Published 18 June 2022, updated 11 January 2024
The $13.6 million project will create a sustainable, multi-purpose sports facility accommodating year-round sport, recreation and community activities.
It will enhance Hands Oval's reputation as the premier Australian football facility in the region, providing better male and female player change rooms, club facilities and an enhanced spectator experience.
The growing interest in the game by women and girls means there is a need to ensure that facilities provide a welcoming environment to support ongoing female participation.
Importantly, the engagement of a local builder and subcontractors will ensure that the local community will receive the financial benefits from this significant infrastructure project.
Last year the City successfully secured $4.4 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
The funding is on top of the $5 million already committed to the project by the State Government as well as a contribution from the South West Football League.
Additional funding is being sought to support this project with the potential to deliver further upgrades around the oval which are currently not part of the proposed construction works.
Following contract award, the design phase will get underway, with demolition and construction to begin following the 2022 Southwest Football League season.
The redevelopment is due for completion by the end of 2023, in time for the start of the 2024 SWFL season.