A new multi-use pavilion for sports and events will be built at Drouin’s Bellbird Park thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane has announced Baw Baw Shire will receive $2 million towards the project from the 2021 round of the Fund, which helps Melbourne’s rapidly developing interface and peri-urban councils deliver high-quality facilities for their communities.

The new pavilion will be a home for the thriving local sports based at Bellbird Park, including the West Gippsland Hockey Association, the Drouin Cricket Club and Drouin Dragons Soccer Club.

Designed as a multipurpose facility, the pavilion will also be equipped to host community events with kitchen facilities, barbecues and a playground.

This is the second round of Growing Suburbs Fund support for Baw Baw Shire, after the popular and successful fund was expanded to peri-urban councils last year.

Since 2015 the fund has supported projects ranging from new playgrounds and parks to community centres for classes, events and activities, sports pavilions and kindergartens across greater Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated $913.2 million in local infrastructure, created more than 8,880 jobs and supported 253 projects across Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas.

For more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund and other local government grants programs, visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“Every Growing Suburbs Fund project we support helps deliver vital facilities, creates jobs and makes a real difference for our fastest-growing communities.”

“Facilities like this aren’t just about sports – as fantastic as this is for the clubs that use Bellbird Park – they’re also places the entire community can benefit from and enjoy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This is such a great result for Drouin and for everyone who has advocated with passion and positivity to assist in securing this funding – the Bellbird Park pavilion will make such a positive difference for players, umpires, volunteers and spectators.”

“Baw Baw Shire is already a great place to live, and our record funding for local facilities through Growing Suburbs Fund is further adding to pride of place in growing communities like Drouin.”