Press Conference Thursday 8th May

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http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info.cgi?client=1-118-10459-0-0&sID=54954&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5417561&sectionID=54954

On Thursday 8th May a Press Conference was held at Burbank Oval to officially announce that the Williamstown Football Club was receiving $3 Million from the State Government to assist with the refurbishment of the Grandstand and facilities at our historic ground. Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino, Williamstown MP Wade Noonan, AFL Victoria CEO Peter Schwab, City of Hobsons Bay Acting Mayor Angela Altair and Williamstown President Trevor Monti were present to make the announcement.

President Trevor Monti said " This is a landmark moment for the Williamstown Football Club and after 8 years of hard work by many individuals we now have a majority of the funding for the refurbishment in place. The Williamstown Football Club would like to thank the Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino, Williamstown MP Wade Noonan, City of Hobsons Bay CEO Bill Jaboor all Councillors and Administrative staff, AFL Victoria CEO Peter Schwab and all those connected for their efforts in achieving this historic result. We now have the opportunity to produce a magnificent community facility which will be utilised by all of the user groups of Burbank Oval and the wider community."

A $3 million boost for the redevelopment for the Williamstown’s historic Burbank Oval is a key component of a Brumby Labor Government package to improve the quality of Victoria’s VFL grounds and facilities.

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino, who today visited the oval formerly known as the Williamstown Cricket Ground, said the $3 million was allocated as part of a $10 million commitment in the 2008-09 Budget.

“The Brumby Labor Government understands that supporting grassroots sport is one of the keys to building stronger and more liveable communities across the state,� Mr Merlino said.

‘The redevelopment of Burbank Oval, home of the Williamstown Football Club, will deliver more public seating and the historic grandstand will be rebuilt to include a social room and new change rooms.

“This investment helps to ensure the future viability of the club, while also delivering a better sporting facility for the local community.�

Mr Merlino said the funding was part of a Brumby Labor Government plan to ensure more economically sustainable VFL football clubs are able to nurture and provide pathways for up-and-coming talent, while encouraging participation across the state.

“Australian Rules Football is a way of life in Victoria and this funding will help support the future of the VFL competition and reaffirm our reputation as the premier state football competition,� he said.

“Providing quality facilities also encourages people to stay healthy and physically active, which is what our Go for your life campaign is all about- getting more Victorians involved in sport and recreation in their local community.�

Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said the funding for the Burbank Oval was a boost for the football club and the community, who had worked tirelessly to make their redevelopment plans a reality.

“I am proud to be associated with the Williamstown Football Club and members of the community who worked so hard to secure funding for this historic oval,� Mr Noonan said.

“This is a great day for the people of Williamstown. The funding will deliver a better facility for everyone associated with the ground, from players and club members, spectators and officials.