Upgrades On The Way For Temora’s Bob Aldridge Park

Bob Aldridge Park in Temora will soon receive much-needed upgrades through a $518,078 grant under the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made the announcement on Saturday at Bob Aldridge Park joined by Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman, General Manager Gary Lavelle and members of the community.

“The grant will go towards the construction of a new amenities building and upgrades to the playing field at the park,” Ms Cooke said.

“The new building will include change rooms, a storage room and accessible facilities.

“The awarding of this grant provides hope that 2022 will be a better year for sport and recreation not only in Temora but right across the Cootamundra electorate.”

Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman said the funding will only further enhance the town as a major sporting community in rural NSW.

“Two of our string sporting clubs utilise this facility, Temora Touch Football and Temora Schoolboys Rugby League. They are hardworking clubs with dedicated officials and players so they deserve this significant upgrade,” Mr Firman said.

“Council and our community warmly thank Ms Cooke and the NSW Government.”

The Temora Shire Council is among 41 organisations in regional NSW to share in more than $24 million for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Fund has provided more than $49 million over two years to increase participation and promote healthy lifestyles.

“This is a welcome reward for our regional NSW sporting organisations,” Mr Toole said.

“COVID restrictions caused major challenges and these grants will be a welcome boost as the sporting sector recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.”

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the Fund provided grants for projects such as lighting, amenity and changeroom upgrades.

“This year is shaping up as a great one for sport in regional NSW and this support will help people of all ages and abilities get active and enjoy the benefits,” Mr Ayres said.

“An important focus of the fund is encouraging the participation of girls and women and people with a disability.”

The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility provides grants from $100,000 to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils.

For the full list of recipients and further information on the Fund, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.

Upgrades On The Way For The Harden Murrumburrah & District War Memorial Pool

The Harden – Murrumburrah & District War Memorial Pool will soon receive much-needed upgrades through a $997,500 grant under the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made the announcement on Tuesday at the Harden – Murrumburrah & District War Memorial Pool joined by Hilltops Mayor Margaret Roles and Deputy Mayor Alison Foreman.

“The grant will go towards the upgrade and replacement of the existing filtration systems at the pool to ensure it meets the required safety standards,” Ms Cooke said.

“A pool hoist will also be installed which will be a great addition to the facility to improve accessibility and encourage inclusivity.

“Given our regions climate and natural surroundings, it is important that all residents in our small towns and villages have a fit-for-purpose place to cool off and learn foundational swimming skills.” 

Hilltops Council General Manager Anthony O’Reilly said the upgrades will improve the standard of the facility and will provide the Hilltops community with a safe pool for swimming and recreation.

“The pool is an important social space that has connectivity with several other facilities in the area such as the Harden caravan park, nearby BBQ facilities, and direct access from the main highway,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“The installation of the Pelican Pool Hoist will provide inclusive access to community members and visitors of all mobility levels.”

The Hilltops Council is among 41 regional NSW organisations to share in more than $24 million for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the Fund.

This latest announcement for the Harden – Murrumburrah & District War Memorial Pool is one in a series of grants for swimming pools in the Hilltops Council Local Government Area including a total of $2,892,962 for upgrades to the Young Aquatic Centre funded under Round 1 of the Stronger Communities Fund and Round 2 and 3 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Sport Facility Fund had provided more than $49 million over two years to increase participation and promote healthy lifestyles, with 41 sporting organisations successful in Round 2.

For the full list of recipients and further information on the Fund visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants