THE Bendigo community will determine the future of VFL football in the city.
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Bendigo Gold chairman Tim Dickson announced last night that the club would fold without an increase in support from its stakeholders – the community, business and the council.
The Gold, who are winless this year and on the bottom of the VFL ladder, will launch a campaign to determine once and for all if the community wants the club.
Dickson said three key points would determine the club’s future:
- 500 new members for 2014;
- a marked increase in business sponsorship; and
- access to a facility capable of running as a commercial venture.
“The current model is not sustainable long term and the timing is right for all key stakeholders to determine if they want a VFL presence to remain in Bendigo,” Dickson said.
“That’s certainly not the outcome we want for the club and for VFL football in this city and central Victoria.
“We are hoping it’s not the outcome the community and businesses would want, but it’s a reality.
“It’s time we asked the question and determined this issue for the future. We can no longer skirt around the edges and take one year at a time.”
Dickson and coach Aussie Jones told the playing list last night that there was no guarantee the club would be part of the VFL next year.
The deadline for the Gold is September 27 – AFL grand final eve.
“We are in discussions with some key stakeholders and the outcome of these discussions will go a long way to determining our future,’’ Dickson said.
“We will also require a commitment from the Bendigo community. A webpage is being set up where the community can pledge their support by signing up for a 2014 membership, and businesses can also place an expression of interest for future sponsorship – www.
supportbendigogold.com.au
“The response to this will go a long way to determining the future of VFL in Bendigo and central Victoria.
“But, and it’s a big but, if there’s a lack of commitment and only limited support for our plans, then unfortunately it’s game over.”
Over to you, Bendigo.