City of Mount Gambier Council has announced the completion of a major upgrade to Frew Park amenities, including the design and construction of new public toilets, road sealing, stormwater drainage improvements, new fencing and seating upgrades.
The $486,995 project was made possible through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program – Phase 4.
Mayor, Lynette Martin said the project enhances the functionality, accessibility and visual appeal for both residents and visitors.
“Frew Park is a significant recreational space within our city, regularly used by the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association, Sunset Community Kitchen and the Mount Gambier Toy Library,” she said.
“These improvements not only support these local sporting and community groups, but also enhance the experience for the community and visitors to our city.”
Key upgrades include:
- Modernised public amenities, including new change room facilities for use of the Mil Lel Cricket club.
- Replacement of the picket fence surrounding the oval.
- Construction of a new internal roadway.
- Replacement of bench seats and associated landscaping.
- Improved drainage infrastructure.
- Installation of a CCTV security system.
Work to reseal the original access road into Frew Park began in October 2024.
“The road got very muddy after a lot of rain, so the stormwater drainage system in the area was improved and we installed a cul-de-sac to allow vehicles to turn around,” said Council Manager Operations Infrastructure, Karl Manarangi.
The reconstruction of the old toilet block facility at Frew Park began in February.
“We refurbished the female toilets, installed epoxy flooring, retiled the walls, converted the urinal in the male toilets into three toilets and installed ambulant and disabled toilet facilities,” Mr Manarangi said.
Council also installed two showers and a change room facility for the use of Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association.
“With female cricket coming in, this facility will make it a lot better for players, enabling them to have a shower and get changed with some privacy. They have done a really good job,” said Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association president, Robert Drenthen.
The new showers and change room facility at Frew Park for exclusive use of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association.
Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association President Robert Drenthen (right) and executive member and Mil Lel player Jack Miller inspect the new changeroom facilities.
Men’s Shed members Jeff Redwood (left), Peter Halleday, Dave Lawson and Dave Norton were proud to be involved in the picket fence renewal project at Frew Park.
The Mount Gambier Men’s Shed partnered with Council in April to replace the existing fence surrounding Frew Park. Fourteen men assisted in the construction of the posts, rails and pickets made from cypress pine panels.
Rob Burford and Dave Norton space pickets on the rails.
“312 rails were cut to length and angles were cut to allow for the oval shape, About 160 posts were cut to length with the tops cut to points. We also cut 4,836 pickets and drilled 9,344 holes to fix them on,” said team leader, Jeff Redwood.
The men spent about 84 hours on the project over the course of seven weeks.
“It was a real team effort and everyone just joined in,” Peter Halleday said.
“It’s good to see it now up close, I drive past with my wife and it’s something we can all be proud of.”
Council painted the pickets with white paint and installed them on site.
The Council acknowledged the Australian Government for its support in the delivery of the important community infrastructure project.
