[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”11081″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Julian Leeser[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Earlier this month, I cut the ribbon to announce the opening of the new Pennant Hills Park Club Rooms at Ern Holmes Oval.
This project brings together four remarkable clubs in our community, the Pennant Hills Junior AFL Club, Hornsby District Little Athletics, Pennant Hills Football Club, and the Pennant Hills Cricket Club.
In 2018, Graeme de Vallance from the Pennant Hills Demons Junior AFL Club invited me to tour the previous facilities. The moment I set foot into the 70-year-old building, which had no proper facilities for female athletes, it was clear that the space was no longer fit-for-purpose. I encouraged Graeme to work with the other users of Pennant Hills Park to come up with a facility that would have broader community benefit.
I am pleased to have secured $500,000 of federal funding to contribute to the building of the present club rooms.
Once underway, the project was not without its challenges. The initial location of the club rooms had to be changed and the advent of COVID-19 stalled construction. But the final result should serve the community for generations to come.
I would like to congratulate everyone who had a hand in bringing this crucial community project to life. The Pennant Hills Demons Junior AFL Club led the charge on this project. I would like to acknowledge Club President, Steve Protogeros, Joe and Jenni Stewart, Graeme de Vallance and Dean Moran for their efforts in the planning, design and building of this crucial community infrastructure.
I would also like to thank the Pennant Hills Football Club President Tony Macko and Graeme Bateman; Hornsby District Little Athletics Club former President Lance Arasmas and current President Alice Clayton; Pennant Hills Cricket Club President Sterling Hammond and David Mudge, for their efforts.
This project is a clear example of how powerful a community can be when it comes together to speak with one voice. It is a pleasure to represent our amazing community in Canberra and be able to deliver for our community at home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”83201″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
