A major upgrade of local sporting facilities at Russell Square is now complete with AFL Local level compliant female-friendly change rooms, umpires’ change rooms, netball change rooms, storage space, landscaping and connections, and veranda now in place.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney toured the facility upgrade, made possible through a major Government investment set to boost female and junior participation in sport and recreation activities in the area.
Senator Henderson said the Australian Government committed $500,000 to the project, part of a $100 million commitment to build and upgrade facilities across the country through the Community Sport Infrastructure program.
“Community sport is a binding force in our local communities and local residents across the Ballarat region will now have access to the premier sporting facilities that they deserve,” Ms Henderson said.
“Our sporting groups and the volunteers that dedicate their time to keeping clubs running all deserve equal access to the best sporting facilities in the State and that’s just what we are delivering right here in Brown Hill.”
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the project provides change rooms at Russell Square to fully service the south oval, north fields and netball court, as well as complementing the recently completed refurbishment of the Community Pavilion.
“The new change rooms are a wonderful addition to the sport and recreation facilities on offer in the city,” Cr Moloney said.
“It’s great to have new and accessible facilities for everyone to utilise and for these changerooms to be officially opened during our Active April campaign is outstanding.
“We know that a lack of proper facilities can be a major setback for people taking those first steps to living more active and healthy lives. The City of Ballarat is working to ensure the people of Ballarat have the necessary amenities they need to take those steps.”
“I extend my thanks to Sport Australia and the Community Sports Infrastructure Grant Program for the contribution towards this project as well.”
The partnership and significant investment into the Russell Square Junior Multi-Use Change Facility project totalled $750,000. This includes contributions from Sport Australia ($500,000) and City of Ballarat ($250,000).
The new change facilities complement the recently refurbished Russell Square Community Pavilion which was funded in partnership with City of Ballarat ($525,000) and Russell Square User Groups ($120,000).
