This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead story is about Kiama's Gülçin Töpel, the owner of Saltwater Cafe, who has been named the national winner in the café category of theAustralian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.She moved to the area in 2020 and opened her cafe a year later, turning it into a stunning success story.Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald praised the win as a "proud moment for Kiama" and an inspiration for local women-led businesses.We also bring you a report on the Zonta Club of Kiama and Shellharbour combining with Shellharbour City Council to launch 16 Days of Activism, an international campaign raising awareness of gender-based violence.There is also coverage of a great new charity in Nowra as well as the Kiama Men's Shed opening its doors to the public and Kiama Pipe Band putting on a show last weekend.In sport, Werri Boardriders had to cancel their event on Saturday due to shark sightings off Gerringong while South Coast cricket premiers Lake Illawarra recorded an emphatic win over Kiama in their first-grade clash at Cavalier Park.At The Bugle, we’re committed to pairing impactful visuals with meaningful local storytelling - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and deeply connected to our community.Subscribe to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube so you never miss an episode!

Huge scores were the order of the day on Saturday in round eight of South Coast cricket with Bomaderry blasting 6-343 in their one-dayer against Ex Servos.After recent wet weather had tipped the scales in the bowlers’ favour, the batters made hay while the sun shone on the weekend.The Tigers lost a couple of early wickets but recovered to score at nearly seven an over with captain Kealen Blattner (57), Michael Coulter (34), Ryan Henry (83), Daniel Troy (48) and Matthew Shea (48 not out) finding the boundary regularly.Troy needed just 28 balls for his innings which included seven fours and two sixes.Ex Servos were going OK at 1-66 but after opener Lukas Janes fell for 43, they lost a steady run of wickets to be all out for 155 despite 36 from tailender Joshua McDowell.Coulter completed a fine all-round contribution with 4-23.Shoalhaven stablemates North Nowra Cambewarra also posted a big score in making 9-280 against Oak Flats at Bernie Regan Sports Ground.Hyeon Parsons found the boundary rope 10 times and cleared it on eight occasions in making 105, sharing a decisive third-wicket partnership with captain Nathan Thomas (63).Rats captain Jack Bennett struck a run-a-ball 56 but Cooper Luke’s 5-13 ensured they finished well short of their target, all out for 201.Kookas were in a spot of bother at 5-140 against Albion Park before Jonathan Yeo’s 64 and an unbeaten 84 from Chris Leaudais lifted them to 6-296.Park were looking good in their run-chase after captain Cooper Hayes smashed 91 at opener but they couldn’t keep up the momentum and finished 76 runs shy.Shellharbour posted 9-263 at Sanctuary Point after opener Jacob Coleman’s 93 and Daniel Smith’s 81 dominated the Bay and Basin bowling attack, apart from Lachlan Barry’s 4-34.In reply, the home side were tracking well after openers Tom Dolby (44) and Caleb McLennan (66) got on the front foot but apart from Damien Gilkes’ 42, the rest of the batters failed to fire and they were dismissed for 229.All-rounder Jim Glazbrook was the star with the ball for Harbour, taking 5-32.Lake Illawarra maintained top spot in the only match which did not feature a large total. Kiama lost 3-21 before David Coleman’s 32 and 36 from skipper Jaya Hartgerink meant they avoided embarrassment to put 149 on the board at Cavalier Park.Lakers captain Kerrod White, after taking 3-25, flayed the bowling in making 98 not out from just 68 deliveries as the visitors reached their target in the 21st over.This Saturday, Albion Park take on Oak Flats in a local derby at Keith Grey Oval, Bomaderry are at home to North Nowra, Kookas face Lake at Oakleigh Park, Kiama travel to Bay and Basin while Ex Servos head north to Shellharbour.Ladder: Lake 52, Shellharbour 47, North Nowra, Kiama 38, Bay and Basin 37, Bomaderry 34, Kookas 22, Albion Park 20, Oak Flats 18, Ex Servos 10.In the women’s competition, Kookas kept top spot after winning a six-run thriller over Kiama at Bonaira Oval.Jennifer Kitchen (62) and Mel Nolan (35) were in the runs as Kookas made 5-147 from their 20 overs and Kiama started strongly with openers Ebony Winston (55) and Ava Sloan (35) facing their 40 deliveries but the team fell just short of victory.Jessica Bramble (70) and Shannon Spears (30 not out) excelled as the Ratatouilles (3-147) got the better of Lake (5-99) while Anne Boatswain (59 not out) and Maya Huetter (52 not out) starred as the Ratettes (1-167) cruised to victory over Albion Park (9-38) with young guns Betsy Higgins (3-7) and Emerson Boatswain (4-6) firing with the ball.In the other match, Shellharbour could only manage 7-38 with Ex Servos chasing that down with six wickets to spare.This Friday night, Shellharbour travel to Kiama, the Ratettes lock horns with the Ratatouilles in an all-Oak Flats affair while Lake play Kookas at Myimbarr, and Ex Servos hit the road to face Albion Park.Ladder: Kookas 24, Ratatouille, Ratettes 18, Lake 14, Ex Servos 12, Kiama, Albion Park 10, Shellharbour 2.

