Ali Day has retired a happy man after winning a barely believable 11th Coolangatta Gold on the weekend to sign off from the elite ironman ranks in perfect style. The former Kiama Surf Life Saving Club nipper has rewritten the record books to become one of the most decorated and admired athletes in the history of the sport.Over a career spanning more than 15 years, Day became the first ironman to win the three major titles in the same season – Coolangatta Gold, Iron Series and Australian Championships. This year’s Coolangatta Gold was shortened but Day yet again blitzed the opposition to win in a time of two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds to finish 53 seconds ahead of Northcliffe rival Matt Bevilacqua and Cory Taylor, who was a further 26 seconds behind his training partner. “It’s so good – that’s probably one of the first times I had doubts coming into it,” Day conceded. “I felt like Bevy was coming home like a freight train. I’m just counting my lucky stars that I got away with another one.“Obviously, with the 40km race you’re in rhythm the whole time and with the shorter race, running that soft sand was brutal. “You just never get in the flow. I knew that if I could just keep somewhat of a barrier, I was going to be OK. Bevy, CT - they were chasing me that whole time and I was holding on for dear life in that last run leg.”Day removed any doubts that he would go around again next time.“That is 100% the last time I’ll do this race,” he said. “It was a huge challenge. I wanted to tell myself after last year that I wouldn’t come back and do it. But at the same time, I get to live this incredible life, I have an incredible family and an incredible support network, sponsors.“I still knew in the back of my mind I had one more in me and I’m so glad I was able to win this one.”Day led by 70 seconds coming into the final run leg and Bevilacqua looked to be finishing the stronger but the undisputed champion was too strong.The Coolangatta Gold has a new female champion with 24-year-old Electra Outram from Sunshine Beach claiming her first major title.Before taking part in his final event, Day was inducted into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame, recognising his extraordinary career defined by excellence, resilience, and contribution to the surf life saving movement.Ali crosses the finish line. Photo: Surf Life Saving AustraliaHis career accolades include: 10x Coolangatta Gold Champion (a record unmatched in history)5x Nutri-Grain Ironman Series Champion with 22 race wins4x Australian Ironman ChampionWorld Ironman Champion4x Queensland Open Ironman ChampionAustralian and state representative“You never start your career to get awards or have this recognition, you want to make the Iron Series, I wanted to win the Gold, you want to be a professional and get the most out of yourself for as long as you could,” Day said.“I’ve been in the sport since I was eight years, and a professional for 17 years so it’s really special for me, but it’s more special for my circle – my kids, my parents, Kel, my coaches, the clubs and people who have made my career what it is.”Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir said Day “represents everything that Surf Life Saving stands for – courage, commitment, and community.“His record speaks for itself, but it’s his integrity and passion for giving back that truly set him apart.“Ali’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a champion who has inspired generations on and off the beach.”

UNDER 11 GOLD 132 d THE RATS 93

SOUTH COAST WOMEN'S CRICKETRATETTES 5 / 154 d KIAMA CAVETTES 3 / 128

Illawarra’s NBL title defence is looking shaky after the Hawks dropped back to the bottom of the ladder on the back of last Saturday’s 116-76 thumping at the hands of South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena.To make matters worse, they were brought undone by a former club junior with Angus Glover notching a career-high 26 points after a blistering 23-point effort in the first half.Glover drained seven of his eight three-point attempts in the opening two quarters as the Phoenix streaked away from the Hawks, who have now lost four of their first five games."We won all four quarters - that was my favourite part,” Phoenix coach Josh King said."We stayed consistent throughout the game and didn't have any slippage or let-up."Star import JaVale McGee led the way for Illawarra with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, including a swat on a three-point attempt by Jordan Hunter."We walk away very disappointed," Hawks captain Tyler Harvey said."As players it's our job to perform on the court and we didn't do it tonight."This league is tough. If you come out lax, you're going to get your butt kicked."Illawarra led 16-13 early but Glover’s hot hand put the Phoenix in front 30-23 by the end of the first term.The Phoenix scored 16 unanswered points as part of a 22-2 run on the way to jumping out to a 66-40 advantage by half-time.Illawarra were unable to make any headway in the third quarter and after trailing 83-52 at the end of the three quarter, both teams went through the motions in the final term with the result never in question.The Hawks face another difficult assignment in their bid to get their season back on track when they fly to Perth for the second time in the space of a few weeks for a Saturday night showdown with the Wildcats, who have won three of their opening six matches.Illawarra return to the WIN Entertainment Centre next Friday for a Halloween fixture against the New Zealand Breakers before jetting off to Adelaide on Sunday to take on the 36ers.

