Gerringong Surf Lifesaving Club honoured six of its members with life memberships on Sunday, recognising their outstanding service to the club and the wider community.Andy Depree, Gary George, Mitchell Payne, Richard Payne, Shane Wicks and Wendy Quinn were selected by a committee chaired by fellow member Mark Booth.“The reality is that a small number of our members carry an enormous load to ensure the safety of our beachgoers and the smooth and efficient functioning of the club,” Booth said.“There could be no more worthy recipients of the club’s highest honour than these dedicated and selfless members.”Quinn, the only female recipient, admitted she initially felt unworthy of the recognition - but came to see her contributions in a new light.“Realistically, I don't have the qualifications that they do. But I think a surf club should be harmonious and welcoming - a place where people belong. And I said, I can help you do that,” she explained.“Then I looked at what they wrote and how they spoke about me in the meeting, and I thought, that’s actually everything I was trying to achieve. You don’t have to be the president or lead rescuer. "You can do small things that quietly add up, and you don’t even realise it until someone points it out.”That quiet dedication has marked her 20-year involvement with Gerringong SLSC - a journey that began with uncertainty but grew into a deeply valued contribution.“I was always involved with the surf club because my children were surfers, and we’re very beach-oriented people,” she said. Wendy being awarded 2024 Patrol Person of the Year at Presentation Night. Photo: Gerringong SLSC“Our patrol captain, Mark Booth, is so encouraging. He made me realise that you didn’t need to be the fastest swimmer or the best rescuer - that there was a role for everyone. That’s when the light went on: I can be good at this, and I can encourage others, too.”Today, she is well known around the club not only for her warmth and leadership but also for her record-breaking patrol hours - which earned her the title of Patrol Person of the Year for 2024.From welcoming new members and boosting female participation to serving as the club’s grievance contact officer, Quinn is a linchpin of the Gerringong SLSC community. And of course, there’s her famous food.“I've always been on patrols with lots of children - that’s why I started feeding them,” she laughed.“I’d make them really beautiful, big lunches, and they would say to their mums, ‘Oh, Wendy, let me go surfing at patrol and she also made my lunch'.“Food brings people together. We’re now seeing kids progress from nippers to cadets to patrol members - and they’re happy to be with us. I’m like their surf club grandma, really.”Her story is an inspiring reminder that meaningful contributions come in many forms - and that creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space is just as vital as saving lives in the surf.

Up in the rolling hills of the Illawarra region, there are many families who will be taking a moment to reflect on the significance of the horse's birthday. The horse's birthday or August 1 to many is just another day, but to some, like standardbred and show horse breeders Trevor and Julie Swan of Jamberoo, it means so much more. “In the racing industry it signifies the commencement of a fresh new season of excitement, hopes, and dreams,” Trevor said. Trevor and Julie met at Menangle trots in 1974 and married in 1976. “Julie had grown up with horses at pony club and competed at local shows and I was hooked on harness racing,” Trevor said. “I spent every spare moment training horses at Richard and Brian Hancock’s training property at Albion Park. “Harness racing has been my passion and I have been fortunate to have experienced some highlight moments in the sport.” The Swan’s farm in Jamberoo was the birthplace of many champions. “My family and I bred many winners, the best two being Australian Horse of the Year and Inter Dominion winner Weona Warrior and Australian 3YO Horse of the Year Sushi Sushi,” he said. Trevor was also one of the first involved in Artificial Insemination (AI) in Australia which commenced in the early 1990’s. “I was sort of one of the early ones when that [AI] first kicked in,” Trevor said. “I remember driving to Sydney and hopping on a plane and flying to Albury, driving to Shepparton, and then coming back home again and the vet was waiting at 6 o’clock at night to serve the mare. “So that’s how it [AI] started. It all got easier and now it just goes out in a box in freight. “Then frozen semen was allowed, and I was sort of at the front end of that too. I think I was the first to import semen from America. “And then they decided you could do embryo transfer.” Trevor occasionally got the gig when Brian Hancock was unavailable jumping into the sulky, with nearly 50 winners to his name. “My highlights were two successive Newcastle Miles and a feature at Mooney Valley,” he said.These were all behind his favourite horse Sabilize, which Trevor had a great affiliation with. “Yeah, she pretty much consumed me for the years that she was racing,” Trevor said. “She was difficult at times, but good to drive in track work and that. “But racing nights, as soon as the mobile would come out, she just wouldn’t relax.” Julie explained that it was Trevor’s demeanour and approach which solidified the relationship. “Brian said she relaxed better for Trevor than him, for some reason,” Julie said. “Trevor has a very quiet, gentle, way with horses.” Not only is the love of horses clearly evident when talking to Trevor and Julie, their humility also shines through. Julie bred a Welsh pony and named him Bilbo Baggins, and little did the Swans know that this horse would provide the first of many significant horse related achievements for his new rider. “In the late 70’s I bred a liver chestnut pony which I subsequently leased to a young boy and his family who lived in Canberra and was moving to Moss Vale,” Julie said. The young boy was Hall of Fame and champion jockey Darren Beadman.A young Darren Beadman and Bilbo Baggins with Julie Swan. Photo: Supplied Beadman won the Champion Boy Rider at the Royal Easter Show at the old Sydney Showground in Moore Park with Bilbo Baggins among a flurry of other ribbons on the show circuit. Beadman then began his apprenticeship with Theo Green who was considered the Wayne Bennett or Craig Bellamy of apprentice masters, joining greats Ron Quinton and Malcom Johnston and forged a successful career in and out of the saddle. The significance of August 1 for those involved in the horse industry is fostered by the dedication and generosity to not only the horse and industry, but to others; just as the Swan family has shown.

