inviting space for everyone, regardless of their dietary choices," Kent said.The South Coast Vegan group organises regular meet-ups, picnics at Seven Mile Beach, and coffee mornings around the region.Their gatherings highlight the inclusive spirit that defines their community. Sue fondly recalls these meet-ups, emphasising their value beyond the meals: "Friendship is at the heart of everything we do."The group also organises raffles to raise funds for wildlife sanctuaries, recently donating £70 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary.In their thank-you letter, Hillside emphasised the impact of the group's support: "Your compassion has a profound impact on the lives of the rescued animals in our care. Your contribution helps us provide a safe environment for farm animals, wildlife, and pets, ensuring they stay healthy and happy."Sue and Kent agree veganism is about more than dietary preference, it's a compassionate lifestyle choice that connects people through shared values.They avoid divisive discussions, focusing instead on mutual respect and understanding.Their interactions demonstrate a thoughtful, community-driven approach that resonates well beyond their group."We're about welcoming everyone and creating a supportive environment," Sue said.As the South Coast Vegans continue to grow, their commitment to community and camaraderie remains their greatest strength.

At first glance, it seems like a simple request. A pedestrian crossing, near a school, used by children, parents, prams and residents from a nearby aged-care village.But what should be a straightforward safety improvement at the corner of Belinda Street and Rowlins Road in Gerringong has become a lesson in government complexity, community frustration and bureaucratic gridlock.Civil engineer Lewis Browne is one of several concerned residents who have joined Melanie Pearce, representing the Gerringong Public School P&C, in a long campaign to have the crossing upgraded.Pearce first lodged a formal complaint with Kiama Council in December 2022 and has been advocating ever since.She has coordinated with the school principal, gathered community feedback, launched a petition and supported Council’s interim solution of using parent volunteers to manage flags for a designated children’s crossing.Ultimately, the goal is to see the site upgraded to a zebra crossing, which would then make it eligible for a Transport for NSW funded school crossing supervisor.Since changes were made to the intersection in 2022, removing the previous median and installing kerbside blisters and coloured pavement, parents have felt the crossing is less safe. The design leads to confusion for pedestrians and drivers.“We’ve all been told the crossing is technically compliant, but compliance doesn’t mean safe,” said Lewis. “There’s confusion for kids, but also for the adults supervising them. Drivers don’t know whether to stop or not. It’s not clear.”While Council insists the current arrangement is the best available option under existing standards and funding, Lewis sees the situation differently. Drawing on his engineering background, he says the improvements made so far have merit but fall short of what is needed.“The blisters and fencing help. But if this were a workplace safety issue, there would be a formal review process, risk assessment and change. That has not happened here. Bureaucracy, lack of funding and even a staffing gap at Council are holding back safety improvements.”One suggested alternative, a raised pedestrian crossing, was rejected by Kiama Council due to concerns about truck noise. Lewis acknowledged the road was a key heavy vehicle route used by fuel tankers and Cleary Brothers quarry trucks.Council also declined a standard zebra crossing, citing the risk of driver complacency outside school hours. But Lewis is not convinced. Most importantly, they slow traffic down. That is what keeps everyone safe.“When the school zone lights are flashing, drivers are already alerted. A zebra crossing would reinforce that message. The current set-up causes confusion for both pedestrians and drivers. The solution of adding children crossing flags at peak times would only increase the uncertainty.”What is also at stake is equity. The crossing is used not only by school children but also by older residents from the adjacent aged-care village.The current arrangement provides minimal understanding of the legal right of way, and no visual clarity. In a community where state and federal governments are encouraging older Australians to stay active and mobile, this kind of infrastructure sends the opposite message.Pearce and Browne are not asking for miracles. They are asking for a clear commitment to review the current situation, reassess the risks and work towards an upgrade that reflects both the everyday use of the crossing and the future safety needs of the neighbourhood.“If we want kids and older people walking more, we need to make it safe and simple to cross the road,” Pearce added. “It’s really not that much to ask.”You can find the Belinda Street Pedestrian Crossing, Gerringong - Safety Concerns Petition here

