Strong Council stance sees Football Club suspended

Media release, 13 November 2009

Moreland City Council has reluctantly suspended the Fawkner Blues Football Club’s ground and facilities allocation at CB Smith Reserve. The decision comes after the Club’s failure to meet their obligations under a $30,000 partnership grant with the Council.

Moreland Mayor, Cr Lambros Tapinos, explained that the Council has requested the Club permit its Internal Auditor to investigate the matter.

“No decision will be made on removing the Club’s suspension until Council has considered the Internal Auditors report,” he said.

“Council is very concerned about governance in the Club. Despite numerous Council requests, the Club failed to provide satisfactory acquittal evidence as part of the partnership grant and as a consequence their allocation is suspended forthwith.

“Moreland Council has made and will continue to make large investments in recreation facilities across our community for the benefit of all citizens,” he said. “Council sees this as an essential investment in the health and future of our families and children.

“However, Council needs to ensure that community funds given to clubs are spent on the projects for which they are intended.”

The Mayor confirmed there would be minimal disruption to the Club’s teams given it is currently off-season and the teams train elsewhere.

“This is an extraordinary action for extraordinary circumstances,” he said. “Council looks forward to the full cooperation of the Club in resolving this matter.”