Thursday, 31 October 2019

Ms WARD: Congratulations to the North Eltham Wanderers Cricket Club on their fantastic new clubrooms. Just after tea during the Barclay Shield match against Diamond Creek Cricket Club, former mayor Michael Young and I were given a tour of the pavilion, including fabulous change rooms, a great kitchen and bar and the wonderful view of the oval. With 150 players, members, sponsors and supporters present, president Brian Stieg spoke of the journey going as far back as 2005, with concept plans drawn in 2012 and meetings with Nillumbik council in 2013. I was lucky enough to secure a $2 million election commitment in 2014 for the club and the Eltham Redbacks to build two new pavilions. Since then, Brian has steadfastly worked with me, the local council and the department to realise the club’s dream of a fit-for-purpose pavilion where you can actually see the game underway. I thank the Wanderers, especially Brian, Nillumbik council, the department and the Andrews government for helping build this terrific pavilion—and now enjoy cricket on it!