The scones are rising, the teacups are polished, and the tables are filling fast.The Gerringong Committee of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is getting ready to host its much-anticipated Mother’s Day Weekend High Tea on Saturday 10 May at 2pm, and tickets are expected to fly out the door.Held at Gerringong Town Hall, the event is known for its warmth, elegance and generosity of spirit. Guests can expect delicious homemade treats, dainty sandwiches, and plenty of good company – all served by the hardworking volunteers of one of the town’s most enduring community groups.Tickets are $35 per person with tables of up to eight people, and go on sale from Sunday 28 April at trybooking.com/CZYKA. As regulars know, tickets often sell out within hours.Behind the High Tea is a story of remarkable local commitment. The Gerringong CMRI Committee has been raising funds since 1959 – through catering, craft shows, raffles, trivia nights and, of course, tea."You never know when you're going to need it," says Gwen Wishart, who joined the group in 1964. Now a great-grandmother, she still volunteers, still bakes, and still believes deeply in the cause.CMRI supports vital research into childhood disease, and local committees like Gerringong’s ensure nearly every dollar raised goes directly to science.It’s a cause that inspires loyalty and laughter, from long-standing members to newcomers."I don’t quilt and I don’t cook, but I can wash up and run a Bunnings barbecue," says Brenda Davy, who moved to Gerringong in 2020 and found herself part of the team after Lorraine Peade helped cater her wedding.Lorraine Peade, a member since the 1990s and now the group’s publicity officer, says the strength of CMRI lies in its community."There’s a place for everyone. If you care, you belong."Joyce, 94, is a founding and Life Member who still attends meetings and hand-embroiders coat hangers. Holly Fogarty (née Bailey) and Kate Cutri (née Cronin) represent a new generation, bringing cupcakes and creativity to the cause.And while the tools have changed – events now sell out online, and card readers have replaced cash boxes – the commitment hasn’t."We laugh a lot, and we work hard," says Lorraine. "And if something goes wrong, we just pour more tea."The next meeting is Monday 2 June at 7pm at Gerringong Town Hall. Everyone is welcome. Just bring a smile – and maybe a sponge cake.

Do you need ideas to entertain the kids these school holidays? Then head to Gerringong Bowling Club and enjoy lunch or a drink while the youngsters test out the newly renovated playground.The club, which has sweeping views of nearby Werri Beach, was the first business to be built on Pacific Avenue in 1959 and its role in creating community cohesion has not changed over the decades.CEO Nathan Lawrence says clubs are a vital part of communities, from bringing friends together for a drink, to family celebrations or providing a space for local sporting clubs to plan for the year ahead.“We are in a beautiful location, it’s a great spot with views of Werri Beach, where families, friends or community groups can come together,” Lawrence said.“After COVID a lot of young families moved into the area and families are the market we cater for.“We want them to come to the bowling club knowing there are facilities here for everyone to enjoy, including kids.”Lawrence said the club listened to community feedback before building the new playground and included a shade canopy over the top of equipment to make it sun safe.“It’s been a great hit with kids and we have lots of activities to keep them entertained,” he added.Over Easter the club will hold a Good Friday seafood raffle, with face painting and live music on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be an eggstravaganza Easter hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny.On Anzac Day the club will hold an 11am service to cater for families and those who can’t make the Dawn Service.Lawrence said there were also exciting new plans for the club’s dining service, with new caterers coming on board at the end of April and a renovation planned for the club’s kitchen.“Clubs are the heartbeat of communities, especially towns like Gerringong where we all support each other,” he said.“The bowling club is a profit-for-purpose organisation, last year we donated more than $80,000 back into the community, from local sporting organisations to people in the community doing it tough.“We want people to know that by supporting us, we support them.”

