Mel Bellgard: Life Member 2016

Mel Bellgard spent the early part of his life in Calcutta, India.  But a decision to move to Western Australia with his family and a chance bet has spawned a 40 plus year relationship with the Perth Football Club.

Mel moved to Perth with his family in 1967 after his father, a school teacher had decided to retire.  There Mel began working with Joseph Lucas Ltd.

Later on that year just before the finals were about to start, Mel gave money to what he thought was a collection for a local charity.  This ‘donation’ would soon be the start of a long association with the Demons.

“Just before the 1967 Grand Final I was in the workshop reception and I saw the guys giving money.”

“I thought it was just an ordinary donation for somebody that was coming around so I gave five bucks.”

“At the end of September the blokes came back to me and gave me $25.”

“I asked the blokes what is this for and they informed me that they had put money on Perth for the Grand Final and they won.”

“I did not know anything about football and from there I went to a few games in 1968 and became a member in 1969 or 1970.”

Mel continued to support the Demons over the next 28 years before another work colleague, Brian Lawrence, co-opted him onto the board.

“Brian didn’t give me much of an option (laughs).  Brian was vice-chancellor at Edith Cowan University and I was internal auditor.  Brian said I want you in my team and that was it.”

“When Brian’s team took over, the club was in a shambles but we slowly but surely brought it back.”

“In the 12 years that I was Finance Director we always made a bit of a profit and that is something that I am very proud of.”

While no longer on the board, Mel’s passion for the club is still evident.  He’s still a part of the finance committee which meets once a month and is in charge of collecting the gate receipts and money floats on match days.

“This is a great club and the people here are so family orientated and I have loved being a member and having an involvement with the Perth Football Club.”

“It means a great deal of honour and pride for me to be a life member of this club.”

Everyone at the Perth Football Club would like to congratulate Mel on this terrific achievement and thank him for his contribution over the years.