The redevelopment of the Lavington Sports Ground (LSG) now includes a major extension to the grandstand facilities inclusive of a further 600 undercover seats, coaches, media and administration spaces and a function room. This section of the grandstand was officially opened in November 2020.

The exsisting grandstand at LSG known as the "W.G. Hartley Stand", with seating capacity for 1,200. was constructed as part of the initial development of the facility in the 1970's and named after William George Hartley, and this recognition/name will remain in place.

We've received a proposal in 2021 from a former Lavington Football Club player and long-time supporter, to name the new grandstand section after Col Donnolley, due to his significant involvement with the facility in its early days.

Col Donnolley first became involved with the Lavington Football Club in 1958, he served as President for 17 years from 1959 – 1976. Col enhanced the club’s future on-field success by progressing their junior base and ensured their financial viability by forming the Lavington Sports Club. He grew participation by involving other sports in the club including Basketball, Netball, Bowls, Social Golf, Squash, Cycling, Athletics, Darts, Snooker and Cards.

Col led a group of committed individuals during that period, in the planning of the Lavington Sports Club and Oval, the subsequent purchase of land and then the construction and opening of both the Sports Club and adjacent Oval (Ground No 1).

Col was also the founding Secretary of the Albury Cycling Club and secretary and referee for Riverina Zone of NSW League of Wheelmen. Col’s cycling involvement and contacts meant he was instrumental in the development and coordination of the initial athletics and cycling carnivals at the facility, which became very popular through the 1970’s and 80’s, with large crowds, attracting elite athletes and significant prize money. These carnivals developed the early reputation of the facility and ensured it was a well-known regional sporting facility.

Sadly, Col Donnolley passed away in 2009 at age 90, and some of his children still live in the Albury area.

We welcome your feedback on the Proposed Grandstand Naming at Lavington Sports Ground. Feedback will be received until 5:00 pm Wednesday 1 February 2023 and can be submitted via the form above or addressed to:

Leisure Facilities Team, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Submissions are not confidential. Submissions, summaries of submissions, and/or names and addresses of people making submissions may be included in publicly available reports to Council and Council's website.

Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.