KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALLSENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PLAY-OFFSPURPLE 92 d GREY 83

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALLSENIOR HIGH SCHHOL GRAND FINALBLACK 59 d BLUE 41

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALLJUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION PLAY-OFFSRED 57 d GREY 45

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALLGRAND FINALJUNIOR HIGH SCHHOL DIVISIONBLUE 49 d PINK 35

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALLYEARS 5 & 6 PLAY-OFFSYELLOW 27 d BLUE 23

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALL FINALSYEARS 5 & 6GREEN 45 d PURPLE 24

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALL YEARS 3 & 4 PLAY-OFFSBLUE 27 d PINK 20

KIAMA JUNIOR BASKETBALL YEARS 3 & 4 FINALSYELLOW 35 d RED 1

The annual Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup will begin on September 23 with students from across Lake Illawarra joining NSW Police officers for a mixed Oztag competition at Myimbarr Park, Shellharbour.The competition was launched in 2022 and aims to help bridge the gap between the Indigenous community and non-indigenous community and police.Around 90 students in years 7-10 from schools in Oak Flats, Warilla, Lake Illawarra, Dapto and Albion Park will compete with Police officers from the Lake Illawarra District for bragging rights.Lake Illawarra Police District Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, Glen Sutherland said in a press release that previous competitions have been a great success.“The event is a great opportunity to come together on Dharawal Country Land and be active, while also breaking down any barriers that exist between the community and police, particularly the Indigenous communities,” said Sutherland.“We have seen incredible success in the previous years, with students seeing police officers in a different light and building relationships in a more relaxed environment. They now feel more comfortable to reach out if they need police and the benefits go well beyond the field, with spectators turning up throughout the day to cheer on their friends and family and engage with local police.”The event will run throughout the day.

KIAMA - SHELLHARBOUR TENNIS ASSOCIATIONSENIOR BOYS FINALS

KIAMA - SHELLHARBOUR TENNIS ASSOCIATIONJUNIOR BOYS FINALS

KIAMA - SHELLHARBOUR JUNIOR TENNIS ASSOCIATIONJUNIOR FINALS

KIAMA SWIMMING CLUB

The Sydney FC Football Festival was held at Kiama Sports Complex on September 15 and 16. It achieved great success, drawing 60 teams and nearly 600 players from across the Illawarra, Sydney, and Southern Highlands.Kiama Junior Football Club president Andrew Wales says the weekend was so successful that many are already eager to register for next year. “The weekend was an outstanding success. Despite the wind on Sunday, all teams had fun, and many have already commenced planning to attend the 2025 Festival. The partnership between Kiama Junior Football Club and Sydney FC has grown even stronger, and we’re also grateful to Destination Kiama and Kiama Council for their support,” says Wales.The festival was introduced to counteract the lack of junior football games played this winter due to poor weather.Event organiser and Fan Engagement Manager for Sydney FC, Billy Kirk, says festivals like this are crucial for maximising opportunities for young players in smaller communities.“It’s about being able to give back and provide smaller communities, like Kiama, opportunities that they’re not normally going to be able to experience compared to clubs and communities in major cities like Sydney and to a smaller extent, Wollongong,” says Kirk.“So, it's good to be able to get down to Kiama and run something for the Kiama community and also to bring people down to showcase what Kiama is all about.”The festival was a great way to top off a successful year for the Kiama Junior Football Club.

The Kiama Quarriers Football Club (KQFC) will conclude an impressive year with grand finals for two of their men's teams on September 20 and 21.Of the six teams, four KQFC squads advanced to the semi-finals held on September 15. The teams included the men’s over 45’s, the men’s all-ages, the women’s over 30’s and the women’s all-ages.Unfortunately, both women’s teams, who play in division 1, were unsuccessful in their pursuit of a grand final. The women’s all-ages team lost 2-0 in a competitive match against Fairy Meadow United FC, while the over 30’s team lost against Albion Park 6-1.The over 45s men’s team, playing in division 2, faced Woonona, a team they had previously faced twice, resulting in a 0-0 draw and a 2-1 win for Kiama.It was a fast-paced game with Kiama holding the ball well and dominating the play. s the match progressed, fatigue set in for both teams, but Kiama capitalized on their opportunities, scoring two unanswered goals in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory.Whilst the men’s all ages team, who play in division 4, managed to stun the minor premiers, Coniston, pulling off a remarkable comeback from behind to win 5-4. The team had lost both regular season games against Coniston and when the score got to 3-1 Coniston’s way - it seemed like the semi-final would follow suit.But goals to Bryeson Lloyd, Adrian Meta, Conor Plataniotis and Ethan Summers brought the score to 5-3. ​​The Quarriers managed to maintain their lead, even amidst a brawl that resulted in a red card for a Coniston player, ultimately winning 5-4.KQFC Secretary Nerissa Peterson says of the team, “They came in fourth and they beat the top team, and I think there were a few top quality additions to that team this year and when you get a couple of good players they lift the whole team and you attract more players.”Kiama Quarriers men's all-ages team. Photo source: Nerissa Peterson.The Quarriers used to compete in the district league but now play in the community league and Peterson says this change in competitions has contributed immensely to the club’s success in 2024. “We’re in the community league and I think that has just made everyone very happy. We’ve had big turnouts at social events, and we’ve become quite a family orientated club. Everyone is playing just to be a part of a team sport and for the enjoyment of it. I think a happy team makes you more successful,” says Peterson.The men’s over 45’s will play Gerringong in the grand final on Friday, September 20. The all-ages men’s team will play their Grand final on Saturday, September 20 against Woonona.Peterson is quietly confident that both teams will rise to the occasion and take home the glory for the Kiama Quarriers.“I think they’ve both got good chances to win. The all-ages team defeated the minor premiers so I think they feel like they can beat anyone and the over 45’s have been strong all year,” says Peterson.Additionally, the RMB Kearns & Garside Lawyers 6-A-Side summer competition will kick off on October 10 at the Kiama Quarry Sports Complex. This relaxed social competition is open to the men’s and ladies’ teams, with one more men’s team still needed. Interested parties can contact Secretary Nerissa Peterson at [email protected].

