By EMMA SUN
BELGRAVE South’s proposed sports precinct has received another boost, following a $250,000 pledge by Liberal La Trobe candidate Jason Wood.
Representatives from clubs behind the redevelopment have already raised close to $100,000 after a successful Black Caviar themed fund-raising dinner, jumper auctions and a raffle.
Ian Bakens, one of the brains behind the project, said it was fantastic to receive support from Mr Wood.
“We’ve never got anything here – the overwhelming majority of things here have been produced by the community, even the building was sourced and brought here from Healesville by the local community and put together here,” he said.
“This funding will be for the building, making it a multipurpose building so different groups can use it as well as the core groups of football and cricket.”
Mr Wood said he was excited to put money into Belgrave’s new pavilion.
“Anyone in the community who, like me, goes down to cheer on the Saints knows that the grounds are in need of major reconstruction and the club has been fighting hard for this upgrade for many years,” he said.
“Sport is important as it brings communities together and promotes healthy lifestyles.
“These upgrades will be there to be enjoyed by future generations of Belgrave South residents, the wider community and visiting teams and I’m proud to have worked closely with members of the club to secure this funding.”
Mr Bakens said he hoped the pledge would add to the fundraising momentum.
“We’re expecting some key information through council next month, which will give us a guideline and heads up as to where we stand and the hurdles and things we need to achieve to get the project off and running,” he said.
“We still need substantial funding so we’re hoping to get local government on board and the community bank on board as well.”
