Outdoor stage ready for anything

BUNINYONG’S De Soza Park is now set up to cater for all-weather events.

Automatic blinds, made by Bartlett, have been installed around the reserve’s stage to provide protection from wind and rain.

A project of the Buninyong Mount Helen Lions Club, it was coordinated by member David Page, with equal funding contributed by the club, Community Bank Buninyong, and the City of Ballarat.

“We feel that the park needs to be used more, and with blinds like this, the stage can be,” Mr Page said.

“Alongside the carols and the National Road Cycling Championships, it can be used by the community for things like birthday parties.

“When you are next in the park, have a look at this new asset for our town.”

Bartlett salesperson Simon Thompson said the blinds were locally manufactured in a heritage colour and are all motorised.

“They cut out a lot of wind, and stop rain from blowing right through, so it creates a room people can use outdoors,” he said.

“Bartlett’s always been a family-owned local business, and we love to be part of these projects that help out the community.”

Mr Page said the new blinds also decrease health and safety risks for the Lions Club’s ageing membership, who previously needed to set up tarps for the annual community Christmas carols in the park.

“Permanent blinds were necessary to alleviate this problem,” he said.

Community Bank Buninyong chair Ian Corcoran said the updated stage has come from a “true collaboration.”

“Working with the Lions and the City of Ballarat speaks to our purpose of building community,” he said.

“We’ve invested in a community structure that will be well-used by the community, so it supports everything we’re trying to do.”