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Latrobe City Council wins 2023 Victorian Sport Award Local government Initiative for its regional sports partnership that focuses on table tennis

Latrobe City Council received the Bunnings Trade Local Government Initiative of the Year Award at the 2023 Victorian Sport Awards for its pioneering partnership promoting regional sports, particularly as the Home of Table Tennis.

By news@gippsland - 28th June 2024 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council has been honoured by winning the Bunnings Trade Local Government Initiative of the Year Award at the 2023 Victorian Sport Awards, recognising a groundbreaking partnership and commitment to sports development in regional Victoria as the Home of Table Tennis. The Victorian Sport Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements in Victorian sport and active recreation throughout the 2023 calendar year.

The Victorian Sport Awards celebrates Victoria's sporting achievements, honoring athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and initiatives that promote active lifestyles across the state

Historic sports agreement signed

Latrobe City Council staff, Destination Gippsland's David Elder, and Table Tennis Victoria (TTV) staff, CEO, and board members attended the awards night on Wednesday 12 June at Marvel Stadium. In a historic first for regional Victoria, Latrobe City Council signed an eight-year partnership agreement with Table Tennis Victoria and Destination Gippsland to host the Victorian Country Championships and Victorian Open Championships in Traralgon, until the end of 2030.

This long-term investment has not only brought significant sporting events to the region but has also fostered economic growth and community engagement. Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said this partnership will attract national competitions, increase community sports participation, and foster pathways from local clubs through to the elite level.

"Latrobe City continues to maintain our status as a hub for major events. Latrobe City is home to many state-of-the-art sporting facilities, catering to all levels of competition. Our status as the regional sports hub for southeast Victoria provides a pathway for promising young local athletes to elite sport across Australia," said the Mayor.

Events boost economy

Cr Le Serve added, "These events showcase the region and our impressive sporting facilities to a wider audience of attendees, bringing over $400,000 annually into the local economy. By visiting and supporting local accommodation, dining and business, the benefits can be seen across the entire community."

"We want to extend our thanks to the incredible Events Team at Latrobe City Council, who continually secure these fantastic events. We also want to thank the volunteers, without which these events would not be possible. We hope that through this partnership, these events become permanent fixtures on our sporting calendar," said Cr Le Serve.

This Victorian Sport Award serves as a significant milestone in Latrobe City Council's ongoing efforts to enhance the region's sporting landscape. To learn more about the Victorian Sports Awards and view the 2023 livestream, visit the Victorian Sports Awards website.

Pictures from Table Tennis Victoria Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com