Sport

28 January, 2025

Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion secures $1.5 million funding boost for upgrades

After years of unsuccessful applications and unfulfilled election promises, Deledio Reserve has finally secured $1.5 million of federal funds to build their long-awaited new pavilion in Dunolly.

By Jonathan Peck

The recent boost comes from the Growing Regions Program which states the grant will replace the existing pavilion with a new facility including female-friendly player and umpire change rooms, a kitchen and canteen, a first aid room and rainwater harvesting infrastructure.

The grant is a needed addition to the project, which will combine with the State Government’s $1 million injection from the Regional Community Sport and Infra-structure Fund approved in July.

The state application also included a $1.5 million co-contribution from Central Goldfields Shire Council through future borrowings, however, according to a council meeting report in September, the newest grant reduces that borrowing to $500,000.

“We extend our thanks to the Federal Government for the $1.5 million in funding to deliver a brand new, modular-build, multi-use pavilion that will benefit the whole community,” Central Goldfields Shire mayor Grace La Vella said.

“With the current facilities beyond useability — the local community has worked tirelessly for over two decades to get new clubrooms.

“We have been working closely with the Deledio Pavilion Reference Group to design the pavilion upgrade and apply for the grants needed to make this project a reality.

“We still await the outcome of our funding application to the Community Bank Maldon and District Community Grants Program.

“The new facility will complement the new netball and multi-use sports courts constructed in 2024.”

The news came with a lot of emotions for many in the community, including Deledio Sports Recreation Reserve committee member Sonya Richards-Stuart, who said she’s relieved to see over 20 years of planning and determination come to roost.

“It’s a big relief because there were so many [projects] that missed out on that funding and we were really relieved to get it,” she said.

“I’ve seen lots of plans and this is the closest we have ever come and it’s going to happen, we are just hoping we get the facilities the community needs.

“We have been waiting for 20 years for a better building and we think it’s our turn.

“The old building should be demolished, it’s got asbestos and termites, the slab is cracked and it’s not fit for purpose.

“I would like to thank the whole team from the Central Goldfields Shire including Liesbeth Long, the politicians who have come on board and all the committees in Dunolly who have been working really hard on this.”

The latest injection brings the project budget up to $3 million.

While Richards-Stuart is delighted to see the wheels finally turn in the right direction, she is concerned the current budget is insufficient to ensure the new facility can be a community hub for Dunolly.

“We still probably could have a bit of a shortfall though, initially the original plan was in excess of $5 million so this comes short of what our original plan was,” she said.

“If we need to do it in stages we will try and lobby for more grants if we need to.

“Our biggest concern is that we can run social events and the community can use it for functions and community events.

“The football club recently held celebrations and we couldn’t have it at Deledio Reserve because we just didn’t have the seating capacity.

“It’s not just going to benefit Dunolly but the greater community — it’s all the clubs that come in, all the other groups that can run things there, we can host bigger things like the Great Victorian Bike Ride or festivals.”

The hopes of a $5 million budget were supported by an election promise in May 2022 from Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster.

Webster said the Coalition Government would invest $3.6 million to the project if re-elected, which failed to materialise.

Remaining passionate about the project, Webster said she will continue to work hard to bring more money for the pavilion.

“While I am thrilled for the local community that Deledio Reserve is at last receiving investment, I had promised a great deal more for the Dunolly community, had the Coalition Government been returned at the last election,” she said.

“The project has been scaled-back to its new format and I am engaging with the local community on how we build a truly long-lasting, appropriate facility for the community.”

Share: