Upgrade announced for ELS Hall Park

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator the Hon. George Brandis QC and Federal Member for Bennelong, John Alexander MP, today announced a $93,000 investment in local Australian Rules Football facilities in North Ryde.

The announcement was also attended by NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, State Member for Ryde, the Hon. Victor Dominello MP and North Ryde Dockers Secretary-Registrar, Greg Randle.

Craig Bolton, AFL NSW/ACT Deputy General Manager said the funding complement the work being done by AFL NSW/ACT in the community.

“One of our core values is to invest in community infrastructure to enable future growth of AFL and improve the standard of training and playing environments for existing participants,” he said.

“A new and improved amenities building at ELS Hall Park in Ryde will allow players, officials, volunteers and spectators to play and enjoy community football in a wonderful new environment.”

Mr Alexander said the funding will help the North Ryde Dockers AFL Club to upgrade the amenities building at ELS Park in North Ryde, which today hosted the AFL Primary Schools Football Tournament.

“North Ryde Dockers AFL Club and its facilities at ELS Hall Park are extremely important to the local community and I am delighted that the Coalition will support the club’s refurbishment,” Mr Alexander said.

“Sporting clubs like these play an important role in our communities, not only promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles but also encouraging social interaction. “Australian Rules Football continues to increase in popularity and these upgraded facilities are sure to help attract more budding AFL players and provide a meeting place for the community.”

Senator Brandis, who was Minister for Sport in the previous Howard Coalition Government, congratulated the club for its contribution to the local community and said the Coalition was committed to backing the football codes in local communities.

“North Ryde Dockers AFL Club has done a fantastic job developing young footballers and fostering social cohesion in the local community,” Senator Brandis said.

“We can see by the talent on display today that the sport has a bright future in the area and these improved facilities will provide another boost to the game locally.