Victorian Premier John Brumby today pledged up to $1.5 million to the VAFA for the refurbishment of Elsternwick Park, the home of Australias oldest and largest community football competition.
The funding, part of the Victorian Governments $112 million for grassroots and elite sports, is a massive boon for the VAFA, which is seeking to turn Elsternwick Park into a community football showpiece.
The Brumby Government commitment will ensure new amenities for players, spectators and umpires, VAFA President Bruno Conti said.
The VAFA is extremely grateful for the promise of funds. Elsternwick has been our home for forty years but its facilities no longer meet the demands and expectations of amateur football and the wider community that uses our facility.
Our facilities are utilised by many organisations outside of the VAFA for cricket, for junior, school and girls football and the new works at Elsternwick Park will benefit all.
Without the generosity of the Brumby Government, an Elsternwick renovation would have remained a long-term dream rather than a short-term reality.
We will continue to seek support from the Australian Government, the Bayside Council and the Australian Football League and will soon launch a broader appeal to ensure that a visit to Elsternwick Park is a rewarding experience for participants and spectators alike Conti said.
