Sarsfield officially opened its upgraded Recreation Reserve and Community Hall last Friday, marking the completion of a $3.8 million project more than four years in the making.
Community members, project partners and dignitaries — including Senator Raff Ciccone, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, East Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, and local representatives Simon Hof, Kate Nelson and Cathy McLellan — gathered to celebrate the completion of the redevelopment and the start of a new chapter for the small Gippsland community.
The project has delivered a modern, multipurpose community centre, replacing the former hall and providing significant upgrades to the reserve, including improved recreation spaces, amenities, landscaping and access.
First identified as a priority following the 2019–20 Black Summer Bushfires, the redevelopment was supported through funding and contributions from all levels of government, along with Rotary International, the Gippsland Community Foundation and local donors.
Sarsfield Community Association representative Cathy McLellan said the opening was a proud moment for those involved.
“This was a really special day for Sarsfield. There’s been so much work, persistence and heart behind this project, and to see the community here enjoying it together means a lot,” Ms McLellan said.
“This project belongs to the community, and it was wonderful to see so many people here to celebrate what we’ve achieved together.”
The project received $3.6 million in funding from the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, with additional support from the Victorian Government through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and Rotary International.
Identified in the Sarsfield 2030 Community Plan, the redevelopment reflects years of local advocacy. East Gippsland Shire Council worked closely with the Sarsfield Community Association and its Project Reference Group, supported by ongoing community input. Council managed the project, with construction delivered by local contractor Brooker Builders.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the project would deliver lasting value for Sarsfield.
“This investment means Sarsfield now has a facility fit for the next generation — somewhere people can come together for sport, community events and in times of emergency,” Cr Ashworth said.
“None of this happens without the people of Sarsfield. Locals drove this project from the start—they advocated for it, shaped it and kept pushing until it became a reality.
“What stands here now is more than a building and upgraded reserve — it’s a space that reflects Sarsfield’s resilience and its future.”
She said it was “fantastic to see so many people come together and enjoy the space at the opening”, adding the facility would serve the community for generations.
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Senator Raff Ciccone said the project highlighted the importance of recovery and renewal following the bushfires.
“This project stands as a lasting symbol of recovery, resilience and renewal following the devastating 2019–20 bushfires,” Senator Ciccone said.
“The Federal Government is proud to have supported this significant redevelopment, which reflects our commitment to helping communities rebuild after a disaster.
“The upgrades are a strong example of what can be achieved when the federal, state and local governments work together and listen to the needs of locals.”
