Roger Rasheed’s $5m plan to help disadvantaged children

Former tennis gun Roger Rasheed has released his plans to transform a rundown southern hub to make sport more accessible to disadvantaged children.

International tennis coach and former player Roger Rasheed wants to upgrade a sporting complex in Christie Downs.

AN INTERNATIONAL tennis coach’s vision to transform a tired reserve into a sports hub for disadvantaged children is “the heartbeat to kick start Christie Downs”.

Roger Rasheed released his $5 million plan to upgrade Morton Rd Reserve, in partnership with Onkaparinga Council and Reynell state Labor MP Katrine Hildyard, last week.

A council committee backed Rasheed’s vision, which includes four basketball, netball and tennis courts, a small oval, skate park, running track, a playground and a barbecue, at its meeting last week.

The project would be delivered through the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation, which gives children from disadvantaged communities access to a better life through sport.

Onkaparinga chief executive Mark Dowd said the complex, between Morton Rd and Christie Downs railway station, would give the suburb a boost, while supporting children in the area.

“Maybe this is just the heartbeat that will kickstart Christie Downs,” Mr Dowd said.

Cr Bill Jamieson said the complex was essential to make the area thrive.

“You’ve got an area with economic problems and other problems … it’s time to bring the area up,” Mr Jamieson said.

“It is time for rejuvenation.”

Morton Rd Reserve upgrade — Roger Rasheed Foundation. Supplied: Matthews Architects

A committee report said the complex would promote social inclusion and healthy lifestyles by providing free sports coaching and more space for community groups to use.

The development also had the potential to “encourage broader private sector investment” to revitalise Christie Downs.

The foundation could provide at least $300,000 towards the project, as well as “significant” amounts in-kind support to contribute to the shortfall.

The council planned to contribute $1.5 million, which it had identified in its long-term financial plan, but only if the State Government could match the amount.

The council and Mr Rasheed are in discussions with the government about funding.

However, if none is secured the project could be scaled back.

Mr Rasheed said there was a need to provide “major opportunities” to change the culture of the community, boost amenities and support children.

“We wanted a facility where everything can go hand-in-hand,” Mr Rasheed said.

“It will completely transform Christie Downs, and will be the start of something great that will go right through the community.

“It will be something unique for South Australia.”

He planned to add more programs to the Christie Downs Community House, which is opposite the site, through consultation with the council.

Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg said the plan was a “a good concept”, bringing “faith to the people of Christie Downs”.

She hoped external sporting clubs would be able to use the complex — an idea that, according to a council spokesman, was being explored.

Ms Hildyard strongly supported the project and would “continue to fight for more infrastructure here and across the south”.

“I wholeheartedly believe in the power of sport to include people, to change lives for the better and have seen first-hand the positive impact it can play,” she said.

She did not say whether State Government funding had been secured.

Mr Rasheed has been behind two similar, smaller complexes in Elizabeth Grove and Oaklands Park. He hoped the development would be complete by the end of the year.

No date about when the council would consider the proposal had been set, however, a workshop on funding will be held next month.