@Normal:Councillor Collin Ross, Beaconsfield Football Club (BFC) President John Airdrie, project co-ordinator from BFC Gary Valentine, front, site supervisor from Maxstra Construction Grant Webster, Gembrook MP Brad Battin, Mayor Ed Chatwin, councillor Brett Owen holding his son Max. 78324 Picture: Lilly O’Gorman
By Lilly O’Gorman
THE first sod was turned at Holm Park Road last Thursday, signalling the start to construction of the new state-of-the-art pavilion which will be home of Beaconsfield’s sporting clubs.
Site works are due to start by Thursday 15 March and the $2.68 million project is expected to be completed by October.
Beaconsfield Football Club president John Airdrie thanked Cardinia Shire Council and the State Government for helping to provide the new home for local sporting clubs.
“Without them working with the club, this project would never have come to fruition,” Mr Airdrie said.
“We look forward to the facility coming in the near future.” The Victorian Government contributed $1.5million to the Holm Park Road reserve.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin congratulated the club for its hard work.
“The hours volunteered in order to get this project off the ground is astronomical,” Mr Battin said.
Cardinia Shire Council allocated $1.86 million towards construction of the pavilion and councillor Collin Ross said the facilities were desperately needed for the growing Beaconsfield community.
“Hopefully, the project is finished sooner rather than later, as Beaconsfield Senior and Junior Football Clubs, Superules, and Netball Club combined are the second largest local sporting club in Australia. So this is sorely needed,” Cr Ross said.
The club is contributing more than $600,000 towards the construction of the pavilion through its own fundraising efforts.
A foundation members group has been formed to help fund ongoing projects once construction is completed.
To become a foundation member costs $300 and once the pavilion is completed, a foundation dinner will be held and foundation members will be recognised on an honour board.
To become a foundation member contact John Airdrie on 0419 569 862 or Geoff McGowan on 0410 446 988 or email secretary@beaconsfieldfc.com.
