Bingera Football Club scores upgrade for centenary

Refurbished playing surfaces and a lighting upgrade at their Bundaberg North training field are set to change the game for Bingera Football Club’s centenary year.

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the upgrade of Bingera Football Club was part of a $200,000 election commitment.

“I’ve been pushing since the election to get the ball rolling on this project, which will deliver a game changing experience for the club’s Stripey Family,” Mr Smith said.

“Planning has already started for the upgrade of the training fields plus a lighting upgrade which means the Stripeys can better utilise both fields and support the club’s future growth.

“The upgrade will also support jobs for local tradies and their suppliers, and that’s great news for the Bundaberg community and our city’s COVID-19 economic recovery.

“With a proud history dating from 1922, the club is building some quality facilities surrounding its clubhouse, kitchen and dressing rooms, to continue growing soccer for many years to come.”

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the upgrade would help celebrate the club's 100 years.

“This is a great community and family orientated club where the members are known throughout the local competition as the Stripeys,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“By upgrading the grounds, the club will be able play two games together at the same time, and on training days have multiple sessions for the men’s, ladies and junior teams.

“Work on the ground is expected to get started later this year and be ready for the 2022 football season and the club’s centenary year.”

Bingera Football Club President Karl Zimmerlie said the improved facilities will allow the club to host more carnivals, coaching clinics and events while attracting new players to the club.

“Facility improvements are vital for growing our player and volunteer base, and for helping our young players on their journey to becoming Socceroos and Matildas,” said Mr Zimmerlie.

“We are hoping to build on our current membership of 114 mini-roos, 30 juniors and 67 senior players, in addition to all our volunteers, coaches and managers.

“We have multiple men’s and ladies’ teams, and junior teams from under 6 right through to under 18’s.

“With field two becoming operational, we will be able to play ladies and men’s games simultaneously and split our time over two fields rather than hammering our main field all the time.

“I would like to thank Football Queensland for their support in getting this funding approved and to the Queensland Government for helping deliver the project.”

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