Kiama Power are celebrating after six players were chosen in the NSW/ACT Men’s and Women’s Senior Representative games on Saturday.They will be in the AFL South Coast teams that will square off against Hunter-Central Coast at Blacktown International Sports Park, before Sydney lock horns with Canberra to reignite their rivalry to close the competition series.The handpicked squad lists for the representative games have been identified from across the state and territory and showcase the next generation of burgeoning footy talent on the pathway to the elite level. Power duo Lachlan Kirk and Cooper Richards were selected in the AFL South Coast men’s squad which will be coached by Glenn Haase. For Richards it is his first call-up to the senior representative ranks while Kirk is back in a South Coast guernsey after two years in South Australia..New recruits Maddison Aitkin and Teneale Keene join Kiama teammates Laura Kent and Dakota Mason in the women’s side under the coaching of Sophie and Allie Phillips.Cooper Richards. Photo: Kiama Power Kent has been selected following a stellar 2024 season, which culminated in her being named in the AFL South Coast Women’s Team of the Year.Mason adds another representative honour to her lengthy resume with her maiden selection in the South Coast women’s squad.Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said the NSW/ACT men’s and women’s representative games play a critical role in shaping the future of footy.“The selected athletes are a cohort representing the state and territory’s best and have showcased immense potential as they follow the pathway to participation at higher levels.“We are set for an amazing series of representative footy featuring many of our most talented players.”If you can’t get to Blacktown to watch the games, you can view them free on AFL Sydney’s official streaming partner, Streamer.Kiama Power’s men’s premier division registered a thrilling 8.5 (43) to 6.13 (49) in muddy conditions at Bonaira Oval last Saturday while the reserve-grade side was on the wrong side of a 12.16 (88) to 1.0 (6) scoreline against Wollongong Bulldogs.Maddison Aitkin. Photo: Kiama PowerThomas Bell led the way for the Power in the main game with three majors while Max Whiticker booted two with Scott Phillips, Kade Ovenden and Shea Hammond also chipping in.The Power women’s team went down 5.5 (35) to 2.3 (15) to the Bulldogs at Bonaira with Carra Sheldon and Courtney Smith the goal-scorers for the home side.There are no matches this weekend due to the representative fixtures.

Monday, 28 April marked the final day of the summer season for Kiama’s volunteer surf lifesavers - but they were on duty right until the final moment, rescuing a rock fisherman just three days earlier.Last Friday on Anzac Day a man in his 40s was swept into the water near the Kiama Blowhole - fortunately, he was wearing a lifejacket.“It was before patrol officially started - around 9:40am - when a member of the public alerted our team that fishermen had been swept off the rocks at Blowhole Point,” says Kiama Surf Life Saving Club president Phil Perry.“Two patrolling members, Ben George and Dave Gorman, launched the IRB (inflatable rescue boat) and found a fisherman floating in the water, conscious. The massive thing that saved him was the fact he had a lifejacket on."George and Gorman transported the man to Kiama Harbour, where paramedics and emergency services were waiting. He was later taken to hospital with minor injuries sustained from the rocks.Perry emphasised the importance of safety gear: “It’s so important for the general public - especially fishermen in that area - to wear a lifejacket. If you get washed in and hit your head, your chance of survival is much higher if you're buoyant.”The rescue capped off a busy and successful season for Kiama SLSC, which recorded 46 rescues and approximately 770 preventions. Perry noted a visible rise in beachgoer numbers.“We’ve definitely seen more people on the beach this year. Our patrolling membership grew from 84 to 102 members, which made a huge difference,” he says. “We’ve also put a big focus on developing our youth and cadet programs. Our board training sessions now attract 50 kids per session, up from 40.”Kiama SLSC patrolling membership grew from 84 to 102 members. Source: Kiama SLSCThis year, the club trialled a flexible volunteer roster system, which proved particularly effective for frontline, shift, and FIFO workers.“It’s a minimum of three hours per shift, and volunteers can come when they’re available. It’s worked really well, and we really appreciate the support,” says Perry.Looking ahead to next season, Perry encouraged more community members to get involved with the club.“You don’t have to be an ironman or ironwoman to be a surf lifesaver. "There are so many roles - from radio operator to first aid and advanced rescue. It’s about being part of the village and having fun.”The club will celebrate the season’s achievements at its annual presentation night on 17 May, held at the Kiama SLSC auditorium.

