Mosman-raised cricket legend Allan Border returned to his namesake oval for the official opening of a new state-of-the-art pavilion and statue unveiling.
Border was joined by another former Australian cricketer and captain, Ian Chappell, for the occasion, along with Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan and Councillors, members of local sporting clubs and key personnel involved in the pavilion project and bringing the statue to Mosman.
The state-of-the-art pavilion and grandstand form part of a new-look sporting and community facility, designed to meet contemporary requirements for sports, while being accessible to diverse user groups and respecting the heritage legacy of Mosman Park.
The bronze statue captures Allan Border playing a graceful cover drive. It is a likeness to a Border statue at Queensland's The Gabba, reproduced for Mosman with permission from the artist Linda Klarfeld.
The pavilion project was funded by Mosman Council in association with the NSW Government, Mosman Cricket Club and Cricket NSW.
Border and his family grew up opposite the oval. He played his junior cricket for Mosman, progressing to his first-grade debut at the age of 16 while he was still at school. What was formerly known as Mosman Oval was later renamed Allan Border Oval after the cricketing great. Border remains a supporter of Mosman Cricket Club.
He, along with Chappell, is a member of the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame and has the most prestigious annually awarded individual prize in Australian men's cricket - the Allan Border Medal - named in his honour.
Border, who travelled from Queensland for the opening, said he always enjoyed coming back to Mosman.
"The oval itself is a fantastic place to play and now we've got the added attraction of the pavilion," he said.
"It's a great thing for cricket and all sports."
Chappell acknowledged Border's achievements as a leader and captain, a brave batsman and a very fine cricketer.
"It's terrific that's been honoured with this pavilion," he said.
"I'm delighted to hear it's not just for cricket, it's for the Mosman people as well."
Mayor Corrigan said it was an honour to have well-known personalities, who had contributed much to sport over many years, at the opening of a facility that would enhance sport and participation opportunities for the Mosman community.
"We now have a fit-for-purpose facility to support this much-loved and well-used oval and park," she said.
"It provides an inclusive and sustainable community space, with new amenities that can be used by all ages, at various times of the week, both as part of club activities and independently, with the addition of a half basketball court and community barbecue facilities outside."
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said projects like these showed the NSW Government's commitment to providing spaces and facilities that allowed all members of the community to enjoy and take part in sport.
"Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and I look forward to seeing how the community, from grassroots players to future Australian sporting legends, use these facilities."
