Tom Ingleton
A new $4 million investment from the federal Government promises to transform sport and community life in Kalkallo, with a new pavilion planned for Dwyer Street Reserve.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and senator for Victoria Jana Stewart, announced the funding at the Interfaith Sports Day on April 5, hosted at Kalkallo Recreation Reserve.
“This is fantastic news for our community in Kalkallo,” Mr Mitchell said.
“This investment will support our sporting clubs to keep up with the rising demand in these growth areas and the big increase in female participation.”
The new sports and community pavilion will include four sets of change rooms, trainer rooms, officials’ rooms, amenities, and storage.
It will also feature a fully functional kitchen and dedicated audio-visual facilities to support Harmony Week celebrations and other cultural events.
The announcement comes as local sporting clubs continue to thrive in a booming region.
Cricket and soccer are among the fastest-growing sports in the area, with young families moving into the northern growth corridor in large numbers.
“Cricket and soccer are hugely popular in our community and investment will provide the facilities our local community deserves,” Mr Mitchell said.
In a show of bipartisan recognition of the projects importance, opposition infrastructure spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie and Liberal candidate for McEwen Jason McClintock has also pledged $2.5 million towards the pavilion if the Coaltion is elected.
Hume council has already committed funding towards the project, with the federal government’s contribution set to cover the remaining cost.
The new pavilion is expected to become a central hub for Kalkallo, accommodating its rapidly expanding population and strengthening community cohesion through sport and cultural celebration.
