Report from: R2K


The Jubilee Oval Community Appeal (JOCA) was officially launched
yesterday (10 December, 2002) at Kogarah's Jubilee Oval. Attendees
included Cherie Burton (State Member for Kogarah), Robert Stone,
Peter Doust, Danny Robinson, Jim Taylor (Kogarah Mayor) and Frank
Bates (Jubilee Fundraising Manager).

Bates has been set the goal of raising up to $1.85 million dollars
for Stage One of the Jubilee upgrade. While part of the $1.85 million
can include building materials donated by building supply
corporations, the majority needs to be straight cash input. Bates
described the task of raising $1.85 million dollars in a limited
timeframe as `...rather daunting, but not impossible, when you
are working for a sporting community with so much pride and
tradition.'

The naming rights to Jubilee Oval can be secured by a corporation who
is willing to enter into a ten year contract. JOCA confirmed
that "The sponsorship will include exclusive ground name
association with all events - external and internal ground,
grandstand, scoreboard and fence signage - advertising - hospitality -
and major network opportunities."

JOCA has selected the following St.George legends as the patrons of
the appeal:

John Raper, Reg Gasnier, Graeme Langlands, Nathan Brown, Lance
Thompson and Mark Gasnier.

Any donation of $50 or more to JOCA will receive a personalised
certificate with the profiles of the six patrons embossed in gold and
autographed.

The first special fundraising event occurs this weekend, Saturday the
14th of December. The St.George-Illawarra Dragons will make an
appearance between 4:30 and 5:00 pm at the `Hurstville Spirit
Festival' which is taking place at Forest Road, Hurstville. The
Dragons will be on the main stage and there will be an autograph
session afterwards. JOCA merchandise will be available on the day.

In other news, Kogarah Council have reported that the St.George
Leagues Club have increased their contribution towards the Jubilee
Oval upgrade from $50,000 to $400,000. Initially the St.George
Leagues Club agreed to contribute $50,000 towards the costs of
$400,000 with the remaining $350,000 to be supplied by Council or
Councils over a suitable period of time.

Significantly, the status of the Jubilee Oval grant application has
changed. Kogarah Council had originally applied for a $400,000 grant
under the Regional Sports Facility Program with the Department of
Sport & Recreation. After some complications with the original
application, a second application was lodged with the Premiers
Department Major Venues Cabinet Sub-Committee for a grant of
$800,000. An announcement is expected at the end of this week on
whether or not the application has been successful.

Finally, Kogarah Council have recognised that "...extenuating
circumstances exist in regard to the proposed contract for
construction works at Kogarah Jubilee Oval". Due to a tight
timeframe, Council have delegated authority to the General Manager to
finalise quotations and appoint a contractor to carry out the
construction works. Authority has also been delegated to the Director
of Development and Health to determine the Development Application
for Jubilee Oval. The NSW Department Of Land and Water Conservation
have granted owners consent which enables Kogarah Council to lodge
the Development Application which will be notified and assessed over
the next 3 to 4 weeks.

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