Northern Grampians Shire Council has officially opened a new $4 million multipurpose sporting pavilion at Lord Nelson Park in St Arnaud.
Council invested $2,600,000 into the project and received additional funding of $700,000 from the Victorian Government, $500,000 from the Federal Government and $100,000 from AFL Victoria.
“The St Arnaud community has raised a further $90,000 in donations and has set a fundraising target of $150,000 to put towards the facility,” Council said in a statement.
“The new facility will benefit St Arnaud Agricultural Society, St Arnaud Cricket Club, St Arnaud Football Club, St Arnaud Harness Racing Club, St Arnaud Hockey Club and St Arnaud Netball Club for whom Lord Nelson Park is the home ground.”
The pavilion design features new female-friendly change rooms that comply with AFL, soccer, netball, cricket and hockey requirements as well as facilities for umpires. Other elements of the build include versatile meeting spaces for activities and events, accessible amenities, a new canteen and kitchen and first aid and storage facilities.
Northern Grampians Shire Councillor, Murray Emerson said the opening was “an auspicious and long awaited day for the St Arnaud sporting community and the township”.
“This is a very proud moment for all of us in St Arnaud; everyone has dug deep into their pockets to fundraise and committed many volunteer hours since our aspirations were first articulated in the Lord Nelson Park Precinct Plan,” he said.
“We now have a modern pavilion that will serve a diverse group of users for years to come.
“Thank you to the State and Federal Governments, the AFL and other bodies for backing Council’s investment and helping to fund a facility that befits its role as the centrepiece of an historic and culturally important sport and recreation ground.”
Cr Emerson commenced the official opening with a plaque unveiling followed by speeches from State Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford and Federal Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster.
“Local clubs depend on local facilities. The new pavilion not only helps secure the future of grassroots sports but provide a boost for the local community as well,” said Ms Pulford.
“Facilities like these are so important to our regional communities. Places like the Lord Nelson Park Pavilion aren’t just for sporting events, they are also hubs where locals can come together as a community.
“Better facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back into local sport and recreation and live active and healthy lifestyles.”