Jamberoo Cricket Club is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and respected figures, Greg Harris, whose dedication to the sport and the wider community spanned more than five decades.Club president Kyle Ferguson, who has known Harris for around 22 years, said Greg’s impact was felt across every part of the club. “He held various positions including president, secretary and curator,” Ferguson said. “He’s a life member of our club and even up until last season he would still fill in and play in second and fourth grade.”Harris’ commitment to cricket was recognised nationally three years ago when he received the prestigious Cricket Australia 50-Year Service Award. Over his lifetime, he played more than 500 games, a milestone few in South Coast cricket have ever reached. “There wouldn’t be many players who’ve played that many games,” Ferguson said. “He was the lifeblood of our club.”Beyond the field, Harris held a deep passion for developing young players. His push to rebuild the junior program resulted in the club fielding two junior teams this season, which Ferguson credits almost entirely to Greg’s influence. “His main thing was getting people playing cricket and loving the sport,” he said.Harris was also heavily involved in the Jamberoo community through organisations such as the Jamberoo Combined Sports Association.His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across Jamberoo, Kiama and the South Coast cricket community. “It’s been a massive loss,” Ferguson said. “He was known everywhere.”When asked to describe him in three words, Ferguson said just one was enough: “Legend.”

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with an array of local news and views from the community.There is a report on the Lions Cottage in Kiama, a long-running institution which provides short-term accommodation for carers which is at risk of being engulfed by high-rise development.READ THE EXPANDED DIGITAL EDITION HEREThe Cottage is within the northern border of the two-hectare NSW Government-led rezoning proposal for the Kiama Council-owned Precinct.It has been leased to the Lions Club since members rejuvenated the derelict cottage in 2017 and after opening in December the following year, it has operated as a respite service for carers, providing short-term accommodation.A new four-year lease for the Cottage kicked in earlier this month and runs until the end of 2029, however the facility could be under threat if plans to turn the area into a 450-home development come to fruition.You can also read plenty of great community stories including a column from Mayor Cameron McDonald, Kiama High students learning how to become beekeepers, the Everyday Table initiative and the drama after a truck collided with the railbridge barrier on Terralong Street.In sport, you can read about Kiama's win in the South Coast women's cricket competition, the local oztag teams succeeding at rep level and a tribute to Jamberoo sporting stalwart Greg Harris.Harris, who died recently, played more than 500 games for Jamberoo Cricket Club, a milestone few in South Coast cricket have ever reached.He was also heavily involved in the Jamberoo community through organisations such as the Jamberoo Combined Sports Association.

In a weekend of abandoned matches due to wet weather, Kiama Cavettes returned to the winners’ circle for the first time since round one.Playing Lake Illawarra at Bonaira Oval, Kiama sent the visitors in to bat. The openers started slowly and just as they looked to be settling, Annette Thornton struck in the sixth over to break the partnership at 22.Farrah Cody worked her way to 24 before being run out by captain Brooklyn Brown - a moment that triggered a Lake collapse. They tumbled to 2-45, 3-46 and then 4-58. With seven overs left, they managed to steady only slightly, finishing at 6-88.Ava Sloan, Naomi Poole, Emma Ford and Brown each claimed a wicket. Kiama’s chase started shakily, with Sloan caught for four at the end of the third over. Brown fell in the fifth, leaving Kiama at 2-24.But a brilliant 71-run unbeaten stand between Carolyn Perry (47*) and Emma Ford (24*) powered the Cavettes to a convincing victory on the first ball of the 13th over.The win lifts them to fifth on the ladder and back into finals contention. They face the undefeated Kookas this Friday at home.In the men’s competitions, Kiama’s third and fourth grade teams were among the few able to complete their fixtures. Third grade made it two wins in a row, while fourth grade suffered only their third loss of the season.Third grade met Shellharbour at Keith Hockey Oval, and before play, Kiama Cavaliers president Bernie Brown predicted: “Sheldon Hall has looked fantastic this season, and Saturday may prove to be his day with the bat.”He wasn’t wrong. Kiama batted first, with Hall scoring a strong 43 off 51. But it was middle-order batter Daniel Reilly who stole the show with a superb 58 off 43.Kiama compiled a commanding 8-240 from their 40 overs. Reilly then took 3-29 from eight overs to seal a clear player-of-the-match performance. Shellharbour finished at 6-163, with Hall also contributing 1-20 from five overs.Fourth grade weren’t as fortunate, taking on undefeated Jamberoo in the western conference local derby.Kiama batted well for 3-191 from their 35 overs, highlighted by Colin Bayley (50 retired not out), William Coghlan (39 retired not out) and Zach Gervaise (30*). But Jamberoo’s batters dominated the chase, blasting 196 in just 24 overs at a run rate of 8.17. Heath Marsh and Bayley claimed two wickets each, but it wasn’t enough to slow Jamberoo’s momentum.Fourth grade will travel to Albion Park this Saturday, while third grade heads to Oak Flats.First grade didn’t bowl a ball in their washed-out home match against Bomaderry and will now prepare to meet top-placed Lake Illawarra. Second grade were likely grateful for their abandoned match, having struggled to 8-88 from their 40 overs against Gerringong before play was halted at 1-24 after 4.3 overs. They meet Shellharbour away this weekend.

