Kiama Presbyterian Church is taking part in a unique community event, the Prayer Paddleout, on Saturday 8 March from 9:00AM to 10:00AM at Wollongong Harbour.The all ages gathering invites people to come together in prayer, either from the shore or on the water. Participants are encouraged to bring a board and paddle out, with Christian Surfers patrolling for water safety. Those paddling will need to register and are asked to arrive early with a signup form to do so.The Combined Churches event is part of the lead-up to Hope for the Illawarra, a two-day gathering at the WIN Entertainment Centre on 28 and 29 of March. With uplifting music and motivational speakers, the event will focus on messages of faith, encouragement, and hope. For those looking for a peaceful way to connect with faith and community, the Prayer Paddleout offers a special opportunity to reflect and pray in an iconic Illawarra location.

The Disabled Surfers Association continues to break down barriers and build community.For over 30 years, this remarkable organisation has given individuals with disabilities the chance to experience the freedom of surfing, using state‐of‐the‐art equipment and a dedicated volunteer network to ensure every day at the beach is safe, inclusive, and filled with joy.Photo credit Bob McMillan Thirty years ago, while working as a professional lifeguard at Bulli Beach, Ian Picton, now president of the DSA’s South Coast branch, had an encounter that would change his life. “I was on duty when this group turned up for the first time, and a bloke tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Can you help me out, mate?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I can. I'm here to help. What's happening?’ He said, ‘Can you hold this?’ and handed me his arm and his leg.” That man was Len Snowden. Seeing his determination to get into the water, Ian knew he wanted to help make surfing accessible to all.After losing his arm and leg in a tragic train accident while working at BlueScope Steel in 1992, Len refused to let his disability define him.With support from Southern Prosthetics and Orthotics in Unanderra and UK specialists at Dorset Orthopaedic, he received prosthetic limbs so lifelike that even passers‐by pause in awe. But it is his passion for life and his commitment to helping others that truly set him apart.Now a life member of the Disabled Surfers Association, Len remains actively involved, showing that surfing is not just a sport, it’s a form of freedom. One of the most powerful aspects of the Association’s work is the way it introduces young people to individuals with disabilities in a natural and welcoming environment.Early exposure helps them develop empathy, understanding, and a broader perspective on community.Photo credit Bob McMillan “When children interact with people of all abilities, they learn to see the person first, rather than focusing on the disability. This fosters inclusivity, reducing stigma and ensuring that future generations embrace diversity as a natural part of life,” Ian notes.Professor Tonia Gray, an expert in outdoor education and inclusion, experienced this first-hand when she volunteered at the recent event at Gerroa Beach.“It was like Swiss precision. It went like clockwork—so well organised. You feel like you’re part of this incredible event,” she said. As a volunteer coordinating the rotation of surfers, she saw the pure joy it brought to participants.“The joy and exhilaration and just how embodied and alive they become as a result of getting in the water and feeling probably something, they haven't for years - salt water and sun on their faces - it’s just absolutely phenomenal.”Photo credit Bob McMillan She encourages parents of children with disabilities to get involved, saying,“This voluntary organisation is making a landmark shift in the way we treat ability and disability.” Photo credit Bob McMillanThe most recent event at Gerroa Beach saw 145 volunteers supporting 53 participants and 75 carers, creating an unforgettable day of surf, fun, and connection. With the next event set for Port Kembla, the call for volunteers has never been stronger. These events rely entirely on community support, proving that it is not money but people who make the real difference.Register as a volunteer here In Kiama, where the sea and community meet, the Disabled Surfers Association continues to show that the strength of the human spirit can turn even the roughest tides into opportunities for joy and inclusion. The Bugle would like to thank photographer Bob McMillan for sharing these magnificent photos with us and the community  