Kiama Power’s Men’s Premier Division team came agonisingly close to pulling off a surprise victory against second-placed Northern District Tigers at Hollymount Park over the weekend.It was the third time the two sides had faced off in 2025, with the Tigers taking the previous matches 73-34 and 75-56. But this time, the Power nearly flipped the script.Sitting fifth on the ladder before the game, Kiama started strong and led at every change, taking a 51–30 lead into the final quarter. But the Tigers responded with a powerful final term, kicking 33 points to run out 63–57 winners.“North probably set up a little bit differently in terms of their defence in the last quarter,” said Power committee member Anthony Grady. “That really choked us in the end - it shut down our offence. I think we only managed one goal in the last quarter. With the wind behind them, they kept the ball, peppered our goals a few times, and managed to pull away for the win.”The Kiama Power Men's Premier Division team will now have to win their remaining games and rely on other results to qualify for the finals. Photo: Kiama PowerDespite the heartbreaking loss, Grady said the match showed that Kiama could match it with one of the strongest teams in the competition, which should boost the team’s confidence heading into the final rounds of the season. “The Tigers have only lost two games in the last 18 months. They went undefeated last year and only lost the grand final. This year, they’ve only lost to Figtree, who are top of the ladder,” he said.“Unfortunately, we were just one goal short. But we know we can match it with those top teams - we’ve seen glimpses of it throughout the year. The challenge now is sustaining that level for longer periods.”With a bye this week, the Men’s Premier Division side will need to win their final two games and rely on other results to break into the top four.There was better news for Kiama Power’s Women’s Premier Division team, who snapped a seven-game losing streak in style, claiming a 39–22 win over the Tigers. In a reversal of the men’s game, the women trailed by two points heading into the final quarter before launching a dominant surge to secure the win.“It was a good fightback from the girls, particularly in the last quarter, to pull away and get the win,” said Grady. “It was a much-needed result - they were sitting outside the top four and had to win to stay in the hunt for finals.”Kiama Power’s Men’s Reserve Grade side also delivered a thrilling comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit at three-quarter time to defeat a team that had thrashed them earlier in the season. Trailing 47–28, the Reserves piled on a whopping 25 points in the final term to seal a memorable win.“Last time we played them we lost by 50 or 60 points,” said Grady. “So, it was a great turnaround to kick off Saturday with a win. The Reserves can’t make the semifinals, but it’s always satisfying to shake up the teams still in contention.”While the Men’s Premier Division team has a week off, both the Women’s and Reserve Grade sides will be back in action at home this Saturday, taking on Figtree and Port Kembla respectively.

