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Barossa Council Update
DECEMBER, 2024
Gather Round the Barossa
In great news for the region, the Barossa is set to host two AFL matches for premiership points during the 2025 AFL Gather Round from April 10 to13.
The new Barossa Park at Lyndoch will host North Melbourne vs Gold Coast Suns on Saturday afternoon, and Richmond vs Fremantle on Sunday afternoon, with both matches set to showcase our incredible food and wine offerings.
Work at the facility is progressing on schedule, with turf now laid and construction work nearly two-thirds done.
The $44 million development, jointly funded by Council and the Malinauskas Labor Government, will open with the Gather Round fixture, and provide a long-term community venue to host sporting, art and community events.
“The inaugural Gather Round was spectacular, this year was a step up, and next year will be magnificent,” says Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“I’m thrilled we are on track to deliver two matches in the Barossa, a spectacular destination for the many visitors who will come into South Australia for this major event.”
The Barossa Council Mayor, Bim Lange, is excited about the potential for the new sports and events venue.
“Gather Round will be a terrific opportunity to launch this state-of-the-art facility, which will deliver economic benefits for the Barossa long after the first bounce in April 2025,” he says.
“…Barossa Park Project is also a gamechanger for the community, with over 42,000 square metres of sports playing surfaces to encourage grassroots participation in sport.
“This is a once-in-a-generation investment for our community and we’re so thrilled to be partnering with the State Government to deliver this landmark tourism and events destination.”
Gather Round tickets will go on sale via Ticketek from 10.00am Tuesday December 10 for club and AFL members, and 10.00am Wednesday December 11 for the general public.
New trees on the block
Our newly planted trees are going out on a limb as we introduce them to their neighbours!
With the help of our Open Spaces team, postcards are being delivered to letterboxes near their new homes, explaining “who” the trees are and what they will achieve once strong enough to thrive on their own.
With more than 360 trees being planted in the region lately, our team will be extra busy ensuring they are watered once a week during the warmer months, but residents are encouraged to give them an extra drink to help them grow to their full potential.
With the community’s help, the new trees on the block will be contributing to shade, improving air quality, enhancing street appeal and reducing urban heat in no time.
What a tree-rific outcome!
Kicking goals for the Barossa
Our investment in Tanunda Recreation Park has seen it named SANFL’s 2024 SA Community Football Facility of the Year in conjunction with Tanunda Football Club, as well as SACA’s Cricket Facility of the Year.
The dual awards have cemented Tanunda Recreation Park as one of the best regional sporting venues in the state, celebrating facilities that are well-positioned, accessible and fit-for-purpose.
The precinct includes new clubrooms, changerooms and spectator viewing; main oval upgrade and lighting; second junior oval; new cricket nets and an inclusion playground.
The facility is already attracting national attention, and will be a host venue for the 2025 Australian Country Cricket Championships in January.
“It’s a wonderful facility for the community and, in particular, a great venue for our football club,” says Tanunda Football Club President Kym Underwood.
“I’ve always said this is a project that provides something for generations to come, not just the present day, and I’m super excited about what we’ve been able to achieve.”
