Kiama Oztag is set to begin its 15th season on October 14, with over 2,000 players registered across various age groups, making it the biggest participant sport in the Kiama LGA. Oztag is a non-contact version of rugby league that focuses on speed and agility, making it accessible to everyone. Kiama Oztag Association Coordinators Keiron Duncan and Ross Thomas say they never expected the game to grow so large, but they believe its accessibility and fun atmosphere are key draws. “A great part of the competition is that we have that duality. You have competitive players who want to win and play at representative levels, and then you have those who just want to have fun. You don’t need a rugby league background; players come from soccer, AFL, netball—it's all about having a go and running around with your mates,” says Duncan. Thomas emphasises another valuable aspect of the competition: the opportunity for individuals without teams to inquire about joining others. “There have been around 70 individuals who expressed interest in joining teams, and we’ve successfully placed about 56 of them. We hope to find spots for the remaining 12 before the competition starts. It’s a fantastic way to get active, socialise, and meet new people,” Thomas adds. The competition will run through early January and will be played across four venues, including the newly added Kiama Sports Complex fields next to the Kiama Leisure Centre. “We play on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Mondays are for over 35s and senior divisions, Tuesdays are for juniors and some seniors, and Wednesdays feature mixed and men’s teams at the Kiama Leisure Centre, which is a change from previous years,” says Thomas. “This setup allows us to utilise more fields and better lighting, enabling later games, and the parking and facilities are significantly better than at Gainsborough.” In addition to local competitions, Kiama has its own representative team, the Kiama Phantoms, which competes in the State Cup. Players from this team can be selected for national and even international competitions, with both young and older players proudly representing Australia. Duncan and Thomas are optimistic about continued growth, especially in age groups where participation in sports is less common. Since introducing an over 35s men's group and a women’s competition two years ago, participation has surged—from four teams each to eight teams this season. Both coordinators commend each other for their dedication to managing the league, which includes over 150 teams. They also express their gratitude to volunteers, referees, local photographer Brian Scott from The Bugle, and the Kiama District Support Council for their unwavering support. As the season approaches, there’s still time to join in! Interested individuals can contact Kiama Oztag at 0404 204 518. Whether you’re looking to compete or simply have fun with friends, now is the perfect time to get involved!

In October 2020, Tyran Wishart was raising the trophy after winning the Group 7 grand final with the Gerringong Lions. Now, only four years later, he’s preparing for an NRL grand final in front of more than 80 000 people.On October 6 Tyran will wear the number 14 jersey as the Melbourne Storm attempt to end the reign of the Penrith Panthers, but Tyran is adamant that it’s just business as usual for the Craig Bellamy coached side.“Obviously, the Panthers have been in this position for five years, so they have that experience. But we also have players and coaches with plenty of finals experience, and I’m leaning on them and asking questions,” says Tyran.“When it comes to facing them, you can prepare as much as you want, but at the end of the day, you have to play your own style of footy. That’s worked for us throughout the year, so it needs to work for just one more game—80 minutes.”Tyran’s father, Rod Wishart, played 177 NRL games for the Illawarra Steelers and St George Illawarra Dragons, along with 22 games for NSW and 17 for Australia.But he was only in one NRL grand final in 1999 which he lost, ironically, against the Melbourne Storm. But Rod says there is no grudge between himself and the Storm, in fact, he says, there is no better place for his son.“A lot of people ask what I think about Tyran playing for the Storm, and honestly, I couldn’t think of anything better to be honest. I have nothing but respect for the Melbourne Storm,” says Rod. “The little things they do are essential, and they’ve given Tyran the chance to develop his rugby league skills. I don’t think he’d be where he is without them.”As they prepare for this momentous game, both father and son emphasise the importance of enjoying the week while sticking to the game plan and keeping things simple.“I just try and simplify everything. In finals games, everything is a lot quicker and harder and contact is much more intense. Everything is going to be faster and naturally I’ll play a bit harder too, but I think I just have to simplify my role,” says Tyran.“At the end of the day it’s a big occasion, but I think you have to remember to enjoy it. I think you just have to be confident in your ability and if you see an opportunity, trust yourself. Trust the process that your team has got. Trust the Melbourne Storm - they’ve been there and done it that many times,” says Rod.Tyran has had an outstanding 2024 season, securing his place in the NRL side. In his 25 games, he has scored 12 tries and kicked 14 goals. Due to unfortunate mid-year injuries, he led the Storm in the five-eighth role for 10 games, achieving 8 wins.When Tyran is not in a starting role he is in a ‘sort of everyman’ position for the team. A utility coming off the bench that can slot into almost any position including wing, fullback, halfback, hooker and lock.Although this unique role does make it hard for Tyran to prepare for a game, the more he has played it, the more he has gotten comfortable with it, and in that way he has become a bit of a Mr. Fix-it for the Melbourne Storm.“I’m very proud of Tyran’s ability to adapt to any position without getting overwhelmed. He just approaches each challenge with, This is my job, whether he’s on the wing, at fullback, or in the pack. The Storm appreciates having someone who can slot into any role and get the job done,” says Rod.“It was different and a little hard to prepare, but I think I’ve managed to find a routine in order for me to get comfortable. And like I said, I don’t like to think about it too much, I just try and tick off what I need to throughout the week to know that I’ve prepared the best that I can,” says Tyran.Rod coached Tyran in the juniors at the Gerringong Lions and both believe that his time there has contributed a lot to the way he plays today, and even his decision to go and play in Melbourne.“That’s where you learn everything in your juniors, and to have those players to look up to back home just made every kid want to do well back home,” says Tyran. “The club at Gerringong is very similar to the Storm in the way that it is run, obviously to a much higher degree here. But in the simple ways: everyone gets along and family comes first,” says Tyran.Rod says that he couldn’t be more proud of Tyran and that the whole town of Gerringong will be behind him when he runs out on Sunday.“I think he’s been humble and he’s just worked extremely hard to get where he is and he deserves where he is. Win, lose or draw I’m proud of him, the whole family is proud of him and all of Gerringong is proud of him. And he is a proud Gerringong boy and he will never forget where he came from and the people who have helped him get where he is,” says Rod.The Melbourne Storm face the Penrith Panthers at 7:30 PM on Sunday, October 6. The Bugle wishes Tyran good luck and congratulates him on reaching this significant milestone!