Jacqueline Sloan was on a flight from Sydney to Perth when she decided to put on a documentary to help pass the five-hour journey.Little did she know that the film - about Tour de Cure, a group that raises money for cancer research through cycling and other events - would set her on a path toward joining their signature ride.That ride is a 1408km journey with 20,663 metres of climbing from Canberra to Hobart. This year’s event marks 20 years of Tour de Cure - and, in a powerful coincidence, 20 years since Sloan was first diagnosed with breast cancer.“I was flying to WA in July this year and watched the Tour de Cure documentary on the plane. It was so inspiring and I immediately wanted to be a part of it,” Sloan said.“As soon as I knew it was TDC’s 20th year I felt I was meant to be involved. I was already a keen road cyclist, and it was also 20 years since my breast cancer diagnosis - it just felt right.”The ride is deeply personal for Sloan, who has been diagnosed with cancer twice, has lost her father and aunt to the disease, and has spent the past 14 years as a GP in Gerringong supporting patients through their own diagnoses.“I know personally the huge impact cancer has not only on the individual, but on their family and loved ones. I've lost many close relatives to cancer, so I'm passionate about spreading knowledge and awareness around prevention and early detection,” she said.“And raising money for research to find a cure and develop as many medical breakthroughs as possible. The possibility of discovering cures for more cancers is so exciting. I'm also driven to help so the next generation don't have to experience a cancer diagnosis or losing a loved one - and at least have more effective treatments.”The Tour de Cure Signature Tour she’ll be riding begins in Canberra, travels across the Snowy Mountains, through Victoria, across Bass Strait by ferry, and then down through Tasmania to finish in Hobart. It will be the longest and most challenging ride she has ever attempted.“There are some tough climbing days, and about 150–200km per day over the nine days of riding. It will definitely be physically challenging for me.”Although the ride isn’t until March, Sloan has already begun preparing - and getting excited.“I'm most excited to achieve the distance on the bike and to ride in the peloton with the wonderful TDC riders. I've been on training rides in Sydney and met a few of them already, and I can't wait to do the ride together with the riders and crew, supporting each other along the way.“I’m cycling a lot at the moment. Luckily I have a wonderful group of cyclists in Kiama who I ride with two or three times a week. They make the training lots of fun, and I couldn't do all the kilometres without them. And luckily we have rides like Saddleback Mountain and Jamberoo Mountain Pass to get the climbing practice in too.”Jackie Sloan (far right) with the 'Friday Flaps’ cycling group that she rides with. Photo: Jacqueline SloanSloan will also be riding in honour of her father and her Auntie Dotty.“I’m very proud to be riding for my dad and Auntie Dotty. My dad died in his early 60s - way too young - and he missed out on retirement and seeing his grandchildren grow up. And my kids missed out on knowing what an amazing person he was,” she said.“And my Auntie Dotty - well, we lost her a few months ago to pancreatic cancer. She was an inspiration, a theatre nurse who spent her whole life caring for others.”Alongside the ride itself, Sloan has launched a local raffle to boost her fundraising for Tour de Cure, with generous prizes donated by local businesses.She has already raised almost $10,000, prompting her to increase her goal from $11,000 to $15,000. “So many individuals have donated or purchased raffle tickets already, which is amazing - I’m so grateful,” she said.“People can visit my fundraising page to make a donation or purchase raffle tickets. You can also pop into Gerringong Medical Practice to buy tickets Monday to Saturday, and I’ll be at the Kiama Farmers’ Market on 3 December, so come say hello and buy a ticket.”

Kiama dropknee surfer Juan Castilla represented NSW earlier this year at the 2025 Australian Bodyboarding Titles, and now he’s set to represent Australia in the first Bodyboarding Ashes.The Bodyboarding Ashes 2025 pits Australia - featuring riders from Victoria and Sydney - against England, which is represented by bodyboarders from Bristol. The showdown takes place across three wave pools: The Wave in Bristol and URBNSURF in Melbourne and Sydney.The competition, which began on 1 November, is being run entirely through FlowState, an AI-powered video and performance analytics platform that automatically films and tracks the bodyboarders on each wave.“We’re running the Ashes entirely through FlowState with wave-pool clips only,” said Castilla. “Because it’s the first edition, there are no divisions this year. Each rider gets up to three submissions across the two-month window.”The event is open to bodyboarders as well as dropknee and prone surfers, with competitors able to choose their best waves from any session during the two months.“You just submit your three best waves and your scores go into your country’s cumulative total. Those combined scores decide which country wins the Ashes. It keeps things open to all styles, from big airs to heavy pits, and makes it feel like one big team effort rather than a bunch of separate heats,” Castilla said.He added that the format is a major shift from traditional beach contests.“There’s no luck around conditions or heat times, so it becomes more about pure performance and progression. You can surf different sessions, review your clips, then decide which three waves really show your best surfing.”FlowState has become an invaluable tool for riders like the 45-year-old, allowing them to analyse and refine every detail of their technique - one reason Castilla is particularly excited to be part of Australia’s inaugural Ashes squad.“Being part of the first ever Bodyboarding Ashes feels like we’re building something from the ground up, and that’s exciting. For me it’s more of an opportunity for personal improvement. I'm focusing on the fundamentals: speed, style, power, and flow.”He says wave-pool consistency has accelerated his progress.“I’ve been spending a lot of time at URBNSURF over the last year or so, and it’s pushed my surfing in ways that just aren’t possible in the ocean. The consistency means you can actually study every single wave and obsess over the details of your technique.”Waves will be judged by four legends of the sport: Jay Reale, Jacob Romero, Ian Campbell, and Rob Barber.“Knowing they are scoring your waves definitely lifts the standard and makes it feel like a proper international showdown, even though it’s all happening online,” Castilla said.Castilla has had a look at what the Bristol riders are producing and acknowledges the depth of talent on the English side, but he’s confident in his own progression - and says he may have discovered a subtle edge.“There are some really good riders on the Bristol side, so the competition is legitimate, but I’m feeling pretty calm about it all.”The Sydney part of the 2025 Australian Ashes squad. Photo: Juan Castilla“One thing I’ve noticed is that the Advanced Turns and Advanced settings actually offer the best waves for dropknee, which is a bit strange since most competitors just focus on Expert mode. “Expert gets all the attention because it’s the gnarliest setting, but for dropknee the Advanced waves have this perfect combination of speed and wall that lets you really open up your turns and generate power. It’s a bit of a hidden gem.”With the submission window running until the end of December, some competitors have already lodged their waves, while others - including Castilla - are strategising.“We’re only in the early stages but there are already some solid waves on the board. A few of the boys have banked clips they’re pretty happy with, and others are playing the long game and waiting for the right session to push something bigger,” he said.Castilla has until 31 December to submit his three waves and complete his 2025 representation of both state and country.

