Save our dunnies: Footy club members go full ‘The Castle’ to keep historic dwelling alive

It’s the footy world’s version of The Castle meets Kenny. Passionate members and supporters are tackling council with everything they’ve got to save a historic set of dunnies and showers.

PASSIONATE members and supporters are tackling council to save a historic slice of their local footy club – their dunnies and changing shed, saying you can feel the history.

A change.org petition has been launched to stop the Gold Coast City Council from bulldozing a 50 year-old changeroom block at the Coolangatta Football Club.

Supporters Shae Saunders 15, Kerry Gill and Suzanne Saunders out the front of the historic block. Picture Glenn Hampson

It’s like a scene out of The Castle. Except this time, they’re fighting to save a dwelling caked with years of sweat and Dencorub.

This could be the first time ever a row of toilets and a few showers have been deemed “heritage”.

But no one can deny fervent footy fever. Plus – the club is home to the revered Coolangatta Blues, winners of multiple Gold Coast AFL premierships.

Within its four small walls – victory songs, tears, cheers and beers.

Kerry Gill is one such supporter. His dad co-founded the club in 1962.

The historic block. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Gill said the changeroom block was an important part of the club’s history.

“It’s very significant. For decades both young and old have used the facility to seek refuge from weather, prepare for games, celebrate victories and commiserate over losses,” he said.

“There’s no valid reason to replace the building. Structurally it’s very sound.

“There’s not one local I’ve spoken to that wants to see it knocked down.”

While 15 year-old player Shae Saunders wasn’t even alive to witness the history-making premierships in the changeroom, she still recognised its significance.

“There’s so many memories for so many players there. It’s a great place to hang out when you win a game. You can really feel the history of the place,” she said.

“More than just its history – it also offers sun protection and refuge when it’s wet.”

Shae’s mum and club volunteer said she would be “disappointed” if the structure was demolished, adding: “It offers shade for players and there’s nowhere else to go when the sun is beating down. It could be renovated instead of being knocked down completely.”

Petition organiser George Brodney said: “For almost 50 years, the Coolangatta Football Club has utilised the existing changerooms at Len Peak Oval.”

Roadside view of the block, which sits on Len Peak Oval. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Generations of players have used those rooms, premierships have been won and lost, friendships built and a community grown,” he wrote.

“Council have made it a condition in the development application of the new facilities that the old changerooms be demolished to lessen the building footprint on the oval.”

He said the dwelling could be used as a multi purpose space for when it rained and for teaching and training.

There has been an outpouring of support on the petition page.

Alex McKerchar said: “The memories must remain.”

Jodie Findlay said: “Memories were made here and history should be kept, not destroyed.”

Another petition supporter, Craig Cannon, wrote: “As a past player for the Redcliffe Tigers and Sandgate Hawks in my early years, it would be a shame to get rid of a piece of the Cooly Blues history.”

The petition has so far amassed its 500 signatures target, now increased to 1000, with numbers growing by the hour.

However, area councillor Gail O’Neill is flushing club hopes, saying there’s “no chance” the old block would be saved.

“No, it’s all done and dusted,” she said. “The new amenities block will be huge and for all sports, including the women’s AFL.

“The old block must be demolished but perhaps we can see what that space could be used for down the track.”

Originally published as Save our dunnies: Footy club members go full ‘The Castle’ to keep historic dwelling alive