Shae Fitzgerald of Warilla-Lake South Rugby League Club practises her kicking in front of the new clubhouse. Photos: Shellharbour City Council.
Warilla-Lake South Gorillas have scored big with the $2.7 million upgrade of the Cec Glenholmes Oval at Lake Illawarra ahead of their upcoming rugby league season launch.
Jointly funded by Shellharbour City Council and the NSW Government, the long overdue project delivers modern, accessible and sustainable infrastructure designed to benefit not only the Gorillas, but residents, other sports clubs, and visitors.
Officially opened last week, the new building features modern changerooms for male and female players, a first aid room, referees’ room, public toilets, expanded storage spaces, and an upgraded announcer’s box.
It also has a focus on improving accessibility, creating safe spaces for recreation, and ensuring that the facility remains a key asset for future generations.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said there was a growing importance on sport within the community, hailing the redevelopment as a vital investment for the area.
“We have such a passionate sporting community who enjoy their sports,” Cr Homer said.
“These upgrades ensure that Cec Glenholmes Oval will remain a central hub for sports, recreation, and community connection, providing residents with high-quality facilities.
“This milestone represents an exciting chapter for the Warilla-Lake South Rugby League Club and the local community.”
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said the new amenities building was a fantastic upgrade to what was a much-loved rugby league ground.
“Community sporting clubs like the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas are the lifeblood of our community and participation in community sport is a fantastic way to maintain social connections and improve health,” Ms Watson said.
“There is more work to do to improve our local community sport facilities and I will continue to fight hard for our fair share of government funding.”
Minister for Sport Steven Kamper said projects like the Cec Glenholmes Oval upgrade were part of the government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that kept everyone in the community connected, active, and healthy.
“The NSW Government is focused on rebuilding our local grassroots sporting communities, on driving participation across all age groups and genders, and delivering fit-for-purpose facilities for our communities,” Mr Kamper said.
“Everyone deserves to participate in sport and active recreation in an environment that makes them feel safe and supported to do so and the accessibility upgrades at Cec Glenholmes Oval will ensure that everyone has a chance to participate.”
Cr Homer expressed appreciation for the NSW Government supporting the project, with a $1.7 million investment from council being complemented by a $1,013,333 contribution from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund (2022/23).
“We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with the NSW Government, which has enabled us to bring this project to life,” he said.
The project forms part of Shellharbour City Council’s broader 2023/24 capital program, which includes continued improvements to sporting grounds such as Albion Oval in Albion Park Rail and Panorama Oval in Oak Flats.
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