Partnership joins the Suns and The Sands

Co-owners of The Sands Torquay Paul Fielding and Kerstin Grant with Surf Coast Suns president Jay Williams (middle), and children Jackson (8), Kai (11) and Billie (10). The group is holding one of only 10 original Surf Coast Suns Indigenous uniforms, which will hang in The Sands as a symbol of the new partnership. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

AN exciting new partnership between two Torquay-based organisations has begun with a local sports club receiving a temporary home in the process.

The Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club and its 800 junior players will call The Sands Torquay its new home after the club forged a new partnership with the venue.

“I couldn’t be happier about the new partnership with The Sands, it made total sense to partner with them from the start as we continue our journey as a club,” Suns president Jay Williams said.

“Both organisations are based in Torquay North, it’s close to our club’s home and I just think it’s great to partner with a local venue who are willing to ride the wave with us as we continue to push for a senior program and a permanent home.”

Mr Williams outlined the partnership allows the club to gather socially at The Sands at least once a month for club-wide events, maintaining a sense of community as a result until the club’s potential new clubrooms at Banyul-Warri Fields are completed.

Other club events such as fundraisers, presentation nights, coaching and committee meetings, and season launches will also be hosted at The Sands.

Venue co-owner Paul Fielding said growing The Sands’ community connection has been at the forefront of the ownership group’s mind since taking over the business.

“Since we took over, we’ve constantly explored how we can open up The Sands to the rest of the Torquay community,” Mr Fielding said.

“It’s not just an asset for the 484 lots inside The Sands’ estate, it’s meant to be an asset for the whole town.

“It’s a great opportunity to form this partnership between ourselves and the Suns.”

The Sands is a five-minute drive from Banyul-Warri Fields, meaning both organisations are within close proximity of one another, another drawcard of the partnership according to co-owner Kerstin Grant.

“We want this place to be more than just a golf club,” she said.

“Supporting a local club a kilometre up the road is just a perfect combination to start with, we’ve got space, we’ve got meeting room, a great kitchen team, and it’s a venture which both parties will determine what it ends up looking like.

“We’re on the right path with assisting the Suns in getting their new home and we’re happy to play a role in that.”

The Suns are in ongoing discussions with AFL Barwon regarding the formation of a senior program.