Rain put a dampener on round seven of the South Coast cricket season on the weekend.Three matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled - Ex Servos v Bay Basin at Hayden Drexel Oval, North Nowra Cambewarra v Lake Illawarra at Bernie Regan Sportsground and Kiama v Bomaderry at Kiama Sporting Complex.Shellharbour were in the box seat against Albion Park due to an unbeaten Oran Pattison century at Scout Willoughby Oval.Pattison belted eight boundaries and three sixes in making 113 from 110 deliveries before the wet weather intervened.Daniel Smith added 78 as the Harbour advanced to 4-240 from a tick under 40 overs.The Kookas were in strife after being bowled out by Oak Flats for 120 at Oakleigh Park.Opener Luke Bramble held the innings together with 54 with tailender Joshua Cuthbert’s 27 ensuring they avoided a double-figure total.Rats seamer Nathan Morrow led the way with 4-15 with debutant Jarrod Ellmer bagging 3-38 and left-armer Keaton Ridley 2-17.In this Saturday’s matches, Kookas are at home to Albion Park, North Nowra host the Rats, Lake head south to Kiama, Bomaderry and Ex Servos battle it out at Artie Smith Oval and Shellharbour travel to Sanctuary Point to face Bay and Basin.Ladder: Lake 44, Shellharbour 40, Kiama 38, Bay and Basin 36, North Nowra 31, Bomaderry 27, Albion Park 19, Oak Flats 17, Kookas 15, Ex Servos 9.In the women's competition, the Kookas maintained their grip on top spot with a nine-wicket win over Albion Park at Albion Oval.Kiara Shelton top-scored with 26 at the Park made 5-97 from their 20 overs with Christine Dragovic taking 3-18.The Kookas reached their target with 7.5 overs to spare with Jaime Bowmaker unbeaten on 35 after April Wells smased 45 before retiring.Oak Flats enjoyed dual victories with the Ratettes (4-144) downing Ex Servos (4-76) and the Ratatouilles (4-168) accounting for Shellharbour (4-120).Anne Boatswain smashed 66 against Ex Servos while Jessica Bramble (82 and 2-9) was the star of the win over the Harbour.In the other game, Kiama chased down Lake Illawarra's 6-88 for the loss of just two wickets at Bonaira Oval.Carolyn Perry (47) and Emma Ford (24) combined for a 65-run partnership after the Cavettes were in a spot of bother at 2-24.This Friday's games feature Shellharbour v Ex Servos and the Ratatouilles v Lake at Myimbarr, Albion Park hosting the Ratettes at Albion Oval and the Kookas flying south to Kiama.Ladder: Kookas 20, Ratatouilles 18, Lake, Ratettes 14, Kiama, Albion Park 10, Ex Servos 8, Shellharbour 2.

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead item this week revolves around the truck driver who collided with the newly installed crash barrier on Terralong Street.After the incident on Saturday, a 22-year-old man reversed his vehicle and took a detour up Railway Parade.He was then pulled over by Lake Illawarra Police officers on South Kiama Drive and underwent a roadside drug and alcohol test where he allegedly returned a positive reading for cocaine.He was issued with an infringement notice for disobeying a low clearance sign, which carries a fine of $4783 and 12 demerit points.We also report on the new laws targeting the sale of illicit tobacco and vape products with a Kiama tobacconist ordered to close its doors for 90 days.You can also tune in to see Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty dropping by Lake Illawarra to make a couple of major funding announcements.Nearly $22 million will be spent on the local aquaculture industry and to help improve services at Shellharbour Regional Airpot.And in sport, the Illawarra Hawks are licking their wounds after a narrow loss to Melbourne United in Wollongong.At The Bugle, we’re committed to pairing impactful visuals with meaningful local storytelling - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and deeply connected to our community.Subscribe to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube so you never miss an episode!

Twenty Kiama Oztag players featured across the two Illawarra sides that claimed national titles at the Australian Championships in Coffs Harbour.Held from 7-9 November, the tournament saw more than 75 Kiama players take part, with both the Men’s 35s and Men’s 60s teams advancing all the way to their grand finals - and taking home the titles.“It was massive. Illawarra hasn’t had an over-35s team since the name changed from the Vipers to the Steelers a few years ago,” said Kiama Oztag Coordinator Keiron Duncan.“So to go up there and win it is a massive achievement. We had nine Kiama Phantoms in that side, plus they were coached by Kiama’s Ben Cairncross.”The Men’s 60s victory was also heavily influenced by Kiama talent, with 11 local players in the squad. The team was captain-coached by Kiama’s Ross Thomas.Thomas said he was thrilled with the win when interviewed by Duncan following the final.“I’m pretty tired after seven or eight games to get to the grand final, but winning eases every bit of pain in your body, that’s for sure,” Thomas said.“It’s good to see all those 60s guys getting up and having a go - I really admire it. And for our guys, we were probably not the prettiest team, but we worked the hardest in defence, and at the end of the day that’s what matters.”Thomas said the Over 60s competition was incredibly tight, with no easy games throughout the tournament.“All the games were really tight - we had a couple of draws, then a 2-1 win, 3-1 win, 4-2 win - so all these teams were really competitive. I just admire all these older blokes and ladies who keep playing the game,” he said.All but three Illawarra Steelers sides made the finals over the weekend, including the Women’s Opens team, who fell agonisingly short in their grand final.Duncan praised not only the Kiama players and officials but also the support across the broader region.“It’s a collective effort where all our associations come together to show how strong we are as a region."Playing under that banner is a credit to all the committee members and to the level of talent in the area,” Duncan said.

