Play all year round at the new and improved Sportlink!

The Sportlink redevelopment project is complete! Construction wrapped up in late February, and the revamped site will be ready for use this month.

The $8.6 million redevelopment was jointly funded by Whitehorse City Council and the Commonwealth Government’s Community Development Grants program, from which Council received $1.5 million.

One of the highlights of this project is the new roof that has been constructed over the outdoor courts and spectator seating, transforming the space into an all-weather venue (see image). The outdoor courts have also been upgraded with an acrylic surface, providing better traction, as well as new and improved lighting.

“Sportlink is used and loved by the community and many sporting groups. These upgrades will allow for extended hours of play and will enhance the experience for both players and spectators,” said Terrara Ward Councillor Raylene Carr.

“The renewed courts can accommodate a wide range of sports and activities from basketball, netball, skating and even roller sports.”

Smarter Living

Join Whitehorse and Manningham City Councils in the Smarter Living events between now and November.

Other key elements of the redevelopment include:

▪ Landscaping works

▪ Improved drainage

▪ Environmentally sustainable design elements, including 300 solar panels on the stadium roof and rainwater harvesting

▪ Upgraded emergency management infrastructure inside the facility

▪ Sealing of the gravel car park next to Livingstone Primary School

The redevelopment of Sportlink supports Council’s Recreation Strategy 2015-2024 and Whitehorse Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025.

Try out the new outdoor courts with some friends or your sporting group by making a booking on the Sportlink website, or by calling (03) 9847 7111. You can also book out the indoor courts and multi-purpose rooms.

L More information: www.sportlink.org.au/ sportlinkredevelopment

Construction of the new pavilion at Heatherdale Reserve is complete!

This project involved demolishing the previous pavilion, which had reached the end of its useful life and no longer met the needs of tenant clubs, Heatherdale Cricket Club and Heathmont Jets Junior Football Club.

The renewed pavilion has the following features:

▪ A multi-purpose room

▪ A kitchen

▪ Multiple change rooms

▪ More amenities

The new space has a number of Environmentally Sustainable Design features, such as double glazed external windows, a rainwater harvesting tank for toilet flushing and recycled bricks.

“This highly anticipated pavilion will be a huge benefit to tenant clubs but the wider community. We hope that the clubrooms will be used by community groups, who can utilise the expandable multi-purpose social area week days during school times,” said Deputy Mayor Prue Cutts, who represents Simpson Ward.

“We’re also excited that the new amenities will cater for greater female participation in sport, and are a significant improvement on what was there previously.” This approximately $5.1 million project was jointly funded by Council ($2.9 million), the Commonwealth Government ($2 million) and Sport and Recreation Victoria ($200,000).

Council is seeking feedback on the name of the new pavilion. Have your say at the link below. Feedback closes on 12 March.

L More information: yoursay.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/heatherdale-reserve

Sunday 5 March was Clean Up Australia Day.

Did you participate in a clean up event?

The Smarter Living program focuses on delivering workshops throughout the year that highlight simple, low waste living. Events feature thrifty living experts, change makers, gardeners and foodies sharing their stories, practical advice and secrets to smarter living.

We’d love to see your photos! Send a photo of how you participated this year to greenercity@ whitehorse.vic.gov.au to go in the draw to win a $100 Biome gift voucher.

L More information: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/smarterliving