TWO WELLS RECREATION AND SPORTS FUNDING

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (16:01): I rise today to speak about something that I and the locals of Two Wells are particularly pleased about. It is the Two Wells Football and Netball Club members' meeting yesterday with minister Tom Kenyon about the recently announced Community Recreation and Sports Facilities program where the club secured $200,000. This grant is one of 77 awarded to sports clubs around the state last week, with the total grants amounting to $6.58 million. I know minister Kenyon is passionate about supporting grassroots sports organisations, so it was great for him to meet people on the ground who have been doing such a hard job for the community out there for so many years.

The investment in this club has been enthusiastically welcomed by president Francis Pellizzari who believes the grant is important not only to the club but the whole township—a sentiment I share. Some of the groups utilising the rooms at the football and netball club include the Red Cross for fundraising, softball, tennis and cricket.

Since my election in 2010, I have spent time with the community in Two Wells and have sought to support local clubs with worthy grant applications throughout my electorate. I know how much this grant means to so many people in the closely-knit, historic township and community of Two Wells for their dreams of renewal and growth for the future.

In early 2011, I took the opportunity to bring the then new minister Kenyon to see the club rooms and grounds. On that wintry day when the minister and the department visited, we saw firsthand how much the facilities were needed and how much growth was expected in the township. On this day, Mrs Seccafien and the minister had to shoulder the change room doors open due to dampness in the area. For many years the players have been putting up with poor quality wet rooms and showers that failed to drain adequately. Many women and men in the area chose to shower at home rather than at the club.

The planned upgrade, funded by this combination of grant and local fundraising will focus on refurbishing the facilities regularly used by six football teams and many netball teams. The club can now look forward to possibly hosting the Adelaide Plains Football League and the income from this event. With the new shower and changing facilities for both genders, a greatly improved kitchen area, extended clubrooms and a verandah, the club can look forward to a bright future.

I place on the record my appreciation for the hard work of the committee in fundraising for this revitalisation project and preparing such a high quality application. I would specifically like to mention the wonderful Lynette Seccafien and Tiffany for their long hours behind the scenes in writing the application and sourcing quotes. Ladies, I salute you and your passion for sports and the community in Two Wells. The club is very fortunate to have your support, skills and dedication and those of many others in the township who volunteer in so many ways for the sports club in the districts. I look forward to seeing everyone at the home grand final this year and enjoying a coffee from the eagerly awaited new coffee machine. Go, Roosters! Let's win the premiership!