The region’s future track and field stars have received a major boost with the announcement of $1,060,000 for Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) to renew the track at the Barden Park Athletics Centre of Excellence.
Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has joined DRC Mayor Mathew Dickerson, CEO Murray Wood and representatives from Athletics NSW to announce the funding, just in time for the venue to host the 2023 NSW Country Championships.
“The synthetic track at Barden Park is internationally certified for athletes to set world record times, and this renewal is crucial for maintaining its World Athletics certification, and its ability to continue attracting state and national carnivals,” Mr Saunders said.
“Council will use this funding to renew the top synthetic surface, making sure our athletes, like those here this weekend, are performing on the best track possible.
“Events like the Country Championships attract thousands of people to Dubbo, bringing with them a great economic boost for our region.”
The funding will be used to prepare the track before laying the new Rekortan M top layer synthetic surface across the entire track, line marking in accordance with World Athletics and Little Athletics specifications, and commissioning and certifying the renewed track.
Mayor Mathew Dickerson said Barden Park is an internationally recognised facility that hosts many events each year, including this weekend, with the NSW Athletics Country Championships to bring in more than 700 competitors and supporters to the event.
“To receive this $1,060,000 for the renewal of the synthetic track will allow us to continue to maintain the standard these athletes deserve when they come to Barden Park to compete.”
Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will support local community and sporting infrastructure projects, street beautification, public programs and events that display the best of local character and community spirit.
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.
For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf
