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The New South Wales Government is taking crucial steps to ensure the safety of children in sport with a series of interactive workshops aimed at educating local sporting organisations on how to protect young participants from harm and abuse. These workshops, scheduled for the South Coast region next week, will provide valuable, practical information on the steps sports clubs can take to maintain a child-safe environment.Organised in partnership between the NSW Office of Sport and the Office of the Children’s Guardian, the workshops will be held from March 16 to March 20, covering Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Pambula, and Bega. Matt Sibley, the Child Safe Officer for Sport from the Office of the Children’s Guardian, will lead the sessions, offering expert guidance and resources to attendees.The workshops are designed to equip sporting clubs with the knowledge and tools to prevent child abuse in community sports settings. From identifying common risks to understanding how to create safer environments, the sessions aim to empower local organisations with simple, actionable steps to better protect children in their care.Adam Berry, Acting Chief Executive of the Office of Sport, highlighted the importance of these initiatives, particularly in regional areas of NSW, where sport often plays a vital role in community cohesion. “Sport brings communities together, especially in regional NSW, and we want to ensure that everyone who participates is safe,” said Berry. “These workshops will be invaluable to sporting organisations, helping them to better identify and manage child safety risks and ensure that sport in the region is a positive experience for everyone.”Representatives from South Coast sporting organisations are encouraged to attend and register for the workshops via the official website. For more information and to register for a workshop, visit the Child Safe Regional Workshops page.

20-year-old Gerringong local Hamish Stewart made his NRL debut on Saturday, 8 March. Despite the Dragons falling short 28-20 against the Bulldogs, Stewart got through a mountain of work and was reliable in his first-ever NRL match.Every young footy player dreams of the moment they get to run onto an NRL field, and Stewart - who wore the number 17 jersey on the bench for the Dragons - got his chance in the 24th minute of the match."To run out to a sell-out crowd at Jubilee Stadium was something I’ve never experienced,” says Stewart. “I’ve heard about people getting goosebumps, and I literally did. It’s something I’ll never forget.”Hamish running out of the tunnel on his NRL debut. Source: Game Face Photography.Stewart’s first run off the back fence from the Dragons' line was met with a fierce challenge from the Bulldogs’ relentless defence. However, he gained confidence as the game progressed, showing more and more composure with each touch.But it was Stewart’s defensive work that stood out as the highlight of his night. In his 43 minutes on the field, he made 38 tackles, including a crucial try-saving legs tackle on the line and another important tackle that forced a Bulldogs knock-on."The intensity and speed of the game were next level,” says Stewart. “People had warned me about it, but until I experienced it, I couldn’t fully comprehend it."Stewart had a strong support crew of family and friends who made the journey to Kogarah to watch him play, and he describes the overwhelming sense of backing he received."The whole week was so special - from being announced in the team with my teammates rallying around me, to getting my jersey presented to me by my family, then having all my friends and family supporting me at the game. I’ll never forget it," says Stewart.Hamish Stewart in action for the junior Gerringong Lions. Source: Game Face Photography.Alongside Stewart, the Gerringong Lions now boast four former players regularly playing in the NRL. The Dragons’ 18th man for the game was another Gerringong Lion, Dylan Egan, and when you factor in the Sims brothers Tariq and Ashton (both former NRL players), it makes for a remarkable number of players emerging from one small club.Stewart attributes this success to the culture of his club. “I think it comes down to the culture the club and players have built here over the last 100 years. The culture is built on hard work and effort - values that are essential for making the top grade," says Stewart.Hamish Stewart in action for the Dragons on his debut. Source: Game Face Photography.Stewart has been named to retain his spot in the Dragons' Round 2 clash with the Rabbitohs at Win Stadium in Wollongong on Saturday, 15 March.

In April, 22-year-old Kiama golfer Wil Daibarra will be off to the Australian Tour Qualifying School to play for an Australaisian Tour Card.After playing in the BMW Australian PGA Championship in November last year - Daibarra has since completed his PGA Associate Traineeship and is now ready to take on the big leagues.“I’ve been doing this traineeship for a while now, so I’m really keen to go for it this year and hopefully secure my spot on the Australasian Tour,” says Daibarra.So far, 2025 has been relatively quiet for Daibarra. He has gone from playing alongside top golfers like Jason Day and Kiradech Aphibarnrat to being back at Kiama Golf Club, where he works as a golf coach.“I’m trying to practice about 10 to 15 hours a week right now. It’s a bit low because I’m still coaching and doing whatever I can to save up for Qualifying School. If I do well there, hopefully, I can make the leap to doing this full time,” says Daibarra.In an effort to raise funds for his dream, Daibarra is organising a golf day at Kiama Golf Club. He hopes to raise enough money to cover the costs of the Qualifying School, as well as upcoming tours in North Queensland and possibly Asia.“I’ll probably be trying for Asian Tour School later this year, if I have the funds. I’ll also be heading to the Mining Series Pro Circuit in North Queensland for two months. It’s going to be expensive, but I’ve been given this opportunity, so I want to give it everything I have,” says Daibarra.“I’m hosting a fundraiser golf day at Kiama on March 21. Anyone is welcome to join. Just call Kiama Golf Club at (02) 4237 7300 to register over the phone, and they can provide more details.”The event will feature breakfast, lunch, a two-person Ambrose round of golf, and fun prizes, including the chance to buy a shot from Wil on one of the holes. There will also be a raffle.It promises to be a fun day, supporting a talented young local golfer’s dream. In addition to welcoming participants, Wil is also seeking sponsors for the event. If you're interested, you can contact Wil through Kiama Golf Club.

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.

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