Pascoe Vale electorate
Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (14:46): (613) My constituency question is for the Minister for Community Sport. How will the Victorian Labor government’s $1.25 million dollar investment to upgrade Cole Reserve support recreational outcomes through Coburg Districts Football Club? Originally formed in 1951 and known as the Batman Football Club, playing out of a tin shed at Cole Reserve, the club was largely built off the back of the workers from the old Lincoln Mills factory on Gaffney Street in North Coburg. Becoming known as Coburg Districts in 1981, over its 73-year history the club has gone from strength to strength, with much to be proud of both on and off the pitch. Now home to around 400 players and a dozen teams made up of men, women, boys and girls, the club was recognised by AFL Victoria in 2019 as one of the most inclusive clubs in the state. That is why I was so proud to have secured the $1.25 million for the club to support drainage and flood proofing infrastructure and lighting upgrades, allowing even more opportunities for people, including women and girls, to participate. I was very pleased to attend the club president’s luncheon in June 2023 to commend the president of 36 years Allan Chandler, his wife Helen, co-president Dale Hough, vice-presidents Anthony Caccamo, Graeme Scoberg and Brad Nyman, and Dean Leeds.