By MELISSA MEEHAN
SPECTATORS will no longer need to brave rain, hail and snow at Olinda’s Recreation Reserve.
A brand new, state-of-the-art pavilion was officially opened on Wednesday with much fanfare.
The building, costing $1.8 million, was funded in partnership with the Yarra Ranges Council, State Government, Federal Government, Dandenong Ranges Community Bank and Hilltop Association.
Hilltop Association president Steve Scott said he was proud to look around at the building and know that all the hard work of many in the community had paid off.
“There are so many people to thank,” he said.
“We’ve had a number of people working on this over the years, some that have stayed on the committee for the whole time, some that have come and gone. But everyone’s work has paid off.”
He said the new building meant that the community now had a place to hold events, as well as provide separate change rooms for both male and female competitors.
Almost every man and his dog were there as councillors and politicians alike came together to celebrate their joint efforts.
Federal MP Jason Wood told stories of how he and his team mates played in heavy rain and snow at the ground in his junior football days.
He even reminisced about a 32-goal loss at the ground.
Eastern Region MP Edward O’Donohue congratulated the committee members for their tireless efforts.
Yarra Ranges Councillor Jason Callanan said the project was a great example of the community, council and government working together to create a great versatile place.
The new clubrooms will be used by clubs including Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club, Olinda Ferny Creek Junior Football Club, Olinda Cricket Club, Sassafras Ferny Creek Netball Club and Kalorama Mt Dandenong Tennis Club.
