This week's edition of The Bugle is full of local news and views from our South Coast community.There is a report on Sydney developer Level 33 claiming the proposed multi-storey complex on Akuna Street will enhance the town centre despite plenty of criticism in the community.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREManaging director Eddy Haddad told The Bugle that they were “aware of the concerns and are taking them seriously” following a backlash to the proposed $66 million development.Level 33 recently withdrew its legal action against Kiama Council and has engaged with the Housing Delivery Authority to complete the project.The HDA could allow the developer to go beyond the seven-storey limit to the 10-14 range for the complex which could house two supermarkets.“We intend to deliver a landmark development for Kiama that will enhance the town centre, including significant retail activation and additional retail and resident car parking,” Haddad added.You can also read plenty of great community stories including the latest on the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival being placed on pause, the impact of the social media ban for teenagers and how to adopt a pet from Shoalhaven Animal Shelter.The Shelter cares for dogs, cats and other animals who come through the doors needing stability and a bit of luck. If adoption isn’t suitable for you, please consider other donations. You can send the shelter fast-tracked reindeer treats to PO Box 42, Nowra. Things like dog and cat treats and toys of all kinds and sizes are appreciated and vital for the continued enrichment and love the staff give their animals.In sport, you can read about all the latest in South Coast cricket, the Hawks' up and down week and a local surfer making plenty of waves.Kiama's Kyah Shipley is sitting in second place in the Open Female division heading into the Sydney Water Surf Series finale this weekend.

Kiama Cricket Club began their weekend in blistering form, recording two T20 wins on Friday night.The Cavettes opened the round at Bonaira Oval against Shellharbour and restricted them to 88 from their 20 overs. Emma Ford was the standout with the ball, taking 2-8 including a maiden. Kiama’s openers Ava Sloan and Ebony Winston quickly shut the door on the chase, blasting their way to the total in just eight overs. Winston top-scored with 48 not out off 24 balls, while Sloan added 30 not out from 21.At Oakleigh Park, the Kiama men’s first-grade side faced the Kookas in their first T20 of the season. Kiama struggled early, with the top order falling cheaply to be 7-84 before lower-order pair Ryan Timbs and Glenn Cleary fought hard to lift them to a competitive total. Their 26-run partnership pushed the Cavs to 110, with Timbs - newly added to the first-grade short-form squad - top-scoring with 16.The Kookas got off to a rapid start but Kiama’s bowlers tightened the screws, restricting their opponents to 100 from 20 overs to claim an impressive win, led by Blake Mackrell (3-6) and Adam Ison (3-18).On Saturday, first grade travelled to face the Bay and Basin Dolphins with Sheldon Hall making his debut to be cap number 417 for the club.The first grade Kiama Cavaliers squad along with a photo of debutant Sheldon Hall. Photo: Kiama Cavaliers Cricket ClubKiama restricted the Dolphins to 8-169 in the 50-over clash, with Joe Burgess, Glenn Cleary, Brad Ison and Niall Owers taking two wickets each. Despite an excellent 63-run opening partnership from Burgess (38) and David Coleman (33), the chase faltered and Kiama were bowled out for 147 in 45.2 overs.Second grade took on the challenge of two consecutive T20s on Saturday, facing Oak Flats and then Jamberoo. Against Oak Flats, Kiama posted 8-132 thanks to a 59-run opening stand from Ryan Timbs (23) and Josh Battishall (31). Their bowlers then delivered strongly, dismissing Oak Flats for 116 with Timbs, Vincent Sherrell and Michael Hook each taking two wickets.Fatigue caught up with the squad in the second match, where they were dismissed for 115, a total Jamberoo chased down in 17.1 overs.Third grade hosted Albion Park and despite posting a competitive 166, Eagles opener Adam Clay stole the show with an unbeaten 103, guiding his side to victory with two overs to spare.Fourth grade finished the weekend on a high, piling on 203 against the Kookas thanks to Andrew Marsh (50*) and Zach Gervaise (45*). The Kookas were bowled out for 140 in 30 overs, with Oliver Wilson and Daniel Cooper taking two wickets each.This week marks the final game of the year for the Cavettes, who will host Oak Flats on Friday. First grade will face Shellharbour away in Friday’s T20 before taking on Lake Illawarra on Saturday in their final one-dayer of the year. Second grade meets Lake Illawarra away in their third T20, third grade will travel to Jamberoo, and fourth grade will play Gerringong at home.

