newy.com.au – Maitland Rugby Club has signed a three-year partnership agreement with Maitland City Council covering ongoing maintenance, access and shared responsibilities at Marcellin Park and its associated facilities. The deal is aimed at supporting sustainable improvements at the site while maintaining turf quality and playing conditions for the club.
The club said the agreement would formalise a working relationship with council across its 7.284-hectare base, which includes three full-sized playing fields and three under-7s fields. Under the arrangement, council will provide in-kind turf management support, including labour and machinery for soil testing, ryegrass application, aerating, weed control and fertilising programs.
Club president Pat Howard said the support would improve conditions for players and ease the burden on volunteers. “We’re thrilled to have Council’s support and expertise with our grounds. This partnership helps us improve our playing surface for our 650+ juniors and 200+ seniors, reduces pressure on our volunteers, and strengthens our chance of hosting future rugby tournaments that in turn will bring valuable funds into Maitland.”
Maitland City Council general manager Jeff Smith said the agreement built on work already undertaken at the grounds. “It’s an honour to be officially supporting the Mighty Blacks in this way and acknowledge the unmatched energy they bring to our community,” he said.
“Last year during the off-season we assisted the Club by subsidising their plans for turf upgrades and we’re pleased to build on this success and formalise a longer-term partnership,” Mr Smith said.
Founded in 1877, Maitland Rugby Club said it welcomed more than 100,000 visitors each year and had been named Hunter Rugby Club of the Year since 2023. The club also has a netball arm and supports players from four-year-old boys and girls through to adult men and women.
