NZ Warriors here for pre-season training The visiting members of the NZ Warriors rugby league team won’t be lacking for local knowledge during their time here. One of the players, Jack Murchie, played First Grade for the Gerringong Lions before being talent scouted by the Canberra Raiders. He was there for five years before joining the Warriors mid last season. “We won the Premiership when I was with the Lions, and Michael Cronin was a big mentor to me,” says Jack. South Coast born and bred, his family moved to Gerringong six or seven years ago. Jack says it has been awesome playing for the Warriors. “They are a good group of boys and have all been very welcoming. “We were based at Terrigal last season, which was tough for those that didn’t have their families in Australia.” Jack is doing his best to be a good guide to the local area. “I’ve teed them into some good local coffee spots and given them a run down of the best beaches,” he says.. “I’ve told them they can’t miss playing golf at Gerringong.” Mark Andrew, Head of Rehabilitation and Athletic Performance, is also a local who lives at Minnamurra. He started working with the Warriors this year. “We’ll be here for six weeks, which is great for me,” he says. “Our physio is Mark Burn, who is a local guy, and there are a number of other local people and businesses also
ABOUT REAL ESTATE ‘COASTAL CHANGE’ DEMAND BOOSTS RENTALS Terry Digger
Managing Partner First National Coast & Country
Sydney-siders looking for a ‘Coastal Change’ have created strong demand for our rental properties. This means healthy returns for investors and landlords. Given the current high demand in the long-term rental market, we know that some owners of short-term holiday rental properties are evaluating the economics of converting to long-term rental. We are happy to advise on the likely comparitive rental yields between short-term and long-term rental for investors and landlords. Please call us for advice. We also believe we will continue to see low availability for long-term rental over the Christmas period. We try to ensure fixed term lease agreements end in the first few weeks of January. Then there are no vacant properties over the Christmas period with the owner at risk of an empty property and no income. That’s just sound, professional property management. Talk to us today about the right way to manage your rental property in this market. In Kiama, call 4232 2888 or in Gerringong, call us on 4234 1911.
$1,500 Community Grant for Makuta Youth
Makuta Youth is a Kiama based charity raising funds to support established suicide prevention and wellbeing initiatives in our community. involved in our stay. “With a smaller group we get a lot more time to work on individual skills.” The 15 players, half the squad, are those with Australian-based families. The rest of the squad will train in NZ, so quarantine doesn’t keep families apart. The squad will be staying
at The Sebel until 19 December. After Christmas they will be relocating to Tamworth, and then back to NZ if the restrictions ease up. “The Warriors have earned a special place in the hearts of sports fans for their personal sacrifices during the 2020 NRL season,” says Mayor Mark Honey.
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Former Gerringong Lions player Jack Murchie with the Warriors’ other local, Mark Andrew
“While their Kiama visit will be shorter than their lengthy stay in Australia during the last season, we will do everything to make them feel right at home.” He encouraged locals to provide a warm welcome to the players and coaching staff, while respecting their COVID protocols. “While players will be taking part in open training sessions which everyone can enjoy watching, please be understanding of any restrictions they have about mingling with the public,” he says. “I understand the club is organising some community events, as well as visiting the local attractions.” The Mayor notes the Warriors are just the latest in a growing list of rugby league teams choosing to stay and train in Kiama. Other teams include the Australian Kangaroos, Cronulla Sharks and English Super League club Hull FC. “My thanks to the team at Destination Kiama who have helped secure this latest visit, as well as the outdoor Council staff who have helped prepare the training grounds for the Warriors.”
Realestate.com.au has seen a need to support community groups in these turbulent times, and pioneered a competitive Community Grants Program to provide funds for them, acting through local real estate agents. One of our First National Coast and Country team members, Aimee Longbottom, brought the two groups together and won a $1,500 grant for Makuta Youth, which they will use for a local school program.
FOR SALE
49 PRINCES HIGHWAY - GERRINGONG
Auction - Jason Stalgis
Terry Digger presents the $1,500 cheque to Makuta volunteer, Rachael Peedom
RECENT SALES
108 STAFFORD ST - GERROA
$3,700,000 - Ryan Stalgis
Our other recent sales • • • • • • • • • •
4 Merrick Circuit, Kiama $973,000 | Dana Edwards 60 Stafford Street, Gerroa $2,300,000 | Jason Stalgis 3/5 Meares Place, Kiama $635,000 | David Hall 55 Kalang Rd, Kiama Hts $1,050,000 | Andy Wharton C2/13 Noble St, Gerringong $980,000 | Jason Stalgis 6 Coal Street, Gerringong $995,000 | Julie Vaux 54 Lilly Pilly Way, Kiama $830,000 | Andy Wharton 9 Sandy Wha Rd, Gerringong $1,180,000 | Jason Stalgis 2 Kinross Place, Jamberoo $750,000 | David Hall 8/25 Royal Street, Worrigee $420,000 | Claire Nunn
Kiama
2/110-112 Terralong St ph 4232 2888
Gerringong 119 Fern St ph 4234 1911
w w w. c o a s t a n d c o u n t r y f n . c o m . a u 28 November 2020 | 7