Fundraising has begun in earnest to provide clubhouse upgrades at Gerry Emery Oval in Gerringong, and it is already set to be a whole of community effort given the diverse groups that use the oval. 

“The Gerringong District All Sports Association has lodged the DA, have a lodgement number and so can start fundraising ahead of applying for a grant,” says John Trevenar, one of the primary movers behind the move to provide more female facilities and a disability lift for the clubhouse.

 In just a couple of days the club raised over $1,200 in raffle ticket sales and have kick started a campaign to sell families and organisations name plaques on bricks.

The fundraising has already become a whole Gerringong town enterprise, with Gerringong Public School raising $1,232.65 from a mufti day.

Jodie from Grade 5, a member of the SRC, suggested that, in conjunction with the World Cup, the School could celebrate diversity and human rights and wear soccer sports outfits or the students’ national heritage colours to celebrate this occasion.

Other senior students from year 5 and 6 helped Jodie (at front) organise the event - from left behind her: Benji, Rory, Isaac, Marnie, Harper, Portia.

Peta Godfrey who plays for Gerringong Breakers Football Club says that the women’s facilities are so needed and so overdue.

“We are really excited about this upgrade, especially with the Women’s Soccer World Cup coming up next year in Australia, which is just super exciting and will draw more women to the game. Hopefully we can get this across the line before then.”

 Taryn Sams, is the Female Co-ordinator for the Gerringong Breakers, says having more facilities for women will be a game changer.

“With only four toilets to change in, we have been getting changed in the car park or having to come to the game dressed, which isn’t ideal.”

John says he has counted up to 300 women using the field from 8am in the morning in the lead up to the 1st grade games.

John explaining the concept to Fiona Phillips MP last year

“There are always queues,” he says.

“Better facilities will benefit Gerringong Public School, touch football games, female rugby league tag teams, combined high schools games, the soccer club and more.

“On any one day there can be 16 girls x 4 teams plus all of their spectators. With only four women’s toilets. I’m trying to get the girls’ facilities out of the 18th century and up to equality with men.”

John says he hopes the DA will be progressed by February and building can start in March.

 “I'm hoping we can make a start in March but I’m not the builder. All the councillors are a 100 per cent behind it and I’ve spoken to Gareth Ward and Fiona Phillips about funding.”

Buy a Raffle Ticket: $5 a ticket, first prize $20,000 cash + other minor cash prizes

Buy a Brick: $10 for 1 brick, $1,000 or more to get Family/Organisation name plaque on brick or on honour roll in club. For further information email [email protected]