Today I’m pleased to join the Newtown Jets and Marrickville Mayor Morris Hanna to open the refurbished Henson Park ground.
The work was funded by a $920,000 grant from the Gillard Labor Government’s Community Infrastructure Grants program and included:

• Improvements to the grandstand building including replacement of the roofing, waterproofing, improved handrails and repainting


• Reconstruction and resurfacing of the grandstand forecourt to provide an accessible entry ramp to the building and repair damaged pavements


• Refurbishment of the public toilets and sports canteen in the tower building (adjacent to the grandstand) and refurbishment of the canteen in the scoreboard building


• Installation of an electronic scoreboard to replace the existing manual scoreboard

This historic ground hosted the closing ceremony for the 1938 British Empire Games and is widely used by local schools and community groups as well as being host to the Newtown Jets, AFL games and international Rugby Unions squads.
The Jets are a part of the history of Newtown and I am proud this funding has helped ensure Henson Park remains the home of the Jets for decades to come.