Marles and Coker pledge $1.6m for South Barwon Reserve facility

CORIO Labor federal member Richard Marles and Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker have made a $1.6 million commitment to improve facilities at South Barwon Reserve for the benefit of tenant sporting clubs and the wider community.

The facilities at the reserve on Barwon Heads Road have served the community well, with the South Barwon Cricket Club being established more than 70 years ago, but they are in need of renewal.

A new modular pavilion will provide necessary amenities for sporting clubs as well as house community groups for events and social gatherings.

The pavilion will provide unisex facilities and comfortable, private and safe environments for all genders.

South Barwon Cricket Club, located near the growth area of Armstrong Creek, has also experienced large growth, especially in the junior and women’s teams and is the home for many regional finals, disability cricket carnivals and school sports days.

The club also prides itself on being a community hub and has established a joint agreement with Indians in Geelong Inc, an organisation which is also passionate about cricket and community.

The new facilities will create a home for the Indians in Geelong cricket teams and provide kitchen facilities to continue their food relief work.
Mr Marles and Ms Coker made the joint commitment earlier this week.

“Labor recognises the importance of community connection through sport,” Mr Marles said. “The joining of South Barwon Cricket Club and the Indians in Geelong Inc. is a perfect match. This will allow the clubs to grow their membership and for the Indian community to build on the generous food relief service they provided during the pandemic.”

South Barwon Cricket Club president Simon Breuer said his club was delighted to receive the support from the Labor MPs, as it was recognition of the needs and growth of the club over the past 10 years, particularly in terms of its women’s and junior programs.

“We are strategically located to continue our growth in both number and stature, with an upgraded road network next to the club, we are at the gateway to the Armstrong Creek community.

“Our plan of building contemporary and inclusive facilities will enable us to accommodate the needs of current and future members.

“A big part of our plans has been a partnership with the Indians of Geelong who share our love for cricket and will use the facilities year round to support their cricket and cultural programs.”

Sunny Dhaliwal said Indians in Geelong Inc was grateful to Mr Marles and Ms Coker for extending their support to Geelong’s Indian community and pledging a new shared facility for them.

“The new facility will provide us a home and infrastructure to continue our Food Relief Program, community welfare activities and promote the game of cricket among the Indian families of Geelong.

“We are looking forward to working together to achieve our goal of happier and healthier communities with stronger cultural harmony.”