LIAM DURKIN
FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND By LIAM DURKIN MORE than 100 years of history gone in an instant. The local sporting community was left shocked over the weekend, after learning the Fish Creek Football-Netball Club social rooms/change rooms at Terrill Park had been gutted by fire. Suspected arsons torched the double storey brick building in the early hours of Saturday morning. The club had been the target of vandalism in days leading up to the attack, and investigations remain to see whether or not the two cases are linked. Fish Creek Fire Brigade was alerted to the blaze, and were joined by tankers from Foster, Milford, Toora, Yanakie and Meeniyan. District 9 Commander Greg Fisher said CFA crews were alerted at 5.06am on Saturday. “Crews did an excellent job containing the fire to the one building and prevented it from spreading to a nearby shed,” he said. Victoria Police worked with CFA Fire Investigators and the Arson Squad to confirm the circumstances of the fire which appears to be suspicious. The tragedy has certainly made for an experience at opposite ends of the scale, as the Kangaroos won the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League senior football premiership less than two months ago. As one of the most successful country football clubs in Victoria by way of premierships, permanent reminders of Fish Creek’s near 40 senior football flags are now just confined to memory. The Fish Creek faithful gathered over the weekend to inspect the damage, and met at the nearby pub to collect their thoughts. Club president Ray Stefani told Seven News the community was absolutely devastated to lose what had been described as the ‘centre of town’. “Don’t understand why they would need to do this, steal what you want to steal but why burn the place down,” he said. The tiny town of less than 1000 people has a proud sporting history, with a number of locals going on to AFL ranks. Current Gold Coast player Sam Flanders grew up in ‘Fishy’, as did Barry Standfield (Western Bulldogs and Adelaide) and Wayne Weidemann (Adelaide). Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath is also from Fish Creek, and lost photos of her father’s playing days in the fire. “Sending love to the Fish Creek Kangaroos. Buildings can be replaced but to lose the history of this mighty community club is heart breaking,” she posted to social media. “Honour boards, cups, trophies and photos of the many Kangaroos achievements, gone. “Please take care, current and past players, supporters and families. The clean-up effort is now underway, with the club determined to fight on. A GoFundMe page has been set up for those wishing to donate, which can be accessed via: https://www.gofundme.com/f/our-wonderful-club-start-to-rebuild?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
