By TANIA PHILLIPS
“IF I could play a small part in the tradition of this great club then I’m a happy man.”
They are the words of retiring Seagulls CEO Terry Keen following the completion of the brand new clubhouse at Piggabeen Oval, West Tweed on Sunday.
Keen, who has been at the helm of the club this stint since 2009 and involved as a player and administrator since the ’80s, steps down this weekend.
Completing the clubhouse was his last big project.
“I’m not going anywhere I’m just going to set up office at Rainbow Bay in playing between fishing and golf.”
However he was quick to point out that the new clubhouse, which will be a community facility, was not just his effort but that of the whole club and the entire community.
“There is no I in we – we are a club, I’m just a small part of it,” he said.
“This facility belongs to the whole club and the community because the commmunity is who we are. We are the Tweed Heads Seagulls – we have had a number of great players come through here – born and bred in Tweed and they are still involved. That is what makes us so strong.”
The clubhouse was finished in conjunction with with the Tooheys New Crew – who were on hand to put the finishing touches to the building which had been on the planning board since 2010.
As well as the New Crew and a whole heap of football personalities. Terry Keen – known to all and sundry as “Notso” said they were overwhelmed by the response of the community, who turned up in large numbers to help.
New Crew head Paul “The Chief” Harragon thanked volunteers for giving up their time and local businesses for getting behind the club and donating supplies. He also acknowledged the support shown by the State Government, local council and NRL.
“The Tooheys New Crew is all about working with local communities across NSW and it’s great to see the State Government, local council and NRL support this project and work with the Tooheys New Crew to bring the community this essential sporting venue.”
State member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Tweed Shire Council Mayor Barry Longland and Terry Keen accepted a plaque on behalf of the local community to acknowledge the completed renovations.
“The build couldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the continued support of the Tooheys New Crew,” Terry Keen said.
During the four days of the project the crew were joined by Origin Legends David Peachey and Bryan Fletcher and Titans Players Lucke Bailey, Kevin Gordon, Luke Douglas and Albert Kelly.
But Terry said there were just as many community members, former club executives and even the tradies who worked on it came back and volunteered the next day to help out.
