THE Nangwarry Football and Netball Club will soon finalise plans for a new clubroom after a suspicious blaze destroyed the former facility last year.
The plans are funded by a $200,000 Federal Government grant will include the re-positioning of the canteen and barbecue areas.
Currently, club members are using the Nangwarry Swimming Pool facilities, with larger functions being held at the Nangwarry Forestry Museum.
At a community meeting in March 2019, Member for Barker Tony Pasin announced the Federal Government would provide the club $200,000 to support the rebuild of the clubrooms.
The fire completely destroyed the football clubrooms and all the memorabilia housed inside.
Following the fire the club gathered any remaining memorabilia before organising insurance so they were able to move forward.
“We then had to decide whether we were going to do a regular rebuild or a transportable rebuild,” he said.
“We settled on a regular rebuild and it was then just a matter of everyone coming together to come up with what we wanted.”
Developing rough plans from there Mr Ploenges said the plans are now with an architect who is finalising the concept.
“They are now on their way to be finalised and we have put it out to one builder who costed it up to ensure we have not gone over our budget,” Mr Ploenges said.
“But as for now everything seems to be on track and we have had a lot of individuals and businesses come on board and put their hands up to donate whether that be products or other things which helps.”
Despite the disappointing devastation of the fire Mr Ploenges said the club has remained in high spirits with a strong backing from the Limestone Coast community.
“We just keep on going because little towns need these football games running,” Mr Ploenges said.
“It is not just a sporting event but also a social event where everyone can come around and support one another.
“It is such a positive atmosphere when we have home games and we have some reasonable numbers.”
Mr Ploenges said all opposition clubs have been in good spirits towards the Nangwarry Saints with the football and netball community across the South East coming together in support.
“We have been asked by the community where we are at in regards to rebuilding and what most people do not understand is it takes time,” he said.
“Most clubs who have to apply for grants already have the foundation information where as we had to start from square one.
“We only get one opportunity so if we do not get these plans done properly the whole process will take event longer.”
Mr Pasin said the club is a central part of the local community stating he wishes to see the club rebuild.
“The fire that destroyed the club rooms was devastating for the club and the community,” Mr Pasin said.
“I look forward to seeing the final plans for this exciting project.”
