CONSTRUCTION on the Casuarina Hockey Club has reached the halfway mark, with the building almost at lock-up stage thanks to time and money donated by volunteers, community groups, the State Government and local businesses.
Just prior to Christmas, developer Villawood – which is delivering the new Miramar community at Casuarina Beach – donated $5,000 to kick-start the final stage of construction on the hockey club.
Over the weekend, dozens of club members, supporters and a group from Tweed Coast Christian Church spent hours working on the framework and roof cladding to the exterior of the building and toilet block, with one final volunteer day scheduled for 18 May to complete the project to lockup.
Through business donations and local fund-raising – including a ’Wall of Fame’ campaign – allowing supporters to have their names engraved on a wall plaque – the club raised $45,000 towards lock-up.
The club has also recently been approved as a recipient of a State Government grant, which will fund the interior fit out for the building – including a kitchen, meeting room, access ramp, and storage, later this year.
Club committee member Sharon Buchanan says the latest construction milestone is a major coup for the club and Casuarina Beach community.
“We have been working towards getting the clubhouse to lock-up stage for over 12 months , and to finally have the money and manpower to do that is a fantastic achievement,” she said.
“The whole club is really grateful to council, all members, volunteers and local businesses like Villawood and Clarence Property for donating their time and money towards this project. Being at lock-up stage is much safer – in terms of protecting children playing in the area and maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
“We can’t wait to continue work on the building over the next few weeks. With the additional money from the government grant, we can complete lock-up and are also keen to start on the interior by mid May, with a view to the whole building being complete and operational by June.
“The clubhouse is a great asset for us as it will allow us to better train and prepare our teams for competition, provide a canteen, storage and meeting facility, shade area and viewing platform.
Casuarina Hockey Club’s major sponsors have included Villawood, Tweed Coast Christian Church, Clarence Property, Tweed Shire Council, Cabarita Beach Bowls Sports Club, Cabarita Beach Coastcare NSW, and Fitzpatricks.