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Opening of new multi-use pavilion at Apex Park in Traralgon by Chris Buckingham from Latrobe Valley Authority

It's peak season at one of Latrobe City's most utilised sporting venues following the opening of a new pavilion at Traralgon's Apex Park.

By news@gippsland - 24th March 2022 - Back to News

The multi-use pavilion, featuring four change rooms, umpires' room, first-aid space and a drinking fountain, was opened today by Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan and Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Chris Buckingham. A full-scale refurbishment of the existing pavilion was also undertaken, including a new kitchen, carpets and security shutters, a fresh coat of paint and upgrades to the bathroom.

LVA CEO Chris Buckingham and Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan at the recently upgraded facilities at Apex Park, Traralgon

Boost for sporting clubs

The works come as a boost for a large cast of user groups, including:

• Pax Hill Junior Football Club
• Police Boys Junior Football Club
• Centrals Cricket Club who call the ground home

They will also improve facilities for game day preparation, attracting and hosting events and allow for canteen use at home games.

Recreation infrastructure upgrades

Former Pax Hill JFC President Sefton Stoddart said the new amenities were already being put to good use. "From a Police Boys JFC point of view, it is fantastic to have these great new facilities, upgrades and amenities at our disposal at Apex Park. They are a massive boost to all user groups' club profiles," he said.

"The modern, versatile change room layout means that every team, both home and visiting, are well accommodated for, with male and female amenities catering for everyone. The new umpires change rooms and medical room mean we are now a fully equipped, stand-alone facility and new stadium lighting has given us greater flexibility to play and train. All in all, Apex Park is now a topclass junior sporting venue and one we are extremely proud to be a part of."

These projects created work for local contractors including Kingbuilt, which led the design and construction of the new pavilion, while Rebuild took the lead on the refurbishment of the existing pavilion. The pavilion projects were co-funded by $872,628 from the state government and Latrobe City Council, adding to a long list of recreation infrastructure upgrades delivered in tandem.

Increased capacity for events

Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan said, "This new pavilion is a much-needed facility for Apex Park, which is now better equipped than ever to host a long list of sporting clubs and more than a thousand players, officials and juniors who call it home."

"These facilities will increase the capacity for events and carnivals to be held at the ground and ensure our community has access to the amenities they need to flourish." Cr Callaghan said.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Baw Baw community gathers for first-ever lighting of towering eight-metre Christmas tree on 5 December 2025
  The community is invited to the first lighting of an eight-metre Christmas tree in Civic Park on 5 December, with festivities, live music, and safety reminders for attendees.
• Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
  Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces.
• Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
  Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Darren Chester celebrates completion of $2M Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment ahead of grand final
  Darren Chester welcomed the $2 million Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering modern facilities, improved amenities, and new courts, officially opening September 6 as the community hosts its first grand final in 25 years.
• Victoria leaders tour proposed Hastings terminal highlighting region’s central role in offshore wind future
  Regional leaders toured the proposed Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal, highlighting its crucial role in Victoria’s offshore wind strategy and clean-energy transition, with industry, government and communities collaborating for regional benefits.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• Venus Bay’s Eric Collier joins 2026 CMAA Senior Course, supported by a Sound NSW Scholarship
  From January 5-16, 29 emerging artists from Australia, New Zealand, and the US will attend the 2026 CMA Academy Senior Course in Tamworth, gaining mentorship, skills, and career development.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.