The Otara Rugby League Club, vandalised by
youths and then devastated by an arson attack,
has been given a fresh start for the new year.
Treasured by rugby league fans and players, the Otara Rugby League Club has had a tough run with vandals – including an arson attack in 2006 and tagging throughout last year.
Down but not out, the club approached the Otara CPPS service centre to ask for help and club captain Willy Peace was delighted at the response.
Offenders on community work sentences threw themselves into the job, clearing out everything from the burnt-out cupboards and furniture, to the stove and kitchen sink!
Once the mess had been cleared, they started on the renovations; a rewarding experience for those with longer community work sentences as they got to see the project through from beginning to end.
“It was a hell of a mess, but they did a fantastic job,” says Willy. “The guys just kept coming back for more.”
“I realise they’re only doing their time but the outcome was so great for us because it means we can continue to do our good work with the community.”
The club tentatively opened again in August last year, and was promptly broken into – several times. A decision was made to demolish the unused building that hid the club from the road in the hope that making it more visible might deter further vandalism. This time the club committee didn’t have to think twice about who to ask for help.
Offenders were called in again and made short work of clearing away the demolition debris.
As many as 16 teams use the clubrooms so it’s very important to the local community, who have been very impressed with the work done.
“I can only speak highly of the workers,” says Willy, “and I would like to extend my thanks to probation officer Richard Liaw and supervisor Mike Gullery for approving our plans and getting the club back on its feet and ready for the 2008 season.”
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ISSN 1178-1327