Sporting facilities to give communities the opportunity to hold big events.

This topic featured on Walgett’s Council agenda at Tuesday's meeting (23 September) on the back of big news about Brewarrina’s $10m multi- purpose sports facility announced last week and Gilgandra’s $14m sports hub a few weeks ago.

Walgett Councillor Jane Keir wants her community to get help for Walgett's no. 2 oval, giving it capacity to hold bigger and better events with upgraded facilities.

"Council needs to strongly advocate for the provision of external funding for preparation of a Facility Master Plan for No. 2 Oval, Walgett, with the view of expediting essential work there," she said.

It follows Walgett’s successful hosting of the Western Plains Rugby Grand Final involving teams from four different towns.

‘’Recent activities held at number 2 Oval, including an event with over a thousand people in attendance for the Rugby Union Grand Final, have identified that the facilities are no longer fit for purpose and do not meet community expectations and user needs," Cr Keir said.

"External funding for a Master Plan is therefore sought to expedite the delivery of essential facility upgrades and co-ordination of project shovel-readiness."

Outdoor catering featured at the 2025 Western Plains Rugby Union Grand Final at Walgett in August. [IMAGE: Walgett Rams]

Mayor Jarod Marsden backed his councilor.

"Nothing much has changed there for years, not since I played in 1988 so something definitely needs to be done.

''I think Western Plains Rugby was pretty happy with the day but we can look for grants.''

Councilors voted unanimously to apply for grant funding at Tuesday's meeting.

More shade and seating would be an advantage for Walgett no.2 oval. [IMAGE: Walgett Rams] 

Western Plains Rugby Secretary Angela Hanigan says the grand final was a great success .

''We were pleased with the facilities and players were happy but we would be happy to support Walgett Council in improvements they might want to make.''

Western Plains Rugby Union President Tom McMullen has congratulated Walgett on its hosting of the grand final and says they would be delighted to support grant applications.

''I think more shade at the oval would help but the event has been successful and they have held four over the past 5 years.''

Walgett’s Ricky Walford Oval hosted its local rugby league knockout with Bourke’s New Generation youngsters starring on September 20.

Recent sports stadiums in Western NSW at larger centres in Mudgee and Orange at a combined $125m have been successfully funded by NSW and Federal Government money.

Councils in those cities say attracting new sporting events, especially youth sport, are big money winners for both day and night time economy. 

''While we don't have that support out here Walgett has successfully held the grand final for two years running so we are full of admiration for them.," Ms Hanigan said.