Multi-Purpose Centre Keeping Daylesford Community Fit

Mr Brumby visited the $1.6 million multi-purpose indoor sports stadium at Daylesford Secondary College with Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino and Member for Ballarat East Geoff Howard today, touring the facilities and meeting students from the school.

“The recreation centre is an impressive addition to Daylesford and will no doubt be valued by the community for years to come,” Mr Brumby said.

“These modern facilities, which cater for netball, basketball and volleyball just to name a few sports this community plays, enables local residents and students of the secondary college to get active and stay fit and healthy.”

Mr Brumby said outside of school hours the recreation centre would be opened-up to the wider Daylesford community and people from surrounding districts, so they could also benefit from the centre’s facilities.

“The ARC features an indoor double-court sports stadium able to host a variety of sports, so we will see local leagues also playing out of this facility,” he said.

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said the Brumby Government had provided $900,000 for the centre, which was the largest covered display space in the area, making it suitable for various events and conferences.

“Improvements to local sports facilities and investment in projects that deliver benefits to local communities are a Brumby Government priority,” Mr Merlino said.

“We are committed to developing high quality, accessible community sport and recreation facilities across the state that encouraging more Victorians to lead healthy and active lifestyles, which is what our Go for your life campaign is all about.”

Ballarat East MP Geoff Howard said the ARC was a great result for the Daylesford community.

“The local community have shown great commitment and worked hard to make this indoor recreation centre a reality,” Mr Howard said. “This project is a fantastic reflection of what can be achieved when we all work together to benefit the local community.”

Daylesford Secondary College also received $3 million in this year’s State Budget to embark on a major capital upgrade to modernise the school’s facilities.

Mr Brumby said the upgrade would include four new classrooms, a technology suite, student lounge, art room and staff administration and conference areas.

“Daylesford Secondary College already has strong links with the local community with its ARC and this $3 million upgrade will further enhance the school’s status as a hub for the local community,” he said. “The upgrade is great news for the staff, students and community.”