A group of mates are crying foul over plans to be charged for facilities they’ve used for free for almost two decades.
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Up to 15 men, most with connections to South Warrnambool Football Netball Club, train three days a week for fitness and social reasons at the Friendly Societies’ Park clubrooms.
Their gatherings, inspired by a young Jonathan Brown, who used to complete early morning sessions before his decorated AFL career, have been happening for the past 18 years.
During the season, they have been charged $5000 but in footy’s off-season, the group has used the facilities without charge.
Warrnambool City Council is now introducing a $2581 fee for the off-season. A council spokesman said the fee had been waived last financial year.
But after a review and consultation, the fee was introduced this year. While the Roosters had sought other solutions, it has since informed the council it would pay the fee.
Group members are not happy.
“We’re a battling club using our own equipment, we keep it (the room) clean, pay our own electricity and we think this new fee is a bit harsh,” member Stephen Marris said.
“We get a sweat up and start the day off on the right foot.”
The group of men, mostly in their 40s, have strong links to the club and want the fee waived.
Sam Stevens, an ex-player actively involved in the club’s junior program, said: “We are a dozen to 15 guys avoiding a beer gut, having a chat and a laugh.”
“It’s left a bit of a bad taste in our mouths because we already run on a skinny budget.
“We’d like to invite councillors to come and have a look at the equipment, it’s hardly going to challenge AquaZone for memberships.
“How can they charge us when they don’t supply us with anything.
“We are also the blokes that volunteer for all the kids activities, we played footy for the club, and our kids are now a part of the club.”
Roosters president Andrew Hardiman said the club had agreed to pay the fee this year. But it wants to explore other options with the council so it won’t be liable in the future.