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSU14 GIRLS TACKLE VS WESTS

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSU16 GIRLS TACKLE VS MILTON-ULLADULLA

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSU11 BT KIAMA RED VS STINGRAYS

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSU10 BT KIAMA WHITE VS WARILLA

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSU10 BT KIAMA BLACK VS APOF

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U10 - KIAMA RED

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSU10 - KIAMA BLACK

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U12 GIRLS TACKLE

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS9-N KIAMA RED

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS9-N KIAMA BLACK

Kiama Swim Club’s winter pointscore competition will begin this Friday, coinciding with the launch of the club’s new logo and refreshed brand identity.Unveiled on April 13, the new logo has been described by club member Jemma Haythorpe as a much-needed update for the club, which was first established in 1953. “The new branding both celebrates the club’s proud history while also looking to the future,” and reflects its “inclusive, energetic, and community-focused approach,” reinforcing its role as a key part of Kiama’s coastal lifestyle.Kiama Swim Club's new logo and rebrand. Source: Kiama Swim Club.In its 72-year history, the club has prided itself on supporting swimmers of all ages and abilities, even helping to develop future champions. “The club has played a role in the early careers of elite athletes like Sally Fitzgibbons and Ali Day, showing that big dreams can grow in small communities,” says Haythorpe.Today, the club continues to strengthen its place in the region’s swimming ecosystem through programs like the Friday Night Pointscore, competitive pathways, and training for surf lifesavers and triathletes.It is also launching a new community engagement campaign, working closely with local schools, surf clubs, and sporting organisations to welcome new members.Over the past six months, Kiama Swim Club has had swimmers compete at both regional and state levels, with standout athlete Trae Spencer qualifying for the national championships.The winter pointscore competition starts Friday, May 2 at 7pm. New swimmers are invited to join, with two free trial sessions available. To register your interest, email [email protected].

Created by a Bunny, poured by The Grumpy Bunny: South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow visited Kiama during the week to launch his new coffee blend, The Arrow, at local café The Grumpy Bunny.Arrow has played 162 NRL games and represented Queensland in 12 State of Origin matches, but he is also a passionate coffee lover.“I love my coffee,” says Arrow. “I got involved with my mates’ coffee company and decided to make my own blend. I was lucky enough that The Grumpy Bunny was looking for a new coffee, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”The Arrow is the result of a collaboration between Arrow and longtime friend Jayson Matheou, founder of specialty coffee roaster Willy’s Beans.“Jai and I grew up together,” says Matheou. “He was always promoting my coffee, so I asked him - instead of just promoting it, would he like to have his own product?”The Grumpy Bunny is the first café to stock The Arrow blend - a fitting partnership for the Bunnies star. According to Matheou, the café will now be serving the highest-grade coffee in the region.“Willy’s Beans started when I invested in a coffee farm in Colombia,” says Matheou. “I wanted to showcase what real specialty coffee is - from a farmer’s perspective.“I travel to Colombia every three months, import the beans, and roast them on the Gold Coast. There’s no other café in this area serving a blend of this grade.”Matheou and Arrow ended up collaborating on the blend with other Rabbitohs players to craft the perfect blend.“Jai is very particular - not necessarily about the variety, but he wants a really smooth, rich coffee,” says Matheou. “He came up to the roastery and we tried different roast profiles and origins. He liked all of them, so we had the Souths boys at the club taste them - since they all drink his coffee now - and they helped pick the final blend. That’s how it all came together.”Willy’s Beans prides itself on full traceability and direct involvement in every step of the process - from farm to cup.Jai and Jayson enjoying their own brew.“If you can’t tell me who the farmer is, where the farm is, what kind of soil they use - to me, that’s not specialty coffee,” Matheou said. “With every coffee we roast, I can tell you where and when it was harvested, who grew it, how it was processed, how it arrived in Australia, and how it was roasted and brewed. That’s what real specialty coffee is.”The Arrow blend is available exclusively at The Grumpy Bunny. And if you’re wondering what the creators themselves drink - Jai Arrow’s go-to coffee order is a strong flat white, while Jayson Matheou prefers an espresso or a filter coffee.

