CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms COKER (Corangamite) (10:11): Community and sporting infrastructure build strong connections, resilience and community identity, and this much-needed infrastructure often starts with community advocacy. That's how it all began for the upgrade of the Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve. Tomorrow I will be at the reserve, at this much-loved community facility, officially opening its next chapter.
The Albanese Labor government has invested $750,000 into this reserve, including new lighting and upgrades to the clubrooms, with support from the City of Greater Geelong. For junior footballers and cricketers, that means safer modern facilities and opportunities for evening training. The memorial reserve is part of the history of Ocean Grove.
It is where the Grubbers began, and it has been part of generations of local sporting communities. I want to acknowledge Jan Farrell and local advocates who have worked tirelessly for almost a decade to help make this project happen. What was once a dark, unwelcoming space is now a fit-for-purpose facility with upgraded change rooms for women and more access for community use.
We see the same community spirit at the Drysdale Sports Precinct. Stage 2 of this $14.5 million project is now underway, delivering a new pavilion, soccer pitch, LED lighting and facilities for families, players and the community. I want to acknowledge Paul Rawson from the Drysdale Soccer Club.
Paul has been a strong advocate, and the club has been so patient as the process has unfolded over almost a decade. When Paul joined the club in 2009, there were around 35 members. Today there are 350 members and 29 teams.
This growth reflects volunteers who believed in their club and kept pushing for better facilities. Then there is the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre. This is a $40 million project jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments that will deliver indoor pools, a gym, group fitness spaces and accessible facilities alongside the 50-metre outdoor pool.
Behind that investment is another local advocate. I want to thank Gina Bell. I remember Gina standing with me at a community forum I convened in 2019.
She was passionate and determined and stood with both the state member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant, and I as we pushed to make stage 2, including an indoor pool, a reality. These projects are a reminder that good community infrastructure starts with people who deeply care about the place they live. Our job as government is to listen to these voices, work with communities and make the investments that turn those ideas into reality.
That's the work of the Albanese government. As the local MP, I am proud to fight and deliver for communities right across the Bellarine, Surf Coast and broader Geelong region.