Rooted in the heart of Kiama, Gerringong, and Jamberoo, the Group A team, led by Cameron McDonald, is a coalition of passionate individuals who embody the mantra, “Community minded, business focused.” Each member brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the table, united by a shared commitment to enhancing the Kiama LGA and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.

Cameron McDonald: Cameron grew up in Kiama and is one of five partners in regional law firm Culleton Lawyers. Cameron has two degrees, a Masters in Property Law and Business Law Transactions and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment. He has travelled extensively, been appointed to State and Australian representative sporting teams in a former career and cut his teeth in a top tier law firm. Cameron is currently the President of the Kiama & District Business Chamber, a member of the Destination Kiama Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, a committee member of the Kiama Show Society and founding member of the Kiama & District Stronger Community mental well-being group alongside Erica, Mark and Derek. In his spare time Cameron coaches the U11 Girls Kiama Power AFL team (who apparently need little coaching). His family has a long history of serving the community, his father Al being one of the founding members of the Kiama Lions Club in 1970, and who is still a member of the Club. Cameron‘s wife Leah has served for the last 12 months on the Kiama Primary School P&C Association and their children go to Kiama High and Primary Schools. Cameron works tirelessly and has the skills and passion to make the Kiama LGA a better place.

Erica Warren: Erica is a Jamberoo local and mum who has spent over 35 years in the hospitality industry. Erica has spent 46 years of her life here in the Kiama Municipality, attending Kiama Infants, Primary and High Schools. Her parents, Ross and Nola Warren moved from Sydney to Kiama when she was five years old, operating The Grand Hotel Kiama and most recently The Jamberoo Pub. As Licensee of Jamberoo Pub for 10 years Erica was awarded several Australian Hotels Association Awards, along with the Prestigious NSW South Coast Tourism Award, Individual Contribution to South Coast Tourism. Erica mentored several employees and students in the AHA Women in Hospitality Scholarship Program, two receiving Scholarships. Most recently, Erica began her own Hospitality consulting business and currently is the General Manager of The Co-Op Gerringong. Erica is a member of the Kiama & District Business Chamber and Destination Kiama, she is involved in the Kiama & District Stronger Communities and previously served on the Board of Kiama Tourism. Erica has a Bachelor of Social Science and majored in Human Resource Management, Human Relations and Communications. She is passionate about our community, hospitality, live music and tourism and supporting our youth to ensure they have local jobs and the ability to live in our LGA. She believes in a common sense attitude to supporting businesses year-round and sensible development that reduces the impact on our beautiful land and environment. Erica is running as a candidate so she can play a pivotal role in making common sense decisions within Council for businesses and the broad demographic that live here and visit.

Melissa Matters: Born and raised in Gerringong, Melissa is a proud third-generation member of the Miller farming family. After attending Kiama High School and still in her early twenties, Melissa launched her own small business while raising her children. Melissa now owns and operates The Hill Bar and Kitchen in Gerringong with her husband Dean and their boys, employing 60 local residents. As co-owners, Melissa and her family acquired and restored the historic Gerringong Dairy Co-Op, showcasing her commitment to preserving local heritage and Gerringong’s natural beauty while fostering economic growth.

Melissa's deep connection to the community fuels her passion for its people and culture, and her first hand experience in managing successful businesses gives her unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our local enterprises. Melissa’s proven track record of leadership, innovative mindset, commitment to excellence and ability to forge strong relationships make her invaluable to our community. As cornerstones of the local community, Melissa’s businesses also proudly sponsor local football, soccer, and hockey clubs, underscoring her commitment to supporting local sports and youth development. 

Mark Burns: Mark Burns is a dedicated community member with a deep passion for purpose and contribution. With over 20 years of experience as an owner and clinician at Gerringong and Kiama Physiotherapy, Mark has honed his skills in caring for others and fostering wellbeing. Now, he has shifted his focus toward strengthening community ties and promoting health and connection through various initiatives. Mark is the founder and CEO of The Man Walk Charity, a program designed to encourage men to engage in meaningful conversations and support one another. He serves as the lead facilitator of the Building Young Men rites of passage mentoring program, empowering Year 10 boys to navigate their journey into adulthood with confidence. As a director of the Kiama and District Stronger Community charity, he actively works toward enhancing the wellbeing of the local community.

Mark is committed to ensuring a brighter future for residents in our region. With his extensive experience and genuine passion for community development, Mark Burns is an ideal candidate for local office.

Derek McMahon: Derek spent his childhood in Kiama before moving to Gerringong over 20 years ago, where he now raises his family. Derek is a second-generation business owner, currently operating two businesses within the Kiama LGA. McMahons Transport (Gerringong) and Lumberjacks Firewood (Minnamurra) employ local people and proudly sponsor several local sporting clubs and the Kiama Show. Derek is highly involved in the community, being the current Chair of Gerringong Bowling Club, an active member of Gerringong All Sports, a founding member of Gezza Cares and the Kiama & District Stronger Community group. For his charity work with the Illawarra Convoy, Derek was awarded the Australia Day Award. Derek is passionate about our local community, especially with regard to future planning and employment. Derek would like to see improved long term planning for the LGA and a return to a financially sustainable council. Derek doesn’t stand back. He seeks advice, makes decisions, takes responsibility, and gets on with the job.