Donaldson Park concept plans officially launched

Published on 22 February 2018

Federal Member for Murray the Hon Damian Drum MP has officially launched the concept plans for a new purpose-built sporting and community complex in Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park.

The new complex will replace the facility’s three ageing pavilions and will include social rooms (with seating for up to 150 people), new kitchen, meeting room, kiosk, bar, office, change rooms and trainers’ and first aid room.

The building will also meet sustainability guidelines, including installation of solar panels and battery storage (reducing future running costs) as well as sustainable water practices.

Speaking at the launch on 20 February, Mr Drum said it was great to see the whole community come together to create a complex that would facilitate a range of organisations in Wedderburn and surrounding towns.

“The majority of the smaller communities within my electorate of Murray use their local football/netball clubs rooms for meetings, functions and of course a range of sports. The concept plans are a good start to getting improved facilities for the community and it has been an absolute privilege launching them in behalf of the community,” Mr Drum said.

Loddon Shire Mayor Councillor Cheryl McKinnon welcomed the launch of the concept plans and said she looked forward to the next steps in the project.

“On behalf of Loddon Shire Council, I’d like to thank the Hon Damian Drum for launching the concept plans of this important project for our community,” Cr McKinnon said.

“As we know, sporting activities are often the lifeblood of rural shires such as ours, providing vital opportunities for residents to connect and interact.

“Donaldson Park is a key focal point of community life in Wedderburn, and is the home of the town’s football, netball, hockey and harness racing clubs.

“In addition to making the Shire a more attractive place to live and instilling community pride, the project will enable more community, sporting and regional functions to be held at the facility, encouraging greater community interaction,” Cr McKinnon added.

A feasibility study for the project was completed in 2016 and adopted by Council. Funding options for the project were enhanced with the launch in Bendigo in September of the AFL Central Victoria Strategic Plan (Facilities).

The project is being led by the eight-member Donaldson Park Redevelopment Committee, which comprises representatives of the park committee, Council and user groups.

The community fundraising campaign has also been launched through the Australian Sports Foundation to help raise money towards the project. The foundation is a Federal Government body that raises money for Australian sport.

You can make a tax deductible donation to the Donaldson Park Redevelopment project through the Australian Sports Foundation at https://asf.org.au/projects/donaldson-park-reserve-committee-of-management.