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.

If you were in Kiama the weekend of 5 September, you may have noticed a parade of hot rods cruising through town. The Roman Hot Rods were back for the 9th time, and they didn’t disappoint—just check out these photos from the event!A great turnoutThe annual Kiama hot rod run, organised by the Roman’s Hot Rod Club, kicked off with a scenic drive from Kiama to Gerroa, followed by lunch at the Gerroa Fisherman’s Club. The Bugle proudly sponsored three $350 vouchers, which the Club donated to three deserving charities: Wings for Kids, Kiama Women's Refuge and the Bomaderry Baptist Church Meals for the Underprivileged Group. Gary Rogers, representing Wings for Kids, shared heartfelt stories of how the charity has helped the community, flying sick children from country NSW to large city Hospitals.Gary Rogers accepting the voucher on behalf of Wings for KidsAfter Saturday’s festivities, Sunday was the real showcase, with 180 hot rods lining Black Beach. The event was complemented by food, rock and roll music, and a throwback to the '50s with Imogen Draisma donning a vintage-style dress to present the awards.Imogen Draisma presented the awardsIt must have been tough choosing a winner, but in the end, the top five cars of the day went to Steve & Julie Durrington’s ’37 Chevy Coupe, Neil Ide’s ’34 Ford Tourer, Paul & Laurel Wilde’s ’32 Roadster, Steve Ide’s ’50 Ford Single Spinner and Christian Speechley’s ’40 Ford Pickup. The hot rod club wants to thank the trophy sponsors, ASRF, Shannons, Kool Kulture, Jason Cavanagh Restorations and Kevin & Leanne Daley.Congratulations to everyone involved! We look forward to welcoming the Hot Rod Club back next year for more classic cars and rock and roll.Neil Harlow with classic car

Almost 80,000 people crossed the finishing line of the City2Surf 2024 on Sunday, 11 August. Among them was Kiama entrepreneur Bek McAlister, who completed the fun run in her undies.“I definitely got some strange looks because of the slogan on my t-shirt,“ she says.The slogan ‘Got Discharge, Get Luckies,’ (inspired by the 1990s Got Milk? ad campaign), refers to McAlister's business Luckies Knickers, which she launched in May this year. Tackling the topic of discharge in women’s underwear caused by natural body secretions, she discovered it was a design issue and went about fixing it. Bek designed knickers with a colourful gusset designed to conceal stains and added merino layers to deal with the everyday scent and moisture.McAlister says discharge still has a dirty connotation. “It remains one of the last taboos. Women are ashamed of it, and for no reason.”She hopes to change that stigma, as a step in women’s empowerment, which is why she decided to run City2Surf sans pants.Bek McAlister at the City2Surf 2024. Credit: Eva Kokklemans.In 2023, McAlister ran the world’s largest fun run with a group of friends, who all sported the Luckies Knickers t-shirts. But this year, it was only a friend and her.“Funnily enough, it was an unseasonably hot day,” McAlister says. “I said to my friend, ‘It’s so boiling hot, why would you be wearing pants?’ “Despite receiving a few funny looks, she says it was worth completing the run in a somewhat unorthodox way as it resulted in several sales.McAlister, who went to Kiama Primary School and Kiama High School, works full-time while developing her business on the side. “I’ve had corporate roles but I also have a creative side. For this, I took a big leap and risk,” she says.Her next launch will be released in about three months, so stay tuned.

