By Nick Creely, ASTMA

Two regional South Australian football facilities impacted by drought will receive much-needed turf upgrades as part of the 2025 South Australian Football Facilities Fund. 

The fund - a collaboration between the Malinauskas Government, the AFL and SANFL - forms part of almost 40 community footy projects across the state which includes $3 million of major club redevelopments and lighting upgrades. It comes off the back of a successful AFL Gather Round across various venues in South Australia last weekend.

Booleroo Melrose Wilmington Football has secured funding of $60,000 and $17,500 from the Rowan Ramsey Stronger Communities Fund for irrigation and drainage upgrades, which will see a new bore equipped and an oval renovation. It is expected the upgrades will be completed in time for the club’s first home game of the 2025 season.

Willunga Recreation Park (pictured right, image courtesy of Nearmap) - a multi-purpose complex and home to the Willunga Football Club and Willunga Cricket Club - has also received a slice of the pie by securing $75,000 in funding for irrigation and drainage upgrades at the historic oval which has been significantly impacted by drought. The football club is considered one of the oldest in South Australia and has produced a number of VFL/AFL players.

SA Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Emily Bourke said the funding was an important “platform” for the next generation and for local community clubs to survive. 

"We are determined to use the success of Gather Round to benefit community sporting clubs and get more young people active,” she said. "Upgraded infrastructure and modern facilities help build a platform for the next generation to chase their footy dreams, on ovals in all parts of the state. "This investment also creates a better environment for staff, volunteers and spectators who are the heartbeat of our communities."