LIONS AND BEARS ROAR INTO NEW PAVILION
Lower Plenty sports fans have been given a massive boost, with a female-friendly and accessible pavilion at Montmorency Park.
Member for Eltham Vicki Ward today formally opened the upgraded Lower Plenty Sports Pavilion, made possible thanks to a $1 million commitment from the government’s Local Sports Grants initiative.
Montmorency Park is an important sporting hub in the area, and the Lower Plenty “Lions” Cricket Club has a history going back more than 80 years, while the Lower Plenty “Bears” Football and Netball Club is celebrating 50 years.
Together the clubs have more than 325 members, but the old pavilion did not meet the needs of the growing number of girls and women signing up to play.
The upgraded pavilion features accessible change rooms and amenities, unisex umpire change rooms and extended social facilities including a deck and accessible public amenities.
This will not only be a boost for the players but will also support the game day experience for spectators and officials.
The Victorian Government’s investment in this project is part of more than $1.05 billion we’ve kicked into community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
This includes our recent budget $110 million boost to the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program as well as an extra $27 million to make sure our sports facilities are more accessible to more people.
Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, social and economic outcomes for Victorian communities.
It’s part of the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
Minister Spence acknowledged Banyule City Council for its support in progressing the project.
To encourage even more participation at local grassroots clubs like the Lower Plenty clubs, sport vouchers of up to $200 are now available for eligible kids to help cover the costs of sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships.
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program is a Victorian first and is rolling out 100,000 sport vouchers. To find out more about the Get Active Kids Voucher Program and to apply visit Get Active Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“This upgraded pavilion will help the Lions and Bears take their game to the next level and encourage more people to get involved in sport.”
“Sport and active recreation is not just good for our physical and mental health, it brings people together and strengthens local communities.”