$710,000 for new Willow Grove pavilion

Willow Grove Recreation Reserve is set to receive a brand-new multi-purpose pavilion.

Funding to the tune of $710,000 has been secured through the Community Managed Places Program, which is managed by the Department of Land, Environment, Water and Planning (DELWP) on behalf of the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA).

The program will see nine crown reserve projects in Gippsland share in $5 million.

The $800,000 project at Willow Grove is also being funded by Baw Baw Shire Council with potential for other external funding support to which the outcome is not yet known

The new pavilion will include two change rooms with player amenities, umpire change room with amenities, first aid room, accessible toilet and family change room, common area for meetings and functions, storage room, accessible entry points and car parking.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci thanked DELWP and LVA for their generous funding contribution that will deliver the new and dynamic facility for the Willow Grove community.

“This project is a huge win for Willow Grove, who not only gain a brand-new match day sports pavilion but also a multi-purpose community facility”, he said.

“Local sports clubs will have access to new and much needed player and umpire amenities that are accessibility compliant and female-friendly, which we hope will boost participation levels and player morale.

“Community groups such as the Lions Club and CFA will also have access to the new space for meetings and gatherings.

“Both sporting clubs and community groups are the heart and soul of regional communities, and we’re so pleased to be able to deliver a facility that can encourage growth and ongoing participation into the future.”

Cr Gauci also commended the hard work and dedication of Council officers, Willow Grove Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and local sporting clubs who have worked tirelessly over the last 18 months to make this project a reality.

“It’s through our strong community partnerships that we can achieve important upgrades to grassroots infrastructure and we thank all our partners for their contributions”, he said.

Baw Baw Shire east ward Councillor Michael Leaney said it is a very positive outcome for Willow Grove and the entire Tanjil Valley community.

“The recreation reserve at Willow Grove is used by teams from far and wide who will all benefit from these upgrades that enable them to compete in their chosen sport to the best of their ability”, he said.

Design works are ongoing with the tender expected to be prepared before the end of the year.