In 2013 the Gungahlin Jets Australian Football Club completed the first stage of its new home at Amaroo oval. The shed, located at Amaroo oval will provide a springboard for the Australian Rules club and other clubs in the region to finally get some much needed facilities. The shed was made possible by a combination of a grant from the AFL Joss Trust and funds raised within the club.
It is hoped that the shed will be finished in the coming months with grant monies awarded under the Federal Government’s Building Multicultural Communities Program (BMCP). The shed will provide much needed dry and secure storage space that up until now has consisted of a number of ageing shipping containers.
While the club received a letter advising of receiving the grant from the Department and subsequently a contract, which has been signed, there is some doubt as to when the BMCP grant money will be available. It is important that the funds are made available soon so as to ensure that the necessary work is able to be completed. This work includes some critical elements like security shutters necessary for insurance purposes, provision for heating cooling and some kitchen facilities along with lining and painting to make the area useable by the members of the Gungahlin Community, particularly in the cold winters.
The club is seeking the assistance of Canberra Senator Zed Seselja to help ensure that the funds are made available in a timely manner so as to ensure that the shed is able to serve its purpose for the 2014 season that commences in March.
This will be a significant boost for the club who has been developing Australian rules in the Gungahlin region for more than a decade and is the largest club in Canberra operating without a licensed club. An important aspect of the club’s philosophy is to maintain a club that encourages family participation in sport without the reliance on poker machines or a licensed club. In other words, it’s a back to basics approach where families can gather and build their community.
The facilities being developed by the JETS will also be available for use by other associated sports clubs in the region. Currently the ovals are being used by the Gungahlin Little Athletics club with other sports such as Netball and baseball also likely to join the JETS and with the help of the ACT and Federal governments will help build a community sporting facility that complements other facilities in this rapidly expanding part of Canberra.
The club has met with Senator Zed Seselja earlier this month to discuss the proposal and is anxiously awaiting news from the new Federal Sports Minister to confirm the Government’s commitment to the project.
More information about the club and how you or your business can contribute to developing this important part of Gungahlin visit the clubs website on http://www.gungahlinjets.com.au/
Loading ...
