Tuesday, 3 March 2020

Mentone Reserve

Mr RICHARDSON (Mordialloc) (19:19): (1959) The action I seek tonight is from the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. I ask him to visit St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Amateur Football Club’s and Mentone Cricket Club’s home at Brindisi Street in Mentone to see the completed redevelopment there that has been an investment by the state government and the City of Kingston council.

This is an amazing project at the home of the St Bedes/Mentone Tigers. This was of course part of Luke Beveridge’s progression through as coach. He took St Bedes from section C all the way through to section A and won three premierships in a row. The Western Bulldogs have taken him, and he has taken out another premiership as well.

These two clubs, St Bedes/Mentone and the Mentone Cricket Club, have an incredible history dating back well over 100 years. It was an absolute privilege and an honour to join the then opposition leader, now Premier, to announce $1 million towards this redevelopment. To see it in its finality now and to see the benefit it will provide to these clubs, who have been the heart and soul of our community for so many years, but also the surge in growth in women’s participation, in football and cricket—this will set up the pavilion, the precinct for years to come. It is an absolutely amazing showcase.

The minister was out to do the sod turn last year in April. We would love to get him back to have a look at the completed product and showcase not just in the City of Kingston but across Victoria partnerships between municipalities and the state government to deliver the very best outcomes for our community. I can think of no better project than what has happened at Mentone Reserve. That is the action I seek, and I commend the adjournment.