There are new developments and appearances from special visitors as the renovations to the Rushworth Tennis Club clubrooms get under way.
Renovations to transform the old Rushworth Tennis clubrooms into a conservation hub for Rushworth Field and Game Club are progressing well, thanks to a generous donation from the Rushworth Tennis Club and a visit from State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
The tennis club, now in recess, announced on Thursday, May 30 that it would allocate its remaining funds of $7724.17 to the Field and Game Club to help renovate the clubrooms and support future wildlife conservation projects.
The donation is part of a broader community effort to renovate the clubrooms.
Support has come from many Rushworth businesses, including Jarrett’s Tree Service, which removed a few infected iron bark trees, and donations from the Rushworth Opportunity Shop and the Rushworth Football Club.
Ms Cleeland visited the building repair work at the Rushworth Public Park on Tuesday, May 21 and said, “it was fantastic” to see the work put into the old clubrooms.
“Their commitment to conservation work in our region’s wetland is inspiring … Current and future generations are grateful for your vision and dedication to the environment,” Ms Cleeland said.
Ms Cleeland also visited the wetlands frequented by the Field and Game Club and was pleased to see its conservation efforts.
“They have constructed and installed nest boxes and hen houses to continue improving the wetland ecosystem, and I am looking forward to returning during breeding season to see the fruits of their labour and baby ducks galore,” she said.
“The sound of frogs, majestic brolgas and black swan cygnets made it such a magical setting. I also want to thank Campaspe councillor Adrian Weston for dedicating his private land to this conservation and rehabilitation.
“The passion between the Rushworth Field and Games members and Cr Weston was contagious.”
Conservation officer Graeme Wall said Ms Cleeland reached out to him to see Field and Game projects, and she was impressed by what she saw.
“It was great for her to come along and look and see what we’re all about,” he said.
Mr Wall said the clubrooms were already receiving positive feedback from the community.
“This project is bringing to the fore what a great town Rushworth is ... We are receiving so many compliments and community feedback on this building and our conservation work in conjunction with local landholders and managers,” Mr Wall said.
“Different people come along with different abilities just wanting to lend a hand, which we’re thankful for.
“We need all the help we can get, so it is great when people reach out.”