Kiama's Kyah Shipley is sitting in second place in the Open Female division heading into the Sydney Water Surf Series finale this weekend.The series, held across four weekends, features a range of surf lifesaving events designed to prepare competitors for major competitions later in the season. Athletes earn points in each event, with the overall winner decided by the highest total at the end of the final day.Shipley said that while the series is primarily about building form for the season ahead, she’s pleased with her performances so far.“The past three rounds have been a great start to the season, giving me ideas on what I should work on and improve,” she said. “And, as Sydney Water always is, it throws the best and the worst surf at you.”Shipley has been competing in the Ironperson, Surf Race, Board Race and Single Ski, earning several strong results - including a few wins.“I’m racing in the Opens now, so the ski is included in the Iron. It’s not my strongest leg, but there’s always room to improve,” she said.“Right now, in terms of total points, I’m sitting second behind Sarah Locke. She always pushes me, and I’m pretty proud of how I’ve gone so far in my first year racing Opens.”“I’m positioned well in the Iron, Swim and Board events at this stage - but all of that can change. That’s surf.”Shipley has been involved in surf lifesaving since she was six years old and says it’s now an essential part of her life.“I love racing with my friends, and we always push each other. I love the team events too - they’re a huge part of why I love the sport so much,” she said. “I used to be scared of the water when I started, and now I can’t live without it.”Kyah says she is still finding her feet on the ski, but that learning and improving makes the sport fun. Photo: Kyah ShipleyHer favourite event is the Ironperson because it tests all her skills - swim, ski, board and run. The ski, however, is still where she’s finding her feet.“I’m not the best on the ski yet,” she laughed. “I’ve still got my L-plates on. I was coming second in one of the races and somehow completely missed the can - so I ended up last. My dad was volunteering in the IRB and had a good laugh! But I’m happy to keep learning and improving. It makes the sport fun.”Shipley has big goals for the coming year, including the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series, plus Australian and State Championships on the Gold Coast. For now, she’s using the Sydney Water Surf Series as both preparation - and a chance to enjoy the sport with her friends.“My main goal is to have fun, put my foot on the starting line and try my best,” she said. “All I can do is have a go, cheer on my team and enjoy it. I hope to see the rest of my teammates from Warilla smash it too.“So many of them are doing amazing things. Imogen Moore and Max Miller, who are also from the Kiama community, are racing incredibly well. It’s unreal to see. If I get on the podium on Saturday, great - and if not, I’m sure I’ll learn something.”Shipley will race in the final round of the Sydney Water Surf Series on Saturday, 13 December, at Bulli Surf Life Saving Club.She thanked Central West Plumbing, Civil Drainage and Ngi Brown and her team for sponsoring her equipment.“I also want to thank my surf club coach Craig Burke from Warilla Barrack Point, and Greg ‘Egg’ Miller, my pool and ocean swimming coach from Kiama Leisure Centre,” she said.

