Local football, cricket and more at Pinks Reserve can enjoy a new home advantage thanks to the completion of the two-storey sports pavilion at the popular Kilsyth sporting hub.
Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Sonja Terpstra joined representatives from Yarra Ranges Council and local clubs to officially open the new Gary Tait pavilion, one of several recent upgrades at the reserve supported by a $10.5 million investment from the Allan Labor Government’s Local Sports Grants initiative.
With grassroots sports back in full swing, the new pavilion provides the perfect base for home clubs like the Kilsyth Football and Cricket Clubs to host the big events, expand on their junior and female teams, and take grassroots sport to the next level.
The Gary Tait pavilion has four female friendly change rooms, two umpires’ change rooms, social room, as well as a first aid room, gymnasium facilities, a kiosk, and storage areas.
The first floor features a community social room with views of Pinks Reserve, a large semi-commercial kitchen and servery, a terrace, scorer rooms for each oval and there’s also undercover spectator viewing areas.
It’s not just local sports that benefit, nearby schools and community groups will also be able to use the pavilion for meetings and events.
Other Government backed developments at Pinks Reserve include the recently completed netball court covers, an upgrade to the lighting on the softball field and new softball batting cage, plus an extension of the Kilsyth Basketball Stadium featuring a new competition court. All reserve upgrades are expected to be completed in 2024.
The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.9 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade.
From playspace redevelopments to court upgrades, investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
Sonja Terpstra MP acknowledged Yarra Ranges Council for its contribution towards all the Pinks Reserve upgrades as well as the Kilsyth Football Club and Kilsyth Cricket Club for their contribution towards the pavilion.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Sonja Terpstra
“Kilsyth’s Pinks Reserve is the area’s major hub for all things sport, and it’s important that locals have modern and accessible sporting facilities so people can get out and get active.
“More accessible change rooms and spaces mean even more locals, especially women and girls, no longer have to get changed in the back of the car when it comes to participating in local sports.”
“The new pavilion is a big win for local sport and the community, providing a great new base for Kilsyth locals to get together, host the big events, cheer on their favourite teams, and participate in the sports they love.”