Big award for Big Football

Bland Shire Council has won the prestigious Local Government New South Wales RH Dougherty Award for innovation in special events in recognition of The Big Football project in Ungarie.

In accepting the award alongside Bland Shire Mayor, Brian Monaghan in Sydney last Thursday night, Council General Manager Ray Smith said the Big Football project highlights what can be achieved when various forms of Government, the community and the business world work together.

“This is worthy recognition of a truly collaborative project involving Local Government, State Government, the local community and private enterprise,” Mr Smith said.

Soaring above Bing Wallder Park, the 800 kilogram fibreglass Big Football was unveiled in March last year in front of more than 2000 people as a permanent tribute to Ungarie’s Daniher family and their incredible achievements on and off the Australian football field. 

A media monitors report commissioned by corporate partner Triple M after the unveiling showed that coverage of the Big Football reached a total audience of 1.34 million people - bringing unprecedented exposure, publicity and goodwill to the village of Ungarie.

The idea for the Big Football was first put forward by representatives of the Ungarie community and Ungarie Advancement Group at a Council Community Reference Group meeting in 2017. As the concept began to grow in scope, scale and cost, Council agreed to take on the management of the project on behalf of the Ungarie community.

As well as continuing to work collaboratively with the Ungarie community it was also critical for Council to develop partnerships with other forms of Government, media and the corporate sector.

“A milestone moment for this project was the establishment of a relationship with Triple M,” Mr Smith said.

“What started as a significant sponsorship arrangement quickly evolved into a genuine partnership with Triple M which provided us with the financial backing to build the Big Football and the resources, exposure and expertise to deliver a truly memorable official opening which reached over 1 million Australians and put Ungarie well and truly on the map.”

When Council was initially seeking support to fund the cost of constructing the football, the State Government was quick to come on board and pledge a $20,000 commitment.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Member for Cootamundra and Deputy Premier John Barilaro for getting behind this project and believing in it,” Mr Smith said.

While Council took on the project management responsibilities, the Ungarie Advancement group and key community members continued to play a leading role in each and every aspect of the project.

“This project belongs entirely to the community of Ungarie and Council was proud to have been able to work with the community to bring their vision to life,” Mr Smith said.

“I would also like to pay special tribute to the incredible Daniher family whose co-operation and desire to support their home town of Ungarie through this project was truly inspiring.”

Almost 18 months after the unveiling and The Big Football continues to stop traffic and attract significant visitor numbers to Ungarie – all because of the combined efforts of a passionate community, a supportive Council and State Government, a committed corporate partner and most of all an incredible local family.