Published on 16 August 2021

Flagstaff Hill sports upgrades unveiled

Flagstaff Hill Sports Ground’s new changerooms were put through their paces on Saturday, as the first stages of a $2 million upgrade were unveiled in front of a passionate home footy crowd.

The new unisex changerooms join the recently completed reconstruction and reseal of the tennis and netball courts, revitalised playgrounds and enclosed cricket nets, as the latest milestones of the upgrade celebrated on the weekend.

The upgrade, which will also include landscaping works in spring and a significant refurbishment of the main clubroom in 2022, was supported by $1.1 million from the City of Onkaparinga and $900,000 from the state and federal governments.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson paid tribute to the combined effort, investment and determination from the Flagstaff Community Centre (FCC).

“What we see here today is the result of a lot of hard work, patience and persistence,” she said.

“It’s amazing to see the outcomes, and the facilities being used by the community and we hope it gives the Falcons a boost during what’s been a really challenging year for community sport.

“Importantly, as the newest unisex changerooms in our city, we hope this facility supports the growing number of women in Australian rules football.

“On behalf of the City of Onkaparinga, I’d like to thank everyone who’s been involved in the journey to date, with a special mention to the FCC board members and club presidents, who’ve worked closely and collaboratively with council staff across all of these projects.

“Thanks goes to the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing for their sizable funding contribution to the changeroom project, which was successfully secured by the FCC.

“Council also acknowledges the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure federal stimulus funding towards the new cricket nets.

“These external funding partners have enabled us to really deliver on critical sports infrastructure to meet the needs of this community.”

Thalassa Ward councillor Marion Themeliotis, Mayor Erin Thompson, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard, Flagstaff Hill Football Club president Neil Williams and Thalassa Ward councillor Geoff Eaton at the new changerooms.