Sarsfield officially opened its upgraded Recreation Reserve and Community Hall on Friday, marking the completion of a $3.8 million project more than four years in the making.
Community members, project partners and dignitaries - including Senator Raff Ciccone, Federal Labor Senator for Victoria; Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester; Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, and local leaders including Simon Hof, Kate Nelson and Cathy McLellan - gathered to mark the completion of the $3.8 million redevelopment and the start of a new chapter for the small Gippsland community.
The redevelopment replaced the former hall with a modern, multipurpose community centre and has delivered significant upgrades across the reserve, including improved recreation spaces, amenities, landscaping and access.
The project was first identified as a priority following the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and drew funding and support from all levels of government, including Council, Rotary International, Gippsland Community Foundation and local donors. Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the project had delivered lasting value for Sarsfield.
"This investment means Sarsfield now has a facility fit for the next generation - somewhere people can come together for sport, community events and in times of emergency," Cr Ashworth said. "None of this happens without the people of Sarsfield. Locals drove this project from the start - they advocated for it, shaped it and kept pushing until it became a reality.
What stands here now is more than a building and upgraded reserve - it's a space that reflects Sarsfield's resilience and its future."
It was fantastic to see so many people come together and enjoy the space at the opening. This facility has been shaped by the community, and it will serve the area for generations to come," she said.
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Senator Raff Ciccone, said the completion of the project highlighted its importance to the local community.
"This project stands as a lasting symbol of recovery, resilience and renewal following the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, Senator Ciccone said.
The Federal Government is proud to have supported this significant redevelopment, which reflects our commitment to helping communities rebuild after a disaster.
The upgrades are a strong example of what can be achieved when the federal government works with state and local governments and listens to the needs of locals."
Sarsfield Community Association representative Cathy McLellan said the opening was a proud moment for those who had worked on the project for years.
"This was a really special day for Sarsfield. There's been so much work, persistence and heart behind this project, and to see the community here enjoying it together means a lot," Ms McLellan said. "This project belongs to the community, and it was wonderful to see so many people here to celebrate what we've achieved together."
The project received $3.6 million in funding from the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development with additional support from the Victorian Government, through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and Rotary International. The new facility is designed to support community events, sport, social connection and emergency response.
Identified as a priority in the Sarsfield 2030 Community Plan, the project reflects years of local advocacy. Council worked closely with the Sarsfield Community Association and its Project Reference Group, supported by ongoing community input. Council project-managed the redevelopment, with construction delivered by local contractor Brooker Builders.
