Members of Darnum and Nilma's local sporting community gathered at the Darnum Recreation Reserve on Saturday to celebrate the official opening of the female friendly sports pavilion.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney, together with State Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP, marked the official opening with a ribbon cutting in the company of Councillors, Project Reference Group members, Nilma Darnum Netball Club players and community members.
The $900,000 project was jointly funded by the State Government and Baw Baw Shire Council, with the State contributing $500,000 towards the project through the 2019/20 Female Friendly Sports Fund and Council contributing the $400,000 balance from its 19/20 Capital Works program.
Throughout the planning and delivery of this project, Council worked closely with the Project Reference Group that included representatives of the local community, the Darnum Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and the Nilma Darnum Football and Netball Club.
Vice President of Darnum Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and secretary for Nilma Darnum Football and Netball Club, Trish Price spoke of what this project meant for the club.
"The girls couldn't be happier that we now have somewhere to change, own toilets and showers which is a far cry from the old tin shed," she said. "Our female AFL umpires are also elated by the new facility as they no longer have to change in the old secretaries' box.
"I thank all involved in making this happen, in particular Baw Baw Shire Council for their contribution along with their assistance in helping us gain the Victorian Government's grant. We feel so lucky to be standing in front of these amazing facilities".
This upgraded pavilion provides a highly functional space that includes:
- Private facilities for both teams
- An umpire change room and meeting space
- Administration office and kitchenette
- A first aid room with ambulance parking
- A store room
- An accessible toilet and baby change room
- The pavilion is also fitted with 39 solar panels, new hot water units and septic tank system.
The new pavilion replaces the previous existing shed that lacked separate amenities for female players and umpires along with other non-compliant accessibility barriers.
Project works were completed by Warragul-based building company Farnham Built in late 2020, with the official opening repeatedly postponed as a result of Covid 19 disruptions.
Council is continuously committed to advocating for female-friendly facilities throughout our Shire and particularly the smaller communities to ensure all members of our communities have equal access to facilities and that we work to remove barriers to female participation in sport.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney
"I would like acknowledge and thank all parties involved in bringing this much needed upgrade project to life. The female friendly sports pavilion replaces an outdated facility and creates a more inclusive space for Darnum and Nilma's sporting clubs.
Projects like this make a world of difference for our smaller communities within the Shire and I am thrilled to see the impact this is having on the local sporting groups and community members."
Image: Mayor Michael Leaney speaking at the official opening held at the Darnum Recreation Reserve on Saturday 2nd April.
Image: (L-R) Mayor Michael Leaney, Vice President of Darnum Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and secretary for Nilma Darnum Football and Netball Club, Trish Price and State Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP.
Image: Nilma Darnum Netball Club President Nikki Miriams, Gabby Paynter and Hayler Heatley
