The much-anticipated Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the $17.4 million WORLD Sporting Precinct were officially opened on Thursday 5 December, with the netball and hockey community joining East Gippsland Shire Council to celebrate.
Attendees heard about the WORLD precinct's long history and the journey to upgrade facilities to modern standards.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Cr John White reflected on the WORLD Precinct's importance.
"This facility represents a new chapter for East Gippsland, honouring decades of community dedication and hard work, while creating a modern, accessible space for sport and recreation," Cr White said.
Bairnsdale Netball Association president Carolyn Cameron spoke of the benefits of the new facility: "This remarkable space is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all past and present committee members, funding bodies and Council. Netball now has a modern, versatile space to service our growing association and bring benefits to the broader community."
Speaking on behalf of the hockey community, player Bec Corben explained the positive impact of the new synthetic field and lighting: "I remember playing as a representative and noticing the different style of play between synthetic and grass. The journey for players to advance their careers and reach elite level starts here, so it is fantastic to have this facility."
The upgraded facilities include a pavilion, an eight-court precinct, a synthetic playing surface with lighting, a turf field, associated access roads, paths, car parking and landscaping. The pavilion offers amenities such as a commercial kitchen, change rooms, a first aid room, and function spaces - catering to sporting teams and other community groups.
"The WORLD Sporting Precinct reflects our commitment to enhancing community facilities and providing opportunities for everyone to connect, play and grow. I encourage the community to explore and make the most of this fantastic space," Cr White said.
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The project was funded by the Australian Government through its Building Better Regions Fund and a Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant. The Victorian Government, through Sport and Recreation Victoria, provided funding under its Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program and the Local Sport Infrastructure 2020-21 Female Friendly Facilities program. Council also financially contributed to the project.
"Projects like these don't happen overnight. They start with club volunteers and members who identify a need, and advocate to all levels of government," Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence said. "The WORLD Sporting Precinct is a testament to the efforts and dedication of the club volunteers and members here, and a fabulous example of what happens when we work together."
Design of stages 4 and 5 for the WORLD precinct is underway. These stages focus on soccer, with upgraded soccer pitches and construction of a soccer pavilion.
