By Parker McKenzie
Wesburn Junior Football Club will receive a $4 million investment from the state government for an upgraded pavilion if the Liberal and National Parties form government after the November 26 state election.
Eildon state MP Cindy McLeish announced the election commitment on Tuesday 18 October at The Wesburn Community, Recreation and Education Centre with Casey federal MP Aaron Violi, Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child and members of the football club in attendance.
With the club projected to grow to around 200 playing members next season, with an u16 girls team for the first time, club president Wayne Morgan said the current building isn’t fit for purpose.
“It would mean the world to the kids and to the parents as well because the facilities are outdated now,” he said.
“We just don’t have the space or the structure to give the kids what they need for their sporting commitments.”
He said with only two changing rooms, the club struggles to accommodate girls playing football because canteen volunteers and referees need to traverse the rooms.
Ms McLeish said the upgraded facilities would deliver new opportunities for extended community use.
“Wesburn Junior Football Club have done their best for years to manage the space available. With the steady growth of the club, new facilities are more important than ever,” she said.
“Local sporting clubs are a vital part of the Upper Yarra, and the Liberals and Nationals are proud to support grassroots sport with this commitment.”
The club has gained 100 new members since 2021 and fielded two girl’s teams and five boy’s teams during the 2022 season.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the funding would complement the draft master plan, with the new pavilion being a critical part of it.
“We actually heard today from the club president and his colleagues, that it’s much needed when you have a registration of over 200 kids,” Mayor Child said.
“That’s just going to be a tremendous benefit if they’re provided with the facilities that they need.”
Mr Violi said suitable sporting facilities for women and girls is a big issue across the Casey electorate.
“In the last 10 years and in particular the last five, we’ve seen an explosion of girls’ and women’s sports, which is amazing and we need to continue to invest in that,” he said.
“It does put pressure on the federal government, local councils and state governments to provide additional funding and ultimately, we need to make sure we’re providing short-term solutions.”
The Victorian State Labor Party, which has yet to nominate a candidate for Eildon, was contacted for comment.
