Gareth Ward MP and Mayor Mark Honey inspect the change rooms, with Greg Walsh and Stuart Richards

The long awaited upgrade to the amenities block at Jamberoo’s Kevin Walsh Oval has been completed, just in time for the recommencement of club sport.

The new amenities boast refurbished change rooms, and an extension housing a new canteen, disabled toilets (with adult change table) and male/female public toilets. Prior to the work, it was known as the worst toilet block in the Municipality.

The refurbishment is a major milestone in the Jamberoo Sporting Precinct upgrades, which overall are worth $1.44 million.

“It has been a long time coming, but worth the wait,” says the President of the Jamberoo Combined Sporting Clubs Inc, Greg Walsh.

“When we did the first upgrade of the precinct in the mid 1990s, we had a massive volunteer effort.

“That isn’t feasible these days with all the regulations, so the funding we got was crucial.”

The refurbishment was financed by Council and the NSW Government, through its Stronger Country Communities program.

The State announced a $1.1 million grant to undertake the project in September 2018, with Council providing the remaining funds.

“These grounds are used by many people in our community and I am thrilled that we are continuing to deliver for our region,” Mr Ward said at the opening of the amenities.

“Well done to Greg Walsh and the great team at the Jamberoo Combined Sports Association who worked so hard to make this project a reality.”

Mayor Mark Honey and Minister Ward inspect the adult changing facility

Kevin Walsh Oval now has new fencing, seating and better drainage; and the adjacent Keith Irvine Oval has sports field lighting for the coming season.

A dedicated amenities building and an upgraded access road are still to be installed at the latter.

The Jamberoo Youth Hall, which forms part of the precinct, is also being renovated after structural repairs.

The remaining work is expected to be completed by November this year.

“The whole area adds to our social fabric of Jamberoo in so many ways,” says Mr Walsh.

“It is particularly gratifying we have had a really talented and enthusiastic group from the next generation of locals step up to become involved with the management of the Youth Hall.”