Tom Price sport gets a boost

Tom Price sporting fans celebrated at the official opening of the Clem Thompson Memorial Pavilion on Thursday.

It is expected 5000 Shire of Ashburton residents will enjoy the new facility each year.

The modern two-storey facility, on Clem Thompson Oval, houses four club rooms, umpires' room, function area, bar, kitchen, canteen, storage area and stadium seating.

The $10 million project was funded by Royalties for Regions, Rio Tinto, Department of Sport and Recreation and the Shire of Ashburton.

Shire chief executive Neil Hartley said the vast distances between the four towns stretched shire resources, and meant State Government and industry funding was vital in achieving community projects.

Mr Hartley said the pavilion was a valuable asset for the Shire in fostering community participation.

"All country communities rely heavily on sporting facilities as a meeting place for activities," he said.

Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said the Shire had received a fantastic response to the project, with many sporting clubs excited to use the facilities.

"We're expecting over 30 teams from all sporting disciplines will make use of the state-of-the-art recreational facility," she said.

Ms White said the facility would also be used for concerts and the annual Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival.

The sporting pavilion and oval was named after the late Clem Thompson, a Tom Price resident in the late 1970s and early 80s who was a great supporter of local senior and junior sports.

Clem's son, Leigh Thompson, attended the sundowner event and said he was "blown away" by the facility.

"This (facility) will last a lifetime and will be enjoyed by many generations to come," he said.

"Sport will find another gear in this town."

The new facilites will open to the general public on February 23.