Kiama Comets (JFC) raced to victory in the Under 13’s premiership game against Gerringong Breakers (JFC) on September 7, with a final score of 2-1. The Comets scored within the first 5 minutes of the game at Myimbarr Community Park, which brought the energy from the crowd to new heights. Great defence from Gerringong Breakers, as goals were caught by their “Iron Wall” goalkeepers, Eric. Gerringong Breakers, playing up a division meant that the Comets had a height advantage.Scoring off the back of an offside linesman call, Kiama Comets closed the first half with a 2-0 lead. Taking back the field, parents and friends cheered on both teams with well wishes of coming back strong. Liam Bailey, assisting in the Breakers first goal as it bounced off the T-Bar and into the Breakers net. Kiama Comets, however, did not lose sight of the victory as the game was coming to a close. As the final whistle rang out over the field, Kiama Comets soared to victory joining their fellow club teams in Grand Final bliss. Rebuilding the club, Andrew Wales, President of Kiama Junior Football Club said that having 4 teams make it all the way to finals is a testament to all who helped rebuild the club. “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 to have 4 of them in the grand final and 3 win is a fantastic achievement.” President Wales told The Bugle. Kiama 12B defeated Bulli in a penalty shootout after finishing 0-0Kiama 13B defeated Gerringong 2-1Kiama 14B defeated Oak Flats 4-1

Across 11 days of fierce competition, Australia’s best Para-athletes have thrilled, elevated and empowered the nation, securing a top 10 finish on the medal table and leaving an indelible mark on the global Paralympic movement.Led by exemplary co-captains, eight-time Paralympic wheelchair racing medallist Angie Ballard and four-time Para-canoe gold medallist Curtis McGrath, Australia’s 160 athletes prevailed amid rapidly rising standards in international Para-sport to win medals in nine of the 17 sports they contested.The Australian Paralympic Team won 18 gold medals, 17 silver and 28 bronze, a haul of 63 medals in total, to finish ninth on the final table, ahead of major Paralympic powers including Japan, Germany and Canada, and one gold medal behind host nation France.“I couldn’t be prouder of the way our athletes competed and represented Australia at Paris 2024,” Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.“We saw medals, personal bests, fantastic team efforts and incredible individual performances. We also saw some heartbreaking near-misses, such are the highs and lows of high performance sport.“Yet, throughout it all, our incredible athletes backed each other and showed warmth, humility and bravery. They used their platform to change perceptions of disability. They showed the world the best of Australian sport, the Australian spirit and the Australian character.“Congratulations to each member of this proud team. You are now part of the incredible Australian Paralympic story.”Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh spoke of the many people who worked behind the scenes to prepare, deliver and support Australia’s athletes before and during the Games.“I’m in awe of the expertise and dedication of our athletes, as well as the support team that sits behind them,’” Ms Creagh said.“Years of planning went into ensuring that our Australian Paralympic Team would be kept safe, healthy and had everything it needed to perform at its best. This includes the whole spectrum of team delivery, such as operations, performance services, medical and media services.“I’d like to thank all who played a part, from our world-leading staff at Paralympics Australia to our member organisations and colleagues across Australian sport, to our partners throughout government and business.“Finally, but certainly not least, on behalf of the entire Australian Paralympic movement, I want to say thank you to the people of France, and particularly Paris and surrounds, for embracing the Paralympic Games with great enthusiasm. You have put on such an incredible show and have been great cheerleaders across all sports.