The Mulwala Water Ski Club officially opened improved facilities at its “world class facility” the Max Kirwan Ski Park last Wednesday.
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A new judge’s tower and viewing deck, meeting rooms, toilets, kitchen, shade areas, landscaping, grandstands, new gate entry, two new docks along with newly sealed roads have been added to the already world class facility.
The Mulwala Water Ski Club have invested more than $500,000 into the ski park over the past 12 months with the aid of a $300,000 NSW state government grant and assistance from Federation Council. Many volunteer hours, generous donations of equipment, labour and materials also assisted in preparing the park in the now cancelled Show Ski World Championships.
Club president Len Langford said it was a special day for the club to see the venue be brought up to world standard.
“When you look around today you can see a fantastic facility with a beautiful new building, green grass, seating etc,” Mr Langford said.
“I’d like to acknowledge the time and effort put in by Kelvin and Leonie Weston-Green, Peter O’Neil, Brutis Ryan and all the volunteers from the ski team who have worked tirelessly to have this facility looking as good as it is today.”
Club vice president Matt Holgate acknowledged the effort of volunteers from the ski team but also paid tribute to assistance of former state member of Albury Greg Aplin and current member Justin Clancy who were both present at the opening.
“Greg Aplin has been a great supporter of what we stand for and what we are trying to achieve and since Greg’s retirement Justin Clancy has been equally supportive,” Mr Holgate said.
Mr Holgate mentioned the importance of water skiing to the club from its junior development squad through to world class talent that it has in ranks, paying particular homage to the 22 club members that were chosen for the Australian Show Ski Team for the World Championships.”
He said that whilst the club is great at turning out world champions he also focussed on the importance of community.
“We have conducted in excess of 30 world, national and state championships across all disciplines. The hosting of these events provides a significant economic boost.
Mr Holgate said the hosting of many school groups and other organisations like Country Buddies (Southern NSW Kids for Cancer) at an “accessible and affordable venue” was important to the club and hoped to advance this by one day having accommodation at the site along with more disabled facilities, more shaded areas and better security.
“We have made significant improvements to the facility but still have a few more things to do… where all people can participate in water activities in a safe and controlled environment.
“As pressure mounts on allowable Murray River activities the Max Kirwan Ski Park becomes significant and more strategically relevant,” Mr Holgate said.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said it was an honour to be present at the opening to recognise the great work that has been done led by the community.
Mr Clancy applauded the great efforts of many people over the years such as Max Kirwan who were instrumental in getting the park started and to the next generation of people coming through have contributed so much to making this such a great facility today.
“This is a world class facility and is such a magnificent venue,” Mr Clancy said.
“Despite the disappointment (referring to the unexpected cancellation of the Show Ski World Championships) let’s look forward to the future of this magnificent site.
“The next generation are now providing a venue for the future and the outlook is very positive,” Mr Clancy said.
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