NRL stars to visit carnival

The Hilltops growing status as a regional sporting hub will receive a boost this week with a number of high profile sportspeople to be on hand for the official sod-turning of Hilltops Council’s new sports and function centre development at the Boorowa Showground.

NRL identities Ricky Stuart and Mal Meninga, along with the Canberra Raiders CEO and Board will join Hilltops Council Mayor Brian Ingram and other dignitaries – including the State Member for Goulburn Pru Goward and the Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack – on Friday October 20 for the launch of the development’s construction, which Mayor Ingram said when complete, will be a drawcard for regional sporting events.

“The new sports and function centre at the Boorowa Showground promises to be a state-of-the-art facility. The two-storey building will house amenities, storage areas and a canteen on the ground level, with a function area on the first floor featuring a bar, along with viewing and lounge areas,” the Mayor said.

“The project forms the centrepiece of the Boorowa Showground Masterplan which aims to consolidate, rationalise and improve on existing facilities.

“Boorowa already has a reputation as somewhat of a sporting hub in the region; the annual ‘Touch Football & Netball Carnival’ – which is taking place on the same day – is the perfect example of this.”

Thousands of students, teachers and supporters descend on Boorowa for the annual competition, and according to the mayor the new facility will certainly enhance this event, along with many other sporting club meetings, functions and events down the track. Mayor Ingram said a Canberra Raiders Board Meeting, scheduled to be held in Boorowa earlier in the day, also reflects the growing prominence of the Hilltops Region within the wider Canberra Region.