After a challenging two years, a key partnership for the Powelltown Football Netball Club has returned thanks to the generosity of the timber industry.
The club has had a close connection with the nearby Powelltown Sawmill since its inception in 1919 when the club was founded by the manager of the mill.
Powelltown Sawmill CEO Dan Pote said he was thrilled that the long-running local business was able to give back to the community.
“The last couple of years have been challenging for everyone, not least the timber industry and local sporting clubs,” Mr Pote said.
“Timber is part of the fabric of Powelltown and it is tremendously rewarding that we can assist our local club like this.”
The alignment continues to this day and is marked by an annual donation of timber from the mill to the club. This year’s donation is local native timber harvested by VicForests that was supplied to Powelltown Sawmill.
Powelltown FNC Vice President Peter Podolinsky said the relationship with the sawmill was crucial to the club.
“The sawmill and the Football Netball Club are big components of the Powelltown community,” Mr Podolinsky said.
“With so many matches cancelled over the past couple of years due to COVID, there was an impact on the funds into the club, so to be able to bring revenue in like this is a huge help, thanks to the generosity of the sawmill and VicForests.”
The timber will support the building of a new club pavilion, including upgraded facilities for the club’s netball team, which will commence in mid to late 2022.
VicForests CEO Monique Dawson said the partnership was a shining example of community and industry working together.
“VicForests is always pleased to be able to give back to the communities in which we operate,” Ms Dawson said.
“Powelltown, like many areas throughout Victoria, is a timber town and the timber industry plays a big part in its identity and economy. This donation is one of many examples of our industry and communities going hand in hand.”
