News

As the Kiama Nippers season draws to a close this month, Kells Lawyers is proud to continue its longstanding sponsorship of the Kiama Nippers, a cornerstone of the Kiama community. The Kiama Nippers, part of the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, provide children aged 5–14 with the skills, confidence, and enjoyment of surf lifesaving through a safe, structured, and fun program. Kells Lawyers has been a flag-year sponsor for the past five years, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to investing back into the communities that have supported its growth and prosperity. Michael Hatfield, Partner at Kells’ Kiama office and local resident, commented "Supporting the Kiama Nippers is about more than sponsorship, it’s about giving back to the community that has given us so much. Over the past five years, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact this program has on children and families across Kiama. Being part of this tradition, and helping nurture young lifesavers, is something we’re proud to contribute to." Through its ongoing support, Kells Lawyers helps the Nippers continue to deliver a program that builds confidence, skills, and a love of the ocean, while strengthening community connections across Kiama. "Investing in grassroots initiatives like the Nippers is part of how we give back to the region," Michael Hatfield added. "Our firm’s success is tied to the health and vibrancy of the community around us, and we’re committed to supporting programs that make a real difference." Kells’ sponsorship underscores the firm’s broader commitment to local sport, youth programs, and community development across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region. For more information, visit Kiama Surf Life Saving Club Nippers . Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

The 2026 Kells Kiama Sevens has once again cemented its place as one of Australia’s premier rugby sevens tournaments, drawing elite teams, passionate supporters, and the wider community together for a day where speed met spectacle and tradition met ambition. Held at the iconic Kiama Showground, the tournament delivered fast-paced rugby, electric sideline energy, and a standard of competition befitting its reputation as the Southern Hemisphere’s longest-running sevens event. In a gripping Cup Final, Manly defeated Easts, claiming the 2026 title in emphatic fashion. The final showcased the very essence of sevens rugby, precision, pace and pressure, thrilling the crowd from first whistle to final siren. Kells Lawyers congratulates Manly on their championship victory, Easts on an outstanding campaign, and all divisional winners and participating clubs whose skill and sportsmanship defined the day. Beyond the scoreboard, the Kiama Sevens remains a powerful engine for community impact. Through the Kiama Sevens Foundation and the enduring work of the Kiama Rugby Union Club, proceeds from the tournament are reinvested directly into grassroots rugby — supporting junior development pathways, coaching programs, player welfare initiatives, and the long-term sustainability of the sport within the region. The event also continues to deliver meaningful economic benefits to the local area, with visiting teams, families and supporters contributing to accommodation providers, hospitality venues and local businesses throughout the weekend. For Kiama, the Sevens is more than a tournament; it is a celebration of community identity and regional pride. Kells Lawyers commits to a further two years as Naming Sponsor Following the success of the 2026 tournament, Kells Lawyers is proud to confirm its commitment as naming sponsor of the Kells Kiama Sevens for a further two years. This renewed partnership provides the strategic certainty required for organisers to plan ambitiously for future tournaments, enhancing player experience, strengthening commercial partnerships, and ensuring the long-term growth of the event. “As a firm deeply embedded in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region, our commitment to the Kiama Sevens is about more than sponsorship,” said Paul Magagnino, Managing Partner at Kells. “It’s about investing in community, backing grassroots sport, and supporting an event that brings extraordinary energy and opportunity to the Kiama region. Securing our partnership for another two years allows the tournament to plan strategically and build on its remarkable legacy.” With the extended sponsorship in place, anticipation is already building for the next chapter with the 2027 Kells Kiama Sevens set to take place on 27 February 2027. Kells Lawyers looks forward to standing alongside players, volunteers, sponsors and supporters as the tournament continues to evolve, proudly championing rugby excellence while reinvesting in the community that makes it possible. For more information, visit Kells Kiama Sevens . Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

