Big score for local sport

Photos by Mike Moores

Above, from left: Mayor Wayne Johnston, Leigh Watts (Meander Valley Suns Football Club representative) and Kevin Pitt (President, Westbury Recreation Ground Management Committee) enjoy the view from the scorers’ box at the new Function Centre (below).

WESTBURY’S NEW Recreation Ground Function Centre has had a chequered history, beginning in 2013 with plans to renovate the old buildings. But in 2018, after Meander Valley Council presented designs to which many Westbury residents objected, a public meeting sent the council back to the drawing board. Officially opened on February 21 by Senator Claire Chandler and Mayor Wayne Johnston, the new building is the result of successful council/community consultation. Here’s what some users and local residents think of the new facility:

Michael Claxton, president Westbury Shamrocks Cricket Club: It’s unbelievable compared with the way it was a year ago. The centre is fantastic for the community as well as for teams like ours. It’s a 2020 modern style with a kitchen, bar, more showers and showers for women – and it’s bigger and cleaner.

Rob Shaw, secretary Meander Valley Suns Football Club:
We’re stoked to have new facilities. Before it was disgusting and horrible – the club didn’t have much of a future the way it was. We’re looking forward to the football season for a chance to enjoy it.

Sean Manners, Westbury resident: Meander Valley Council listened more closely to the users this time around and I think it’s going to fit. They’ve done a much better design job, re-using an existing asset as change rooms. The mint green and grey colours are … interesting!

Kieran Hulme, junior development officer, Westbury Shamrocks Cricket Club: I can’t describe how much of an improvement it is! We had a function recently to celebrate 70 years as a club and we fitted in 150 people. It’s an inviting place and most opposition teams have commented that it’s a vast improvement on what we had before.

Pam Swain, owner Fitzpatricks Inn, Westbury: The centre is a fantastic facility for the community and it’s great that it’s been built. I congratulate the former general manager of the Meander Valley Council, Martin Gill, and his staff on working with the sports clubs to achieve this excellent result