Kai Steele and Pat Walsh have been assisting the Harden Rugby League Football Clubs both Senior and Junior with the finalisation of the new complex at McLean Oval. They are raising the awareness of one of the final projects which will see the erection of a white picket fence across the ground, which they hope will extend all the way around the ground in a horse shoe styled shape.
Kai said, “Pat came up with the idea.”
Pat said, “I had seen it down the south coast at Bomaderry and Shellharbour. Shellharbour have it right around their ground, it looks absolutely fantastic. The plaque idea was organised to raise some funds to pay for each panel which will raise funds to build the fence.”
Kai said, “We need 235 panels which is a horse shoe shape. We are hoping to do the entire fence. We have to do the fence in front of the grandstand regardless and we want to continue that right around.”
Pat said, “We want to sell each panel individually it will be one family per panel with 2 names on the plaque. The plaques are 4 inches by about 12 inches, their main details will go across the top of the plaque. The fence panels have a 50 year guarantee of no rust and no need for painting.”
Both men have made it clear that it will take volunteer efforts to construct the fence overseen by professionals. Pat said, “The big thing is we are spending so much money on the structure and the sheds to attract games here we need to have good fencing the whole way around. We are situated in an ideal area with easy access to this facility to attract high level games of footy.”
The panel and plaque idea is open to businesses and families, past players and anyone in the community. It is a one off payment. Each panel inclusive of panel and plaque is $200.
Pat and Kai have already sold over 20 panels and they have only just started circulating the information in the community.
Kai said, “Tony Fletcher who was a first grade Referee for Group 9 has also committed to one for the Referee’s Association. It is attracting outside attention already. A lot of past players are showing interest.
Pat said, “Bernie Nevin who played here years ago has asked for plaque and his daughter told us he held a record of 136 points in one Maher Cup season in between 1958 and 1964.
There won’t be a cut off date for the panels but Pat and Kai need a large commitment from the community to get the project off the ground. So far the new fence project at McLean oval is looking very promising.
All payments are to be made out to Harden Murrumburrah Junior Rugby League Football Club.
Information needed includes your full Name, Role and the year that you were involved
Plaque size will only be 10cm by 30cm {4”by 12”}
[Example] Pat Walsh Coach JRL 1980 Referee 1980-1995.
For Payment Direct Deposit HMJRLFC Bendigo Bank BSB:633000, Account No.154039580 Please Include Name in the notes. Contact Pat Walsh (0400626466) or Kai Steele (0400759011) for expressions of interest, payment or more information.
