It doesn’t matter what sport you love, we’ve got it covered. This year we celebrated our Olympic stars, farewelled a few, and dived into some new and exciting sports – check them out.
15. South Coast green queen Karen Murphy joins sporting legends in Hall of Fame
by Jen White
Champion Australian lawn bowler Karen Murphy, who started her career at Shoalhaven Heads. Photo: Bowls Australia.
The South Coast’s “queen of the green”, Shell Cove lawn bowler Karen Murphy, has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, becoming only the fourth lawn bowler – and only female bowler – to join the elite of Australian sport on the honour roll.
14. Champion steeplechaser adds major Illawarra Academy of Sports awards to his impressive resume
by Jen White
Illawarra Academy of Sport overall athlete of the year Nicholas McGill. Photo: Josh Brightman/Balanced Image Studio.
A young track and field athlete who holds an Oceania steeplechase record has claimed the prestigious Illawarra Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year title. Nicholas McGill, 16, was also named the academy’s BlueScope WIN Future Stars athlete of the year.
13. Ben Hall’s wife encouraged him to try roller derby – now he’s represented Australia
by Zoe Cartwright
Ben Hall puts his game face on at the World Skate Championships in Italy. Photo: Ben Hall.
Port Kembla man Ben Hall thought he was “too competitive” to strap on the skates. But he gave it a go and ended up on the journey of a lifetime.
12. Emma McKeon reflects on her swimming career from a North Gong nipper to Australia’s top Olympian
by Jen White
Olympian Emma McKeon on the steps of the North Wollongong promenade that has been named in her honour. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Emma McKeon, 30, grew up in Wollongong with a dream of one day competing at the Olympics. Australia’s most decorated Olympian is officially retiring from competitive swimming.
11. How jockey Troy Phillips has gone from the starting gate to the winner’s circle in love and life
by Kellie O’Brien
Troy Phillips riding Arrows Destiny in 2017 on Cup Day at Nowra. Photo: Supplied.
When Troy Phillips’ career advisor suggested the four-foot-high lad try work experience as a jockey rather than a pastry cook, little did he know it would lead to a 40-year racing career, riding winners for the likes of Bob Hawke and igniting a great love story.
10. Illawarra cricketers honoured for their outstanding contributions to the sport
by Graeme Burrill
Barry Bates started his cricket career at Port Kembla Public School and went on to play 10 matches for NSW. Photo: Cricket Illawarra.
The Illawarra has produced some outstanding cricketers over the years, with many representing their state and country. Five of those have been welcomed into Cricket Illawarra’s Hall of Fame in honour of their contributions.
9. How wheelchair basketball changed Brian Gardner’s life after a brain injury
by Kellie O’Brien
Wheelchair basketball transformed Brian Gardner’s life after a car accident left him with a minor brain injury. Photo: Supplied.
Before Brian Gardner found sport, he was told he would deteriorate by 10-12 per cent per year and within five years be in a full-time care facility after a car accident in 2012 left him with a minor spinal cord injury, numerous damaged discs and a minor brain injury. Gardner now credits wheelchair basketball for changing his life.
8. These Dolls are tough on the track but say even their opponents are friends
by Eileen Mulligan
Carlie, aka Ziggy Starbuster (centre), has been skating and slamming for 12 years. Photo: Mark Zouroudis.
With nicknames like Vishousness, Kitty Killher and Kat O9 Tails, you’d think roller derby skaters were out to kill – but most are in the sport for the friendships they make, even with opponents.
7. Woonona’s wartime women paved way for bowler and OAM honouree Helen Pittman 85 years later
by Kellie O’Brien
Woonona Women’s Bowling Club members marking the club’s 80th anniversary five years ago, with Helen Pittman (inset) who was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Photo: Supplied.
Woonona’s wartime women laid the foundation for King’s Birthday honouree Helen Pittman and the oldest women’s bowling club on the South Coast, which this year marks 85 years.
Caitlin Foord says being the focus of a Wollongong mural is an “amazing privilege”. Photo: Supplied.
She’s a huge star in her own right but now Matildas’ Caitlin Foord is also the focus of a huge Wollongong mural. She’s tickled pink by the honour, especially by the inclusion of her pet pooch, Peach.
5. Justin Tatum’s Wollongong: Hoops, heritage and hidden gems
by Julian O’Brien
Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum has turned the team around since taking over the role in 2023. Photo: Illawarra Hawks.
He’s the man who’s turned around the fortunes of Illawarra Hawks Basketball, but Justin Tatum has discovered another winner – his adopted home city of Wollongong.
4. Illawarra serves up boom sport pickleball and it’s proving to be a hit
by Kellie O’Brien
Pickleball is fast gaining momentum in the Illawarra. Photo: Supplied.
Celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Jamie Foxx have played it and podcasters debate whether it’s better than tennis, but regardless, the boom sport pickleball is making a racket in the Illawarra.
3. Wollongong physio Jess Stoll kicks historic goal at St George Illawarra Dragons
by Zoe Cartwright
The Female Collective’s Jess Stoll has made history as the St George Illawarra Dragons Women’s first dedicated head trainer. Photo: Jess Stoll.
This season, for the first time since the St George Illawarra Dragons Women side began in 2018, a dedicated female head trainer is running onto the pitch with the players. Physio Jess Stoll, a self-confessed AFL afficionado, didn’t imagine she’d end up kicking goals in the NRLW.
2. Want to live your Kelly Slater dreams this summer? Here’s your guide to the secret rules of surfing
by Zoe Cartwright
A couple of beachgoers head into the surf at Werri Beach, south of Kiama. Photo: Destination NSW.
Good surf etiquette can mean the difference between being stoked and getting told off by old mate out the back. Here’s a handy guide before you hit the water.
1. Return of Illawarra Hawks’ former captain Kevin White a win for fans and community
by Kellie O’Brien
Illawarra Hawks presented Kevin White with a ball at the end of last year. He is with his wife, Rachael, and their two boys. Photo: Supplied.
The special connection between the Illawarra Hawks and their fans is what’s drawn former captain and retired player Kevin White back to the club in a new off-court role.
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