The Andrews Labor Government will boost facilities for local clubs at Eltham Central Reserve as part of the biggest investment in women's and community sport in Victoria's history.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Member for Eltham Vicki Ward today to announce $400,000 towards a major refurbishment of the park’s pavilion.
The project will demolish the away clubrooms and rebuild, refurbish and extend existing pavilion next door – extending the social area and improving the changerooms, canteen, kitchen and storage.
The upgrades will help the Eltham Football Club, Eltham Junior Football Club, and the Eltham Cricket Club train, compete and attract more members – helping these clubs support their strong growth in players and members.
The funding will be provided as part of $60 million in community sporting grants in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 and is on top of $800,000 already provided through the Growing Suburbs Fund – meaning the Labor Government has provided $1.2 million for upgrades at Eltham Central Reserve.
Overall, the Victorian Budget will provide $241.6 million for women's and community sport – the biggest investment in female and grassroots sport in the state’s history.
The investment includes well over $100 million to improve facilities for women's sport including:
- $67 million for elite women's facilities, including $20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of AFLW
- a $64.6 million redevelopment of the State Hockey and Netball Centre
- a $15 million boost for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund
The Victorian Budget will also provide $5 million for Community Sports Infrastructure Loans that will unlock up to $100 million for local clubs to upgrade their facilities.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
"Local sporting clubs like the Eltham Football Club, Eltham Junior Football Club, and the Eltham Cricket Club are the cornerstone of local communities – that's why we're backing them with our record investment."
"We're upgrading local grounds, change rooms and pavilions in Eltham and right across Victoria – so everyone has the facilities they need to play and watch the sport they love."
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
"This additional funding will help the Eltham Football Club, Eltham Junior Football Club, and the Eltham Cricket Club train, compete, socialise and grow. It's a win for local sports clubs and for our community."
“We’ve now provided $1.2 million to replace run down changerooms and improve the pavilion at Eltham Central – giving these clubs terrific facilities they deserve.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020