The Hon. Justin Madden to launch Violet Town Bowls Club lighting upgrade
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. Justin Madden, will "flick the switch" on the Violet Town Bowls Club Lighting Upgrade project on Monday 20 November at 8.30pm. The opening was meant to be held on 9 November but with the availability of the Minister, Violet Town Bowls Club have rescheduled.
In December 2004 Strathbogie Shire Council applied for funding under the State Government - Minor Facilities 2005/2006 Community Facilities Funding Program to undertake a lighting upgrade that would enable the Club to run a more extensive bowls program as well as provide a safer environment for its patrons.
Due to the efforts of the Project Manager and the Club's substantial voluntary labour contribution, the project was achieved for less than the anticipated budget and accordingly, contributions have been amended (on a pro-rata basis) as follows:-
Strathbogie Shire Council received a State Government contribution - $12,064 (project came in under budget so SRV allocation of $16,086 reduced on a pro-rata basis). The Violet Town Bowls Club contribution was $5,585 equivalent in-kind plus approximately $2,000 financial contribution. The total project cost was $22,709.
A highlight of the project has been the significant amount of voluntary labour undertaken by Club members. Approximately 233 hours of voluntary labour were undertaken by Club members, amounting to the equivalent of $5,585. This is a great effort by a small club that currently has an ageing membership. The Club has also made a financial contribution of almost $2,000 to the project.
Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Robyn Machin said, "It is anticipated that upgraded lighting will act as an attractant for increased participation and membership levels. The new lighting will allow the Club to offer a wider range of bowling activities at night, outside the heat of the day, resulting in increased usage of the facility and an enhanced ability to attract new membership by being more able to meet the needs of users."
The management of the project involved a successful partnership between the Club's nominated Project Manager, Mr Roly Holmes and Council's Grants Co-ordinator, Ms Jodi Bjorksten who worked together to ensure the project was completed in a timely manner in accordance with the project's specified scope of works. All statutory requirements were adhered to throughout the project.
The Club's Committee is already investigating the proposition of entering a Men's Pennant team in the Benalla Night Competition which comprises teams from across the region including Euroa, Benalla, Wangaratta and Swanpool. A night tournament is also planned in November 2006. Both these events could not possibly have taken place while the old lighting was in place as it was not of a sufficiently safe and adequate standard.
3 November 2006 ENDS
For more information: Marli Kelly on 0409 410 178
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