Pavilion a winner

By Casey Neill
HUNDREDS gathered at Montrose Recreation Reserve last Sunday, 28 March, to see its long-awaited $1.85 million upgrade unveiled.
A new two-storey pavilion marked an end to the redevelopment that began when a reserve committee was formed in 2002 to help Yarra Ranges Council create a plan to improve the run-down facilities.
The State Government in 2003 pledged $380,000 towards the pavilion, an adventure playground, barbecues, seating, drinking fountains, toilets, a tennis court upgrade, two international standard netball courts, resurfacing of the main sporting oval, a training facility upgrade at the rear of the pavilion and a bore water pump and storage facility.
Sporting clubs raised more than $100,000 for the project and the shire pledged $710,000.
The Liberal Federal Government announced in October 2007 it would contribute $660,000 to the upgrade.
The new Labor Government announced it would not honour funding announcements the previous government had not officially signed, including Montrose Recreation Reserve.
It reversed the decision after a public outcry and the reserve committee officially signed the funding agreement on 13 August 2008.
The project’s completion was celebrated with a community fun day and official opening on Sunday and a gala fundraising event.
Montrose and South Croydon football sides faced off in an Eastern Football League practice match. Families enjoyed music, a jumping castle and other entertainment, including a few songs from Mount Evelyn Australian Idol contestant Scott Newnham.