The top athletes from across the South Coast, from Warilla-Barrack Point to Mollymook, will descend on Warrain Beach to contest events such as beach sprint, flags, surf, board, ski and ironman.

“We are really excited to host the Branch carnival for the first time in more than six years,” Nowra-Culburra Surf Life Saving Club’s vice-president Colin Pakes said.

“The event is coinciding with the opening of the revamped surf club, after all the renovations have been completed.

“It’s obviously been a process to get it into the shape it is today, but with the help of local, state and federal governments we have finally been able to upgrade our facilities.”

More than $1.2 million went into the improvements have gone into the clubhouse, which has seen a slight upgrade in the club’s numbers.

“We’ve always had a strong base of competitors at the club but being able to offer improved facilities and host event such as this will hopefully see the numbers continue to grow,” Pakes said. 

“Some of the new upgrades include new toilets, commercial kitchen, commercial bar, verandah and recently, all the concreting out the front has been completed.

“The club is now looking a million dollars and everyone is very proud to be able to put it on display to the public and other clubs this Sunday.”

Action will kick-off early Sunday morning, with the under 14 male surf, under 12 male surf, under 10 male surf, under nine male beach sprint and under eight beach flags, starting at 8.30am.

”The Nowra-Culburra club will have a large contingent competing on the weekend, with all athletes strongly encouraged to come down and compete on their home beach,” Pakes said.

“Whenever a carnival is at your home beach, it’s always that bit more fun and no doubt there will be a buzz on the sand this weekend.

“Hopefully we can turn that into some excellent results and win a number events – which would just cap off what is expected to be a sensational day for the club.”

The junior Branch carnival will run from 8.30am until 12pm before there is the all age beach relay (under eight- under 14), march past and colour parties (which is a combined event with seniors) and the junior life saver of the year presentations, branch president and official ceremony.

Following these proceedings, the senior carnival will get underway at 1pm, starting with the open/masters 30+ ironman, open/masters 30+ ironwoman and masters male beach sprint.

The day will conclude with all ages mixed taplin relay (three person) and all age beach mixed relay before  the 2km beach run, which is expected to start at 4pm.

Results and photos will appear in next week’s South Coast Register.