Yachties buoyed by new clubhouse

Published 1:00pm 1 July 2021

Newport Cruising Yacht Club members are looking forward to cruising into a new clubhouse in style thanks to funding from the State Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Club Commodore Bolek Sulikowski says the $205,000 project has been years in the making and will be a welcome change from renting space.

“The club has been somewhat rudderless for the past few years without a permanent place to call home, so this is a massive boost for us,” Bolek says.

“It will allow us to conduct more formal training and hold social gatherings without having to unpack and pack up equipment each time.

“I’m forever grateful for the investment from both the State Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council to help get this project up and running.”

Long-term vision

Club treasurer Gerardine Young has been on the building committee for the past three years and is excited to see the new facility taking shape.

She says it is a credit to the hard work and vision of past committees.

“It’s coming together on the foundations laid by others,” Gerardine says.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the clubhouse, on the banks of canals near Talobilla Park, was made possible with the State Government and Council working together.

“I’d like to thank the State for their $127,000 contribution through the Get Going Places and Spaces grant, which triggered Council’s commitment to add $22,900 for this project, and a $50,000 interest-free loan to help the club build their dream home.

“This new clubhouse and training facility will provide a great deal of recreational activity for the people of Newport, and it goes a long way to our ongoing goal to create a better lifestyle for all Moreton Bay Region locals.”

State MP for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath says the Queensland Government is committed to improving lifestyle and amenity for residents, with recreational facilities helping people keep active and stay mentally refreshed during challenging COVID-19 times.

“I’m absolutely buoyed to hear the Newport Cruising Yacht Club will get the new home they deserve and provide a great amenity to the people of in the surrounding area,” she says.

“These works also keep more tradies on the tools, which boosts our local economy as we continue to sail to recovery.

“I’d like to thank Moreton Bay Regional Council for their contribution and for providing the land for the yacht club to find their true north.”

The clubhouse is expected to be complete in July, weather permitting.