GROUP 7 LLT 2JAMBEROO SUPEROOS 16 d SHELLHARBOUR SHARKS 4

At the 2024 NSW Surfing South Coast Regional Titles event at Jones Beach on Sunday 19 May, the Kiama surfing community showed that they are a force to be reckoned with.Jackson Fraser won the U14 Boys’ division, Rubylee Neill the U14 Girls’ division and Zane Thompson the U12 Boys’ division. Several Kiama surfers also placed in the top four.Zane Thompson wins the U12 Boys' division. Photo credit: Fran Wood.“I love how South Coast Surfing, Jones Beach Boardriders and the surf clubs are working together to provide opportunities for our local youth,” says Jo Collinge, Surfing NSW Regional Director for the South Coast, who ran the event for the fourth year in a row.“After the terrible weather we’ve experienced lately, we were so pleased to see the sun was shining the whole day and the waves were pumping,” Collinge continues.“Conditions were a little tricky for the U12 Boys, who kicked the morning off, but overall the conditions allowed those experienced surfers to shine and showcase their talents.”Collinge gives a major shout-out to Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club (KDSLSC) and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club (KSLSC) for providing water safety and donating their time.“Thank you everyone for an amazing day. Thank you to the judges, volunteers, KDSLSC, water safety commentators, competitors and parents. Well done to everyone who surfed.”ResultsU12 Girls1) Everly Morgan2) Maya EverittU12 Girls' division. From left to right: Everly Morgan and Maya Everitt. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U12 Boys1) Zane Thompson (Kiama)2) Sani Hellman 3) Elijah Boardman (Kiama)4) Zayn EverittU12 Boys' division. From left to right: Zane Thompson (Kiama), Sani Hellman, Elijah Boardman (Kiama) and Zayn Everitt. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U14 Girls1) Rubylee Neill (Kiama)2) Abigail Woods (Kiama)U14 Girls' division. From left to right: Rubylee Neill (Kiama) and Abigail Woods (Kiama). Photo credit: Fran Wood.U14 Boys1) Jackson Fraser (Kiama)2) Banjo Carbone (Kiama)3) Joey Bradley 4) Charlie JamisonU14 Boys' division. From left to right: Jackson Fraser (Kiama), Banjo Carbone (Kiama), Joey Bradley and Charlie Jamison. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U16 Girls1) Lucy Darragh2) Lani Cairncross (Kiama)3) Coco Ramirez Derritt (Kiama)4) Elina Wood (Kiama)U16 Girls' division. From left to right: Lucy Darragh, Lani Cairncross (Kiama), Coco Ramirez Derritt (Kiama) and Elina Wood (Kiama). Photo credit: Fran Wood.U16 Boys1) Jett Bradley 2) Sam Sparks3) Oliver Carson4) Jack RobertsonU16 Boys' division. From left to right: Jett Bradley, Sam Sparks, Oliver Carson and Jack Robertson. Photo credit: Fran Wood.U18 Boys1) Reece Harper2) Koby Jackson3) Dayan Conti (Kiama)4) Jesse BrownU18 Boys' division. From left to right: Reece Harper, Koby Jackson, Dayan Conti (Kiama) and Jesse Brown. Photo credit: Fran Wood.

By Paul Summerside Pickleball, one of the worlds fastest growing sports will be coming to Kiama Leisure Center on Sunday, 26 May for an open trial day. Pickleball Australia founder and president, Wayne Lee, will be offering his knowledge and input on how to play this new and fun social sport, suitable for all, along with host Paul Summerside and other accredited pickleball coaches.All levels of players are welcome with limited spots available. There will be two sessions available.Session 1: Beginners/intermediate at 11:30am - 1pmSession 2: Advanced at 1pm - 2.30pmBoth sessions are free and bookings are essential. Bookings can be made to: [email protected].

