Repairs underway after Wombarra football ground vandalism

Jim Allen Oval, Wombarra after the vandalism. Photo: Norths Bullpups

AFTER an overwhelming reaction on social media, Wollongong City Council have sprung into action to repair the vandalism at Jim Allen Oval, Wombarra.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a vehicle, possibly a steel blue or grey coloured 4WD, with a pair of large flood lights on the roof, churned-up the turf on the grounds.

The vandalism has prevented junior rugby league club, Norths Bullpups from using the field.

Wollongong City Council says it is working with representatives of the Northern Districts Football Club and the Illawarra District Rugby League association to remediate the oval.

“Council staff have assessed the damage to the oval and will work throughout the week to repair the damaged turf and top dress the oval,” Council said in a statement.

Following completion of the works, the grounds will be assessed by the Council and association representatives for playing on this weekend.

A Council spokesperson said if the ground is still unsuitable for use, an alternative venue will be required.

Council also noted that there are no scheduled games on the ground for three weeks following this weekend, which will allow the oval time to recover.

The Bullpups have posted on social media that concrete bollards will be placed along the southern entrance to the field in an effort to prevent further vandalism.

”Both our junior and seniors clubs have been completely overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received since Sunday mornings incident,” the club posted on its Facebook page.

“We have received messages of support and help from our fantastic, northern Illawarra community, the Illawarra rugby league community as well as the all areas of the Illawarra… We have also got messages from America and Europe as well – WOW!”

Anyone with information on the vandalism is urged to contact police by calling Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.