Minister opens three community sport and recreation projects
Published on 04 June 2024
West Wimmera Shire Council is pleased to announce the official opening of three significant community projects, marked by a visit from Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora.
The openings were celebrated over two days, highlighting the completion of new recreational facilities that were all jointly funded by the State Government, Council and community groups.
On Monday, Ms. Ermacora toured the new Apsley netball and tennis courts, which was made possible through $555,452 from the State Government's 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The courts replaced the old non-compliant and unsafe courts and include two new netball courts and three tennis courts, complete with lighting.
The following day, Ms. Ermacora visited the newly established Edenhope Equine Facility, a project supported by a $250,000 grant from the same funding source.
The Edenhope Equine Facility boasts a new building that will serve the Edenhope Adult Riding Club and the Apsley Pony Club.
The new building includes a kitchen, office, and first aid room, along with toilets and showers.
Concluding the tour, Ms. Ermacora inaugurated the Harrow netball and tennis courts, developed with a substantial investment of $738,945 from the State Government's 2022 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The new courts include two new netball and three tennis courts, plus lighting. They complement a state-of-the-art netball/tennis change room building, that was completed at the recreation reserve in 2020.
The new courts are a welcome addition to the Harrow Recreation Reserve and have helped the Harrow-Balmoral Football Netball Club secure a position hosting a Horsham District Football Netball League elimination final later this year.
West Wimmera Shire Mayor Tim Meyer spoke at each event, expressing his gratitude for the State Government's support and emphasising the positive impact these projects have on local communities.
"These three important projects have already started to help community groups run events and attract new members to their sports,” he said.
“They are a testament to what we can achieve when the community and government work together.”
Funding for all three projects also included contributions from Council, along with community and user groups.
"These new facilities are more than just places to play sport,” Cr Meyer said.
“They are community hubs where people of all ages can come together, stay active, and build stronger connections with one another.
“We have seen enormous support from the community for these new projects and I look forward to seeing these clubs continue to grow.”