Dubbo to benefit from half a million dollars in government grants

Congratulations to the Dubbo Junior AFL club, which successfully applied for more than $550,000 to upgrade its clubhouse at its South Dubbo Oval home.

Dubbo Junior AFL and the Dubbo Demons (Dubbo’s senior club) moved into the current clubhouse in 2020 and immediately identified the need to add female facilities and improve the clubhouse.

In 2021 the two clubs fielded teams in all divisions of AFL Central West for the first time in the competition’s 40-year history.

New female toilets and change facilities will be added to the clubhouse using the grant, complementing an upgraded council amenities block currently under construction, due for completion in March 2022.

In addition to improved toilet and change amenities, the grant will be used to renovate the clubhouse’s interior and render the exterior, as well as add a large, covered balcony facing the playing arena so spectators can enjoy the footy no matter the weather.

The clubhouse upgrades will ensure everyone who comes to train, play, umpire and coach will feel comfortable in the environment. Importantly, the clubhouse will be a home to junior players and their families who will now see the pathway from the junior to the senior club.

Sisters Emily and Ruby Fairman are rapt with the clubhouse’s new design. “I can’t wait to have somewhere to sit when it’s cold and rainy, or hot,” said Ruby, a member of the U12s side.

Emily, who is in the Youth Girls team said: “It will be great not to have to share with the boys and to have more privacy and good showers.”

President of the Dubbo Junior AFL club, Merinda Roll, said: “The club is extremely excited and grateful to receive this grant. When the works are complete, Dubbo Junior AFL and the Dubbo Demons will have facilities that caters for all players and a meeting place where our community can congregate.

“Thank you to everyone involved in making Dubbo Junior AFL’s dream come to life.”

AFL NSW/ACT’s Competition Coordinator for the Central West, Casey White, was ecstatic with the news of the new facilities at Dubbo. “Dubbo Junior AFL is one of the most hardworking clubs in the Central West,” he said. “Well done to Merinda Roll and everyone who put the grant application together.

“Thank you to Mr Dugald Saunders MP for your commitment to the AFL program in Dubbo and to the NSW Government for providing these ongoing funding opportunities via the Stronger Country Communities Fund and Community Building Partnerships program.”

AFL NSW/ACT is striving to help provide accessible and high-quality facilities for all clubs. Anthony Brooks, Facilities and Government Manager, said: “It is a credit to Dubbo Junior AFL for its successful grant application. Quality facilities are key to attracting and retaining players, coaches and volunteers and this upgraded facility will go a long way to expanding the already growing AFL footprint in Dubbo. Well done to everyone involved.”

Work on the revised clubhouse is due to commence in 2022 and is expected to be ready before the start of the 2023 football season.