The Australian Government continues to support councils across Western Australia to deliver local priorities, with the two-stage upgrade of the City of Stirling's Princess Wallington Reserve Cricket Clubrooms now complete.
The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP and Mayor of the City of Stirling Mark Irwin joined Balga Ward Councillors and cricket club members this week to celebrate the opening of the refurbished Princess Wallington Reserve Cricket Clubrooms.
Delivered over two stages, the much needed improvements have brought the clubrooms in line with community expectations, with more modern and functional facilities.
This will support year-round cricket and ensure future growth of the club, through the introduction of junior and women's cricket.
Stage one of the project, completed in February 2022, was supported by $625,000 from the Government's $3.25 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
It included the provision of two new unisex team changerooms, umpires changeroom, male toilets, female toilets, a universal access toilet, an office and a new commercial grade kitchen.
Externally, the building and roof was repainted, new accessible pathway installed, and sewer pump station upgraded.
Stage two of the works were fully funded by the City and completed last month, including demolition of the upper floor, removal and replacement of the concrete ground slab, new windows and doors with security screens, a new veranda and galvanised balustrade.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"Whether you live in the regions or a big city, cricket brings communities together - which is why it's fantastic to see upgrades to the City of Stirling's Princess Wallington Reserve Cricket Clubrooms now fully complete.
"From new changerooms, an office space and a commercial kitchen - these upgraded facilities mean the club can offer year-round cricket, and expand into women's and junior teams - which is great news for this community.
"This is just one of many high-impact projects the Australian Government is partnering with the City of Stirling on - as part of $12.5 million in LRCI funding."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cowan, Anne Aly MP:
"I know how much sports means to our local community in Balga and surrounds.
"Sports isn't just about physical activity or competition - it can be a means of personal growth and confidence, especially for young women.
"These upgrades will enable female participation in cricket, while also providing more young women with a sense of community and belonging in the heart of the electorate."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of the City of Stirling, Mark Irwin:
"The Cavaliers Cricket Club - formerly the Balga Cricket Club - operates four grade teams as part of the North Suburban Community Cricket Association and aims to start women's and girl's teams in the near future.
"The club is also a member of the winter cricket league - which includes 15 teams operating out of the facilities at Princess Wallington Reserve - making it the only cricket club in the City that operates all year.
"With funding from the Australian Government, our joint investment is an important step forward for the Balga community. This upgrade has brought the clubrooms into line with contemporary club standards and complements Bina Parkland in the southern end of the reserve, which reopened in December 2020 after a $6.2 million rejuvenation."