2024 JUNIOR REGIONAL SURF SERIESSOUTH COASTGIRLS U16 SEMI-FINALS

NSW JUNIOR REGIONAL SURF SERIESSOUTH COAST GROMMETS

2024 JUNIOR REGIONAL SURF SERIESSOUTH COASTCARVERS

2024 JUNIOR REGIONAL SURF SERIESSOUTH COAST SHREDDERS

KIAMA SENIOR NETBALLDIVISION 3GERRINGONG 4 - 31 d KIAMA CENTRAL 4 - 23

KIAMA SENIOR NETBALLDIVISION 2GERRINGONG 2 - 25 d KIAMA CENTRAL 16

KIAMA NETBALLCADETS - A DIVISIONBEACHETTES 4 - 18 d GERRINGONG 5 - 11

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSUNDER 12 - DIVISION 1KIAMA KNIGHTS VS BOMADERRY

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSUNDER 12 - DIVISION 2KIAMA KNIGHTS 30 d BERRY 20

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSKIAMA U10 BT WHITE 20 drew with SHELLHARBOUR MAROON 20

KIAMA KNIGHTS U11 BLACK 20 drew with APOF 20

KIAMA KNIGHTS UNDER 10 RED 40 d SHELLHARBOUR GOLD 24

Zara Hall of Moruya SLSC and Archie Weir of Kiama Downs SLSC have been named the Ingenia Holiday Parks Junior Lifesavers of the Year.“I did not expect to win and I was so surprised when I got it,” Hall said. “I went through all the emotions, I was nervous, I was excited, but it means so much to me to represent the Far South Coast and my club, Moruya here.”Weir added, “I’m ecstatic, it’s been a bit of a dream of mine for a while. I’ve been in lifesaving since I was a little Nipper and it means so much to come here to this camp and be with likeminded people, it’s really expanding my horizons.” Formally recognised on Friday, 26 April, after a three-day team building and leadership development program on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the pair represented the South Coast and Far South Coast with distinction, proving that NSW is blessed with talented young lifesavers along the entire coastline.An enthusiastic and motivated lifesaver with a bubbling personality, Zara is passionate and gives so much to her club, Moruya SLSC. There she actively supports the “Same Wave” program for all-inclusive lifesaving and passes on her knowledge to younger members.Zara Hall with her mum Fiona. Photo credit: Surf Life Saving New South Wales.Judges noted she places a strong value on education, hoping to establish a program at her club that raises awareness of the beach to those visiting from inland.“It makes me so happy to represent Moruya when I think about the things the club is a part of, like the ‘Same Wave’ program,” Hall said.“I love just being at the ocean, around the club, I love competing, I love patrolling, I love everything about Surf Life Saving.”Kiama Downs SLSC's Weir, meanwhile, has several years of club experience. The panel noticed his desire to constantly improve his skills and his understanding of the important role lifesavers play on our coastline.“It was important to me that I showed that I have leadership qualities and the different ways that we can show compassion to the community through lifesaving,” he says.“Lifesavers are that sense of safety for the community and by being a lifesaver, I also get a really strong sense of belonging.”Archie Weir with his family (from left to right): sister Darcy, mum Skye and dad Adam. Photo credit: Surf Life Saving New South Wales.Junior lifesaver finalists engaged in a three-day team building and leadership development program at Collaroy, which culminated in Hall and Weir being selected as the NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year.“I enjoyed learning about who we were and what we want to be as lifesavers, what our future is. We had some talks on that,” Hall says.“It’s been amazing, and I want to thank all the facilitators who made it possible.”About what was the highlight of the three-day program, Weir replies:“A very tough question. One of my highlights was definitely being able to meet new people, and make new friends with others also interested in surf lifesaving."Executive General Manager of Tourism for Ingenia Holiday Parks, Matt Young, says that being involved in a program now in its 34th year has given them great pride.“We have a responsibility to ensure the guests who come and stay with us go home happy and having had a safe trip, and part of that is working with Surf Life Saving NSW and helping to grow the new generation of lifesavers,” he says.“I come here at the end of the event really excited to speak to everyone who has participated. They’re all enthusiastic, and it’s great to see this generation coming through so focused on giving back to the community.”

