JAMBEROO SEVENSKIAMA QUARRIERS MEN

JAMBEROO SEVENSGERRINGONG BREAKERS WOMEN

JAMBEROO SEVENSJAMBEROO WOMEN

JAMBEROO SEVENSQUARIERS BLUE

JAMBEROO SEVENSLADY QUARRIERS

JAMBEROO SEVENSTHE OFFSIDERS

The Jamberoo 7s burst into action under the lights, kicking off with a powerful celebration of women’s football. Inspired by the Matildas, the team that has united the nation, the competition opened with a match between local rivals Jamberoo and Gerringong, setting the tone for what promises to be a spectacular tournament.Local MP Gareth Ward was on hand to witness the impact of the funding he helped secure, ensuring local football continues to thrive. He highlighted the importance of inclusive sporting infrastructure, recognising the growing demand for high-quality facilities that cater to players of all ages and abilities.With eight fields in action, the Jamberoo 7s has grown into one of the most exciting tournaments in the region. Teams are battling it out across multiple divisions, including women’s open, men’s over 35s, and over 45s, with each player guaranteed at least three games before the finals.Organisers are highly impressed by the strength and commitment of the women’s teams, who are proving to be just as competitive and skilful as their male counterparts.This year also marks a milestone, with Football South Coast introducing an over 40s women’s competition. A welcome move that allows more players to stay in the game without having to face much younger opponents.Jamberoo Football Club president Alan Smith with one of the founders of the competition Ross Warren The tournament, which began as the Jamberoo Pub Sevens, has evolved over the years but remains deeply rooted in tradition. It started as a six-a-side social comp and has steadily grown into a must-attend event for football lovers. Shane Gallgaher who started the ompetition in 1997 summed it up:“Same people, same format, just getting bigger and better.”Three generations of Warren Family where on hand for the 2025 Jamberoo 7s launch. L To R Molly, Erica and Ross Warren with family friend Alicia Adding to the festival atmosphere, the Brazilian Social Club has been a passionate part of the tournament since 2003. Bringing their signature drums, barbecues, and unwavering love for the game, they have become an essential part of the Jamberoo 7s experience.“We have never missed a single year. It’s a gathering, a tradition, and an absolute pleasure,” said the Sydney Brazilian Social Club President Gel Freire.In the early years, club members stayed in what they called a "favela" - makeshift camp on the grounds.Last year, their stay got an upgrade, with the RSL hall offering a more comfortable base while still preserving the camaraderie and tradition that make their presence unforgettable.A highlight of their presence is their legendary Brazilian barbecue, where beef ribs are slow cooked in the ground, using a method refined over years.Every detail is meticulously planned, from bringing sand to protect the surface to ensuring the experience is respectful of the tournament’s long-standing traditions.“Above all, it’s about respect - for the game, for the players, and for the tradition.”This year’s tournament is the biggest yet, with 39 countries across six continents represented, turning the Jamberoo 7s into a truly global football spectacle.With 72 teams battling it out across seven tournaments, the event continues to grow, bringing together fast-paced competition, camaraderie, and a festival atmosphere in one of the most breathtaking locations in the region.