KIAMA UNDER 13 GIRLS CRICKETKIAMA VS WOLLONGONG

The 53rd annual Kiama Sevens tournament took place on Saturday, 22 February, at the stunning Chittick Oval and Kiama Showground - two of the most beautiful rugby fields in the world (not biased).Perfect weather helped make the event a resounding success, showcasing the skill and talent of rugby teams from across NSW. Kiama Sevens organiser Mark Bryant was pleased with how the day unfolded. "We kicked off at 8am, and it was a little overcast at first," he says. "But it turned into a fantastic day, and we’ve had no injuries, which is fantastic. All our sponsors showed up, the crowd was great, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves."Kiama’s single team participated in the Men’s Country division and got off to a strong start, securing three back-to-back wins."We were a little shaky at first," says coach Dante Patrick. "It’s always tough coming into these tournaments, as the games are fast-paced, and the teams change each year. But once we got into the groove, it was smooth sailing."All smiles as Kiama race away for another try. Source: Brian Scott.Their three wins secured them a spot in the grand final, where they faced The Lakes Rugby team. In a thrilling, closely contested match, Kiama lost 21-19 - a game that could have gone either way.Despite the grand final loss, Coach Patrick believes the tournament was a great showcase of Kiama's talent."It’s huge for our town," he says. "You wouldn’t expect a small community like Kiama to host such a competitive team and a tournament of this scale. It grows every year, and we hope our professionalism matched the level of the tournament."Kiama coach Dante Patrick calling some shots. Source: Brian Scott.The big winners of the day were:CAAA Bowl: ShoalhavenWomen’s 2nd Division: AlburyMen’s Country Cup: The LakesWomen’s Country Cup: GoulburnHahn Plate: Western Sydney Two BluesSebel Harbourside Kiama Vase (Women’s 1st Division): UTS GordonCleary Brothers Cup (Men’s 1st Division): EastwoodWinners of the Men's Division 1 competition Eastwood with Mayor Cameron McDonald. Source: Kiama Sevens Facebook.Winners of the Women's 1st division UTS Gordon. Source/ Kiama Sevens Facebook.A heartfelt congratulations to all the winners! A big thank you to the community volunteers whose dedication made the event possible. We’re already looking forward to next year!

KIAMA SEVENS MEN 4

KIAMA SEVENS MEN 3

KIAMA SEVENS MEN 2

KIAMA SEVENS MEN 1

KIAMA SEVENS WOMEN 2

KIAMA SEVENS WOMEN 1

The fourth annual Kiama Beach Oztag tournament will take place on March 1 at Kendalls Beach and is quickly becoming one of the biggest community events on the Kiama calendar.The tournament, which runs from 8:30 am to around 6:30 pm, will feature 70 teams - 37 junior and 33 senior - as well as collaborations with numerous local community groups.Last year's Kiama Beach Tag. Source: Brian Scott.Tournament director Keiron Duncan promises an action packed day. “It’s a free event, and everyone is welcome to come down. The Hill from Gerringong will set up a beach bar, we’ll have a live DJ, wood-fired pizza, ice cream, and the Kiama Knights will be running a barbecue. Plus, many other local businesses will be involved, so there’s plenty happening.”The Lions Club will handle parking and recycling, and the Kiama Surf Club has volunteered to patrol the beach for the day. In return, Kiama Oztag will donate a brand new surf craft to the club.Duncan credits the success of the event to the collaboration of so many local businesses and organisations.“There have been many Oztag events in and around Sydney, but this one stands out because it has such a strong local vibe. It’s built around community groups, and having so many local people involved is really important,” says Duncan.Keiron Duncan in action. Source: Brian Scott.Over $20,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs across nine divisions, including NRL and State of Origin tickets. There will also be an NRL legends game during the lunch break, featuring retired NRL stars.The tournament coincides with the conclusion of the Kiama Oztag summer competition, with grand finals taking place from February 10 to 13. Duncan describes it as another highly successful season.“We had a really big season this year with over 150 teams and more than 2,000 players. We expanded into the leisure centre and played at the Kiama Sports Complex on Wednesdays, which was really positive,” says Duncan, who also serves as the Kiama Oztag Association Coordinator.The Kiama Beach Oztag tournament kicks off at 8:30 am on March 1, with finals later in the day. Best of all, it’s free to attend. So, head down to Kendalls Beach and support this fantastic local community event!

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 3

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 2

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 1

The Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) will host its third event of the season on 23 February at Gerroa Beach for the Hands on Surf Day.The DSA’s South Coast branch aims to create an environment where individuals with disabilities can experience the joy and freedom of surfing alongside friends. The Hands on Surf Day is a major event that relies heavily on volunteer participation.Ian Picton, president of the DSA’s South Coast branch, stresses the importance of volunteers for the success of the event. "We don't go in the water unless we have six volunteers for every participant," says Picton. "We're aiming to recruit around 150 to 200 volunteers.""For many of these participants, it’s their only chance to surf each year, and without volunteers, that wouldn’t happen," he adds.The DSA has been supporting the South Coast community for over 30 years, and Picton says the joy of seeing the participants’ smiles makes it all worthwhile. "The smiles on their faces, and on their families' faces, as they enjoy the water together - it's just fantastic," he says.Otis Monroe of Wollongong enjoys getting on a wave during last year's Disabled Surfers Association South Coast day at Gerroa. Picture by Glenn Ellard.Volunteer roles are diverse and don't require any prior surf or swimming experience. "Volunteers can help with things like registration, guiding participants to their surf spots, or even pushing wheelchairs along the beach. There are plenty of ways to get involved," explains Picton.Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to participate, with drinks and a barbecue provided for all volunteers. The event will run from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Gerroa Beach. You can find more information here.