Almost exactly one year after they defeated the Shellharbour Sharks in the 2023 Group 7 grand final, the Gerringong Lions have done it again.On September 15, the Gerringong Lions became back-to-back premiers when they defeated the Shellharbour Sharks 28-10 in the 2024 Group 7 grand final.Gerringong were first to score early in the match when hooker Nathan Ford, who was playing in his 250th game, put second rower Corey Mulhall over for a try.Shellharbour managed to strike back a few moments later, with a near mirror image play on the opposite side of the field, when hooker Brody Rigg put veteran centre Ryan James over to level the score at 4-4.It seemed Shellharbour were destined to take the lead with a few repeat sets, but Gerringong’s defence was too strong.In the 20th minute Gerringong went over for their second of the day when a wayward pass from lock Jake Taylor was picked up by Toby Gumley-Quine who was untouched on his way to the line. Taylor converted to make the score 10-4.Quickly after, young fullback Wes Pring broke through the line and was caught with a swinging arm by Shellharbour’s Ryan James who was sent to the sin-bin for ten minutes as a result. Gerringong opted for a penalty goal that Taylor converted to make it 12-4.Just before half time Gerringong crossed again through Jordan Chandler who took advantage of a rebounded kick. Gerringong led 16-4 at half time.Shellharbour had to be first to score and, off the back of an offload, Kade Sampson managed to draw the last man and put Nicholas Hay over to get the Sharks back into the game and make it 16-10.Not long after that though, Gerringong were back on the board with a beautiful try off the back of a kick that led to Rixon Russell diving under the sticks to make it 22-10.In the 65th minute the Lions sealed the game with some individual brilliance from Gumley-Quine that brought the score to 28-10, which was what it remained until the final hooter sounded.Rixon Russell (left) and Nathan Ford holding the premiership trophy. Source: Gameface Photography.The Lions have been in every single first grade grand final since 2020 (there wasn’t a grand final in 2021 due to COVID) and have only lost only one of those four. The Lions’ reserve grade team also went back to back making Gerringong Lions the second club, the other being Albion Park in 1998 and 1999, in Group 7 history to win back to back premierships in the top two grades.

The Kiama Knights Under 16’s Division 1 team made history on September 7 when they won their third grand final in a row.They became the first Kiama Knights team in 20 years to win three grand finals in a row when they convincingly defeated the Wests Devils 26-6 at Win Stadium.Coach Cindy Brookfield says the boys’ performance on the day was full of effort and maturity and that they trusted their game plan.“The boys knew their role and executed the coaches game plan perfectly in the Grand Final. It was a tough battle in the middle. Our pack earned us the right to shift the ball. The spine created opportunities for themselves and the team. Such a well deserved team win,” says Brookfield.The team was also coached by Benny Brookfield and Josh Starling and they lost only two games all year. Brookfield says that the team feels like one big family and that this has been a driving factor behind their long term success over the last three years.“The boys' connection on and off the field have created a brotherhood where they want to play for each other and the coaching staff. The team has an awesome family vibe with lots of dads taking on roles over the years and supportive parents who have enabled the 16-1’s to be brothers,” says Brookfield.Kiama Knights Junior Rugby League Club (JRLC) president Carl Middleton says that the juniors are going to miss the team’s winning and hard working attitude towards the game when they move onto seniors in 2025.“The club is extremely proud of these U16 players. They have had a desire and an ability to play Rugby League to the highest level they can. Their win is centered on hard work and to win for the third year in a row is an indictment on their dedication and desire. We wish them well into the future and their transition into U18’s next year,” says Middleton.The try scorers in the grand final were Lacom Pooching, Jaxson Ballinger, Reed Palmer and Jett Brookfield. The four goals were kicked by Asher Chapman and one penalty goal was kicked by Ashton Moore.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has welcomed today’s launch of the Future Green and Gold campaign.The nationwide talent search is aiming at finding future athletes to represent Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Games, led by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), in collaboration with state institutes and national sporting organisations.With the home Games of 2032 less than a decade away, the campaign aims to unearth young Australians to enter the Olympic and Paralympic sport high performance development pathways.The program will target Australians aged 13-23 for Olympic sports and 13+ for Paralympic sports, with more than 40 sports part of the program.AOC CEO Matt Carroll said young Australians discovered by this program could become household names representing Australia at Brisbane 2032.“The success of the home team is vital to the success of any home Games,” Mr Carroll said.“I am thrilled at the launch of Future Green and Gold to help boost the talent pipeline for our Olympic sports as we head towards Brisbane 2032, just one more Games away!“Many Olympians began their athletic journey in different sports, before finding and excelling in their Olympic passion.“Fresh off the success of our Team in Paris, many young Australians will be inspired to have a go at Olympic sports to chase their own Brisbane Olympic dream.“Congratulations and thank you to Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells, the Australian Sports Commission, AIS, the state institutes and sporting organisations that are collaborating to deliver this exciting campaign.” The opportunity is open to those without sporting experience as well as current athletes looking to transition to a different sport.Interested people can register via the AIS website at www.ausport.gov.au/talent. Eligible participants will be invited to a testing day to undergo a baseline testing, with individuals identified with potential then undertaking further testing with a recommended sport. Successful participants will be offered a position within a Talent Development Program. 

