Kicking goals with Ralph Stafford Park upgrade

Hervey Bay Rugby League Football will be kicking more goals next year thanks to a Stronger Communities Programme grant from the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated Hervey Bay Rugby League Football Club which has been awarded $12,885 to upgrade the ticket box and entrance at Ralph Stafford Park.

“This upgrade will provide safer cash handling facilities and personal security for volunteers,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Stronger Communities Programme has been a boost for community groups and organisations like the Hervey Bay Rugby League Football Club that would otherwise struggle to generate the funding for this type of work to be done.”

Hervey Bay Rugby League Football Club president Neil Collins said the upgrade meant there was a reduced incentive for people to not pay on entry, thus reducing valuable revenue at games/events.

“Sun safety will be improved and the facility will be an all-weather one. Upgrading this facility will assist with our vision of having the best facilities in the local area to attract other sports events to the grounds,” Mr Collins said.

“We’ve also improved patron safety by removing the need to share with vehicles entering/leaving the grounds.” 

Approximately 700 people utilise Ralph Stafford Park on any week and it is utilised all year round.

It features four fields utilised by a wide variety of clubs and demographics. It also hosts many school competitions, the QLD State Touch Football titles, is the home of Oztag and other regular community events such as rodeos and fundraisers.

Through the Stronger Communities Programme, eligible community groups could apply for grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.

Each Federal Electorate is allocated $150,000 a year over two years. For more information go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP