Support fund for city’s youth

YOUNG people will continue to benefit from Eastwood Leisure Complex with the establishment of a $150,000 fund by the Ballarat Foundation.

The Eastwood Leisure Complex Fund has recently been created after the facility’s committee ceased operations at the end of last year.

Remaining funds from the Eastwood Leisure Complex Committee were used to start the fund.

It followed the committee returning management of the facility to the City of Ballarat after supporting residents and young people for more than 80 years.

Former Eastwood Leisure Complex Committee chair Mark Valentine said the fund demonstrated their desire to offer a lasting contribution to the community.

“For more than 80 years, Eastwood has been a place where people have come together to learn, connect and grow,” Valentine said.

“As the committee’s chapter comes to a close, we wanted to ensure the resources entrusted to us continue to benefit the community.

“Establishing this fund creates a lasting legacy that will support young people and help strengthen Ballarat for generations to come.”

Ballarat Foundation chief executive officer Andrew Eales welcomed the creation of the fund.

“The Eastwood Leisure Complex has played an important role in the social fabric of Ballarat since its beginnings as the Ballarat Youth Centre in 1945,” Eales said.

“We are honoured to partner with the committee to establish this permanent fund, ensuring Eastwood’s legacy lives on through ongoing investment in opportunities and support for local young people.

“This is a powerful example of community leadership creating benefits that will be felt for generations.”

The fund will be held in perpetuity. Annual investment returns would be directed towards initiatives for young people experiencing disadvantage in the city, ensuring the centre’s commitment to supporting local youth continued into the future.