- Alexandra Oval Community and Recreation Centre opens in Ararat
- Centre will provide accessible space and better facilities for community sport
- Victorian Coalition Government invested $1.15 million in the facility
The $3.8 million Alexandra Oval Community and Recreation Centre was officially opened today by Deputy Premier and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan and Minister for Sport Damian Drum.
Mr Ryan, who was also joined by The Nationals candidate for Ripon Scott Turner and Liberal candidate for Ripon Louise Staley, said the Victorian Coalition Government was a proud supporter of the project, investing a total of $1.15 million.
Mr Ryan said the investment had delivered new football and netball change-rooms and showers for home and away teams, umpire change rooms, a separate trainers’ room, coaches’ room, first-aid room, offices and a timekeeper’s box.
He said it also included a multi-purpose community space that can seat 200 people, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen, bar, canteen and display cabinets.
“To have a facility such as this is something special for Ararat and it is a project we are thrilled to have supported,” Mr Ryan said.
“Scott Turner has been a big supporter of this project with his role at the Ararat Football Netball Club, and he tells me the boys can’t wait to begin pre-season training with a facility such as this now at their disposal.”
Mr Drum said investing to redevelop sporting facilities was a key focus for The Nationals and the Coalition Government.
“I travel all over Victoria in my role as the Minister for Sport and have seen the inside of many community centres and clubrooms, and I can confidently say this is one of the best,” Mr Drum said.
“The Coalition Government is proud to invest in projects such as this to create more active and healthier communities, while also encouraging more people to participate in local sport.”
Mr Turner, a passionate member of the Ararat Football Club, said it was an honour to be here with the Deputy Premier and the Minister for Sport to open the clubrooms.
“For many years we have wanted a facility such as this here at Alexandra Oval, and to now be here standing in it is a real honour,” Mr Turner said.
“I know the boys are itching to try out the new facilities and it is sure to make next year one of our best years in recent memory.”
Mr Turner said it was not just the football club which would benefit, with the netball club, Aradale, Chalambar and St Andrew’s cricket clubs, the Grampians Disability Cricket Team and Ararat City Tennis Club to be based here during their respective seasons.
“The new facility will also host community groups and schools for events and activities and can also be booked for wedding receptions, engagement parties, 18th and 21st birthdays and other local celebrations,” Mr Turner said.
“I am certain it will play host to many memorable nights for many years to come.”
Ms Staley said she was impressed by the size and scale of the new facility.
“Communities need modern and functional community spaces such as this to host a wide-variety of events,” Ms Staley said.
“Gone are the days of a single use clubroom that is only used for six months of the year.
“It is pleasing to see so many local groups are going to make use of this facility, delivering benefits to locals right across the region.
“I am a proud supporter of local sport and it is pleasing to be working as part of a strong Coalition Government team which continues to deliver benefits to this part of the state.”