A Big Boost for the Ballina Rugby Union Seahorses.
On Tuesday 5th March, The Ballina Rugby Union Club was greeted with a visit by Ben Franklin MLC who is the National Party candidate for the Ballina electorate for the upcoming 2019 NSW State election. While footy training has now clicked into full gear, there were many supporters, sponsors, players and family members in attendance to find out what Ben was going to announce.
Behind the scenes, the sub-building committee have spent many hours and efforts applying for grants over the last 12 - 18 months with no success. It was a chance meeting with ex- Ballina electorate member Don Page who is a Rugby man from way back who was able to make an introduction to Ben Franklin. After a discussion with Ben about the requirements for the club and a wish list of items that need urgent attention, Ben was able to announce last evening, that as long as the Liberal / National coalition wins the next election (hint, hint.) then the Ballina Rugby Union Club would be able to access a grant of $220,000.00 which is a significant amount to get the club facilities modernised.
Graham Steel explained how the pioneers of the club had built the clubhouse on weekends and the blood sweat and tears of volunteers and members. The clubhouse is integral to the wider community and it is for this reason that Ben Franklin and the National party have pledged these funds for the Seahorses. These funds will bring our much loved club into the modern era and will leverage the work of coaches, players and committee members to ensure that the Ballina Rugby Union Club has a bright future.
Ben Franklin’s assistant is Tim Ahern, who is the Vice- President of Byron bay Rugby Union Club. In discussion with him last night, he let it slip that most clubs are envious of the history and legacy that our clubhouse evokes, although I could not convince him to start training with us at Seahorse Stadium.
The Ballina Rugby Club truly appreciates this pledge and we hope that you will be able to make good on this promise by bringing home the bacon in the upcoming NSW state election.
