New and revitalised facilities at Kessler Park in Wagga Wagga were officially opened today, 26 November 2024, creating safer spaces for women in sports and more accessible local amenities for people with disabilities.
The project was funded by the NSW Government via the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 4, in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council and the Tolland Wolves Football Club, who are long-term users of the popular sporting site.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout welcomed special guests including Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr MP and representatives from Tolland Wolves Football Club (TFC).
The site now includes two designated female-friendly change rooms; a set of new male and female public toilets; a dedicated referees' room; and a new accessible public toilet.
Additional safety measures have also been put in place, including CCTV and a swipe card-controlled access system.
In formally opening the site to public access, the Mayor thanked all those who partnered in the project's delivery, for their commitment to community and the part they played in delivering to residents a space supporting social wellbeing and inclusion.
"Council has been incredibly proud to work alongside our State Government partners, and community organisations like the Tolland Wolves, in the development and creation of this new facility," Cr Tout said.
"It is a resource embodying a core part of Council's purpose: to meet essential community needs by delivering useful, dynamic spaces that encourage all users to feel safe, welcome and valued."
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said she was pleased to see the project completed and looked forward to seeing the benefits members of the community will experience as a result.
"Projects like this that encourage women and people with disability to participate in sport by providing fantastic facilities really generate wellbeing in regional areas," Minister Moriarty said.
"I'm delighted to see the funding being used in such a meaningful way to support the community and look forward to seeing some fantastic results on the sporting field."
These sentiments were echoed by Dr McGirr.
"It is great to see the Stronger Country Communities Fund, in partnership with the Wagga Wagga City Council and the Tolland Football club, enable an upgrade to the facilities at Kessler Park to create a safe space for girls and women wanting to play soccer in Wagga Wagga while also improving safety and access for all players and supporters," Mr McGirr said.
President of Tolland Football Club Josh Lang expressed both gratitude and excitement on the club's behalf with regard to the upgraded facility.
"We are extremely thankful for the support of Council and the NSW Government to make this possible," Mr Lang said.
"Having modern and accessible facilities has been one of our club's biggest priorities. The new amenities building will provide immediate benefit to everyone in the sport, particularly for junior and female players.
"It is a huge asset not only for our club, but the sport in Wagga."
Kessler Park and the upgraded amenities are located on Cobb Street in Tolland.
