Published on Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 8:17:36 AM
Activation of the Spalding Park Clubrooms and Sports Courts is one step closer with Council endorsing Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC) as the preferred applicant to manage the facilities.
Mayor Jerry Clune said GSAC’s submission represented a positive outcome for the community and would help unlock the site's full potential as a community hub.
"GSAC has presented a strong vision for the site, with programs and activities that will benefit a wide range of community members while ensuring the facilities remain accessible and actively used,” he said.
"This proposal will see the Spalding Park facilities transformed into a welcoming and well-utilised community space that will support health and wellbeing programs, employment and training opportunities, arts and community activities, sport and school holiday programs.
"We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes this community-focused partnership will deliver."
GSAC Executive Officer Adrain Bartlett said the organisation values the opportunity to build on the precinct's strong sporting foundations and to working with the community to maximise the use and benefits of the facilities.
"GSAC are pleased to be selected as new managers of the Spalding Park Clubrooms and Sports Courts precinct as we see it as a golden opportunity to develop an iconic local sporting venue,” he said.
“GSAC looks forward to working closely with the City to engage community groups and organisations to maximise the use of the clubrooms and sports courts where healthy, active, social and emotional wellbeing programs and events are envisaged."
Once a lease agreement is finalised, GSAC will manage bookings, maintenance, operations and the day-to-day use of the Spalding Park facilities through a supervised model comparable to the successful arrangement at the Mitchell Street Community Centre.
This program aligns with the Connected theme of the City’s Strategic Community Plan which reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting the City’s diverse community through initiatives that build social connections.
Photo Caption: (L-R) Kianah Sharpe from Geraldton Roller Derby, GSAC Executive Officer Adrain Bartlett, Maresa Palipuaminni, Dylan Thorne, Islah Thorne, Lilliannah Thorne, Kelsie Growe from the WA Centre for Rural Health and Mayor Jerry Clune at the Spalding Park Clubrooms and Sports Courts.
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