Construction of the two-level Mount Evelyn Community Sports Pavilion is complete.
Yarra Ranges Billanook Ward Councillor, Tim Heenan, was joined by members of the Mount Evelyn Sporting Club and on Saturday, 6 August, to open the redeveloped pavilion.
Council finished construction on the new sporting facility in July, with Council and its external Architects working in partnership with the Mount Evelyn Sports and Community Hub to ensure the spaces serves all their needs.
The redevelopment includes four new unisex change rooms, each with separate amenities, a change space for referees and officials, a multi-use gym space, first aid room, canteen and a multi-use space and function for Community groups.
Cr Tim Heenan expressed his pleasure at the project’s completion after a long-awaited period, and said Council wanted to ensure that the Mount Evelyn community would have a building that welcomed people of all abilities and genders.
“Like many of our older facilities, this site required significant effort and dedication to come to fruition. The process of developing this facility for Mount Evelyn has been a lengthy one, and we owe a debt of gratitude to MESH, particularly the late Brian McCarthy, who played a crucial role in making this pavilion a reality.”
“We know that pavilions like these are homes away from home, places where committees and club members spend countless hours, game days and training evenings, and what really sets this pavilion apart is its impact on fostering inclusivity.”
“It boasts accessible showers and toilet amenities, change rooms and a fantastic second-storey function room area with panoramic views of the oval. It’s a place that the club and community can call home as they grow into as this new space.
Mount Evelyn sporting groups are looking forward to expanding the club, with the recently opened Mount Evelyn Pavilion catering to the increasing growth of sport within the region.
President of the Mount Evelyn Cricket Club, Tim Heaphy, emphasised that the new space has made it more welcoming for new players, regardless of age or gender.
“It’s been a few years coming, but the fact that we’re standing here is amazing. It’s an incredible facility that stands out for its inclusivity and accessibility, and I think everyone here is looking forward to getting in there and watching games from the second-storey deck.”
The pavilion has been funded with $1.9 million from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, $1 from Federal Government Community Development Grant, $250,000 from the Mount Evelyn Sporting Club and Bendigo Bank, and Council contributing a further $1.955 million.
