The hallowed turf of Bradman Oval is getting some much needed love.
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Federal Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones was at Bradman Oval with executive director of the Bradman Foundation, Rina Hore to announce a $125,000 donation for upgrades to the iconic oval.
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"The funds will be used for necessary shade cover for the pavilion," Ms Hore said.
"Obviously it gets used in cricket, but local schools also use it.
"Bowral Public School uses the oval every Friday afternoon and this is where they bring everyone to meet before they go out on the field.
"Athletic days are also held here and spectators need coverage.
"Shade is our number one priority here."
Upgrades to the pavilion area aren't the only improvements that Bradman Oval will see.
"Our irrigation system faces inwards towards the wicket and the out field now, the perimeter is used especially by early morning traffic with joggers and people exercising," Ms Hore said.
"The running on the outside of the oval compacts the field due to its heavy use.
"Part of the funds will be used to re-shape the irrigation patterns and work on the outfield.
"The final upgrade will be for cricket but also community use, we will be getting a digital scoreboard.
"This is going to make it a national class facility for the community and for everyone else who wants to have a play here."
Stephen Jones.
"Everyone that plays here will get their name up on the scoreboard and we'll also be able to publish community messages such as Disabilities Day and Autism Awareness.
"We've got an Autism Awareness day coming up on April 2 and this will help get the message out there."
Stephen Jones explained where the funds will be coming from and why it's an important donation.
"This $125,000 donation is coming out of the community infrastructure fund," Mr Jones said.
"It was a great application from the Bradman Foundation and a bit of back door lobbying from me (laughs)."
"This is to ensure that the proper attention gets paid to the right projects.
"This is not just a brilliant facility for the people of the Southern Highlands, it's famous throughout the NSW Australia and the world.
"You get internationals coming here wanting to see the museum and love to turn their arm over on the pitch.
"This is going to make it a national class facility for the community and for everyone else who wants to have a play here."
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