THE upgrade of new facilities at South Kempsey Oval is moving ahead at a rate of knots.
AFL (NSW/ACT), through its contacts identified temporary site offices from a road bypass project owned by Thiess Pty Ltd. The offices were seen to be suitable to be reused and contacted the Macleay Valley Eagles about their possible use as amenities at the ground.
Kempsey Shire Council's Director of Infrastructure Services, Robert Scott, said the project is a collaborative effort between the Macleay Valley Eagles AFL Club and the Macleay Valley Cricket Association.
“Both clubs have tried unsuccessfully over the last few years to acquire funding for the project to add to the $50,000 Council had set aside for this project several years ago,” Mr Scott said.
“This opportunity has provided a great boost to the project which was struggling to get past a concept stage.”
A meeting was called between the two main users to identify requirements for the project to progress.
Thiess Pty Ltd contributed the demountable buildings provided the project could fund the relocation.
“Thiess have been a great supporter of AFL in NSW," regional manager of AFL (NSW/ACT) Northern NSW, Rob McKelvie, said.
“We have been talking with the committee members of the Eagles club for a number of years now and we have always been keen to help them to get established in the senior league.”
Macleay Valley Eagles president, Bruce Raeburn, said the upgrade is a massive boost for the club making its initial steps toward becoming a AFL North Coast senior club again.
“Neither club could have hoped to make this outcome viable on their own," Mr Raeburn said.
“Teaming up with the cricket club to use South Kempsey Oval was one thing but this project will really take us to the next level.”
Last Modified on 15/04/2014 10:43