By Parker McKenzie
Yarra Ranges Council has confirmed a five-year timeline for tenants of Belgrave Recreational Reserve to fundraise a portion of $4 to $5 million required to upgrade the pavilion.
As reported by the Star Mail on 11 January 2023, Belgrave Cricket Club, Belgrave Football Netball Club and Belgrave Junior Netball Club have each been asked to contribute $100,000 to ensure the facilities receive an upgrade.
Yarra Ranges Council Acting Director of Environment and Infrastructure Phil Murton said the council’s Pavilion Redevelopment projects are prioritised on a number of criteria, including building issues, functionality, usage, service and the number of teams, community benefit, project readiness and the number of female teams the club currently has or is likely to have in the future.
“At present, the Belgrave Pavilion is near the top of the list, alongside many other priority projects,” he said.
“Our pavilion redevelopment projects require a financial contribution from both Federal and State Governments, as well as Council and the stakeholder clubs themselves, as projects like the redevelopment of the Belgrave Pavilion are likely to cost between $4m and $5m.”
Both the senior football club and the cricket club said the current facilities aren’t suitable for women’s sports, with only one female toilet currently operating in the pavilion and temporary changing rooms installed by the council.
Mr Murton said other successful pavilion projects have shown that advocacy to all levels of government takes around five years on average to get a commitment for funding.
“(This) provides clubs with time to plan fundraising activities and to work with council to ensure new facilities will meet the ongoing needs of clubs.” he said.
Belgrave Cricket Club secretary Melissa Davey previously told the Star Mail the club had put together a five-year plan to fundraise the required $100,000.
“We’ve got a meeting coming up and some information sessions coming up for our members and supporters, so we can start asking for ideas and we can start drawing upon contacts and things that people can provide us to fundraise the money,” she said.
“We’re really going to have to be smart and on the front foot about it, which is why we’re trying to put a five-year plan in place and try and get as many ideas as we can possibly.”