“Your efforts to make the Australian Paralympic Team feel welcomed in your spectacular city and the hospitality and generosity you have provided, are deeply appreciated. The partnerships we’ve built and the experiences we’ve had will live long in all our memories.”AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS FROM PARIS 2024:Australia finished ninth on the gold medal table and eighth on total medals won.17 Australian team athletes won multiple medals. Six of those were dual gold medallists.Alexa Leary (swimming), Callum Simpson (swimming), Lauren Parker (triathlon/cycling) and Tim Hodge (swimming) each won two gold medals and a silver medal.Qian Yang (table tennis), James Turner (athletics) each won two gold medals.Australia won medals in nine sports: boccia, athletics, canoe, cycling, rowing, swimming, table tennis, triathlon and wheelchair rugby.ARCHERY:Australia fielded its largest archery squad in 40 years and included Paralympic medallist Jonathon Milne, three debutants and two-time Para-canoe Paralympian Amanda Jennings.Crowd favourite Taymon Kenton-Smith, delivered an outstanding performance in the men's recurve open, defeating the world No.1 and earning a spot in the bronze medal match.All team members progressed past the 1/16 elimination round in their individual competitions. ATHLETICS:Australia won 11 medals, including three gold, two silver and six bronze.The three gold medals were won by defending champions: James Turner (400m T36 and 100m T36) and Vanessa Low (long jump T63). Turner set a new world record in the 400m and equalled the Paralympic record in the 100m. Low set a new world record in her event.Rheed McCracken’s bronze medal in the 800m T34 meant he has won medals at each of the past four Paralympic Games.After carrying the flag at the Opening Ceremony, Madison de Rozario won a bronze medal on the track (5000m T54) before, on the final day of the Games, she won a silver medal in the marathon T54.BADMINTON:Celine Vinot became the third Australian Paralympic badminton player and did not progress to the elimination rounds. BOCCIA:Australia’s two silver medals in boccia, to Dan Michel and Jamieson Leeson in their respective BC3 individual competitions, were the best result achieved in the sport since its introduction in 1984. Previously, Australia had won two bronze medals, one at Atlanta 1996 and one, by Michel, at Tokyo 2020.CANOE:All three members of the canoe team won medals.Curtis McGrath won his third consecutive gold medal in the 200m KL2.Dylan Littlehales won silver in a photo finish in the 200m KL3Susan Seipel grabbed her third Paralympic medal at her third Games when she won bronze in the 200m VL2.CYCLING:Australia won a total of 11 medals, five on the velodrome, including three gold, and six on the road including one gold.When Lauren Parker won the triathlon and the road race she became the first Australian to win in two different sports at the same Paralympic Games since Vic Renalson claimed gold in athletics and weightlifting in 1968 in Tel Aviv. She will also take home a silver medal for the road time trial.Emily Petricola set a world record to win the C4 3000m individual pursuit and defend her Tokyo crown.Amanda Reid also went back-to-back with her win in the C1-3 500m time trial.Debutant Korey Boddington aka the ‘Flying Burrito’, won gold in the C4-5 1000m time trial and collected a second medal when he joined Alistair Donohoe and Gordon Allan to claim bronze in the team sprint.EQUESTRIAN:Australia fielded riders in four of Para-equestrian’s five classes.Australian trio Lisa Martin, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy all qualified to compete in the individual freestyle.Paralympic debutant, Dianne Barnes, 66, announced she would retire after the Paris Games.JUDO:Taylor Gosens become only the second woman to represent Australia in judo since Desiree Allan at Athens 2004.POWERLIFTING:Hani Watson and Ben Wright became Australia’s first representatives in the sport since London 2012.Watson finished sixth in the women’s over 86kg category. Wright finished seventh in the men’s up to 88kg powerlifting category.ROWING:Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers won Australia’s first gold medal in the sport, in the PR3 mixed double sculls. Rowing became a Paralympic sport in 2008.Single sculler Erik Horrie added to his remarkable record, winning his fourth consecutive medal, taking bronze after winning silver at the London, Rio and Tokyo Paralympics.SHOOTING:    London 2012 medallist Natalie Smith competed at her fourth consecutive Paralympic Games, while teammate Anton Zappelli featured at this third Games.SWIMMING:Australia won six gold medals, eight silver and 13 bronze.Brenden Hall competed at his fifth Games, equalling the most Games by an Australian swimmer.Tim Hodge set a new Paralympic Record in his gold medal swim in the 200m individual medley SM9Alexa Leary set a new world record in her gold medal swim in the 100m freestyle S9 after setting a new world mark in the heat.Australia’s gold medal-winning 4x100m medley 34 points – Jesse Aungles, Tim Hodge, Emily Beecroft and Alexa Leary – set a new Paralympic record in the final.Ben Hance set a new world record in the heat of the 100m backstroke S14 before winning gold in the final, defending his Tokyo 2020 title.Lakeisha Patterson won silver in the 400m freestyle S9, her third consecutive Paralympic Games medal over the distance.Rachael Watson won bronze in the 50m freestyle