Three Craigieburn sporting clubs are calling on the candidates for the Federal seat of McEwen to commit to replacing the ageing pavilion at DS Aitken Reserve.
The pavilion was built almost 50 years ago, when the population of Craigieburn was less than 5000 people.
The Craigieburn cricket, football and superules clubs want the current pavilion replaced with a more modern building that accommodates their growing member base.
Craigieburn Cricket Club president Gerard Laffan said the ageing pavilion did not meet modern requirements as it is unable to adequately accommodate female players.
He said the pavilion was built at a time when the clubs had about 100 male members, while these days, the clubs have male and female members spanning about 1000 local families.
“We do get comments from our members regarding the conditions of the DS Aitken buildings, and that the newer areas in Craigieburn have such great venues that look so modern and functional, meeting up-to-date building standards and regulations,” Mr Laffan said.
Hume council has allocated $1.4 million in its 2016-17 budget to upgrade the pavilion, but would rather the building be replaced.
Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou said the building bursts at the seams every football, cricket or superules game.
She said the council believes the pavilion needs to be replaced so new change rooms can be built, as well as first aid rooms and better office space.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and Liberal candidate for McEwen Chris Jermyn did not respond to Star Weekly’s questions before deadline.
