John Dawson of the KDSA

The Kiama District Sports Association (KDSA), acting on behalf of Kiama Council, has approved the allocation of grants just shy of $35,000 for 2020/21, as a continuation of Council’s annual financial assistance to local sporting clubs.

“These grants are being used to improve the facilities at our sporting grounds through the purchase of new equipment and the refurbishment of the clubs’ canteens,” says the Association’s Secretary John Dawson.

“A lot of the buildings at our grounds are over 40 years old, were built with the assistance of voluntary labour and are in need of replacement or upgrading,

“This is reflected in the number of grants for canteen refurbishment awarded this year.”

The largest project approved for this year is a $13,840 grant for the provision of an awning at Gerringong’s Gerry Emery Oval Clubhouse, to provide shelter for players and spectators while watching games of the Gerringong Cricket and Gerringong Breakers Football clubs.

Other projects to receive assistance are:

• Kiama Senior Knights Rugby League Club: $820 for a replacement pie warmer
• Jamberoo Football Club: $2,420 for a replacement line marker
• Kiama Junior AFL Club: $5,250 for replacement canteen equipment to be used in the redeveloped Bonaira Reserve clubhouse
• Kiama Cricket Club: $2,387 for the refurbishment of the cricket nets at Gainsborough Chase Reserve (above)
• Kiama Rugby Club: $3,490 for the refurbishment of the canteen
• Kiama Junior Knights Rugby League Club: $1,449 for a cashless payment system for canteen and merchandise sales and concreting around the Chittick Oval canteen
• Kiama Softball Assoc: $500 for the purchase of much needed equipment and supplies.

Two other clubs are awaiting approval from Council for additional storage facilities at their grounds and, if approved, will receive grants totaling $4,800.

“These grants will provide much needed improvements to cater for the growing number of participants in local sport,” says Mr Dawson.

KDSA is a 40 year old independent organisation that acts as the conduit between Council and the sporting clubs and associations that operate within the area.

It voluntarily coordinates the booking of sporting fields and grounds to affiliated clubs and associations.