Emotions ran high as the first sod was turned on the redevelopment of the former Chirnside Park oval last week.
As dignitaries gathered to mark the milestone, everybody remembered the tireless work of the late John Nicol.
The ground is home to the Werribee Football Club’s VFL Tigers, and as former Werribee Football Club president, Nicol was a major influence in developing the financial structure that freed the club from debt.
He was also a driving force behind the redevelopment of Chirnside Park, a feature of which is the youth sport and education initiative, Werribee Huddle.
Mr Nicol’s widow, Pauline, paid tribute to her husband, who died late last year.
“On behalf of John, I can say this is a dream come true,” she said. “He would be so proud today … proud of the work everybody has done, but especially [Werribee Football Club chief executive] Mark Penaluna.”
Mr Penaluna said he was excited works have begun to develop new change rooms for umpires and women, a new canteen, and an elevator to the first-floor social room.
“The end result will deliver a facility that will showcase the Wyndham community and its sport,” he said.
The $10.25 million project is a partnership between state and federal governments, Wyndham council, Werribee Football Club, the AFL and AFL Victoria.
Werribee MP and state treasurer Tim Pallas said the project was a great example of all tiers of government, regardless of party politics, working for the community.
