Field of dreams – well not exactly when it comes to the condition of some of the playing fields in the Shire. Over the last few years weather has played its part as the conditions of the playing fields in the Shire have struggled, at times, to remain useable.
Where, for a number of years we have had little rain causing the fields to dry up and reduce the covering of grass on them,
this year the lack of grass covering is due to too much rain, turning the fields into mud, as sporting associations attempt to keep their competitions running throughout the winter months.
But, when games are played, who is responsible for the condition in which the playing fields are left?
According to the Sutherland Shire Council, responsibility is shared between the council and the relevant sporting associations. As far as the council is concerned, for the most part, the decision to play is left to the individual sporting groups who, the council claims, sometimes go against the advice of the council.
Although the council may close the sporting fields due to inclement weather, they say that discretion is given to the associations as to whether they think play should take place on the upcoming weekend or not, especially where the weather looks likely to clear over that weekend.
However, the council can close all sporting fields completely preventing any play of any sport over the weekend throughout the Shire. The council says that they look for a balance between maintaining the conditions of the playing fields with allowing access to the fields for the many sporting teams so they can maintain the fluency of their competitions.
The council says that the fields are there for the entire community and that they expect the individual sporting clubs to respect the decisions made by the council and those of the relevant sporting associations regarding the state and suitability of the sporting fields for use.
Local sporting associations say that they try to work closely with the council regarding the protection of the playing fields, however sometimes decisions to play or not are made as late as Saturday mornings. They have to take into account whether fields have been marked out, canteens are staffed and whether players, coaches and families have committed to heading out to play.
When deciding to play or not, sporting associations consider the obvious disappointment with regards to players missing games, and also the loss of much needed revenue for clubs that is generated through raffles and canteen facilities on game days. All in all the decision, whether it be made by the council or the relevant sporting associations, is often more complicated that just saying, “Its raining, let’s call it off.”
St John Bosco Parish anniversary celebrations
On June 15 close to three hundred parishioners, past and present, attended a dinner at Club Menai to mark the 60th anniversary of the formation of St John Bosco Parish.
The evening recalled the history of the parish, from Father Thomas Dunlea establishing BoysTown, becoming founder/director as well as Priest-in-Charge of the new parochial district of Engadine
In 1952, the Salesians of Don Bosco took over the care of both BoysTown and the parish and how the Salesian Sisters, known as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, arrived in 1959 and set up St John Bosco Primary School.
Despite now having over 800 children enrolled at the school, the legacy of building relationships between Sisters, parents and children remains.
As part of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Father Joseph Cianter began his work from 1952 to 1967 operating BoysTown, establishing the primary school and Youth Centre as well as building the National Shrine of St John Bosco. Originally from Malta, Father Cianter handed the parish reins to Father John Briffa in 1968, who was also from Malta.
Father Briffa, equally as passionate and as dynamic as his predecessor, set about establishing St John Bosco College and John Paul Village at Heathcote, where he is now Chaplain-in-Residence.
Father Germano Baiguini took over from Father Briffa in 1991, and with Father Peter Rankin both have continued to carry on the work of those who came before them.
An anniversary cake was presented during the evening and Father Frank Bertabnolli, Restor of the Salesian Community in Engadine launched Bosco Engadine, a comprehensive book of 304 pages and over 250 historic pictures which tells much of the parish’s 60 years.
The book was prepared by a committee of parishioners chaired by Michael Kenny and is available from the parish at 50 Waratah St Engadine, or by phoning 9520 8277. | 
