Local councils across the Hunter have significantly contributed to facility developments in the region.
Valuable council support
The clubs at the centre of the new upgrades include three in the NPL Northern NSW (in Kahibah FC, Lake Macquarie City FC and Weston Bears FC) as well as one community club in Singleton Strikers.
Club members, volunteers and players alike celebrated as Harold Knight Oval, Macquarie Field, Alroy Oval and Hunter City Motor Group Stadium revealed their new look.
“We’re incredibly proud to officially open four brand new facilities across the Hunter region that will provide safe and modern spaces for players, club members and spectators,” said Northern NSW Football Government Relations Manager, Gary Fisher.
“This is a huge step forward for all aspects of football and we couldn’t have achieved it without the strong support of our local government.”
From pristine pitches to state-of-the-art indoor spaces, football in Northern NSW is witnessing major developments for the game and all custodians across the state.
The numbers at a glance
Harold Knight Oval, home of Kahibah FC, saw $5.3 million invested into the new facilities. Of this, $1 million came from the NSW’s government’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund. Additional contributions (up to $200,000) came from the Australian government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, while Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) gave $100,000 to further facility upgrades.
Macquarie Field, on the other hand, saw a $2.7 million renovation supported by the combined efforts of Lake Macquarie City Council and NNSWF, with the latter contributing $21,000.
Alroy Oval, home of community club, the Singleton Strikers, received a huge $3 million contribution from the Australian government Investing in Our Communities grant, as well as backing from the NSW government and Singleton Council.
Finally, Weston Bears FC’s Hunter City Motor Group Stadium underwent a major $6.4 million upgrade, helped largely by the collective efforts of Cessnock City Council and a Federal government grant totalling $3 million.
Upgrading the game for all
Gender-neutral amenities, improved pitch conditions, refurbished granstands and modern changerooms are just a few examples of the additions made possible by council support in Northern NSW.
The upgrades, of course, reflect significant financial backing from local councils, NNSWF and the Australian government. Nevertheless, the value of these improvements extend far beyond the numbers at the surface.
When used effectively, and with genuine purpose, major funding nurtures not only the players and coaches who use them now, but the future stars and spectators who will continue to feel the benefit for many seasons to come.
