Gippsland Times |Rosedale Recreation Reserve's pavilion was officially opened on Thursday.
The $912,340 pavilion includes player and umpire change rooms, showers, adjoining amenities, a first aid room, a time keeper's box, toilets and a redeveloped kiosk and community room.
The facility replaces outdated buildings at the reserve which were struggling to cope with more than 400 members of the local football, netball and cricket clubs, ranging from senior netballers to growing participants in local Auskick and In2Cricket programs.
Works took place in two stages, beginning with the full construction of a new clubhouse, and once complete, the previous clubhouse was modified into change rooms.
The facility complements the existing two ovals and two netball courts at the reserve and provides local clubs the ideal base to host more training and competitions, including finals.
Nearby Rosedale Primary School and the wider community, including groups such as the Rosedale Men's Shed, will also be able to access the new facilities to stage bigger and better sports events, as well as community functions and celebrations.
Representing Sports Minister John Eren, Parliamentary Secretary Danielle Green joined Wellington Shire mayor Carolyn Crossley and members of the Rosedale Football-Netball Club and Rosedale-Kilmany Cricket Club to officially open the new facility.
Ms Green said sport and recreation clubs were the lifeblood of communities.
"We love our sports, and quality facilities like these ensure communities can continue to participate in them," she said.
Cr Crossley congratulated those involved in making the project a reality, saying the facility would benefit the wider community.
"These club rooms aren't just used for changing and serving sandwiches, hot dogs and beer," she said.
Reserve committee of management president Paul McDonough thanked the state government for its $327,032 contribution.
"These facilities cannot be built without that contribution.
"That was the cornerstone in getting it off the ground," he said.
Mr McDonough also acknowledged council's work and funding of $535,308, and community members who contributed a total of $50,000.
"For a small community that was a fantastic effort," he said.
"These facilities, for a small community, are very, very important."