Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced the funding today after recently meeting with club officials at the ground and inspecting early works on the much-needed new facilities, which replaces antiquated and small change rooms, almost 50 years old.

“Inverell’s Minor League Hawks is a growing force in the Group 19 rugby league competition, now with more than 160 male and female players on the paddock every weekend during footy season,” Mr Marshall said.

“The club’s resurgence in recent years and the influx of junior female players has forced officials to upgrade their old and cramped change rooms and amenities to provide appropriate spaces for players and match officials to change and prepare for games.

“Parents and sponsors have been working hard to get around this problem, starting work on slick new facilities out of their own pocket, before hitting a funding brick wall.

“This $50,000 will enable the club to keep that momentum going, finishing the new building before the upcoming season.”

Mr Marshall said the new facilities would cater for boys, girls and support staff.

“These spacious new rooms are a huge upgrade to current amenities and will finally give the female players a place of their own,” Mr Marshall said.

Inverell Minor League Hawks President Dick White said the funding built upon excellent community support.

“Over time we’ve had a lot of materials donated – people giving us really good deals on cement, steel and clothing,” Mr White said.

“This funding was a real lifesaver and will allow us the finish the project and help the Hawks attract more players to their girls’ side. We’re bringing in another age group for the girls – there’ll be three next year for the first time.”