The Kiama Junior Football Club (JFC) capped off a successful year on Saturday September 7 with three teams winning the South Coast Regional Football Competition.The U12-B, U13-B and U14-B teams all came away with wins in their grand finals at Myimbarr Park in Shellharbour. The U18’s Kiama team also played in the grand final on Sunday September 8, but unfortunately ended up second best after a 1-1 draw led to the match being decided through penalty shootout, which they lost.President of the Kiama JFC Andrew Wales says that 2024 was a very triumphant year for Kiama Football, and on Sunday September 8 they also had their presentation where all grand final teams were given standing ovations.Kiama Junior Football Club had a very successful year which led to us having four graded teams in the grand finals. This is an outstanding result for a club like Kiama and we’re very proud of that,” says Wales.The U18 Kiama JFC Runners up“And last night we had our major graded presentation evening which we used as a celebration of not just the year for all teams, but specifically those four teams. And we had all four teams come on stage throughout the night and they all got a standing ovation but the biggest round of applause was for our U18s. Not only because they fought hard and didn’t quite get there but because this is their last year with Kiama Juniors.”Wales says that when he came on board as club president in late 2021, the committee agreed to complete a full rebuild which, if successful, would result in more competitive teams by 2024.“We’ve had a fantastic year, Kiama JFC has been through a major rebuild over the last three years. When we started the rebuild three years ago we said that by 2024 we wanted to see the results of that rebuild reflected in more competitive teams and the fact that with only 15 teams, we had four of them in the grand final, and three who won, is a fantastic achievement,” says Wales.The rebuild of the club began with the new committee stripping the club completely and starting from scratch. This included new branding, governance, administration, changing the way teams were managed and coached as well as technical and operational elements of how the club ran.We looked at clubs around the world who are doing really well and looked at how they operate and we’ve taken the best features of those and applied them to Kiama Football Club. We put in place really good committee members who bring their own skills in marketing or management,” says Wales.The U13B Kiama JFC Champions“And the end result is that the club, now in 2024, is run very professionally. It is still a grassroots club and a volunteer led organisation, but it’s run very professionally and with a view of achieving success but also balancing it with the fact that a lot of people just want to play football for fun.”Wales attributes this rebuild, their new coaching and technical programs as well as the community culture that surrounds Kiama as the reasons why the club had such a successful 2024.“A big reason for our competitive success has been an improvement to our coaching and technical programs, led by KJFC’s coaching coordinator, Alan Appleby,” says Wales.“Kiama is unique because we’re such a tight knit community. There's very good attitudes towards sport and volunteering and that’s reflected in the way our juniors carry themselves on and off the field, the way in which they train and the attitudes they bring to their games. There’s a maturity and a balance and kindness to our players that we’re very proud of.”Wales also says the popularity of football is growing in Kiama, especially in female participation, and identifies the rise of the Matildas as a key factor in popularising the sport for young girls.The U14B Kiama JFC Champions“We’ve also benefited from the global focus on football, especially the focus on Australia due to the rise of the Matildas last year. We’ve seen an incredible increase in, not only players generally, but female players. We’ve gone from, four years ago before we came on board, there wasn’t a single all girls team in the club. Now we’ve got over 20 all girls teams,” says Wales.Wales says he wants to thank all of the people in the community who volunteered their time and effort to the club in 2024, and he says that ultimately it was everyone’s combined effort which has made the Kiama JFC the club that it is today.“This work has been done by a group of really dedicated people. Not just me or a couple of people, there's a whole committee of really passionate people who captured that spirit of Kiama and turned it into something special at Kiama JFC,” says Wales.The final scores for the three grand final wins were: Kiama U12B defeated Bulli in a penalty shootout after finishing 0-0. Kiama U13B defeated Gerringong 2-1. Kiama U14B defeated Oak Flats 4-1.