Gippsland › Latest news › Baw Baw Local News
Darnum and Nilma local sporting community celebrate the opening of the female friendly sports pavilion
Members of Darnum and Nilma's local sporting community gathered at the Darnum Recreation Reserve on Saturday to celebrate the official opening of the female friendly sports pavilion.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney, together with State Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP, marked the official opening with a ribbon cutting in the company of councillors, Project Reference Group members, Nilma Darnum Netball Club players and community members.
Mayor Michael Leaney speaking at the official opening held at the Darnum Recreation Reserve on Saturday 2nd April
Project funding
The $900,000 project was jointly funded by the state government and Baw Baw Shire Council, with the state contributing $500,000 towards the project through the 2019/20 Female Friendly Sports Fund and council contributing the $400,000 balance from its 19/20 Capital Works program.
Throughout the planning and delivery of this project, the council worked closely with the Project Reference Group that included representatives of the local community, the Darnum Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and the Nilma Darnum Football and Netball Club.
Significant upgrades
Vice President of Darnum Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and secretary for Nilma Darnum Football and Netball Club, Trish Price spoke of what this project meant for the club. "The girls couldn't be happier that we now have somewhere to change, our own toilets and showers which is a far cry from the old tin shed. Our female AFL umpires are also elated by the new facility as they no longer have to change in the old secretaries' box.
"I thank all involved in making this happen, in particular Baw Baw Shire Council for their contribution along with their assistance in helping us gain the Victorian government's grant. We feel so lucky to be standing in front of these amazing facilities". Ms Price said.
Mayor Michael Leaney, Vice President of Darnum Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and secretary for Nilma Darnum Football and Netball Club, Trish Price and State Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP
Upgrades for better functions
This upgraded pavilion provides a highly functional space that includes:
- Private facilities for both teams
- Umpire change room and meeting space
- Administration office and kitchenette
- First aid room with ambulance parking
- Store room
- Accessible toilet and baby change room
The pavilion is also fitted with 39 solar panels, new hot water units and septic tank system. The new pavilion replaces the previous existing shed that lacked separate amenities for female players and umpires along with other non-compliant accessibility barriers.
Project works were completed by Warragul-based building company Farnham Built in late 2020, with the official opening repeatedly postponed as a result of Covid 19 disruptions. Council is continuously committed to advocating for female-friendly facilities throughout our Shire and particularly the smaller communities to ensure all members of our communities have equal access to facilities and that we work to remove barriers to female participation in sport.
Nilma Darnum Netball Club President Nikki Miriams, Gabby Paynter and Hayler Heatley
More space for the clubs
Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "I would like to acknowledge and thank all parties involved in bringing this much needed upgrade project to life. The female friendly sports pavilion replaces an outdated facility and creates a more inclusive space for Darnum and Nilma's sporting clubs."
"Projects like this make a world of difference for our smaller communities within the shire and I am thrilled to see the impact this is having on the local sporting groups and community members." Cr Leaney concluded.
Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: support@gippsland.com

Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on five key strategic plans to guide council's next four years by 3 August 2025

Forge Theatre ignites East Gippsland with comedy, music, storytelling and bold performances this winter season

Gippsland Water summer internship is now open, offering students practical experience from November 2025 to February 2026

Latrobe City Council 2025/26 Community Grants open to support local projects, social inclusion and events until 25 July 2025

Martin Cameron urges local groups to apply for 2025-2026 Community Food Relief Program Grants by 19 August 2025

Southern Rural Water seeks feedback on Hazelwood and Yallourn Coal Mines groundwater licence renewals until 7 August 2025

Bass Coast Shire Council endorses 50-year planning policy to protect unique landscapes, townships, and environment

Baw Baw Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 9 July 2025

East Gippsland Councillors to visit Mallacoota, Cann River and Genoa for Listening Tour on 22 July 2025
