Gamedays of the 2025 season for the Dingley Cricket, Football and Netball Clubs will be even better for supporters, with the unveiling of the new open terrace viewing platform at the Dingley Sports Pavilion.
Jointly funded by the Albanese Government and Kingston City Council, the new terrace provides impressive views of Souter Oval and enhanced accessibility for supporters with mobility requirements.
The football and cricket clubs have been a staple in the Dingley community for nearly seven decades, and with the existing facilities starting to show signs of their considerable service in recent years, it was time to breathe new life into Souter Oval.
The new, extended terrace has been funded through the Investing in Our Communities Program, with the Albanese Government providing $177,000 for the development and the remaining $93,000 funded by the Kingston City Council.
It complements the $9.98 million pavilion upgrade that will meet contemporary sporting code requirements and provide the space and flexibility for the sporting clubs to continue servicing the local community.
The pavilion, with its extended deck, isn't restricted to gameday use - the public are able to hire the space as an affordable option for meetings, workshops or events with a catering capacity of up to 150 people.
Construction of the extended terrace provided 22 local full-time jobs and will create another three ongoing jobs in the local community.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Our government is committed to building social infrastructure that brings locals together and strengthens communities.
"Sports clubs just like this one are so much more than a place to kick a ball. They're a safe space for young people, a facility to unite, and a healthy activity.
"I look forward to seeing this terrace full on gamedays, packed with supporters to take in the glorious weekend weather and get behind their local team."
Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus:
"For nearly 70 years, the Dingley football, cricket, and now netball clubs, have been giving locals a reason to cheer.
"Countless kids from Dingley Village and the surrounding neighbourhoods have kicked their first goal or taken their first wicket right here.
"So, I'm proud to be standing here today for the opening of the new pavilion, and I hope the new terrace remains a place for proud parents to cheer on their kids for decades to come."
Quotes attributable to Kingston City Council Mayor Georgina Oxley:
"Our Council is passionate about backing local sport, and we are thrilled to see this project come to fruition.
"From promoting physical health and social connections to fostering mental wellbeing and instilling valuable life skills - as we all know the benefits of sport and sports clubs extend far beyond the playing field.
"By supporting and investing in our local clubs, we want to cultivate environments where individuals thrive, relationships flourish, and dreams can be pursued."
