MEMBER for Bass Jordan Crugnale and Bass Coast Shire councillor Brett Tessari delivered excellent news for Inverloch sporting participants, announcing funding for a new soccer and cricket pavilion at Thompson Reserve.
Council is contributing $1.35 million to the project, with $1 million coming through round two of the State Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund, the remainder of the $2,406,148 project value coming from Inverloch Stars Soccer Club and Inverloch Cricket Club.
The new facility will include four player changerooms with amenities, umpires changeroom, a multipurpose space, first aid room, kitchen, canteen, and public and accessible amenities.
Cr Tessari said the project is a perfect example of what can be achieved when local and state governments work together to deliver for communities.
“The upgrade to the Thompson Reserve Pavilion will make a huge difference for the Inverloch Stars Soccer Club and Stingrays Cricket Club, providing modern, inclusive facilities that encourage more women and girls to get involved and feel supported in community sport,” he said, describing the redevelopment as “much needed”.
Ms Crugnale, a former Inverloch Stars goalkeeper, noted the importance of having a modern fit-for-purpose pavilion, featuring changerooms that will boost participation for women and girls.
She praised those at Inverloch Stars and the Stingrays cricket community for their hard work towards making the project a reality.
Inverloch Stars’ Under 17 coach Eamonn Toomey told the Sentinel-Times of his delight at the funding commitment and the fact that the soccer and cricket clubs will share modern facilities.
He stressed that both clubs have outgrown the existing facilities, explaining the need for redevelopment is made all the more important by their increasing participation.
“There’s been a massive growth in team sports over the last few years, especially after all the lockdowns, and we’ve had a lot of families bringing acquaintances,” he said.
Many of those who were part of the soccer club when it began are now bringing their kids, helping make it an increasingly vibrant environment, Eammon having been a part of the club since its inception in 2010 and expecting his two daughters will eventually become involved there.
Inverloch Cricket Club committee member Mitch Woods is equally excited about funding being secured for the planned new facility.
“In the last three or four years we’ve had a big growth in our female participation; we’ve got a women’s side that’s been fairly successful but unfortunately we haven’t been able to play here because of the lack of facilities,” he said, explaining that the modern building will be a lot more inclusive.
It is sure to encourage further participation in both cricket and soccer.
