A new nest: Shepparton Swans players and volunteers in front of the newly-installed portable change room facility at Princess Park, Shepparton. Photo: Allie James Photography/AFL Victoria
Shepparton Swans Football Netball Club received a major boost on the eve of the new Goulburn Valley League season with new facilities installed at the flood-hit Princess Park in Shepparton last week.
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Portable change and clubroom facilities have been installed, serving as temporary accommodation while the Swans’ existing facilities are repaired following heavy damage suffered during the flooding in October and November last year.
The $800,000 portables, provided by the AFL and Ausco Modular, are expected to have a 30-year life span and will be relocated to an estimated 15-20 different sites once they are no longer needed at Princess Park.
“We are very thankful to the AFL for their support in supplying us with these rooms on loan for the next two years. We are very grateful,” Shepparton Swans president Jarrod Sutherland said.
Crucially, the instalment of the new facilities will allow the Swans to play home games at Princess Park in 2023.
New addition: The temporary portables installed at Princess Park in Shepparton. Photo: Allie James Photography/AFL Victoria
“These facilities are the difference between us playing here (Princess Park) or not, to be honest. Without some form of change rooms we wouldn’t be able to host games here. It has been a godsend,” Sutherland said.
“It will take another week for them to be fitted out, but they will be right for use for our first home game in round three on Saturday, April 22 against Mansfield.
“It is massive for our club. It is our home and it is the heart of all of our teams. To be able to play here is an important thing for everyone, we are rapt.”
Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh said the governing body was proud to offer support to the Swans in a time of need.
“Community football clubs are the heartbeat of towns and communities across the country and the Shepparton Swans epitomise this as much as any club, having been a big and important part of the local community for nearly a century,’’ he said.
“To see the Shepparton region devastated by flooding was shattering and placed enormous pressure on residents, local businesses and community groups like sporting clubs.
“To have this portable facility in place at Princess Park, the first of its kind for our industry, will hopefully alleviate some pressure on people involved in the football club and help the Swans bounce back strongly from the floods.
“Hopefully this is a big success and benefits not just the Shepparton Swans but other clubs most in need over coming decades.”
Afternoon kickabouts: Junior Shepparton Swans players on the field at Princess Park in Shepparton. Photo: Allie James Photography/AFL Victoria
After enduring tremendous hardship during the off-season, Sutherland said the new facilities would be vital for the Swans in the season ahead – and he hopes the community can show its support.
“It is important to get people through the gates. Financially it is important, but more than that, it is important to the players and everyone to get the support of the community behind them,” he said.
“The club is struggling with facilities, but as a whole, our sides across the board are looking stronger. Off the field, we are as strong as ever. We are going to have a great year and we are going to have a fun year.
“If anyone is thinking about going and watching a game, make sure it is a Swans game at home.”
