Cup win ensures facilities upgrade

When its changerooms were deemed uninhabitable during the Bunyip Fires, the Bunyip Football Club decided something had to be done.

The football club recently gained $40,000 to kick start its changeroom upgrade project after Bunyip won the $50,000 prize in the Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep.

The application was made on behalf of Bunyip and District Community House by representatives of the Bunyip Football Club. As a result, $10,000 of the $50,000 prize went to the community house for its programs and to be divided up amongst other groups - the Bunyip CFA, Tonimbuk Hall and local tennis, soccer and netball clubs.

Bunyip Football Club president Brad Walker, who was on hand at the Melbourne Cup with his wife Sam to accept the cheque, said the $40,000 was the first step in raising the $150,000 required to upgrade the 60-year-old changerooms.

“Our intention is to use that money as a base to upgrade our current changeroom into more of a multi-purpose room,” said Mr Walker.

Mr Walker said it was important the changerooms were female friendly for the club’s female football team but also suitable for the public to use when required.

Although the changerooms have eight showers, Mr Walker said they were deemed uninhabitable by Cardinia Shire and unable to be used following the Bunyip Fires in March.

Instead, those who lost their homes and BlazeAid volunteers staying at the recreation reserve were forced to share just two public showers at the camping site.

“Sixty people had to share two showers,” said Mr Walker. “It doesn’t quite make sense”.

Although it is hoped no further emergencies occur, he said an upgrade would mean people could utilise the rooms short term if required in the future.

Mr Walker said the club would work with Cardinia Shire and the AFL as well as exploring other grant opportunities to help raise the estimated $150,000 required. The club will also run various fundraising and donation drives.