Vicki Ward, MLA for Eltham

The Andrews Labor Government will deliver $7.7 million in grants for community infrastructure projects across Nillumbik Shire through its Growing Suburbs Fund, according to a media release.

Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz joined Eltham MLA Vicki Ward and Yan Yean MLA Danielle Green to announce a $2.8 million grant to upgrade the Diamond Valley Netball Club Pavilion. The media release said:

“The new pavilion will include a large multipurpose social room, kitchen/canteen, administration office, dedicated accessible change rooms for both umpires and players, site-wide unisex facilities and storage areas.

“It will be able to host education programs for school children and local organisations, as well as provide social rooms for use during the week.

“Nillumbik Shire Council contributed $200,000 to the $3.1 million project, with the Diamond Creek Netball Association contributing $80,000.

Other GSF funded projects in Nillumbik to be delivered under the latest round include:

$2.5 million toward the $30.1 million Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre Redevelopment
$1.2 million to improve pedestrian connections in Diamond Creek
$800,000 for the Eltham Central Precinct Community Sports Hub
$416,000 million to the Marngrook Oval Pavilion Development.
Funding comes from the Labor Government’s $150 million GSF, which aims to improve the amenity, liveability and resilience of communities in Victoria’s 10 interface councils on Melbourne’s fringe.

The latest Growing Suburbs Fund round will deliver $48.1 million for 40 projects across outer Melbourne.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz

“The new pavilion is a game changer for the netballers of Diamond Creek – we know it’s important and we’re getting it done.”

“The Growing Suburbs Fund is delivering much needed community infrastructure to Melbourne’s outer suburbs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward

“We have a shortage of basketball facilities in the north east – this important funding will be a great help. The DBVA, along with Cr Grant Brooker, Danielle Green and myself have run a strong campaign to secure this funding. We’ve certainly scored in our community thanks to the Growing Suburbs Fund!”

Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

“Vicki Ward and I have worked very hard with our local community to secure this funding. For too long netballers and their umpires have had to get changed in a disused shower cubicle. We’re thrilled this will no longer be the case.”