Shire of Halls Creek negotiating a contract with Broome-based contractor for AFL-grade re-turfing of oval

Football is set to return to Halls Creek next year with the shire finalising a contract for a Broome-based business to re-turf the town oval to an AFL-standard. The football season was cancelled this year after works on a major upgrade of the oval were not completed in time and the contract was terminated. East Kimberley Football League president Wayne Paul said the shire had made the decision not to allow matches to be played on the oval. “The football didn’t go ahead because the works didn’t get completed as planned, therefore the shire wouldn’t allow us to play on the oval. Now there is a new CEO, we are in discussions to get football re-embedded in 2025,” he said. In a statement, the shire said the current schedule for completion for the oval works had been extended to November. “It is worth noting while the oval is not currently in a fit state to host AFL games, it is still open for recreational use and youth activities, such as those hosted by Garnduwa and other community groups. The community is welcome to use the oval and we encourage its ongoing use as a meeting place, play area and community hub for Halls Creek,” the statement read. Last year’s football season was marred by a brawl following the grand final between the Yardgee Dockers and Billiluna Kururrungku Roos. Several police officers were injured while trying to break up a fight between spectators. That included a senior sergeant who was later treated at hospital with head injuries. Several people were charged over the incident. The statement by the Shire of Halls Creek said the brawl was a contributing factor in cancelling the season. They were also disappointed that locker rooms had been damaged and that spectators were drinking alcohol at matches. Shire of Halls Creek president Malcolm Edwards said everyone was looking forward to football returning to the oval. “Like the community, we are looking forward to the day when AFL games can once again take place on our oval, which is at the heart of this town,” Mr Edwards said. “The shire is planning for that day carefully and wants to see a shift at games that not only reflects a safer playing ground for all, but a more peaceful and harmonious event, free of violence, which will not be tolerated in this community.”