Hayden Buchanan is yet another Gerringong Lions junior who is close to making his NRL debut with St George Illawarra.Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has included Buchanan in the 20-man squad for this Saturday's WIN Stadium match-up against Canberra.Buchanan has been named among the reserves for the first time in his career after crafting an impressive Knock-On Effect NSW Cup campaign this year.His former Gerringong teammate, rookie forward Hamish Stewart, has been named on the interchange bench.Another Lions product, second-rower Dylan Egan, made his debut earlier this season before suffering a serious knee injury.It has been a bumper year for Gerringong with young halfback Ashton Ward getting his first taste of NRL action for South Sydney last Saturday, playing the final 23 minutes of their narrow loss to Cronulla in Gosford.Buchanan could be a late inclusion between now and game day if there is an injury or if Flanagan decides to tinker with his line-up.The 19-year-old centre was signed by the Dragons four years ago and played up an age group in Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball before earning his first call-up to the NRL training sqaud at 17.He helped NSW win an Under 19s Origin match over Queensland despite also being a year younger than the cut-off mark.Buchanan was given a glimpse of NRL intensity at the start of the year when he took part in the trial wins over South Sydney and the Roosters before lining up in 14 NSW Cup matches for St George Illawarra leading into this week's NRL call-up.With Maroons centre Valentine Holmes and winger Sione Finau out for the rest of the season due to shoulder injuries, there's a fair chance Buchanan will get to make his NRL debut at some stage in the final six rounds.Flanagan has been forced to make changes to his pack for the rumble with the Raiders.Former Queensland forward Jaydn Su’A (knee) is unlikely to play again this season after he was on the end of a hip-drop tackle during last week's loss to North Queensland.Michael Molo will slot into the second row for Su'A with veteran forward Hame Sele added to the interchange.Blake Lawrie has been relegated to the interchange with Emre Guler returning to the starting side at prop.The Dragons have dropped to 12th on the ladder with a 6-12 record after their 38-32 loss to the Cowboys and are just two points ahead of last-placed South Sydney in the race to avoid the wooden spoon.They face a daunting task trying to bring down the Green Machine who are riding high at the top of the ladder on the back of a nine-game winning streak.In the NRLW, the Dragons will be without Teagan Berry (suspension) and Kasey Reh (head knock) when they take on the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium at Magic Round on Sunday.After thumping Canberra in Round 1, they have lost three on the trot, including a 30-6 defeat at the hands of Brisbane in Wollongong last Sunday.

Kiama got revenge on Shoalhaven for the second time this Illawarra rugby season, securing a 29–26 win over the weekend.Shoalhaven famously defeated Kiama in last year’s grand final, sending them home empty-handed. But earlier this year, Kiama ended Shoalhaven’s remarkable 43-game winning streak with a 33-27 victory - striking back at the premiers.And last weekend, they did it again, though it was far from convincing.“We started the first half pretty much the same way we did against Campbelltown a couple of weeks ago,” said forward Dante Patrick. “They got out to two quick tries and we spent most of the half defending. Then straight after half-time, they scored another two. So it was like, ‘Come on boys, that first win couldn’t have just been a fluke.’”Patrick said an inspirational half-time speech from coach Chris Meizer turned things around.“Coach said, ‘Boys, even though we’re down, I don’t feel like we’re going to lose this game’."He just had so much confidence in us, and hearing that when you’re behind gives you hope."I think that belief is what got us through.”And they did get through. After conceding those two early second-half tries, Kiama kept Shoalhaven scoreless for the rest of the game and clawed their way back to take the lead.Kiama move to second place while Shoalhaven drop to third. Photo: Kiama Rugby“For us to chase down a lead like that shows how far we’ve come over the last few years,” said Patrick. “We’ve worked hard not to be a one-hit wonder.”Not only did they come back, they held the lead through a tense final stretch - something Patrick is especially proud of.“That last 10 minutes was probably the longest 10 minutes we’ve ever experienced,” he said. “Shoalhaven are a never-say-die team. Whether they're winning or losing, they stay in the game. In tight matches like that, they’re always dangerous, so I’m proud of how we defended that lead.”The match was played at Shoalhaven as part of the club’s annual Diggers Day, which included military displays, a Last Post ceremony, and an after-match function.“Diggers Day is massive. Shoalhaven always host it, and it’s an unreal day,” Patrick said. “We got to meet a few veterans, which is just breathtaking. You see their medals and hear about their achievements - it’s incredibly humbling.”The Kiama players wore special jerseys to honour veterans, which added extra meaning to the match.“We had jerseys made just for the occasion. I think it pushes the boys to lift that extra arm and leg to represent the veterans and make sure they’re not forgotten,” Patrick said. “Shoalhaven always know how to turn it on - there was a helicopter, flags flying, both anthems sung. It was a real moment of pride. With so many cultures coming together, it was unreal to be part of something that meaningful.”Kiama now move into second place on the ladder with just four matches left before finals. They'll be looking to carry this momentum forward, starting this Saturday when they host University at Kiama Showground.

