Every year, events like the Kiama Show, the Jamberoo (Soccer) Sevens, and the Kiama (Rugby) Sevens bring our community together. They showcase our region’s history, entertain locals, attract visitors, and inject money into our local economy. But there’s something even more important at the heart of these events - they are entirely run by volunteers.

Without these dedicated individuals, these events simply wouldn’t happen. And yet, instead of getting easier, organising these events is becoming increasingly difficult. Volunteers are battling red tape, rising costs, and logistical challenges - many of which could be alleviated with better support from local government and the wider community.

Why these events matter

• They boost our local economy - These events bring in thousands of visitors, filling our cafes, restaurants, accommodation, and shops. That money stays in the community, helping local businesses thrive.
• They provide entertainment for locals - From the classic agricultural events of the Kiama Show to the fast paced action of the Sevens, these events bring people together and create memories.
• They teach children the value of volunteering - When kids see parents, neighbours, and friends stepping up to run these events, they learn first-hand about community spirit, teamwork, and giving back.
• They help kids build friendships and resilience - Sporting events like the Sevens encourage kids to push their limits, work as a team, and form friendships that can last a lifetime.
• They showcase the best of our region - Whether it’s agriculture, sport, or just good old fashioned country hospitality, these events put Kiama and its surrounds on the map.

What’s at stake

Yesterday, I spoke with Mark Bryant, who runs the Kiama Sevens, and he laid it out plainly - running these events takes an enormous amount of time, and nobody gets paid. Across the country, other rugby sevens competitions have folded. Kiama’s event has survived because of the extraordinary dedication of volunteers, but that alone is not sustainable.

If we, as a community, don’t actively support these events - not just by attending, but by recognising and reducing the hurdles for organisers - we risk losing them altogether.

How we can help

• Turn up - Bring your family, bring your friends, and be part of these events.
• Volunteer - Even a small commitment - setting up, selling tickets, or cleaning up - makes a huge difference.
• Spread the word - These events thrive on community buzz. Share them on social media, encourage your networks to attend, and celebrate the people making them happen.
• Challenge the barriers - If local government processes are making it harder for these events to run, we need to advocate for solutions. Our council should be making it easier, not harder for volunteers to put these events on.

It’s time for a strategic plan

This isn’t just about one event - it’s about a broader issue. If we want these traditions to survive, we need to get smarter about how we support, protect, and sustain them. I believe we need to sit down with key stakeholders, including event organisers, community leaders, and council representatives, to map out a plan that ensures these events have a strong future.

Let’s start a real conversation about what needs to change and how we, as a community, can ensure that Kiama’s heritage events continue to thrive for generations to come.