In a follow-up to a visit made earlier this year, State Member for the Western Victoria Region, Jacinta Ermacora MP, traveled to communities affected by the Yaram Gap last week to meet with several local businesses and organisations to discuss post-bushfire recovery.
Joined by Ararat Rural City Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders, stops included Pomonal Estate, Grampians Paradise Camping and Caravan Park, Pomonal Rural Fire Brigade, Pomonal Recovery Hub, Black & Ginger Cellar Door, Barney's Bar & Bistro, Moyston and Willaura Fire Stations, Willaura Modern, Mount William Station and Grampians Estate winemakers, Tom and Sarah Guthrie.
To mark the end of the two-day visit, Ms Ermacora met with Ararat Rural City Council Councillor Peter Joyce and Tatyoon Recreation Reserve President, Craig Drum, and Secretary Jane King to celebrate the completion of the Tatyoon Recreation Reserve Sports Oval upgrade project.
Ms. Ermacora acknowledged the community's hard work in overcoming challenges to complete the project, with the support of the Victorian Government and Ararat Rural City Council.
Tatyoon Recreation Reserve representative, Rob McKay, highlighted the significance of Tatyoon Oval to its residents, stating "The Tatyoon precinct is precious to the Tatyoon community. The oval to our young juniors is their MCG where they try to emulate their AFL heroes."
Cr Peter Joyce empahsised the importance of community sports, stating "local sports are the very lifeblood of our community. They foster physical well-being, build strong social bonds, and create a sense of belonging. This upgrade project marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting local sports and community engagement in Ararat Rural City."
Tatyoon Recreation Reserve Sports Oval has been transformed into a premier sporting hub for the local community, following significant upgrades to include a new state-of-the-art irrigation system that will ensure a consistently high-quality playing surface, capable of withstanding the demands of year-round sport.
Long-standing drainage issues have also been addressed with the installation of a new drainage system designed to avoid costly and disruptive future reconstructions. Electrical upgrades, the installation of a new pump and tank, surface improvements, and fresh line markings have completed the oval's transformation.
This project was supported by a $250,000 from the State Government's Country Football and Netball Program, and a $83,000 contribution from Ararat Rural City Council, and delivered by Council in partnership with the Australian Football League, Netball Victoria, AFL Victoria and the Victorian Government.
