SOUTH Australian Sports Minister Corey Wingard has been urged to provide practical and moral support to the Nangwarry Football Club following the devastating loss of its licensed club rooms as a result of a probable arson attack last month.
The call for ministerial action came from his shadow portfolio holder Katrina Hilyard and Upper House deputy opposition leader Clare Scriven.
The two Labor parliamentarians wrote to Mr Wingard and said the club was at the heart of the small community of Nangwarry.
“We therefore ask you provide urgent emergency funding and other assistance to the club to ensure it can recover quickly and continue to operate,” they wrote.
“An urgent visit from you to see first-hand the devastation to this club would also be an important indicator of your support and we ask that you make time to do this in the very near future.
“As well as providing an avenue for local people to engage in healthy activity through football and netball, it provides an important place for social connection between community members.
“In a town that has faced significant economic challenges over the past few years, this club keeps people positive and together.”
Ms Hilyard and Ms Scriven said the club was operated by dedicated volunteers whose hard work ensures sporting programs are successfully run.
“It ensures people in Nangwarry, as well as players and supporters from surrounding areas, are looked after and included as part of the community,” they said.
“It is crucial for club members and the wider Nangwarry community that, following the devastating fire, they are supported to rebuild and continue to run.
“We expect the Nangwarry Football Club will be able to access funds to rebuild through their insurance at some point, but this is likely to take some time and there may be a shortfall.
“It is crucial they are up and running before the start of their season as this community cannot afford to lose the vital point of connection the club provides.”
In reply, Mr Wingard said Sport, Recreation and Racing office personnel had been in touch with football club and Wattle Range Council officials.
Mr Wingard said the possibility of temporary facilities was under consideration and funding may become available on application to the State Government.
“I understand the importance of sport and recreation on regional communities and can only imagine the impact the fire has had on the community,” he said.
Nangwarry Football Club president Shane Ploenges said Ms Scriven and Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas would visit Nangwarry on March 6 and Federal Liberal MP Tony Pasin on March 14.
“The site was only released to us on Friday as it had been required by police forensics,” Mr Ploenges said.
“The insurers can now arrange to clear the site and the insurance process can continue.”
