Falcons fly to Bulgarra nest

The Karratha Falcons have a new nest, with the North Pilbara Football League side setting up a permanent clubhouse for the first time in 25 years. The Frank Butler Pavilion at Bulgarra Oval will be their home after having used the Karratha Rec Club in recent years. City of Karratha councillors approved the lease at the December Ordinary Council meeting for an initial 12-month peppercorn lease of $10 with an option to extend in four five-year blocks. A $4.5 million upgrade of the pavilion was completed by the local government in 2012 and included indoor and outdoor entertaining areas and a fully equipped kitchen and servery. Karratha Falcons president Beau Corps said having the venue meant the players could finally have a place that belonged to them. Corps said the Falcons had set up a gym in the venue and would hold team meetings at the site. “We can put our memorabilia, our flags, our trophies, our old photos up, just so new people can come to the club and people walk in and see this is our home,” he said Corps said having the clubroom would help drive a positive culture among the Falcons’ sporting teams. “We’re going to have the guys and girls footballers, we’ve started a netball team as well, so they’ll be able to come and use the facilities, and we are going to reach out to other sports as well,” he said. “Being able to have a place in Bulgarra that can have a good community feel — it’s going to be great for culture. “Having a clubroom means people have to get involved to help run it as well — that gives a bit of responsibility.” The City of Karratha said it had been in talks with the Falcons about them taking over management duties at the facility to build a stronger connection with the facility.