The $11.75 million redevelopment of Chirnside Park in Werribee has been hailed as an “elite facility” during its official opening.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas, speaking at last week’s launch, said the new hub would give sports clubs and residents enhanced opportunities to enjoy the sports they loved.
“I couldn’t think of better facilities to watch sports being played,” he said.
Werribee Football Club president Martin Carter compared the new Chirnside Park set-up to both a “Maserati” and a delicious dessert.
“I believe that sport is the dessert trolley of life and in that case, I believe we have a perfect panna cotta on the trolley,” he said.
Mr Carter said the redevelopment, the first sod of which was turned in April, 2016, comprised 56 rooms in total.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard also expressed delight about the many benefits the new facility would have for the broader community.
“We now have a facility that will be a community meeting place we can be proud of for generations to come,” Cr Maynard said.
He said the hub’s redevelopment had been funded by the council ($5.5 million), the federal government ($3.25 million), the state government ($1.5 million), the Werribee Football Club ($1 million), the Australian Football League ($250,000) and the Australian Football League Victoria ($250,000).
The new hub includes facilities for women’s football, a commercial kitchen and kiosk, a multi-purpose social meeting room and community spaces.
Federal Sport Minister Bridget McKenzie, said the redevelopment was an endorsement of a philosophy that sought to get “more Australians more active, more often”.
“It’s not just a way to stay healthy … it’s a good investment too,” she said.
