Swans kick-off new era at Reserve

Pine Rivers Swans has a new $3.1 million clubhouse and changerooms - thanks to funding from City of Moreton Bay, the State Government and AFL Queensland.

At Saturday’s opening, Mayor Peter Flannery said this was the second sports facility with universal amenities to be opened by Council in the past month.

It follows the launch of the new $6.4 million Petersen Road Sports Ground – home of Caboolture Rugby Union and Touch - in Caboolture

“The new Aussie Rules clubhouse and changerooms at Rob Akers Reserve brings a 50-year-old club into the 21st century and it allows the club to attract new players,” Mayor Flannery said.

“We want to be able to give everyone a go, no matter what your ability or background by providing the best possible community sports facilities for residents to enjoy.”

Opening pictures - click through

Mayor Flannery said nine facilities had been upgraded or built in the last 18 months to include unisex changerooms for women and girls to participate.

It comes after City of Moreton Bay hosted the first standalone NRLW Grand Final last year and the new home for Brisbane Roar women at South Pine Sports Complex is nearing completion.

Councillor Mick Gillam (Div 8) said Pine Rivers Swans contacted him “a few years ago” for help after the club flooded in 2011.

“After the second flooding in 2022 we brought the project forward, rather than fix the old clubhouse just to rebuild it a few years later,” he said.

“Everyone was so excited for the opening Council organised a celebratory banner before their women’s match on Saturday to mark the monumental occasion in the Swans’ history.”

State Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said the State Government gave $1.15 million of funding for Stage 1 and 2 of clubhouse construction.

“This project delivers a vital piece of recreational infrastructure for the people of the Pine Rivers area to enjoy for years to come,” she said.

Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said the AFL contributed $50,000 through the AFLQ Grand Final Facilities Fund in partnership with the Queensland Government.

“Queensland has seen a record number of registered community club football participants in 2023 and City of Moreton Bay has long been a key part of that growth,” she said.

“This new facility will be a huge boost for the Pine Rivers Swans and add to that lasting legacy for the community.”