East Gippsland Shire representatives and local MPs joined Bairnsdale Football Netball Club, West Bairnsdale Cricket Club and Bairnsdale City Oval Recreation Reserve Committee of Management members last week to officially open the new and revamped facilities.
Murray Frew, president of the Bairnsdale Recreation Reserve Committee, welcomed everyone to the celebration, proudly announcing the $1.7 million invested in the local sporting complex.
Projects completed at the oval were new change rooms, social room additions, and the resurfacing, cricket pitch installation and lighting of Peppercorn Park.
Frew was impressed with the new lighting saying it was nearly good enough for night cricket, while the irrigation system has improved the outfield surface, making it safer and more enjoyable for junior and hard wicket cricket.
Frew congratulated all levels of government for their financial contributions to the oval projects to date but was quick to add there was more work to be done, including the demolition and reconstruction of the “50-year-old dunny” at the ground, in close proximity to the clubrooms and the netball courts.
The lights spread training across the two fields, resulting in a better playing surface for Bairnsdale City Oval with the sharing of foot traffic.
Frew made a point of mentioning the good work of the shire, their agent Wayne Richards, and the long-term commitment of oval committeemen Bernie Eastman and David McCoy.
“The football and netball club is a busy place during the season and it has been good to see the shire recognise the importance of sport and the role it plays in the development of social cohesion within our communities of East Gippsland,” Frew said.
He also mentioned the millions government has spent in the Latrobe Valley region.
“There’s not a pothole or puddle in the Valley anywhere, because of the money spent by Government there. All of country Victoria should have the same brilliant sporting facilities,” Frew said..
The upgrade will hopefully in encourage more women and girls to participate in sports.
Bairnsdale Redlegs girls coach Glenn Gudgin said the new facilities are a hit with the team.
“The girls love coming to training and feel safe in the facilities,” Gudgin said.
