AFL footballers across Campbelltown now have access to world class facilities at Bob Prenter Reserve, one of the region’s leading sporting precincts.
Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound and Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong officially opened the new clubhouse and changeroom facilities alongside players and volunteers from South West Sydney Blues AFL Club on the weekend.
Also joining them was Shannon Prenter, son of the late, great Bob Prenter.
Bob Prenter was the driving force behind the rise of the Blues club to new heights in the late 1990s.
Prenter, who was also a successful businessman, lost his life in a freak accident more than two decades ago.
Soon after council made the decision to rename Monarch Oval Bob Prenter Reserve.
Shannon Prenter, who played footy with the Blues in his younger days, is now the president of the club, which is a joint venture between the Campbelltown Blues and a Liverpool based club.
The $7.8 million Bob Prenter Reserve upgrade project delivered a new two-storey clubhouse with a bar and commercial kitchen, a new canteen, gym facilities, four gender-neutral changerooms, umpire rooms, improved spectator seating and additional storage.
The upgrade will enable the Blues to play more top grade Sydney AFL games at Bob Prenter Reserve.
Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound said the project will service the significant growth of AFL in the region and create an inclusive environment for players, officials and spectators of all ages and abilities.
“This project has delivered world class facilities that will help the South West Sydney Blues foster the development of junior players in Campbelltown, while providing seniors with a great place to play and train,” Cr Lound said.
“The new changerooms are a major step forward in ensuring this facility can cater and encourage the growing participation of women in local sport,” he said.
The facility also supports the NSW Gaelic Athletic Association and is regularly used for sports and recreation activities by the nearby Macquarie Fields High School and Campbelltown Zone Public School Sport Association.
The project was funded through $5 million from the NSW Government’s Multisport Community Facility Fund as well as a $2.8 million contribution from Council.
Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong MP, said he welcomed Bob Prenter Reserve’s transformation into a leading regional sporting precinct.
“It is wonderful to see the NSW Government and Campbelltown City Council working in partnership to deliver contemporary, high-quality, multi-sports facilities that provides opportunities for a range of sporting codes and abilities.
“The addition of female-friendly change rooms will ensure this fantastic regional facility will cater for the growing participation of women and girls in local sport, increasing accessibility for everyone in the community.
“Investment in local sporting infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected,” Mr Chanthivong said.