Hockey and BMX enthusiasts in Wodonga can look forward to a bright future, with work now under way on a new $3M pavilion and the reconstruction of the existing change rooms at Birallee Park.
The new pavilion will include a multi-purpose room, a canteen, amenities and a raised undercover viewing area for the hockey community.
As part of the work, the existing pavilion will be upgraded to include a new BMX canteen, umpire rooms, a first aid room and change rooms that are female-friendly and more accessible, to encourage more women, girls and people with disabilities to participate in activities at the site.
The improvements will provide Wodonga Hockey Club and BMX Club members with a state-of-the art
Hockey club president Kyle Brereton said the new pavilion would provide real benefits to the club and the wider community.
“It has been specially designed as a multi-purpose facility that will enable the attraction, servicing, and retention of participants within our sport while at the same time providing enhanced spectator comfort for parents and supporters,” he said.
“Our members are very excited and thankful that at last, we will have a club house where we can foster and grow our wonderful inclusive club spirit.”
Solar power systems will also be installed, to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The new building replaces outdated facilities that were no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the hockey and BMX communities, and will complement the existing football and cricket facilities at Birallee Park.
The project has been funded by $1.65M from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus program, $500,000 from the Australian Government’s Community Development Grants Program, $800,000 from Wodonga Council and $200,000 from the Wodonga Hockey Club.
It’s scheduled for completion in January next year.