The Kiama Rugby Sevens media launch has set the stage for another thrilling tournament, with an extra challenge for teams to make a difference. This year, each team has been asked to raise $1,000 each to donate to Hearts in Rugby Union, a charity dedicated to supporting players who have suffered life changing injuries.If all 44 teams reach their target, an impressive $44,000 will be raised to help injured players navigate their new reality.Rugby is a game built on mateship and fair play, but sometimes, freak accidents leave players with injuries that alter their lives forever. The physical, emotional, and financial burden can be overwhelming, and Hearts in Rugby Union aims to provide ongoing support for those in need.The launch event welcomed key figures from the rugby community and local government. Mayor Cameron McDonald, Councillor Matt Brown, Patrick Schmidt representing major sponsor Kells, and representatives from Destination Kiama all voiced their strong support for the tournament and the charity initiative.Mark Bryant, the driving force behind the Kiama Rugby Sevens for decades, was praised for his dedication to making the event a standout on the sporting calendar.Mayor Cameron McDonald with Mark Bryant. Mayor McDonald acknowledged the generosity of the sponsors Rugby stars past and present were on hand to celebrate the launch, including dual Olympian Dietrich Roache, who spoke about his journey in the sport and his ambitions beyond Sevens. Mark Bryant interviewed dual Olympian Dietrich Roache, who spoke about his journey in the sport and his ambitions beyond Sevens. Former Wallaby Richard Tombs also addressed the crowd, reflecting on his playing days and his current role as General Manager of Hearts in Rugby Union.Richard joined Hearts in Rugby Union in September 2021. He represented the Wallabies from 1988 to 1996, earning five test caps and playing a role in the 1991 World Cup-winning squad and the 1992 Bledisloe Cup victory.Richard Tombs personal experience with life altering injury has made him a passionate advocate for injured playersUnfortunately, in 2018, Richard suffered a spinal cord injury while playing as a goalkeeper in an over-35s soccer match, which left him a tetraplegic.His personal experience with life altering injury has made him a passionate advocate for injured players, and his deep understanding of the NDIS system allows him to offer guidance and support to those in need.Bryant and his team are calling on local businesses to get behind the fundraising effort. Sponsors and supporters can contribute by backing individual teams or making direct donations to the cause. To donate please visit the website here Posters and promotional materials are available for workplaces, gyms, and local venues to spread the message.The Kiama Rugby Sevens has long been a highlight of the region’s sporting calendar, bringing together elite and grassroots players for a weekend of high-energy competition. With the addition of the charity partnership, this year’s tournament will be about more than just rugby - it will be about the rugby community standing together to support its own.The main event will take place on Saturday 22 February at Kiama Showground, promising a day of top-tier rugby action, community spirit, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club is stepping up to the crease for a cause, hosting a Pink Stumps Day to support the McGrath Foundation.Local cricket lovers are invited to don their best pink attire and join the Cavaliers on Saturday, February 15, at Kiama Sports Complex for a fun filled day of cricket and fundraising. The event kicks off with a Kiama Cavettes Women’s T20 match against the Kookas at 8:30 AM, followed by Kiama 1st Grade vs Berry Shoalhaven Heads in a 50-over clash at 12:00 PM.Organiser Naomi Poole is rallying support, highlighting the McGrath Foundation’s incredible work funding breast cancer nurses, with plans to expand its reach to support other cancer patients. “We’re running a raffle with amazing prizes from generous sponsors, and we’d love the community to get involved,” she said. ‘The Foundation does wonderful work supporting Breast Cancer support nurses and is now looking to extend its care to people affected by other cancers as well.The club will be hosting a double header on the turf with the Kiama Cavettes Women’s Team kicking off vs Kookas in a T20 at 830am, followed by Kiama 1st Grade vs Berry Shoalhaven Heads in a 50 over one day match at 1200pm. Fans can support the cause by entering the raffle online via Kiama Cricket Club’s website. The raffle will be drawn at 3 PM on the day. The canteen will be open, serving bacon & egg rolls for breakfast, sausage sandwiches for lunch, and beverages throughout the day. Whether you pop in for a match or set up a picnic for the whole day, it’s a great way to enjoy local cricket while backing an important cause.📅 Save the date: February 15📍 Kiama Sports Complex🎀 Wear pink & support the McGrath Foundation!

Kiama Swimming Club will make a splash at the upcoming NSW Country Swimming Championships, with 12 swimmers qualifying for the prestigious event at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from February 14-16. This marks the largest local contingent in a decade, reflecting the club’s growing strength in competitive swimming.Head Swim Coach Greg Miller highlighted the dedication and hard work of the young athletes, stating:“To achieve qualifying times for the Country Championships demonstrates achievement at the top levels of our sport.”The squad includes swimmers aged nine to 15, made up of nine girls and three boys, including one multi-class swimmer. Their rigorous training schedule sees them in the pool at Kiama Leisure Centre most mornings at 5:15 am and again in the afternoons, covering between 3km and 5km per session - totaling up to 1,000km a year.Miller emphasised the team's rapid improvement over the past 12 months, noting that momentum continues to build. He encourages other young swimmers to take on the challenge and see what they can achieve in the sport.Kiama’s Country Championship Swimmers:Ella C-SKye C-STiharna C-SCharlotte GriffinMilla HaythorpeCharlie MillerEloise MillerEmily NicholsIvy Osmond-DreyerAlannah PottageTrae SpencerOlivia TalbotWith strong representation and a dedicated training program, Kiama Swim Club is making waves at the NSW Country Swimming Championships, showcasing local talent at the highest levels of regional competition.

Get ready for a weekend of fast-paced, high-energy football as the Jamberoo Sevens returns, promising non-stop action under the lights and in the early morning sun. This year’s tournament is bigger than ever, with 39 different countries represented from six continents, making it a truly global football showdown.President Alan Smith sums it up best: “We start on Friday night at 8:15pm. And then again at 8am on Saturday. The two are very different experiences. Playing under lights has much excitement and atmosphere. You’ll know what I mean when you come and experience it for yourself.”If you’ve ever watched old-school football matches, you’ll notice one thing, speed has changed everything. The modern game is faster, more precise and demands quick thinking under pressure. Research shows that passing rates and ball speed have consistently increased in World Cup matches, and at Jamberoo, you’ll see that in action.Faster play means sharper footwork, lightning passes, and thrilling counterattacks, making Sevens football a perfect showcase for the modern game. The reduced team size increases the intensity, testing players’ endurance, agility and game sense. Whether you’re on the pitch or on the sidelines, the energy is electric.So, whether you thrive under Friday night lights or prefer the crispness of an early morning challenge, don’t miss out on Jamberoo’s biggest football showdown. Come for the competition, stay for the atmosphere - this is football at its most exhilarating.Friday 8:15pm | Saturday 8am | Jamberoo Sevens I Reid Park Jamberoo Download the App Google here Apple here Visit Jamberoo Sevens website for all you need to know 

