THE WHITSUNDAY Sportspark Clubhouse was officially opened, on Saturday (March 1) with all levels of government present to mark the momentous occasion.
Now known as Club Whitsunday, construction of the hospitality venue at the Jubilee Pocket Sportspark was completed in March 2022.
However, it has taken almost three years to obtain Liquor and Gaming Licenses and government approvals, and finalise finance.
Now, finally, the community hub for sporting groups and local residents is officially open for business!
The official opening follows years of negotiations and hard work by the Sportspark committee, in particular, Sportspark committee chairman Justin Butler.
The Clubhouse is part of a complete Sportspark redevelopment, which included new lighting, new (relocatable) canteens, the addition of a second playing pitch, and new changing rooms.
The Sportspark funding was made up of $4m from the Federal Government, $4m from the Queensland Government, $1.5m from Whitsunday Regional Council (seed funding) and the remainder from bank loans.
Present on Saturday were Federal MP for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Whitsundays MP Amanda Camm, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins and Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman.
Andrew Willcox MP said the clubhouse was an example of what could be achieved ‘when all levels of government work together’.
Amanda Camm MP echoed these sentiments, saying it had been a momentous effort by so many people – too many to name – but singled out Justin Butler as the main protagonist.
“Without Justin, this clubhouse would simply not be here,” Ms Camm said.
Mr Butler said it had been ‘a long road to get to this point’ with the original development application lodged in 2017.
He had a long list of people to thank at the official opening – in addition to those present – including all the sporting clubs who call the sportspark home, and suppliers such as Hutchinson Builders, who showed patience and understanding when hurdles arose.
Mr Butler also thanked Cr Jan Clifford for having been there every step of the way.
The Whitsunday Sportspark hosts the local rugby union, AFL, soccer, netball and touch football clubs and now, more recently, cricket has also come on board.
The clubhouse is a not-for-profit venue, with all proceeds going back into supporting sporting groups and other non-profit groups in the community.
It boasts a restaurant, bar and gaming room with pokies, and will be open seven days a week.
There is a large, shaded spectators’ terrace to watch the many and varied games and matches every week.
The Sportspark regularly hosts carnivals and exhibition games and is an important community hub for events, with PCYC Whitsunday right next door.
It is anticipated that, now the clubhouse is up and running, even bigger events can be staged.
