October 11, 2006

Dear Luke,

Thank you for your letter regarding the Back to Belmore campaign, and your efforts to encourage the Bulldogs to re-commence games at their rightful homeground.

As you know from a number of discussions we have had, I am a strong supporter of the Bulldogs returning to Belmore. In fact, one of my first acts as Mayor was to invite representatives of the League and Football Clubs to meet with me to indicate my support.

The Bulldogs help give our community an identity. Our community has demonstrated an affinity with the Club, the team and its players, with decades of loyal support.

The decision of the Football Club to move their home games from Belmore was extremely disappointing, but reflected a vision of certain individuals who were associated with the Club at the time.

As Mayor, I have worked, and will continue to work in any constructive and serious effort by both Bulldogs Boards to bring the Doggies back home. I commit myself to work with both the State and Federal Governments to make this a reality.

However, while Council is willing to support these efforts, such an outcome will require significantly more resources than the Council itself can commit. Unless there is a strong and genuine commitment from all other parties, we will be unable to achieve the desired result.

Thank you for your continuing efforts. I can assure you, you are not working alone on this important matter.

Yours sincerely

Cr Robert Furolo
MAYOR