In June 2016 the worst flooding in 40 years hit the north and north-west of Tasmania causing devastation and havoc. Among the casualties were a number of football clubs which were inundated and suffered damage to clubrooms, playing facilities and equipment.
Following a joint fundraising initiative to assist and help rebuild the clubs, North Melbourne Football Club and AFL Tasmania have been able to present cheques of $1,500 to Forth, Deloraine and East Launceston Junior football clubs.
Donations were collected at the North Melbourne v Sydney match in Hobart by volunteers including representatives from the affected clubs and Next Generation Academy participants.
North Melbourne Managing Director and CEO Carl Dilena said the club was proud to be able to support the relief.
“We were pleased to lend our support to the flood recovery appeal and it was great to see our Next Generation Academy participants collecting those donations on the day,” Dilena said.
“The recent floods have had a significant impact on many Tasmanians, including grassroots footy clubs, so we hope these donations will give those local clubs a chance to get back on their feet and back in action as soon as possible.”
General Manager for the Tasmanian Football Council Jackson Hills said, “The Tassie footy family has a proud tradition of supporting its own and it’s great to be able to help these clubs in their time of need.”
East Launceston Junior Football Club President Paul House said, “The fact that we were able to be given the opportunity to raise much needed funds was significant for our club.”
“We are extremely grateful for the $1,500 cheque to the East Launceston Juniors following the Football Flood Relief appeal. The monies will be well spent in purchasing equipment lost in the flood, which will in turn benefit the players and parents of club in their football endeavours,” House said.