Sport and community combine for bright future at Wendouree West Recreation Reserve

The Wendouree West Recreation Reserve is set to become a hive of activity after the official opening of the Strengthening Wendouree Community Recreation Precinct Project.

The $10.185 million facility was officially unveiled on Wednesday, with Community Sport Minister Ros Spence and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, joining the City of Ballarat Mayor, Councillors and officers on a tour of the site.

The State Government contributed $7 million towards the project through its Local Sports Grant Program, the Federal Government contributed $1.3 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund and the City of Ballarat contributed $1.885 million.

The newly created facilities included:

A new sports pavilion with female-friendly change rooms that will meet Football Victoria standards for senior football competition.

Community Spaces for the Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre, Ballarat YMCA Youth Programs and a community kitchen

A New Men’s Shed and ReCranked Shed (an initiative to restore old bikes)

A street soccer zone

This followed on from previously completed components of the project, which included development of three soccer pitches with new turf surfaces, full drainage and irrigation, LED lighting, a synthetic cricket wicket between two pitches and new coaches' boxes.

The new skate park and BMX facilities were also opened in December, 2021.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the facilities would benefit a wide range of sporting and community groups, including the Forest Rangers Soccer Club, North Ballarat Cricket Club, YMCA, Men’s Shed and Wendouree Neighbourhood House.

“High quality sporting facilities are so important to Ballarat, but this project goes that step further and will have an enormously positive impact that will extend even further beyond the sporting field,” Cr Hudson said.

“It truly will become a neighbourhood centre that will represent a great step forward for the Wendouree West community.

“I’d like to extend our thanks to the Federal and State Governments for such a vital and substantial investment towards this project.”

Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King said the project showed brilliant collaboration.

“I’m delighted that the Australian Government has provided $1.3 million to make this vital project a reality,” Ms King said.

“It’s a great example of three levels of Government working together to deliver better outcomes for the Wendouree community.”

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the new facilities would help local clubs attract new members and participants.

“With grassroots winter sports back and growing in participation, more than ever clubs like the Rangers need quality facilities they can depend on,” Ms Spence said.

“These new facilities will go a long way to inspiring more locals to join in the fun at the local football or cricket club."

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said she was thrilled to see the completed project.

“I am so proud to see the Wendouree West Recreation Reserve plans come to life,” Ms Addison said.

“This transformative project delivers on our commitment to provide the world class facilities the Wendouree community deserve.”