The Ted Davis Stand at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve has been left a charred version of its former self.
An icon of Mooroopna Recreation Reserve has been beaten and battered but remains standing.
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The Ted Davis Stand was left black and charred on Tuesday morning after CFA crews responded to reports of the heritage-listed structure being on fire.
Having stood the test of time for 140-odd years — being moved to new locations a couple of times during its history — the beautiful old stand now looks a scorched version of its past self.
However, Mooroopna Football Netball Club president Bill Dowling said he hopes the fact the structure appears to still be intact is a sign that the Ted Davis Stand can return to its former glory.
“I can’t believe it is still standing,” Dowling said.
“I think that just shows how well it was constructed and it offers a glimmer of hope that it might be able to be restored or something.”
The stand is a key part of the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve aesthetic and the football-netball and cricket clubs.
It is also the well-worn home of the Cats thirds’ players who sit in the Ted Davis Stand, boisterously cheering on the seniors every second Saturday during the football season.
Dowling said the stand is a charming glimpse into years gone past.
“As part of the precinct it is a really nice throwback to another era,” he said.
“It is a lovely old timber stand that adds to the precinct — it certainly doesn’t detract.
“It was moved to the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve in the early 1900s when the race track was there — it was the shining feature and the grandstand for the race club.
The Ted Davis Stand in its prime.
“When Tatura became the centre for horse racing and the Mooroopna Racing Club closed down then the stand was moved to its current location.
The Ted Davis Stand structure remains standing despite becoming like a furnace earlier in the week.
“It was only moved a couple hundred metres in my understanding, but it was moved to its current location where it has been for over 50 years probably.”
The Ted Davis Stand has been left battered and bruised.
Photo by
Bree Harding
The Ted Davis Stand structure remains standing despite becoming like a furnace earlier in the week.
Image 3 of 3
The Ted Davis Stand has been left battered and bruised.
Photo by
Bree Harding
A decision on whether or not the stand will be renovated or knocked down has yet to be made.
Mooroopna Recreation Reserve offers a unique picture of country football with three grandstands surrounding the Cats’ and the cricket club’s home ground.
There is the Northern Stand, Leon Williams Stand and the Ted Davis Stand, all of which have offered fans, families and friends refuge from either the searing sun during cricket games in summer, or the pelting rains that come with the football in winter.
The Ted Davis Stand was named after Edward Davis OAM who was a long-standing member and treasurer of the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve Committee.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali commented on the incident via social media.
“It is extremely disappointing to see the damage caused to the Ted Davis grandstand at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve,” he said.
“Playing footy for many years, I saw first-hand how heavily utilised the site was, especially for the under-18 boys.
“Council will continue to work with the user groups to determine the next steps.”
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