The Stribling Reserve Pavilions Redevelopment – featuring a new community pavilion and netball pavilion – is the jewel in the crown of an innovative partnership between Lorne community members, the Australian Government and Surf Coast Shire Council.
The $6.635 million redevelopment project – officially opened on 14 April – featured in the Stribling Reserve Masterplan 2017, created by Lorne locals and Council. The community-Council partnership led to the redevelopment, while a Lorne community contribution of $500,000 has highlighted the local importance of the project according to Stribling Reserve Community Asset Committee Chair Peter Spring.
“The community has not compromised on the desired outcomes and has demonstrated its commitment to the project by fundraising over $500,000, to make this an invaluable gathering space in the heart of town, accessible to all,” Mr Spring said.
Mr Spring said the project was a result of updating the masterplan for Stribling Reserve in 2017.
“The message from the Lorne community then was that the main pavilion at Stribling Reserve should be a multipurpose community facility; a hub for the community, and that’s what we’ve delivered,” he said.
“The community pavilion will accommodate up to 200 people for wide-ranging community activities including daily use by Lorne P-12 College during school hours. Because of the design, the main space can be divided into three individual spaces, each with their own presentation facilities, offering flexible use by the community.”
The Stribling Reserve Pavilions Redevelopment project consisted of the construction of a new netball pavilion – opened in April 2021 – and an upgrade to the main pavilion, now named the Stribling Reserve Community Pavilion. The latter includes a second level with northern entry, community spaces, bar, commercial kitchen, presentation and conferencing facilities, and new public toilets.
Lorne Ward Councillor Gary Allen said Stribling Reserve is a great example of how the Surf Coast Shire can achieve one of its goals of fostering a thriving, connected, healthy community.
“The two pavilions are going to provide more opportunities for the community to participate in activities that bring people together,” Cr Allen said.
“From Lorne Football Netball Club players and supporters, to the local men’s shed, to the neighbouring Lorne P-12 College staff and students – a range of people from our wider community are going to use this space for social connection. Well done to the Lorne community for taking a lead role in this project, and for the incredible fundraising efforts.”
Mayor Libby Stapleton was pleased another Council goal – to protect the environment – was supported through the project.
“The main pavilion build includes recycled materials in the surrounding decking, the walkways and outdoor furniture,” she said. “It shows the community – and sets a standard for future major capital projects – that materials should continue to be reused wherever possible.”
The new and upgraded pavilions follow other improvements at the reserve, including resurfacing the oval, resurfacing the netball courts and adding spectator booths, a new electronic scoreboard, and upgraded light towers.
Surf Coast Shire Council contributed $3.274 million to the pavilions project, including underwriting the $500,000 community contribution that was successfully raised.
Council acknowledges contributions of $3.274 million from the Australian Government through its Building Better Regions fund, and $86,061 from the Victorian Government through its Sustainable Infrastructure Fund.
