The club’s steering committee has appointed Craig Baumann, the former Port Stephens member for parliament, as its first chairman.

“Craig has an extensive history in Medowie and is particularly passionate about sports,” Rodd Kerr, the outgoing president of the steering committee, said.

“Craig’s companies have sponsored many of the junior sports clubs in Medowie over the years.

“[He] was a part of the push in the early 2000’s which secured the first DA.” 

Mr Baumann is currently working through expression of interest from people wishing to sit on the club’s first board.

It is expected invitations to join the board will be sent to successful applicants by the end of April.

Port Stephens councillor Chris Doohan, a strong supporter of the club, said the steering committee will remain as advisers to the new board.

“The steering committee will now take a step back and allow the new board to take over the next phase of the club which is soon to go to tender for construction of the building, car park and bowling green,” Cr Doohan said.

Mr Baumann acknowledged the efforts of the steering committee in acquiring a long term lease for the club’s site, DA approval, securing funding and developing the site layout and club design.

He singled out Mr Kerr, Cr Doohan and Ben Niland for their dedication, resilience and efforts during the past eight years to establish the club.

“These gentlemen did what they said they would do, and now we are in good stead to build a wonderful facility for this community,” Mr Baumann said.

“I am very much looking forward to getting the job underway and leading the next exciting phase – seeing the bricks and mortar happen.

“It is full steam ahead to get this facility built.”