NSWRL recognises a champion volunteer Kristie Laird, photographer, secretary, manager and social media person for the Kiama Knights, has been recognised as a champion volunteer. Last Sunday Rugby league legend Brad Fittler presented Kristie with two awards – the NSWRL Gordon Lowrie Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, Greater Southern Region. Kristie, a Birrahlee Baby born and bred in Kiama, lives and breathes Rugby League. “My eldest son started playing in 2014 and back in those days I was manager of his team, helping out on game day where I could,” she says. “Then I completed the LeagueSafe course and coaches’ course to help more on game day. “In 2018 I decided to join the Committee. Registration numbers were starting to decline, and I wanted to help make sure we had a strong club for all kids to play with for years to come. “It’s a real passion for me. My husband has been involved with the Knights since he was 4 – he’s moved into the senior ranks now, so I help out there – and both my sons (11 and 8) play. “My weekends are pretty much spent at the football field, which my two boys just love. “We get there Saturday morning, we set up, then I get involved in running games through the day. “I sometimes duck off to watch the kids play at other fields. Then it’s back to pack up. “When senior league plays on Sunday, I’m up there taking photos as well.” As well as spending the weekend at the footy, Kristie has a fulltime job and works for a not-for-profit health organisation. She says that being announced as overall winner was a huge honour. “I was really delighted to be selected as winner of both awards. “There are so many hard-working volunteers out there within our game doing
ABOUT REAL ESTATE HOW TO FINANCE YOUR FIRST HOME NOW Terry Digger
Managing Partner First National Coast & Country
Another 10,000 first-home buyers will be able to get home finance with around a 5% deposit after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s recent budget announcement. They will join the 20,000 new home owners who have already used the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme this year. $700,000 price cap for the Kiama region From October 6, suitably qualified first home buyers in the Illawarra can work through one of 27 participating banks and lenders to purchase a new home or a newly built home up to the value $700,000, with a deposit as low as 5%. The guidelines say that eligible homes can be: • Newly constructed dwellings • Off-the-plan dwellings • House and land packages • Land and a separate contract to build a new home.
a similar role. “It does take a lot of effort and having a strong Committee is really important. “I couldn’t do it without the support of our Committee – it’s a real team effort.” There was a period this year where the Kiama Knights were not sure the season would go ahead. “We did everything in our power to make sure the Club was ready to be able to take the field when the competition could start in July,” says Kristie. “We had a bit of a hiccup with games deferred for one week. But by July 26 we were back on the field. “I worked closely with club president Carl Middleton, to develop our COVID safety plan – quite a comprehensive 10 page document outlining everything from training, game day and general operations – and it was one of the first approved by NSWRL for the Group 7 area.” When Brad ‘Freddy’ Fittler turned up at Chittick Oval on Sunday, he made a beeline
Brad Fittler presented the trophies to Kristie Laird
for the field to kick a ball around with the kids. Fittler, a Rugby League great who is head coach of the NSW State of Origin team and works as commentator and TV presenter, made the day for these kids, their parents, grandparents and onlookers. “For me, it’s all about these kids and making sure we create a strong and positive club culture that people want to be part of,” Kristie says. Her boys have the black and white on pretty much from the moment they wake up. No matter if they are playing or down at the skate club, they are always wearing Club colours. “Even when the kids have their out-of-uniform day at school, you see Knights colours everywhere. It just makes me really proud to be part of the Club and part of the Committee.” perrie@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au
New JVRRA committee
The Jamberoo community’s representative body, the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association ( JVRRA), has a new chair and committee. The new chair is Stuart Richards, a 40 year resident of Jamberoo. Stuart says he and the new committee will continue to drive the process of community involvement with transparent and open discussions to achieve agreed outcomes for the people and the village of Jamberoo. Other committee members are Vivienne Marris (Vice-chair), Ros Neilson (Secretary), Mary Lou Reid (Treasurer) and Graham Pike (Publicity Officer). JVRRA meets at the Jamberoo Club on the first Tuesday of every month, except January, and in November, when it is the first Wednesday. All welcome.
First home buyers may also be eligible for a First Home Owner Grant from the State government. This is $10,000 grant for new homes valued under $600,000 or for house and land under $750,000. Further information and applications can be made directly with your bank or lender or through a finance broker who can provide more details about eligibility.
SOME OF OUR NEW HOMES FOR SALE
49-51 COOINDA PLACE - KIAMA 4 New Townhouses | AGENT: Terry Digger
2 KINROSS PLACE - JAMBEROO New to market | AGENT: David Hall
Our other homes for sale • • • • • •
5 Boona Avenue, Gerringong Auction | Jason Stalgis 15 Caliope Street, Kiama New to Market | Andy Wharton 2 Merrick Circuit, Kiama $1.0 - 1.6 million|Dana Edwards 17/59 Collins St, Kiama New to Market | Andy Wharton 39 Park Road, Nowra New to Market | Terry Digger 1/93 Lake Enterance Rd, Oak Flats $480,000 - $520,000 Terry Digger & Owen Taylor
Some of our recent sales • • • • • •
5 Sims Road, Gerringong $1,035,000 | Jason Stalgis 51 Surfleet Place, Kiama $1,180,000 | Claire Nunn 2/29 Reid Street, Kiama $610,000 | Terry Digger 7/20 Bong Bong Street, Kiama $705,000 | Andy Wharton 10 Union Way, Gerringong $820,000 | Terry Digger 8 Saxonia Road, Gerringong $830,000 | Julie Vaux
Kiama
2/110-112 Terralong St ph 4232 2888
Gerringong 119 Fern St ph 4234 1911
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