• Chirnside Park Hub redevelopment opens in Werribee
• AFL to utilise the new hub for new North Melbourne participation programs
• Coalition Government invested $3.25 million toward the project
A major sporting facility that will support Australian Rules participation programs run by the North Melbourne Football Club at Chirnside Park in Werribee, was officially opened by Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the Coalition Government provided $3.25 million towards the $11.75 million Chirnside Park Hub redevelopment project.
“This is a fantastic new hub that will encourage the next generation of footy stars through development programs for junior, multicultural and female participants,” Dr McVeigh said.
“I am proud to be part of a Government which is committed to supporting projects like this to encourage people to maintain active and healthy lifestyles.
“Importantly, this project also created more than 90 construction and ongoing jobs which means more families spending more and investing more; driving more jobs and confidence in the local community.”
Federal Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie said the state-of-the-art new sports precinct provides fans, players and visitors with major new facilities for supporting and participating in the national game.
“The Coalition recognises the importance of getting more Australians more active, more often,” Minister McKenzie said.
“It’s not just a way to stay healthy, but it’s a good investment too. For every $1 invested in Australian sport and physical activity there is an estimated $7 return to the economy.
“This hub builds on that foundation. It will support North Melbourne community programs aimed at engaging with developing children, women, people with disabilities and multicultural communities by focusing on education, social inclusion and capacity building.
“Works included replacing the existing pavilion with a new two-storey pavilion, and the construction of three grandstands.
“The grandstands feature 500 fixed seats with media platforms, 54 sealed car parking spaces and landscaping.”
Wyndham City Mayor Peter Maynard said he was excited to see the project finished and ready for the community to use.
“The Chirnside Park Hub redevelopment was a massive undertaking that saw the Australian, local and state governments, the Werribee Football Club, the AFL, and AFL Victoria all come together to turn a vision into reality,” Cr Maynard said.
“We now have a facility that will be a community meeting place we can be proud of for generations to come.”
The $11.75 million project was jointly funded by the Coalition Government ($3.25 million), the Victorian Government ($1.5 million), Wyndham City Council ($5.5 million), the Werribee Football Club ($1 million), the Australian Football League ($250,000), and the Australian Football League Victoria ($250,000).