The Murraylands Gymnastics Academy (MGA) has received a significant grant for new equipment and are set to move back into their original venue soon after extreme weather forced them out last year.
In November 2023 the Thomas Street venue was flooded during a storm and equipment and infrastructure were damaged due to mould.
Six months later they were relocated to a temporary smaller space at Chris Collins Court thanks to support from Council and community members.
Coach Jemma Tilley has told ARN’s Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman this morning that the team can move into the redeveloped Thomas Street venue in the next couple of weeks and thanks to a $320,267 grant from the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program, they can fill it with some great new equipment.
“Having the support of the community and members and everyone who’s stuck by us is what has got us through, it has been tough but we’re still here and we’re still running, which is amazing,” Jemma Tilley said to ARN’s Adam and Jennie.
The 380+ local athletes that used to fill the old club will be welcomed back to the bigger space.
The club plans to buy a wide range of modern equipment with the grant, such as a large competition sprung floor, trampolines, vaults, bars, landing mats, beams, air-tracks, kindergym apparatus, sensory equipment, ninja gear, aerial and trapeze equipment, rings, safety gear, and more.
The upgrade is also expected to transform the MGA’s training space and open doors for new programs in the future.
