Sport
13 February, 2025
Sporting facility upgrade creates opportunity for growth and club pride
New and improved facility for Great Western sporting clubs
Members of the Great Western Lions Football Netball Club and Swifts Great Western Cricket Club and dignitaries gathered on Tuesday, February 11, to witness the official opening of the new and improved multi-sport club facilities.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora and Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop attended the event.
The new multi-sport pavilion features four female-friendly change rooms, accessible public amenities, a family change room, an umpires' change room, a first aid room, an administration office, a covered spectator viewing area, community space and a kiosk/kitchen.
Until recently, more than 200 members of the Lions and Swifts were struggling to host training and games in cramped, ageing clubrooms, which were last updated in 1996.
Former club president Tracey McCartney said club members were ecstatic.
"Our netball teams had to change in cars initially; another previous upgrade at least provided them with a change room, but one shower between two teams was not sustainable," Ms McCartney said.
The upgrade will provide up-to-date facilities for all members, but the inclusion of female-friendly facilities will provide an opportunity for many more to join in sporting activities.
"Local clubs like the Swifts and Lions are the heart and soul of regional communities. They deserve more than just a roof over their heads; this is a pavilion they can be proud of," Ms Ermacora said.
"The new multi-sport pavilion is a game changer. It provides a great base for Great Western clubs to host more teams and showcase the best homegrown talents in their backyard."
The Great Western clubs will be able to build on their memberships, training, competitions, and development programs on the ground due to this latest upgrade.
Great Western Primary School and local community groups will also have access to the building to stage meetings and events.
Jacinta Ermacora MP acknowledged Northern Grampians Shire for contributing $1,097,000 and the Great Western Lions for $40,000 towards this game-changing new facility.
"The new pavilion was developed in consultation with local clubs, the community, the council, AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria," she said.
For more information about the Victorian Government's infrastructure grant opportunities, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au.