The much loved and iconic Norwood Oval is continuing to kick goals after being crowned the state’s winner of the AFL’s Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award.
The $10.6 million redeveloped Oval was the only facility in South Australia to receive the Award, which is presented by the AFL’s Australian Football Facilities Fund.
The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters made a significant contribution of $4.8 million towards the redevelopment.
“To be honoured with the Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award is an incredible result and testament to the vision, determination and hard work in what was a huge team effort,” Mayor Bria said.
The Norwood Football Club also contributed $5 million, the State Government invested $482,500 and the Federal Government granted $250,000.
Award-winning winemaker and former Number One Ticket holder of the Club, Wolf Blass, donated $1 million towards the redevelopment.
“I would like to thank the Australian Football Facilities Fund for this Award and its $150,000 contribution to the redevelopment,” Mayor Bria said.
The redevelopment – which was completed in late 2020 – involved the construction of a new two-storey community centre, where the former Baulderstone Stand was located, transforming the venue into one of the premier facilities for football in SA.
The redevelopment also significantly improved facilities for both male and female players while encouraging increased female participation.
“The new clubrooms and member’s facilities have bolstered its appeal, as not only the home of the mighty Redlegs, but as a place to watch and enjoy the Adelaide Crows AFLW team,” Mayor Bria added.
Among the vast range of new features, the multi-purpose facility includes a new 180 seat members clubroom, function space and new Premier’s Bar.
The Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Awards recognise, on an annual basis, best practise in community football facility development across Australia, along with the people, clubs and other stakeholders driving our best community level projects.
Ken Gannon had a decorated career across many areas of the game, including as Chief Executive of the Geelong Cats and AFL Victoria.
Other state and territory winners of the most recent Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award are:
- Community Clubrooms for the Pennant Hills Demons AFC – New South Wales
- Santa Teresa Oval Project – Northern Territory
- Ferny Grove Falcons Change Room Project – Queensland
- Brighton Regional Sports Pavilion – Tasmania
- Coburg City Oval Redevelopment – Victoria
- Lakelands Park Sporting Complex – Western Australia