The 53rd Kiama Sevens rugby union tournament will finally kick off on Saturday, 22 February at 8:00 AM, with action running all the way until 7:10 PM.Games will be played at both Chittick Oval and Kiama Showground, with group play running until about 4:20 PM. Weather permitting, Touchdown Helicopters will deliver the coveted trophy before the semi-finals begin.Kiama Showground mowed and ready for action. Source: Kiama Sevens FacebookAll grand finals will be played on Chittick Oval at these times:4:50 PM: The Bowl Final5:10 PM: Women's Country Final5:30 PM: Women's 2nd Division Final5:50 PM: Men’s Country Final6:10 PM: Premier Runner-up Final6:30 PM: Women’s Final6:50 PM: Premier Winners FinalMayor of Kiama, Cameron McDonald, stated his excitement for the day and urged locals to go and support such a great event on our local calendar.“Kiama Sevens has always been a significant date on Kiama’s sporting and cultural calendar. What better place is there to enjoy world-class rugby in such a beautiful setting?” Mayor McDonald says.Chittick Oval - one of the most beautiful places to play rugby. Source: Kiama Sevens Facebook“I highly recommend coming down to the Kiama Showground to enjoy a great family day out.”Kiama MP Gareth Ward also heaped some praise on the event. “For 53 years, the Kiama Rugby Sevens has been both a great tournament and an incredible example of what sports tourism can do for our community.”Both thanked Kiama Sevens tournament director Mark Bryant and all of the other volunteers who helped make the day a success.“I take this opportunity to thank Mark Bryant for all his incredible work and his insatiable passion for rugby and our Kiama community. Together with his incredible band of volunteers and event sponsors, this event comes alive and offers an experience that has now been enjoyed by many generations of players and spectators alike,” says Mr. Ward.Tickets for the event are $15 each, and you can buy them online here. It will be a great day to bring the community together through fun and sport.

One of Australia’s Wallaby greats – Richard Tombs and Olympic Sevens player Dietrich Roache, will launch the Kells Kiama Sevens midday, Friday 7 February 2025, at Kiama Leagues Club.Tournament director Mark Bryant said he was thrilled to have Tombs and Roache to launch this year’s tournament, which kicks off Saturday 22 February 2025.“Dietrich is a powerhouse on the field, experienced and reliable under pressure – one of the great young players. Richard is a great raconteur and storyteller who runs ‘Hearts in Rugby Union Australia’ a charity we’re supporting that assists players who have suffered severe life changing injury – we're honoured to have them with us,” Mr Bryant says. This year, 44 Australian Rugby Union teams will once again take part in the tournament, competing for more than $30,000 in prize money and trophies. “As well as a full roster of teams taking part, the support of local business for the Kells Kiama Sevens continued to grow,” says Mr Bryant. “We are excited to have ongoing support from Kells as the principal sponsor, but the wide range of local individuals and organisations lending a hand is so gratifying.”“The Cedar Cutters Bar in Kiama Leagues is hosting the launch, and it’s thanks to this type of great local support that the tournament goes from strength to strength each year. It’s a terrific family day out by the beach – see you all there on the 22nd!”

