Published on Thursday, 17 February 2022 at 3:29:00 PM
Exciting new facility for Eaton sports
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns announced this week the Shire of Dardanup had been successful in its application to the State Government’s Community Sporting Recreation and Facilities Fund for $700,000 towards a new multi-sports pavilion for Eaton’s junior football and cricket clubs.
The new Pratt Road Pavilion will be named the “R & J Fishwick Pavilion” after much-loved locals Reg & Jocey Fishwick, whose commitment to the Eaton Junior football Club and wider community goes back to the 1950s.
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said: “I’ve been working with the Shire of Dardanup, the cricket club and junior football club in support of this project and I’m excited that it has been selected as a CSRFF recipient. “
“I would like to acknowledge the partnership between the cricket and football clubs, who continue to work together to benefit both sports.
“Sports and recreation play a significant role in keeping people active, healthy and connected to their local community, and having new facilities will help the Shire of Dardanup foster that environment.
“It is great that in McGowan Labor we have a government that is dedicated to investing in our regional sporting and recreation grounds.”
Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett said the project was a real win for local, grassroots sport and enable provision of both male and female changerooms.
“Council would like to thank the State government for today’s CSRFF announcement. As users would be aware, the facility is extremely run down and has required replacing for many years, Cr Bennett said.
“Council will contribute $1 million to the project so the membership growth of these clubs can be supported well into the future.”
“The facilities at Eaton Oval have served over three generations of junior footballers since the 1970s,” Cr Bennett said.
Eaton Junior Football Club President Brendan Billett said: “This is fantastic news for the Eaton Junior Football Club whose membership has outgrown the current facilities.”
“The recent jump in the number of girls taking up football has highlighted the urgent need for these upgrades.
“Our club can think of no better way to celebrate our 50th year than with this new facility.”
Eaton Cricket Club Secretary Cameron Walton said ECC appreciated the good news about the new clubrooms.
“This will provide much needed high standard facilities vital for the continued expansion and consolidation of cricket and football as well as increased involvement open to the broader community,” Mr Walton said.
“Specifically, the clubrooms will assist with the increases in junior cricket participation, the growth of female cricket with an anticipated junior side to complement the current senior side plus strengthening of the successful senior sides.”
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said: “Great facilities encourage people to be active and especially in regional areas, local facilities like a pool or sporting pavilion are often the heart of a town.”
“They create a spirit of community and help people feel less isolated, while for young people they offer a positive outlet for their energy.”
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