A dream realised as Bowra Sports Hub officially opens

BOWRAVILLE’S long-awaited Sports Hub was officially opened on Saturday, 23 August, marking a major milestone in the community’s sporting history.

Acknowledged on the day was the Hub’s Governance Group, comprising Mary Dal Santo, Craig Doolan, Paul Le Cerf, Perry McNally and David Taylor, which played a pivotal role in bringing this ambitious project to life over many years.

Guided by the aspirations of the original patrons who pioneered the town’s sporting teams, the Governance Group worked tirelessly to provide a venue with a single clubhouse and facilities for multiple sports.

On Saturday, their dedication and determination paid off after a journey that began with an application process in 2017.

A significant milestone was reached in 2019 when then Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey made the project an election promise by the Coalition Government.

Stage one funding was secured in 2021, thanks to the combined efforts of Nambucca Valley Shire Council and the State Government, which provided the majority of the funding.

The project’s momentum continued with further funds from the incoming Labor Government in 2023, with Oxley MP Michael Kemp supporting the stage two funding application which enabled the project’s completion in 2024.

Also acknowledged on Saturday was the significant contributions of the board, committee, local sporting clubs, volunteer community members, as well as local trades and businesses who donated resources in kind and at reduced rates.

Their collective efforts have created a state-of-the-art facility including an undercover bowling green; a nine-hole golf course and golf simulator; fields for rugby league, union, soccer, AFL and cricket; courts for basketball, netball and pickle ball; and a gym area, storage, changerooms and seating.

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp told News Of The Area, “I congratulate all of the volunteers and committee who have brought this excellent facility to be.

“It is a great venue, promoting sport and healthy pursuits as well as bringing the community together, and I’m proud to be a part of the Coalition which funded this venue in its last term of government.”