S4, her third consecutive Paralympic Games medal in the event.TRIATHLON:The 13-strong squad, consisting of 12 triathletes plus one sighted guide, was the largest since the sport was introduced at Rio 2016.Lauren Parker won the gold medal in the PTWC classification. It was Australia’s first gold medal in triathlon since Katie Kelly and guide Michellie Jones (PTVI) won gold at Rio 2016, the first Games in which triathlon was included on the program.Nic Beveridge (PTWC) became the first Australian to compete at three Games in the sport.At 17 years and 137 days, Grace Brimelow (PTS4) became Australia’s youngest Paralympic triathlete.Tom and Molly Goodman became the first sibling combination to represent Australia at the Paralympic and Olympic Games in triathlon and rowing respectively.TABLE TENNIS:Australia’s biggest team since 1968 won two gold and three bronze medals.Qian Yang successfully defended her Tokyo 2020 women’s singles WS10 gold medal.Qian Yang and Lina Lei won gold in the women’s doubles (WD20).Melissa Tapper completed the Olympic-Paralympic double for the third timeDanni Di Toro was the most capped Australian Paralympian at Paris, appearing at her 8th Games.WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL:Australia’s men’s team, the Rollers, finished fifth.The team beat Netherlands and Spain in the playoffs for 5th to 8th, both teams they lost to in the group stage.Captain Tristan Knowles and Shaun Norris became six-time Paralympians.WHEELCHAIR RUGBY:The Australian Steelers won their first Paralympic medal since Rio 2016.Among the bronze medal-winning team were eight players who won their first Paralympic medal.It was captain Chris Bond’s third medal from four Games and Ryley Batt’s fourth from six Games. Andrew Edmondson and Ben Fawcett won gold in Rio 2016.Australia’s squad included three females, the highest representation of females from any wheelchair rugby nation at Paris 2024. The other seven competing teams had a total of five female athletes from Germany (two), the United States, Denmark and Japan.The bronze medal completes a historical full set of Paralympic medals for Australia – gold (Rio 2016, London 2012), silver (Beijing 2008, Sydney 2000) and bronze (Paris 2024).Ryley Batt extended his record as the most experienced Australian Steeler of all-time, making his 353rd international appearance in the bronze medal match. Batt became a six-time Paralympian.Chris Bond (250) and Andrew Edmondson (200) also marked career milestones during the Paralympics.WHEELCHAIR TENNIS:Ben Weekes became a six-time Paralympian, while Anderson Parker made his debut. Both players were defeated in singles and doubles

Australian Paralympic Team co-captain Curtis McGrath confirmed his position as a legend of Paralympic sport, winning a third consecutive gold medal in the KL2 kayak sprint, one of three medals won by the Para-canoe team competing on Day 10.Meanwhile, James Turner gained his redemption, sprinting to victory in a thrilling 100m T36 final.For full coverage, visit: www.paralympic.org.au/Canoe All three members of the Australian canoe team won medals on the first day of competition, led by Curtis McGrath, who secured a crushing win in the men’s KL2.Dylan Littlehales took silver in the men’s KL3 and Susan Seipel won bronze in the Va’a VL2.McGrath, the former army combat engineer who became a bilateral leg amputee in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, had friends, family and army colleagues in support.“They were the ones carrying my stretcher and putting the tourniquets on and literally saving my life,” he said. “[They’re] all there and they’re a part of that journey of recovery and rehabilitation. In the traumatic moment of that blast they were with me and they’re still here supporting me and it’s very special having them here.” Swimming Australia’s swimming program came to a close with a brilliant silver medal in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay 34pts at La Defense Arena and indications of a strong future for Australian Para-swimming.The relay team of Rowan Crothers, Alexa Leary, Callum Simpson and Chloe Osborn registered 4:01.90 behind the team from Italy.It was the second silver medal of the day, after Col Pearse touched second in the men’s 200m individual medley SM10."To be able to walk away with some silverware, it just means so much,” Pearse said. “To those kids with disabilities from regional areas, be patient and love who you are."Athletics Runner James Turner claimed his second gold medal of the Games with a stirring final burst to snatch victory in the 100m (T36).It was sweet win for Turner, who let the 100m slip at Tokyo 2020 when he missed the start.“I’ve been working really hard with Iryna (Dvoskina, coach) to fix up my start–that’s where I lost it in Tokyo when someone moved beside me,” Turner said.