Round 14 of the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League was a high-scoring affair for local teams, but unfortunately for Jamberoo, it wasn’t quite enough.Sitting five points outside the top five heading into the match, the Superoos were desperate for a win against the last-placed Berry Magpies at home. But it was a horror start for the Superoos, with Berry crossing for three tries in the opening 10 minutes.It wasn’t until the 13th minute that five-eighth James Asquith scored off a scrum to put Jamberoo on the board, making it 16-06. Five minutes later, winger Nathan Gallastegui finished off a backline play in the corner to narrow the margin.In the 30th minute, fullback Jack Talbott produced a moment of magic. Fielding a midfield kick deep in his half, he beat several defenders, found open space, chipped over the fullback, grubbered ahead when the bounce didn’t favour him, and grounded the ball for a stunning solo try.That effort gave Jamberoo the lead, but a late penalty goal from Berry levelled the scores at 18-18 heading into halftime.Early in the second half, both teams scored again, bringing the score to 22–22, where it stayed until the 72nd minute. Talbott put up a bomb that was dropped by the Berry fullback, and the ball bounced back into his hands before he offloaded to Cameron Brabender, who scored under the posts.The Berry Magpies scored a buzzer beater to defeat Jamberoo over the weekend. Photo: @pdavo68Jamberoo looked to have clinched it, leading 28-22 with just minutes remaining. But a break from the Berry lock in the 77th minute led to a try in the corner. The missed conversion meant Jamberoo still led by two points.With less than two minutes on the clock, a clever kick forced Jamberoo to bat the ball over the sideline, gifting Berry one final opportunity. In the dying seconds, a long ball from dummy half down the short side found winger Charlie Jefferies, who crossed in the corner to steal a dramatic 32-28 win.At Kiama Showground, the Knights were in dominant form, piling on nine tries against the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs in a 46-6 victory.Kiama ran in four tries in the opening 30 minutes, including a strong solo effort from captain Kieran Poole. Milton-Ulladulla managed a try just before the break to bring some hope into the second half, but the Knights ran away with it.Thistlewaite, Jennings, Andrews, Angel, and Killmore all scored in the second half, with Kiama’s defence holding strong to concede just one try for the game.Kiama are in a great position leading into the final weeks of the competition. Photo: @SticksPix_“It was a great win. It was nice to pile on some points,” said Killmore. “With the top five being so tight, it could come down to for-and-against, so I was happy we not only scored well but also kept our defence solid.”Gerringong also impressed at home, defeating Albion Park-Oak Flats 28-4. The Eagles, fresh off a big win over top-of-the-table Shellharbour, opened the scoring and held a 4-0 lead until the 32nd minute. Gerringong captain Nathan Ford crashed over from dummy half to equal the scores, sparking a late first-half surge with two more quick tries, including a chip-and-chase effort just before the buzzer.The Lions led 16-4 at the break and extended their lead in the 54th minute with a breakaway try to Toby Gumley-Quine off a sharp inside ball. Then, just before full-time, Rixon Russell delivered a mesmerising pass to Jack Quine to seal the win.“We really wanted to fix up our mistakes after losing to Albion Park back in round one,” said Ford. “We got off to a bad start, but defended really well in the first 20 minutes, only letting in one try. We worked hard to stay in the arm wrestle and scored three tries late in the first half which gave us a big boost. “After the half, we just wanted to keep working hard for each other, and not conceding any points in the second half was a great effort as we build towards the most important part of the season.”With only four games remaining, Gerringong now move into equal first place with the Stingrays of Shellharbour, while Kiama move to equal third alongside the Shellharbour Sharks.This Saturday, Kiama will play Gerringong at Michael Cronin Oval in one of the biggest matches of the season, while Jamberoo will face the Stingrays at Flinders Field on Sunday.

