The concept of a Women's Memorial Playing Fields emanated from the concern of sporting women for the lack of playing areas. From this concern the South Australian Women's Amateur Sports Council was formed in 1953.

The Premier the Hon Tom Playford set aside 20 acres of reserve land on the corner of Shepherds Hill Road and Ayliffes Road, St Marys for a centre for women's sport.

From 1953-55 the fields progressed and prospered. In 1956 to honour those who had paid the supreme sacrifice, a memorial drinking fountain was erected, and the grounds as a whole were dedicated to the South Australia Servicewomen who served in World Wars I & II by the Reverend Leslie Gunn. A Bangka ceremony, remembering the nurses and other women in the services, is held each February.

The work of early Trust members is commemorated in the naming of the Helen Black oval, the Gordon Brown oval and the May Mills Pavilion.

The Women's Memorial Playing fields are the only dedicated women's memorial of this calibre in Australia.

The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) and Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) upgraded the Women's Memorial Playing Fields, St Marys to deliver an enhanced sporting precinct.

Amenities which will be upgraded include:

  • Site services infrastructure.
  • An upgraded and expanded central memorial to serving women.
  • Renovated playing spaces including lighting on the three separate levels of Gordon Brown, Helen Black and ISAS playing fields.
  • New change rooms, umpire change rooms, first aid and kiosk facilities.
  • New clubrooms to cater for the tenant sporting clubs, Bangka Day, as well as external hire.

  • Dogs must be on leads whilst onsite.
  • Golf prohibited.

The function room can accommodate events for 60 - 80 people seated or 250 standing (with use of the outdoor terrace). The room is fully air-conditioned and equipped with a TV.

Bookings are essential. For all hire enquiries email orsr.enquiries@sa.gov.au or call 1300 714 990.

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Contact us

Women's Memorial Playing Fields
Cnr Shepherds Hill Road and Ayliffes Road
St Marys SA 5042

Operator

Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing

ORSR.Enquiries@sa.gov.au

Phone: 1300 714 990