The long awaited Geographe Bay Yacht Club training centre and boat shed was officially opened on Saturday, October 20.
There were plenty of dignitaries present, including Club Patron and Vasse MLA Libby Mettam and former patron Barry House, City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley and shadow minister for transport Liza Harvey.
Commodore Terry Compton said at the event that the financial help from the Department of Sport and Recreation, Local Government and the South West Development Commission the club’s ‘dreams of a waterproof, possum proof storage shed and up-to-date training facilities have now been realised.’
“The City of Busselton has also been happy to support us financially and has financed a large part of the sewerage costs for us,” he said.
There were also many local businesses who helped along the way with donating time, equipment and labour.
Building coordinator John Compton had a room named after him as recognition for all his hard work on the project. Club Patron Ms Mettam said the event was an important milestone for a club that has served the community for more than 60 years.
“The sailing and marine sports training centre will offer an extensive range of sailing, fishing, outrigger canoe, paddling, power boat handling and water safety training programs for children, teenagers and adults in the region,” she said. “Importantly - this facility will help with the junior sailing program, assisting them to learn the key elements of sailing in before they go out on the water.
Ms Mettam said the new facility was a credit to the club’s committee who gained funding for the project.