There’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for a Lake Macquarie sporting organisation following a senseless act of vandalism.
Miscreants lit a fire in a couple of wheelie bins on Monday 17 March, with the out-of-control blaze eventually damaging the Windale Eagles Junior Rugby League Football Club’s dressing shed.
The site, in South Street, also serves as an off-season base for the Lakes United Seagulls.
All of the senior group’s training and medical supplies, as well as the Eagles’ gear, were destroyed.
The incident forced Windale to cancel any sessions at the venue, too, while Lake Macquarie City Council and NSW Police conducted their respective investigations.
But, the club received some good news this week when councillors approved a donation of $2,000 to assist with recovery costs.
The offering, under the Donations Program, will go towards replacing goal post pads lost in the fire.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz admitted it was another way to aid the Eagles.
“I visited the site with council staff immediately after the incident and met with the Windale president to discuss how we could offer support,” he said.
“Following our discussion, we arranged for a shipping container to be delivered to temporarily house their sporting equipment.
“We’ve also engaged a structural engineer to provide a scope of works to address what needs to be done.
“The damaged roof structure has been removed and some beautification of the building will be completed to blend in with repairs.
“We’re continuing to liaise with the club about the next steps to support the club in the long-term.”
At the time, Lakes United vice-president Tony Delany called on council to revisit its rules on CCTV equipment being installed on its own grounds.
“People forget those at these clubs are volunteers,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We’re very much a community organisation, and the Windale juniors are particularly critical to that, because they provide an outlet to those boys and girls who play there.
“They’re such an important part in the fabric of our rugby league family.
“Sadly, it’s one of those instances that might have been prevented if council allowed sporting groups to utilise security cameras at council-owned property.
“I’d like to think common sense will prevail in the end.
“We need to look at the systems currently in place.
“CCTV might have deterred the offenders or played a role in prosecuting them.”
For more news stories:
- Council budget boasts major infrastructure investments
- ‘Embarrassing’, residents furious over needle-ridden Newcastle West property
- Driver behaviour in the spotlight following tragic long weekend
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
