Junee Shire Council was successful in obtaining a grant from the NSW state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund for the historic ground and Vanzanten has kept a weather eye on his home patch since construction got underway last year.

“It’s definitely getting there – looking heaps better now,” Vanzanten said.

“I’m not quite sure when the formal handover is but it should be coming up in the next two weeks.”

A total $432,900 was provided to reconstruct Laurie Daley Oval’s playing surface, including the installation of drainage and irrigation, with a further $451,688 provided to construct female and male change-rooms, referee rooms and public toilet facilities on-site.

The Diesels general said he was hopeful of organising a formal launch for the field once the initial playing surface works had been completed.

“We’re looking to try and get Laurie Daley down once it’s all wrapped up, give it a proper opening and that sort of thing,” Vanzanten said.

“It’d be great to get all the kids down and show everything that’s happened down there.”

Junee Shire Council general manager James Davis said the new playing surface will be ready for the start of the 2019 Group Nine season.

“Over 5,000 metres squared of turf has been laid and the tender for the amenities upgrade is expected to go out within the next few weeks,” Mr Davis said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke offered her support for the development after visiting the site earlier this week.

“The turf looks absolutely fantastic,” Ms Cooke said.

“We all know how much Laurie Daley Oval means to the Junee community ... a lot of memories have been made here. This facility needed some work but it’s so great to see it’s now well on track to being the envy of clubs throughout our district. I can’t wait to see it complete and in action.”

The Diesels’ senior squad members have already commenced pre-season training and are currently operating out of Loftus Oval. 

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