One of the main reasons given for the $8m upgrade of Bob Prenter Reserve at Macquarie Fields was to enable more Sydney Premier Division games to be played there by South West Sydney Blues AFL club.
But it seems that the problem with playing games there in recent years hasn’t been the lack of “world class’’ clubhouse and change rooms, which is how they were described at the weekend’s official ceremony.
Our information is that an ancient drainage system is the main culprit, and that it was not fixed as part of the upgrade.
It means that while some Premier Division games will be played there by the Blues they will have to be scheduled at the start of the season, and before the winter rains arrive.
So, why weren’t the drainage issues addressed in such an expensive upgrade that cost ratepayers almost $3m and NSW taxpayers $5m?
Our spies tell us that the council and the AFL club had their wires crossed, and the result was a missed opportunity.
Cynics would say there’s a first time for everything.
One hopes that the two main parties get their wires fixed to ensure top level AFL return to its rightful home here in Campbelltown, home of the mighty Blues, as soon as possible.
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Talking about tradition, St Greg’s, the famous rugby league nursery located on the Scenic Hills and overlooking most of Campbelltown, is celebrating 100 years of history.
The school’s opening day Mass marked the commencement of the college’s 100th year celebrations.
Principal Matthew Brennan, staff and students joined guests to acknowledge the college’s continued growth, including the introduction of a co-educational junior school in recent years.
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St Greg’s isn’t the only local school with a lengthy pedigree: Earlier this month, Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound was the guest of honour at the 150th anniversary assembly at Campbelltown Public School, along with principal Catherine Flamos, teachers and staff.
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Mayor Lound also attended the 50-year anniversary celebration of the Campbelltown Joggers Club held at the Gregory Hills Hotel.
He congratulated the club on reaching this significant milestone and acknowledged the dedication of its members and supporters.
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The mighty Campbelltown Harlequins rugby club posted a wonderful tribute to one of their “Old Jokers’’ – Bob Keith – on March 4:
Vale Bob Keith – 1939-2026
It is with great sadness that we share the news that a grand Old Joker, Bob Keith, has taken his place on the eternal touchline – called up to the great field above, for the game played in Heaven.
For more than 50 years, Bobby was a constant at our club. He never missed a home game and was always there to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Only last Friday he was at the ground with the Grumpies, helping with maintenance – still showing up, still contributing, still part of the fabric of this place.
Bob was 86. While he had slowed the pace a little, he remained fiercely independent, living in the family home in Bradbury and doing things his way, right to the end. The photo above was taken just last Friday.
A true clubman. A familiar face. A Saturday morning staple.
We can picture him now – keeping the sausages turning on heaven’s halfway line and watching over us from the grandstand above.
Rest easy, Bobby. You are my Sunshine.