7 April 2016

The Andrews Labor Government has given the Traralgon community the safe, modern grassroots sports facilities it deserves.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today opened the newly-refurbished Harold Preston Reserve Pavilion, made possible by a $50,000 Andrews Labor Government grant from the 2014/2015 Community Facility Funding Program – Minor Facilities.

The Andrews Government is listening to local clubs like the Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club, who say they need more space to accommodate more participants than ever before. The club already has more than 600 players on its books.

The new pavilion comes complete with change facilities, toilets and showers; meaning the club now has the space to attract more members and grow.

Previously, the Traralgon Olympians players had to share change areas with other teams during simultaneous games, and girls weren’t catered for at all. The new facilities mean all players have a home base they can be proud of.

Harold Preston Reserve is regularly used by students from the local SEDA group, while other community groups and organisations are set to benefit from the upgrade.

The Andrews Labor Government promised the best grassroots sports facilities for Victorian communities, and that’s what we’re delivering. The Government’s $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is helping clubs and communities update tired grounds and build the facilities they need.

The project was funded in partnership with the Latrobe City Council and the Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club.

Ms Shing announced a further $220,000 has been granted to the Latrobe City Council for three projects in the Latrobe Valley, from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund 2016/17:

The Joe Tabuteau Reserve Project, in Moe, will be funded in partnership with the Latrobe City Council with a $70,000 Minor Facilities grant, to upgrade the existing pavilion.  The upgrade will include improve change facilities, installation of umpires’ change rooms, a first aid room and improvements to the Kitchen and spectator area.

A Cricket Facilities grant of $50,000 will contribute to improvements to the Stoddart Oval change rooms in Traralgon. Extension of space to the club rooms, with a focus on change, shower and toilet facilities will ensure that participants, umpires, volunteers and supporters will all benefit from the upgrade.

The Glengarry Recreation Reserve Netball/Tennis pavilion will finally get female change rooms with a $100,000 Female Friendly Facilities Grant in conjunction with funds from the Latrobe City Council.

Over 100 female netballers will have access to the new change rooms.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“We’re listening to sporting clubs in Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, who say they need bigger and better facilities, including better facilities for women and girls. This support will enable local clubs and competition to welcome more members and supporters than ever before.”

“This facility is great. It will give each and every one of the 683 Traralgon Olympians players a home base they can be proud of.”

“We will see continuing improvements to sporting facilities throughout 2016. This round of funding sees Moe, Traralgon and Glengarry benefit, next time it will be other communities”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren:

“All Victorians deserve safe, modern sports facilities, no matter where they live. It’s what we promised, and it’s what we’re delivering.”