By Charlene Gatt
FOOTSCRAY Hockey Club members turned out in droves last week to welcome a $275,000 State Government grant to resurface two pitches.
But it was the MPs’ turn to be surprised when they learnt the club had raised $482,500 towards the joint project.
MPs Marsha Thomson, Wade Noonan and James Merlino, the state’s Sports Minister, all congratulated the club on raising the money, which would help replace two pitches with a new hybrid turf plus a new junior training area.
Ground manager Alby Speed said the facility largely paid for itself in rental fees, but admitted the club did its fair share of fundraising.
Mr Speed said the State Government grant completed the funding circle.
He said it was disappointing hockey did not receive the same coverage as other sports in the area, despite being the biggest club in the City of Maribyrnong.
“It’s like cellophane – nobody sees it, but with its numbers, it’s certainly bigger than anything in Footscray,” he said.
Maribyrnong City Council matched the club’s contribution.
The resurfacing, which will take up to a month to complete, will take place in between seasons and will be ready in time for the summer season in November.
One of the pitches will be fixed in September, the other in September next year.
The McIvor Reserve facility also plays host to lacrosse, gridiron and soccer training and was a training venue for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
“The complex at McIvor Reserve is possibly unique in Australia in terms of multi-sport usage,” mayor Michelle MacDonald said.
The announcement comes soon after 31 junior members represented Western Melbourne at the Victoria Junior State Championships.