After its successful revival in 2024, the Kiama Triathlon is back for the second consecutive year, landing in the middle of a jam-packed schedule for local athletes.The event will take place on May 10, following the same popular course as last year: a swim in the Minnamurra River, a bike leg to Jamberoo via Swamp Road, and a run through Minnamurra to the finish line.Kiama Triathlon Club vice-president Geoff Besnard says the event’s return could mark the beginning of a long-standing tradition.A competitor in the 2024 Kiama Triathlon - the first one in over a decade. Photo: Brian Scott“After the success of last October’s race, we’re hopeful it becomes a staple on the calendar,” says Besnard.“All the feedback from last year’s event was positive, so the council had no issues with approving it again. Locals were happy, competitors were happy with the course - it all just worked.”Originally scheduled for October again this year, the triathlon was shifted to May to avoid clashing with the World Triathlon Championship Finals, which will be held in Wollongong on October 15. The new date, however, presents a challenge for local participation.“A lot of our athletes are doing Ironman Port Macquarie on May 4, and then the NSW Club Championships in Forster on May 17. So it’s not ideal timing - there’ll be fewer Kiama competitors this time,” Besnard says.Despite the tight schedule, Besnard is confident the race will still be a success. “The triathlon will still be a sellout - I assure you there won’t be any empty spots.”The Kiama Triathlon Club has a strong competitive record, having won five of the last seven NSW Club Championships, and hopes to continue that streak in 2025.“About a third of our club will head to Forster. It’s our biggest event each year,” says Besnard. “We’ve got around 26 or 27 athletes competing, and we’re confident we’ll do well.”In addition to the Club Championships, Kiama athletes will also compete at Ironman Port Macquarie, the Ultraman event in Noosa (also on May 10), and aim to qualify for the World Championships in Wollongong.With a packed 2025 ahead, Kiama Triathlon Club continues to punch above its weight - proving once again that this small coastal town produces some of the state’s most committed and capable triathletes.

Three things in life are certain: death, taxes - and Gerringong juniors making it into the NRL.After making his NRL debut late last year, Kyle McCarthy officially became the sixth Gerringong Lion to don an NRL jersey in 2025 when he was given a run on the wing by Newcastle.McCarthy got his first taste of the top grade for Newcastle in Round 24 last season against the Cronulla Sharks before earning his second NRL game on April 13 this year, taking on the Wests Tigers.Despite the Knights’ loss, McCarthy delivered an impressive performance - racking up 151 running metres, three tackle breaks and a line break. Since then, he has been named 18th player for the team but has not got on the field over the past couple of weeks.McCarthy joined the Gerringong Lions in his first year of under 18s and was coached by John Ford, who recalls his talent was obvious from the start.“He was always one of the top players,” Ford says. “He had a lot of skill, and once he got his mind on the job, he couldn’t be stopped.”Kyle McCarthy playing for the Gerringong Lions. Photo: Game Face PhotographyFord says watching former players achieve their dreams is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.“Because I coached him, I saw the hard work he put in - the time, the effort. Seeing him get the rewards now just makes me so happy,” he says.Together, Kyle and John never lost a game during their time with the Lions in 2021 and 2022. After the 2021 season was abandoned, they went on to win the under 18s competition the following year.McCarthy now joins a growing list of Gerringong juniors who’ve cracked the NRL, including St George Illawarra duo Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan, Storm utility Tyran Wishart, Warriors forward Jackson Ford and Manly centre Reuben Garrick.And the pipeline doesn’t stop there. More Gerringong products are knocking on the NRL’s door, including John’s son, Taj Ford, who is playing in the Jersey Flegg Cup for the Cronulla Sharks, as well as Nick Quinn and Ashton Ward, who are playing in the NSW Cup for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.Ford credits the club’s culture for its consistent success.“I think they’re just brought up the right way and taught from an early age that hard work gets results,” he says. “They’ve all bought into that, and now they’re seeing the rewards.”

Using YouTube clips as part of her training, 11-year-old Archie Lyall has just won the NSW State Championships in javelin for the second year in a row in her age-group.In 2024, when she was 10, Archie was allowed to use a real javelin and she surprised even herself by throwing it the furthest in the state.“I started last year and just picked it up,” Archie says. “I threw a record, then went to zone and won it, then regionals - and somehow I won state with no training. Then I did the same thing this year.”Archie at the state carnival. Source: Cathryn Lyall.In 2025, Archie took things one step further, competing at the National Championships in Perth from April 4-8.“There was a guy watching at the state championships who asked if I’d like to train with him. So I had two sessions with him before Nationals - and I threw my personal best there,” she says.Archie placed fourth at Nationals, competing against athletes who have had professional coaching and years of training. But next year, things will be different, says her mum, Cathryn.“We’re changing that this year,” Cathryn says. “A coach in Port Hacking, Sydney - Ray Russell - has offered to train her in javelin. He’s had several athletes compete at Nationals in different age groups.”Archie has been part of Kiama Little Athletics since the Under-9s. It’s a small club with only four athletes in her age group, run by president Craig Scott and a dedicated team of parent volunteers.“With such a small club, we really rely on parents putting their hands up to help,” says Cathryn. “I’ve kind of become the manager of Archie’s age group because I’m there every week - but I didn’t know anything about athletics at first. "I just Googled everything because there wasn’t anyone to teach us.”Cathryn hopes that with the Brisbane Olympics on the horizon in 2032, more attention and funding will go into developing grassroots athletics programs.“We’ve got some incredibly talented kids, but many end up in sports like Oztag or footy, where there’s more structure, funding, and coaching support,” she says.“I’m really hoping that when the funding comes through to upgrade Kiama Sporting Complex, we see improvements not just for footy but also for athletics - because the Olympics are coming, and there’s so much talent in our area.”Imagine what Archie can achieve with a full year of training behind her. And if you’re interested in signing your kids up for Little Athletics Kiama, you can contact them via Facebook.

