A new amenities building at Barry Sheppard Oval at Bogangar was officially opened yesterday, providing better opportunities for the local sporting community and the growth of AFL in the Tweed, including the increased popularity in women taking up AFL.
The new building was completed this month and stage 1 includes 2 unisex change rooms, a referees’ room, an accessible toilet, a scorer/timekeeper’s room and storage facilities.
An official ribbon cutting unveiled the new facility yesterday which was funded by the NSW Government ($350,000), Tweed Shire Council ($370,000) and AFL NSW ($50,000).
Barry Sheppard field is home to the Tweed Coast Tigers Australian Football Club which includes both the seniors and juniors football clubs and provides football facilities to junior players all the way through to the senior teams and Gold Coast Suns Academy.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said opportunities for young people and families to get involved in sport is so important.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide the infrastructure to ensure kids and families have what they need to be active and healthy and play the sports they love in the Tweed,” Cr Cherry said.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said he was delighted to support the Tweed Coast Tigers.
“Its been a challenging time for community sport and it will be great to have families and supporters back out at the grounds, Mr Provest said.
“These upgrades will help ignite community spirit and boost participation across all levels of the competition.”
President of the Tweed Coast Tigers Australian Football Club Andrew Ryan said the new facility is a massive boost to their football club.
“With more than 300 children and adults training and playing at Barry Sheppard Oval this new facility means our players can now have a shower post games and it also provides up-to-date amenities for our umpires, trainers, first aid and timekeeper,” Mr Ryan said.
“This coupled with the lights we have had installed a few years back gives us the opportunity to comfortably host teams regardless of the time of day or the weather.
“The players, supporters and Board of the Tweed Coast Tigers wish to thank all parties that were involved in any way in the funding and building of the new change rooms, particularly the Tweed Shire Council.”
Council received $350,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Funding Program Round 2 – Department of Industry / Regional NSW and $50,000 from AFL NSW with $370,000 contributed by Council.
Stage 2 of the project will include a multipurpose space and a canteen however, construction of the next stage will be reliant on funding opportunities.
The upgrade of sporting facilities in the Tweed is one way Council works to support the community to be healthier and more active. The future of sport and recreation in the Tweed will be planned as part of Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2033 due to go on public exhibition later this year.