Two Sundays ago, before the eager nippers took to the waves, Kiama Surf Lifesaving Club held a special ceremony to celebrate the donation of a new gazebo from the Kiama Rotary Club.Among a crowd of Rotary and Surf Club volunteers, the gazebo was formally handed over by the president of Kiama Rotary, Phil Whyte, to Kiama SLSC’s junior activities coordinator, David Griffin.Kiama SLSC sponsorship coordinator Ian Harvey-George said they were thrilled with the new addition to the club’s equipment.“We have a long and strong relationship with Kiama Rotary. They generously donated our previous gazebo in 2019, which served us well but was sadly beyond repair,” Harvey-George said.“I approached Kiama Rotary to see if they could help us replace the damaged gazebo, and over the past few months we’ve worked closely together to make sure we found the right setup for everyone.”He also spoke about the importance of shade for volunteers during the busy summer season.“The beach can be a harsh environment for both kids and adults, especially on hot days. Our volunteer lifeguards spend hours on the sand every weekend, and large gazebos are vital for keeping them cool and protected from the sun’s harmful rays,” he said. “This new gazebo provides essential shelter for our nippers and for the volunteers who keep the club running and the beach safe.”The gazebo will also be used to shelter Kiama SLSC’s hardworking BBQ volunteers.“They’re at the beach early every Sunday, setting up and cooking for hungry nippers and families,” Harvey-George said.The handover also coincided with the presentation of the new-season nippers shirts - free to all participants thanks to Kiama SLSC’s generous sponsors.“As this is my first year as sponsorship coordinator, I wanted to create something special for the kids. This year we introduced a gold sponsor position on the front of the shirt, which Mystics Mechanical proudly took up,” he said. “We’re also thrilled to welcome several new sponsors as we continue building strong relationships between the club and local businesses.”Russ from Mystics Mechanical with one of the new nippers shirts. Photo: Ian Harvey-GeorgeHarvey-George emphasised how vital local sponsors are to a volunteer-run club like Kiama SLSC and praised the broader Kiama community for its support.“Much of our equipment and uniforms is sponsored by local businesses - from surf boats and nipper boards to flags and now the Rotary gazebo. Sponsorship helps us purchase and maintain essential equipment, and you’ll see the support in uniforms too, such as age managers’ shirts and the bright orange water safety tops,” he said.“It’s not just financial help. There’s expertise as well. For example, when we had issues with our surf boat trailer, Russ from Mystics Mechanical generously donated his time to help fix it.”Now in his first year as sponsorship coordinator, Harvey-George said he is relishing the role because of the relationships it builds and the joy of helping local kids thrive.“I love connecting with people, and this role allows me to do that every day. Whether it’s maintaining long-standing partnerships or heading into town to build new ones, the relationships are truly rewarding,” he said. “I feel proud when I see someone wearing our nippers shirt around town, and I get a real thrill knowing that vital equipment has been made possible through sponsorship - especially when you see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”Looking ahead, Kiama SLSC will host its Pride Surf Club Day on 15 February and will soon be seeking local sponsors for the event. The club will also hold a film screening of Chasing the Gold in early 2026, featuring Ironman Ali Day, who began his journey with Kiama SLSC as a nipper.“Come down to nippers on a Sunday to learn more, or reach out via our website. I’m always happy to speak with local businesses interested in sponsorship - we can tailor opportunities to your needs, budget, and desired exposure,” Harvey-George said.He also extended special thanks to the club’s supporters: The Rotary Club, Mystics Mechanical, The Sebel, Yves, One Fitness, Lime Construction, Saltwater Café, The Gentlemen’s Cut, Swell Bathroom Renovations, Alba Ergonomics, Diggies Café, FlipOut Albion Park, and Kiama Pharmacy.

This week's Bugle Bulletin brings you the best of the week’s local stories.Our lead story is about Grand Pacific Health being selected to run Nowra’s new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, bringing the long-awaited service closer to opening.Set for Scenic Drive near Shoalhaven Hospital, the clinic will offer fully bulk-billed care for non-life-threatening conditions for extended hours seven days a week.Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, Health Minister Mark Butler and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips were in attendance for the official announcement.The Kiama and Minnamurra Lions used their community initiative to help the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council to cut the grass at the former police residence property on Terralong Street.While the Gerringong Co-Op was buzzing on Saturday night as Starshine lit up the venue with a high-energy show, A Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.Fans sang along to favourites like Rhiannon, Landslide and Go Your Own Way, with the band’s powerhouse lineup - including former members of “Dreams” and Las Vegas performer Nikki Canale - recreating the magic of the Fleetwood Mac era.In sport, the Illawarra Hawks' NBL title defence is looking shaky after they slumped to their 10th loss in 15 matches when they went down to last-placed Cairns Taipans.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!

