Upwey Tecoma community recreational and sporting hub
I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Sport and Recreation in the other place. The action I seek is that the minister approve a Community Facilities Funding program major facilities application for the Upwey Tecoma community recreational and sporting hub (UTCRASH). I congratulate Yarra Ranges Shire Council and the councillors that have approved the application, including Councillor Maria McCarthy, seeking $500 000 for this very exciting project to replace a well-loved but updated pavilion, which includes portables acting as change rooms.
This is so much more than the average community sporting facility. Rather than catering for 2, 3 or 4 sporting clubs, this is a genuine whole-of-community project, with 25 member groups representing over 3000 local members and also benefiting some 1250 students and staff at schools in Upwey and Tecoma.
There is an impressive list of clubs and organisations that are involved and that will benefit: Upwey Tecoma Football and Netball Club; Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club; Upwey Tecoma Cricket Club; Upwey Tecoma Auskick; Il Shim Taekwondo International; Upwey Taekwondo and Self-Defence; Belgrave Probus Club; Sherbrooke U3A; Ranges Chess Club; Mountain Tigers Basketball Club; Sherbrooke Basketball Association; Upwey South Netball Club; Upwey South Tennis Club; Kidfest; Upwey High School; and Upwey Primary School.
UTCRASH has provided great leadership on this project through people such as Andrew Peterson and Andrew Fullager. They have done all they can to secure funding for this project. Indeed, they have secured funding from everywhere bar the state, which is the subject of this application. Yarra Ranges Shire Council has committed just over $1 million to this project. The federal government has confirmed $500 000 for this project. The Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group’s contribution is a $250 000 million.
Contributions from the clubs both in cash and in kind amount to $200 000. It is a $2.5 million project. The clubs are the organisations of UTCRASH are seeking $500 000. I have been proud to support and work closely with UTCRASH over a number of years. I have worked with principal Tom Daly at Upwey High School. This is a wonderful community project. Again I congratulate and thank the Yarra Ranges Shire Council. I call on the Minister for Sport and Recreation to approve this application for funding.