Drouin Civic Park upgrade officially opened

Published on 03 July 2021

Gippsland residents and tourists now have even more reasons to visit Civic Park in Drouin, following a $1.53 million upgrade.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Danny Goss, Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP and Chair of the Drouin and District Community Bank Rod Dunlop officially opened the upgraded park today.

The project was delivered by Baw Baw Shire Council with the help of $750,000 in Victorian Government funding through the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community and Facility Fund and a $250,000 contribution from the Drouin and District Community Bank. Council contributed $530,000 towards the project as part of Council’s 2020/21 Capital Works Program.

The new and improved features of the park include play equipment, a water play area, wetland and board walks, a fitness area, footpaths, extensive tree planting, landscaping, new barbecue and shelter areas and park furniture.

Local contractors and suppliers played a big part in the project, with Warragul-based MadCat Constructions leading the works and engaging local suppliers throughout the build. 

More information about the upgrade can be found on the Council website.

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Cr Danny Goss

“The Civic Park upgrade has breathed new life into a much-loved space that will be appreciated by Baw Baw Shire residents and visitors for many years to come as Drouin continues to grow. Council is grateful for the significant support of the Latrobe Valley Authority and the Drouin and District Community Bank to make this project a reality.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP

“We’re pleased to support this major upgrade of Drouin Civic Park, which is providing a fantastic outdoor space for local families and visitors, as well as benefitting the many local businesses who were engaged to supply materials and labour for the project.”

“The new amenities will help make the park more accessible to everyone in our community, particularly for families and parents with baby change facilities and pathways that are pram and wheelchair friendly.”

Quotes attributable to Drouin and District Community Bank Chair Rod Dunlop

"Drouin and District Community Bank really liked the concept to upgrade Civic Park and joined the partnership to make it happen. It has proved to be a huge success. It is great to see the enjoyment so many families are getting from these fantastic facilities. We are Drouin's only bank - Banking is our business but building our community is our purpose." 

Image: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP and Drouin and District Community Bank Chair Rod Dunlop officially open the upgraded park. 

Image: A new playground is the centrepiece of the park upgrade. 

Image: The playground has proved to be a big hit with local children and their families.