THE embattled Nangwarry Football and Netball Club says it is looking forward to rebuilding its razed clubrooms as the twisted and charred remnants of the former structure are cleared from the site.
Asbestos and demolition crews have been busy removing the contaminated material and rubble this week, which has blanketed the fire ravaged site since early January.
According to South East Asbestos, more than 150 tonnes of material have been transported from the site over the past two days.
The 54-year-old club – which is working to rebuild its future – is considered the epicentre of the township given it is the only sporting organisation left in the historic timber town.
Flames tore through the clubrooms in what is believed to be a deliberate arson attack on the town’s iconic sporting institution.
The blaze follows a string of suspicious house fires in the township over the past two years and ongoing concern over a possible arsonist targeting the township.
While the club lost everything in the inferno, club treasurer Kevin Dinnison said a number of trophies this week had been found nestled among the rubble and debris.
He said these trophies, which are believed to be a Lightning Premiership and premiership cups, would take pride of
place in the rebuilt clubrooms.
“It was great to hear these had been found – we thought we had lost everything,” Mr Dinnison said.
With the fire ravaged material now being removed from the site, Mr Dinnison said the club could now set its sights on rebuilding the clubrooms.
“We will focus on the design and construction of the new building. We now need to work out what we need for the future,” the club stalwart said.
Asked about when the construction of the new building could get under way, Mr Dinnison said these details were yet to be determined because it was a “long process”.
“The insurance company is getting a builder to give a quote and we also have to design the building – there is a way to go,” Mr Dinnison told The Border Watch yesterday.
With the football and netball season looming, he said the club would utilise the town’s museum and swimming pool hall during the playing season.
“If we have a function we will go to the museum, but after games it will just be the swimming pool hall,” Mr Dinnison added.
Conceding the fire was heartbreaking for the Nangwarry community, he said morale was starting to rebuild with players training for the upcoming season.
“We also hope the club will be more competitive this year on the football oval,” Mr Dinnison said.
This follows the club not winning a game in the Mid South East Football League for four years.
“Once they start seeing the building go up, that might spur them on in the field,” Mr Dinnison said.
While still coming to grips with the fire, he said the club was buoyed by the support flowing from the community.
“We will not know how much has been raised until all the fundraising events have finished,” Mr Dinnison said.
He said a number of hotels in Mount Gambier and Penola were raising money for the club.
“The support from the community has been magnificent – especially the support from Mount Gambier,” Mr Dinnison said.
The club will hold its first major fundraiser on Sunday, March 17, with all proceeds raised helping the Saints move forward this year.
The event – known as “#I’m with Nangas Family Day and Car Boot Sale” – will be held from 10am to late afternoon.
The car boot sale will be held between 10am and 1pm.
Attractions include a jumping castle, reptile room, kids games, hair braids, platter boxes, live music and bar facilities.
The Blue Lake Golf Links are also fundraising for the club.
