New R & J Fishwick Pavilion to deliver boost for local sporting clubs in Dardanup Shire

The Shire of Dardanup, located in the south west region of Western Australia, has welcomed the official opening of the new $2.1 million R & J Fishwick Pavilion at Eaton Oval, expected to  benefit more than 550 football and cricket club members.

The new pavilion was constructed primarily from pre-fabricated engineered timber by Timberbuilt Australia, which symbolised innovation and sustainability.

The upgraded pavilion includes new changerooms to cater for the growing number of women playing football and cricket. There's also a new function room, meeting area and kitchen.

The Fishwick Pavilion is named after much-loved locals Reg and Jocey Fishwick with Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner noting “It is with great honour that we name this pavilion after two beloved members of our community, Reg and Jocey Fishwick.

“Their unwavering dedication to the Eaton Junior Football Club and the broader community since the 1950s, is truly commendable, and their legacy will forever be honoured.”

Brad Fishwick said the family was honoured the pavilion was named after his late father Reg and his mother Jocey, who attended the official opening.

The pavilion will serve as the new home for the Eaton Junior Football Club and the Eaton Cricket Club and was made possible through collaboration between all tiers of government and the West Australian Football Commission.

Funding support included $500,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $700,000 from the State Government’s Community Sporting Recreation and Facilities Fund, $50,000 from the West Australian Football Commission, along with contributions from Council.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman shared "we are proud to support the Fishwick Pavilion project in memory of Reg and Jocey's commitment to sport in the Eaton community, in particular their long-standing relationship with the Eaton Junior Football Club that goes back to the 1950s.

"This facility is fantastic news for the local community, benefiting more than 550 local club members seniors and juniors.”

West Australian Football Commission Chief Executive, Michael Roberts said the Commission is committed to providing sufficient and suitable facilities that support the growth of the game now and into the future and added "It's our firm belief that every young athlete, regardless of gender, deserves access to facilities that meet their needs, whether they're playing in metropolitan or regional WA.

"Recognising the necessity for upgrades, particularly in providing suitable changerooms for boys and girls, we are confident that our investment will not only enhance existing facilities but also be a catalyst for growth of female football within the region.”

Eaton Cricket Club President Travis Johnson said the new pavilion will help the club attract and retain new members, which in turn helps the Eaton community as a whole.

Eaton Junior Football Club President Matt Old said with the continual growth of sport in the Shire, the new pavilion will help the club keep pace as it currently has over 500 participants.

Old shared “we have seen enormous growth in female footy and having these new facilities with enough change rooms to allow dedicated female use, is a game changer for us.

“The facility will allow us to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players while significantly improving the amenities for our extended families, spectators and volunteers."

Other recent Shire of Dardanup projects supported by the WA Government include:

• The Glen Huon Softball Lighting Upgrade, which received $129,143 from DLGSC's 2022-23 Club Night Lights Program;

• Eaton Bowling Club's $3 million upgrade; and

• Eaton Recreation Centre, which received $124,866 from DLGSC's 2023-24 CSRFF funds.

The Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) grant is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
For more details visit the DLGSC website 

Image. Attendees at the official opening of the new $2.1 million R & J Fishwick Pavilion opening. Credit: Shire of Dardanup