Another great day at the Gerringong MarketsIn spite of the heat, March markets went well. The 42 stalls created a buzz around the Town Hall and the Old School Park and we even had to go out and buy more sausages.The markets are our major fundraiser and our Treasurer was proud to announce that since June 2023 we have donated in excess of $50,000 to a variety of causes from the local, such as our apprenticeship award and prize for the dux of Kiama high and local dementia programs to the international, such as Rotary programs to eliminate malaria and polio.With Rotary, every dollar raised goes to the programs we support.Thank you from the Ulysses Club Rheumatoid RideCheryl Mahedy from the Ulysses Club popped in to one of our morning meetings to present us with a certificate of appreciation and thank us for our support of her participation in the club’s inaugural Ride for Rheumatoid, a 2400km motorbike ride from Melbourne to Armidale in March to raise funds for rheumatoid arthritis research. Cheryl, a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer herself, rode the segment from Marulan to Armidale.Diana's talk a novel experienceFormer journalist, now writer and local resident, Diana Plater came to talk to us about her career as a journalist in Sydney, Canberra and Nicaragua and how her experiences as a journalist have fed into her fiction writing.Her first novel, Whale Rock, explores the trauma migrants bring with them from their previous lives overseas and its impact on their current relationships and her current project is a historical novel, The Cedar-Getter’s Granddaughter, set around the Kiama-Gerringong area in the early 19th century and the present day.We can see the impact of the cedar getters around us today, and they are generally seen as villains, often described in the sources as drunks and bushrangers, but Diana fascinated us with her research into them and their families and their relationships with the indigenous and the colonial landowners. We are looking forward to reading the novel!Diana Plater with Sandra McCarthy. Photo: SuppliedApprentice award winner Peppa FultonAt our March dinner meeting, we presented Peppa Fulton, first-year apprentice electrician, with her apprentice award.Growing up as the daughter of a builder, she encountered all the trades but knew from an early age that she wanted to be an electrician.She is buying tools and a computer for TAFE with her award.Peppa Fulton’s presentation. Photo: SuppliedAlchemy South Coast Term 1 concertGerringong Rotary is proud to support Alchemy South Coast, a dementia friendly choir that welcomes dementia sufferers and their carers.Under the baton of Jenny Ferguson, Alchemy gave us an hour of Australian classics, big band and jazz tunes and 1960s and 1970s hits in a packed Mayflower Village community hall, supported by musicians on bass, trumpet, keyboard and percussion.The choristers enjoyment was plain to see and a good morning was had by all.The Alchemy Concert at Mayflower. Photo: SuppliedBy Stephanie KempNew members and friends always welcome - see www.gerringongrotary.com.au or email [email protected].

Gerringong Lions are more than just a rugby league club, they are an essential part of the local community.A club built on hard work and camaraderie on and off the field, the Lions have saved all levels of governments hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more, over the years, by making major improvements to their ground and facilities by doing it themselves.Michael Cronin Oval is more than just a sporting hub for the picturesque South Coast township, it is the place to be in Gerringong whenever the Lions are in action.And the club is getting bigger in recent years with girls and women’s sides adding to their large junior base and men’s teams.Spreading out the use of the facilities for training and matches over the course of any given week is an issue so better lighting is needed at the ground.Liberal candidate for Gilmore Andrew Constance has promised a major funding upgrade for Michael Cronin Oval if elected on May 3.Constance and the Liberal Party Deputy Leader Sussan Ley visited the Lions den during the week to announce that they were pledging $200,000 for LED lighting at the venue if the Coalition gets the nod over Anthony Albanese’s Labor government next month.“It's very easy to support community groups that are actually chipping in themselves,” Constance said. “To be able to put the pledge in, in terms of the $200,000 for the LED lighting is important and the community has just worked tirelessly.”The Gerringong Lions celebrate winning the men's first grade grand final in the 2024 Group 7 competition. Photo: Game Face PhotographyLey paid tribute to the local community members for doing more than their fair share of work to ensure their ground is always up to a high standard.“For us to support you is just a real privilege and a pleasure,” she said. “When Andrew came forward to the team and mentioned some of the projects that mattered to him, this one really stood out, and he's fought really hard for it, because everything that you undertake to make a promise about in an election campaign, you personally have to care about, you personally have to fight for.“We want to demonstrate that we're here for you, that we care about what you care about, and we want Australians to get ahead, and we want to back our sporting teams and our smaller communities.”Lions president Alan Miller said the logistics of getting all their teams onto the field is a constant struggle so better lighting would enable them to have more night-time training sessions and matches.“We are a big footy town and we've only got one dedicated this size for a lot of teams. We've got 18 junior teams and five senior teams, and we've all got to share this field,” he said.“So by getting the lighting, we'll be able to have games and training at night, so it will make a huge difference to how we run.“We've got eight junior women's teams and a couple of senior women's teams and it's just getting stronger and stronger. It's great - they play a pure form of football. They're taught properly from the start and they're good to watch and we, as a town, come out and watch them.”Miller said their clubhouse was built by voluntary labour and a lot of drainage work at the ground has been done by locals rolling up their sleeves.Junior club secretary Jodie Egan, whose son Dylan made his NRL debut for St George Illawarra last weekend, has been a driving force in fundraising to keep the Lions strong.Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters said the new lights would pay for themselves within a year because the extra night-time activity would bring more revenue to the club and the town with people flocking to the ground whenever matches are on.

