Already buoyed by being able to return to the field for the season, Kiama Power AFL Club is celebrating its $666,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, the largest awarded in our region.

Last year, the Power gained Council approval to replace its current outdated clubhouse on Bonaira Oval with a two storey building located on the footprint of its current site.

“The grant will enable us to build the whole clubhouse to lock-up, and complete the downstairs area,” says the President of the Junior Club, Dirk Overden.

“By starting in September, we plan to have male and female change rooms, storage and the canteen ready for the start of the 2021 season in April.”

He says this is the culmination of a lot of good volunteer work over the years.

“Three years ago we made a concerted decision that this is what we wanted to achieve, and we are almost there.”

In addition to the grant, this first stage is being funded by $100,000 raised by the Junior Club and a contribution from the AFL itself.

“A further $300,000 is needed to complete the upstairs, and we have already begun applying for grants for that,” says Mr Overden.

The Power is one of the largest and most successful clubs in the Illawarra League, with 360 players spread over 14 Junior teams and three Senior teams.

It was a finalist in the 2019 NSW Community Club of the Year.

Other Stronger Country Communities Fund grants have yet to be announced.