The future of Tweed Seagulls RLFC as a pathway for regional male and female rugby league players received a massive boost today with the announcement of funding for much-needed improvements to the Piggabeen Sports Complex.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest has proudly delivered over $2.4 million in NSW Government funding to expand the Piggabeen Sports Complex.
The funding will see the grounds expanded to three international-fields, upgrades to the lighting and provide a community playground that will assist with an increased broader community usage.
Mr Provest said $1.68 million dollars of the funding was committed under the Multi Sport Community Facility Fund and was one of 39 projects funded across the State as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to turbocharge the take-up of community sport.
In announcing the grant Mr Provest said that the improved facilities will service youth across the region and support the growth of female participation as well as providing increased opportunities for people with disability.
“Tweed Seagulls have a proud history in the sport but it is also their commitment to the broader community that will enable more local residents to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” Mr Provest said.
In welcoming the announcement and thanking Geoff Provest and the State Government for their much-needed support Tweed Seagulls CEO, Matt Francis, paid tribute to all stakeholders in reaching this important point in securing Seagulls future as a pathways club to the NRL.
“Geoff has always taken a personal interest in the opportunities that the Club provides local youth and has been one of the key drivers in us reaching this critical point in the Club’s future.
“Over the past three years we have worked closely with Tweed Shire Council on the development of a MasterPlan for Piggabeen that has been instrumental in us seeking funding with Geoff’s support.
“This process has involved community consultation as well as the support of our governing bodies and game partners including the NRL, QRL and our affiliate the Gold Coast Titans.
“Tweed Seagulls is also indebted to the unwavering support of the Norths Collective through Seagulls Club where the commitment to rugby league is underpinned by our shared values to make a difference in the communities we serve,” Francis concluded.
Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith welcomed the funding for the project, which had been informed through consultation with the community in the development of a Master Plan for the complex upgrade.
“This venue is a vital piece of infrastructure for the sporting community in Tweed Heads West and is well-used and loved by the wider community,” Mr Smith said.
“Council is grateful for the funding to upgrade the facility so we can provide an improved and more functional space for local clubs and residents to use.”
QRL Director Darryl Van de Velde thanked Geoff Provest and Tweed Shire Council for their support not only of Tweed Seagulls but also community rugby league.
“The facilities are a just recognition of the work the Tweed Seagulls continually do in creating pathways for our local men and woman. The Tweed Seagulls have been a major part of the journey of many who have reached not only NRL but State of Origin level in recent years.
“Due to these facilities upgrades the QRL have extended to the Tweed Seagulls a new five-year participation licence agreement ensuring the facilities will be utilised to the benefit of community players pursuing an NRL or NRLW dream,” Van De Velde said.
Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell joined other stakeholders in thanking the NSW Government and Geoff Provest as well as the Tweed Council for their support of the Piggabeen Master Plan.
“Seagulls RLFC Club has a proud history as the oldest provincial club in the game and providing opportunities for local players who aspire to play at the elite level.
“Along with community clubs they are the lifeblood of the game and the provision of quality facilities will help not only cater for the growth of female and male participation but also provide additional opportunities for people with disability,” Mitchell said.
Norths Collective CEO Luke Simmons summed up for all saying the synergy with Seagulls RLFC went beyond the group’s charter to promote and foster the development of rugby league.
“Our involvement with Seagulls is part of a common vision to make a positive difference to the lives of our local community.
“To further our partnership in programs that promote our values of inclusion and diversity, we are proud that the Seagulls Club logo will be proudly be worn on the Hostplus jersey for the next three years to support increased female participation, opportunities for people with disability and First Nations participation,” Simmons said.
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