"You never know when you're going to need it." That simple truth from Gwen Wishart, one of Gerringong's longest-serving volunteers, captures the heartbeat of a group that has been quietly shaping the town for over six decades.For 66 years, the Gerringong Committee for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) has been cooking, crafting, hosting and hustling – all in the name of science, community and love.Founded in 1959 by Dorothy Bailey, the Gerringong group is now one of 16 CMRI committees across New South Wales. It has outlasted trendier causes, flashier campaigns and even some of the very diseases it set out to conquer."We just keep going," says Lorraine Peade, who has been active in the group since the 1990s and now serves as publicity officer. "We believe in the science, and we believe in each other."Step into a CMRI kitchen in Gerringong and you won’t just find cakes rising and scones cooling – you’ll find camaraderie, purpose, and a fair bit of cheek. Some members are expert bakers. Others, like Brenda Davy, a recent arrival from Sydney, cheerfully admit they are better at washing up. Brenda joined after meeting Lorraine while planning her wedding, which CMRI members helped cater."It’s work, but it’s joyful," says Brenda. "You’re doing something meaningful, with really lovely people. It grounds you."Joyce, 94, a founding and Life Member, still comes to meetings and makes exquisitely embroidered coat hangers that sold year after year at the Quilt and Craft Shows. Meanwhile, newcomers like Holly Fogarty (née Bailey) and Kate Cutri (née Cronin) are bringing fresh energy – and famously beautiful cupcakes – to the group.Brenda Davy and Peter Matthes at the buffet table.At a recent event, a local man stood up during a talk on gene therapy. He pointed to the little girl running behind him and said, “She wouldn’t be here without it.” That moment, unexpected and unscripted, reminded every volunteer why they keep going."You get feedback, not just from CMRI but from people in the community who’ve benefited," Lorraine explains. "It keeps us going."CMRI ensures that nearly all funds raised by local committees go directly to research, and volunteers receive regular updates and access to the scientists whose work they support. That transparency matters.The Gerringong CMRI group is thriving because it adapts.Gone are the days of cash-in-hand ticket sales; events now sell out in minutes online.Bunnings BBQs are manned by husbands who are also members and work happily for the cause.Decorations from past weddings and parties are recycled for fundraisers. And despite a formal committee structure, members say there’s no hierarchy – just a shared willingness to work hard, and laugh harder."There’s a place for everyone," says Lorraine. "And if you don’t cook, you can still wash up."The next big event is the Mother’s Day weekend High Tea at Gerringong Town Hall on 10 May from 2pm. Tickets are $35 pp with tables of up to eight people. Tickets go on sale on 28 April.Come along and enjoy lots of delicious homemade treats, sandwiches and good company. Celebrate Mother’s Day and support a great cause.New members are always welcome. The next meeting will be held Monday 7 April at 7pm at Gerringong Town Hall.

Group 7 kicks off on Saturday and this season promises to be one of the biggest yet, with the addition of the inaugural Magic Round.With nine first-grade teams, 10 reserve-grade teams, seven Regan Cup third-grade teams, nine U18 teams, and 22 ladies’ leaguetag teams across three divisions, the 112th season of Group 7 rugby league proves the game is only getting stronger and stronger.“We’re really excited to work closely with the clubs to focus on the growth, development, and sustainability of the competition moving forward,” says Group 7 operations manager Ashton Sims. “Rugby league has been a staple of winter sports throughout the South Coast and has truly been the heartbeat of our winter sports culture. We’re thrilled to build on that this year.”A key highlight of the 2025 season is the several specialty rounds scattered throughout the season, including a Women in League round, a Mental Health Awareness round, NAIDOC round and, for the first time, a Magic Round - mirroring the NRL.“We’ve partnered with the Beer, Food and Footy Festival to host our first-ever Magic Round at Artie Smith Oval on May 17,” Sims said.The Magic Round will feature all four first-grade matches taking place on the day at the same field.“Everyone is looking forward to this milestone in Group 7, and we’re committed to raising the bar with new initiatives and programs to strengthen rugby league in our region and provide a place for the community to come together each weekend.”One of the most anticipated match-ups of Round 1 is the rivalry clash between the Jamberoo Superoos and the Kiama Knights, set for Sunday at Kiama Showground. Both teams missed the finals in 2024 and are eager to start their new season strong.“I’ve heard great things about both teams,” Sims said. “They’ve recruited well over the off-season and are looking to promote local juniors into the senior ranks to ensure long-term sustainability.“You can do all the pre-season training you want, but it all comes down to Sunday afternoon. That’s when we’ll really see where both teams stand. It’s a big local rivalry, and both sides will be fired up to start the season on the right foot.”Another major storyline is whether the Gerringong Lions can pull off a historic three-peat for the first time since Albion Park-Oak Flats in 2000.“A couple of weeks ago, in our inner-club challenge match against Western Suburbs, Gerringong was leading for most of the game but got pipped at the last minute,” Sims said.“They’re a team that continues to focus on developing local juniors, and it’s fantastic to see. I’m sure Scotty Stewart, Nathan Ford, and the whole team will be aiming to secure the first three-peat since 2000.”Gerringong Lions face Berry Magpies at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday.

