Buchan Recreation Reserve’s new multi-million-dollar community pavilion and sporting changerooms have officially opened, delivering modern facilities that will serve the region for generations to come.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester joined the Buchan community on Sunday to celebrate the completion of the major redevelopment, which has transformed the reserve into a safer, more welcoming and more functional hub for local sport and community activities.
Mr Chester praised local firm Cadbuild Constructions for delivering the impressive project.
“The old facilities were outdated, unfit for purpose and unsafe for athletes, particularly the changerooms and netball and tennis courts,” Mr Chester said.
“Cadbuild Constructions has delivered a fantastic facility which will be a welcome surprise for any footballer or netballer familiar with the old wooden Buchan changerooms.
“The new pavilion and changerooms provide modern, multi-purpose facilities that will support local sport, community events and visitors for many years to come.”
Mr Chester said the completion of the redevelopment was a credit to the persistence of the Buchan community, following years of advocacy and setbacks.
“We might have had to fight for funding every step of the way, but the major upgrade of these facilities is a Buchan beauty,” Mr Chester said.
“After initially missing out on Black Summer bushfire recovery funding a few years ago, we were able to convince all three levels of government to get behind a multi-million-dollar project to redevelop the netball courts and community pavilion.
“In total, more than $6 million was spent by the Shire, state and federal governments on a project that has been years in the making.
“Despite the initial false start, this is a great example of all levels of government listening to local people and understanding the importance of facilities that bring communities together, particularly in smaller and more remote towns.”
Mr Chester congratulated the volunteer committee members and community leaders who worked with all levels of government to bring the project to life.
“Well done to the volunteer committee members for their hard work, persistence and commitment to Buchan,” Mr Chester said.
“These are the types of practical, community-building projects that make a real difference in regional towns, and I’m proud to have supported the Buchan community in securing the investment it deserves.”