“But I followed my own race plan today, not thinking about what the other athletes were doing.”JudoAustralia’s sole judoka, Taylor Gosens, made her debut Paralympic appearance on the tatami at Champ-de-Mars Arena, competing in the women’s +70 kg J2 quarter finals against Cuba’s Sheyla Hernandez Estupinan, ranked No.2 in the world.Gosens had another opportunity an hour later in the repechage, where she faced world No.3 Kazakhstan’s Zarina Raifova, who scored an ippon to end the battle.“It was rough, but that first fight is just judo, it can be one small thing,” Gosens said. “When I put my arm over her, I heard the sewing on her uniform breaking and it started to rip and then she threw me and I was like ‘dammit I was so close.”Cycling Three Australians competed on the final day of road cycling at Clichy sous Bois, with Darren Hicks finishing 13th in the men’s C1-3 road race, Gordon Allan finishing 22nd and Amanda Reid 13th in the women’s C1-3 road race.“That was a tough day on the bike,” said Hicks, who earlier in the week claimed third place in the C2 time trial. “I rode both the road race and road time trial really well and I just hoped for a fairy tale that I didn’t quite fulfil.“We’ll re-evaluate and maybe come back for LA (Los Angeles in 2028) and who knows that might be where the fairy tale happens.” Equestrian A trio of Australian riders have distinguished themselves in the final event at stunning Versailles, the individual freestyle.Lisa Martin, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy each performed beautifully in their classifications, highlighting communication and connection between horse and rider alongside intricate choreography and personality.“The atmosphere was incredible and I absolutely loved it out there,” Barton said.“Thank you to him and to everybody who helped to get me to my first Paralympic Games.”Table tennis Australia’s largest Para-table tennis team since 1968 as finished its campaign with two gold and three bronze medals. On the final day of the tournament, Lina Lei (WS9) and Lin Ma (MS9) were both defeated in their singles semi-finals earning them bronze medals.Lei was defeated 3-2 by China’s Guiyan Xiong. Ma fell agonisingly short of progressing to the gold medal match when he lost to French opponent, Lucas Didier 3-2 in a battle littered with long rallies, big swinging forehands, and a boisterous crowd that was urging a home win.“It’s tough in the biggest environment,” Australia’s head coach Alois Rosario said. “Lucas played unbelievably today, but Ma is used to big occasions and used to big matches.”PowerliftingBen Wright delivered a strong performance in the men’s up to 88kg powerlifting category, securing a seventh-place finish in Australia’s first appearance in the sport since London 2012.Wright lifted 184kg on his first attempt, 192kg on his second, and finished with 195kg on his third and final attempt.China’s reigning Paralympic and world champion, Panpan Yan, dominated with a winning press of 242kg.Wright said: "I assumed I would be 10th, ninth, or eighth, so coming away with seventh is one hundred percent better than I thought.”

The Kiama Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC) went down 36-5 in the grand final on September 7 with a score that doesn’t accurately reflect the tightness of the two teams and the effort put in by Kiama.The Kiama RUFC battled their way into the grand final after a nail biting win last week against Campbelltown and came out onto the park fired up.It was a long time before the first try was scored at the Collegians Sports Stadium, and a lot of the early rugby was played near the Kiama tryline with their backline looking very dangerous.Finally Shoalhaven struck first with a try off the back of a maul and then only a few moments later managed to score another one from a kick. They only converted one goal, which meant the score was 12-0 Shoalhaven’s way.Right before halftime Kiama seemed destined to score as they were only inches away from the line, but a dropped ball meant they just couldn’t execute with some points. Unfortunately this is an accurate depiction of Kiama’s match - coming dangerously close to points but unable to execute.After halftime, Kiama had to be the first to score and Cade-Michael Patrick managed to individually muscle his way through the Shoalhaven defence and over the line to make it 12-5.Unfortunately after this all the tries went Shoalhaven’s way. Kiama gave themselves ample opportunity to get over the line again, but just couldn’t finish these opportunities with points.The effort was definitely there for Kiama and they can be proud of a hugely successful season. Shoalhaven were the better team on the day, but next year Kiama will be looking to come back better than ever.

