From rock climbing walls to netball courts, Ararat will soon have more dedicated spaces to get active and stay healthy in the heart of town thanks to $750,000 from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Sport John Eren today announced $250,000 from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund for Ararat Active Link Stage 2 at Bill Waterson Skate Park, and $500,000 from the Female Friendly Facilities Fund for two new netball courts, female friendly clubrooms and an indoor female recreation hub at Alexandra Oval.
Active Link, a new outdoor recreation hub, will include a multipurpose court, a 300 metre multi-use path including a built-in cycling loop, and a three-metre bouldering wall designed in consultation with Sport Climbing Victoria.
It will provide the perfect base for community members to test their skills in a range of new recreational activities and provide even more reason for families and visitors to get active at the centre.
At Alexandra Oval, the 150 plus female members of the Ararat Football Netball Club and Ararat Eagles Football Netball Club are just some of the locals who will benefit from the new competition netball courts with lighting and new female friendly clubrooms complete with indoor recreation space including a gym.
Across Victoria, the Labor Government has invested more than $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities, and earlier this year provided almost half-a-billion-dollars in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support sport and active recreation at all levels.
Minister Eren thanked project partner Ararat Rural City Council for its financial contribution of $596,222 to both projects.
As stated by Minister for Sport John Eren
"Parks and sports venues are the heart of our communities, especially in regional centres like Ararat."
"We’re ensuring our communities stay healthy by giving regional Victorians the facilities they need to enjoy the sports and activities that they love."
As noted by Head, Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
"Providing modern facilities is such an important factor in increasing participation for Victorian women and girls and I welcome today’s funding boost that will inspire more females to get involved and join a club in Ararat."
