IN the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred’s devastating impact, the Wynnum Wolves FC community has united in a display of resilience and determination to restore the club’s home at Carmichael Park.
The clean-up efforts began early on Saturday when volunteers, led by the club’s recovery team, descended on Carmichael Park.
The storm had left a trail of destruction, with debris scattered across the park, and several key facilities, including the clubhouse, kitchen, office space, and change rooms, suffering damage.
Club members, local supporters, and even community leaders worked side by side to clear the mess left by the cyclone.
This clean-up effort was supported by none other than Thomas Broich, former A-League player and now the head of Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy.
Broich, who has long had a connection to Brisbane, made a heartfelt public call for support, urging the local community and members of the Black and Yellow army to step up and help restore the club.
“Brisbane is very dear to my heart,” Broich said.
“I would like to send a huge thank you to everyone that’s been helping out with the massive cyclone clean up (so far).”
As volunteers worked at Carmichael Park, another group of supporters was at Bunnings Manly West, running a charity barbecue fundraiser to help raise funds for the club’s recovery.
This event was an enormous success, with the community coming together to contribute both time and resources to the cause.
The funds raised will be used for ongoing repairs and recovery efforts, expected to continue for months.
Despite the challenges, including the club’s ongoing battle with flood damage (with costs exceeding half-a-million dollars), the Wolves are determined to emerge stronger than ever.
In addition to the recovery work, the club is pushing for government support to fund the full development of the Claire Polkinghorne Football Centre, a project that was originally intended to be completed in two stages.
Due to the recurring flooding, the club is now advocating for the full project to be built above flood height to prevent future damage.
Wynnum Wolves FC president Rabieh Krayem expressed his gratitude for the support received so far.
Melanie La Frentz, a defender for the Wolves, emphasised the importance of the club to the local community, especially for the 1600 players, 30 per cent of whom are female and 50 per cent are under 12.
“Playing football means the world to me,” she said.
