Additions including a social area, meeting space and upgraded unisex change rooms to the Mandurah Mustangs Football and Netball Club’s new home have been well received by city councillors.
The new facility, based on the northern end of the Rushton Park, has been in the club’s sights for decades.
Having built the first ever football playing surface at the ground, after members Dudley Tuckey and Bill Hough snr acquired the land rights in 1950, the club called it home for more than 40 years until they were moved off the lease in 1996.
Since then, the club has shared the facility – now called Bendigo Bank Stadium – with Peel Thunder.
While councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposed extension to the club's facility, the project will only be given the green-light if endorsed at the council’s next official sitting on June 26.
A report, authored by the city’s recreation centres and services manager Craig Johnson and coordinator Dale Christy, outlined key recommendations that need to be approved by elected representatives to bring the project to fruition.
Club president Brant Sachse presented a deputation at the meeting, in favour of the officers’ recommendations on behalf of more than 800 affiliated players and supporters.
Mr Sachse outlined the club’s current position and spoke in support of the proposed extension.
He said it was an opportunity for the club to enhance their upcoming standalone facility.
Mr Sachse said the proposed extension was located in an area of the ground that was “unused vacant space”.
As part of the renovation works, the current four changing rooms in the Rushton North Pavilion would be converted into two larger unisex changing rooms.
He said the change to unisex rooms aligned with the City of Mandurah’s recent push to be more inclusive of women’s sport after a rise in participation rates.
“It would free up space at the Rushton Park Sports Facility that could be utilised by the Peel Thunderbirds team, and provide Peel Thunder with the opportunity to increase revenue,” he stated.
He said it would also provide the club with increased revenue opportunities.
The building will also house an office for mental health service Headspace, who will have full use of the function room.
“Family friendly”, with accommodation for office space, volunteers and delivery of the program were key features Mr Sachse advertised to councillors.
Almost every council spoke on the agenda item, congratulating the club for their dedication to turn their dream into a reality.
