The NSW Government is committed to investing in grassroots sporting infrastructure and these funds will go towards upgrades that include a new scoreboard and public address system, refurbished accessible rest rooms, plus roof repairs and refurbishment of the first-floor clubroom.
The funding supports other major upgrades at the venue, including the $12.5 million Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment which will provide a modern and inclusive home ground and training base for the many sports that use it, including the Sydney Swans and GIANTS AFLW teams and the Newtown Jets NSW Cup rugby league team.
Today's announcement comes on top of $5 million the NSW Government provided to Henson Park Redevelopment Project Stage One which includes:
- Female friendly changerooms
- Stairs, ramps and lifts
- Improved fire safety systems
- Two universally inclusive changerooms
- Refurbished referees and first aid area
- A new gymnasium
- A new multi-use club room
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"Henson Park is one of the most iconic suburban sports grounds in Sydney, home to the Sydney Swans AFLW team and Newtown Jets, one of Australia's oldest and most storied rugby league clubs.
"The venue is loved by the local community, regularly hosting large crowds and televised matches.
"Upgrading the facilities will ensure Henson Park reaches its full potential, supporting the growth of women's and community sport, and providing long-term benefit to the many sporting groups that use the ground."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"Henson Park is an iconic Inner West Institution; it is the heart of sport in the Inner West.
"This is the last piece in the puzzle to upgrade our much-loved Henson Park. Not only is this the new home of women's AFL and the Jets, but it is also a community hub. An afternoon on the hill with family and friends will now be all the better with a brand-new toilet block to go along with all the fantastic new facilities that are on the way."
Deputy Mayor Inner West Council Mat Howard said:
"We're committed to making the Inner West the home ground of women's sport in NSW. That starts with the project to upgrade Henson Park. This new commitment of funding is excellent news for the players with the AFLW, the Newtown Jets, and for spectators and the community as a whole."
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said:
"The Sydney Swans welcome the upgrades, that come as the club counts down to the start of the AFLW season.
"Henson Park is a terrific Sydney venue in the heart of the Inner West, and an important home ground for our AFLW team, so we welcome any improvements that will enhance the experience for our members and fans.
"We look forward to our women's team returning to Henson Park on Sunday, 7 September for a home game against Fremantle."
Newtown Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy said:
"Henson Park is Sydney's greatest natural amphitheatre and a venue like no other. It is iconic, especially to the community of the inner west. It has been the spiritual home of the Newtown Jets since 1936.
"Upgrades to the Scoreboard Building on its famous hill which include a new scoreboard and public address system as well as kiosk upgrades, refurbished accessible rest rooms plus roof repairs and refurbishment of the first-floor clubroom is the final piece in the puzzle to providing a truly remarkable facility for both sporting participants, female & male, grass roots & elite, all abilities and the general public."
