Making the grounds safe: the 2025 tree clean-up

The trees around the Hatherleigh grounds have been part of the view for as long as most of us can remember. Over the years, though, some of them had become a real problem.

A problem that had grown

Storms had brought down trees and broken branches, and other trees had become badly overgrown. Some were leaning out over the ground. Others were growing right through the boundary fence and slowly pushing it apart. Left alone, they were a safety risk to players, spectators, families and volunteers, and the fence was only going to get worse.

Getting it done

In 2025 the job finally got done. Wattle Range Council and Bowman Earthmovers were brought in to clear the fallen timber, cut back the overgrown and leaning trees, and make the area safe. An elevated work platform took care of the high branches above Brooksy's Bar and the old scoreboard. A truck carted the timber and green waste away.

Why it mattered

The trees are part of what makes Hatherleigh feel like home, so the job was done with care.

The work was about safety first. No one wants a falling limb on a game day, a training night or a busy Rodeo weekend. Clearing the trees also stops more damage to the boundary fence, protects the facilities that volunteers have worked hard to build, and leaves the grounds tidier and easier to look after.

Thank you

A big thank you to Wattle Range Council and Bowman Earthmovers for their help, and to everyone who helped while the work was done. The result is a safer, cleaner Hatherleigh for players, families and visitors for years to come.

Questions about the grounds or facility hire? Contact the Sport and Recreation Centre.