Forty members and guests attended last week's meeting at the new facilities at the Werribee Football Club. Prior to conducting a tour of the building, club director, Ian Hovey, provided a brief overview of the redevelopment project.

Some of the facts included:

  • Council was first lobbied by WFC in 2008 to consider replacing the old building. This request was declined although it did result in various upgrades to the oval area including floodlights and behind-the-goal nets.

  • After more intense lobbying over the next 5-6 years to Council and State and Federal Governments, an architect was finally appointed to draw up plans.

  • During 2014 and 2015, a total of $11.75 million was pledged by a number of different parties for the construction of a new building:

    • Werribee Football Club $1 million
    • Wyndham Council $5.5 million
    • Federal Government $3.5 million
    • State Government $1.25 million
    • AFL $250,000
    • AFL Victoria $250,000

  • Demolition was completed in November 2016.

  • Construction commenced in early 2017 and was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. Unfortunately, it took a further 3 months before the club was able to take occupancy.

  • At the time of occupancy, there were still in excess of 1000 defects identified that are slowly being rectified.

  • The building consists of the following features:

    • Five change rooms allowing for consecutive games to be played on the one day. One or both of these games could be women's games
    • The home change room includes a gymnasium, warm-up area, coaches briefing room, medical room, massage room, recovery room and locker room.
    • A 180-seat function room upstairs that can be divided into two smaller rooms.
    • A 500-seat undercover outdoor area for spectators.
    • Many upstairs viewing rooms for coaches, statisticians, umpires advisors, timekeepers and the media.
    • An office area for administration staff.

  • The building has now been regarded by AFL Victoria as a first-class football facility and, as a result, will become a venue for some of the best competitions for both men and women.

Click here to see a few photos of the evening.