SAN Remo will now have a better place for residents and families to play, exercise and relax thanks to joint funding to build improved facilities by the Labor Government and Bass Coast Shire Council.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale and Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council Clare Le Serve with CEO Greg Box celebrated the official opening of the $617,000 Anderson Street Reserve Open Space project last Tuesday, August 6, alongside the family and friends of the late Thelma Born, who initiated the project more than 20 years ago.
Mayor Le Serve shared that this new space connects the new residential subdivision with the township and will enhance community wellbeing in San Remo.
“We remember and acknowledge the contribution of Thelma Born, a local resident whose vision has been realised with the opening of this Reserve.”
Improvements include a new all-abilities playground, outdoor fitness equipment and rotunda shelter as well as landscaping, connecting pathways and additional car parking.
These new facilities aim to encourage more families to make use of the reserve, providing better outdoor play and recreation spaces. Minister Sonya Kilkenny said, “it is projects like these that make our communities more connected and enjoyable for everyone.”
The Labor Government contributed $500,000 to the Anderson Street Reserve upgrade through the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said with the new playground, fitness equipment, and sheltered areas, Anderson Street Reserve has transformed into a fantastic spot for locals to come together and enjoy the outdoors.
Thelma’s family Maryanne, Christian and Hamish Born were at the official opening alongside fellow residents Sandra Thorley, Emma O’Neill, and Graeme Clauscen who all advocated with Thelma to create this all-ages, multipurpose community space.
“Thelma was the driver of the project and was thrilled to see the project started,” said Maryanne.
Thelma and her late husband Ren Born purchased their San Remo home in the 1960’s and became full-time residents 20-plus years ago. Together they advocated for the open space to not become residential development, but instead be an open space for the community to gather and connect.
Graeme shared that Thelma worked tirelessly on this project and would have been proud to see it finished and officially opened.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has supported 360 projects, representing a total infrastructure investment of $1.3 billion, and has created more than 11,300 jobs.
