Ash Bolt
South Barwon Cricket Club will benefit from a $1.6 million upgrade to its facilities if Labor wins next month’s federal election.
Corio MP Richard Marles and Corangamite MP Libby Coker both visited South Barwon Reserve on Tuesday morning to announce the election commitment.
The $1.6 million upgrade will allow the club’s ageing facilities be upgraded to cater for the grwth of the club, particularly in its junior and women’s programs.
A new modular pavilion will provide necessary amenities for the club as well as house community groups for events and social gathering.
The pavilion will provide unisex facilities and developed to provide comfortable, private and safe environments for all genders, as well as kitchen facilities, which will allow Indians in Geelong to continue its food relief work at the site.
“Labor recognises the importance of community connection through sport,” Mr Marles said.
“The joining of South Barwon Cricket Club and the Indians in Geelong Inc. is a perfect match. This will allow the clubs to grow their membership and for the Indian community to build on the generous food relief service they provided during the pandemic.”
Ms Coker added the upgrade was much needed to cater for population growth in Geelong’s southern suburbs.
“The region is undergoing rapid population growth, where major community infrastructure is needed to create liveable and connected communities,” she said.
South Barwon Cricket Club president Simon Breuer welcomed the commitment.
“South Barwon Cricket Club is delighted to receive this support from [Corio MP] Richard Marles and [Corangamite MP] Libby Coker, as it is a recognition of the needs and growth of our club over the past ten years, particularly in terms of our Women’s and junior programs,” he said.
“We are strategically located to continue our growth in both number and stature, with an upgraded road network next to the club, we are at the gateway to the Armstrong Creek community.
“Our plan of building contemporary and inclusive facilities will enable us to accommodate the needs of current and future members.
“A big part of our plans has been a partnership with the Indians of Geelong who share our love for cricket and will utilise the facilities year round to support their cricket and cultural programs.”
