Construction of a new clubhouse and amenities at Ironbark Park is now complete, providing a welcome boost for Ripley Valley Football Club during registration for the 2024 season.
The $2.18 million project was part of Ipswich City Council’s commitment to supporting an active and connected community.
A new clubhouse and supporting infrastructure at South Ripley is critical to meeting community demand.
The new facilities include toilets and showers, amenities, facilities for people with disabilities and an office.
There’s also a meeting room, storage area, amenities for referees, new footpaths and a commercial quality canteen – everything for local clubs and families to enjoy a friendly match or a serious tournament.
Ironbark Park was South Ripley’s first major sports ground, home to the Ripley Valley Football Club (RVFC) seniors, women’s and junior teams, so this will boost sports in the local area and the wider Ipswich sporting community.
RVFC has grown from 80 members in its first year to over 400 now and they turn away dozens more every year.
The club has over 30 junior teams and eight senior teams: There is a huge demand for better sporting and community facilities in this booming area and we want to encourage more locals to get active and play sport.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP said the project was co-funded by a $1 million commitment from the Australian Government through the Investing in Our Communities Program.
“This is a much-needed project I promised to deliver during the election and I am proud to see the facilities available in time for the 2024 season,” Mr Neumann said.
“I know there’s a big demand for better sporting and community facilities across the Ipswich region in order to encourage more kids to get involved and play sport.
“These facilities will ensure the Ripley Valley Football Club can expand in line with community demands and help them provide affordable sport and adequate facilities for the juniors, mens and womens teams.”
RVFC president David ‘Willow’ Wilson said the new facilities would benefit the community greatly.
“The new facility is great and the dedicated changerooms and amenities will particularly benefit the girls and women, who previously had to get changed with towels,” he said.
This project is co-funded by a $1 million commitment from the Australian Government through the Investing in Our Communities Program.
