Ellinbank Wins AFL Victoria’s Best Community Facility Award
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Published on 21 March 2019
Baw Baw Shire Council and the Ellinbank Football Netball Club have been awarded the state’s Best Community Football Facility Project Award by AFL Victoria for the redevelopment of the Ellinbank Reserve.
The award was presented last week to club representatives and Mayor Cr Mikaela Power by AFL Gippsland’s - Football Development Manager, George Morgan.
Over the last two years, the facility has received over $1 million in upgrades to key facilities such as the the player change pavilion, upgraded netball courts and lighting, plus upgraded oval lighting.
The pavilion development included:
New female friendly football/cricket player change and amenities, New dedicated female friendly umpires change rooms, New gym and administration room, New public toilets, New accessible toilet with baby change facilities, and Development of a match-day pedestrian hub connecting all facilities on the reserve.The upgrade of the netball courts and lights ensures the facilities are now complaint with relevant Netball Victorian Guidelines and standards. The final piece of the redevelopment involved upgrading the oval lighting to meet minimum AFL standards.
Ellinbank Reserve is home to four active sporting clubs in the Gippsland area.
The reserve now assists with community connectedness through new and established events and community collaboration, promoting social inclusion, health and wellbeing. It is an inviting setting that encourages participation in sporting and community events, enhancing opportunities for people of all ages, genders, abilities to interact, strengthening social connections and engagement in community life.
The redevelopment was funded through contributions from Baw Baw Shire Council, Ellinbank Football Netball Club, donations by club life member Ernie Matkovich, Victorian Government and AFL Victoria.
Council is proud to receive the award and thanks all involved for their contribution towards the redevelopment of the reserve.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Mikaela Power“We are so proud to have one of our key recreation facilities recognised with the AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facility Project award.”
“Ellinbank Football and Netball Club is powered by a committed group of community volunteers. We thank and acknowledge all contributors for their efforts to ensure completion of the projects that make up the overall redevelopment.”
“Baw Baw Shire remains committed to planning and enhancing opportunities for sport, recreation and leisure for all members of our local community by improving our community facilities.”
Quotes attributable to East Ward Cr Peter Kostos“The collective reserve redevelopment has been driven by a dedicated and passionate community and club who deserve recognition."
"We’re so pleased to have such an engaged and enthusiastic community who are keen to work alongside Council to get important jobs done. Well done to all, this award has certainly been a team effort.”
Image: Paul Vaughan AFL Gippsland, George Morgan AFL Gippsland, Mayor Cr Mikaela Power, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events the Hon. Martin Pakula MP, Rob Pandolfo Ellinbank FNC and Council Coordinator Recreation Shane Paynter.