Building donation kicks a goal for women’s footy

Donnybrook Football Club is a step closer to having a women’s side in the South West Football League after a generous donation from a family-run Bunbury business.

HTE Transport was asked to remove two transportable buildings due for demolition from a Piacentini & Son work site.

Owner Aaron Turner took one look at the buildings and knew they could be put to good use and Piacentini’s agreed.

“I went and had a look and I thought I’d really hate for this to get destroyed because I really think it’s got some sort of value to it,” Mr Turner said.

“And I just couldn’t really part with it in terms of seeing it go to waste.

“We thought that the best option was to put it out there for somebody ... if somebody had the right people or tradespeople they could fix it up and make it something for them.”

The business put a call out on social media and was instantly inundated with responses.

The first building went to a worthy youth group in Kirup and the second was delivered to the Donnybrook Football Club last week.

“We wanted to see it go to an organisation or a club worthy of taking it on,” Mr Turner said.

“Bsically we donated the transport and the time to make it all happen, so that was where we came into it and instead of having two buildings get demolished or cut up, they got sent to some worthy causes.

“I just couldn’t see that sort of thing going to waste, it was such a shame.”

President Peter Hearman said the football club was grateful for the donation and it would be a big help as the club made moves for a women’s side.

“The footy club has got to try and put in a women’s footy side in so we need some more facilities and so the offer came up, we took it up and we’re very grateful for it,” Mr Hearman said.

“It will be a changeroom/ablution block for the ladies ... currently the facilities at Donnybrook probably leave a little bit to be desired in regards to visitors and what have you.”

“We are talking about, with the (Donnyrbook-Balingup) shire, making some improvements there.”

Mr Hearman said he would “be surprised” if there was not some movement on a women’s side in the next two seasons.

Mr Turner said it was important for his business of 15 years to support local groups and organisations.

“At the end of the day, we know how it works and we try and give back as much as we can to people and I think it’s a fantastic thing to try and make something out of something that was otherwise going to go to waste,” he said.