By PETER DOUGLAS
A FEDERAL re-election commitment could see the construction of a first-class pavilion at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve.
In what would be the final piece of the funds puzzle, Casey MP Tony Smith announced a re-elected Liberal Government would invest $600,000 into a $2.5 million upgrade, which would be a coup for the region’s many sporting communities.
Yarra Ranges Council in September last year announced a $1 million commitment to the project, which added to $600,000 in Victorian Government funding and $250,000 raised from local clubs.
The funds announcement effectively matched the state funds and made up the remaining shortfall for the project.
This Monbulk project includes upgraded changerooms and a gym, canteen, recreation room and greater storage capacity.
Presently, many of the core sports groups in Monbulk are unable to support burgeoning junior participation, not to mention its successful senior cricket, netball and football clubs.
At a special announcement on Saturday 28 May, Mr Smith said the investment would improve facilities for the local community.
Mr Smith paid tribute to the work of the Monbulk Football Netball Club and Monbulk Cricket Club.
“The new facility will be of great benefit to current and future footballers, netballers and cricketers and will bring a strong Monbulk community,” he said.
“The Monbulk Pavilion is a valuable community hub and this new improved facility will provide the opportunity to host a range of other community activities beyond its core sporting activities.”
Mr Smith’s colleague, Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash, also supported the investment.
“I am clearly focused on creating the communities that our children and grandchildren want to stay in or move back to,” she said.
“This commitment continues to deliver on this vision.
“Tony Smith has been a passionate advocate for improved community and sporting facilities across the Casey community for many years.”
Monbulk Cricket Club president, Chris Defina, said recently the pavilion was something the community needed desperately.
“It’s definitely very exciting, but it needs to happen sooner rather than later,” he said.
“Our junior representation, in football and cricket, is at an all-time high.
“And we could lose these kids if something isn’t done soon … it’s a pretty tired building.”
However, Mr Defina said the pavilion would be of greater benefit than to just sporting clubs.
Monbulk Primary School, too, would be a direct beneficiary because they often use the reserve for their physical education classes.
