BY JORDAN REGNIS
Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford has scored $3 million dollars from the Federal Government for a much-needed upgrade.
It comes after a push from Liberal Candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell.
The upgrade will include the knocking down of the clubhouse and building a new grandstand, change room facilities, canteen, timekeeping room, and social meeting room.
The oval currently has a limited number of facilities but is used by local primary and high schools, the Maitland Saints AFL club, and the Rutherford Little Athletics Club.
Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says it paves the way for the next generation of young athletes.
"When I was the age of these young boys, I was playing here," Cr Penfold said.
"This was the facility, and now I've just had my 50th birthday, so this building has seen better days.
"We're ready to get going to deliver this facility, not just for the Maitland Saints, but for Rutherford Little Athletics, and for Rutherford Technology High School, and Rutherford Public School, and Wests Cricket Club.
"We have a great paddock here that certainly can be improved as well, but it's the size of the MCG."
Maitland Councillor Ben Mitchell, Paterson Candidate Brooke Vitnell, Minister Paul Fletcher, Mayor Philip Penfold, and Maitland Saints Chairman Dwayne Roy.
