A major goal for Bingara sports: revamped Gwydir Oval Grandstand

July 25, 2019

Big crowds will be will now be able to pack into Gwydir Oval to cheer on Bingara’s sporting teams with major upgrade work to the old grandstand officially complete, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced this week.

The home of football in Bingara has undergone a major transformation with the State Government providing $447,538 in funding through round two of its Stronger Country Communities program for renovations to the grandstand and construction of new amenities block. Mr Marshall said sport was an important part of any rural community and it was vital clubs had the best facilities to encourage players and spectators to get involved.

On the steps of the revamped Gwydir Oval grandstand, Gwydir Shire Councillor Marilyn Dixon, left, Gwydir Shire Council Town Services Manager Andrew Cooper, Deputy Mayor Catherine Egan, Bingara Bullets’ Steve McGarrity, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Mayor John Coulton, Gwydir River Rats President Jason Lewis and Bingara Minor League’s Travis Allen.

On the steps of the revamped Gwydir Oval grandstand, Gwydir Shire Councillor Marilyn Dixon, left, Gwydir Shire Council Town Services Manager Andrew Cooper, Deputy Mayor Catherine Egan, Bingara Bullets’ Steve McGarrity, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Mayor John Coulton, Gwydir River Rats President Jason Lewis and Bingara Minor League’s Travis Allen.

“Sport boosts community spirit and as the drought continues its important families in communities like Bingara can get away from the farm, sit in comfort on the new grandstand, catch up with friends and cheer on their teams,” Mr Marshall said.

“The renovated grandstand looks great with the removal of the old tin and installation of new colourbond sheeting making the stand more appealing to look at and more comfortable. This upgrade has made it so every member of the family can come to the venue no matter the weather and enjoy watching their friends playing sport.”

Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton said the $363,000 construction of the new home and away dressing room facilities was now underway. “Both these upgrades will make Gwydir Oval a sporting precinct the community can be very proud of,” Cr Coulton said. “For 50 years the current amenities have served the ground well, but with the increasing popularity of women’s sports like rugby and cricket they need an upgrade with the new facilities having amenities with male and female areas, a unisex disabled toilet and parent room, as well as a referee’s room.

“Without the support of the State Government these works would still only be a dream and I thank Adam for his strong support too.”

Rounds 1 and 2 of the SCCF has delivered more than $1.5 million for 18 projects across the Gwydir Shire local government area with a further $775,357 now available for projects in the LGA through round 3. Applications for round three are open and successful projects will be announced from January next year.

For more information and to apply, visit www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF