Better facilities opened at Hume Reserve

GENDER-neutral changerooms and a new fit-for-purpose pavilion for the Corio and Geelong Galaxy soccer clubs have been officially opened.

The City of Greater Geelong provided $3 million towards the project at Hume Reserve, Bell Park, along with the state government’s $250,000 contribution through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s 2020-21 World Game Facilities Fund.

The modular buildings were constructed by local company Rendine Constructions at their Moolap base, before being transferred to and installed at the reserve.

The new changerooms will support the clubs as they continue to grow their membership and will cater for a surge in women and girls taking up the sport.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence, City of Greater Geelong councillors Eddy Kontelj, Anthony Aitken, Kylie Grzybek and Peter Murrihy, and Lara MP John Eren officially opened the upgraded facilities on Saturday.

Cr Kontelj said the project made Hume Reserve a place where everyone could feel safe and comfortable.

“After working with Corio Soccer Club on this project for many years, I’m extremely pleased and proud to see the project finally completed. It’s fantastic for the northern suburbs of Geelong and the world game.

“We need to have the facilities to accommodate the growth in soccer in Greater Geelong, particularly in relation to the women’s game.

“The pavilion and changerooms will also help in encouraging young people to participate in the sport and recruiting more quality talent to these clubs’ sides in what is a very competitive local environment.”

Mr Eren was delighted with the Hume Reserve developments.

“The World Game Facilities Fund is getting it done for the Corio Soccer Club, providing more opportunities for passionate football fans to play the sport they love,” he said.

“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get active and lead healthy lifestyles.

“Well done to Mario Gregorio and the team at Corio for working hard to see this project come to fruition, and I’m proud to have been able to work alongside the club to achieve this great community asset.”