East Gippsland Shire Council will officially open the upgraded Hoddinott Reserve playground in East Bairnsdale on Thursday 16 July, marking the completion of a project that has transformed the once-tired reserve into a vibrant community space.
The opening celebration will begin at 10.30am at Hoddinott Reserve, 19 Hoddinott Street, East Bairnsdale, with Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, Councillors and Tom McIntosh MP, Member for Eastern Victoria, on hand to mark the occasion alongside community members.
The upgraded reserve features interactive play equipment, nature-based play elements, new picnic facilities and seating, shade improvements and extensive landscaping, creating a welcoming destination for local families and children.
Mayor Cr Ashworth said the project had delivered a much-needed community asset that encourages outdoor activity and social connection.
"Hoddinott Reserve has been transformed into a place where children can play, families can spend time together and neighbours can connect," Cr Ashworth said.
"Projects like this are about more than playground equipment. They create opportunities for healthy activity, strengthen community connections and help make our neighbourhoods great places to live.
"We're delighted to officially open this fantastic new space and thank everyone who contributed to bringing the project to life."
East Gippsland Shire Council delivered the project in partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), whose team completed the construction works and contributed to improvements throughout the reserve and surrounding public spaces. The project also had its early inception in work that Gippsland Lakes Complete Health undertook with the East Bairnsdale community.
The playground includes a mix of structured and nature-based play opportunities designed for children aged four to 12 years, with accessible seating - including a turtle sculpture table and seats designed and handcrafted by Dougie Hood from GLaWAC's Business Enterprise team - picnic facilities and landscaped areas providing spaces for families to gather and relax.
The project was jointly funded by the Victorian Government through the 2023-24 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - Community Facilities Stream, and Council, with valuable collaboration and support from Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Uniting Gippsland and Communities for Children East Gippsland, whose advocacy and involvement helped support the vision for the reserve.
"This is a fantastic upgrade for locals - Labor is investing in community infrastructure right across country Victoria, including East Bairnsdale," Tom McIntosh said.
The community is welcome to attend the official opening on 16 July.
