Photo caption: Peter Primrose, Mayor Gangemi and Phil Simmons from the Redbacks Football Club.
Cricketers, footballers and residents can now enjoy expanded opportunities for playing and training at George Thornton Reserve following the completion of renovations.
The 12-month project, made possible by a $984,556 investment through the NSW Government’s Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund, now offers enhanced sporting facilities to the local community, including extensions to the two original fields and a bonus third field, as well as new cricket practice nets.
Beyond the new and improved fields, new lighting, irrigation, and drainage were also installed, as well as a shared walkway around the site that provides connectivity to the surrounding streets.
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said projects like these show the NSW Government’s commitment to creating spaces and facilities that enable communities to enjoy and take part in sport.
“We know that sports infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping people healthy, active and connected and I look forward to seeing all members of the community utilise these improved and extended facilities,” Mr Kamper said.
Member of the Legislative Council Peter Primrose said the upgrades will meet the diverse needs of sporting clubs and residents in the area.
“This is a great development, adding an extra field for active sport. But it also provides some really great opportunities for passive recreation for members of the local community and elderly people who need to get out for a break,” Mr Primrose said.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said these enhancements amplify the sporting experience for athletes and contribute to the overall wellbeing and recreational activities of the broader community.
“Council is proud to provide more facilities that will help support our residents to keep active and healthy,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for their contribution and long-term commitment to the project, recognising the vital role of sporting facilities in promoting health, wellbeing, and community connectedness.
“These improvements will support our growing clubs and allow more people to partake in the sport they love.”
George Thornton Reserve is home to the Redbacks Football Club, which is seeing a surge in registrations, notably among girls.
“Our club’s registration is up on last year’s figures, and we still have a month to go until they close,” the President of the Redbacks Football Club, Phil Simmons said.
“We’ve seen a surge in the number of young girls registering lately, and we believe it’s all thanks to the amazing performance of the Matildas in the World Cup. Couple this with an uplift in registrations also from young boys, ladies and men.
“These young players are also bringing their friends along to play, which is fantastic.”
Mr Simmons thanked Council and the NSW Government for the recent improvements made to the reserve, especially the fields, which provide more and improved space for playing.
“The facilities are not only refreshed and desirable for any player around the area but also offer more space for teams, young boys and girls, women and men, and families who are interested in playing football or just enjoying the reserve in general,” he said.
“The manicured surfaces are desirable to play on. This enhances the overall experience and reduces the chance of injuries, making them particularly ideal for higher-grade players.”
For additional information, please visit The Hills Shire Council’s website at www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for “George Thornton Reserve”.