GERRINGONG BREAKERS - U16 / 17 MIXEDDIVISIOM 2 VS ALBION PARK

GERRINGONG BREAKERS - UNDER 13 MIXED - DIVISION 2VS SOUTH COAST UNITED

GERRINGONG BREAKERS UNDER 14 GIRLSDIVISION 1 - VS ALBION PARK FC

KIAMA JFC - UNDER 13 GIRLS - DIVISION 2VS GERRINGONG BREAKERS

GERRINGONG BREAKERS U13 GIRLS - DIVISION 2

South Coast’s junior representative cricket teams have trailed slightly behind regional benchmarks in recent years, with Illawarra sides often dominating competitions. But South Coast Cricket’s General Development Officer (GDO), Trent Glover, is determined to change that.Glover has been involved with the South Coast District Cricket Association (DCA) for five years and stepped into the GDO role last year. He says there's plenty of potential to build on.“Since I’ve been involved, we’ve generally been a bit behind the benchmark for rep cricket,” Glover said. “That’s something myself and the other coaches are working hard to change. Our results haven’t been terrible, but there's definitely room for improvement.”In 2024, South Coast’s Under 18s won their inter-association competition, the Under 16s reached the final, the Under 14s struggled, and the Under 12s were winless. But Glover says recent signs are promising.“Just this past January, our Under 12s team won three out of five carnival games, so we’re seeing improvement. There’s momentum building, but we know we can do better.”To help raise the level of performance, Glover introduced a new head coach, Jack McDonald, a South Coast junior who also plays second grade for St George in the Sydney Premier Cricket competition - and rugby league for the Kiama Knights.“Jack’s young, enthusiastic, and the kids really relate to him,” said Glover. “He’s leading our winter development program. We’ve selected 20-player squads for the Under 12s, 14s, and 16s, and he’s already run two sessions. We’ve got three more to go before the season starts in mid-September.”South Coast representative teams in action. Source: Trent Glover“The goal is to expose more kids to the standards of rep cricket. We’ve got mixed ability levels - some are first-timers, some have been playing for years - but the idea is that everyone takes something away to improve their game and help lift the standard of both rep and club cricket.”The representative season begins in October, following the school holidays. The Under 12s, 14s, and 16s will compete against the five major cricketing associations across October and November, with the season concluding in January.Glover believes building more competitive rep teams will help retain young players in the sport.“I’ve seen participation numbers drop over the years - not just here, but across the country,” he said. “Exposure to rep cricket can help maintain kids' interest and excitement.”“If they have some success, it fuels their passion. They bring that energy back to their clubs, and that helps strengthen local competitions too. Cricket’s a tough sport - you fail more than you succeed - so if we can give them the tools and opportunities to grow, they’re more likely to stick with it.”In a significant development for 2025, South Coast has also entered Under 12 and Under 17 teams into the Sydney Youth Championships for the first time. Those competitions will run during October and November, offering another high-level platform for junior talent to test themselves.

KIAMA SENIOR NETBALL - DIVISION 2BEACHETTES 2 VS CENTRAL 5

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - CADETSCENTRAL 8 VS BEACHETTES 5

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - CADETSBERRY 1 VS BEACHETTES 5

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - INTERMEDIATE ABEACHETTES 7 VS BERRY 3

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - INTERMEDIATE AGERRINGONG 6 VS GERRINGONG 7

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - INTERMEDIATE AGERRINGONG 9 VS BERRY 4

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - JUNIOR BKIAMA DOWNS 6 VS BERRY 5