There is a wide range of news and views from our local South Coast community in this week's edition of The Bugle.Our main story focuses on the divided opinion over multi-storey developments that are in the pipeline for Kiama's town centre.CLICK HERE TO READ OUR DIGITAL EDITIONNSW Premier Chris Minns, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and Council CEO Jane Stroud have their say on how the various proposals should progress.“You've got to have development that's in keeping with some of the most beautiful high streets and town centres that we have in the state," Minns said.“But I think we can get the balance right. I think you can have a bit more urban development closer to town and one of the reasons it's really important is that it's got to go somewhere.”You can also read plenty of great community stories including the stalemate over the former police residence in Kiama, a Christmas gift guide, a column from former Mayor Neil Reilly on the development issue and an Astute local business.In sport, you can read about all the latest in South Coast cricket, a young basketballer on the rise and the Kiama Knights' presentation night.Kiama Knights fullback Brad Killmore capped off a stellar return season by taking out the First Grade Best and Fairest award at the club’s 2025 presentation night.Best and Fairest & Player’s Player in the Kiama women's leaguetag team was Chelsea Wallace.

Illawarra are losing touch with the leaders on the NBL ladder after slumping to a 97-85 defeat to the 36ers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday night.The Hawks were unable to stop Adelaide’s star guard Bryce Cotton who racked up 36 minutes despite being ill, finishing with 31 points, 13 assists and no turnovers in an excellent all-round display.Illawarra have not won in the South Australian capital since 2021 and they have now lost seven in a row when visiting the 36ers. Their title defence is fading away quickly with a 4-8 record to sit in eighth spot on the standings.Although they are only one win outside the playoff equation, they are a long way behind competition pacesetters Melbourne United, who have an 11-2 record, and second-placed Adelaide, who improved to 10-3.The Hawks managed to keep Cotton from scoring in the opening quarter but after landing two baskets from downtown early in the second term, the former Perth Wildcat lit up the arena.He ended up registering six three-pointers from 10 attempts and combined brilliantly with centre Isaac Humphries (22 points and nine rebounds) to keep the Hawks on the back foot.Illawarra’s marquee centre JaVale McGee was held to just 12 points although the three-time NBA champion did manage to bring down 10 rebounds."We've had a tough go this whole year and wins are so valuable," said Hawks guard Tyler Harvey."We're going to do everything we can to play consistently for four quarters. “If things don't go right, we can't sulk, we've just got to get right back to it. If we do that, we'll give ourselves a chance against anybody."Recent recruit Quentin Peterson's haul of five three-pointers from seven attempts was the only silver lining to the team’s performance.The Hawks held a slender 22-21 advantage after the first quarter and extended that margin to lead 49-44 at the main break.But with Cotton regularly finding the bottom of the net, the Sixers went on a 27-15 run in the third quarter and outscored the Hawks 26-21 in the final frame.Harvey top-scored for the Hawks with 21 while captain Will Hickey contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.The Hawks need to make amends when they take on Melbourne at WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday night before they get a week off leading into home games against South-East Melbourne Phoenix on 4 December and Cairns two nights later.

Kiama Knights fullback Brad Killmore capped off a stellar return season by taking out the First Grade Best and Fairest award at the club’s 2025 presentation night.Killmore, who spent most of the 2024 season sidelined by injury, was a standout addition to the first grade side this year - saving tries, scoring them, setting them up and providing a calm, reliable presence at the back.“My main aim was to come back and try to win a premiership, to be honest. Personally, I just wanted to stay healthy,” Killmore said.And win a premiership he did. Killmore was instrumental in Kiama’s 16-4 victory over the Shellharbour Sharks in the Group 7 grand final, and he said the finals series was when he truly found his stride.“There wasn’t a particular time where my form suddenly picked up, but I felt I was starting to find a rhythm in the later rounds and finals,” he said.Killmore said receiving the prestigious Best and Fairest trophy was an honour - especially in a team stacked with talent.“It was very special. We had so many good players this year, it really could’ve gone to a lot of people. I’m honoured the coaches thought I had a good year,” he said.He attributed Kiama’s success - which saw both top grades reach grand finals - to the club’s united culture.“The team culture this year was outstanding - not just in our team but from Reggies through to the girls. The coaching staff played a huge part in that. It really makes you want to turn up every week and get around everyone,” he said.And will he be back next year chasing back-to-back premierships?“I’ll be back next year and hopefully be winning another trophy,” Killmore said.The presentation night was held at Kiama Leagues Club and once again the club’s strong culture was on display, with players from all grades turning out in support of one another.Award WinnersGeneralClub Person of the Year: Glenn RobertsPresident’s Award: Caitlin NorrisKnight of the Year: Matt NicholsonRookie of the Year: Taj RobertsFirst GradeBest and Fairest & Best Back: Brad KillmorePlayer’s Player: Sam HooperBest Forward: Tom AngelCoaches Award: Tom NorrisKiama Knights reserve grade winners. Photo: Kiama KnightsReserve GradeBest and Fairest: Alex BolesPlayer’s Player: Dylan MorrisBest Back: Ben BarnardBest Forward: Jason WebbCoaches Award: Toby LaneU18s Girls TackleBest and Fairest & Player’s Player: Ally HamiltonBest Back: Madison HempoBest Forward: Brianna KaunicarakamiCoaches Award: Amelia PhillipsLadies league tag division 2 Kiama Knights winners. Photo: Kiama KnightsLadies League Tag Division 1Best and Fairest & Player’s Player: Chelsea WallaceMost Promising: Charlotte PayneCoaches Award: Hannah Moore & Ava RossRookie of the Year: Jazmin McTaggartLadies League Tag Division 2Best and Fairest: Nicole HallinanPlayer’s Player: Taryn GunningMost Promising: Zoe CoxCoaches Award: Keryn Calcraf

