PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has come to the rescue of the Hastings Valley Netball Association with a $200,000 offer to make up the funding shortfall for a new clubhouse following the devastating fire in May which destroyed their Grant Street building.

The Council funding will allow the Association to fast track a reconstruction program. Since the fire the Association has been fundraising to try and make up the short fall to replace the building which was under insured.

The clubhouse, which was established 20 years ago is home to more than 1,500 netballers. Investigations are continuing to establish exactly what can be salvaged from the clubhouse.

Council’s Administrator Garry Payne said, “The senseless act of vandalism totally destroyed the dreams of so many young netball players.

“Council has agreed to fund the rebuilding of the clubhouse as well as improve nearby parking in Munster and Grant Streets.

“When Council’s Executive Team approached me with the idea I didn’t hesitate to support it,” Mr Payne said.

Hastings Valley Netball Association President, Kerry Austin said, “This offer is exactly what we needed. Like so many people, we were under insured and the future was looking bleak for local netball.

“Council has been fantastic and this offer has been gratefully accepted by our Association. We are now working closely with Council to develop reconstruction plans.

“Our local community has also been very generous with their donations. We are hoping that will continue as our rebuilding program commences,” Mrs Austin said.