Gerringong's Steve Fox feels at home in the surf even though he has Retinitis Pigmentosa - a progressive eye disease that damages the retina.Fox recently competed in the 2025 Bright Sky Australian Pro Adaptive Surf Championships , performing well in the Australian titles and the World Pro event for blind surfers in Byron Bay.The Championships feature competitors from around the world with various disabilities, including those who are in wheelchairs, amputees or people who are visually impaired.Fox secured second place in both the Australian titles and the World Championships, but he said the event for him was less about the competition and more about connecting with others who share similar life experiences.“There aren’t too many people surfing blind, so it’s great to catch up with them and have a chat. It’s also interesting to surf in an event where people are speaking different languages, but we all share the same common interest,” Fox said.“There’s just such a great vibe at the competition. Everyone is excited to be involved. It’s a really positive event – professional, yes, but without that cutthroat feel. Everyone is supportive, and there’s lots of cheering for each other as we all give it a go.”Fox surfs with a guide who helps direct him on the beach and calls him onto waves. “Then, we just paddle in, and from there, I’m on my own, surfing,” he added.Though Fox’s vision has only deteriorated over the last eight years, he’s always been a surfer, and losing his sight was never going to stop him.“I feel at home in the water,” he said. “It’s just natural to me. You can hear the waves coming, so you know where to go. "And when you’re on the wave, you can feel what it’s doing under your feet, so you just follow the energy of the wave.”For those facing similar challenges, Fox offers this advice: “You just have to keep making small changes, take it one step at a time, but always stay positive and get out there to make the most of it.“When you attend an event like this and see people who are completely paralyzed but still surfing with huge smiles on their faces, you realise that anything is possible. "If you're truly committed and want to keep doing it, you can make it happen."

Kogarah's Netstrata Jubilee Stadium or Gerringong's Michael Cronin Oval? When the Dragons recorded their first win of the season last Saturday against the Melbourne Storm, you could have been forgiven for confusing the two.Three Gerringong Lions juniors - Tyran Wishart, Hamish Stewart and debutant Dylan Egan - took to the field for the closely fought 14-8 Dragons win.Egan seemed right at home in his debut NRL game playing 49 minutes off the bench with four tackle breaks and 34 tackles including a barnstorming run at a crucial moment in the game which led to a penalty and, ultimately, the try that sealed the game.“It was definitely a dream come true,” Egan said. “I definitely had nerves and butterflies, but overall I was just really excited to get out there.”Once it was announced earlier in the week that Egan would make his debut after being an unused reserve for the Dragons’ first two matches, he was flooded with messages of support to the point where he had to put the phone down to focus on preparations for the game.“I decided not to reply to any messages from Thursday on and just started focusing on what I had to do for the team."The older boys and coaching staff showed a lot of confidence in me, which gave me a lot of belief in myself too."From then on, Egan says the whole week felt like a highlight reel. “From the moment you’re told you're going to debut, to telling your family and friends, to the jersey presentation, and then running out onto the field for the first time. The whole week was unreal.”The Dragons managed to break their duck for the season against the Storm, but it wasn’t convincing in the slightest - only leading by six points for the final 13 minutes.Dylan Egan. Photo: Game Face PhotographyEgan admits he was all nerves and adrenaline until the very last moment.“There was a minute to go and we had a fresh set of six and at that point I pretty much knew that we won the game. That was definitely a highlight,” says Egan.His fellow Gerringong Lions teammate Hamish Stewart, who debuted in round one this season, says it was an honour to get to share the stage with such a close friend.“To run out with Dylan was so surreal, we've played together from U6s in Gerringong, right through the Steelers pathways and now together in the NRL."I love playing with Dylan and so does everyone that plays with him, he's all effort and competes on everything. He's the ultimate teammate,” Stewart said.Stewart made 24 tackles in his 30 minutes on the field and many of those were made with the help of Egan or vice versa.The other Gerringong Lion, Tyran Wishart, may have come away with the loss but was pivotal in Melbourne’s only try, in addition to making 151 run metres and 22 tackles.Photo: Game Face PhotographyEgan believes the dominance of Gerringong in the NRL is due to the passion fostered in the small town.“There’s just a huge love for footy in Gerringong. You’ll go up to the footy field on any afternoon, and there are always kids kicking the ball and playing footy against each other. It’s a great environment to grow up in,” Egan said.The Dragons will face the Eels on Saturday at Parramatta and both Egan and Stewart have retained their spots in the Dragons' 17.

