Community sport in the Yarra Ranges is set to reach new heights, with construction of the new and much anticipated Powelltown Pavilion officially complete.
Supported by $1.5 million from the Australian Government, $2.5 million from the Victorian Government, and $455,000 from Yarra Ranges Council - the purpose-built facility at Powelltown Recreation Reserve will help boost local sporting participation.
The $4.4 million hub, which replaces the original pavilion and ageing facilities that no longer met community need, will cater for the growing number of participants across various sporting codes, including female participation in football, netball and cricket.
The new, high-quality facilities include home, visitor and umpire co-gendered change rooms, showers and amenities, first aid and medical rooms, a canteen, a semi-commercial kitchen and covered spectator viewing areas.
This more accessible and inclusive hub will ensure sporting clubs in the Yarra Ranges can continue to connect the community, host visitor clubs, and uplift the local economy.
The new pavilion was delivered as part of $15.4 million committed to Yarra Ranges Council under the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"Sport is the heartbeat of every community - especially in our regions, which is why it's important that local facilities keep up with the demand.
"With such a strong history of female participation, these upgraded facilities will support the continued growth of local sporting teams in Powelltown.
"This is just one high-impact project we've partnered on with the Yarra Ranges Council, as part of more than $15.4 million in LRCI funding from the Australian Government."
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone:
"The Albanese Government is committed to working in partnership with all levels of government and the community to deliver the projects regional Victorians want to get off the ground.
"It was great to see the community come together and lobby for such an impactful project, with the new Powelltown Pavilion equipped to cater for the growing demand of sport and recreation in the region.
"The upgraded and inclusive changerooms, enhanced spectator facilities and modern kitchen equipment cement Powelltown as a competitive sports hub in regional Victoria."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Community Sport, the Hon Ros Spence:
"Clubs like Powelltown are the heart and soul of regional communities - and now they have all-gendered friendly facilities they can be proud of.
"This new pavilion opens up more opportunities for participation at this popular reserve, and provides the perfect foundation for local sporting clubs and the community to host big events.
"Great sport and recreation facilities encourage Victorians to get involved in sport and recreation and lead healthy and active lifestyles."
Quotes attributable to Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov:
"The new Powelltown Pavilion will accommodate all genders to participate in football, netball and cricket, and become a hub for the wider community to use, with high-quality, built-for-purpose spaces for players, umpires and spectators alike.
"The community has been awaiting this day and I'm so pleased that our partnership with the Australian and Victorian governments has brought us to this moment."
