Jennifer Pittorino
It took the Footscray Rugby Union club less than one year to have their club and pavilion rebuilt after the October 2022 floods “destroyed” everything.
“We had no warning prior to the flood happening, we heard through the community that the club had flooded,” said president Charlie Sale.
“We pretty much lost everything, from the kitchen contents all the way through to the memorabilia that dates back to 1948 when the club was established.
“That included photos of veterans from World War 2, all our equipment and uniforms, so we had to start fresh again.”
Charlie said although the flood was devastating, it gave the club a chance to reflect.
“As sad as the flooding was, it was also a blessing because it gave us an opportunity to step back and start again.”
The new Henry Turner South Pavilion opened for use on July 23, built on the southern perimeter of the reserve further away from the river to reduce any impacts from potential future flooding.
Jointly funded by the state government and Maribyrnong council, the $8 million project will service not only Charlie’s club but the Western Crusaders Gridiron Club and Footscray Cricket Club also.
“The new club rooms have given us facilities where we can have hot showers and utilise the kitchen to cook for our community which has been really great for us.”
The new pavilion includes four large change rooms, umpire change spaces, a commercial kitchen, a large multipurpose social room, meeting space, enhanced spectator seating, and public toilets.
The previous clubs had been theirs since the 1980’s, located close to Maribyrnong River, which Charlie said was situated in a “flooding zone”.
For this reason the club received no insurance help to replace everything that was lost.
“We had no help from anyone, we have basically been on our own.”
Charlie said the club was able to purchase equipment and uniforms for both junior and senior teams, furniture, and all appliances themselves with hard work by overcoming challenges and obstacles.
“My wife and I , as well as the committee members, brainstormed on how to make the club a family club again.
“With the help of some sponsors and community members we were able to get everything back up and running again.”
Charlie feels the club has come full circle winning the grand final this year, giving the club its first premiership since the 1930’s.
“To see all three senior teams in the top four for the first time, was a great achievement.”
