The Andrews Labor Government is ramping up its support for community sport providing grants for new community facilities in Dandenong.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, today announced that Waratah Reserve, home to Doveton Soccer Club, scored $250,000 towards lighting upgrades, including the installation of four poles with LED lighting, upgrades to cabling and power supply to light up the main pitch at Waratah Reserve in Eumemmerring.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 provided an additional $88 million to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations.

This includes continuing the flagship Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, game-changing Female Friendly Facilities Fund and the popular Country Football and Netball Program.

Since 2014, the Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure.

It’s backed by the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, a Government initiative to ensure women and girls get equal access to community sport facilities across the state.

Initiatives like these are about levelling the playing field, creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

A 2020 report by KPMG commissioned by Sport and Recreation Victoria put an annual value of $7 billion on the economic, social and health benefits of community sport and active recreation infrastructure in Victoria. For more information about the Fund and grant recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au

Ms Williams acknowledged City of Casey for its commitment and financial contribution to the project. For more information about the Fund and successful projects visit sport.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams

“Congratulations to Doveton Soccer Club – this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people, young and old, keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.“

“It’s a great example of how the Andrews Labor Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”