Young guns Ebony Winston and Ava Sloan starred as the Kiama Cavettes completed a perfect start to their South Coast Cricket women’s first-grade campaign at Bonaira Oval last Friday.Cavettes skipper Brooklyn Brown sent Shellharbour into bat and a combination of energetic fielding and tight bowling kept runs to a minimum.Winston, Phoebe Glaessner, Emma Ford, Brielle Cleary and Amanda Cleary were among the wickets as Shellharbour were held to 5-135 from their 20 overs. Sloan and Winston opened up in the run-chase and were hurtling along at more than 10 runs an over.They each hit a six and kept the scores flowing to reel in the target in just the 12th over without a wicket falling.Winston finished on 71 not out and Ava was unbeaten on 37 as they recorded the highest Cavettes partnership on record. In the other matches, Tahlia Pracy and Anne Boatswain each scored 51 as the Ratatouilles beat the Ratettes by 16 runs in the clash between the two Oak Flats sides.Ex Servos (1-85) thrashed Kiama (5-82) and the Kookas (0-95) did likewise to Lake Illawarra (9-94) with Jennifer Kitchen bagging 3-9 with the ball.In the men’s competition, Kiama scraped home with just two overs to spare to beat Oak Flats by four wickets at Geoff Shaw Oval.The Rats made 7-197 with opener Kip Penfold top-scoring with 85 but the Cavaliers managed to hand the home side their second straight nail-biting loss with Ryan Butta (69) and captain Jaya Hartgerink (42) doing the bulk of the scoring.Hyeon Parsons smashed a brilliant 173 to lead North Nowra Cambewarra to victory over the Kookas at Oakleigh Park.Parsons belted 17 fours and cleared the boundary rope nine times, speeding along at a strike rate higher than 160 in his 108-ball whirlwind.None of the Kookas bowlers were spared from his onslaught - veteran all-rounder Craig Bramble was the best of a badly beaten bunch, finishing with 3-62 from six overs.Even after Parsons was out stumped, his teammates kept the runs flowing with Elijah Guyatt (48), captain Nathan Thomas (40) and Blake Horton (42) making handy contributions in the imposing total of 9-401.Lake Illawarra remained undefeated after thrashing Ex Servos by 115 runs at Howard Fowles Oval.Jackson Ingram blasted 19 fours and a six to record a century with his 109 coming from just 62 deliveries.Jake O’Connell hit 10 boundaries in his 68 and Noah McWilliams added an unbeaten 48 as the Lakers were bowled out inside 43 overs with Ex Servos skipper Andrew Wilson (4-44) keeping them in check. But the visitors collapsed to be 7-58 and never recovered, all out for 120 with Ryan Smith’s 3-25 the best of the Lake bowlers.

UNDER 6SUPER CHARGERS VS LITTLE LEGENDS

UNDER 16 MIXED KING BROOKIE VS HUZZCHUZZ

UNDER 14 GIRLSPURPLE PANTHERS VS TAGETS

Run Huskisson and the Huskisson Triathlon are set to attract more than 7500 runners and triathletes to the stunning coastal town on the first weekend of November.With the run scheduled for next Friday (November 1) and the triathlon the following day, Elite Energy has crafted an action-packed, back-to-back weekend for endurance enthusiasts.“We’re especially excited this year - it looks like the Husky Triathlon will sell out for the first time ever, with about 2,000 athletes registered. That’s a huge milestone for us,” said Elite Energy marketing specialist Shinead Roulstone.“Run Huskisson is also shaping up to be another sell-out for the second year running, with similar numbers to last year. We’re honestly overjoyed by the community response.”Roulstone credits the popularity of both events to the breathtaking beauty of the Jervis Bay coastline.“You just can’t beat Huskisson - and really, Jervis Bay in general. It’s a stunning location with white sand beaches and a welcoming community. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Shoalhaven,” she said.Triathletes approaching the water in the Husky Triathlon. Photo: D&A JorgensonShe also highlighted the economic benefits the events bring to the local community and its small businesses.“What we’re seeing is people come for the race but stay for a family holiday. On average, each travel party includes about 2.3 people, so it’s not just athletes - it’s families, partners, and friends. That brings a huge boost to local tourism,” she said.“And with running booming and people more enthusiastic than ever about triathlon, it’s the perfect combination: a beautiful destination and the chance to challenge yourself.”According to Roulstone, the reach of the events extends far beyond NSW.“We have a loyal group of people who attend all our Huskisson events - whether it’s the tri or the run. But now we’re also attracting a much broader audience, including many from interstate - Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia - and even New Zealand. Around 7.5% of participants are from outside NSW,” she said.To help athletes get to the event safely and efficiently, Elite Energy has organised free shuttle buses.Multiple free parking areas are available across Vincentia, Woollamia, and Moona Moona Reserve, with shuttle routes running directly to Event HQ - three routes from Vincentia and one from Woollamia.“This should really ease congestion and make getting to the start line smooth and stress-free,” said Roulstone.Participants are reminded that, while the Run Huskisson course follows much of the coastal path, there will be changed traffic conditions. For the triathlon, impacts have been carefully condensed to minimise disruption.Full event and transport details are available at: Run Huskisson and Huskisson Triathlon.

