Rex Jackson Oval, home of the Helensburgh Thistles Football Club will be transformed with a $5 million commitment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, if re-elected.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the upgrade would deliver two new multipurpose courts, a synthetic field, upgraded lighting and improved amenities.
“This commitment with ensure Helensburgh Sports and Recreation Precinct remains at the heart of community sport in Heathcote” Mr Perrottet said.
The upgrades will benefit all users of the venue including netball, cricket, athletics, and football.
Member for Heathcote, Lee Evans said, “the funding commitment would help create a modern and diverse sporting facility for the local community”.
Two multi-purpose courts will allow multiple sports to use the venue.
The installation of an all-weather field will assist all sports in meeting the growing demand in Helensburgh.
An all-weather field will allow extended use of the venue. All weather surfaces can sustain significantly higher use than natural grass with 60 hours plus per week as an acceptable expectation.
All weather surfaces provide a consistent and safe surface all year round for all sports to play on, improving the quality of performance for each sport compared with natural playing surfaces.
Increasing and updating the lighting at Rex Jackson Oval will provide a safe and secure place for all participants, spectators, and volunteers while at the venue.
Helensburgh Thistles Junior and Senior Clubs have both seen growth over the last four years.
The clubs combined have seen a 21% increase in participation.
Females in the junior club have increased by a mammoth 53% between 2019 and 2022.
Helensburgh Thistles Soccer Club president Jason Bell said, “upgraded female-friendly facilities, a synthetic field and more storage would increase participation in community sport”.
Football NSW welcomes the $5 million commitment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government as a means of supporting the ongoing growth of community football in the South Coast region.
Football NSW continues to advocate to all side of politics for increased funding and support for our clubs and associations, ensuring inclusive and accessible facilities that can not only meet the current demand for football but cater for the ongoing growth of the game for generations to come.
