Community
2 June, 2023
Doggies have their day
PANMURE Recreation Reserve is set to undergo vital upgrades after taking home $100,000 in funding in last week’s Victorian budget.
Labor Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora visited the reserve last week to formally announce the funding, which had been pledged as an election commitment in 2022.
Ms Ermacora said the funding would provide a boost for the Panmure Bulldogs Football Netball Club and the Allansford-Panmure Cricket Club, as both clubs use the facility.
“This is a thriving, active hub which is important to the community and districts in and around Panmure,” she said.
“It’s important clubs have good facilities so they can provide a great sporting and social experience for members and community members alike.
“Sport is not only important for health but it’s important socially, and often a football netball club is the centre of a local community and a base from which a lot of other initiatives emerge.
“It’s very important to deliver this funding, particularly for the leaders of these clubs who have initiated so much positivity.”
The untethered funding will allow the cash to be spent as needed.
Panmure Football Netball Club president Phil Mahony said no formal plans had been made but the redevelopment of the kitchen and canteen area would be prioritised.
The relocation of the on-site playground and improved access to the facility with a new ramp and stairs could also be delivered.
“Our plans are still unfolding but we have a few things we’re looking at,” Mr Mahony said.
“Kitchen renovations is a key one to improve the access and so forth as the kitchen is an important part of the club with teas on Thursday and Saturday nights.
“We’re keen to get that as good as we can.”
Mr Mahony said the funding was a welcome addition after the reserve had struggled with flooding in recent years. “We’re extremely happy,” he said.
“These sorts of things don’t come that often, and we didn’t particularly request anything, so to have the funding offered is great.
“We’ve had some trouble with the floods so we’ve got quite a few things to be done there.”
During the visit Ms Ermacora received a walkthrough of the areas which had been most heavily impacted by flooding events over the last 12 years.
The grounds sustained damage in October 2022 and early 2011 due to the swelling of the neighbouring Mt Emu Creek, and was also threated by flooding in September 2016.
“Having a look around, it’s clear the river has an effect on the current facilities,” Ms Ermacora said.
“Even if it’s only once every 10 years, that still takes a fair amount of damage.
“The club members are hoping these upgrades can provide not only the facility this community deserves, but also provide mitigation works.”
