Sporting pledge

By Jade Lawton
A COALITION Government would chip in $200,000 towards a major upgrade for Officer Recreation Reserve, La Trobe MP Jason Wood announced this week.
Mr Wood, who has also promised funds for Beaconsfield and Berwick Football Clubs, said the funds would go towards a pavilion for the reserve’s new oval.
Mr Wood said funding sporting clubs eased the pressure on fund-raising.
“An election of a Coalition Government means $200,000 to the Officer Recreation Reserve committee of management,” he said.
“I can guarantee you this – by the next election, those facilities would be up and running. I also challenge my Labor counterpart to match funding to Officer, Berwick and Beaconsfield.”
Rob Porter, chairman of the reserve’s committee of management, said the funds would be a major boost to the 20-plus football and cricket teams that played at the reserve.
“This club is a family club and I can’t thank you enough for your support,” he said.
Cardinia Shire Council has also committed $200,000 towards the pavilion, which will include changerooms, a canteen and umpires room.