The first sod has been turned at Bellbird Park to mark the commencement of works on a vibrant new multi-use pavilion and community events facility.
This afternoon, Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney, Councillor Annemarie McCabe, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP gathered with the Project Reference Group (PRG) members, Tim Birch, Site Manager for Langden Constructions and Council officers at the site of the future pavilion to celebrate a key milestone for the $4.1 million project.
Stage one of the project is due to begin shortly with the construction of a new 186 space car park. Weather permitting, it is expected that this stage will be completed by May 2022.
Once fully completed, the project will deliver a female-friendly multi-use community facility, including:
- A new 186 space carpark, including 4 accessible carparks.
- Multi-use community space including a commercial kitchen, servery and storage, with access to male, female and accessible toilets.
- Four new player change rooms with access to inclusive amenities.
- Two official’s rooms with amenities.
- Storage spaces.
- First aid room.
- Office/ meeting room.
- Two canteens.
- A drop-off zone.
A Project Reference Group (PRG) including representatives from local sporting clubs and community members has collaborated with Council to design the project plans.
PRG member Jason Beer, President of the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club has been involved with the project since 2019 and was excited to see action starting on the project. “This upgrade will be a game changer for the clubs of Bellbird Park, not only will it create more opportunities for participation, but it will allow us to host more competitions at the facility” he said. “It has been awesome to work with Baw Baw Shire on this project since day one”.
The new pavilion will be home for local clubs including West Gippsland Hockey Association, the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club and Drouin Cricket Club. The facility will also provide a community events space and contribute to the Drouin Community Hub implementation plans.
Stephanie Gourley from the West Gippsland Hockey Association has also played a key role in shaping the designs and project plans as part of the PRG. “We are thrilled to see this project come to life with the construction gates up and works starting to begin” she said. “This upgrade will mean so much to the local kids and sporting groups who utilise this facility day in and day out”.
Council is contributing $2,170,000 to the project, with the Victorian Government contributing $2,000,000 via its Growing Suburbs Fund.