KIAMA WOMEN'S OZTAGGERRINGONG JUNIORS VS THE FLAMINGOS

When Nardia Guillaumier lost her father in 2024 to cardiac amyloidosis, a rare and little-known disease, she knew she had to do something in his memory.Fast-forward to March 2025, and Guillaumier had just claimed her second consecutive gold medal in the 2000m event at the World Indoor Rowing Championships. Inspired by grief and triumph, she set her sights on a bold new goal: the Kiama Ultra Challenge.“My dad passed away from cardiac amyloidosis - a condition where the body creates a bent protein that gathers on an organ. In his case, it was the heart. It hardens over time until the organ can no longer function,” Guillaumier said.“I realised hardly anyone had heard of the disease, and I wanted to raise awareness - and do it in his honour. Since I’m relatively fit and still competing, I thought, why not put my heartbeats to good use?”Her idea? Take her experience as a 2km competitive rower and push it far beyond her limits - by rowing 100km on an indoor machine.But it didn’t stop there. “I asked my coach, Alan Swan of Swan Athletics, to help train me for the 100km row, and he said, ‘Why don’t I bike 200km beside you on an indoor bike?’ It was brilliant - two different machines, one shared goal.”From a two-person challenge, the event has now grown into a community-wide fundraiser. Twelve teams will participate alongside Guillaumier and Swan, taking turns on indoor rowers and bikes to keep them moving for the full 8- 9 hours it will take the pair to complete their challenge.“It’s not a race. There’s no competition for time or distance. The only winner is the team that raises the most money,” said Guillaumier.The event is raising funds for four charities close to the organisers’ hearts: Amyloidosis Network Australia, Breast Cancer Network Australia, The Leukaemia Foundation and Kiama Surf Life Saving ClubThese charities were selected based on personal connections: Guillaumier’s sister is a breast cancer survivor, Swan’s mother and sister have also overcome breast cancer, and both have friends affected by leukaemia. The Surf Club, a vital community hub, was added for its important role in saving lives and training volunteers.Despite the personal nature of the challenge, it’s no small physical feat.“The furthest I’ve rowed is 57km - and that was just a few weeks ago,” Guillaumier said. “This will be tough. But why set an easy goal? This is meant to test every ounce of my body and mind. When people donate, they know we’re giving it absolutely everything.”Training continues in the lead-up to the event, with long practice rows and a competition in October to build endurance. Guillaumier remains determined.“We’re lucky - we get to choose this challenge. So many others don’t. That’s what keeps me going.”While team registrations are now full, the public can still take part in a few ways: Try out the public rower on the day for a small donation, buy raffle tickets (with over $7,000 in prizes donated by local businesses) or simply come along to cheer and show support.The Kiama Ultra Challenge will take place at the Kiama Surf Club Auditorium on 15 November, beginning with a 7.30am briefing for an 8am start. Guillaumier and Swan expect to finish between 4-5pm.Donations can be made to participating teams via the Kiama Surf Club website - just search “Kiama Ultra Challenge”.Guillaumier also shared her thanks to all who have made the event possible - especially the event’s Gold Sponsors, BIG4 Easts Beach Kiama and Gregory Scaffolding, as well as their two Silver Sponsors and 11 Bronze Sponsors.She extended special thanks to the Kiama Bowling Club, Club Jamberoo, Kiama Farmers’ Market, and the many local businesses that donated vouchers, raffle prizes, and support.“The generosity has been overwhelming. It started as a small idea, and now it’s grown into something that really feels like it’s making a difference.”And one final incentive? If the team hits their $100,000 stretch goal, Guillaumier has promised to chop off her hair.

