The NSW Government is proud to announce $1.7 million towards the expansion of the Singleton Roosters AFC clubhouse and facilities that will include a permanent memorial element to acknowledge those who lost their lives in the Greta bus tragedy.
The expansion will be jointly funded with the AFL and Singleton Council.
The investment aims to enhance community and social recovery efforts following the loss of several members of the club in the bus accident at the June long weekend.
Importantly, it will provide the club and the local community with memorial and a space to honour and remember their loved ones who lost their lives.
The expansion, which the club has been planning for some time, will be a boost to the Singleton AFC clubhouse and precinct, ensuring the club’s sustainability and inclusivity for years to come.
Among the planned enhancements are new change rooms with shower facilities, storage spaces, umpire areas, a scorers’ box, first-aid room, toilets (female, male and accessible) and internal renovations of the existing building to upgrade the kiosk, kitchen and meeting room.
These upgrades will benefit the more than 22,000 Singleton locals who use the sporting facilities each year and will provide appropriate and accessible amenities for women and girls.
The upgrades will support the development of AFL in the Hunter by providing a venue capable of hosting future regional tournaments.
The funding for the club upgrade includes $1,700,000 from the NSW Office of Sport under the Partnership Program 2022/23 and $250,000 from the AFL’s Australian Football Facilities Fund. Singleton Council also plan to make a funding commitment.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“The Tragedy in Greta was felt right across NSW and it is appropriate that a commemoration is built to mark the loss of lives and their legacy in the community.”
“This investment recognises the emotional toll of the recent bus tragedy, providing a space for healing and unity within the Singleton community.”
“This clubhouse expansion will be a be of great benefit for the Singleton Roosters AFC and the wider community, empowering them to grow, host events, competitions, and gatherings that will enrich the social fabric of the region and help the local community heal.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Grassroots sporting clubs are the bedrock of communities right across New South Wales. The Singleton Roosters AFC’s clubhouse expansion represents the NSW Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting this local community as well as local sporting communities across the state.”
“The improved facilities, including new female change rooms, will create a more inclusive environment for the local community, promoting gender equality and encouraging greater participation of women and girls in Australian Rules Football.”
Dave Layzell, Member for Upper Hunter said:
“Five weeks ago an extraordinary set of circumstances rocked the Singleton community to its core, especially the Singleton Roosters AFL Club.”
“The outpouring of support for the ten victims and those who were injured, their families and friends has in itself been extraordinary – and on behalf of the Upper Hunter Electorate I thank everyone for their support.”
“I also thank the Premier for the NSW Government’s latest contribution to enhance facilities as Rose Point Park – a place where the spirt of those, who sadly will never return, will always be remembered.”
Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said:
“We’re extremely grateful to the state government for their ongoing support of the Singleton community. This project will expand and enhance an important community facility that goes to the heart of local sport in Singleton.”
“Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache and sadness over the last month since the bus crash tragedy, and with most of the victims having played for the Singleton Roosters Club,
I can’t think of a more fitting tribute.”
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Tiffany Roberson said:
“The AFL community has been greatly impacted by the tragic loss of beloved teammates and friends of the Singleton Roosters. The AFL’s contribution to the project acknowledges the tremendous impact those lost had on the club and broader football community.
“We thank the NSW Government, Singleton Council and AFL Hunter Central Coast for their leadership and support through this funding commitment. In the past month we have seen the strength and resilience of the Roosters’ footy community on display. Although it will take time, the upgraded facilities will play a small part in helping the Roosters heal.”
Singleton Roosters Club President Dylan Hixon said:
“Singleton’s heart remains broken, but we are buoyed by the outpouring of support from the entire community. We are grateful for the many heartfelt messages of condolence, well wishes and donations. If nothing else, this terrible tragedy has shown the good in people to rally around those doing it tough, particularly following unimaginable hurt.”
“The funding commitment for our upgraded club facilities will make a huge difference in supporting our participants and club members now and into the future. Thank you to the NSW Government and the AFL for being proactive in supporting a build which our club has been working on for a long time.”
“The Roosters look forward to continuing the legacy of those lost and remembering their amazing contribution to our community.”