The St Andrews Cricket Club, Ringwood Soccer Club and Aquinas Old Collegians Football Club are back in the game with the completion of a new pavilion at JW Manson Reserve, supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today joined Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor MP, Maroondah City Mayor Cr Rob Steane and local clubs to officially open the new female friendly pavilion, made possible by a $2.5 million investment from the Labor Government.
With growing numbers of juniors and women and girls joining the ranks of local clubs, this upgrade will boost the capacity and accessibility to more players.
The new pavilion at JW Manson Reserve features four female friendly player and two umpire change rooms, a first aid room, and a multipurpose space, as well as a kitchen, office, and storage areas.
The new facilities also provide room to grow, with extra spaces for local clubs to host the big games and extra room for nearby community groups and schools to host local events and celebrations.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.
This brings the Government’s investment into community sport and active recreation infrastructure to more than $1.9 billion since 2014.
From pavilion redevelopments to pitch upgrades, investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
Minister Spence acknowledged Maroondah City Council for its financial contribution towards the project.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Local clubs are the lifeblood of their communities. This new pavilion is the perfect incentive for communities and clubs to come even closer together and thrive.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
“I am so stoked for the clubs and community on this amazing new bespoke pavilion which replaces an outdated venue which simply wasn’t fit for purpose. A profound investment in local grassroots sport and one the community absolutely deserves.”
“With the huge growth in female participation in sport, this investment will ensure more girls and women can get involved in the game they love”.
