Cowra has celebrated the official opening of the upgraded Col Stinson Park, a $1.3 million investment in local sport and community life that has delivered new netball courts, an amenities building and improved facilities for players and spectators.

The project was jointly funded by the New South Wales Government with $628,409, the Australian Government with $327,000, and Cowra Shire Council with $351,000 and was credited with supporting more than 130 jobs during construction.

Mayor Paul Smith said the project was a significant step forward for local sport.

“This $1.3 million upgrade is a wonderful example of all levels of government working together to deliver for the community,” he said.

“These works have delivered some much-needed and well-deserved improvements, including a brand new amenities building with public and accessible toilets, sealing and line marking of 12 netball courts now with improved layout and spacing, landscaping and retaining walls to enhance access and spectator viewing, and a single car park for improved safety and accessibility.”

Mayor Smith noted the broader impact beyond sport.

“It is also important to recognise that projects like this don’t just benefit sport.”

“They help drive local jobs and the economy.”

“This project has supported over 130 jobs, both within Council and through local contractors.”

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was rewarding to see the project completed after challenges caused by COVID delays.

“Every time I come back here and I see what we’ve been able to achieve together, all levels of government working together, it’s fantastic,” she said.

“I remember being here when we made the announcement of the $628,000 to build exactly what we have here today.”

“What we’ve got here will no doubt set the club up, whether it’s from a local perspective or when we welcome visiting teams, for generations to come.”

“You guys absolutely deserve everything that we have been able to pull together for you.”

MLC Stephen Lawrence praised Cowra’s progress and the significance of netball in the town.

“This is a beautiful facility and as has been said, an example of the three levels of government working together,” he said.

“I should also acknowledge you kids, because it’s all about you and it’s an awesome sport.”

Mr Lawrence emphasised the broader role of sport, saying, “when kids and young people and adults as well are active and participating, they’re meeting people, they’re engaging, they’re healthy, they’re staying out of trouble.”

“So it’s a fantastic thing and a key role of government to invest in facilities like this.”

Federal Member Michael McCormack said the project showed the importance of government collaboration and the benefits for young people.

“These electorates are important, and we all know how important these facilities are,” he said.

“Keeping kids active makes sure they’re healthy.”

“Keeping kids healthy makes sure they’re happy and we want happy kids in our societies.”

Mr McCormack also defended the importance of giving councils flexibility in grant programs.

“This project shows what a good collaboration between Cowra Shire Council, the state government, and the federal government can deliver,” he said.

For Mayor Smith, the day was about more than infrastructure.

“Projects like this are significant milestones for sport, infrastructure and community life in Cowra,” he said.

“They show what can be achieved when we all work together.”