In a welcome boost during trying times due to COVID, Shoalhaven District Football Association side Culburra Cougars opened its new Club House proudly supported by the Federal Government’s Community Development Grant Programme, providing $345,000 for the Culburra Soccer Club facilities upgrade at Crookhaven Oval.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley was on hand to officially open the new Culburra Cougars Club House along with Deputy Mayor Clr Greg Watson, Clr Jo Gash, Clr Mitchell Pakes, Clr Patricia White, Kiama MP Garth Ward, and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, were also in attendance at the official opening event.
Shoalhaven City Council undertook site restoration works on the Oval, including levelling and installing new turf, following the completion of the new Club House.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said the completion of the new Club House would prove a valuable asset for the Culburra sporting community.
“I would firstly like to thank the Federal Government for their support of the Culburra Cougars. The funding has allowed the club to design and construct new storage and toilet facilities at Crookhaven Oval.” Clr Findley said.
“These facilities will be able to be used by generations of Cougars to come,” Clr Findley noted.
“These are important facilities not only provide a safe space for the club to store their training equipment, but club house also provides a safe space for club members to change before and after training and games” Clr Findley said.
Football NSW Manager for Government Relations, Funding & Infrastructure Daniel Ristic beamed this recent upgrade was beneficial for the club taking part in what is the largest regional association in NSW with well over 3,100 participants that donned the boots during the 2021 winter season.
“Storage and unisex toilets are the essentials of any community facility in the 21st century,” said Ristic.
“As part of the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy, storage was identified as a key priority by football associations across NSW”.
This upgrade was part of the club’s first stage in its redevelopment of its facility with Stage 2 to include new change rooms, referee room and canteen.
Local Council have committed funding towards Stage 2 in the 2022/23 financial year.
