GRIFFITH’S Exies sporting complex has been given a $1 million boost that could see it well on its way to becoming one of the best sporting complexes outside of Sydney.
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The club was successful in obtaining a state government grant through the Club GRANTS Category 3 scheme.
Manager of the club Gary Tucker said he was overjoyed with the announcement.
“This is about providing facilities not only for the Ex-Servicemen’s Club members but for the Griffith community and the surrounding townships,” he said.
Mr Tucker said the grant would assist the club in updating the ground lighting, buying new scoreboards and building new change rooms on the top Oval as well as a second netball court.
“It is part of a staged master plan over the next five years which will also include extensions to the Sport’s club and renovations to the Main Oval change rooms as part of a $7,000,000 planned upgrade to the complex,” he said.
“The new lights will replace the existing ones that are over 20 years old and in need of major repairs, the new change rooms will allow us utilise the three ovals for game days and the media scoreboard will also give local clubs a chance to show case their sponsors as well as providing easy viewing of the match scores.”
Mr Tucker said the grant application process had been two years in the making and could not have happened without the support of local member Adrian Piccoli, Griffith City Council, the Exies Board of Directors and their many sponsored sporting clubs.
“We look forward to the beginning of another exciting chapter in the development of this Club which was burnt down in 1983, with this grant enabling us to fast track planned improvements and provide and maintain a valuable community sporting facility for many years to come.”
Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli said the redevelopment would provide the community with a competition standard sports complex that will attract major carnivals and professional games.
“This upgrade means Griffith will have an oval that will benefit the local community and also put us on the map for future tournaments,” Mr Piccoli said.
“So many in our community love sport and this facility means they have first class facilities to use that will encourage others to get involved in local sports.
“The NSW Government is focused on increasing participation in sport and recreation and our region deserves this investment.”
Deputy Premier Troy Grant said the NSW Government is committed to enhancing local facilities to meet the needs of thriving regional communities.
“I look forward to the Riverina community enjoying this first-class sporting precinct that will be home to the region’s sporting stars now and well into the future,” Mr Grant said.
