Grant Pavilion upgrade kicking goals for clubs and community
Published on 31 August 2022
Grant Pavilion upgrade kicking goals for clubs and community Community connections will be front and centre at Surf Coast Football Club (SCFC), thanks to a Grant Pavilion upgrade that has delivered a new social space and grandstand.
The Surf Coast Shire Council project – funded by a $2 million contribution from the Victorian Government – will be officially opened in Torquay on Friday 2 September, much to the delight of SCFC. The club played a key role in the upgrade, working with Council to develop plans for the project, lobbying the state government for funding, and also pledging a $100,000 commitment itself.
Surf Coast Football Club President Brett King was full of praise for the finished project, which consists of the social room, elevated tiered seating overlooking the three pitches at Banyul Warri-Fields, a canteen, kitchen, administrative space and storage.
“We’ve just started using the pavilion,” he said. “We had a game on Saturday with 40 people seated in the grandstand, and another 30 standing at the back. There was great involvement from the fans, while we also had the clubrooms open and had kids playing in there while their parents watched the game. It was one of the best days the club’s been part of, particularly after the previous two years we had with COVID restrictions.”
Mr King highlighted the dedicated female change rooms, the roller door storage area that will save time for club volunteers, and the social space which will cater for the SCFC’s 500-plus member base as the most important improvements for the club.
“We’ve always had great playing facilities and now these clubrooms mean we have a great place to call home. We believe our club has a big role in growing social connections in the community, and this upgrade will help us fulfil that,” he said. “We can welcome our past players who can view their memorabilia and honour boards in the new social rooms, we can welcome more new members, and we can continue to see our current members connect with each other.
“It will also be great to have a space to host community functions and events, and welcome and entertain sponsors and VIPs.”
The project will also benefit other users in the Banyul Warri-Fields precinct, with two new change rooms, two new umpire rooms, two refurbished umpire rooms and four accessible toilets.
Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman was pleased to be representing the Victorian Government at the official opening.
“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering for our growing communities and making sure that everyone gets the chance to be involved in community sports,” he said.
“Whether it’s better grounds or making sure women and girls have dedicated change rooms, we’re backing our sporting clubs to grow their ranks and help more people play the sports they love.”
Surf Coast Shire Councillor Rose Hodge said the pavilion upgrade aligned with Council’s goal to foster a thriving, connected, healthy community.
“It’s been fabulous to see the return of local sport such as soccer, after a couple of COVID-impacted seasons,” she said.
“Social infrastructure and open spaces are vital in helping people make connections. It’s exciting to think of the benefits this upgraded pavilion will bring for years to come.”