As Dapto Swimming Club celebrates 60 remarkable years of fostering swimming talent, community spirit, and family fun, Kells is proud to have supported last Sunday’s milestone carnival as a Lane Sponsor. Being a lane sponsor isn’t just about signage or a name on the pool deck, it is about investing in the heartbeat of Dapto and the wider community. It is about encouraging young swimmers, celebrating local achievements, and supporting an inclusive environment where families and athletes thrive. Through sponsorship, we are helping the club provide opportunities for its swimmers, honour decades of history, and continue fostering the friendly, family atmosphere that makes Dapto Swimming Club so special. “Supporting Dapto Swimming Club is more than sponsorship, it’s an investment in community, opportunity, and the next generation of talent,” said Paul Magagnino, Managing Partner at Kells. “We are proud to give back to the region that gives so much to all of us and to play a part in helping young swimmers reach their potential.” From families and swimmers to volunteers and committee members, the carnival was a true celebration of sport, teamwork, and local pride. This sponsorship reflects Kells’ ongoing commitment to local partnerships that make a difference through events like this, the firm continues to see the value of investing in relationships that go beyond the office. For more information, visit Dapto Swimming Club . Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Kells Lawyers proudly acknowledges the outstanding achievement of former Partner Roger Downs, who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours. This prestigious national honour recognises Mr Downs’ decades-long commitment to community service throughout the Illawarra. Fewer than one thousand Australians were recognised this year, with recipients selected by the independent Council for the Order of Australia following a comprehensive assessment process. After concluding a legal career spanning more than four decades in the Illawarra, Roger stepped away from day-to-day practice but did not step away from public life. He has continued to dedicate his knowledge and experience to community and not-for-profit organisations across the region he has called home since 1979. Over many years he has contributed his professional skills to assist a range of institutions focused on health, justice and community wellbeing, offering strategic, legal and governance support to organisations including the NSW Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, the Law Society of NSW and the Illawarra Credit Union. Roger’s long-standing involvement with Warrigal further reflects his commitment to service and leadership. His association with the organisation began in 1997 when he became a company member and shortly thereafter joined the Board, later being appointed Vice Chairman. In recent years he led the Board Risk and Audit Committee through a significant period of reform within the aged care sector and continues to serve on key governance committees. His steady guidance and oversight have contributed to Warrigal maintaining exemplary governance standards, including achieving full compliance with all Aged Care Quality Standards. Managing Partner of Kells Lawyers, Paul Magagnino, congratulated Roger on the honour, stating, “Roger’s contribution to both the legal profession and the broader community has been exceptional. His integrity, dedication, and commitment to service set a standard we are incredibly proud of. This recognition is richly deserved, and everyone at Kells Lawyers extends their warmest congratulations on this remarkable achievement.” Roger Downs’ recognition reflects a lifetime of professional excellence, volunteer leadership, and enduring service to the Illawarra community. Kells Lawyers joins community members and colleagues in celebrating this well-earned honour. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Kells becomes naming-rights sponsor of Dapto Cricket Club’s first-ever women’s team, championing women’s sport and community growth in the Illawarra.

Kells is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the annual Disability Trust Charity Golf Day, held at The Links, Shell Cove on Friday 14 November. This much-loved community event brings together local businesses, golfers, and supporters for a day of sport, connection, and giving back, all in support of The Disability Trust’s Sport and Recreation programs. As Platinum Sponsor, Kells is honoured to stand alongside The Disability Trust in their mission to enrich the lives of people with disability through inclusive, community-based activities. All proceeds from the event go directly to these vital services, helping individuals build confidence, friendships, and independence through sport. “We’re thrilled to support an event that reflects our values of inclusion, community, and meaningful impact,” said Michael Hatfield, Partner at Kells. “The Disability Trust does incredible work, and we’re proud to help raise awareness and funds for their programs.” The Golf Day promises a full day of fun, including a round of golf, lunch, prizes, and plenty of laughs. Kells team members will be on-site throughout the day, proudly connecting with fellow attendees. This sponsorship reflects Kells’ ongoing commitment to local partnerships that make a difference through events like this, the firm continues to see the value of investing in relationships that go beyond the office. For more information about the event visit The Disability Trust . Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact: Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Estate lawyer Nicki McNamara returns to Kells, bringing her experience and empathy back to clients in Shellharbour and Wollongong. Read more here.

Kells announces the promotion of one new partner and four associates.