Within the last five years, Michael Williams, his best mate Josh Walton, and his younger brothers, Ben and Tom, all played their 200th game for the Kiama Power Senior AFL club. Michael plays in the backline, Josh is a utility, Ben’s in the midfield and Tom’s a forward.They have also won three premierships together: in 2009 (versus the Bomaderry Tigers), in 2011 (versus Wollongong University) and in 2018 (versus the Wollongong Lions).The Bugle reached Michael on an morning off from work to chat about his 200 games landmark moment.1) When did you reach the 200-game milestone?“Myself, I reached it in 2022. Josh and Ben, both did in 2019. And Tom last year,” he says.Brothers Ben, Tom and Michael Williams. Photo credit: Michael Williams.2) How did it feel?“It felt really good.”“Me and Josh have been playing for Kiama since we were 10-years-old in 2000, which was the second year for the Junior club. Josh played in the first-ever year for the Juniors in 1999.”“We both started playing for the senior club in 2006, Ben in 2008 and Tom in 2010.”3) How was it celebrated that you'd played 200 games?“The whole club and team made it a big deal. It was a bit embarrassing. But the others got the same treatment, so it was good,” he chuckles.4) Did you receive anything to commemorate the occasion?“They gave us a beer mug with the 200 games engraved and the Kiama logo during the end-of-year presentation. I got it in the living room, in a display cabinet.”“It’s been a good journey, playing together with my two brothers and my best mate. I feel lucky,” he concludes.

Sunday saw a flash flood warning in effect for the Illawarra region, with Kiama potentially being one of the hardest hit areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. But the torrential downpour didn’t stop the Kiama Knights in their round five meet-up against the Nowra Bomaderry Jets at The Castle (aka Kiama Showground).First out, under a grey sky, were the Reggies. They gave a good performance, considering the wet conditions, and beat the Jets 30-05.The dreary weather definitely didn’t deter the fans, who dressed in their finest winter gear, gathered under the protection of the stands or watched from the protection of their car boots.The Kiama Knights first grade took the lead against the Jets after 12 minutes of play with a penalty score. Meanwhile, the rain kept pounding, both horizontally and vertically.Three minutes to half time, the Kiama score board showed 8-0. The Jets had yet to score. Right at half time, Kiama scored again - 12-0.A converted try from the Jets in the second half, with 6 ½ minutes remaining of game time, put the final score at Kiama 18 - Jets 6.Kiama Knights JuniorsDuring the weekend, the juniors also played in the rain at Kiama Showground. “They did really well,” says President of the Junior Knights, Carl Middleton. “And they really enjoyed it.”Occasionally, games are called off due to the weather. For now, however, it was decided to keep the Showground open.“It was good for them to experience playing in the wet weather,” says Middleton.At the forefront of his mind when it comes to the season, he continues, “is that the kids are having fun and learning to play footy. To play in a really nice area in Kiama, to make good friends and to have coaches, who’ll become mentors.”

On 19 May, Jones Beach will once again host the 2024 NSW Junior Regional Series (South Coast). The cut-off date for entering is Friday 10 May, and young surfers in particular are encouraged to register.The South Coast region covers Minnamurra in the north to Lake Tabourie in the south.“Many athletes from this region have gone on to compete at Aussie titles and World Juniors, such as Keira Buckpitt from Ulladulla Boardriders. I would encourage every young surfer to enter this event via the Surfing NSW portal,” says Jo Collinge, who has recently taken on the voluntary role of Surfing NSW Regional Director for the South Coast. “Numbers in each division are small, and Ocean and Earth are donating some great prizes,” she continues.Lani Cairncross, who went on to place third at Australian Titles after progressing through State Titles. Photo credit: Kirsten Cairncross.The 2024 NSW Regional Series serves as the initial pathway to the 2024 NSW State Titles Junior Surf Series and the 2024 Australian Junior Titles.“Traditionally, this region has had a strong presence progressing to Aussie titles. Often, these surfers have had to work harder for that success because we don’t have access to elite coaches and opportunities that are available to Sydney and North Coast athletes,” says Collinge.Collinge has enjoyed putting on the event for three consecutive years with the help of Jones Beach Boardriders, where she previously served as secretary for the past eight years.“I’ve been driven to provide a professional event for our local surfers to test their surfing skills at an entry-level competition on their own beach,” she says. “Generally, surfers need to travel to Sydney and even further up the coast to Northern NSW to get a taste of competition surfing, which comes at quite a cost to parents for travel and accommodation.” Enter online at 2024 NSW Junior Regional Series (South Coast). Registrations close on Friday, 10 May at 5:00pm AEST.SponsorsSurfing South Coast is also looking for sponsors wishing to support surfing in the local community to ensure this event can continue in its current format for future years. “I want to continue to create and provide opportunities for young surfers that weren’t available to my kids five to six years ago, and build an inclusive community that provides equal access for surfers of all abilities,” Collinge explains.For more information, please contact: [email protected].