The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring more races will be run, with the home of the Stawell Gift in for a major upgrade.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today joined Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Murray Emerson to announce an $800,000 upgrade to the Central Park pavilion, through the Labor Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Central Park is a major sporting hub for the region, supporting clubs including Stawell Football Netball Club, local Auskick, Stawell 13 and Under Football Association, and the Stawell Athletic Club.
The pavilion redevelopment will allow them to host more training, development programs and competition, while also putting the iconic park in pole position to attract and host even more major events like the Stawell Gift.
The upgrades will include four new female friendly change rooms, two medical rooms, an umpire change room, new foyer entry and a lift for access to the second floor.
The Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014. The Victorian Budget 2022/23 is providing an additional $88 million to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations.
Minister Spence acknowledged the Northern Grampians Shire Council for its $655,000 contribution to the project.
For more info about the program including the latest grant recipients visit .
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Central Park is already one of Victoria’s iconic sports venues. This redevelopment will provide a significant boost and a new era of opportunities for the town’s sporting events.”
“We’re delighted to support projects like these that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Region Jaala Pulford
“We’re delighted to back even more projects like Central Park that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
“Stawell holds a treasured spot in Australia’s sporting history. This redevelopment will ensure this history can flourish for decades to come.”
As stated by Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Murray Emerson
“We’re proud to partner with the Government on this exciting pavilion upgrade. It will go a long way to supporting the growing numbers of locals keen to get involved at Central Park in an even wider range of sports at the ground.”