The new multi-use pavilion and upgraded soccer pitch at Bellbird Park in Drouin were officially unveiled to the community yesterday.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing joined Baw Baw Shire Councillors, as well as representatives from the Project Reference Group and local sporting groups, to announce the official opening of these two major projects on Sunday 11 August.
Construction of the new 186 space carpark commenced in January 2022 and was completed in November the same year. The pavilion commenced in March 2024 and has very recently received its occupancy permit. The soccer pitch redevelopment kicked off in November 2023 and was used for the first time in June of this year.
The Bellbird Park East pavilion and new carpark project is valued at $4.97 million, with a Council contribution of $2.97 million and a $2 million contribution from the Victorian Government through its Growing Suburbs Fund.
The new soccer pitch was also delivered thanks to equal contributions of $800,000 each from Council and from the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund- Female Friendly Facilities stream.
The new pavilion, which is home to the West Gippsland Hockey Association and the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club and a new satellite venue for the Drouin Cricket Club, delivers a female friendly multi-use community facility including:
- A commercial kitchen, audio visual equipment, flexible room configurations and access to male, female and accessible toilets.
- Four new player change rooms with access to inclusive amenities.
- Two rooms for officials with amenities.
- Storage spaces.
- First aid room.
- Office/meeting room.
- Two canteens, and
- A drop-off zone.
The facility will also provide a community events space and contribute to the implementation of plans for the Drouin Community Hub.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said she was so impressed with this new facility and the new pitch and was proud that Council could deliver facilities such as these for the local community.
"The redeveloped soccer pitch will have amazing impacts for our local sporting clubs and as we can see, is already getting put to great use," Cr McCabe said.
The female friendly changerooms and facilities also ensure Council is contributing to equal access for all our local sporting stars.
Cr McCabe added that it's incredible to see how far these upgrades have come since touring the site in February this year.
"I know I am proud that as Council, we can continue to deliver these amazing facilities for our community and contribute to the wonderful success and progression of our local sporting groups, she said."
