A red ribbon has been cut on a brand new $3.965 million sports pavilion at Yarragon's Dowton Park following an official opening celebration over the weekend.
Following demolition of the old pavilion and a year-long redevelopment, the new modern facility has been designed to support the growing needs of local clubs, families and visitors, providing high-quality amenities to service the community into the future.
The pavilion features upgraded change rooms, accessible and female-friendly facilities, coaches' box and timekeeper's room, a multi-purpose social space, a canteen, storage areas, improved parking and viewing areas for spectators. Sustainability features, including energy-efficient lighting, solar panels with a battery and water-saving systems have also been incorporated into the build.
Sporting clubs, community and officials gathered on Saturday 6 June to formally open the new facility ahead of the Seniors game where home team Yarragon Panthers played Buln Buln in the Ellinbank and District Football Netball League.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson hosted a formal opening ceremony with addresses from Minister Harriet Shing MLC on behalf of the Victorian Government, East Ward Councillor Brendan Kingwill, and Ross Follett, President of the Dowton Park Recreation Reserve Committee.
Cr Wilson said the project gives a significant boost to Yarragon's sporting future.
"For decades, Dowton Park has been a bustling hub of sporting activity in Yarragon. As the town has grown, the need for a new modern facility has been clear. We're proud to deliver a facility that reflects the passion and pride of Yarragon and will continue to support participation in sport for men and women of all ages and abilities", said Cr Wilson.
"We're incredibly thankful to both the Australian and Victorian Government for their generous support and investment in grassroots sport in regional communities like Yarragon."
The project has been a joint venture between all three levels of government.
Baw Baw Shire Council contributed $1.9 million, the Federal Government contributed $1.75 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and the Victorian Government contributed the $250,000 balance through Sport and Recreation Victoria.
East Ward Cr Brendan Kingwill congratulated all involved in the project for working together towards a fantastic outcome.
"The planning and delivery of this pavilion has been nothing short of exemplary and is a real testament to what can be achieved when Council and community come together", said Cr Kingwill.
"On behalf of Council, I acknowledge the generations of volunteers who have contributed so much to this sporting reserve across all sports and codes. Their countless hours of hard work and commitment have helped shape what we see today. They are the backbone of local sport, and we are proud to honour that legacy through this redevelopment.
"With the project now complete, we are not just celebrating a building, we are looking to the future. Yarragon now has a facility that will support the next generation of athletes and create opportunities for growth and connection for years to come."
The design was shaped through close consultation with grassroots sporting clubs including Yarragon Football Club, Yarragon Junior Football Club, Yarragon Netball Club and the Yarragon Cricket Club, to ensure designs met the needs of a wide range of users.
Local sporting groups have welcomed the upgrade, noting it will enhance player experience, attract new members, and enable the town to host larger competitions and events.
For more project information, please visit Dowton Park Pavilion Upgrade
Image: Game day featuring the new sporting pavilion at Dowton Park
Image: Celebrating the opening of the new sporting pavilion
Image: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson hosting the official opening
Image: East ward Cr Brendan Kingwill delivering a speech celebrating the opening
Image: Minister Harriet Shing MLC speaking on behalf of the Victorian Government
Image: East Ward Cr Brendan Kingwill, Yarragon Football Netball Club President Renee Kemp, Mayor Cr Kate Wilson and Yarragon netballer Tayla Green handing over the keys at the official opening
