The Byron Bay Football Club Community Clubhouse is hoping to open it’s doors to the community this May but that can only happen if they can raise another $350,000.
Byron Bay FC has over 650 playing members and connects with over 2,500 Byron locals through family and friends. The club committee said that its facilities are in desperate need of upgrading to provide female change-rooms, a new canteen, and a meeting place for the Byron community.
Funding shortfall
‘The dream of opening the Byron Bay FC Community Clubhouse is in jeopardy, with a funding shortfall of $350,000,’ explained Byron Bay FC Committee member Clinton Bown.
So far the Byron Bay FC Infrastructure Committee has been able to raise $870,000 through government grants for improvements to the Clubhouse and lighting, over $300,000 through generous community donations, whilst Byron Bay FC has contributed almost $500,000 of their own funds to the Clubhouse Build.
‘Despite being a Council asset, Byron Shire Council are yet to make any significant funding contribution towards the build, with Byron Mayor Michael Lyon still considering an application by the Club for support,’ said Mr Bown.
Be a Foundation Member
The Club has been able to enlist 12 generous locals who have each donated $20,000 as Foundation Members to the Club’s Charitable Trust (which has DGR status) – and will be hosting a Club fundraising rally this Saturday, 6 April from 9am at the Byron Bay Memorial Rec Grounds – at the Club’s Monster Muster Day for Miniroos team selection.
The Club say if the Club can find another 17 generous local businesses or individuals to donate to the Foundation Members program – then they will be able to open the doors to their new Community Clubhouse facility for all.
‘We were so encouraged by the 12 locals who donated to our Clubhouse before we even turned the soil. Now the Clubhouse is almost finished – we are hoping there are others in our community who love the role the Byron Bay FC plays in the fabric of our town and would be willing to support this important community asset,’ said Mr Bown.
‘For those who can’t donate $20,000 – they can Buy-A-Brick for $200 – to show their support.’
Donations are all tax deducible and can be made via: www.byronbayfc.com.au/clubhouse-info.
