THE Port Pirates celebrated their first grade win in true style on Saturday night, after the Tooheys New Crew and local volunteers worked tirelessly from Thursday to Saturday renovating the clubhouse.
Prior to the Pirates first grade match between the Vikings, Paul ’The Chief’ Harragon and the Tooheys New Crew handed back the renovated clubhouse to the club, led by president Steve Shields and club member Peter Sales, during an official handover ceremony.
The Chief thanked volunteers for giving up their time and local businesses for getting behind the club and donating supplies.
“It’s great to see the community come together to work with the Tooheys New Crew and restore the local sporting facility,” he said.
Over 80 volunteers came down to lend a hand to help transform the clubhouse over the three days of renovations.
A rustic decor created a warm and modern interior, which was emphasised by a new polished hardwood bar top. The clubhouse was also fitted out with a new meeting room and lounge area for wives and girlfriends.
Players can now enjoy the privacy of a new treatment room and guests can be served from outside with a new window created to open up the bar and improve spectator viewing.
Shields said the Tooheys New Crew have brought the Port Pirates community together and the renovation was something Port Macquarie could be proud of achieving.
“Thanks to the Tooheys New Crew and the local community for rolling up their sleeves and giving our club a much needed overhaul,” he said.
Shields said it was great to see Port Macquarie mayor Peter Bessling, Federal member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott and Port Macquarie state MP Leslie Williams supporting the renovation.
“The Tooheys New Crew has really encouraged the community to come together and it was nice to see our community leaders come on-site and see what a fantastic job our local volunteers and the Tooheys New Crew had achieved.” he said.
“The profile of the Port Macquarie Rugby Club has been greatly enhanced throughout the Mid North Coast and will be a major talking point for some time to come.”
