By BRIDGET SCOTT
THE opening of a first class facility provided a new addition to Cranbourne’s sporting arena, Casey Fields.
The Casey Field’s Rugby League Pavilion was officially opened earlier this month, much to the delight of rugby fans and players.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon officially opened the new facility, commenting on its importance to the community – in particular, local rugby groups.
“This venue will provide the community with a first-class facility that will enable the Casey Warriors Rugby League Club, and rugby league in the City of Casey, to grow and thrive into the future’.
President of the Casey Warriors Rugby League Club Mak Utatao said the pavilion had provided a new centre for the club to base itself.
“It has given us a new home,” he said.
“It gives us a place for our club to operate.”
Mr Utatao considers his club lucky to be able to play at state-of-the-art facilities.
“It will certainly attract more people – given it’s the premium ground in Victoria at the moment.”
“We are proud to have a great facility, and great grounds and lucky to have a council which supports its use.”
The pavilion includes change rooms, a function room, kitchen facilities, new lighting, a car park and landscaping.
In addition to the pavilion, council has reshaped and resurfaced the main rugby pitch with a warm-season grass, installed a new drainage system and upgraded the irrigation system.
Cr Stapledon said City of Casey residents are ‘spoilt for choice.’
“With a range of award-winning and world class facilities on offer, residents are spoilt for choice when they visit Casey Fields; it is truly a venue of which we can all be proud,” Cr Stapledon said.
Recently, Casey Fields has also played host to elite club Melbourne Storm which reinforces the quality of the grounds.
At the official opening, Melbourne Storm under 16 and under 18 representative teams played matches, featuring a number of Casey Warriors players.
Cr Stapledon said the council was more than happy to support positive community groups such as these.
‘The City of Casey is dedicated to supporting the efforts of local sports clubs through initiatives such as the Casey Fields Rugby League Pavilion,” she said.
