Tamworth residents and sporting groups have an incredible new facility to utilise after the upgraded No. 1 Oval Pavilion was officially opened on Friday, June 12.
Attendees had a chance to check out the new facility which not only has a modern new look, but also features men's and women's changerooms, new public toilets, and expanded storage areas.
The upgrades have been jointly funded by Tamworth Regional Council, Cricket NSW, AFL NSW/ACT, and $1,269,537 from the NSW Government.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the upgraded pavilion is an important investment in Tamworth's growing sporting community.
"The upgraded No. 1 Oval Pavilion is a fantastic boost for Tamworth, giving local players and families a modern, accessible space to enjoy," Minister Moriarty said.
"These upgrades will provide inclusive changerooms and improved amenities that make it easier for women and girls to participate in local sport, while providing the community with a facility that will serve the community well into the future."
The works mark a significant milestone in the Bicentennial Park Masterplan and Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said the upgraded inclusive facility was a welcome addition to the sporting oval in the heart of Tamworth.
"As our region grows, our facilities need to grow with them," he said.
"The upgrade of the No. 1 Oval Pavilion gives our community a bigger space to utilise at this incredible oval in town."
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said it was an important upgrade for the community.
"The AFL is dedicated to ensuring Aussie Rules participants across NSW have access to quality infrastructure and inclusive facilities," he said.
"The upgrades to Tamworth's No. 1 Oval provide exactly that, and as a partner on the project, we're delighted to help enable this for not only AFL participants and club members in the North West, but the wider community, too.
"Facility projects like this are also key to the continued growth of our game across NSW and we're excited to see the ongoing impact the upgrades at the No. 1 Oval will have on the region for generations to come."
Dean Hunter, Cricket NSW Senior Manager - Government Relations and Infrastructure, said it was great to see the inclusive facility open.
"Cricket NSW, via the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund, is delighted to have supported the Tamworth Regional Council in delivering improvements to its No. 1 Oval Pavilion," he said.
"The upgrades will ensure that more local cricket participants have access to modern and inclusive facilities, supporting the game's growth particularly among women and children."
Cr Webb thanked all parties that helped with the funding and construction including Shay Brennan Constructions who oversaw the design and construction of the project.
"We were lucky to have a local contractor on board in Shay Brennan and his team," Cr Webb said.
"They worked with Council throughout the project and helped us navigate any challenges thrown our way.
"Shay Brennan Constructions have done an incredible job on this project and now we all have this great facility to utilise."
The upgrades ensure the space is more accessible, functional, and welcoming for all users with a focus to better accommodate women sports participants.
