Kiama Labor is gathering at the Leagues Club tonight to celebrate 70 years since its reformation in 1952.

After the original branch lapsed in the 1940s, the Kiama ALP branch was re-formed in the aftermath of World War II, at a time when Australian society was undergoing enormous changes, largely driven by postwar immigration and industrial expansion.

The 35 people at the first meeting were largely blue collar workers and all men. The first President was Jack Gale, a Bombo quarryman who later worked at the Port Kembla steelworks.

Branch President and endorsed Labor candidate for next year’s NSW election campaign, Katelin McInerney, said she is proud of Labor’s achievements in the region over the past 70 years.

“From those humble beginnings in Kiama has sprung a lasting legacy of service for this wonderful community of ours at all levels of government,” she says.

Premier Neville Wran presents Russell Smith with a tray to recognise his 25 years as Secretary of the Kiama ALP (1952-77)

“Today we have two young and passionate Labor members on Kiama Council and the return of Fiona Phillips to Federal Parliament for a second term in the seat of Gilmore.

“Now we are working hard to take Kiama from a tired and scandal ridden conservative state government next March.”

Current members taking a break from their Federal election campaigning

The branch was formed when politics across Australia was dominated by men. Currently Kiama branch is led by women as its President, Vice President and Secretary, with the Federal Member and one of its councillors also women.