Thursday, 19 March 2026

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Victims, Minister for Racing) (10:14): I am pleased to follow my friend the member for Pascoe Vale, particularly in discussing the world game with Heidelberg United at Olympic Park, an $8 million investment from the Labor government and some $10 million from Banyule City Council. We opened our new facilities there, the extension of those facilities down at Olympic Park. They will also benefit the Olympic Colts cricket club. The ‘scary pavilion’, as it was known in the past, has been redeveloped. It is a fantastic redevelopment at Olympic Park. We have got lights, we have got sporting grounds, we have got great facilities for families and I just want to say, for some 570 players at Heidelberg United football club and Olympic Colts cricket club, this is really accessible not just for the clubs but for the sporting precinct and families generally across West Heidelberg, Preston and our northern suburbs. As a former resident of West Heidelberg, living off the back of Liberty Parade, in Goodenough Court, just at the back of Heidelberg United’s ground, to hear the roar of the crowd – some 3000 people who go and watch Heidelberg United on a regular basis. To the president, Steve Tsalikidis, for the work that he has done in his leadership to get this project done, effectively an $18.5 million redevelopment of Olympic Park in my Ivanhoe electorate. Great teamwork from Banyule council and from our government that has redeveloped and rejuvenated this facility that is really at the heart of our community. I want to thank the clubs, the volunteers that make it happen and wish them every success.