Tag Archives: Sport

Harden and District Junior Cricket Club is ready to challenge for more titles and welcome further participants following the completion of new cricket nets and an upgraded centre wicket at their facility at Murrumburrah Public School.

The $95,000 project was made possible with contributions from the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program, the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund in partnership with Cricket Australia, the Geoffrey Kruger Trust and Hilltops Council.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the upgrades will ensure all players can enjoy the game in a fun and safe environment.

“This project will deliver fit-for-purpose facilities that meet the needs of the local community and provide greater safety for our junior players,” Ms Cooke said.

“Cricket is a much-loved game across our towns and villages and these upgrades will ensure the game continues to grow by providing a fun and inclusive environment.”

General Manager Hilltops Council Anthony O’Reilly said Hilltops Council acknowledge the importance of community sport and access to sporting opportunities.

“We are pleased to have supported the Harden and District Junior Cricket Club via our Financial Assistance and Sponsorship Program to deliver this important project,” Mr O’Reilly said.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the project was a great example of how the Local Sport Grant Program is supporting the growth of regular and ongoing participation opportunities.

“The NSW Government has provided more than $25 million to support 4,878 grassroots sports club projects over six years through the Local Sport Grant Program,” Mrs Ward said.

“I’m proud to see the positive impact it’s having on participation by improving access and enhancing facilities so that more people across NSW can enjoy all the benefits sport has to offer.”

Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Lee Germon said the new and upgraded facilities will help to foster the love of cricket in the local community.

“These facilities will not only ensure more locals can play and love our game, but it will also enhance the development of junior cricketers in the local community,” Mr Germon said.

“These projects are often not possible without a partnership approach to funding, and we are very appreciative for the support of the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund in partnership with Cricket Australia for their significant contribution, in addition to the Geoffrey Kruger Trust, Local Sport Grant Program and Hilltops Council.”

For more information, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants

The West Wyalong Weevils Rugby Club’s community spirit is shining with their new lighting project complete.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined representatives from the club and the project to open the ‘Light it Up’ project, which was supported through a $839,009 grant from the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Ms Cooke said the project had transformed the ground.

“An incredible amount of work has been undertaken here in West Wyalong and I congratulate both the Weevils and project manager Andrew Connellan for their efforts in getting this done,” Ms Cooke said.

“Sport is one of the glues of our community, bringing people together and giving people a chance to be part of something bigger, the West Wyalong community deserves to have up to date infrastructure to help enjoy it.”

“This is fantastic support from the NSW Government helping to build a stronger community and a project that can be enjoyed for years to come.”

West Wyalong Weevils Rugby Club President Kyle Sturgess said the project had brought the club community closer together.

“This lighting has made a massive difference for us, meaning we can have Friday night games and use this venue for much more than just rugby union. The feel of a Friday night game is so different to a daytime match, it almost feels as if you’re at a professional match,” Mr Sturgess said.

“We’ve started training back on our own ground, our feeling of being part of a club has now intensified and we are able to do more work around the club because we are out there a lot more. It’s given all the players but particularly the younger ones a real sense of community.”

“We want to thank Steph and her team for all their help. This has been a really easy process, it’s been a long process but Steph made us feel from the very start that it was really achievable.”

“We also want to thank our project manager Andrew Connellan who has been fantastic, he went above and beyond and kept his cool, got us through the challenges of COVID and he’s absolutely delivered for us.”