The Illawarra Hawks are in danger of not even making the playoffs after going down to the last-placed Cairns Taipans.After registering a 113-109 overtime win over South-East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday night, the Hawks looked like they were finally clicking into top gear.But the NBL champions put in arguably their worst performance of the season on their home court on Saturday to go down 93-76 to Cairns.They are now in eighth spot on the ladder with a 5-10 record and their chances of defending their title appear remote.They were on level terms at 20-20 after the first quarter against the Taipans but a 29-14 second term meant they trailed by 15 at the main break.The Hawks went shot for shot with Cairns in the third quarter but were unable to bridge the gap despite 17 points and 11 rebounds from star centre JaVale McGee.Illawarra captain Will Hickey contributed 10 points, seven assists and 11 rebounds in a typically busy performance while bench forward Dan Grida stepped up with 18 points in just 10 minutes of game time.Cairns were undermanned, without Jack McVeigh, Sam Waardenburg and Reyne Smith, but produced their best effort for the season.They nearly threw away what turned out to be their win over the Phoenix.The Hawks led 31-13 after the first break but after making slight inroads over the next two quarters, South-East Melbourne stormed home with a 32-19 run in the final term.Illawarra regained their shooting touch in the overtime period with import guard QJ Peterson pouring in a season-high 42 points to complement McGee’s 29 points and 13 rebounds.They are back in action on Thursday night against Brisbane Bullets at WIN Entertainment Centre.The Bullets (5-11) have a similar record so the Hawks cannot afford to lose to the other team below them on the ladder.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Ex Servos went perilously close to causing a major boilover before coming away with a rare tie in a thriller against Shellharbour in their South Coast Cricket clash on Saturday at Scout Willoughby Oval.Matthew Higham top-scored with 64 as the visitors posted 232 with Brenton Geribo (3-52) and Hunter Ockenden (3-15) leading the Harbour attack.Jacob Coleman went ballistic at the top of the order to slam eight sixes and 11 fours in making 118 from just 57 deliveries.But after Jovan Croese snared 4-37, the Harbour had a middle-order collapse and the scores were tied when Bradd Cuddy dismissed Jim Glazbrook for 26 to spark wild scenes of jubilation for Ex Servos after they had appeared certain to lose.Young opener Kody Lawler blasted his maiden first-grade century as Oak Flats got the better of Albion Park at Keith Grey Oval.Lawler smashed an unbeaten 122 from 149 deliveries, including 13 fours and a six, to bat out the 50 overs in the Rats’ total of 8-291.He shared an 87-run opening stand with Ruan Pieters (56) as the Park bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs.Allrounder Raheel Chaudry took 3-26 but several Park batters squandered promising starts apart from Thomas Wilson, who blasted 68 in a 48-ball knock, as they were bowled out for 179.Rats skipper Jack Bennett bagged 4-36 with new-ball duo Nathan Morrow (2-32) and Zaied Bin Khalid (2-30) also among the wickets.Bomaderry captain Kealen Blattner continued his strong season with 113 as the Tigers triumphed over North Nowra Cambewarra in a Shoalhaven derby.Blattner and Jarrod Mitchell (93) combined for a 170-run second-wicket partnership in their total of 311 despite the efforts of opening bowlers Cooper Bramley (4-57) and Justin Weller (3-60).North Nowra lost a couple of early wickets and despite Weller’s 55 and 44 from captain Nathan Thomas, they finished 104 runs in arrears.Daniel Troy (4-51) and Rhys Burinaga (3-35) were the pick of the Bomaderry bowlers.Bay and Basin cemented third spot by beating Kiama in a low-scoring affair at Sanctuary Point.Brandon Labb held the home side’s innings of 8-169 together with 43 before Tom Mason (4-36) and Caleb McLennan (3-18) ensured Kiama finished 23 runs short of their target, failing to capitalise on a 63-run opening stand from David Coleman (33) and Joe Burgess (38).Ryan Smith took 4-19 as first-placed Lake Illawarra thrashed the Kookas at Oakleigh Park.The home side was rolled for 86 and the Lakers reached the target one ball shy of 10 overs with Jake O’Connell thumping 36 off 18.This Saturday, Shellharbour host Bay and Basin, Kookas take on Albion Park at Oakleigh Park, North Nowra Cambewarra head north to Oak Flats, Kiama are away to Lake Illawarra and Ex Servos face Bomaderry at Hayden Drexel Oval.Ladder: Lake 60, Shellharbour 51, Bay and Basin 44, Bomaderry 42, North Nowra, Kiama 39, Oak Flats 25, Kookas 23, Albion Park 21, Ex Servos 14.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

