Funding fix for fire safety upgrades at Mount Compass Sports & Social Club

Posted September 03, 2019

Mount Compass Community Sports & Social Club can finally address an urgent council directive to meet new fire safety standards thanks to a $60,000 grant from the Federal Government.

Photograph: Mount Compass Community Sports & Social Club President Perrin Hicks, left, club secretary Hannah Stone and committee member Tom Edwards recently showed Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie the straw thatched ceiling that must be replaced to meet fire safety standards.

The grant, announced this week thanks to the advocacy of the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, means the club can now replace the old straw thatched ceiling inside their main building and install water tanks, a fire hydrant and pipework for CFS use.

“This is fantastic news for a small but vibrant community group faced with a massive bill to make their facilities meet modern fire standards,” Rebekha said this week.

“We understand that our public facilities need to keep up with Australian standards but when you’re a community-run organisation relying on gate takings and catering to meet all of your costs it can be tough to come up with a large amount of money for unforeseen expenses such as these.

“The club contacted me in early June following the election and I raised this urgent issue with the Federal Government.

“I am really pleased that the Government was able to source the requested funds through the Community Development Grants Programme.

“I recently visited the club for a local football match and was impressed with the work the committee has done on the facilities already. I look forward to returning to see completed works.”

Mount Compass Community Sports & Social Club President Perrin Hicks said the funding was greatly appreciated.

“The Mount Compass Community Sports & Social Club Committee and its members would sincerely like to thank the Government for granting the funds necessary to make our facilities safer,” Mr Hicks said.

“We would also like to thank the efforts and advocacy that Rebekha Sharkie and her office have given to our community through helping to seek this funding.

“We are a not for profit organisation run by volunteers who all know that any financial assistance is greatly appreciated as every dollar earned comes directly from our members.”