Full cabinet … Green Gully president Charles Farrugia, left, with club manager Raymond Mamo and the Victorian Premier League trophy. 55535 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Luke D’Anello
GREEN Gully claimed the Victorian Premier League title in 2010, but the club is also kicking goals off-field.
The Keilor Downs-based club last week won the Community Clubs Association of Victoria (CCVA) Large Community Club of the Year Award.
Green Gully defeated the likes of Melbourne Cricket Club and the Dandenong (Bowls) Club to score the prize.
Under the award’s criteria, the Cavaliers were recognised for their commitment to occupational health and safety, assistance to outside organisations and the development of common interest facilities.
During 2010, Green Gully undertook a bore water project and organised transport and free entry to the VPL final for over 700 Brimbank residents.
The club also provides uniforms and equipment for its junior players.
“We were surprised, because there are a lot of clubs bigger than us. It’s a big achievement for us,” president Charles Farrugia, who has held the top post for 22 years, said.
“A lot of work goes in for us to be where we are today. To be recognised by an organisation, it’s a great feeling and it’s something we don’t get that often.”
Farrugia said the Cavaliers’ Grand Final victory at AAMI Park, in the first VPL season-decider played at the stadium, will provide him with fond memories for many years to come.
The club was in the relegation zone mid-season, but recovered to earn the ultimate reward.
“Everything you do that succeeds, you’re proud of. If you don’t succeed, you try and better it next time.
“To be in the final after the position we were in, and with all these kids there in the crowd, at a new venue, is a very historic achievement for us.
“Down the road, people will look and see that Green Gully was the first club to win the Grand Final at AAMI Park.”
Farrugia also praised last season’s director of coaching and previous premiership coach Ian Dobson.
“Professionalism, dedication, hard work, sincerity, honesty – these are all things that he, as a person, has and that’s why he’s achieved so much.
“He’s done all this as a coach, but you can only do that with a club, which is progressive and hard working, and you’ve also got to have the finances.”
Green Gully has also supported the local tennis and cricket clubs in past years.
Club general manager Raymond Mamo said Farrugia’s contribution cannot be understated.
“I think it’s very rewarding for Charles. I think it’s well-deserved, because what we’ve got here is what Charles has implemented,” Mamo said.
“I’m very satisfied with our organisation of the club. If we see things aren’t working out or things aren’t progressing the way they should be for the benefit of the club, then we act on that straightaway.
“Your foundation is off the pitch, and then you hopefully build into all these other areas.
“We focus on development and enjoyment of the sport for juniors. That is driven year in, year out, to the coaches.”
CCAV chief operating officer Neill Murray said Green Gully was a deserved winner of the award.
“The thing that impressed the judges…was the club’s total engagement with its community,” he said.
“To me, they’re just a classic local club who have made good. I do think the club is an outstanding example of how a community club should be.”
Murray believed Green Gully’s “community engagement” was demonstrated by its effort to provide 14 buses to transport fans to the VPL final.
Meanwhile, Farrugia has seen plenty in his time at Green Gully, but he remains pleased with what the club has achieved.
“We’ve done a lot for the community and I’m proud of that.
“If you come here during the year from Monday to Friday, between 5pm and 9pm, the grounds are there and full of children. It is good to see the children enjoying what they’re doing.”
FFV chief executive officer Mark Rendell heaped praise on the club.
“We’re delighted to have one of our club’s recognised in such a way. Green Gully have had a fantastic season on and off the pitch in 2010,” Rendell said.
“They also have a thriving junior competition, and rewarded their supporters and junior players by allowing them to attend the Alanic Victorian Premier League Grand Final for free.”
Green Gully also won the CCAV Family Club of the Year in 2009.