How unique is this contest?The atmosphere, the colour, the dress-ups, the noise, the sheer unadulterated beauty of competition in this glorious game of cricket between England and Australia!And the sledging and the brilliance of individual performance on both sides.I’m sitting on my couch, it’s evening of the fourth day of the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.I’m watching the last few hours, and England are struggling.Sorry, but I’m excited. I love my Aussie cricket team with a passion.They end up winning by eight wickets but England’s Barmy Army supporters are singing and clapping and drinking beer and partying in the stands, and the green and gold supporters are giving it right back.Oh the joy of it!If you ever get the chance, if it’s even remotely possible for you, watch an Ashes series.Or even a game. The high is brilliant. It should be illegal.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Kiama Rugby Club junior Asher Chapman has been selected to represent Australia in the Under-16 Australian squad.Chosen after his standout season with the NSW Waratahs U16s, Chapman will attend a development camp this month before lining up against the Queensland Reds U17s at Wests Rugby Club on Thursday (11 December).New Kiama Rugby Juniors president Richard Payne said he is thrilled to see a local player reach the national stage.“I watched all of his NSW games through the Super AU series on TV and he was a complete standout the whole time,” Payne said.“I think he finished as the leading try-scorer, or very close to it. He just stood out with the ball in hand, and defensively he looked very comfortable at that level - he commanded the ball, found space, had beautiful footwork and great defence. Really exciting.”Chapman was the only Illawarra rugby player selected, and he has been a long-term junior at Kiama Rugby Club.“He’s been playing since he was eight,” Payne said. “He’s been a long-term junior, and his dad was a former president of the Junior Club and is now president of Illawarra Rugby. They’re a family who have dedicated a lot of time to the club.”Despite juggling commitments with NSW, Australia and rugby league for the Illawarra Steelers, Payne said Chapman always makes time to return to Kiama.“This year he was tied up with a huge amount of representative football in both codes, and he always found time to come back and play for Kiama,” he said.“I watched him play a few games and he did some special things that not many people can do on a football field. The boys got such a thrill out of playing with him - he got them all the way to the grand final. He was a huge part of that. He’s an amazing football player, but he’s also really dedicated to the club.”Payne said Chapman is already a role model to younger players.“All the boys in that team got around him and went up to a couple of those NSW games. They absolutely loved watching him on that big stage and you could actually hear them through the TV - they were pretty loud, pretty supportive,” he laughed.“He’s a great role model for the other young kids coming through who aspire to do some pretty cool things like he is now.”What makes Chapman special, Payne said, is the combination of natural ability and hard work.“He’s always been talented - I remember watching him run at Australian Champs in primary school. He’s super quick."But he keeps getting better because natural talent only gets you so far. His greatest strengths are his work ethic, dedication and passion for the sport,” he said.“To stand out when you’re playing against Queensland, when you’re representing NSW - you’ve got to be a pretty special talent. And he certainly did. He’s put himself into that upper echelon, and Rugby Australia is clearly paying attention.”The Australian U16 squad will face the Queensland Reds U17s at Wests Rugby Club next Thursday with the match streamed live on the rugby.com.au YouTube channel.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with the latest news and views from our local South Coast community.Our main report is on Kiama MP Katelin McInerney voicing her disapproval for the high-rise development in the pipeline for Akuna Street.