The 53rd annual Kiama Sevens tournament will be held at the Kiama Showground on Saturday, 22 February 2025, starting at 8am - and the local tournament has grown to become one of the biggest events on the Australian rugby calendar.With 44 teams confirmed and 15 on standby, the Kiama Sevens stands out as one of the largest and most prestigious sevens tournaments in the nation, especially as many other tournaments are folding, says tournament director Mark Bryant.“We’re in our 53rd year, and it’s great to see, especially with so many tournaments going under. For example, the Southern Highlands Sevens in Bowral won’t be held for the second year in a row. The Byron Bay Sevens, which was held in November, was taken over by New South Wales Rugby, and they reduced the teams from 32 down to 16,” says Bryant.“Terrigal Sevens doesn’t go ahead anymore, neither does Mudgee, and the Blue Mountains tournament has also ended. There was once a real circuit of sevens tournaments, but now Kiama Sevens is one of the biggest still going.”The tournament boasts over $30,000 in prize money, which is split evenly between the men’s and women’s competitions. When asked about the equal prize distribution, Bryant emphasised that it was a matter of fairness.Action packed football Photo Brian Scott “They all play the same amount of time. It’s not an equality statement at all; it’s just about fairness. It’s never been an issue. Plus, I’ve often found that the women play harder than the men. They’re all very talented and athletic,” says Bryant.Now officially the longest-running sevens competition in Australia, the Kiama Sevens is also the largest senior sevens competition in the country. Bryant attributes the tournament’s success to several key factors. “We’ve evolved with the market. Our sponsors are crucial, which helps us stay afloat. We’re only an hour and a half from Sydney and two hours from Canberra, so it’s easy for people to attend. We have one of the top 50 rugby fields in the world. We’re very well-organized, and everyone knows what to expect. Plus, we’re located in beautiful Kiama. People can have a swim after a game, everyone loves it,” says Bryant.The Kiama Sevens features seven different competitions. Last year, the Warringah team claimed the top men’s division, while the Burra Rays took out the women’s top division. Bryant expects a large crowd for the 2025 tournament.“We should see around 5,000 people throughout the day, with people coming and going. It’s a great crowd because the area is so big, with two fields in use. As teams get knocked out, people start leaving, and by 3pm, you’ll see plenty of locals showing up to watch the finals,” says Bryant.Now officially the longest-running sevens competition in Australia, the Kiama Sevens is also the largest senior sevens competition in the country.This year, the Kiama Sevens is supporting the Hearts in Rugby Union charity, which helps players who have suffered severe life-changing injuries during rugby games. All participating clubs will be raising funds for the charity, and anyone wishing to donate can do so here: Hearts in Rugby Union Donation.The Kiama Sevens is also looking for volunteers to help on the day. If you're interested, please email: [email protected].

When the Kiama Sevens kicked off for the first time, it was a humble affair, just eight teams, all local sides from the Illawarra, with a few wildcard entries.Former Wallaby and inaugural Kiama Sevens player Garry Grey vividly recalls those early days, sharing his memories with a mix of pride and wry humour. "With four internationals in the Kiama side, we basically had to win. There was a lot of pressure on us."Garry remembers how one of the early sides was a team backed by the Gerringong Hotel, fielding some well-known league players, including Mick and John Cronin and a Western Suburbs first-grader. "Had the rest of their squad not indulged in celebratory drinks throughout the day, they might have proved tougher competition. But Kiama held firm, securing victory in that inaugural tournament - an essential win, as losing could have meant the whole competition collapsing before it had a chance to take off."According to Garry, Kiama’s early dominance continued, clinching back-to-back wins, but by year three, powerhouse club Randwick had stepped in, ending the local streak.That loss still stings for Garry, who remains convinced a referee’s mistake cost Kiama a historic third title. "If the referee hadn’t penalised me for a scrum feed - which was ridiculous - we would've won three in a row" That decision is still front of mind for Garry. "I know if we ran into each other today I would find it very difficult not to remind him of “the worst mistake he ever made."Beyond the competition itself, Garry reflects on the challenges of playing in an era when rugby union was strictly amateur. "Professional league players were paid. Rugby Union was very proud of its amateur status. You might call it a badge of honour. Back then, you weren’t allowed to switch between codes. If a player moved to league, they were ostracised in union. Even referees like Ray Cleary, who was involved in both, faced bans. It was taken very seriously."Reflecting on Kiama’s rugby history, Garry is proud of the exceptional players the town has produced over the years. The Sevens tournament, he notes, has seen its fair share of Wallabies and league greats.One of the most striking insights Garry shares about Rugby Sevens isn’t about the men’s game at all, but about the rise of women’s rugby. "Women play better than men. They're more athletic, and they give it everything for all 14 minutes of the game. A former NSW coach once told me that coaching women is easier - they actually do what you tell them. Coach men, and they’ll tell you why they can’t do it."These days, Garry enjoys watching his children and grandchildren participate in a variety of sports, reflecting on how much the sporting landscape has evolved over the years.For him, the Kiama Sevens has come a long way from its modest beginnings, growing into one of Australia’s premier rugby events.And for those who were there at the start, like him, the memories, the triumphs, and the pride that this event has not only survived but thrivedThe 53rd Kiama Sevens tournament will be held at the Kiama Showground, Kiama on Saturday, 22 February 2025 commencing at 8:00 am.