Tears filled Clint Martin's eyes as he surveyed the smouldering ruins of the Windale Junior Rugby League clubhouse in March 2025. The heart of a footy-mad community had been gutted by a fire, later confirmed as vandalism, leaving players and supporters devastated.
From Devastation to Determination
The morning after the fire was a shocking blow for the tight-knit suburb. As a Windale junior and president of the senior club, Clint Martin understood the deep emotional connection locals had with their rugby league hub. The club is a central pillar of community pride, with families rallying around teams every weekend.
The vandalism triggered an outpouring of support. Former players from across the years made contact, offering help and sharing their sadness. Despite the loss, the junior Eagles showed remarkable resilience throughout the 2025 season. They relocated their canteen and dressing sheds from Hunter Barnett Field to the senior ground at Michael Bell Field, sharing facilities in a less-than-ideal arrangement that also impacted crucial canteen revenue.
A Phoenix Rises: The New $335,000 Facility
Now, the Windale Eagles are poised to soar once more. This week marked the official opening of their brand new, $335,000 clubhouse, a project delivered by Lake Macquarie City Council. Far from a simple replica, the building represents a significant upgrade and expansion of the old amenity.
The renovated clubhouse features a new roof and awning, along with modern, divided shower cubicles. Critically, it includes separate changing rooms for away teams and, importantly, for different genders. This design directly addresses the club's evolving demographics, with a female participation rate now sitting at around 40%.
"Our club would probably be 40 per cent girls at the moment," said Mr Martin, who has since taken on the role of juniors club president as well. "We have a lot of girls in the area that love rugby league. Some of the girls combined with boys last year, so they need a few more so they have their own sides."
Community and Council Backing a Brighter Future
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz emphasised that the council's goal was not a basic replacement but an enhancement of a vital community asset. "The local footy grounds and oval are a big part of the community there in Windale and I think they're pretty chuffed," Cr Shultz said. He acknowledged the "painful process" from March to September but expressed confidence the facility would serve the club well for years to come.
Further good news is on the horizon for Windale's football clubs, with drainage upgrades scheduled for the fields later this year. This work aims to prevent the extended playability issues experienced during the exceptionally wet winter of 2025.
Despite the shiny new building, the journey to full recovery continues. The financial hit from the fire meant the club could no longer offer free memberships to some families, leading to a loss of players. Rebuilding those numbers and community trust remains a key focus for 2026 and beyond. For Clint Martin and the entire Windale Eagles community, the new clubhouse is a powerful symbol of resilience, marking a triumphant new chapter from the ashes of a devastating setback.
