Macarthur FC Bulls have become the first A-League club with its own social club.
It follows an announcement this morning that the Bulls and Oakdale Workers have linked up to ensure the long term success of the licensed club premises, pictured above and below.
But it will also mean a social club for the Bulls, who join the A-League from January.
“Macarthur FC Limited is pleased to welcome Oakdale Workers Sporting & Recreation Club Limited to the Macarthur FC family,’’ the Bulls said in a media statement released this morning.
“The club will formally change its name to Macarthur FC Sport & Recreation Club Limited trading as Oakdale Workers,’’ the club said in the statement to the media.
The announcement was made this morning at the club premises by Macarthur FC chairman Gino Marra and Nathaniel Smith, the State Member for Wollondilly, who played a key role in bringing the two parties together.
“Both the club and the Oakdale community have suffered a series of setbacks in recent times, including the Green Wattle Creek bush fire in December last year, the destruction of Burragorang Road from flooding in February and crippling restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic,’’ the statement said.
“Macarthur FC is proud to acknowledge the history and the importance the Workers Club has to the region, especially the town of Oakdale.’’
Oakdale Workers Club was established in 1953, with the original building located east of the present site in bushland near the corner of Acacia Avenue.
The club has been a focal meeting point for the Oakdale community since opening its doors, providing local mining families a great social venue to meet.
“When we received the call from Nathaniel Smith alerting us to the situation with the club, we were more than happy to jump in and help,’’ Mr Marra said.
“Planning and community consultation will begin shortly on upgrading the club, parking areas and associated sporting facilities.
“It is important for us that The Oakdale Workers Rugby League name and club will remain, as will the Oakdale Men’s Shed.
“We also have plans to introduce other sports to the club, giving local children more opportunity to represent their region.”
Members and guests to Oakdale Workers can look forward to a band new restaurant and dining and café area in the near future.
The new board for the club consists of Gino Marra – President, Roy Mammone – Vice President, Natalie Matich – Treasurer, and board members Carmella Galasso, Shaun Grimston and Kelle Broadhead.
“I’d like to welcome the board to the club. I know for Kelle and her family, this club holds significant importance with her grandfather, Bill Perkins, one of the founding members of the club,” Mr Marra said.
“Our region has always had a proud, rich history and the Oakdale Workers Club epitomize that. We, as a club will set out to keep the club’s service to the local community on going for many years to come.”
