Friday, 28 April 2023
Williamstown soccer and cricket players have just scored a major goal thanks to the completion of the Victorian Government backed redevelopment of the JT Gray Reserve pavilion.
Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today joined Hobsons City Bay Mayor, Cr Antoinette Briffa, to officially open the new JT Gray pavilion, made possible by $650,000 from the Government’s Victorian Asian Cup 2015 Legacy Fund.
One of the more popular reserves in Williamstown, JT Gray Reserve is home to several clubs including Barnstoneworth United Football Club, Barnstoneworth United Junior Football Club, Williamstown Soccer Club, Williamstown Congs Cricket Club and St Johns Cricket Club.
The new pavilion offers eight female friendly and accessible change rooms, two referee rooms, three community meeting spaces, two kitchens and two canteens, an undercover viewing area, car parking and new toilets for spectators and players.
The new spaces provide more room for local clubs to host more than 1,200 members that depend on the reserve’s nine soccer and four cricket pitches for training, development and games.
And it’s not just the clubs that benefit, with local community groups able to access the pavilion for gatherings and celebrations.
The success of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup exceeded all expectations with the $2 million windfall making a difference for communities like Williamstown, providing facilities that help inspire more people to play the world game.
JT Gray Reserve is just one of 11 soccer venues across the state to have benefited from the Victorian Asian Cup 2015 Legacy Fund.
Program funds also delivered a new drainage system at Betula Reserve in the City of Casey, installation of new lighting at Newhaven Reserve in Bass Coast Shire, and construction of a new natural turf and a synthetic pitch at Painted Hills Recreation Reserve in the City of Whittlesea.
The government’s investment in the pavilion is part of more than $1.6 billion kicked into community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Melissa Horne MP acknowledged Hobsons Bay City Council for its investment of more than $5 million in the project.
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“It’s fantastic to see the legacy of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup live on long after the final whistle.”
“Local sport clubs are the breeding ground for our next generation of sporting champions. They deserve modern and safe facilities they can be proud of.”
“This is all about giving back to the community – delivering more facilities for our Victorian soccer teams like Barnstoneworth United Football, Barnstoneworth United Junior Football and Williamstown Soccer Club, so they can encourage more locals to get out on the pitch.”
Ends.
Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
