The Club were successful in receiving a grant from the NSW Government’s Greater Cities Sports Facility Fund for $300,000 for upgrades to our training ground at Guest Park for drainage works, fencing, landscaping and seating.
The Grant was awarded after a lot of hard work from Stingrays Grants Officer Nadine Page in writing an extensive and thorough submission. In the submission Nadine outlined how the funds would be used to improve the ground drainage so that it can be less affected by heavy rain and be a safe training facility for the Illawarra Stingrays. Fencing is also being discussed with council to prevent the vandalism from cars being driven across the grounds as has happened in the past.
Council Resolution Update
Also, Wollongong City Council resolved to “work proactively with the Illawarra United Stingrays in the investigation and selection of a home ground location” as a specific Action in its Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Operational Plan 2021-2022.
This finally requires Council’s Resolution of November 2019 to be an accountable Action, now embedded in its Operational Plan for the coming year to find the Stingrays a permanent and independent home ground for Game Day (by July 2022).
Thanks to the Stingrays family that made 75 submissions on the exhibited draft plan to address this issue – it really made a difference. At the meeting three Councillors specifically mentioned the Stingrays’ vision and ongoing efforts toward the Club’s aim to improve it’s training facility and secure a home ground of their own that meets Football NSW Competitions standards.
Kathy McDonogh, Club President in her address to Council gave thanks to Councillors and staff that “have supported our journey to date to see a home ground for our region’s highest level of female footballers. They include Caitlin Cooper, who is currently overseas in the Matildas squad and Marguax Chauvet, who is named in the Young Matildas. The ability to secure a license (for Guest Park training facility) and have a permanent home ground, will provide the facilities that players of this calibre deserve, and will support young upcoming players in our region well into the future.”