New stadium opens for community day
Free sports clinics, food and coffee trucks, face painting and indoor games will be held to officially open Warragul’s new stadium on Sunday.
The ribbon cutting and formalities will be held at 2.30pm, with local residents able to visit the new two-court stadium at the Warragul Leisure Centre during celebrations running from 10am to 4pm.
Baw Baw Shire said the stadium expansion, valued at more than $12.8 million, was one of its largest ever recreational projects.
Council committed $6.8 million for the stadium, with the state government contributing $6 million via its community sports infrastructure stimulus program.
Featuring two new indoor basketball/netball courts, spectator seating and new cafe, Baw Baw Shire mayor Annemarie McCabe said she was thrilled to see the new stadium in use in recent weeks and invited the wider community to come along to check it out and be part of the official opening festivities.
With site works commencing in January 2023, Cr McCabe said “this major project has been long-awaited by our community.”
“I am proud that between council and the state government, we can provide these new, modern facilities, furthering opportunities for our local kids and families to take part in sport and get active, close to home,” she said.
Local basketballers were the first to hit the courts for a 3x Cup tournament on July 8, with a Deadly Hoops basketball game following
Does your community group need funding for a much-needed project, program, event or equipment?
Applications are currently open for Baw as part of NAIDOC Week on July 12. Baw Shire’s community projects grants. But,
Regular basketball and netball fixtures round one applications close this Friday. were played at the courts last week. Baw Baw Shire mayor Annemarie McCabe
However, Sunday’s official opening will be encouraged community groups to submit an the first chance for the wider community to application and make the most of the opportunity gain full access to the stadium. to receive extra financial support. Youngsters can participate in basketball “We’re very proud of our local community
asnd and netball clinics during the morning groups and the work they undertake to make well as other family-friendly activities. our community a better place to live,” Cr McCabe
Linked to the existing two-court stadium, said. “As a council, we want to do anything the new facility also boasts a first aid room, we can to help them succeed.” changerooms - including a Changing Places With council providing just under assessible changeroom for people with a disability, $300,000 in financial assistance through its multi-purpose rooms, storage facilities community grants in the past 12 months, Cr and new carpark off Wills St. McCabe said “we’re looking to offer more in the current round”.
“Enquire today and see if you’re eligible for this extra assistance and speak to other local community groups who have been successful in the past, to find out the best way to make your application shine,” she urged.
Council’s community grants program provides not-for-profit community groups and organisations with funding.
It has two funding streams - community projects and minor capital works. However, applications are only open for community projects, closing at noon on Friday.
Visit bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/communitygrants to find out more.
To enquire about submitting an application, contact the community grants team on 1300 229 229 or grants@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au.