Langton makes bid for Wollongong The surprise resignation of Wollongong MP Noreen Hay has prompted Deb Langton to put her hat into the ring to contest the by-election for Labor. The Director of regional law firm Carter Ferguson has been a member of the Labor Party for 20 years, and previously sought preselection for the same seat in 2003. “I’ve always been interested in entering politics, but have got on with my life while waiting for another opportunity to come along,” she says. “I’ve incorporated my values into my firm so that we are involved in giving back to the community in many ways.” At the moment, it unclear whether a rank and file preselection process will occur or whether ALP head office will choose a candidate. The by-election is expected to be held in November. “There are so many things up in the air at the moment. Until I get chosen as the candidate it will be business as usual,” says Ms Langton. While Ms Langton is from an old Gerringong family and grew up there, she has lived most of her life in Wollongong. Her law firm has offices in Gerringong, Kiama, Goulburn, Wollongong and Nowra.
Cheering on Grace in Rio
Bub and Russell Ford
All set for September 10 election With the nomination period for candidates for the forthcoming local election now closed, the ballot for positions on the voting form has been cast. Mark Way’s Kiama Independents have the prized first spot, followed by the Honey/ Westhoff team, the Greens, Matt Brown’s team, Warren Steel’s Experience Counts team and Neil Reilly’s Some of the people vying for your vote: Neil Reilly, Community Voices team. No individuals nominated Ian Hornsby, Beth Woodstone, Mark Way, Mark Honey, Kathy Rice, Tass Schmidt, Gavin McClure for the election. and Warren Steel. There have been some changes to the teams announced in Matt Brown has announced his the last edition of The Bugle. team: Don Watson, Anne French, Marie Beikmanis has withdrawn Simon Mansfield and Grace Douglas. from the Experience Counts team due It seems the group will not be running to other commitments and Leanne under a name. Herbert and Michael Ballardin have Tass Schmidt is now running joined the team. number three on Neil Reily’s ticket.
Meet the Candidates August 18, 7.30pm Gerringong Town Hall Tuesday 6 September, 7.30pm Progress Hall, Charles Ave, Minnamurra OR Jamberoo Bowling Club TBA for Kiama The Kiama Business Chamber is organising a event. Watch for details.
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This time last year, Gerringong’s Grace Stewart was preparing for her HSC at Kiama High. This year, she’s in Rio as a member of the HockeyRoos, following her impressive performance in the Champions Trophy in London and the International Hockey Tournament in Darwin during which she scored nine goals. Talking to her grandparents Bub and Russell Ford, you get the feeling it was only a matter of time before their family produced an Olympian. Russell gave up an opportunity to play with St George in its heyday when he fell in love and moved to Gerringong to marry Bub. “The whole family is really sporty,” Bub says of her nine children and 26 grandchildren, reeling off their achievements such as playing for Parramatta, being selected for state teams in hockey, touch football and rugby league, and taking on soccer scholarships in the US. Russell is very proud at what Grace has achieved at just 19. “She’s fast, and she is a real team player,” he says. “She’s a striker, but likes to bring others into the game.” Apart from her sporting prowess, he’s proud of her character. “You wouldn’t find a nicer girl. She’s just lovely.” Hockey has long been a favoured family sport. Bub says she only stopped running around the field when she was 60. All five of her daughters played the game, and Grace’s younger sisters, Lily and Demi, still at Kiama High, have already been selected on NSW hockey teams. Grace’s parents, Mandy and Scott Stewart, have gone to Rio to watch her play. Being selected for the HockeyRoos at such a young age means her career is just beginning.