Workshops to build recreation knowhow

The direction of recreation planning in Stawell will be subject to a greater level of informed community scrutiny as a result of a series of Federal Government-backed workshops.

The government is providing almost $18,700 for the leadership and capacity-building workshops for Stawell Recreation Advisory Group.

The aim of the workshops is to help improve Northern Grampians Shire Council planning and development involving sport, recreation and leisure assets.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said a primary objective of the workshops was that people taking part, including representatives of district sports clubs and community leaders, would become skilled in providing direct input into the council’s decision-making processes.

“The advisory groups will learn governance and strategy development skills and get a good grasp of how to deliver major projects, which the community can use and enjoy well into the future,” he said.

“This will lead to growth in tourism and hospitality industries by making the most of opportunities to stage new and bigger events in Stawell and surrounding towns.”

Mr Tehan said the leadership workshops would also provide Stawell Recreation Advisory Group with skills required to develop a Central Park Master Plan for Stawell’s primary sports reserve, Central Park.

Central Park is familiar with athletes worldwide as the spiritual home of Australian professional running.

“Central Park is the home of one of the world’s most famous foot races, the Stawell Gift – an annual Easter event that has taken place for 140 years,” Mr Tehan said.

“The master plan will provide a blueprint for new and improved recreational infrastructure around the Central Park precinct through to Cato Park.”

Central Park is also one of the premier mainstream sporting arenas in the Wim- mera, offering extensive elevated spectator views to activities on the main oval.