New amenities building at Barry Sheppard Oval

A new amenities building at Barry Sheppard Oval at Bogangar was officially opened yesterday, providing better opportunities for AFL in the Tweed, including the growing popularity of the sport with women.

The new building was recently completed, with Stage 1 including 2 unisex change rooms, a referees’ room, an accessible toilet, a scorer/timekeeper’s room and storage facilities.

An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held to unveil the new facility, which was built with funding from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Funding Program Round 2 ($350,000), Tweed Shire Council ($370,000) and AFL NSW ($50,000).

Barry Sheppard Oval is home to both the  juniors and seniors of the Tweed Coast Tigers Australian Football Club, offering facilities for junior players all the way through to the senior teams and Gold Coast Suns Academy.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said creating opportunities for young people and families to get involved in sport were so important to a thriving community.

“We are so pleased to be able to provide the infrastructure to ensure our kids and families have what they need to be active and healthy and play the sports they love in the Tweed,” Cr Cherry said.

“Investment in sport is vital and brings communities together, making the Tweed an even more vibrant and thriving place to live.”

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said he was delighted to support the Tweed Coast Tigers.

“It's been a challenging time for community sport and it will be great to have families and supporters back out at the grounds," Mr Provest said.

“These upgrades will help ignite community spirit and boost participation across all levels of the competition.”

Tweed Coast Tigers Australian Football Club  President Andrew Ryan said the new facility provided a massive boost to the club.

“With more than 300 children and adults training and playing at Barry Sheppard Oval this new facility means our players can now have a shower post games and it also provides up-to-date amenities for our umpires, trainers, first aid and timekeepers,” Mr Ryan said. 

“Coupled with the lights installed a few years back, this gives us the opportunity to comfortably host teams regardless of the time of day or the weather.

“The players, supporters and Tweed Coast Tigers Board wish to thank all parties involved in any way in the funding and building of the new change rooms, particularly Tweed Shire Council.”

Stage 2 of the project will include a multi-purpose space and canteen, but construction of the next stage will be reliant on future funding opportunities.

The upgrade of sporting facilities in the Tweed is one way Council works to support the community to be healthier and more active. The future of sport and recreation in the Tweed will be planned as part of Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2033 due to go on public exhibition later this year.

Find out more about sports, recreation and outdoor opportunities in the Tweed at tweed.nsw.gov.au/recreation-outdoors