Photo caption: Celebrating news of a $425,000 State Government grant for SportUNE to install new lighting at Bellevue Oval, UNE Life General Manager Operations Ben Bible, back row left, New England Nomads AFL Club President Adrian Walsh, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Armidale City Cricket Club’s Leah MacDonald, National candidate for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan, SportUNE High Performance Manager Matt Pine and Sport UNE Facilities Manager Jesse Turner. Front, New England Nomads players Sofia Dwyer, Sullivan Pine and Ukaipo Mann.
Monday, 13 May 2024
ARMIDALE’S Bellevue Oval, at the University of New England (UNE), has been given the green light to install new lighting with a $425,000 grant deom the State Government, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced last Friday.
Mr Marshall said the announcement was a lightbulb moment for the University, which would allow for a wider section of the community to participate in sports activities at the oval.
Bellevue is the home of the New England Nomads AFL Club as well as the Armidale City Cricket Club.
“It was fantastic to meet with representatives from SportUNE and UNE Life this morning to deliver the good news,” Mr Marshall said.
“New lights at Bellevue Oval will ensure a safer training environment for all, particularly during winter and in the evenings.
“The Level the Playing Field program is designed to increase participation by women and girls in sport and provide for a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
“It aims to revive sporting facilities by providing new or upgraded facilities, amenities, and sporting fields.
“I have no doubt the new lighting will allow women and girls to train and compete in their chosen sport in a safe way.
“It’s fabulous to see another sporting facility in Armidale being upgraded to allow more and safer use of community recreational and sporting grounds.”
UNE Life Chief Executive Officer David Schmude said they were grateful to receive the funding under the Level the Playing Field Program.
“We are immensely grateful to the NSW Government for their support in granting funds for Bellevue Oval,” Mr Schmude said.
“This investment marks a pivotal moment for our sporting community, ensuring that our players, from grassroots to the competitive level have improved facilities to play and train.”
Mr Marshall said construction should commence by 30 September 2024 and was due to be completed by 30 September 2026.