Sport & Leisure

Ivy Miller turns watersports passion into an Olympic dream

Meet Ivy Miller, a 16-year-old surfer and swimmer with four years at the Illawarra Academy of Sports (IAS). Hailing from a family of water sports enthusiasts, Ivy aspires to channel her childhood passion all the way to the Olympics. Ivy inherits...

Sugartown Skate Club rolls into Helensburgh

Groove isn’t just in the heart but in Helensburgh now that Sugartown Skate Club has rolled on in.

Caitlin Sloan

IAS athletes shine at 2024 Academy Games

Illawarra Academy of Sports (IAS) athletes have impressed at the 2024 Academy Games, returning home with a swag of medals, including gold in cycling and bronze in hockey.

Essential Surf founder Fiona Hunt is a local champion of Women on Waves

To end her posts on Women on Waves – an Instagram community with a 14,500-strong following that she’s built since 2016 – Fiona Hunt likes to use #healthyobsession. For the owner of Helensburgh’s Essential Surf and Skate shop and surf school...

Caitlin Sloan

Help HORCC restore Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park after asbestos closure

After a year of closure, Helensburgh Off-road Cycle Club (HORCC) celebrates the fence removal around the Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park, restoring a cherished community asset for local mountain biking enthusiasts. For years, Helensburgh Mountain...

Cycling champ Lucy Allen turns family bike rides into comp success

Cyclist Lucy Allen turned lockdown training rides into state championship victories and is now on her way to competing against elite athletes.

Hockey Athlete of the Year Tessa Body off to Academy Games

Last year, 16-year-old hockey player Tessa Body helped the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) hockey girls team to triumph at the 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games. This weekend, they are heading to Wagga Wagga to have another shot at the title.

Roller-skating school starts at Helensburgh Scout Hall

Groove is coming to Helensburgh in 2024! Sugartown Skate Club has launched Helensburgh Roller School and one-on-one street coaching sessions for roller skaters of all ages and skill levels. At Helensburgh Scout Hall, the Roller School’s timetable...

Caitlin Sloan

New winners pop up at Camp Treachery

Firstly, congratulations to our team that made their way to Queensland on the weekend of 9-10 March to represent our club at the Australian Boardriders Battle National Finals. Team: Nic Squiers, Mannix Squiers, Fin McLaren, Will Clarke, Shyla Short...

Ian Pepper

Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club shares new high score

Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports. HSSGC roamed the fairways and greens of Campbelltown on March 3rd to witness the elegance and beauty of a man on top of his game. With El Presidentè believing this effort to be...

The Illawarra Flame

First triathlon dream come true: Cate Giason makes NSW All Schools team

Running star Cate Giason began her third year at Illawarra Academy of Sport by taking on triathlons and has already ticked off her first goal of 2024.

Sea Eels to start winter swimming in May at Coalcliff Pool

By Peter McDonald, president of the Sea Eels Winter Swimming Club The Stanwell Park Sea Eels will be back for our 36th year of Winter Swimming starting Sunday, 5 May. Our club is a family club open to all swimmers who can swim 50 metres unaided. We...

Peter McDonald

Suns Out Skates Out enjoys first social skate from Woonona to Bulli

Suns Out Skates Out recently hosted its inaugural social skate this past weekend, drawing a modest but enthusiastic crowd. The event offered skaters of all levels a chance to connect. The social skate saw a turnout of approximately 10 participants...

Like father, like daughter: Triathlete Skye Bell a champion in training

With strong family links to triathlon, Skye Bell is tackling physical and mental challenges every day to achieve her sporting dreams. These include competing in the Olympics and future Iron Man championships.

Thirroul local proud to represent Australia at wheelchair curling championships

Last November, I travelled to South Korea after being selected in the Australian Wheelchair Curling team. Curling is just like lawn bowls but on ice. The only difference between wheelchair curling and able bodies curling is that wheelchair teams...

The Illawarra Flame

‘Wildest dream’: South Coast Flame goalie Abigail Inman aims to go pro and represent Australia

Abigail Inman, the under-16s goalkeeper for South Coast Flame, has joined the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS), taking another step towards her “wildest dream” – representing her country in professional football.

Well done to all 170 Nippers at Stanwell Park surf club

The official season of Nippers at Helensburgh Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club wrapped up on Sunday, 18 February. We farewelled our U14s with the Nippers forming a Guard-of-Honour. We wish these nine young adults all the best as they move into...

Christine McDonald

Airs to the throne: Debut Ocean Queen Classic is the Illawarra’s first all-women surf showdown

Excitement is building for the ground-breaking competition on May 5, writes Anna Martin of Woonona Boardriders. The Illawarra’s first all-women invitational surf showdown, The Ocean Queen Classic, hosted by Woonona Boardriders, is set to run on May...

Anna Martin

Rolling revival: Suns Out Skates Out unites community on wheels

Dive into the world of roller skating with Suns Out Skates Out. From fundamental skills to community spirit, discover the joy of rolling together. Suns Out Skates Out is a roller skating school located in Russell Vale, which provides skill levels...

Marathon effort for KidsWish: 17th Great Illawarra Walk raises almost $90k

This year marked the 17th edition of the Great Illawarra Walk, showcasing a remarkable community effort with 548 walkers and nearly $90,000 raised for the Kids Wish programs. Starting as a conversation among friends, the Great Walk has transformed...

Teen golf sensation Zac Oyston wants to be world No.1

Rising teen golf star Zac Oyston is working hard to achieve his ultimate dream. “Without a doubt, it would be to become the number one player in the world, “ the 15-year-old golfer and Illawarra Academy of Sports (IAS) athlete said.