Replacement of dilapidated 50-year-old facilities at Simpson Recreation Reserve is about to start.
The $1.3 million Simpson Recreation Reserve Changeroom Upgrades project is supported by the Victorian Government and will include new home-and-away changerooms, umpires' rooms, office/storage, trainer's room, a first-aid room, accessible amenities, and a briefing room.
Simpson Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Secretary Michele Fratantaro said it was a long-awaited project.
"It's been stated that our change rooms are one of the worst in our district," she said.
"We've all been waiting very eagerly for this happen.
"We've done all the hard yards and the paperwork getting it together. Now it's time to build it.
"Once we got the 'yes' from Sport and Recreation Victoria, that's when all the fun and games started.
"We played around with different designs for the whole community, not just football and netball, so it worked in with the cricket club and campers.
"It can be used by the community throughout the year, not just in footy season."
Mrs Fratantaro said the improvements would also encourage more involvement with women's sport.
"We didn't really have a set of changerooms that were female friendly.
"It's the second season we've had a women's cricket side.
"A couple of girls in that have been playing football in other areas. We're trying to lock in getting a team based in Simpson.
"We're really excited to get it up and running."
A grand opening is being planned for the first football netball home game next year.
Cooriemungle Ward Councillor Jamie Vogels said works were expected to be finished by the end of the year.
"The Reserve is a well-used community hub, hosting multiple football, netball, and cricket teams, as well as the annual Heytesbury Agricultural Show and recreational camping.
"The old changerooms no longer meet state sporting association facility standards and don't align with user expectations.
"In 2024 Corangamite Shire Council secured $1 million for the project from the Victorian Government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
"The remainder will come from Simpson Football Netball Club, Simpson Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, Simpson Cricket Club and Council.
"The project is part of Council's commitment to providing, maintaining and promoting recreational facilities and programs to enable a healthy, active, and resilient community.
