The Mitcham Football Club are excited to announce that Walker Park will receive a significant upgrade after a successful vote at lasts nights council meeting to accept the City Of Whitehorse’s 2018/19 proposed budget.
The upgrade consists of a full refurbishment of the existing change rooms and social club including several key features some of which include new toilets, kitchen / canteen, gymnasium and offices. The change rooms will also be upgraded to make them more female friendly which will help both football and cricket clubs manage the rapidly growing numbers of female participation.
In addition to the refurbishment we will also receive an additional wing which will be built onto the side of the existing social club. This new wing will be an elevated viewing room providing full views of the oval and further space for our supporters and members of the wider community to watch their preferred sport in comfort, protected from the elements.
The required funding for this project was made possible with the $400k federal grant from Michael Sukkar and the Liberal Party, a grant of $100k from AFL Victoria with support from EFL CEO Phil Murton and a significant contribution from the City Of Whitehorse Council, all of whom have heavily invested in Walker Park and the future of our clubs
Mitcham Football Club president Matt McCubbin said the following after last nights decision.
“This is a huge win for our football club and our co tenants at Walker Park. Since Michael Sukkar’s federal contribution to this project was made, it was imperative that the scope of this upgrade would see the club/s move forward with the capability of managing our continued growth over decades to come”
With the playing surface of Walker Park widely referred to as one of the best in the eastern suburbs, we will now have the facilities to match it. The processes to make this outcome achievable have been long and sometimes drawn out but with a project of this size and importance, it was imperative all we all fought / worked towards a result that will benefit all parties involved. Matt McCubbin went on to say that this result could not achieved without the hard work of several people.
“This process has taken huge amounts of time and effort from the many people involved and I think it’s imperative they are recognised for their contributions.
Firstly I would like to thank Michael Sukkar who helped kickstart this entire process with federal funding. Financial contribution aside, both Michael and Liberal state member Dee Ryall have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help club volunteers work towards our desired result. Both Michael and Dee have been fantastic ambassadors of both Football and Cricket clubs over many years and we thank them for their continued support, especially throughout this process.
City of Whitehorse councillors Cr Prue Cutts and Cr Ben Stennett who have battled for the club right up to the death knock to help get the numbers at last nights budget approval. The countless hours they have both spent on this project have been exceptional and greatly appreciated by everyone involved. I would also like to thank the 7 councillors who voted in favour of the proposed development last night.
I’d like to acknowledge the work of MFC and MCC committees who have worked together hand in hand without any issues from day one. This alone is a fantastic achievement and testimony to both clubs who have a fantastic working relationship.
Lastly and most importantly I want to thank my partners on the Walker Park Development working group including Sporting Club president Luke Smith, Cricket Club president Alan Fairbairn and former president Ken O’Meara, Steve Simpson, David Wemyss, Russell Witherow and in particular Garry Wathen who have spent well over 12 months on this process. Without the contribution of each of you this result would not have been possible.”
The club looks forward to working with council over the coming months to finalise design briefs and we hope to be in a position to present plans to our members and supporters in the very near future. #strongandbold
Last Modified on 26/06/2018 08:05