A healthy future ahead for Bingara Sporting Club with board member Ian Egan, left, President Gerry Amer, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall MP and Gwydir Shire Deputy Mayor Catherine Egan celebrating the $230,000 State Government grant to refurbish the venue.
Monday, 13 July 2020
A $223,580 cash injection from the State Government will ensure the Bingara Sporting Club remains financially ‘fit and healthy’, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing the grant to fully refurbish the popular community social hub.
Mr Marshall made the announcement at the official opening of the Bingara Fitness Centre’s new amenities, funded by a $63,985 NSW Stronger Country Communities grant.
“With its pristine golf course and bowling greens, eight quality tennis courts and now full gymnasium, the Bingara Sporting Club is the envy of town’s across the region,” Mr Marshall said.
“To maintain that reputation, the club’s volunteer board of directors has come up with an ambitious plan to modernise the building to make it more welcoming to the wider community.
“All accessible toilets and showers will be installed to accommodate patrons, while the addition of baby change facilities will enhance the family friendly atmosphere.
“Internally, the building will receive a fresh coat of paint and new floor coverings while updates to the food preparation area will help the venue cater for large events like weddings, birthday parties and sporting tournaments.
“This is an exciting development which will go a long way towards future proofing the club as well as allowing it to remain the physical and social heart of Bingara.”
Bingara Sporting Club President Gerry Amer said the funding would lift the organisation back to its feet after an extended period of hardship.
“As we are only a small organisation the long drought and disruption caused by COVID-19 has impacted our club’s bottom line significantly,” Mr Amer said.
“Through this refurbishment our board sees many opportunities to grow revenue, including increasing our membership base which currently sits at 450 people.
“The club can accommodate 400 patrons at any one time and so there is also scope to market ourselves as a potential function centre.
“Additionally this grant will help lower our operating overheads with new solar panels to reduce both our energy bill and environmental footprint.
“On behalf of our committee and members, I want to thank Ian and Catherine Egan and Susie Webber from Gwydir Shire Council who put this Clubs NSW grant application together as well as Adam.
“Together they have secured our future, meaning our facilities will be there to enjoy for generations to come.”
Mr Marshall also congratulated Gwydir Shire Council on the delivery of the Fitness Centre’s new amenities and air-conditioning.
“Fitness fanatics will be able to push themselves to the limit, even in the middle of a Bingara summer, with work complete on air-conditioning and new men’s and women’s change room facilities,” Mr Marshall said.
“The change rooms are equipped with showers and toilets meaning patrons can freshen up after before leaving the venue.
“What was once an old squash court has now been transformed into a modern, gymnasium which will service its 100 regular users for a long time to come.”