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Stephenson Park gets modern upgrade with $2.54M contribution funding from Wellington Shire council, sporting clubs and community

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye yesterday opened a $2.54 million redevelopment of Stephenson Park Recreation Reserve in Sale.

By news@gippsland - 21st October 2022 - Back to News

The redevelopment provides sports participants at Stephenson Park with accessible facilities including new female friendly changerooms, umpires rooms, social rooms, first aid, canteen and toilets. Cr Bye said the project would allow greater sports participation by people of all abilities in a variety of sports. Stephenson Park is the home to Sale City Football Netball Club, Sale Baseball Club, Sale and District Touch Football and Longford Cricket Club, as well as the Sale Umpires Association.

L - R, Kevin Arbuthnot from Sale Rangers Baseball Club, Pete Perillo and Keith Pritchard from Sale Umpires Association, Brian Castles from the John Leslie Foundation, Mr Tom McIntosh Member for Eastern Victorian Region, Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye, Laurie Smyth from Sale Touch Football Association, Lachlan Floyd from Longford Cricket Club and Michael and Louise Clapton from Sale City Football/Netball Club

Physically and mentally fit

Cr Bye said, "The wellbeing of our community is a key priority for council, and we want to encourage everyone to be able to play or participate in sports. It's not only a great way to stay fit both physically and mentally, but also a fantastic social outlet which gets people involved in their local communities."

"Unfortunately, the old facilities here did not cater very well to women and were long overdue to be brought into the 21st Century. These new, modern facilities are a lot more inviting and welcoming to all people and will allow for better participation by players, umpires, officials and spectators."

Boosting female participation

Minister for Community Sport, The Hon Ros Spence said "By investing in more inclusive change rooms and bathrooms, we're helping to boost female participation in community sport."

"The Andrews Labor Government is making sport more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all, and particularly the growing number of women and girls playing sport." Mr Spence said.

Wellington Shire Council provided $1.4 million for the project, Sport and Recreation Victoria $800,000, with a generous contribution of $250,000 from the John Leslie Foundation and a $50,000 community contribution from the user groups.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com