The Nelson Bay rugby fraternity has welcomed a $200,000 state government grant to upgrade its dilapidated clubhouse facilities at Bill Strong Oval.
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Gropers club president Ray Milton said the upgrade would provide, for the first time, dressing sheds for females.
It will also include building an all-access ramp to the existing clubhouse, moving an existing storage facility and converting an unused canteen space into a dedicated referee's room with shower and toilet.
"Nelson Bay is the only premier sporting club in Port Stephens with one senior and three junior female teams, who are an integral part of our club, and these new facilities will show them just how much they are valued," Milton said.
"The grant will also provide proper disabled access to the club, while Port Stephens Council is helping out with planned upgrades to irrigation and the surface of the field."
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said the Nelson Bay club had applied for the grant under the government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
"Nelson Bay also has a strong junior participation, with a team in every division from under 8s to under 18s. This funding will enable the club to continue its work in diversification and inclusiveness and to help make this club, its field and the amenities, one of the best in the region for all to enjoy," Cusack said.
Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer was thrilled to hear of the successful funding application and said the Gropers club was a vital asset for his local community.
"Bill Strong Oval is a treasured piece of the Port Stephens sporting landscape and it is great to see funding towards the upgrades. Having lived in Port Stephens my entire life, I know firsthand how loved this local organisation is by so many of us," he said.
"I want to congratulate the club on their successful grant application, and thank the NSW government for continuing to support the Port Stephens sporting community."
The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the government's $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.