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREMcInerney says it’s “completely inappropriate” for a developer to want to build a 14-storey development in the town centre.Level 33 is set to request the Housing Delivery Authority to allow a much higher development on the corner of Akuna and Shoalhaven Streets.The developer has dropped its legal action against Kiama Council in the Land and Environment Court and is expected to lobby Housing Minister Paul Scully and the Housing Delivery Authority to have the project declared a State Significant Development, which would effectively sideline Council from limiting its height to the already approved level of seven storeys.You can also read plenty of great community stories including a look back in history at Charles Kingsford Smith's exploits at Gerroa, Saltwater Cafe winning a national award and a charity making a difference in Nowra.In sport, you can read about Minnamurra's young star on the rise who has won the national under 10s 100m and 200m sprint gold medals as well as a teenage rugby player going places.Kiama Rugby Club junior Asher Chapman has been selected to represent Australia in the Under-16 Australian squad.Chosen after his standout season with the NSW Waratahs U16s, Chapman will attend a development camp this month before lining up against the Queensland Reds U17s at Wests Rugby Club on Thursday, 11 December.New Kiama Rugby Juniors president Richard Payne said he is thrilled to see a local player reach the national stage.We want to hear from you - Take The Bugle survey here

Just over 200 kids took to the rough waters at Jones Beach for the Saddleback Mountain Cup, enjoying a day of friendly competition and fun for young nippers.Hosted this year by Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, the Saddleback Cup brings together nippers from Kiama, Kiama Downs, Gerringong, Shoalhaven Heads and Sussex Inlet surf clubs for a mixture of relay-based events.“It’s a fun nippers mini-carnival aimed at getting all the kids involved in some sort of activity,” said Kiama Downs SLSC Junior Activities Coordinator Ben Woods. “It’s usually their first experience of competition, and it’s also an opportunity to have a bit of fun with the local clubs - with just a little bit of rivalry.”This year marked the second time the competition had expanded to include Shoalhaven Heads and Sussex Inlet. Despite some rough weather before and during the tournament, the event was a success.“It was a really good day,” Woods said. “After a lot of rain throughout the night, I was a little bit worried it was going to keep raining, but at six o’clock the sun came out and it ended up being pretty warm down on the beach.”Over 200 nippers participated on the day. Photo: Ben WoodsThe surf conditions were challenging for some of the younger nippers, so organisers adjusted the courses accordingly. “We didn’t send the young ones all the way out the back,” Woods added.The program was packed with team-based events: age relays, over-and-under relays, all-age relays, sprint relays, and even a tug of war. But the highlight of the day, as always, was the parent relay.“The big highlight for all the kids is always the parent relay at the end, where the parents face off against the kids,” Woods said.While the focus of the day was on participation and enjoyment, Kiama Downs ultimately finished with the overall win.Woods said that despite the low-stakes atmosphere, the event plays an important role in the surf club calendar.“I think it really celebrates nippers as an activity, and it’s important in the grassroots development of surf life saving,” he said. “It gives kids that first taste of competition. Sometimes the bigger carnivals can be a bit daunting, so having a fun, smaller carnival can be the springboard into those bigger events later on.”He thanked all the participating clubs, along with the volunteers, age managers and water safety personnel whose efforts ensure the tradition continues each year.

A couple of weeks ago, two junior cricket teams made their way down to Kiama’s one-of-a-kind ocean-view pitch at Black Beach for a weekend match.Dressed in their whites, they walked out at sunrise only to discover that, sometime in the previous days or nights, the pitch had been damaged.“They noticed some damage to the wicket caused by an e-bike,” said Kiama Cricket Club president Bernie Brown. “Someone had ridden their bike there and melted the synthetic, and then ridden off.”Fortunately, the damage was in a spot that didn’t affect play, and the match went ahead. But Brown said the situation could easily have been much worse.“If that vandalism is in the wrong spot, it makes the pitch dangerous and unplayable, and the kids miss out. We have to transfer them to other fields outside the region, potentially, and they don't get to enjoy one of the most picturesque sporting fields in the country,” he said.