In Flowerdale on Thursday, October 11 the Victorian Government announced $165,920 in funding to support upgrading Flowerdale’s Spring Valley Recreation Reserve.
Labor’s Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, announced Murrindindi Shire Council’s bid, on behalf of the Flowerdale Sporting Club Committee of Management, for a Community Sports Infrastructure Fund grant had been successful.
“Country communities love their sport and deserve quality facilities, I’m sure Flowerdale’s tennis and cricket players will welcome this development and it will allow their clubs to grow” Symes said.
King Parrot Ward Councillor Eric Lording said it was great news for the Flowerdale community and a ‘big win’ for future participation in sport and recreation in Flowerdale.
Lording added that Council had been more than happy to contribute $30,000 to the Project, including $5000 in in-kind support.
“This fantastic outcome couldn’t have been achieved without the vision and determination of the Flowerdale Sporting Club Committee of Management, which has been scoping and designing these works for some time.
“The Flowerdale Sporting Club Committee of Management have also committed $10,000 in funding and a further $2960 of in-kind voluntary support to the Project,” Lording said.
“I must also recognise the generous donation of $40,000 from the Marysville Triangle Community Foundation to the [Flowerdale] Project.
“The Project will see the redevelopment of the Reserve’s change room facilities to offer users improved accessibility and enable women and girls to use the facilities with more privacy. It will also include an upgrade to the insulation and ventilation of the building in line with environmental standards.
“Between the Cricket and Tennis Club’s members and casual participants, there are more than 190 active users of Flowerdale’s Spring Valley Recreation Reserve.
“If you include all the social participants in bowls and informal recreation pursuits, this number is closer to 250.
“So you can see why this is such an important investment. We’re also hopeful that with upgraded facilities, more women and girls will be encouraged to participate in active sport and recreation.
“The Spring Valley Recreation Reserve is a hub for social and recreational engagement in Flowerdale, and its role in offering a sense of place and community to the locals cannot be underestimated. Council will be managing the works on behalf of the Flowerdale Sporting Club and we can’t wait to see the finished product!” Lording said.
