Media release – 20 May 2025
Local football clubs across the Inner West are demanding urgent action to stop escalating vandalism of community sports fields caused by illegal trail and quad bike use in public parks.
In recent weeks, multiple clubs have been hit by reckless riders tearing up grass surfaces, leaving fields unplayable and communities outraged. Football Canterbury Chair, Nick Kambounias, says the issue has reached a tipping point.
“We’re seeing field after field destroyed by these thrill-seeking vandals. Our volunteers are exhausted, our clubs are frustrated, and our players are being robbed of safe places to play. This has to stop.”
Earlwood Wanderers became the latest victim last Sunday afternoon, when two riders were filmed doing wheelies and gouging ruts through Beaman Park — despite the fields being closed due to wet weather.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Club President Tamara Mulroney. “Our players understand the need to protect the fields. But these offenders treat our shared spaces like a playground for destruction.”
At Hurlstone Park Wanderers, the devastation was just as severe. Volunteers arrived early Saturday morning to find deep ruts across two newly restored fields.
“Over a million dollars in public investment — ruined overnight,” said Club President Rosalie Viney. “These fields had just reopened after 12 months of work. This is senseless, dangerous hooliganism.”
The clubs say they are powerless to stop the damage alone.
“Volunteers can’t police parks 24/7,” said Kambounias. “We need a coordinated response — from the community, law enforcement, and local councils. These bikes have no place in urban parks. They must be banned and action must be taken to enforce it.”
Football Canterbury is urging local residents to report illegal trail and quad bike use to police and to speak up when they see damage occurring.
“These public spaces belong to all of us,” said Kambounias. “It only takes a few reckless individuals to destroy them for thousands.”
Enough is enough. It’s time to protect our parks, our players, and our community.
The community is urged to act:
- Report any trail bike activity immediately to police
- Share footage or incidents with local councils
- Support stronger enforcement and regulation of illegal bike use in public parks
For more information:
- Nick Kambounias – Chair, Football Canterbury; President, Cooks River Titans FC | 0408 221 393
- Tamara Mulroney – President, Earlwood Wanderers FC | 0415 980 868
- Rosalie Viney – President, Hurlstone Park Wanderers FC | 0402 417 493
Photos and footage of the damage captured by residents can be viewed here.
(A pdf version of this press release is available here.)
