The Lower Clarence Suns AFL Club has secured a $27,674 grant to create a reliable home ground after three seasons disrupted by flooding and waterlogged conditions.
The funding, through the AFL NSW/ACT Football Facilities Fund, will pay for a synthetic cricket pitch cover, removable AFL goal posts, goal post padding, and associated infrastructure at the Ngayundi Yamba Sports Complex, allowing AFL to safely share Synthetic Wicket Field 1 during the winter season.
Flooding has significantly affected the club’s training and competition schedule for the past three seasons, with 2025 proving particularly difficult. Last season, the Suns were restricted to just two home games on their existing ground.
The project is expected to unlock more than 200 hours of AFL training and competition each season.
Club secretary Heather Morris, who prepared the successful grant application, said the outcome secured the club’s future in the region.
“This grant gives our club a reliable home ground and helps secure the future of football in the Lower Clarence,” Ms Morris said.
“It means our players can train and play locally with greater certainty, and it allows us to make smarter use of existing community sporting infrastructure.”
President Richard Sansom said the committee had worked hard to reach this point.
“There has been a lot of work at the committee level to get this project to this point, particularly by our Secretary, Heather, and the benefits to our club will be felt for many years to come,” Mr Sansom said.
“This funding supports our growing junior and female programs, creates a better experience for players and families, and gives our club a stronger foundation for the future.”
State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson congratulated the club’s volunteers on securing the funding, saying community sporting clubs relied on people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au