“It’s a wonderful facility. Everyone loves playing down there. It’s heavily used by our junior teams midweek and on weekends, so it would be really unfortunate - and a significant cost - to patch, repair or replace the synthetic surface.”A close up of the vandalism at the Black Beach cricket pitch. Photo: Bernie BrownAdding to the frustration, Brown noted the pitch had been rebuilt and resurfaced just three years ago using a Kiama Council grant.“A lot of hard work from our volunteers and community money went into restoring that facility. It’s disheartening to see that time, energy, and community investment being destroyed by vandalism,” he said.Although the damage is outside the line of play, Brown hopes it can be repaired quickly to avoid encouraging further incidents.“We don’t want it looked at and replicated by another e-bike user thinking they can copycat. So we’re working with Council to have it patched and repaired - even though it’s not in play - just for the amenity and ongoing safety of the facility,” he said.This isn’t the only instance of vandalism the club has faced. The Gainsborough Oval cricket nets were also vandalised in a similar e-bike incident.“We’ve just been successful in getting a grant to have the damage at the nets replaced and repaired, so the juniors can continue to use that area safely,” Brown said.The new gate installed at the Gainsborough Oval cricket nets. Photo: Bernie BrownTo protect the nets, Brown has been forced to install a gate - something he had hoped to avoid.“It’s unfortunate because we want the facility to be available to the public and the community at all times, not fenced off and padlocked just to stop this behaviour,” he said.“However, we can’t continually ask for grant funding or raise money ourselves to keep replacing facilities that are being attacked by vandals on e-bikes.”Despite both incidents involving e-bikes, Brown stressed that the club has no issue with the bikes themselves.“We’re not against legal e-bikes, but we’re definitely against vandalism and the destruction of community assets."There are plenty of other places they could use them on private property - not on cricket wickets. It’s really disheartening.”Brown even extended an invitation to those responsible for the vandalism - at the pitch or anywhere else in Kiama - to join the cricket club instead.“We want to put it out there: come and enjoy a game of cricket. Come to our training. Learn to enjoy the sport as much as we do, and hopefully gain greater respect for community infrastructure by seeing the effects of vandalism,” he said.“It affects the kids, the sporting outcomes, everything. We’d invite them to come along and enjoy cricket. I’d love it if they walked away thinking cricket was a better use of their time.”

The annual Kiama Tennis Club "Vets and Legends” tournament was well supported by locals and visiting South Coast players recently.Club president David Lehman was pleased with the turnout with many Kiama players dominating the events.The Round Robin events were briefly halted by a morning storm on the Saturday but play resumed after an hour.Kiama’s Tracey Coleman performed well in the ladies doubles with Chris Stiller, recording victories in the aged and combined aged ladies doubles.In the singles events played on the Friday, KSDTA Ladies Competition secretary Jan Horspool was successful in the Group B singles event, defeating Leoni Murphy.In the men's open singles, two local tennis coaches - Joe Moseley from Kiama and Shaun Rose (Blowhole) were the finalists.Moseley picked up the "Quad Crown" with wins over Shaun Rose in the singles and combining with Shaun in the aged men's doubles to defeat Michael Veith and James Cain (Kiama).In the Aged doubles, Joe and Shaun defeated Manual Radich and Todd de Leeuw from Wollongong.Joe's fourth event victory was with Tammy McDonald (Kiama), defeating Lehman and Alana Green in the Group A mixed doubles final.Tournament director Ross Smith paired up with Kay Daniel to take out the Group C mixed doubles with a close win over Bob Morgan and Hilary Brigden.The final of the Group B aged mixed doubles was a local affair with James Brown and Helga Pimm defeating Ralph Szulerowski and Katie Sharpe.A relative newcomer to tournament tennis, Maree Hackett, teamed up with Colin Elliot to lose a close Group C mixed final.David Graham (Kiama) teamed up with his son Simon Graham (Canberra) to take out the combined aged Group B doubles event.Other locals to feature in finals included Mark Coleman, Wilco dal Haas, David O'Keefe and James Brown.The tournament committee was very pleased to receive continued sponsorship support from the ANZ bank and the Big 4 Caravan Park Resort at Easts Beach and the winner of the major raffle prize was Alana Green from Wollongong.

