Joint media release
Oxley Oval Clubhouse has received a major makeover and is now open again for community members to enjoy.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the upgrade, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Hastings Valley Vikings Rugby Union Club and Hastings River District Cricket Association, was great news for the community.
“The clubhouse has been brought into the 21st century and its refurbishment means female sports teams and people with limited mobility can now enjoy the grounds as well,” he said.
“One of the best parts of this major renovation for me is the fact that our Government’s investment was equally matched by in-kind contributions from the community, proving what a much-loved clubhouse this really is.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s $140,000 investment in sporting infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the Port Macquarie region.
“In addition to the construction and fit-out of the clubhouse including dressing rooms, referees room, canteen, bar and presentation room, this investment will also produce long-term benefits to the region as it will allow for state and regional sporting events to be held at the oval as well as community events such as the annual Relay for Life,” he said.
Mayor Peta Pinson said the upgraded clubhouse adds to the impressive array of sporting facilities across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
“We are a sporting destination of choice, and have an extremely active community that enjoys the camaraderie and competition that sport provides,” said Mayor Pinson.
“I’d like to thank everyone in our community for working together to deliver the upgraded clubhouse and the many other facilities for our sporting community to enjoy.”
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams added: “Oxley Oval is an iconic community asset and to see these major upgrade works completed is fantastic.
“Investing in sporting infrastructure pays huge dividends in health and fitness for people across our community.”
This $378,797 project was delivered through $140,000 from the Australian Government under the Community Development Grants Programme. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council provided $150,000 toward the renovation; Cricket NSW – $25,000; NSW Government – $14,245 and Hastings Valley Vikings Rugby Union Club/ Hastings River District Cricket Association – $49,552.
It is estimated the renovation received more than $300,000 worth of in-kind contributions from the community, in the form of donated and discounted materials and labour.
Media Contacts:
Mr McCormack – Dean Shachar 0418 202 860 | Jock Rice-Ward 0417 837 565
Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744
Ms Pinson – Andy Roberts 0412 769 454
