Remember the last New Year’s Eve fireworks? It wasn’t all celebrations for Thurina Park. Sadly, this park faced some serious damage.
Welcome to Thurina Park in Villawood. It’s usually a place for fun and games. But recently, it has a story to tell beyond the usual park tales.
Last New Year’s Eve, illegal fireworks caused damage to the cricket pitches at Thurina Park. Imagine the disappointment. These weren’t just minor scorches. The damage was so bad that the pitches needed replacing.
The price tag for the repairs at Thurina Park and two other parks hit $30,000. That’s a lot of money that could have been used for other park improvements. Adding insult to injury, the council spent another $20,000 removing five tonnes of rubbish left behind.
Andrew Sheehy from the Bankstown District Cricket Association was not happy. He pointed out that even a week into the new year, remnants of these illegal fireworks were still scattered around.
Local cricket games had to be moved or canceled because of the damage at Thurina Park. Think about the kids who missed out on playing cricket during their school holidays. For many, it’s their favorite time to emulate their heroes.
Bankstown councillor Saud Abu-Samen voiced his frustration. He said kids want to play cricket. This is their season. If the council can’t provide that, it reflects poorly.
NSW Premier Chris Minns also weighed in. He called the act of destroying the cricket pitch pathetic. He wondered how someone could knowingly vandalize a field, just to set off illegal fireworks.
The NSW government had announced a zero-tolerance approach to illegal fireworks. They threatened fines up to $27,500 and even jail time for those caught selling or using them without a license.
The damage at Thurina Park highlights the consequences of reckless behavior. It shows how illegal actions can impact the community. It deprives children of their recreational spaces.
So, the next time you think about setting off fireworks illegally, remember Thurina Park. Remember the kids who missed their cricket games. Consider the cost to the community. Let’s keep our parks safe and enjoyable for everyone.