Dylan Egan is the toast of St George Illawarra after the Gerringong forward made a barnstorming NRL debut in Saturday’s upset win over competition favourites Melbourne.Egan came off the bench at Kogarah and played 49 quality minutes, making several strong runs and pulling off some powerful hits on his Storm opponents.He made four tackle breaks and got through 34 tackles in a performance which caught the eye of co-captain Damien Cook.The former Illawarra Steelers SG Ball Cup captain was not the only Gerringong product on the field with teammate Hamish Stewart also playing strongly in just his third NRL game while Tyran Wishart started at halfback for Melbourne."I was excited to watch him debut, just seeing how hard he works at training," Cook said."I didn't know anything about him before getting to the Dragons (this season). “But he's an effort-based player, all the boys love him in the team as well and he never lets anyone down."And that's one of the best debuts I've seen from a young guy, too. He came in against a quality side in Melbourne. In the end, getting that penalty was definitely a big reason why we could close it out."St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan was equally impressed with the 20-year-old second-rower."He is going to have a long future in the NRL, he trains so hard, he knows his footy, he moves well. His determination and attitude is top shelf, so a long career for Dylan Egan," he said.Egan was swamped by a huge group of family and friends when he walked over to the Kogarah hill after the game with many of them wearing T-shirts adorned with his name and photos to celebrate the occasion.

The red and yellow flags at Werri Beach are more than just a sign of summer. They are a symbol of care, courage and community spirit, values beautifully captured in Wave Whispers, a new booklet launched on 22 March alongside the exhibition Swim Between the Flags at the Gerringong Museum.The exhibition, curated by the Gerringong and District Historical Society’s archive team, celebrates the history of the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club and the generations of volunteers who have watched over beachgoers. It is the latest in their Glimpses of the Past series, which has previously explored women’s hockey and the local Scouts and Guides.Club president Gary George spoke movingly at the launch about how much he had learned from reading Wave Whispers, saying it deepened his appreciation for the club’s beginnings and the extraordinary dedication of those who came before him. He praised the Historical Society and archive team for their work, saying the project shows how telling the stories of our past helps bring people and community together.L to R Gerringong SLSC Life Members Lois and David McCallum, Ken Hodges, Mark Booth, Christine Wallace and Club President Gary George Geoff Webb, president of the Gerringong and District Historical Society, also spoke at the launch and expressed deep pride in the community effort that brought the exhibition and book to life. He extended thanks to all involved and acknowledged the significance of preserving Gerringong’s surf lifesaving history for future generations.The project has been a labour of love. Colleen Horner led the video production, Robyn Florance created the booklet and Judy Kelsall, Romy Speering, Kaye Turnbull and Val Cartwright supported every step.Their determination brought this chapter of local history to life.Fiona Phillips, federal member for Gilmore, Geoff Webb, President Gerringong and District Historical Society, Gary George, President Gerringong Surf Lifesaving ClubThe exhibition features historic photographs, a short film and a surf reel which offers a tangible link to one of Gerringong's most iconic moments: the 1933 landing of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith on Seven Mile Beach. That event, as the exhibition explains, may never have happened if a young Kingsford Smith had not been rescued from the surf as a child in 1907, in one of the first surf reel rescues by the newly formed Bondi club.Among the stories in Wave Whispers is a 1982 incident in which a mother and her two children were swept out by a rip near the unpatrolled end of the beach. Lifesavers sprinted from the flagged area, administered oxygen and called in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. They all survived, but the story remains a powerful reminder of why we are told to swim between the flags.Gerringong’s surf lifesaving journey began with a small patrol in 1914, re-formed in 1951 and again in 1976. Today, the club has more than 100 members and a thriving nippers program. A new clubhouse opened earlier this month on the site of the original one.The launch was attended by Fiona Phillips MP, Kiama councillors, surf club life members, local community leaders and a wide cross-section of the public. Their presence reflected how deeply the club is woven into Gerringong’s story.Wave Whispers is available at the museum for $10. The exhibition is open and well worth a visit.Visit the museum website to find opening hours for the exhibition