Late last year I attended the upgrade of lights at two local sporting grounds, giving more residents the opportunity to be more active.
We invest in local sporting facilities to give everybody the chance to get moving and connect in safe and top-class surrounds. Many local sporting clubs have benefitted from upgrades to ovals, pavilions, scoreboards and light towers.
In November we celebrated the upgrade of lights at George Andrews Reserve. The $812,000 project was completed with a $200,000 grant from the Victorian Government and saw the main pitch lighting upgraded to 500 lux. The upgrade brings the soccer ground up to professional competition and broadcast standard.
On the same day we celebrated the upgrade of lighting on Oval 4 at Greaves Reserve. Oval 4 is home to the South East Titans Rugby Club and these new lights will allow them to train longer, getting the most out of their tenancy at this ground. This project cost $535,000 and was completed with a $250,000 grant from the Victorian Government.
I am proud of the investment we make in our sporting grounds and grassroots sporting clubs across Greater Dandenong. Each club creates a place for connection and gives local families a chance to participate in something they love.
Another way to connect is through community events and festivals. Dandenong West hosted the Hidden Gem Festival and Market on November 22–23 last year. The weekend event drew large crowds to the Hemmings Street precinct, giving us the chance to show off what a unique and vibrant community we are. Local artists and musicians featured alongside nationally acclaimed talent, and crowds loved it. I hope it returns again in the future.
If you would like to talk to me about local issues please contact me via email at Jim.Memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 0434 560 239.