New facility, more sport

A PREMIER sporting facility has received an overdue upgrade.
The renovated James Cook Reserve Pavilion opened on Friday 11 November.
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich opened the Endeavour Hills pavilion.
The $230,000 renovation has two new change rooms, umpire rooms, a canteen and storage as well as an undercover spectator area.
Ms Peulich said the upgrade was a welcome change for the Endeavour Hills Sporting Club.
“The previous 20-year-old pavilion was struggling to accommodate the club, which has three senior and four junior soccer teams and is growing,” she said.
The State Government gave $100,000 towards the project.
“This is a boost especially for local women and junior soccer teams who can now take advantage of change rooms that are more appropriate, providing much needed space for teams to grow,” Ms Peulich said.
City of Casey outgoing mayor Shar Balmes said she had been looking forward to the revamped pavilion for years.
“I was very honoured to officially open the pavilion,” she said.
“The Endeavour Hills Sporting Club is very well run and family friendly. I’m especially happy to support them.”
Cr Balmes said the old facility only had one change room and the pavilion was due to be revamped.
“It was tiny and dark, there wasn’t any storage facilities. It was highly inadequate,” she said.
Cr Balmes thanked the State Government for its support.
“It is a shining example of how well a shared use facility can serve our community and make the most of council and state investment.
“It’s partnerships and cooperation like this that ultimately deliver some of the best results for Casey residents.”