Council’s Supervisor Sportsgrounds Brian Cattell at croquet grounds, Bolton Park.

GETTING READY FOR WINTER: Council’s Supervisor Sportsgrounds Brian Cattell says Wagga Wagga’s fields and ovals will soon be prepared for winter sports.

Parks & Recreation

Keeping our sportsgrounds green and growing

Published: 05 Mar 2025 8:33am

Wagga Wagga is famous for its sports-loving community; everything from Aussie Rules to volleyball, croquet to rugby, is played and eagerly followed.

It seems if you’re from Wagga Wagga and not actually in a team, then you’re cheering it on from the sidelines.

But you can’t play organised sport without the right facilities, especially playing fields, ovals and pitches.

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Supervisor Sportsgrounds Brian Cattell said that now that summer sports like cricket are wrapping up, Council's amazing groundskeeping team will get the fields ready for a great winter of sport.

“We’ll be over-sowing some of the fields with rye, protecting the dormant grass underneath and creating a deep green cover for footy players.”

Mr Cattell has led the team responsible for maintaining, protecting and nurturing these sports grounds across our local government area for six years.

“I love the work with a passion.

“I started working as a labourer for Wagga Wagga City Council when I was 18 years old, and after working with different crews, ended up working on sports grounds.”

Mr Cattell said he boosted his skills by studying at TAFE, which he did through work, earning a diploma in Sports Turf Management.

“Then I left Wagga Wagga City Council for five years, working as a garbo, but eventually returned to take up my current job.”

Mr Cattell said the job covers everything from mowing and fertilizing the fields and treating weeds, dealing with contractors, looking after light systems, irrigation and everything and anything in between.

Robertson Oval at Bolton Park, February 2025. — **FAVOURITE FIELD:** Brian Cattell has a real soft spot for Bolton Park’s Robertson Oval, his first full time green keeper gig.

“In the end you have to treat the grass like a toddler – it needs food, water and air to thrive, and that’s what our job’s about.”

Mr Cattell said best thing about his work is getting to see your work at the end of the day, especially when stripes are being placed.

“That gives you a real sense of achievement. It looks good and the community appreciates it, and after all they’re our customers.”

Mr Cattell said he has a soft spot for Robertson Oval in Bolton Park.

“It was my first full time green keeper gig. I was here when it was redeveloped, and that was a real eye-opener on how to rebuild an oval to a high standard.

“Yeah, I love all the fields, but Robo has a special, special spot.”