After a week off, Jamberoo and Kiama returned in strong form in Group Seven's Anzac Round, both securing impressive wins despite the wet and windy conditions.At Kiama Showground on Sunday, the Kiama Knights faced last year’s runners-up, the Shellharbour Sharks, who were sitting atop the ladder before the match.With rain and wind creating challenging conditions, both sides went into half-time locked in a scoreless 0-0 draw.Kiama finally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when centre Callan Thistlethwaite capitalised on a loose ball, toeing it ahead and diving on it over the line.Six minutes later, second-rower Tom Angel powered through a gap and muscled his way past the fullback to score, extending the lead to 10-0 - a scoreline that held until the final whistle.Knights coach Matt O’Brien said it was a satisfying return to form after a close loss to Nowra-Bomaderry Jets prior to the Easter break.“It was good to win after losing a close one to Nowra before Easter - particularly pleasing to play well again at home,” O’Brien said.“It was heavy going after the rain we had during the ladies league tag matches, but we defended really well in the second half. "Our back row was tremendous - Ryan Hodgson, Tom Angel, and Kieren Poole really stood out.”Nowra-Bomaderry and Jamberoo standing for an Anzac Day ceremony. Photo: Jamberoo SuperoosOver at Kevin Walsh Oval on Saturday, the Jamberoo Superoos enjoyed a dominant day, with all four grades recording victories against the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets.In first grade, the Superoos got on the board early in the sixth minute and never looked back, running in multiple tries to complete a commanding 36-0 win.First grade coach Jono Dallas says he is so glad to see the club coming together in 2025.“It was a really nice day for the club to see all four teams winning at home. I feel as though everyone has bought into the club so these kinds of afternoons generally come about when the club is happy and together,” he says.In terms of first grade, we are still trying to figure a few things out, but the way they are competing and supporting each other is what's getting us results right now. I'm big on positivity while you’re in games, and even though we probably aren’t playing as well as we would like, we’re able to move past adversity pretty quickly.”Both Kiama and Jamberoo now sit on two wins and one loss. Jamberoo will have the bye next week, while Kiama travels to face Berry.Gerringong Lions had the weekend off but will return this weekend after a two-week break, eager to make a statement at home against Milton-Ulladulla.In other local sport, Kiama Rugby Club’s first grade team were narrowly defeated by Campbelltown 15–14, with a try in the final five minutes deciding the match.First grade captain Dante Patrick said the weather played a big part in what turned out to be a disjointed game.“It was a very scrappy game - the surface was slippery and there were a lot of mistakes from both sides. But ultimately, it was neck and neck the whole way through, and they pulled out an amazing try at the end,” Patrick says.Four young players debuted for first grade over the weekend, and with it being the side’s first game of the season, the team was still finding its rhythm.“We were very fortunate to be able to debut four new young boys who did exceptionally well. Given it was our first game of the season for first grade, it just took us a little while to get into it,” Patrick says.“Trying to balance brushing off the cobwebs, helping guide the debutants, and taking the full force of the Harlequins side was always going to be a hard task. We thought we did the best we could at all of those, but just fell short. So we’ll be back to the drawing board this week and put our full focus on the Shamrocks this weekend.”In Other Local Sport:Kiama Power's first-grade AFL side was defeated by the Northern District Tigers, though their Ladies Premier League team dominated in a huge 92-6 win.Gerringong Breakers men’s first-grade football team earned a convincing 6-1 win over Thirroul.

KIAMA QUARRIERS O45 MENQUARRIERS 1 drew with COLEDALE WAVES 1