By John Taylor, OAM, Myrtleford District Historical Society
ON Tuesday, 4 August, 1970, a large crowd attended the Myrtleford Football Club’s annual ball, with the Memorial Hall packed to capacity to hear speakers urge those present to support the drive for funds for a new sporting complex at the football ground.
'With Dousett’s Plus One providing the music and popular Bruce Way as MC, a happy atmosphere prevailed,' the Myrtleford Times reported.
A highlight of the night was the presentation of 10 debutantes and their partners to the official party of Hon. I. A Swinburne, shire president Cr P.F. Barnett, Myrtleford FC president Mr L.G. Ablett, O&M FL president Mr W. Jasper and MFC social committee member Mrs H. Bailey and their partners.
Mr Ablett urged patrons to get behind the appeal which had been launched the preceding day.
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The launch outlined the need for a $30,000 local contribution in the form of loans over a period of 15 years to help finance the project and so invest in the district’s future.
In support, Cr Barnett added “If you have faith in your town and district, you should support this project.”
Mr Swinburne also commented on the project as "one of the greatest things that has happened in Myrtleford… similar to the big drive for funds for the new hospital, and that was oversubscribed.
"It is up to every member of the public to accept the challenge and see it through."
By early October,1970 the drive to borrow a target of $30,000 had almost been reached, enabling the shire council to proceed with plans to take over control of the football ground and apply for Victorian government grants to assist erection of a new complex.
With a shortfall of just $700, the architects were instructed to proceed and prepare working plans and cost estimates, with the intention to invite tenders for construction in 1971.
Design of the building was in the hands of A & J. Leita, with the builders appointed to be Crisp & Taylor, Pty. Ltd.
Eventually, the project was to follow key developments in Myrtleford during 1972: the Bowater Scott Mill, the town sewerage scheme and staged hospital extensions.
By the April council meeting in 1973 the shire engineer K.A. Walters reported "steady progress on the brickwork… and filling to the ground floor has begun."
In October, council heard "bricklaying and electrical work was continuing, with windows and door frames set in place and the stairs to the social room poured."
That October meeting also decided to invite the Victorian Premier, Hon. R.J. Hamer, to officially open what was to be named the 'Myrtleford Sporting Complex'.
Mr Hamer had previously been instrumental in receiving deputations on the project as Minister for Local Government and the Hon. I.A. Swinburne was approached to issue the invitation on council’s behalf.
A 'Sporting Complex Committee' consisting of four councillors was instructed to confer with the football club regarding the future of the old club rooms, the general opinion being they were unsightly and should be removed.
Further plumbing and electrical work continued in the new building in November, along with roofing and kitchen framing and a possible cost over-run of up to $9000 needed attention.
December 1973 brought excellent news of a further $51,000 allocated for completion of the complex, taking the total work value of the project to $160,000.
In the new year, panelling and plaster work continued, with the addition of external site works, netball courts and parking area.
'PREMIER OPENS FIRST STAGE OF SPORTING COMPLEX.'
'Public Urged to Proceed with Next Stage.'
So read the headlines in the Myrtleford Times on 18 March, 1974.
'March 15, 1974 was a great day in the history of Myrtleford,' the article read.
'A large crowd, including many school children were present in brilliant sunshine before a magnificent new building, tidy surrounds and in a picturesque setting.'
The Premier had arrived at Porepunkah airport and was then conveyed to the Myrtleford Council Chambers, followed by a buffet luncheon at the Myrtleford Hotel.
At 2.15 pm, he and the official party journeyed to the sporting complex where the official opening occurred on the balcony of the new pavilion.
Shire secretary K.S. Lane was master of ceremonies.
Shire president K.A. Weller, in welcoming the Premier, acknowledged the role the Premier had played in giving the shire and Myrtleford FC early advice and financial assistance.
"Hamer Made It Happen," he said.
Hon. I.A. Swinburne commented on past efforts of football club volunteers to fund raise and maintain facilities and their preparedness to sell the ground to the shire to enable access to government grants.
“The Premier gave every encouragement and advice, resulting in a government contribution of over $80,000,” he said.
In response, Premier Hamer indicated that the Myrtleford building was one of 17 funded by a 'Sporting Centre Fund'.
“The building is here because of a partnership between the Myrtleford Football Club, Myrtleford Shire and the Victorian government," Premier Hamer said.
"It is the result of a great community effort, led by people of vision and spirit.”
He exhorted all to get the next stage of the development underway.
“The government will support you”, he said.
He then asked Ora and Len Ablett to step forward on to the balcony.
The Premier, on the advice of the shire council and football club, then announced the building would be known as the 'Ablett Building'.
He unveiled a commemorative plaque and declared the building open, entering through doors to the upstairs social room.
Later during the evening of March 15, a ball was held in the new function centre.
The following Monday the Myrtleford Times reported: 'GALA BALL WAS A WOW!'.
Organised by the football club social committee, 400 patrons attended to 'enjoy a new concept of entertainment in cabaret style'.
After a four-course meal and excellent dinner music, 'the best and wittiest floor show' was performed by Phil Galotta and The Blue Echoes.
Very few left before the very end.
Today, 50 years on since early 1974 and after further stages of development, the Ablett Building continues its role as a great community asset.
