Hurstville Oval community pavilion complete

The Albanese Government continues to partner with local governments across NSW to get high-priority community infrastructure off the ground – with construction of Blackshaw Gould Community Pavilion at Hurstville Oval complete.

Georges River Council officially opened the Blackshaw Gould Community Pavilion at Hurstville Oval on Thursday 2 May 2024, in recognition of the contributions of local sporting legends Les Blackshaw and Nell Gould.

The $4.33 million project is located on the south-eastern side of the oval, adjacent to Gordon Street – supported by $1.175 million from the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $2.2 million from the NSW Government under the Stronger Communities Fund, and $859,000 from Georges River Council.

Mayor Cr Sam Elmir and Member for Barton, the Hon Linda Burney MP, unveiled a plaque, joined by Georges River Councillors. Three generations of Les Blackshaw’s family, including his daughter Sue Herron, attended to honour his legacy.

The lower floor of the new pavilion is equipped for all sports use with change rooms and referee quarters, and the upper room for community hire.

The pavilion forms part of the Hurstville Oval and Timothy Reserve Plan of Management and Masterplan.

Additional works to be completed under the masterplan include new lighting at Hurstville Oval, which will allow the oval to be used at all times of the day. A further $325,000 has been provided to Council under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program towards the $675,000 project.

The name “Blackshaw Gould Community Pavilion” was unanimously endorsed by Council on 25 September 2023 following public exhibition of the name for community feedback.

Council welcomed input from community members on the name, which recognises the significant connections of Les Blackshaw and Nell Gould to Hurstville Oval as well as their contribution to the wider community of Georges River.

The name is also consistent with Council’s Place Naming Policy, prioritises recognition of  local Aboriginal history, heritage and culture; early settlers; historically significant people, activities and industries; war veterans; and gender diversity.

Gould was a trailblazer in women’s athletics at a local, state, and international level. She was an athlete, co-founder, and office bearer of the St George District Women’s Athletic Club who competed at the 1938 Empire Games, and coached athletes at the 1954 Empire Games and the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

She was an equal exemplar of community and club spirit, who maintained close ties with the St George District Women’s Athletic Club – of which she was a co-founder – from the 1920s until her passing in 1995 aged 83.

After more sporting achievements and volunteerism, she became an Order of Australia Medal recipient in 1987 for services to sport and the community.

Les Blackshaw is known as ‘the father of cricket’ in the St George district, serving on the former Hurstville Council, and was the Hurstville Mayor in 1911. He was also an official with St George District Cricket Club, held the role of club president from 1930-46, and was a supporter of multiple junior sports and recreational clubs in the area.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“It’s so important that people of all ages have access to high-quality sporting facilities in their own backyard, which is why I’m thrilled to be helping deliver this project for the Hurstville community.

“It’s fantastic to see work complete on the Blackshaw Gould Community Pavilion, with this just one of many projects we’re partnering with Georges River Council on, as part of over $7.4 million in LRCI funding from the Australian Government.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Barton, the Hon Linda Burney MP:

“The new Hurstville Oval pavilion is a winner for our fast-growing community, supporting local jobs and ensuring this 123 year old Oval can better cater for community sporting events well into the future.

“This is a wonderful way to recognise two local sporting legends while delivering better community sporting infrastructure for the St George area.”

Quotes attributable to Georges River Council Mayor, Cr Sam Elmir:

“Council is proud to officially open this new community pavilion and pay honour to our two local sporting legends who made a massive contribution to athletics and cricket.
 
“Their love of the game, and volunteerism helped spur the Georges River sporting community spirit which continues at Hurstville Oval today.”