The community celebrated a $4.7-million redevelopment at Ararat’s Gordon Street Recreation Reserve on Friday – an upgrade that has resulted in state-of-the-art facilities to cater for significant sporting growth.   

Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone, State Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, and Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders officially opened the redevelopment, made possible by more than $1.8-million from the Federal Government, $2.5-million from the State Government, and $315,000 from Ararat Rural City Council.

Delivered over two stages, the first phase included construction of two soccer pitches, new female-friendly change rooms, a cricket oval, a multi-use space for little athletics as well as upgrades to landscaping.

Stage two of the project, funded by $1.4-million from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure, LRCI, Program, included upgrades to lighting, fencing and drainage, the construction of new carpark spaces, team seating and little athletic facilities.

Regional Development and Local Government Minister Kristy McBain said the Gordon Street Recreation Reserve was one of many projects funded by the government’s $7.9-million in LRCI funding.

“Thanks to this project, Gordon Street will become regional Victoria’s home of AFLW – creating a centre of excellence, and supporting pathways for women and girls to pursue careers in league football,” she said.

Mr Ciccone said the new shared-use pavilion, playing fields and surfaces would unlock opportunities for AFL, soccer, cricket and little athletics.

“The local sports clubs were extensively consulted throughout the design process, and it’s exciting to see the community already making the most of the facilities,” he said.

Ms Haylett said the facilities would make sport more inclusive for women and girls, and provide opportunities for major events.

“Our rural communities deserve world-class sporting facilities and we now have that at the Gordon Street Reserve. This is a huge win for our community and I cannot wait to see it in action for years to come,” she said.

Cr Sanders said the completion of Gordon Street Reserve’s redevelopment was an exciting occasion for the community.

“This new facility will nurture sporting passions in our young people, provide pathways for careers in sport, and offer our residents a fantastic new space to come together for events,” he said.

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