Frustrated parents plead with politicians for change, calls for upgrade to outdated Dubbo basketball facility grow louder

Frustrated parents in regional NSW are pleading with the state’s politicians to act on outdated basketball facility, in a major centre for the sport, amid a host of falls and one serious injury.

One eight-year-old Dubbo boy required stitches after sliding across the wooden floor and landing on a loose nail.

This is the photo NSW government authorities don’t want you to see.

Frustrated Dubbo parents are pleading with the state’s politicians to act on the city’s outdated basketball facility amid a host of falls and one serious injury.

CODE Sports has been contacted by a parent who provided images of their child’s injury as a result of the facility’s slippery surface.

One eight-year-old boy required stitches after sliding across the wooden floor and landing on a loose nail.

“Five stitches later and the scar is absolutely horrendous – why don’t the politicians see this as a massive priority?!,” one parent said.

“Our son slid across the end of court one and landed on a nail head up out of the floor.”

"Gut-wrenching"
Dubbo's bid to receive much needed funding in the NSW Budget for a basketball and sports facility upgrade has copped a blow. Not a cent allocated to the project, leaving officials disillusioned and taking aim at contradictory politicians. https://t.co/MoRTzoaVvFpic.twitter.com/64dywBsXtK

— Matt Logue (@mattlogue7) June 24, 2025

The venue’s new owner and operator – PCYC Dubbo – have been proactive in maintaining a safe environment to prevent injury.

However, the reality is the outdated facility desperately needs an upgrade.

PCYC Dubbo joined the city’s basketball officials this week to push for the Sports Hub to receive much needed funding in the State Budget.

Sadly, the city’s two-court facility didn’t receive a cent, which is a bitter blow for a city already reeling after having $48 million in pledged funding for a Sports Hub revoked at the end of 2024.

It means Dubbo – a population of over 55,000 and 200,000 if you include surrounding regions – will be left with a sub-par facility featuring two outdated courts with prehistoric wooden backboards, a leaking roof and a dodgy scoreboard.

The city’s mayor Josh Black has vowed to continue the fight for his city despite the latest budget setback.

“Got nothing – so bad,” Black said.

“Back to square one and press restart. Can’t give up now.”

Originally published as Frustrated parents plead with politicians for change, calls for upgrade to outdated Dubbo basketball facility grow louder