Barwon Heads Football Netball Club’s stunning rise from 16 teams in 2005 to 39 teams today played a major role in a state government pledge of $2.4 million towards an upgrade and extension of the club’s pavilion at Howard Harmer Oval.
Labor candidate for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced the funding on the proviso the state government is returned to power at the November election.
BHFNC president Tim Goddard said it had “been a three-year process to demonstrate the need, develop plans, verified cost plans and then promulgate this project and to government and others”.
The announcement came after a $1.2 million pledge by the federal government to upgrade the club’s netball pavilion and changerooms.
“We have developed plans, costings and demonstrated the need over the previous three years,” Mr Goddard said.
“We know that as a club we need to provide facilities for our members, players, sponsors, spectators and all which are not only fit for purposes but reflect us – our community. We are so pleased that this commitment has been pledged. It will help our club enormously.
“We know as a club that to remain a relevant community club we need to succeed on and off the field of play.
“Nothing is more important to our club than our people. We will always progress plans and ideas to help our club and community.”
Ms Marchant said the promise would hopefully deliver the next AFL or AFLW superstar out of Barwon Heads.
“The Andrews Labor government has always backed the Cats – and with up to $2.4 million towards the redevelopment of the Barwon Heads Football and Netball Club pavilion, we’ll help local kids on their journey to become the next Joel Selwood or Amy McDonald,” she said.
Barwon Heads won this year’s Bellarine Football League premiership in its centenary year.
