Magpies rugby league players and fans may have had a tough time this year on-field, but off-field they’ve finished the year with a big win.
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The Bellingen Valley Dorrigo Rugby League Football Club has scored $68,182 in funding to upgrade the grandstand and amenities at Bellingen Park (‘the Graveyard’), as part of the NSW Footy Facilities Fund.
The fund is an initiative of the NSW Government and the National Rugby League (NRL), and is part of almost $500,000 in funding across the State.
Local league president Stephen Glyde told the Courier-Sun Bellingen Park was an “iconic heritage grandstand and treasured community asset”.
“The project will restore the grandstand to its former glory, ensuring it can be used and enjoyed by generations to come.”
Stephen said the project was a timely infrastructure investment, and a high priority community need. Moreover, it sets a solid foundation for the many community groups and activities, such as the monthly markets, that take place at the park.
“The restoration of the grandstand will provide a safe, modern and environmentally sustainable recreation facility for the growing population of the Bellingen Shire into the future,” Stephen said.
“It’s a project which aims to broaden the opportunity for everyone in the shire.”
The grandstand upgrade will please footy fans beyond the Valley.
“Unfortunately our club receives constant criticism from match officials on game days for the area allotted to them as change-rooms,” Stephen said.
“It is substandard and has no shower. At present the grandstand roofing leaks as do the dressing sheds, so players and spectators will benefit greatly.”
Bellingen was one of only 13 successful applicants, 11 being from country NSW.
The project involves the removal and replacement of the asbestos roofing and the renovation and extension to the grandstand amenities.
Stephen said the job has begun: “We are looking for someone to remove asbestos now” - and all should be complete by February 28 for the annual Bellingen versus Army game.
The Magpies’ successful bid was announced by local MP Andrew Stoner.
He told the Courier-Sun, “the funding will … enhance the experience of both players and spectators involved in local football matches - footy is also a fantastic way to bring our community together”.
NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said rugby league participation continues to grow nationally and “we want to ensure our players and spectators enjoy modern, safe and high quality facilities”.