Press Release

Half million dollar upgrade for North Dalton Park.

NSW Sport & Recreation - Regional sports facility program funding of $200,000 to NDP

The board is happy to announce that an application from this funding source for the installation of lights and irrigation at North Dalton Park has been successful. These matching funds will be used with funds the board has been accumulating from the Wollongong City Council North Dalton Park capital reserve, allowing for these projects, budgeted at $480,000 to be commenced shortly.

?The North Dalton Park board is very pleased for the announced funding. This is a project that the board and its partners have been working on for many years & we believe it will be of great benefit to the City of Wollongong.
This facility was established with the goal of being a regional sports centre of a standard capable of attracting elite level sport to the city, and providing a venue of that standard for use by the local community. We have always believed that Wollongong, with is size and enthusiasm for sport, should have a facility the equivalent for example to that at Newcastle No.1 Sports Ground. Such a facility would afford us the opportunity of bringing elite AFL & cricket matches to this region, just as that facility has been able to provide to the Newcastle community?.

?The introduction of the lights, along with a much needed irrigation system, will help with the management of the use of the playing surface, allowing for a better transition of the surface from football season to cricket season?.

?We anticipate we will see the utilisation of these facilities initially with both AFL Seniors & Juniors taking up the opportunity to play some night games & also with the potential for the ICA to schedule a night Twenty20 competition?.

?The value of this facility to the local sporting community can be seen with the promotion last year of the IMB Wollongong Lions into the premier AFL competition in the state. This facility was a critical component required by the AFL, for consideration of such a promotion. This has enabled players from the region, from Under 18, through to seniors, the opportunity to compete at this elite level, where previously they would have had to relocate to Sydney to do that. The Lions are able therefore to provide the appropriate pathway for the many young talented AFL players coming through the local association ranks, and the opportunity to showcase their abilities for potential AFL draft selection?.

?The addition of match standard lighting and the better management of the turf growth & repair that the irrigation system will provide, will go a long way to the facility reaching its ultimate goal for this city?.

Gary O'Dea
Secretary, NDPRSC Board of Management.
June 18, 2006.
For immediate release.

NDPRSC refers to North Dalton Park Regional Sports Centre and comprises members from the Wollongong Australian Football Club (Lions), Illawarra Cricket Association (ICA) and Wollongong City Council. The AFL (NSW/ACT) provided funds for the project along with State and Local Government. The regional sports facility funding was announced at a function at yesterday's Wollongong v Campbelltown game. Those of you from the Illawarra or Southern Sydney can read more on page 3 of today's Illawarra Mercury or watch tonights WIN News.