On Tuesday the 3rd of Aug
ust, Forest Hill College was delighted to play host to the Minister for Sport and Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino, and Local Member Kirstie Marshall. After an extensive tour of the College and its facilities, Minister Merlino took the opportunity to announce that the Brumby Labour Government will provide the College with $235,000 for a synthetic surface on the school oval. Staff, students and parents in attendance were delighted and truly thrilled with the news.
The idea grew from a parent approaching Kirstie Marshall in the street regarding opportunities for the community to exercise. This simple thought has brought us to this point, with funding being awarded from the Government and the promise of brand new facilities for the College and the wider community. The official announcement on Tuesday was the result of hard work and collaboration between the College and Kirstie Marshall’s office and will create an amazing recreational space from which the College and the wider community may benefit.
Ms. Marshall congratulated the College for its initiative in developing the project, adding that the Forest Hill community as a whole was a big winner with this grant. The finished pitch will eventually offer members of the College and the community the chance to benefit from more active lifestyles. Mr. Merlino took the time to talk to some College students about the sports they enjoying playing and quickly realised that this funding will be put to very good use by all students.
The next step is to begin begin the process of drawing up ideas and plans in conjunction with staff, students and parents. We are looking forward to seeing this exciting opportunity become a reality.
Minister James Merlino with College students and representatives
Not to be cynical, but isn’t this a bit of a waste of resources? Given the East Burwood Reserve athletic track is, what, a kilometre away, and there’s a wealth of other sporting facilities in the local area. Dare one say pork-barrelling for this very marginal Labor seat leading into the state election?
Thank-you for taking the time to share your concerns with us. We at the College are simply grateful at the prospect of improved sporting facilities for our students, as well as anticipating the opportunity to share our grounds with the wider community.