Tweed Shire's Uki sports community celebrates opening of flood resilient facilities

Tweed Shire's Uki sports community is celebrating the official opening of major upgraded facilities at Vic Bianchetti Sports Ground. The 2022 floods left the facility completely devastated, with four metres of water inundating the clubhouse.

The $1.2 million clubhouse restoration and resilience project was funded through the NSW Government’s Office of Sport under the Priority Needs Program and Essential Community Sport Assets programs.   

The restoration works delivered by local contractors Desire Contractors Pty Ltd have significantly improved the facility with flood resilient features, including a second storey meeting room and storage area.

The project also included extensive structural repairs such as a new roof, blockwork and steel posts, improved drainage and plumbing, an upgraded electrical system with the main switchboard relocated above flood levels, replacement solar panels, and the installation of new aluminium glass doors and windows, stainless steel joinery and epoxy floor coatings.

Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities, Murray Smith, said the project was a huge boost for Uki, delivering a multi-purpose facility that will be enjoyed by the entire community for years to come.

Smith advised “knowing that this clubhouse was completely underwater during the 2022 floods and seeing the transformation now is a credit to everyone involved.

“By incorporating improved flood resilience measures, this marks another positive step forward in the Tweed’s preparedness to handle future challenges of climate challenges.”

The redesigned layout now provides improved accessibility and functionality, creating a modern, fit-for-purpose sports clubhouse that better serves today’s sporting community. 

Uki Sport and Recreation Club President Duaine Bianchetti said the final result far exceeded the committee’s expectations and added “this facility will not only benefit our Uki sports clubs, but the entire Tweed community.

“We now have the capacity to hold and host events and functions of all types, from weddings to the presentation nights and fundraisers. We are excited about how it’s turned out.”

Image. Celebrations in the new grandstand. Pictured at front: Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Sport; Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Lismore and Minister for Recovery; Tweed Shire Councillor Reece Byrnes and Murray Smith, Tweed Shire Council Manager Parks and Active Communities. Credit Tweed Shire Council