Surf Coast's new multipurpose indoor stadium – called Wurdi Baierr Stadium – is officially open.
Pronounced word-ee bay-ear, and named after the Wadawurrung words for "'big gathering place", the stadium comprises four courts, a café, meeting rooms, change facilities, all abilities design features and additional car parking.
Located in the community and civic precinct in the north of Torquay, the stadium offers a range of sports and fitness related activities, including basketball, netball, futsal, badminton, volleyball, exercise classes and kinder gym. It is also used by Surf Coast Secondary College.
Senator Sarah Henderson, Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman and Surf Coast Secondary College Principal Erin Wright joined Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton to formally open the $13.5 million facility today.
The stadium was funded by the Surf Coast Shire Council ($5.5 million), the Australian Government, through the Building Better Regions Fund ($5 million), and the Victorian Government, via the Better Indoor Stadiums Fund ($3 million).
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton said locals had already embraced the new stadium.
"I'm hearing from so many people about the huge positive impact it's already having, and how much it's been needed. To have four courts all under the one roof means parents don't have to drive into Geelong or go between venues when they have multiple kids playing sport," she said.
"It also means we now have a stadium open seven days a week - so more people can connect and get active more often," Cr Stapleton said.
Senator Sarah Henderson said Wurdi Baierr Stadium was a welcome addition to the area.
"Backed by $5 million from the Morrison Liberal Government, the Wurdi Baierr Stadium is a wonderful asset for the Surf Coast community. This investment reflects our government's determination to build better regions by providing essential sports and community infrastructure," Senator Henderson said.
Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said sport was the lifeblood of local communities like Torquay and Jan Juc.
"This fantastic new Wurdi Baierr Stadium will make a real difference to indoor sport and provide a real boost for the local community. Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to enjoy their local sport and recreation and lead healthy and active lifestyles," Mr Cheeseman said.
