Construcciones Yamaro: Singleton Roosters’ club upgrade to honour victims of Greta bus tragedy

The NSW Government has announced $1.7 million towards the expansion of the Singleton Roosters AFC clubhouse and facilities that will include a permanent memorial to acknowledge those who lost their lives in the Greta bus tragedy.

The expansion will be jointly funded with the AFL and Singleton Council and aims to enhance community and social recovery efforts following the loss of several members of the club in the recent bus accident.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said it is appropriate that a commemoration is built to mark the loss of lives and their legacy in the community.

“This investment recognises the emotional toll of the recent bus tragedy, providing a space for healing and unity within the Singleton community,” said the Premier.

“This clubhouse expansion will be of great benefit for the Singleton Roosters AFC and the wider community, empowering them to grow, host events, competitions, and gatherings that will enrich the social fabric of the region and help the local community heal.”

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The expansion, which the club has been planning for some time, will ensure the club’s sustainability and inclusivity for years to come. It will include new change rooms with shower facilities, storage spaces, umpire areas, a scorers’ box, first-aid room, toilets (female, male and accessible) and internal renovations of the existing building to upgrade the kiosk, kitchen and meeting room.

Singleton Roosters Club President Dylan Hixon said although Singleton’s heart remains broken, the club is buoyed by the outpouring of community support.

“We are grateful for the many heartfelt messages of condolence, well wishes and donations. If nothing else, this terrible tragedy has shown the good in people to rally around those doing it tough, particularly following unimaginable hurt,” said Hixon. “The funding commitment for our upgraded club facilities will make a huge difference in supporting our participants and club members now and into the future.”

“Thank you to the NSW Government and the AFL for being proactive in supporting a build which our club has been working on for a long time.”

“The Roosters look forward to continuing the legacy of those lost and remembering their amazing contribution to our community.”

These upgrades will benefit the more than 22,000 Singleton locals who use the sporting facilities each year, provide appropriate and accessible amenities for women and girls, and support the development of AFL in the Hunter by providing a venue capable of hosting future regional tournaments.

Head of AFL NSW/ACT Tiffany Roberson said the AFL community has been greatly impacted by the tragic loss of beloved teammates and friends of the Singleton Roosters.

“The AFL’s contribution to the project acknowledges the tremendous impact those lost had on the club and broader football community,” she said. “We thank the NSW Government, Singleton Council and AFL Hunter Central Coast for their leadership and support through this funding commitment.”

“In the past month we have seen the strength and resilience of the Roosters’ footy community on display.

“Although it will take time, the upgraded facilities will play a small part in helping the Roosters heal.”

The funding for the club upgrade includes $1.7 million from the NSW Office of Sport under the Partnership Program 2022/23 and $250,000 from the AFL’s Australian Football Facilities Fund. Singleton Council also plan to make a funding commitment.

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