Wednesday, 3 May 2023

JT Gray Reserve

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (09:39): I was pleased last week to officially open the newly built facilities at the JT Gray Reserve along with Hobsons Bay City Council mayor Cr Tony Briffa. The upgrade of the pavilion will see new female-friendly and accessible change rooms, storage for each club and three new social spaces. It was really touching that the family of JT Gray were there with us, and in fact they described it as a family reunion, coming from all parts of Victoria to be there.

Captain James Taylor Gray was a Williamstown local. He was a talented sportsman and served as the president of both the Williamstown Football Club and the Newport cricket club. He was a decorated officer in the Australian Imperial Force, was a founding member of the Williamstown RSL and served as a councillor for 37 years, including four terms as mayor of Williamstown City Council. He was a real stalwart of Williamstown, so it was a great day to enjoy with Barnstoneworth United Football Club, Williamstown Soccer Club, St Johns cricket club and the Williamstown Congs cricket club, who will all benefit from this amazing investment for decades to come. The Labor government’s investment in this project is through the Victorian Asia Cup 2015 Legacy Fund, and we saw on Thursday that this boost is making a real difference for communities like Williamstown in providing facilities that help inspire more people to play.