City Of Sydney Welcomes South Sydney Rabbitohs Back To Redfern

City of Sydney Welcomes South Sydney Rabbitohs Back To Redfern

The City of Sydney has rolled out the red carpet for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as they prepare for their first match at the new Redfern Park built and funded by the City against Wests Tigers this Sunday 8 February.

In 2005-06, the City of Sydney working with the local community, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and other community sporting groups, developed plans for the revitalisation of Redfern Park including Redfern Oval.

The City of Sydney has worked closely with the South Sydney Rabbitohs throughout the design and construction of the new football ground.
Construction began in late 2006.

Use of the state-of-the-art football ground will be shared by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, local sporting teams such as the Redfern All Blacks and local schools, and will also be available and open for other community use.

City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone said: "The City has created an open, attractive and accessible park, with professional sporting facilities. The oval will be used as a professional training facility for Souths and an attractive first-rate playing field for local sporting teams and events."

The refurbishment provides active sporting, athletic and recreational opportunities for a broad range of community, school and sporting groups. As well the upgrade has opened up the area around the playing field to provide much-needed open space for use by the general community.

The City of Sydney held an opening day for the public park area on 30 August 2008.

Highlights of the Redfern Park and Oval upgrade include:

* Removal of old concrete walls and barbed wire in the park to unify it and create more open space;
* New gentle grass terraces and a state-of-the-art architect-designed spectator stand with a smaller footprint and less visual impact on the park;
* New professional training facilities for the South Sydney Rugby League Football Club;
* A new cafe and community room for club and community use;
* A new children's playground and interactive play water feature;
* New trees, shrubs and landscaping;
* Upgraded paths and kerbs;
* New lighting; and
* Restored historical elements of the park including the fountain and the War Memorial.

In 1948 South Sydney started to play home games at Redfern Park. Their first match there is a 19 all draw with Easts. In 1987, a ground record crowd of 23,257 entered the park for a Souths v Manly match. In 1996, Souths played their last first-grade match at Redfern. They beat the South Queensland Crushers 48-16. On 8 February 2009, Souths return to the new Redfern Park.

Media Contact: Duncan Fine 0410 335 258

Source: City Of Sydney