Hoppers’ home gets massive boost

SPORTING clubs at Rokewood are getting a new community hub as part of a huge grant from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Announced by Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, last Friday, the project is part of the largest grant ever given to Golden Plains Shire.

The project is set to see Rokewood Recreation Reserve receive updated facilities and a new pavilion with an overall expected cost of $3.96 million, with $442,000 contributed by Golden Plains Shire.

President of the Rokewood Corindhap Football Netball Club, Addy Walton, said he’s overwhelmed by the amount of money.

“You’re never sure exactly what you’re going to get from a government grant, but it’s more than we expected,” he said.

Mr Walton said the club is looking to demolish the current change rooms in favour of new ones more fitting with modern standards and guidelines.

“We’re probably 70 or 80 years behind where guidelines need to be,” he said.

Other planned improvements include a larger social room, better staging, kitchen and bar upgrades and a new marquee.

“Instead of us spending money on maintaining and fixing things up, we’ll be able to spend it on brand new stuff and get it going,” Mr Walton said.

While not currently the local state member, Ms Settle said the community hub will ensure the club continues to benefit the whole region.

“What’s fascinating about this club is that it doesn’t just serve Rokewood,” she said. “We need the whole of the Shire to be providing for their community, not just small spots.”

With money also raised by the surrounding clubs, Mr Walton hopes the upgrades will facilitate a “hybrid model” between the club committee and Shire funding.

“I think the thing that the club and the community is really keen on is to make sure that it gets spent in the most efficient way,” he said

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said the centre is fully deserving of the funds, and that the upgrades will help to make Rokewood a central focus for the surrounding regions.

“The Rokewood Community Hub will deliver a first-class facility for local sporting clubs and communities of Rokewood and the centre of Golden Plains Shire,” he said.