Michael Sukkar MP

Ringwood sport shines bright with opening of Coopersmith Pavilion

• The new $2.748 million Coopersmith Pavilion opens today in Ringwood

• Facility delivers modern facilities to support sporting activities and associated functions

• The Coalition Government invested $500,000

The East Ringwood sporting community celebrated the opening of the new $2.748 million Coopersmith Pavilion today with the new dedicated building providing modern amenities to support local sports.

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the new pavilion would give local sporting associations the first class facilities they need to thrive including multiple change rooms, a gym, fully functional kitchen and social facilities and a new dedicated first-aid room.

“The pavilion is an excellent example of this Government investing in regional communities to deliver the infrastructure they want and need,” Minister Nash said.

“I aim to build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren want to either stay in or come back to, and providing first class sporting facilities does just that.”

Federal Member for Deakin Michael Sukkar who attended today’s opening, said the project is an example of how the Australian Government is promoting health and wellbeing within communities.

“The pavilion will play a pivotal role in increasing participation in junior sports and will provide a place to call home for local clubs such as the East Ringwood Football and Cricket Clubs and the Chin Community Victoria,” Mr Sukkar said.

“This is a community venture through and through with the Coopersmith Pavilion named after Brian Coopersmith, who has contributed his time for over 35-years to support community charities and sports, and is a lifetime member of the East Ringwood Football Club.”

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the East Ringwood Cricket Club in particular has experienced strong growth recently and have been able to field multiple teams at all levels of the club.

“The pavilion will become the heart of the club with a viewing deck, multipurpose rooms and a kiosk, to allow you to enjoy a day at the cricket” Ms Pulford said.

Maroondah City Council Mayor Tony Dib said this is a very successful project for the Maroondah community, with the Chin Community Victoria and local football and cricket enthusiasts looking forward to using the new facilities.

“The East Ringwood Cricket Club was established in 1926 and has been the backbone of the community with many local functions held at the clubrooms over the years,” Cr Dib said.

This project was jointly funded by the Coaltion Government ($500,000), the Victorian Government ($500,000), Maroondah City Council ($1.548 million) and a $200,000 donation from a private benefactor.

Media Contacts
For Minister Nash:  Whil Prendergast       0427 672 815
For Mr Sukkar:         Joshua Bonney            03 9874 1711
For Ms Pulford:        Tom Whitty                   0488 084 717
For Cr Dib:                                                            03 9298 4329