Together with contributions from AFL NSW/ACT and Redlands School, the joint funding will provide the community with a new $7.5 million facility suitable for a variety of sports. The funding will allow major upgrades to existing pavilions, a full upgrade of the playing surface and new lighting to allow for twilight and evening play and the television broadcast of matches
On 24 November, Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor S Bruce Dowton was joined by New South Wales Minister for Sport Alister Henskens and Member for Ryde Victor Dominello, together with City of Ryde Mayor Jordan Lane and representatives from the AFL and Redlands School, to announce the partnership and view plans for the facility.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that Macquarie University has long played a role in the development of sportspeople within the region, with 750,000 visits to our sporting facilities by community members each year.
“I am delighted that we are converging around this partnership to support sport and recreation, for the benefit of our young sportspeople – both at Macquarie University and the community at large,” Professor Dowton said.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government has now invested $200 million in new and upgraded community sporting facilities through the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.
“These projects will not only provide more opportunities for people to play sport, but they will also generate a local sports facility infrastructure boom, creating jobs and delivering an economic boost for communities across the State,” Mr Henskens said.
The project is expected to commence in the first half of next year, with work likely to be complete in 2024.
Teaming up for the community: Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton with ministers The Hon Alister Henskens SC MP and The Hon Victor Dominello MP, City of Ryde Mayor Jordan Lane, Head of AFL NSW/ACT Tiffany Robertson, Redlands School Principal Stephen Webber and students, and representatives of the AFL.
