Government funding paves the way for new AFLW venue

Photo: Leon Cameron and Charlie Gardiner of the Sydney Swans with Head of AFL NSW/ACT Tiffany Robertson, Kristian Purdie President Mac Uni AFL, Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University, Professor S Bruce Dowton, Ministers The Hon Alister Henskens MP and The Hon Victor Dominello MP, City of Ryde Mayor Jordan Lane, Redlands School Principal Stephen Webber and students

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Six venues across NSW will benefit from the NSW Government’s $100 million Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

These projects will ensure continued enthusiasm for community football across the state as they build or improve facilities for players young and old, newcomers to elite.

Upgrades to Macquarie University are particularly exciting as they will enable the facilities to be suitable for elite AFLW matches.

NSW Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens MP, said of the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund: “Regardless of age, ability or the sport you play, this program is delivering game-changing projects that promote participation and secure a brighter future for local communities across NSW.”

AFL NSW/ACT is committed to exploring all funding avenues and partnerships to continue to build, upgrade or maintain our football facilities to ensure the best possible outcomes.

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The following project have received funding through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund:

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Macquarie University Oval, Macquarie Park

AFL NSW/ACT has received $5 million from the NSW Government towards a $7.5 million upgrade of Macquarie University Oval.

This project includes refurbishments of the existing changerooms in the Blue Barclay and Ron Reilly Pavilions at University Oval in Macquarie Park so they will meet AFLW guidelines.

There will also be an upgrade of the playing surface, provision of an electronic scoreboard, improved field lighting to allow for television broadcast (1,000 lux), upgraded clubroom and meeting facilities, and a new match day operations centre to support coaches boxes, media and broadcast facilities.

The home of the Mac Uni Warriors will be funded jointly between the NSW Government, AFL and Redlands School.

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Olds Park, Penshurst

St George Dragons and Penshurst Panthers JAFC will be rapt with the incoming $7.3 million upgrades at Olds Park. The NSW Government has committed $4.9 million alongside a significant contribution from the AFL.

Four new universally accessible change rooms will be built along with upgraded club and spectator facilities, and a gymnasium.

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Bob Prenter Reserve (Monarch Fields), Campbelltown

The South West Sydney Blues will go from strength to strength, thanks to a $5 million NSW Government investment.

The existing grandstand will be redeveloped into a shared facility with publicly accessible toilets, seating and viewing terraces. ‍An adjoining new building will consist of four female-friendly changerooms and community amenities alongside replacement of the existing lighting systems.

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Pambula Sports Complex

The Pambula Panthers will be on the prowl following the completion of its upgrades, support by $3.29 million from the Multi-Sport Community Facilities Fund.

Renewal of the Complex’s existing building as well as field upgrades will be welcomed by the community.

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Hanging Rock Sports Complex, Batemans Bay

Relocating the existing building at the Complex will allow for more sporting activities in Batemans Bay, music to the ears of the Sea Hawks. The $2.39 million NSW Government funding will also help to build LED lighting and a grey-water irrigation system.

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Murrumbateman Recreation Ground

Home of the Murrumbateman Eagles, the Recreation Ground is receiving $1.6 million towards a new amenities block.

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Queen Elizabeth Recreation Park, Casino

The home of the Casino Lions is receiving $1.63 million for new fencing and bollards as well as field improvements to support all sports which use the facility.

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