Geelong council to vote at urgent meeting on federal funding opportunity for Bell Park Dragons

In a dramatic turn of events, the home of Bell Park Football Netball Club will almost certainly be recommended for $1.5m of federal funding.

Bell Park life member Glenn Brown, councillor Eddy Kontelj and club president Jeff Jarvis. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

Geelong council will convene for an urgent meeting this Wednesday that will almost certainly see the home of Bell Park Football Netball Club be recommended for $1.5m of federal funding.

In a dramatic turn of events, councillors will vote on whether to put Hamlyn Park forward for the grant under the federal government’s Play Our Way program.

If, as expected, council gives the green light for the grant application to proceed, City Hall will be required to stump up $200,000 of its own money for the $1.7m Hamlyn Park upgrade that will deliver female-friendly changerooms.

The meeting will be the latest chapter in a saga that stems back to February when councillor Peter Murrihy sensationally introduced an alternative motion that prioritised state government funding for female-friendly facilities at Newtown and Chilwell’s Elderslie Reserve, rather than Hamlyn Park.

Geelong council boss Ali Wastie. Picture: Mark Wilson.

While it is unknown exactly when City Hall learnt of the Play Our Way funding opportunity, applications close April 29, hence this week’s urgent meeting.

“The city has assessed the female friendly change room development at Hamlyn Park, finding the $1.7m project meets the 2024-25 Play Our Way program criteria,” chief executive Ali Wastie said in a statement.

“Council will carefully consider the report on Wednesday night before making a decision on whether to support an application and co-contribution of $200,000.”

Bell Park was livid following the February meeting and club powerbrokers have been doing everything possible since to keep the issue in the headlights.

This has included writing to all local state and federal politicians, contacting a range of government departments, as well as ratepayers’ associations.

“Despite what Mr Murrihy recently said, this has never been about playing the man – our issue has always been about the process,” Bell Park president Jeff Jarvis said.

“It’s been disappointing the councillors who supported Mr Murrihy have never explained the reason behind their decision, despite our emails (to them).

“This latest opportunity seems like a really good one, but let’s just wait and see how it all unfolds.”

Mr Murrihy defended his move at the March council meeting and denied he had a conflict in putting Newtown forward for the funding, despite previously coaching the club.

It has since emerged that the Towners endorsed Mr Murrihy ahead of his tilt for council in 2017 and 2020.

Geelong councillors Peter Murrihy (centre) and Eddy Kontelj (right) at Hamlyn Park in 2021 for the official opening of new light towers.

Mr Murrihy said he didn’t seek the club’s endorsement and that he wasn’t aware of the posts until asked about them last week.

“My involvement with Newtown was over 25 years ago and I make no apology for continuing to support sporting clubs within the region,” he said.

The Albanese government opened applications for its $200m Play Our Way program last month, with funding available via two streams – facilities, and participation and equipment.

Applications will be assessed through an impartial, transparent process led by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Launched last year, the program is focused on supporting local governments and community, not-for-profit and sporting organisations to deliver projects that make sport more welcoming and equitable for women and girls.

“By driving gender equality in sport, Play Our Way will not only help women and girls to enjoy sport for life but make our communities fairer, more inclusive and more harmonious,” Sports Minister Anika Wells said.

Originally published as Geelong council to vote at urgent meeting on federal funding opportunity for Bell Park Dragons