Former Gerringong Lions player Hamish Stewart is set to make his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday, 8 March.The 20-year-old will wear the number 17 jersey when the Dragons face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah for Round 1 of the 2025 season.After his debut was announced, Stewart was ecstatic, telling the Dragons that it had been a dream come true. “It’s always been a dream since I was young. If you ask anyone, they knew I always wanted to play for the Dragons,” said Stewart.Stewart after learning of his selection in the Round 1 Dragons team. Source: St George Illawarra Dragons.Stewart continues the Gerringong Lions' incredible success of producing NRL players - like Tyran Wishart, Jackson Ford, Reuben Garrick, and many more - and he credits the club for making him the player he is today.“Gerringong’s been successful down in Group 7 for a number of years,” he told the Dragons. “And I put it down to the older boys. Blokes like Nathan Ford and Rixon Russell, they’ve driven the standard for us young boys. We trained with them coming through. “They were in and around the system and they didn’t quite make it, but they know what it takes. They’ve pretty much nurtured us to compete and train hard. They’ve shown us the way.”Stewart also continues his family’s tradition of producing top athletes, with his sister Grace captaining the Hockeyroos at last year's Olympics, and his father Scott recently coaching the Gerringong Lions to back-to-back premierships.“He’s my harshest critic. Sometimes, he annoys me,” Hamish told the Dragons of his dad. “He’s a good judge of the game. He’s been around for a long time, so I listen to him as much as I can. He watches and he knows what it takes for someone to make the NRL.”The Dragons take on the Bulldogs at 5:30pm. on 8 March. The Bugle congratulates him on this outstanding achievement and wishes him well for his debut!

The 4th Annual Kiama Beach Oztag Tournament took place on Saturday, March 1, at Kendalls Beach, drawing a crowd of over 3,000 people, including players, local businesses, and supporters.With the sun shining brightly, seven fields were in action, and many players took the opportunity to cool off in the water. Tents and vans set up by local organisations, including the Kiama Lions Club, Kiama SLSC, and Kiama Knights Junior Football Club, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere.Tournament Director Keiron Duncan was thrilled with the turnout. “I’m super excited! What a turnout, and just look at the weather! We’ve got 71 teams here at Kendalls Beach - what better way to showcase this beautiful area?” says Duncan. “We’ve got 71 teams from all over the state, including Canberra, Sydney, the Inner West, Sutherland, and Cronulla. They’re competing for over $20,000 in cash and prizes,” he adds.A try in the Kiama Beach Tag. Photo: Brian Scott.Early in the day, Duncan predicted that the Touchdown Helicopters team would take out the Men's Opens tournament, while also forecasting a tight contest in the Mixed Opens.The overall winners included:Girls 13s: Sydney Dolphins def. Cobras 3-0Boys 13s: 2541 def. Cloudbreak Calves 4-3Girls 15s: Spirit Taggers def. JAWS 4-3Boys 15s: The Boys def. SCP Boys 5-2Mixed 18s: Gentlemen’s Cut def. Kumquats 2-1Women’s: Sand Slayers def. Dream Team 1-0Men’s 35s: CHUR def. Mindful Movement 3-2Mixed Opens: Vibe Tribe def. Hungry MonkeyMen’s Opens: Touchdown Helicopters def. Pengwen 4-3Action from 2025's Kiama Beach Tag Tournament. Photos: Brian Scott.In addition to the intense matches, the event featured some great community moments. A surf craft was donated to the Kiama SLSC for their involvement in the tournament. Another highlight was the NRL Legends game, in which the NRL Legends, including James Maloney, played against the Kiama Australian All-Stars team, made up of Australian Oztag representatives from the Kiama Association.Kiama Beach Tag also gave three lucky participants the opportunity to play in this showcase game by entering a special draw. Two local girls won the chance to play alongside NRL and NRLW stars, making for an unforgettable experience.The success of the event was a testament to the immense support from the local community. Duncan emphasised, “This event would not be possible without Kiama’s outstanding local businesses, our major sponsor Harrigan Ford, Big River Group, Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama Council, and Australian Oztag.”Overall, the 4th Annual Kiama Beach Oztag Tournament proved to be one of the biggest and most exciting days of the Kiama season, bringing together players and supporters in the spirit of sport and community.

KIAMA BEACH OZTAG - GROUP 10

KIAMA BEACH OZTAG - GROUP 9

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KIAMA BEACH OZTAG - GROUP 6

KIAMA BEACH OZTAG - GROUP 5

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KIAMA BEACH OZTAG - GROUP 1

KIAMA BEACH OZTAG NRL LEGENDS VS OZTAG NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 2

KIAMA BEACH OZTAGNRL LEGENDS VS OZTAL NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Gerringong’s stunning new Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is officially open, with Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, Mayor of Kiama Cameron McDonald, and Gerringong Club President Gary George proudly hosting the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the occasion today, Saturday, March 1. With uninterrupted views it certainly is destined to become a vibrant space for members and guests alike. Mrs Phillips was thrilled to see her $5.5 million election commitment come to life, delivering a state-of-the-art facility for the Gerringong community.“I’m so proud to have fought for and secured this funding through the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program,” she said. “The new clubhouse isn’t just a fantastic space - it’s a vital asset for our community, ensuring the future of patrolling on Werri Beach and supporting our amazing nippers.”She described the new club as “a magnificent, purpose-built facility that is as practical as it is beautiful.”“The joy on people’s faces as they took in that incredible top-deck view said it all! This is a place for club members, surfers, bowlers, and the whole community to enjoy.”Uncle Stan performing the smoking ceremony with the stunning Werri Beach backdropGerringong SLSC President Gary George echoed the excitement, calling it “a great day for Gerringong Surf Club.”“We’ve put in so much hard work and dedication to deliver this for our members,” he said. “This club underpins our future, and we are beyond thrilled with the result.”President of SLSC Gary George pictured with Vice president Mitch Payne and Clr Matt Brown at the opening ceremonyLife member Ken Hodges OAM, who opened the original clubhouse 40 years ago, was in awe of the transformation.“It’s absolutely spectacular! I couldn’t be happier with what we’ve achieved here,” he said.With congratulatory speeches from Dr Dean Dudley, director of Surf Life Saving NSW Board, Mayor Cameron McDonald, MP Fiona Phillips, President Gary George and welcome to country by Aunty Jody, it was a well attended event. The new clubhouse is packed with modern facilities, including a first aid room, emergency equipment storage, public toilets and showers, a gym, bar area, multipurpose rooms, and a large beach observation deck. The surrounding area has also received upgrades, with improved parking, outdoor showers, and bike racks.The project was made possible through $5.5 million in federal funding from the Albanese Labor Government, alongside $490,000 from the state government and $370,000 from Kiama Municipal Council.With a recent surge in membership across all ages, it’s clear that this new hub will be a vibrant centre for surf life saving and community activities for years to come and the envy of all surf clubs up and down the coast. .

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!