The Gerringong sporting community is celebrating a major milestone with the official opening of the upgraded clubhouse at Gerry Emery Reserve, a project made possible through a $466,000 grant from the NSW Stronger Country Communities program and an additional $75,000 from Kiama Council. Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and President of Gerringong District All Sports John Trevenar marked the occasion, praising the collective effort that brought the project to fruition.Mr Ward, who secured the funding in 2023, described the upgrade as an investment in the future of local sport. Gerry Emery Reserve in Gerringong official opening “This is more than just an infrastructure improvement -it’s about creating opportunities and enhancing accessibility for athletes of all ages and abilities,” Mr Ward said.“The hard work of John Trevenar, committee members, and the broader community has been truly inspiring. Their dedication has ensured that this vision became a reality.”The upgrade focuses on improved female and accessible facilities, a crucial step in making the venue more inclusive. The enhanced clubhouse will support a variety of sports, including cricket, touch football, soccer, and Women’s Oztag. It will also serve as a venue for Gerringong Public School’s sports carnivals and cross country events, as well as combined high school sports days.John Trevenar highlighted the three years of planning, fundraising, and hard work that went into the project.“These new facilities will make a real difference, ensuring that female athletes and individuals with disabilities feel welcomed and supported,” Mr Trevenar said.He also acknowledged the vital role of local businesses, sponsors, and community members in achieving the project’s funding goals.“This is proof of what can be accomplished when a community works together. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a reality.”Mr Ward echoed these sentiments, commending the leadership of Mr Trevenar and the dedication of local sporting clubs.“This project showcases the strength of community spirit in Gerringong. I look forward to seeing these facilities enjoyed by generations of athletes to come,” he said.

Every year, events like the Kiama Show, the Jamberoo (Soccer) Sevens, and the Kiama (Rugby) Sevens bring our community together. They showcase our region’s history, entertain locals, attract visitors, and inject money into our local economy. But there’s something even more important at the heart of these events - they are entirely run by volunteers. Without these dedicated individuals, these events simply wouldn’t happen. And yet, instead of getting easier, organising these events is becoming increasingly difficult. Volunteers are battling red tape, rising costs, and logistical challenges - many of which could be alleviated with better support from local government and the wider community. Why these events matterThey boost our local economy - These events bring in thousands of visitors, filling our cafes, restaurants, accommodation, and shops. That money stays in the community, helping local businesses thrive.They provide entertainment for locals - From the classic agricultural events of the Kiama Show to the fast paced action of the Sevens, these events bring people together and create memories.They teach children the value of volunteering - When kids see parents, neighbours, and friends stepping up to run these events, they learn first-hand about community spirit, teamwork, and giving back.They help kids build friendships and resilience - Sporting events like the Sevens encourage kids to push their limits, work as a team, and form friendships that can last a lifetime.They showcase the best of our region - Whether it’s agriculture, sport, or just good old fashioned country hospitality, these events put Kiama and its surrounds on the map. What’s at stakeYesterday, I spoke with Mark Bryant, who runs the Kiama Sevens, and he laid it out plainly - running these events takes an enormous amount of time, and nobody gets paid. Across the country, other rugby sevens competitions have folded. Kiama’s event has survived because of the extraordinary dedication of volunteers, but that alone is not sustainable. If we, as a community, don’t actively support these events - not just by attending, but by recognising and reducing the hurdles for organisers - we risk losing them altogether. How we can helpTurn up - Bring your family, bring your friends, and be part of these events.Volunteer - Even a small commitment - setting up, selling tickets, or cleaning up - makes a huge difference.Spread the word - These events thrive on community buzz. Share them on social media, encourage your networks to attend, and celebrate the people making them happen.Challenge the barriers - If local government processes are making it harder for these events to run, we need to advocate for solutions. Our council should be making it easier, not harder for volunteers to put these events on. It’s time for a strategic planThis isn’t just about one event - it’s about a broader issue. If we want these traditions to survive, we need to get smarter about how we support, protect, and sustain them. I believe we need to sit down with key stakeholders, including event organisers, community leaders, and council representatives, to map out a plan that ensures these events have a strong future. Let’s start a real conversation about what needs to change and how we, as a community, can ensure that Kiama’s heritage events continue to thrive for generations to come.

THE SEVERNE EAST COAST WAVESAILING TITLESGERROA

KIAMA RUNNING CLUB GROUP 4

KIAMA JUNIOR CRICKET UNDER 11 A COMPETITIONKIAMA BLACK A 141 d ALBION PARK GOLD 123

KIAMA RUNNING CLUB - GROUP 6

KIAMA RUNNING CLUB - GROUP 5

KIAMA RUNNING CLUB - GROUP 3