Warialda’s Nicholson Oval is making a grandstand finish, with a new clubhouse and amenities block as well as new seating officially opened this week.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspected the completed project alongside Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton, which was made possible by a $496,649 grant from the former state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
“The new facilities look fantastic and this is another huge step forward for sport and sporting facilities in Warialda,” Mr Marshall said.
“The new clubhouse has the lot – public amenities, dressing rooms, a clubhouse, storeroom, canteen, new ramps and seating.
“So many sporting groups use Nicholson Oval including the Warialda Junior Rugby League, Warialda Junior Cricket, senior cricket as well as Warialda Public and Warialda High School for athletics events.
“These first-class facilities will ensure the ongoing viability of junior and female sporting participation in Warialda and will create capacity for additional use through new and expanded sport competitions.
“Together with the new $500,000 lights, Nicholson Oval is now a first-class local and regional sports facility and it’s great Warialda now has the sporting facilities it deserves.”
Gwydir Shire Council’s Project Manager Colin Cuell said the new Nicholson Oval amenities building was a vast improvement on the former building which was demolished to make way for the new structure.
“The building includes an upgraded canteen to food safety standards, club room, store rooms, dressing rooms and amenities,” Mr Cuell said.
“Part of the grant funding focus was the participation of females in sport. With this in mind, the new facility incorporates separate home and away dressing rooms and amenities for both male and females to promote the participation of females in local sporting competitions.
“The new facility incorporates covered seating for parents and spectators to enjoy watching the sporting activities.
“We have also incorporated accessible amenities and an accessible ramp linking the new facility to the sporting fields below.”
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