Port Adelaide’s players will travel to bushfire-affected Kersbrook in the Adelaide Hills to conduct a community football clinic on Tuesday 20 January in support of communities affected by the region’s worst bushfires since Ash Wednesday in 1983.
The fires burned through more than 30 homes and thousands of hectares of land, with fires fought by the state’s country and metropolitan fire services and support provided from Victoria, New South Wales and a number of South Australian emergency support services.
Port Adelaide has liaised closely with fire-affected communities and the local Hills Football League (HFL) to organise a community clinic
The club’s entire playing list will attend the clinic at the Kersbrook Football Club in the heart of the fire-affected area, with the children and families of surrounding townships and clubs invited to participate in the event.
Port Adelaide chief executive officer Keith Thomas says the club and HFL liaised during the emergency to organise the clinic once the bushfires had been fully contained.
“All Australians know the challenges posed by bushfires and the communities in the Adelaide Hills have had to confront the area’s worst since 1983,” says Mr Thomas.
“All the players have been very enthusiastic to volunteer their time and run a clinic at Kersbrook for all the families from the many communities affected by the fires and it’s just a small contribution we can make in the immediate aftermath of the emergency.
“We’re looking forward to getting out and meeting with the locals, cooking a barbecue and running some activities and autograph sessions for the local kids.”
Port Adelaide will also donate all gate takings from its upcoming internal trial at Alberton Oval to the state bushfire relief fund.
Club supporters will be able to see the club’s first pre-season hit-out under lights on Friday 27 February for a gold coin donation.
All proceeds will go to the bushfire relief fund and will be used to assist in the repair and rebuild of fire affected towns and areas.
All media are welcome to attend, vision and photo opportunities will be available.
Port Adelaide bushfire community clinic
Tuesday 20 January, from 3:00pm
Kersbrook Football Club, Glover Street, Kersbrook
Includes coaching clinic with all players, autograph session and barbecue
Port Adelaide’s Friday Night Under Lights for bushfire relief fund
Friday 27 February, from 4:30pm
Alberton Oval, Brougham Place, Alberton
Gates: 4:30pm, Friday bounce: 5:30pm
Gold coin donation entry, proceeds to SA bushfire relief fund
.jpg)
Port Adelaide will donate gate takings from its internal trial in February to the state bushfire relief fund (pic: Simon Maiolo/Port Adelaide FC)
