New pavilion for Trafalgar
A multi-use pavilion proposed at the Trafalgar recreation reserve precinct has taken a major leap towards becoming a reality with the State government last week committing its financial support.
The project, estimated to cost $3.2 million to complete, will primarily serve Trafalgar Victory Soccer Club but the design has been developed to also service local cricket, Australian Rules and boxing clubs.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing last week announced the government would provide $500,000 towards the cost from its Female Friendly Facilities fund.
“Over the moon, we’re very excited” was the reaction of Trafalgar Victory Soccer Club president Lachlan Wyatt to news of the funding and Baw Baw shire council’s decision to proceed with a target to complete the project by mid-2022.
Council’s draft budget for 20202021 sets aside $1.5 million to begin construction and will seek a further $1.6 million from the State government’s Growth Suburbs Fund.
The pavilion has been a priority recreation project on council’s Long Term Infrastructure Plan
The facility will eventually include female-friendly changerooms and amenities, umpire facilities, storage, a dedicated first aid room, a boxing gymnasium and social and general use areas.
The Trafalgar soccer club has been based at the recreation reserve, where it has two pitches and a small clubhouse, since 2012.
Mr Wyatt said the club catered for Mini-Roos and junior boys and girls aged from Under 6 to Under 14 years, a senior women’s team and senior and reserves men’s sides.
The juniors are due to start their delayed seasons next weekend and the seniors on August 2.
Mr Wyatt said membership varied a little year-to-year up to about 160.
The shire’s three east ward councillors, deputy mayor Peter Kostos, Darren Wallace and Michael Leaney, were delighted with the government support and congratulated the clubs that had advocated strongly and patiently for the project.