The redevelopment of Werribee’s Chirnside Park will soon become a reality, with the federal government today announcing $3.25 million for the project.
Werribee Football Club chief executive, Mark Penaluna, said the funding meant the overall project can now kick off.
“Some of the benefits of this redevelopment will be new umpire change rooms, a gymnasium for players, a canteen, disabled access to the social room, increased warm-up spaces, change rooms for women, and a lot more cover and seating,” he said.
“It will also be home to the western region multicultural and girls football academy, and a newly created Werribee huddle.
“This will be an absolute genuine community hub.”
Mr Penaluna paid homage to former football club president John Nicol who passed away earlier this year.
“John did a mountain of work on this one,” he said. “It must be through his divine intervention that this is finally coming to fruition.”
He said works were expected to begin in April 2016, to be completed by late 2017.
Lalor MP Joanne Ryan welcomed the announcement, acknowledging the work of the club’s board, the late Mr Nicol, and Mr Penaluna in securing the funding.
“John’s dream will be realised with this funding announcement,” she said.
“I have lobbied for this redevelopment since I was elected two years ago. I am thrilled to see hard work of the Werribee Football Club finally pay off.
“I look forward to the club taking its rightful place as a premier sporting and community facility.”
Victorian Senator Michael Ronaldson said the Chirnside Park redevelopment was identified as priority infrastructure because it encouraged communities to form partnerships.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said council was delighted the application for funding was successful.
“This federal funding was the final step required to realise this fantastic project,” she said.
She acknowledged the work done by council’s project steering committee, Wyndham councillors, and staff.
The project is expected to cost around $10.25 million. The state government has allocated $1.5 million for the project, and council will contribute up to $5.5 million.
The state government allocated $1.5 million for the project in October this year.
The project also has financial backing from Werribee Football Club, the AFL, and AFL Victoria.