Kiama had a very successful weekend, winning three of their four games across the grades, continuing their dominant start to the season.The first-grade side triumphed over the previously undefeated Shellharbour side which was “always going to be a great test,” said president Bernie Brown.Kiama batted first with a solid 69-run opening stand between Joe Burgess and Adam Ison, with Joe the first to fall on 27 from 51 balls.Ison contributed a valuable 45 from 51 balls but the Cavaliers were in a little trouble at 2-84.“Shellharbour fought back to have the Cavs reeling at 5–98 before veteran Nathan Barr, who finished on 51, and Brad Ison, who ended on 48 not out, combined for an excellent 107-run sixth-wicket partnership, eventually closing the innings on a competitive 7-209,” Brown said.With the ball, Kiama struck early through Jonathan Hay and had Shellharbour at 1-10, but they fought back to 3-110 with 25 overs remaining.“Kiama then put the foot down, dismissing the remaining seven batters for just 33 runs in a dominant display. Best of the attack were Glenn Cleary (2-11), David Coleman (2-14) and Brad Ison (2-18). The win sees the Cavs move back into third on the ladder,” Brown said.First Grade will face Bomaderry this Saturday at Kiama Sporting Complex.The Cavaliers also enjoyed success in third grade, returning to the winners’ circle for the first time since round two.They faced the Kookas at Bonaira Oval, bowling them out for 148.“Harvey Battishall was destructive with 4-19, followed by Lennox Holz with 3-32 and his dad, Steve Holz, chipping in with 234,” Brown said.“Kiama did not start enthusiastically with the bat, slipping to 3-2, then 4-21 and 6-47, before a match-winning 67-run partnership between Nathan Battishall (46 not out) and captain Dane Parnaby (35 not out) saw the side home. Sheldon Hall also contributed with a solid 39.”Meanwhile, fourth grade made it four wins in a row against the Oak Flats Rats, who batted first and posted 143. Adam McCrone (2-8), Giles Brown (2-10), Oli Wilson (2-26) and Reilly McCrone (2-29) each claimed two wickets.“The next generation got the side home again - this week it was the duo of Harry McCrone (12 not out) and Oli Wilson (10 not out), forming a confident partnership to pass the Rats’ 143 in the 33rd over,” Brown said.This Saturday, third grade will face Shellharbour away and fourth grade will take on the in-form Jamberoo side at Keith Irvine Oval.With second grade having the bye, the only Kiama side which lost was the Cavettes - but they certainly did not go down without a fight against Albion Park.The Cavettes batted first, with the regular openers unavailable due to rep duty and other commitments. Stand-in openers, captain Brooklyn Brown and Emma Ford, wasted no time setting a strong, nearly 10-an-over pace early in the innings.The Kiama Cavettes were very unlucky against an inform Albion Park team. Photo: Bernie BrownFord brought up her maiden 50 in the 14th over with a boundary before retiring on 52*, sharing a 109-run opening stand with Brown, who retired shortly after on 26*.The Cavettes finished at 0-141 after their 20 overs.Albion Park kept up with the required run rate and accelerated late to close out the match in the 17th over. Kiama battled hard with the ball, with Emma Ford the best, taking 1-8 from her four overs.The Cavettes will take on Lake Illawarra this Friday at Bonaira Oval.

When Kiama junior Lena Van Alphen steps onto the basketball court, she stands out - not just for her skill, but because she’s the only girl in the mixed competition.Now the 11-year-old rising star has been selected - from just 50 girls across the state - for the prestigious Basketball NSW Katie-Rae Ebzery Under 13s Challenge, marking another major milestone in her sporting journey.Named in honour of the Opals and WNBL legend, the Country U13 Challenge helps young players transition from U12s into U14s through expert coaching, simulated game sessions, skills competitions and more.Lena’s basketball journey all began because of her older brother.“I came into a mixed basketball team after my brother started playing in Kiama,” said Lena. “At first, I was nervous, and I would back off against the boys. But in the end, I didn’t care what gender they were - I would just try my hardest.“Sometimes I still find it a bit tricky, but then I remind myself that I am there for myself, to learn and grow as a basketball player.”From there, Lena flourished and this year she managed to play basketball at State level for the first time. But once again she felt like she didn’t quite fit the mould.“It was daunting at first. I was the only player on my team who had never played representative basketball or even trained properly before. I thought I wouldn’t be good enough,” she said.“But as the games went on, I became more confident, started dribbling more and making more shots - even though some girls were twice my size! Outside the games, we really became a team. We hung out together and had the best time. The whole experience boosted my confidence, and I can’t wait to go back next year.”But basketball isn’t even Lena’s favourite sport. In 2025, she competed at state level in athletics, cross country and - her personal favourite - soccer.“My main focus has always been soccer and basketball. I’ve never done proper athletics or cross-country training, but the fitness from my other sports helps,” she said.“I know it’ll get harder to keep up with everything as I get older, and I’ll have to choose which sports I love most. I also play representative Oztag. Watching other girls at State has taught me a lot and helped me improve.”Lena might be a sports all-rounder, but soccer has her heart. Photo: Eva Van AlphenOn top of all the sport, Lena travels to school in Nowra, making her schedule even more jam-packed.“I go to school in Nowra but most of my training is in Wollongong. I have sport every afternoon - sometimes two things in one afternoon. It can be hard to balance everything, but somehow I manage,” she said.Her mother, Eva, agrees that fitting everything in can be challenging, but says Lena’s determination and organisation keep everything on track.“With soccer games often in Sydney and travel for other sports, there’s not much time left for schoolwork and rest. But Lena is very determined and organised. She takes homework in the car and keeps track of everything herself,” said Eva.“We made a deal that we would make our car trips fun - chatting, music, even some homework - so they don’t just feel like commuting, but part of our day.”So what inspires this drive and love of sport? Lena says the credit goes to the person who first introduced her to the games she loves.“Sorry Mum and Dad,” she laughed. “But it’s my brother Jacob. He started most of the sports I do before I did, and he taught me how to play basketball and soccer when I was little - even though I’m better than he is now in soccer!”“He inspires me to try my best, train hard and keep fighting for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.”Lena has huge dreams for her future - and they’re not just in sport.“I’d love to become a soccer star and play for a European club. I also hope to play for the Matildas one day, so I know I have to work hard. Outside sport, I’d love to study astronomy and maybe become an astronomer or even an astronaut - while still playing soccer. Space soccer!” she said.And if space soccer is the dream, Eva says she and her husband will support it wholeheartedly.“We check in often to make sure she still enjoys everything and is doing it for the right reasons. Our support - and her brother’s - definitely helps, and we’ll keep supporting her as long as she loves what she’s doing,” she said.