It was a week of losses against competition leaders for the Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club - with the only victories coming from teams not facing ladder-topping opponents.The round began with an excruciatingly close match on Friday between the Kiama Cavettes and the undefeated Kookas at Bonaira.The Cavettes put themselves in a strong position early.“They held the competition leaders to only 147 from the allotted 20 overs, which was a fantastic effort with the ball and in the field. "Then they went out chasing in fine style with the two openers both retiring not out,” said Kiama Cricket Club president Bernie Brown.Despite Ebony Winston’s 55 not out and Ava Sloan’s 35 not out, both forced to retire after facing their allotted 40 deliveries, Kiama’s run rate slowed and they fell just six runs short of the target.“The Cavettes worked really hard. However, they just couldn't reel in the last six or seven runs. It was an amazing effort by the girls,” Brown said.“We've now completed a full round and will start again, pushing through to the finals in the new year. They did really well.”First grade faced top-of-the-table Lake Illawarra and batted first at the Kiama Sporting Complex, but never managed to build momentum.“They struggled to get the innings going, with the accurate bowling from Lake Illawarra proving difficult to get away,” said Brown.“In reply, Lake Illawarra cruised to victory only two down, with Kerrod White unbeaten on 98. "You’ve got to give credit where it’s due - White took four wickets and scored 98 not out. He had a day out. He’s a class player and always a danger for the Cavs.”Third grade also took on their competition leaders, the undefeated Oak Flats Rats, away from home.The Cavaliers posted 187 from their 40 overs, with captain Nathan Battishall top-scoring with 55.“The Cavs took the field with their tails up and got stuck into the Rats, but it took a while to break a dominant opening partnership. Once they took the first wicket, they applied pressure, but their total ultimately proved 30 to 50 runs short, with the home side passing the score six down,” Brown said.There was brighter news for second grade, who claimed a dominant win over Shellharbour away.“The Cavs piled on 251, with new club recruit Sheldon Hall scoring 60 to top the tally. The Cavs then bowled brilliantly from ball one, restricting the home side to just 179,” Brown said.Hall also contributed with the ball, taking four wickets.Fourth grade secured another strong win, this time against Albion Park, lifting them to second on the ladder.Adam McCrone led the way with 68 not out from only 32 deliveries, asserting his dominance on the competition.“But it was the performances from the young players who stood up again for the Cavaliers - led by Oliver Wilson with 34 not out off 56, including four fours, and youngsters Nash Rendell and Harry McCrone reaching double figures," Brown added.The Cavaliers set 206 for victory and were excellent with the ball in reply, restricting Albion Park to 115.“The ever-elderly Giles Brown took 4-19, and Adam McCrone completed an excellent day out with 3-19.”This week, the Cavettes will play Shellharbour at Bonaira on Friday, while the T20 season begins with first grade taking on the Kookas away from home.On Saturday, first grade will face Bay and Basin and fourth grade will meet the Kookas away. Third grade will play Albion Park at home, and in a double-header, second grade will host Jamberoo before travelling to Oak Flats for their first T20 match of 2025.

Gerringong juniors Reuben Garrick and Tyran Wishart look like they will be on the move from their current NRL clubs.Garrick is coming into the final year of his contract at Manly but is reportedly set to switch to the Roosters in 2027.The Sea Eagles had offered the goal-kicking outside back a two-year contract extension worth more than $1 million but he is set to ink a deal with the Roosters as a replacement for dual international Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is heading back to rugby union.Garrick is coming off one of his best seasons with Manly after scoring 12 tries and booting 67 goals in tallying 176 points from 21 matches.He switched between centre and wing throughout the season to be one of the Sea Eagles’ most consistent performers.The 28-year-old has played 157 matches for Manly since his debut in 2019, scoring 1340 points, including 89 tries.St George Illawarra were also in the race for his signature but he appears set to knock back his junior club to become a Rooster after next season.Wishart last week toured the facilities of the new Perth Bears franchise as he looks to decide whether to join a new club in search of a regular starting spot.The versatile 26-year-old, who is Garrick’s brother-in-law, has been sounded out by Bears coach Mal Meninga as a potential building block for their foundation roster when they come in as the competition’s 18th team.Melbourne have exercised an option on Wishart’s services for next season but he is then a free agent and with Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant under contract long term and Cameron Munster signed up until the end of 2027, there is little chance of securing a starting spot.Wishart has been used off the bench in 57 of his 82 NRL appearances for the Storm since his debut in 2022. His preferred option is to play in the halves and with the Bears signing Toby Sexton last week, Wishart could slot in at five-eighth alongside the former Canterbury playmaker.

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.