Premier

Labor’s Central Park Upgrade A Gift For Stawell

17 April 2017

The Andrews Labor Government will deliver a major power upgrade for Central Park, home of Victoria’s oldest and most prestigious footrace – the Stawell Gift.

Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Major Events and Regional Victoria Danielle Green announced the project today ahead of the running of the 136th Stawell Gift Carnival.

Each year on Easter Monday, the Stawell Gift puts Western Victoria on the national sporting stage, boosting local businesses big and small.

This upgrade will ensure power is more reliable and better distributed across Central Park, meaning a safer reserve for fans and athletes.

The Labor Government’s $600,000 election boost also means the race can continue its proud legacy in Stawell, and grow into the future to lure even more big name superstars.

The Stawell Gift is critical to the local economy and creates local jobs – and the Labor Government is ensuring it stays in Stawell.

The race has been a launching pad for many world track and field champions like Olympic hero Cathy Freeman and sprint king Asafa Powell, who have both graced the hallowed Central Park turf.

World beaters ripping up the turf in 2017 includes last year’s winner Talia Martin, London 400 metre Olympian Lauren Wells and Australian 100m record holder Melissa Breen.

The Gift showcases the best of everything in regional Victoria, with more than 700 athletes on show, bumper crowds and telecast on Channel 7 across the nation.

Works are expected to commence later this month, and be ready for next year’s event.

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Major Events and Regional Victoria Danielle Green

“Labor promised to secure the future of this historic race and we’ve done just that.”

“The Gift is a great opportunity for regional Victoria to shine on the world stage – and our power upgrade will ensure its legacy shines bright for many years to come.”

“Not only does it attract tourists and create jobs for Stawell, it also inspires more people to lace up their runners and get fit and healthy.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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