Wagga takes the mark

WWCC will allocate $40,000 to AFL NSW over the next two years to secure a NAB pre-season game and a Northeast AFL game, as well as the continuation of various community programs to further develop the sport. 

Mayor Rod Kendall said WWCC came on board because the “highly successful” youth programs – including Kick Start centres in Ashmont and Tolland, player visits to schools and a multicultural AFL program in Wagga – were in jeopardy when the Department of Housing pulled its funding. 

“It’s very, very disappointing the Department of Housing ... stopped funding the program that demonstrated good community outcomes,” Cr Kendall said.

“It’s significantly important to youths and the engagement of youths that will have flow-ons to the community for years and years to come.”

Cr Kendall believed engaging youths in the game through the programs was “the real value for council” rather than securing top-grade games. Under the deal, indigenous and multicultural participants will receive free AFL club registration in 2016 and 2017.

Unlike WWCC’s $300,000 commitment to secure two pre-season games featuring the Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2012, Cr Kendall said the latest bid was more about “grassroots” engagement rather than bringing big games to the region.

In exchange for its contribution, AFL NSW will provide WWCC with $35,000 for local infrastructure projects, while AFL Riverina will provide $5000 towards upgrading the Robertson Oval canteen – the new site for the Giants Cup Schoolboy final and Paul Kelly Cup final over the next two years.

AFL NSW state operations and major projects manager, Joseph La Posta, said the unprecedented partnership with a local council was a first of its kind for the state. 

“It’s really important in terms of engaging with disadvantaged and new migrants,” Mr La Posta said. 

“From a council point of view, I applaud them (on coming forward).”