$3.5 million Pavilion named in honour of local footy legend officially

Ron Jose Oval Pavilion.jpeg

The $3.5 million Ron Jose Oval Pavilion, named in honour of the late local footy legend, was officially opened this month with Mr Jose’s family in attendance.

The Pavilion features a clubroom, kiosk/kitchen area, four changing rooms, a first aid room, umpires changing facilities and storage space. There is also a new carpark, driveway and undercover patio areas to watch sports matches.

The Pavilion is the new “home” of Midvale Junior Football Club, Eastern Hills Cats Masters Football Club, Darlington Cricket Club and Swan Districts Tee-ball Club.

Ron Jose’s football career began in the 1947 when he took on the role of coach and mentor for the Bellevue junior league.

He later started the Swan Junior League and eventually became President of the Midvale Football Club in 1965 and remained in the role for 35 years, coaching teams to premierships and mentoring many young footballers who went onto League, State and AFL football.

In 1989, the City of Swan honoured him with the naming of Ron Jose Oval for his dedication to football and other sports in the area.

Mr Jose was awarded life membership at Swan Districts in 1983 and in 2007 was elevated to legend status at the Club.

The Pavilion was joint funded by the Federal Government and through the State Government Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).

Federal Member for Hasluck the Hon. Ken Wyatt AM MP said he was pleased to have a part in strengthening the community through sport and praised the City of Swan on the project.

“I am very pleased that the Morrison Government was able to contribute just over 48 per cent of the funds to this key community project,” he said.

“This $1.57 million investment continues on the path of building a stronger local community right here in Hasluck by supporting grass roots sporting clubs, which help empower and motivate individuals and provide the community with a place for bonding and comradery.

“Well done to the City of Swan for their stewardship on this project and I look forward to seeing the Pavilion used by many local sporting and recreation clubs.”

Member for Midland the Hon. Michelle Roberts MLA, who attended the event, said Mr Jose deserved the recognition he received.

“Ron Jose was a local legend, friend and community leader who inspired others; it’s so fitting to see the Pavilion named in his honour,” she said.

“He devoted decades of his life to coaching and providing invaluable mentorship for hundreds of local kids throughout the decades; he was a true inspiration.

“I was proud to know him and his wife who were both such significant contributors to Midland and Midvale.”

City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey said he looked forward to seeing the community enjoy the new facilities for years to come.

“The community deserves this terrific Pavilion and I thank the Federal and State governments for their contribution to making it a reality,” he said.

“Investing in facilities like the Ron Jose Oval Pavilion is an investment in the community’s future and the sporting careers of our young athletes.

“This Pavilion ensures our community remains active and healthy and the sporting superstars of the future are nurtured and supported.”

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