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead item this week revolves around NSW Premier Chris Minns visiting the region for the first time since the by-election two months ago.He was on the South Coast to announce that work is about to begin on Bomaderry's new public pre-school, which will be one of 10 new facilities in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area.Minns also addressed concerns about the proposed high-rise developments in Kiama with a 14-storey plan for Akuna Street causing widespread debate in the community.He thinks the State Government will get the balance right in planning for how coastal towns in the area will look in the future.We also report on the incident near Kiama rockpool in which an elderly man was found dead by emergency services on Friday.You can also tune in to see the Orangutan Foundation International charity event at Kiama Surf Club on Sunday as well as the Countdown Live concert which rocked The Country Club in St Georges Basin.And in sport, young surfer Lucy Darragh has added to her impressive record with a stunning success in Taiwan.The Hawks have gone down to the Sydney Kings and Illawarra's NBL title defence is looking somewhat shaky.At The Bugle, we’re committed to pairing impactful visuals with meaningful local storytelling - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and deeply connected to our community.Subscribe to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube so you never miss an episode!

Lake Illawarra fast bowler Jake O’Connell ripped through Oak Flats with a hat-trick on Saturday as the premiers romped to a seven-wicket win.O’Connell dismissed opener Kody Lawler for 10, trapped Sam McLennan first ball and then bowled Adrian Bartlett from the next delivery to complete the rare feat.He ended up with 6-30 from 9.2 overs as the Rats were bowled out for 136 despite a fighting 37 from captain Jack Bennett at Howard Fowles Oval.Lake surged to their modest target inside 15 overs with opener Max Henderson belting an unbeaten 74 from just 47 deliveries with 15 boundaries and a six.They have leapt into top spot after Shellharbour suffered their first loss of the season, going down to Kiama.Opener Adam Ison (45), Nathan Barr (51) and Brad Ison (48 not out) wielded the willow with gusto as the Cavaliers racked up 7-209.Harbour skipper Daniel Smith (49) and opener Jacob Coleman (38) provided early resistance but they went from 1-84 to all out for 143 with Brad Ison, Glenn Cleary and David Coleman snaring two wickets apiece.Bomaderry registered a 91-run win over the Kookas at Oakleigh Park after six batters made 20 or more.Tailenders Peter King (40) and Lachlan Duggan (27 not out) put on 44 for the last wicket as the Tigers posted 254 despite fine efforts from Kookas duo Gerard Healey (4-26) and Troy Tungai (3-60).The home side slumped to 3-31 and never threatened the total with Rhys Burinaga picking up superb figures of 7-48.At Sanctuary Point Oval, Bay and Basin edged out North Nowra Cambewarra in a tense clash.Jonathan McLennan top-scored with 38 as the Dolphins amassed 177 with Hyeon Parsons the pick of the visiting bowlers.North Nowra lost two early wickets and Elijah Guyatt (42) and Justin Weller (27) got them within striking distance but after a late collapse, they finished 35 runs short of victory.Albion Park left Ex Servos on the bottom of the ladder after a low-scoring clash at Keith Grey Oval.Joshua Peters came to the rescue with 37 as the Eagles posted 152 with Kuldeep Singh rana (4-21) starring with the ball for the Shoalhaven side.He backed up with 55 in the run-chase but had few allies as Ex Servos were rolled for 125 with Peters (3-26) and Matthew Burns (3-28) doing the main damage.This Saturday’s round features North Nowra at home to Lake Illawarra, Albion Park away to Shellharbour, Ex Servos hosting Bay and Basin, Bomaderry heading to Kiama and the Kookas clashing with Oak Flats at Oakleigh Park.Ladder: Lake 41, Shellharbour 37, Kiama 34, Bay and Basin 33, North Nowra 28, Bomaderry 24, Albion Park 16, Oak Flats 14, Kookas 12, Ex Servos 6.In the women's competition on Friday night, Oak Flats Ratettes batter Anne Boatswain smashed an unbeaten century in her team's win over Shellharbour.She hit 17 fours and three sixes in making 103 not out from 40 deliveries with young all-rounder Maya Huetter adding 62 in the total of 2-216.Harbour skipper Tammie Croker slammed 76 in reply but they fell a long way short on 4-158.Mel Nolan top-scored with 73 as the Kookas edged out Oak Flats Ratatouilles 158-143 despite Tahlia Pracy's 59 and 39 from Chloe Atkinson.Anne Boatswain after her ton. Photo: Oak Flats Cricket ClubChristine Dragovic bagged 3-5 for the winners. Kiama made 141 with Emma Ford contributing 52 but Albion Park reached their target for the loss of just one wicket with Breanna Carswell's 59 not out leading the way.Lake Illawarra posted 5-104 with Lilly Wilstrop hitting five fours in her 30 not out as they beat Ex Servos, who managed 6-68 with Willstrop, Lauren Payne and Alexandra Henderson chipping in with two wickets apiece.