KIAMA DOWNS NIPPERS

As the clip-on ties are being fixed and the stilettos slipped on, Illawarra Turf Club trainer Kerry Parker will be traversing Mount Ousley on his way to Royal Randwick for The Everest race day – the jewel in the crown of the Everest Spring Carnival. Parker had two runners in the inaugural running of the King Charles III Stakes in 2023 – the undercard to The Everest race on the day, which would have many monarchists clutching their proverbial pearl necklace. “There’s no doubt the Everest has taken off and grabbed the public interest,” Parker said “It’s a huge day.” Parker, who rode as an amateur for "just the one" meeting at his home track of Kembla Grange, snagged a double which included “the cup”, but also trained a horse which captured the hearts of the Illawarra with racehorse Think It Over. When asked about the great moments the horse racing industry has provided, he can’t go past the duels Think It Over had with the Annabel Neasham trained Zaaki, but conceded seeing his owners smile from ear to ear is the tonic water [unless you're cutting weight]. “The race against Zaaki in the Seven Stakes, they [both horses] were absolutely brilliant,” he said. “I really enjoyed his clashes with Zaaki and I got terrific pleasure out of watching them - the determination of my horse and the great rides by Nash [Rawiller] beat Zaaki. “But to win anywhere, it’s all about winning. If you can win races for your owners – sometimes that is a big relief.” There is something outside of a horse, that is good for the inside of a man - unknown From royalty to reporters - figures like Everest runner Tempted 's owner His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the late journalist Mike Willesee, have been many who have backed Australian racing and for Parker the best owners are the ones who don't pile on the pressure."There wasn't a lot of pressure there because Richard Johnson, who owned him, is terrific to train for," he said."His [Think It Over] first start for me was a race at Hawkesbury and to go from there, we have been able to just enjoy the ride."During The Everest Spring Carnival, which is being hosted by the Australian Turf Club, the NSW government is conducting a Review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, but it seems there are some within the horse racing industry that are not aware. With the consultation process beginning on 30 September until 24 November, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said “the review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 is a critical piece of work that the NSW Government is undertaking”. “The NSW government supports a thriving and sustainable racing industry across metropolitan, provincial, and country areas. “The racing industry is a key contributor to the states employment, supports small business, and has a significant impact on our economy.”Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said the NSW Coalition would continue to rally behind the industry. “The NSW Coalition is proud to support the NSW Thoroughbred racing industry which continues to gallop well ahead of the other states,” Anderson said. “The Everest Spring Carnival is another opportunity for thoroughbred racing to hit its stride and showcase our great state to the nation of the world.“The Coalition has a strong history of supporting thoroughbred racing, particularly country racing, investing $67 million on regional racetrack upgrades – a first for NSW.”As part of the review’s outline, it does not include provisions within the Act that establish Racing NSW as a body corporate that is independent of government.Parker has two runners on Everest Stakes day, with one of his runners considered an omen among the 'angel numbers' – Race 2 - Horse Number 11 - Flying Bandit - Barrier Number 11 - which jumps at 1:05pm AESDT.For more information on the review or how to be apart of the consultation head to: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tra-reviewTo read the discussion paper on the Independent Review of the Thoroughbred Act head to: https://hdp-au-prod-app-nsw-haveyoursay-files.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/6717/5912/7338/Discussion_Paper_-_Review_of_the_Thoroughbred_Racing_Act_1996.pdf

SOUTH COAST CRICKET - 3RD GRADEKIAMA CAVALIERS 8 / 172 d ALBION PARK EAGLES 5 / 171

UNDER 11 COMPETITIONKIAMA CAVS U11 BLUE 156 d GERRINGONG JETS U11 GREEN 102

This week's edition of The Bugle contains plenty of local news and views from our local community.There is a report on Kiama's Police Station being reopened and what impact that will have on the local community as well as coverage of the triple fatality at Shellharbour Airport on the weekend. CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONAndrew Connors, 55, who was the pilot, and his wife Julieanne, 54, along with fellow passenger Colin McLachlan, 73, perished in the crash.Investigations are continuing into how the accident occurred.Pop star Guy Sebastian was one of the many mourners who took to social media to pay tribute to the victims - he had struck up a friendship with the pilot over a building project many years ago.You can also read plenty of great community stories, including Katelin McInerney being sworn in at NSW Parliament as the new Kiama state MP, the 100-year anniversary of a land speed record in Gerroa and a mansion in Foxground which is on the market for a cool $9 million.In sport, you can read about Kiama's record-breaking win to start the South Coast cricket season, the Illawarra Hawks getting their NBL season back on track and locals participating in the World Triathlon Championships.Plus there are a bunch of great sporting photos from our intrepid photographer Brian Scott getting out and about on the weekend - you may see someone you know!And don't miss John Gabriele's gardening column, including his latest YouTube video.