Bunnings announced on September 6 that they will be giving away $50,000 worth of products and materials to five local Australian Football Clubs across the country.Bunnings developed the initiative to support the ever-increasing demand on local club facilities as Australian football reaches an all time high in popularity exceeding more than 528,000 players in 2024, breaking the game’s all-time registered participation record of 526,000 set last year. Local clubs have been encouraged to apply for these Bunnings Home Ground Advantage grants at www.bunnings.com.au/campaign/home-ground-advantage. Sydney Swans AFL star Tom Papley and GWS Giants AFLW All-Australian Alyce Parker were today announced as the New South Wales ambassadors for the campaign and were very supportive in a press release today.“All clubs are unique and special – there’s nothing quite like the love for your team and putting the jumper on. Bunnings wants to showcase what makes your footy club great and what makes it heart and soul,” said Papley.“Country towns are built around their community centres, groups and sporting teams. Coming from a small town in southern New South Wales, I’ve seen first hand how unique and special they are to those that call them home,” said Parker.Applications for the grants close September 30, with the five successful clubs to be notified on October 18.

Australian Paralympic athletes were in action across six sports on the eighth day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The highlights were gold medals in the pool and on the road.SwimmingTim Hodge delivered a dominant performance to win the men’s SM9 200m individual medley in a new Paralympic record time of 2:13.31.The win added to the gold medal he claimed earlier in the week as part of the mixed 4x100m medley relay (34 points).“I’m really happy with that result and now it’s time to have a little bit of a celebration with the gold medal…then once the meet is over, my coach and I can really let the feeling sink in,” Hodge said.Road Cycling Lauren Parker has capped off a phenomenal Paralympic Games campaign with the ‘race of her life’ to win the gold medal in the 28.4-kilometre H1-5 Para-cycling road race at Clichy-sous-Bois on the outskirts of Paris.The 35-year-old’s win comes hot on the wheels of Wednesday’s silver medal in the 14.2km individual time trial and her victory in Monday’s Para-triathlon.“I am so stoked with that performance today I just can’t believe it,” said a jubilant Parker. “I really can’t believe what I’ve accomplished.”ShootingAnton Zappelli’s Paris campaign came to an end after finishing 18th in the R6 mixed 50m rifle prone SH1 on Thursday.Up against the elements in the open-air 50m rifle range at Chateauroux Shooting Centre, Zappelli shot a total score of 616.5 across six 10-shot series, across 50 minutes of match time.In a stacked field of 35 other competitors, only the top eight qualified for the final. Zappelli said the cold weather that caught him off guard.“The conditions in terms of the wind were actually perfect, there was no wind which makes it difficult to accept the result,” he said.ArcheryAustralia’s archery campaign came to a dramatic close as crowd favourite Taymon Kenton-Smith and Amanda Jennings lost in a nail-biting shoot-off against India’s Harvinder Singh and Pooja in the 1/8 elimination of the mixed team recurve open. It came down to the final two arrows. Singh and Pooja held their nerve, delivering the decisive shots to secure victory.“My arrow went on to the plunger button, which is above the arrow rest, and I aimed off a little bit, but obviously I didn’t aim off enough, and unfortunately, I missed the target,” Kenton-Smith said. “But that’s archery, that’s the sport.” AthleticsVanessa Low entered rarified athletic air in Paris on Thursday night, when she collected her third consecutive Paralympic Games gold medal and broke her own long jump world record in her T63 leg amputee class.Her first in Rio 2016 was under the German flag, but due to the charm and talent of her Australian husband Scott Reardon – and now her coach - the next two from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 were won in the green and gold.“What keeps driving me is trying to be the best I can be,” Low said. “I love pushing myself on the big stage and I think I can jump six metres – I think that’s possible. I want to break barriers.” Table TennisSam von Einem has been defeated by Gi Tae Kim (Republic of Korea) in the semi-final of the Para-table tennis men’s singles (MS11) to win a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics.  Von Einem showed his fighting qualities throughout the match, overcoming a slow start to draw level 1-1. But Kim went on to avenge his loss to the Australian at the International Table Tennis Federation Slovenia Para Open earlier this year. “He was switched on,” von Einem said. “He played very well. I felt like he was very well prepared. He took on my serve quite well.”