NSW Government funds upgrades to Singleton Roosters Club in tribute to Greta bus tragedy victims

The NSW Government has announced $1.7 million towards upgrading the Singleton Roosters AFC clubhouse and facilities that will include a permanent memorial acknowledging those who died in the Greta bus tragedy.

The funding aims to enhance community and social recovery efforts following the loss of several members of the club in the bus accident at the June 2023 long weekend.

On making the announcement NSW Premier Chris Minns shared "the tragedy in Greta was felt right across NSW and it is appropriate that a commemoration is built to mark the loss of lives and their legacy in the community.

"This investment recognises the emotional toll of the recent bus tragedy, providing a space for healing and unity within the Singleton community."

"This clubhouse expansion will be a be of great benefit for the Singleton Roosters AFC and the wider community, empowering them to grow, host events, competitions, and gatherings that will enrich the social fabric of the region and help the local community heal."

The expansion will be jointly funded with the AFL and Singleton Council.

Importantly, it will provide the club and the local community with memorial and a space to honour and remember their loved ones who lost their lives.

The expansion, which the club has been planning for some time, will be a boost to the Singleton AFC clubhouse and precinct, ensuring the club's sustainability and inclusivity for years to come.

Among the planned enhancements are new change rooms with shower facilities, storage spaces, umpire areas, a scorers' box, first-aid room, toilets (female, male and accessible) and internal renovations of the existing building to upgrade the kiosk, kitchen and meeting room.

These upgrades will benefit the more than 22,000 Singleton locals who use the sporting facilities each year and will provide appropriate and accessible amenities for women and girls.

The upgrades will support the development of AFL in the Hunter by providing a venue capable of hosting future regional tournaments.

The funding for the club upgrade includes $1,700,000 from the NSW Office of Sport under the Partnership Program 2022/23 and $250,000 from the AFL's Australian Football Facilities Fund. Singleton Council also plan to make a funding commitment.

Singleton Roosters Club President Dylan Hixon added "Singleton's heart remains broken, but we are buoyed by the outpouring of support from the entire community. We are grateful for the many heartfelt messages of condolence, well wishes and donations. If nothing else, this terrible tragedy has shown the good in people to rally around those doing it tough, particularly following unimaginable hurt."

"The funding commitment for our upgraded club facilities will make a huge difference in supporting our participants and club members now and into the future. Thank you to the NSW Government and the AFL for being proactive in supporting a build which our club has been working on for a long time."

"The Roosters look forward to continuing the legacy of those lost and remembering their amazing contribution to our community."

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore advised "we're extremely grateful to the state government for their ongoing support of the Singleton community. This project will expand and enhance an important community facility that goes to the heart of local sport in Singleton."

"Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache and sadness over the last month since the bus crash tragedy, and with most of the victims having played for the Singleton Roosters Club, I can't think of a more fitting tribute."

Image. NSW Premier Chris Minns announces Singleton Roosters AFL clubhouse funding. Credit: Chris Minns/Facebook