Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer officially opens the newly upgraded community facility at Cec Glenholmes Oval, located in Lake Illawarra. Funded by Shellharbour City Council and the NSW Government, this project is set to provide lasting benefits to residents, sports clubs, and visitors alike.
The new facility replaces the previous amenities with modern, accessible, and sustainable infrastructure designed to serve the entire community. The upgrades focus on improving accessibility, creating safe spaces for recreation, and ensuring that the facility remains a key asset for future generations.
The new building features modern change rooms for both male and female players, a first aid room, referees' room, public toilets, expanded storage spaces, and an upgraded announcer's box.
The building was made possible by a $1.7 million investment from Shellharbour City Council alongside a $1,013,333 contribution from the NSW Government's Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund (2022/23).
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer expressed his enthusiasm about the project, noting the growing importance of sport in the community.
"We have such a passionate sporting community who enjoy their sports," Mayor Homer said.
"These upgrades ensure that Cec Glenholmes Oval will remain a central hub for sports, recreation, and community connection, providing residents with high-quality facilities. This milestone represents an exciting chapter for the Warilla-Lake South Rugby League Club and the local community."
The project forms part of Shellharbour City Council's broader 2023/24 Capital Program, which includes continued improvements to local sporting grounds such as Albion Oval in Albion Park Rail and Panorama Oval in Oak Flats.
Mayor Homer also expressed appreciation for the support of the NSW Government in supporting the project.
"We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with the NSW Government, which has enabled us to bring this project to life," Mayor Homer said.
Minister for Sport, Steven Kamper said projects like these showed the NSW Government's commitment to delivering infrastructure that keeps everyone in the community connected, active, and healthy.
"The NSW Government is focused on rebuilding our local grassroots sporting communities, on driving participation across all age groups and genders, and delivering fit-for-purpose facilities for our communities," Minister Kamper said.
"Everyone deserves to participate in sport and active recreation in an environment that makes them feel safe and supported to do so and the accessibility upgrades at Cec Glenholmes Oval will ensure that everyone has a chance to participate."
Anna Watson MP, Member for Shellharbour said: "This brand-new amenities building is a fantastic upgrade to this much-loved local rugby league ground."
"Community sporting clubs like the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas are the lifeblood of our community and participation in community sport is a fantastic way to maintain social connections and improve health.
"There is more work to do to improve our local community sport facilities and I will continue to fight hard for our fair share of government funding."
Photo opportunity:
Official opening at Cec Glenholmes Oval
161 Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra
5 February 2025
10am
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer
Anna Watson MP - Representing Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper
Warilla-Lake South Gorillas' representatives
