Henson Park upgrade: Prime Minister, AFL join forces to rebuild iconic rugby league oval
The spiritual home of the Newtown Jets is set to receive an upgrade after receiving a $12.5 million injection from the Albanese government - and the AFL.
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The AFL is contributing to a $12.5m upgrade of one of rugby league’s most iconic grounds.
Hot on the heels of Leichhardt Oval receiving a $40m facelift, Henson Park is now set to receive a $12.5m funding boost after an agreement between federal and state governments, Inner West Council and the AFL.
Under the agreement, the AFL will contribute $4.5m to help modernise a venue that now hosts AFLW games for both the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney.
The venue is also famed for being the home ground of the Newtown Jets, who have recently been in the headlines after it emerged that they were in talks about being partners with the Western Australian government in a bid to bring the Jets back to the NRL.
The Albanese government has long been a supporter of the renewal of the ground that the legendary Tommy Raudonikis called home, having first committed to funding its upgrade in 2019.
The Australian government will contribute $2.5m for the upgrade, with $5m from the NSW government, $500,000 from the Inner West Council and the AFL’s multimillion- dollar contribution.
The work will be completed before the start of the 2025 AFLW and NSWRL Cup seasons.
Upgrades will include modernising the change rooms, adding amenities for women and girls for the first time.
“Henson Park has been the heartbeat of Marrickville’s sports community since its 1933 opening and I’m so proud to be part of its renewal,” the Prime Minister said.
“Whether it’s AFL or NRL, or other uses of the ground in the future, these upgrades will offer immense benefits to all who step onto the hallowed turf, whether elite players or weekend warriors.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper added: “Henson Park has an intangible atmosphere which would inspire any sportsperson.”
Henson Park hosted its first AFLW game in 2022 and has been branded one of the sport’s premier venues by AFL executive general manager of game development Rob Auld.
“Henson Park is one of the premier venues for Australian rules football in NSW, from the elite NAB AFLW competition through to community football, and with this upgrade it will be one of the best in the country for all players and umpires,” Auld said.
“It’s a venue which clearly means a lot to its community and the AFL is elated to drive the project that will maintain its heritage but bring it into the 21st century and beyond through clever and necessary improvements.”
The Jets have been based at the ground for nearly 90 years.
“It has been the spiritual home of the Newtown Jets since 1936,” Jets chief executive Stuart McCarthy.
“This project provides upgrades to the facilities for both sporting participants, female and male, grassroots and elite, all abilities and the public.”
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