Ballarat has a new home for local and professional athletes, with the official opening of a new pavilion at Frank Bourke Oval.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison today joined City of Ballarat Council representatives and athletes to officially open the facility, which was made possible by a $5 million contribution from the Victorian Government’s Council Support Package and around $100,000 from Council.
“Frank Bourke Oval is an important part of what has become one of regional Victoria’s most significant sporting precincts,” said Mayor, Tracey Hargreaves.
“This investment strengthens our capacity to host a range of state and national sporting events, creating new opportunities for Ballarat’s athletes, clubs and the wider community.”
The pavilion features modern and accessible change rooms for players and umpires, to support greater participation for women and girls.
A new kitchen, canteen and bar will support functions and matches, alongside an improved scorer’s box and a new veranda to shield spectators from the weather.
Tenant clubs, the North Ballarat Football and Netball Club and North Ballarat Cricket Club will also have more storage space for training and match equipment.
“This new pavilion will give local players, volunteers and families a first-class home for football and cricket. It will be a great community asset,” said Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison.
The redevelopment is part of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct upgrade, due for completion later this year.
“These upgrades will help our talented sportspeople to get more out of their training and matches, while offering them more opportunities to take their game to the highest levels,” said Minister Rural and Regional Development, Michaela Settle.
Other works at the precinct include two new Mars Stadium grandstands, with an additional 5,000 permanent seats and improved accessibility, and the new Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre.
