Maffra Football Netball Club’s pavilion might soon have a new name, following a request from Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.

Mr Bull recently wrote to Wellington Shire Council suggesting the Recreation Reserve be named after the late John ‘Jack’ Vardy, a long-time Maffra resident and stalwart of the club.

In its response, Council advised it had received an objection to the proposal after advertising the suggestion, due to there being a number of contributors over the oval’s 148-year history, however recommended the pavilion be named in his honour, with Jack being the main driver behind its construction.

“Wellington Shire then advertised that the suggestion to rename the facility the ‘John Vardy Pavilion’ and no objections were received,” Mr Bull said.

The proposal will go before the Wellington Shire Council Place Names Committee on August 8, with council to then apply to the Office of Geographic Names to formalise the name.

“I thank the council for taking the idea on board and progressing it to this stage. This is fantastic news for Jack and his family as he did so much in the community and had a genuine love for the Maffra Football Netball Club,” Mr Bull said.

“He was a terrific man, always spoke his mind and was a great asset for the community,” Mr Bull said.

Vice president, Paul Bourke, said the club was pleased with the plans.

“Jack was like a dog with a bone – when he had an idea he pursued it. He played a big part in the function centre being built and in getting the new lights,” Mr Bourke said.

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Maffra Football Netball Club vice president, Paul Bourke, in front of the building that could soon be renamed the John Vardy Pavilion.

Monday, July 31, 2017