Pep Arbon is a basketballer who has played virtually every women’s sport in Port Pirie.

She represents all sports in the quest for the “sporting hub”.

Ian Eberhard, an accountant, represents the YMCA, which recently outlined plans to close its Gertrude Street venue. He would prepare the business plan for the venture.

And Garry Nayda represents the Port Pirie Regional Gymnastics Academy which has expanded since its departure from the old YMCA building and which would have scope to boost its activities at a new stadium.

It would also improve week-by-week running of the academy, allowing for more rest breaks between training drills.

Looking at other sports, Mr Nayda said “people at Jamestown don’t believe we don’t have a heated pool”. He outlined how development could take place around our swimming pool to allow a roof to ultimately be built over it and the water to be heated.

Mrs Arbon said the next step was to win council support.

“We want to let people know the project is still out there and there are still all these people on board,” she said.

“We want to find out if there are any other sporting or community groups interested.

“They need to come to the party now and put something in.”

Mr Eberhard admitted it was sad to see the demise of the old YMCA building, but vowed to create something bigger and better.

“How can I best honour the people who founded the YMCA in Port Pirie 93 years ago?” he said.

”It is by ensuring that sport continues and prospers into the future with a venture such as the stadium.”