Sit back and relax while reading this week's edition of The Bugle, filled with a wide range of news and views from our local South Coast community.Our top story centres on the feedback from the community to last week's revelations that a 14-storey development could be on the way for Kiama's town centre.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HERENSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has had his say, along with Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Chris Rath, who also details his thoughts on how the local housing market should evolve.Scully said the NSW Government was responding to the wishes of local residents who did not want to see new housing estates swallowing up the green hills that make the surrounding region so picturesque.“Kiama residents have previously expressed a desire not to see extensive greenfield development – that means that additional density needs to be seriously considered if Kiama’s housing pressures are to be relieved,” Scully told The Bugle.“There is no part of NSW that is not in need of more housing.You can also read plenty of great community stories including an 82-year-old from Gerringong giving much younger fitness competitors a run for their money, the commemorations for Remembrance Day and efforts to preserve the Jerrara Wetlands.In sport, you can read about Lucy Darragh's win in Taiwan,young surfer rewriting the history books with the Jones Beach Boardriders and all the latest in South Coast cricket.

With poor weather around the grounds on Saturday, it was all smiles in fourth grade, where Kiama claimed a thrilling win in a reduced 30-over contest against Gerringong, securing victory with only three balls to spare - thanks to youngster Milo Brown.Gerringong reached 183 runs in their first innings with opener Harry Kenneally's 32 and Richard Warfield's 33 the best of the bunch.The Cavs openers got to work with a 64-run stand before Adam McCrone fell for 29 to Gerringong’s Brad Speering, who tore through the next two batters, claiming 3-0 in the ninth over.Brett Nortje belted 51 off 36 balls before retiring, taking the Cavs to 4-100 before Gerringong took regular wickets, leaving the visitors at 7-160.“Enter under-13s youngster Milo Brown, who finished 17 not out from 13 balls - showing maturity and nerves beyond his years - guiding the Cavs to an epic three-wicket victory on the third-last ball of the innings,” said Kiama president Bernie Brown.“Partnered by club legend and all-round good bloke Dan Cooper, who finished not out on nine, Milo earned a standing ovation as they took the win, making it three on the trot and finding some great form.”This Saturday, they play the Oak Flats Rats and will look to make it four in a row.The men’s first and second grades took on Albion Park in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the clubs’ first encounter back in 1875.“As were the comments from the write-up 150 years ago,” said Brown, “‘the weather was most disagreeable’ - a sentiment that rang true for the sesquicentenary.” Afternoon storm cells played havoc with most matches, with first grade disappointingly washed out at Keith Grey Oval just as festivities were in full swing.Before the match was abandoned, Kiama had Albion Park in trouble at 3-28 after 13 overs, with wickets going to Brad Ison (2-13) and Jon Hay (1-20). They’ll face competition leaders Shellharbour next week.The second grade side with Albion Park, celebrating the 150th anniversary since both clubs first met. Photo: Kiama Cavaliers Cricket ClubSecond grade, playing at home, managed to complete their match at Kiama Sporting Complex despite the weather - though they might have wished otherwise after going down by 68 runs.“In a disrupted, reduced-overs match, Albion Park got away from the home side in the latter overs to post 6-181 from 35 overs. The best of the bowlers was Jacob Lewis, picking up 2-27,” said Brown.Kiama began well with the openers combining for 41 runs, but the dismissal of captain Josh Battishall for 24 triggered a collapse.“Kiama unfortunately collapsed, losing 9-72 to be all out for 113, with only a handful of batters reaching double figures. They head into the bye this week and will be back on the 22nd to take on competition heavyweights Gerringong,” said Brown.Third grade’s match against Lake Illawarra at Bonaira Oval was also abandoned. They’ll face Kookas Blue this Saturday.In the South Coast women's competition, Kiama Cavettes fell just eight runs short of defeating competition leaders, the Oak Flats Ratatouilles.Coming into the match at Bonaira Oval on Friday night, the Cavettes had one win and one loss to their name, while the Ratatoullies were unbeaten.Kiama did well to restrict the Ratatoullies to 121 - their lowest score of the season.“The Cavettes set a strong game plan, restricting two of the competition’s leading run scorers and producing an excellent fielding display that resulted in two run-outs,” said Brown.Emma Timbs was the standout with the ball, finishing with figures of 2-28 and contributing to a run out.The Cavettes began strongly with a 62-run opening partnership between Ava Sloan (35 off 37) and Ebony Winston (18 off 27). However, both fell in quick succession, and another wicket soon followed, leaving the side at 3-70 with less than eight overs remaining.Emma Ford rallied late with some strong hitting, reaching 27 not out off 24 balls and forming partnerships with Brooklyn Brown and Jacquie Sloan.But ultimately they fell eight runs short.