Kempsey football club down $10k after spate of vandalism

Macleay Valley Rangers football club, based at “Rangers Park” in West Kempsey, has been forced to re-roll its playing field multiple times in 2026 – with support from council - due to ongoing damage from trail bikes and cars.

The club says the vandalism has cost it $10,000.

Costly damage: Goalmouths and the halfway line have been left with deep tyre ruts in the grass from circular skids - at times forcing games to be relocated.

The clubhouse has also been targeted, with toilets set alight and holes smashed in walls.

The balcony’s balustrade was destroyed, which cost $5,000 to repair.

Fundraising is underway for a fence to keep the bikes out, at a projected cost of $50,000.

Police involvement: The club said motorbike riders – who appear to be underage - have been identified, with photo and video evidence passed to police.

Club officials say the motorbikes have entered the playing fields while police were in attendance.

Groundsman Col Willis, who has managed the fields for more than 15 years, said the police “seem powerless to do too much” due to the age of the riders.

• “If they see the kid on the bike, they can't chase him,” he told the Mid North Coaster. 

NSW Police will not pursue dirt bikes or cars if the risk of a serious accident is considered too great. This may be due to a rider not wearing a helmet, or a car speeding on suburban streets.

Police response: Police are investigating field damage on June 26, and say they have increased patrols.