Earlier this year, Shane Wilson from Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club was awarded the Cricket NSW Woolworths Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year, following a 60% increase in program numbers during the 2024 season.Now, as Wilson prepares for another nine-week Woolworths Cricket Blast program - designed to teach kids the basics of the game - he hopes to achieve similar success.“We went from 26 to 42 in one season,” said Wilson. “But we’ve had a bit of a hiccup this time - Cricket Australia’s geo-locator wasn’t showing our program properly until last week, so people couldn’t find us.“Because of that, we’re currently sitting at around 22 to 25 registrations. Now that the issue’s been fixed and school’s back in full swing, we’re hoping to boost those numbers this week.”Wilson said he was humbled to receive the statewide award, but emphasised it was far from a solo effort.“I think it’s important to acknowledge it was a team effort. I had Nathan and Mel Battishall come on board last year, and they made a huge difference to the program. We worked together on a lot of it.”One of the keys to the program’s popularity was its focus on fun and creativity, rather than just cricket skills.“We really tried to make it more engaging and not solely cricket-focused,” said Wilson. “Mel created a planner where each week had a theme. Some of the favourites included Pizza Week, Silly Socks Week, BBQ Week, Water Cricket, and more.”Sessions run for an hour and a half, starting with around 50 minutes of skill-based stations, where kids are grouped by age or ability. After a short break - usually with Zooper Doopers and sometimes fruit (thanks to Woolies) - the kids head back out for informal games.“They go out and play their own games of cricket, often with their parents and siblings,” said Wilson. “It’s not just standing around waiting to bat or bowl - we set up three or four mini-games to keep everyone moving and having fun.”Wilson’s passion for the program comes from personal experience, having seen the impact it had on his own son.“Someone did this for my boy years ago - back when it was called Milo Cricket - and it made a huge difference,” he said.“Last year, my eldest - who’s now 13 - played senior cricket with me. And this year, we’ve brought back a fourth-grade team made up mostly of dads and kids. Just last weekend, we had six kids playing, some as young as 11, alongside their parents.”“It’s about building connection through sport. And really, where else would you rather be than Black Beach on a Friday afternoon? Parents bring a picnic rug, have a chat, and grab some pizza. The atmosphere is just fantastic.”This year’s program starts Friday, October 17, and runs every Friday for nine weeks until December 12. Sessions are from 4:30 to 6:30pm, and the program is open to kids aged 5 to 10.“The first week is what we call a trial week,” said Wilson. “We encourage kids who’ve registered to bring a friend. We’re also promoting it through local schools to help build momentum.”There’s still time to register. You can sign up via the Kiama Cavaliers’ official Cricket Australia page.

Illawarra Hawks’ NBL title defence is back on track after their ending their three-game losing skid to start the season.The Hawks thumped Brisbane Bullets 116-89 at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday and now turn their attention to a tough road trip to Melbourne this Saturday when they will take on the Phoenix, who have won two of their opening three matches.After making the difficult decision to sack import guard JaQuori McLaughlin last week less than a month into his contract, Illawarra played with much more cohesion against the Bullets.They shot out of the blocks to open up a 25-3 lead by the mid-point of the first quarter and never looked like losing from that point onwards.Hawks guard Tyler Harvey was the star of the show with a career-high 10 assists to complement his 22 points and five steals.Star import JaVale McGee was kept quiet with only 13 points with veteran forwards Todd Blanchfield and Mason Peatling matching that total.McGee also pulled down 12 rebounds while dominating the paint for the home side.Illawarra, who landed 11 of their 25 three-point attempts, led 34-18 after their blazing first quarter.They maintained their momentum in the second term to lead 68-47 at the main break and after going into the final break with an 18-point advantage, they were able to cruise to the finish.Harvey, Blanchfield and Peatling buried consecutive triples at the start of the fourth quarter to allow coach Justin Tatum to give his bench plenty of game time in the closing stages.Development guard Johnny Narkle opened his NBL account with a three-pointer while Biwali Bayles scored 12 points and four assists in his 20-minute stint.After taking on the Phoenix, the Hawks will take flight again next week for a Saturday night showdown against the Wildcats in Perth before returning to Wollongong on Halloween for a clash with New Zealand Breakers.

UNDER 10 BOYSMINI ROOFERS VS RED KNIGHTS