- Latest News
KICKING OFF DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Clare McLaughlin and Whyalla Football League president Jack Velthuizen at Bennett Oval.
The Bennett Oval redevelopment and Memorial Oval upgrades have received a $900,000 free kick from the State Government.
The State Government this week announced Whyalla would receive this funding from the Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Facility Program (The Grassroots Program), administered through the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing.
The funding is part of a Marshall Liberal Government commitment to inject $10 million into grassroots sports across South Australia and was the result of a grant application from Council.
Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin thanked the State Government for the timely funding and said it would go a long way towards further upgrading Memorial Oval and transforming Bennett Oval into a premier sports venue.
A $2.8m Stage 1 proposal to redevelop Bennett Oval has recently gone through the public consultation stage. The proposed first stage would bring the oval up to the required standard to host an AFL pre-season match involving Port Adelaide along with state level cricket.
“This is a wonderful boost as we aim to upgrade our sporting facilities across the city and provide AFL and state cricket standard facilities,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“It is also recognition from the State Government that Whyalla is on the front foot and starting to kick some serious goals when it comes to the transformation of our city.
“With the recent personal sponsorship of Port Adelaide by GFG Alliance owner Sanjeev Gupta and the subsequent promise of an AFL pre-season game in Whyalla, this funding gives us the start we need to make this a reality with some exciting plans for Bennett Oval."
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing Corey Wingard MP said this significant funding boost to grassroots sport in Whyalla was part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s plan to build grassroots sports in regional South Australia.
“South Australia’s regions have a strong sporting history and they deserve the right facilities for a bright future,” Minister Wingard said.
“The grant will deliver $890,850 in funding to construct new family friendly change rooms at Bennett Oval in Whyalla.
“New lighting, an upgraded playing surface and irrigation system are also in scope for the project.
“It doesn’t stop here. New lighting and an irrigation system will be installed at Memorial Oval as well.”
Hon Terry Stephens MLC welcomed the successful grant-bid from the City of Whyalla.
“This is a great day for the proud sporting community of Whyalla,” Mr Stephens said.
“Every week, throughout summer and winter, both the Bennett Oval and the Memorial Oval hosts hundreds of players from all over the region.
“As a life member of the Whyalla Football League and South Whyalla Football Club I am proud to be a part of this announcement.
“This tops off a great week of celebrations for North, Central and South Whyalla following the recent 100th anniversaries.”
The funding from Round One will be used for an array of infrastructure projects throughout the state, focusing on family-friendly facilities with the Marshall Liberal Government saying it will unlock more than $24 million for grassroots sports across South Australia.