Last March when R2K (Return to Kogarah) held an information night at Kogarah RSL, the main issue holding back the St George Illawarra Dragons returning to Kogarah Jubilee Oval was one of money. Although all other issues have since been successfully addressed, recent discussions show that funding still remains as the main hurdle.

Last Friday night (23 August), R2K held a successful dinner aimed at assisting them in their on-going campaign to see the Dragons return to the St George district.

Kogarah Mayor Jim Taylor explained that approximately $700,000 was required to ensure a successful return to Kogarah in 2003. He said that a NSW State government grant of approximately $400,000 was probably available but this was only on a 'dollar to dollar' basis. The grant if allocated, would not exceed the amount raised by other interested parties in the community. The applications for grants are due to close on September 11th, 2002 and Mr Taylor urged interested parties to do whatever they could to raise the neccessary funds.

In a rare moment of solidarity, Jim Taylor (Kogarah Mayor), Cherie Burton (State Member for Kogarah), Shaoquett Moselmane (Rockdale Mayor), Vince Badalati (Hurstville Mayor), Malcolm Kerr (State Member for Cronulla) were all all present and throwing their support behind the R2K proposal. 

R2K's Lachlan McLean acknowledged Kogarah Council and their unanimous support and encouraged Kogarah Council to establish a Trust fund for the maintenance and improvement of Jubilee Oval. 

"We advocate that this Fund be established and held in trust by Kogarah Council. This would provide a good opportunity for supporters to contribute to a future for the Dragons at Kogarah and for the St.George Leagues Club to match every dollar contributed by supporters." McLean said.

McLean also congratulated St George Football Club CEO, Robert Stone for working closely with Kogarah Council and the NRL.

"Robert has always maintained a consistent approach on the Dragons returning to Kogarah and it would be a good thing if more Rugby League administrators possessed the qualities of Robert."

Although no representatives from the St George Football Club or the St George Leagues Club were in attendance, Robert Stone has been a noted supporter of the Dragons playing at Kogarah Oval and as recently as Friday expressed 'confidence' that the Dragons would play at Kogarah in 2003.

While support from the Football club is welcomed by Dragons supporters, it's becoming increasingly obvious that the reaction from the Leagues Club, who have the majority of financial control, is most crucial.

Related articles:
R2K's big night by R2K
Immortals dinner a success by Dragan Blazevic

For information on home ground issues and the search for a St George home ground - click here

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