Phil Donato welcomes funding boost for Orange Tigers

The club's vice president hope is that through this facility upgrade at Waratahs, that the AFL club can continue to grow within the city and the Central West.

"It makes it a lot more attractive for players and spectators to come and watch and get involved with the sport because without the facilities, we've just got a paddock," he said.

"It's a big plus and it will attract other teams and we can host games because we've got the facilities to do that.

"Being in the centre of the Central West division, we should be the focus of all the AFL stuff. By having the facilities we can grow the sport and get a lot bigger."

The funding was part of the 2021 Local Sports Grants from the NSW Government.

Member for Orange, Phil Donato, is no stranger to the yellow and black.

He coached and played for the Tigers in the mid-2000s and was on deck to talk about how important this money was.

"It's always been a sport that doesn't get the recognition that rugby league and rugby union do in the Central West," he said

"I'm only too happy to support you guys and hopefully we can support you a bit more with some grants.

"We want a fresh, greenfield site here. We moved from Anzac Park to Bloomfield to now this location and it looks like they've got a real permanent home here. There's a lot to do to get it up to that level, but I'm sure with that community support they can get it done."

The club made Waratahs its home ground und back in 2018 after years trying to pull together a permanent location.

Gibson believes this funding will only help the club cement its roots.

"It will make a huge difference to us because on a wet day, or any day for that matter, we've got no shelter at all for the players," he said.

"But it won't only benefit us, it will benefit touch football, soccer and anyone who uses this facility. It's a win for everyone."

Waratahs previously received $440,000 to go towards redeveloping the red shed into a women's change rooms with the hope for that to be ready by next season.

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