Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Glen Waverley electorate sporting facilities

John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (19:19): (720) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Community Sport, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me at the local sports facilities in the Glen Waverley district that received funding in the latest budget. The Glen Waverley district is proudly home to excellent sporting clubs supported by quality community sporting infrastructure. We know, as the sporting capital of the nation, just how important sport is to bringing our community together and giving opportunities in participation and growth. Not only does it allow people to be the best versions of themselves and learn valuable lessons such as leadership and teamwork, but it also provides a significant benefit to Victoria’s economy.

Major events, a key driver of the state’s economy, which include numerous sporting events, contributed some $37.8 billion of tourism spending in 2023, and recognising this potential, in the 2024–25 budget the Allan Labor government made two excellent investments in community sport in the Glen Waverley district. Five hundred thousand dollars of funding has been announced for the delivery of a new pavilion at Brandon Park Reserve, home to the proud Mazenod Football Club and the Mulgrave Wheelers Hill Cricket Club. This reserve is used as a local community hub all year round. With a soccer pitch, cricket oval and basketball and netball rings, this widely used facility will greatly benefit from the rebuilding of the existing pavilion. I am also pleased to place on record how proud I am to see the terrific rise in women’s and girls’ participation in local sport, with both Mazenod Football Club and Mulgrave Wheelers Hill Cricket Club hosting terrific women’s sports pathways.

In further positive news for our community the Allan Labor government is investing $300,000 for the resurfacing of the Central Reserve south oval in Glen Waverley. The Mazenod Old Collegians Football Club and the Mazenod Panthers All Ability Football Club both play AFL at Central Reserve, and I know just how excited they are that their home ground will be receiving an upgrade. The Old Collegians have an excellent football program in place, with boys and girls teams for both juniors and seniors, and the Panthers do an incredible job in providing an opportunity for people with an intellectual disability to compete and participate in sport.

I am proud to be part of the Allan Labor government, which supports inclusion, diversity and opportunities for all through our investment in community sport. I know what a difference these upgrades will make for my community, and I thank the minister and her team for their hard work. I look forward to the minister’s response, and I hope she can join me at Brandon Park Reserve and Central Reserve south to celebrate these upcoming upgrades.