Kiama Power has celebrated the official opening of stage 1 of its new clubhouse on Bonaira Oval.

With two senior mens, two senior womens and 14 junior teams, its previous clubhouse was woefully inadequate for the AFL club’s needs.

“This has been over four years in the making,” says Kiama Power Juniors President Dirk Ovenden.

“We wanted our growing women’s group, our men and our kids to enjoy the premier sporting facility on the South Coast.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to get it to this stage.

“Without the grant from Gareth Ward MP, we’d still be using our old changerooms.”

Gareth Ward MP, Juniors President Dirk Ovenden and Mayor Mark Honey viewing the potential of second stage, which is currently unfunded

The $666,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund was topped up by $100,000 raised by the Junior Club and a contribution from the AFL itself.

Another $30,000 has already been raised by the Club for Stage 2, completing the upstairs area, and a further $250,000 is being sought in grants.

Mr Ovenden also thanked Mayor Mark Honey and Council, Kiama Sports Association and the builders, local firm Bluestone Building Group.

“The project has helped bring the Junior and Senior clubs together, to work collaboratively as one club.”

In officially opening the clubhouse, the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, said, “It is great to see the facilities here so you can run great AFL games.

“I love getting grants for sporting clubs, because it makes all the difference. It means the volunteers can focus on sporting aspects, rather than selling raffle tickets to raise money.

“It is a real pleasure to see local sporting clubs reach their potential by getting local sporting clubs facilities like this. It will be something to call your own for a very long time to come."

The adjacent carpark is currently being constructed by Council.