Kiama Municipal Council Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and Gerringong District All Sports president John Trevenar at the official opening of the new women’s amenities at Gerry Emery Oval. Photo: Gareth Ward.
After a long campaign, women and girls in Gerringong finally have their own change facilities at Gerry Emery Oval, along with a suite of other upgrades to the community sports facility.
President of Gerringong District All Sports, John Trevenar, officially opened the new and improved clubhouse on Monday (3 February).
John said it had been a long road, but thanks to support from the community – and some wise words from his mum – he never considered giving up.
“I’m excited, I’m proud, it’s a big day,” he said.
“It’s been three years, eight months and 17 days with thousands of hours of labour, hundreds of miles travelled and more meetings than I can count.
“My mum’s dying words in March were, ‘We’re Trevenars, and Trevenars get things done’.
“I’ve fulfilled my promise to her, my father and our community.”
John said the project couldn’t have been successful without the enormous support it received from the community.
From big business to individuals and sole traders, it took a dedicated team to bring the dream to life.
“The builder, DES constructions, has done a fantastic job; we’ve been supported by Gerringong Bowling Club, Gerringong Hardware, McMahons Earthmoving, individuals like Dave Stewart, a legend, did more than $25k worth of work for nothing; the list goes on,” he said.
“I’m going on 71; I couldn’t have done it without them.
“It’s been an amazing journey and I’m incredibly proud of all of them.”
The Gerringong community raised almost $365,000 towards the upgrades, alongside grant funding.
The improvements include a secure gated single entry and security cameras for night-time training, women’s storerooms and separate male and female referees’ rooms, as well as access for people with disabilities.
Although the major component of work is done, it’s not over yet.
“It’s all come up really well so far; I don’t think anyone who came through expected it to be the high quality it is,” he said.
“I’ve been a builder all my life and I’ve never taken a shortcut; it had to be done right.
“We’ve still got the electrical to do, the WiFi and PA systems and we need funds for a lift and a foyer area upstairs.
“We’ll slowly potter on – but the important things is, the girls had nothing, now they’ve got the facilities they need.”
The field will host various sports, including cricket, touch football, soccer, and women’s Oztag.
Additionally, Gerringong Public School aims to use the facilities for sports carnivals and cross country, and combined high school sports days will also be held there.
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