Tuesday, 30 April 2024

James Bathe Community and Sports Hub

Emma VULIN (Pakenham) (19:21): (620) My adjournment is for the Minister for Community Sport, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me to visit James Bathe reserve in Pakenham. This sports and community facility was funded through contributions of over $513,000 from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund 2018–19 and $500,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund in 2017–18, along with funding from Cardinia Shire Council. It is a significant place for me personally, as this was where scrutineering occurred for the 2022 election, and the car park in particular was where I found out that I had won the seat of Pakenham.

This facility opened in 2021 during the pandemic and was used firstly as a vaccination centre. Now it is coming into its own as a multi-use sporting club. Aussie rules footy, netball and cricket clubs are now calling this venue home. The reserve is now operating with a full schedule of activities and has two ovals, two netball courts and a playground with integrated skate areas. The site also has multipurpose cricket practice nets and a multi-use ball court. Inside the pavilion there are three community spaces, three meeting rooms and a social space with a community kitchen, plus for game days a canteen, change rooms, universally accessible amenities and umpires rooms. I look forward to visiting the sports precinct with the minister.