Local football, netball, hockey, and harness racing are set to benefit from the new Allan Labor Government-backed Donaldson Park Community Hub in Wedderburn.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today joined local celebrations to officially open the building before the start of the senior men’s match between the Wedderburn Redbacks and Birchip–Watchem Football Club, made possible by more than $1.38 million from the Victorian Government.

Home to the Wedderburn Redbacks Football, Netball, Cricket, and Hockey clubs, the Wedderburn Harness Racing Club, as well as Wedderburn P-12 College, the ageing facilities at the park were struggling to cope with growing demand.

The new hub features female friendly change rooms, umpire change rooms, trainers’ rooms, office, first aid room, community space, an audio-visual room, accessible public toilets, kitchen, kiosk and storage areas, parking, a multi-use all-abilities play space, landscaping, pathways, and a large solar installation with batteries.

The hub is not only a boost for local clubs and their members but also provides new spaces for community groups to gather, meet and develop local programs.

The Victorian Government funding for the project is from the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. Over the past decade, the Allan Labor Government has invested more than $1.9 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure.

Martha Haylett MP acknowledged Loddon Shire Council for its $600,000 financial contribution as well as the Federal Government for its funding of more than $4.5 million, Donaldson Park Committee of Management for $100,000, the Wedderburn Redbacks for $150,000, Harness Racing Victoria for $100,000, the Wedderburn Harness Racing Club for $50,000, Inglewood and Districts Community Enterprises Limited for $100,000, and the Wedderburn Development Association for its $10,000.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.  

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“It’s a huge day for the Wedderburn community and it’s fantastic to see home games back, and better than ever with brand-new facilities for a very deserving community.”

“Sport is the lifeblood of our rural communities and it’s so important that locals have modern and accessible facilities so communities can get out, get active, and cheer on their homegrown heroes.”