Kiama is gearing up to host its first triathlon in more than 10 years, with the event set for October 13 and all spots already sold out.The race will kick off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Minnamurra River followed by a bike ride out along Swamp Road and back and finishing with a run from Minnamurra, up into Kiama Downs and then back.There are two races: the standard race (1.5 km swim, 38 km bike and 10 km run) which begins at 8am and a sprint (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) which begins at 8:30am.Kiama Triathlon Club Vice President Geoff Besnard says the event will be very good for the community of the Kiama LGA and he hopes that if it’s successful, the event will become an annual occurrence.“I think it’s great for the town, it’s an event that promotes health and fitness and it will bring a lot of people into town. The race will probably only go for a few hours, but people will come down for the whole weekend. They’ll go out for dinner and drinks and go into the local businesses,” says Besnard.“This year is a bit of a trial run, but hopefully if all goes well, we will be able to run this event annually.”While the excitement is building, one concern is the potential for traffic congestion and limited parking in Minnamurra. To address this, Elite Energy, the event organisers whomanage multi-sport events along the East Coast, have devised an incentive for participants to use public transport.“Elite Energy has introduced an idea where racers who use public transport to get to the event will receive a $50 credit toward their next event, which is a nice perk since triathlons can be a costly sport,” says Besnard.Although they aren’t running the event, many of the Kiama Triathlon Club members will either be participating or volunteering to help.“I think we have about 15 of our members participating in it, but a majority of the rest will be helping out on the day. It takes a lot of people to run an event like this,” says Besnard.For those interested in spectating, Besnard recommends watching from the transition areas, particularly the transition between the swim and bike portions, and of course, the race finish.“If anyone wants to catch the action, the best spots will be along the Minnamurra River early on, especially to see the athletes transition from swim to bike,” he says.The Kiama Triathlon Club has had a highly successful 2024, recently winning their fifth state championship in seven years. Between August 15-25, 11 of the club’s members competed in various events at the National Championships, with Tanya Fraser, John Dormandl, and his partner Dan Merange all making it onto the podium.

On September 16 Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips met with Kiama District Sports Association President Craig Scott and Secretary John Dawson to discuss future upgrades to the Kiama Sports Complex.Kiama Council was recently awarded a federal grant under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to support the renovation of this important facility.“With over 3,000 players plus school groups using the Kiama Sports Complex, there is no doubt that it is a much loved and utilised facility, however it is in dire need of an upgrade,” says Phillips. The upgrades are now awaiting the appointment of the new Kiama Council so that they can work out the masterplan for the future of the complex “I look forward to working with the new Kiama Council, Kiama District Sports Association and community, to progress the masterplan and proceed to a shovel-ready project that can obtain further grant funding,” says Phillips.The Kiama Sports Complex is home to a wide range of activities, including Little Athletics, cricket, soccer, Oztag, netball, and features a skatepark and the Kiama Leisure Centre. 

The Kiama District Sports Association (KDSA) held their annual general meeting at the Kiama Leagues Club on the evening of 23 September.The KDSA acts as a conduit between the Kiama Council and sporting associations on booking sporting fields and awarding grants to affiliated clubs.With 40 years of operation, the association has built strong relationships with local clubs and Kiama Council to promote sporting competitions and meet the significant and growing demand of the local sporting community.Retiring Mayor of Kiama and KDSA Patron, Neil Reilly, attended and congratulated the newly elected life Members; Craig Scott and Paul Condon. “Craig and Paul [have] been long time servants of sport in the Kiama LGA and the Kiama District Sports Association,” Secretary John Dawson said on the night.Craig has been a stalwart supporter of the Kiama Little Athletics Club and has spent countless hours tending to his beloved athletics track at the Kiama Sports Complex. He is the current serving President of the Kiama Little Athletics Club, and has previously served as the President for the state division of the organisation. Paul has been a member of the Gerringong sporting community since birth. He has been a player, coach and office bearer at Gerringong Rugby League Club for Juniors and Seniors and the Gerringong Touch Association. Paul is the go-to for anything sport related in Gerringong.“Craig and Paul have served the association with distinction over the many years of their involvement and were worthy nominees as the second and third Life Members after Col Rathbone was awarded Life Membership four years ago,” Dawson continued.The sporting community in Kiama relies heavily on the support of Council grants that the KDSA award to clubs. Council increased their annual grant from $30,000 to $60,000 and over the past seven financial years more than $270,000 in funding has been awarded to affiliated clubs of the association. This funding has gone on to purchase replacement football goalposts, refurbish canteens including the purchase of new refrigerators, point of sale systems and replacement turf wicket covers and defibrillators on the grounds. The association has commented on their eagerness to work with newly elected councillors and Mayor this term to see the completion of the long-awaited Strategic Plan for Outdoor Space and Recreation and the Masterplan for the Kiama District Sports Complex. The executive team were announced as; President Craig Scott, Vice President Ross Thomas, Secretary John Dawson, Treasurer Gail Gaynor and Trust Fund Coordinator Craig Scott. 

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.