WORKS on Assumption College Kilmore’s Neale Daniher Community and Sports Pavilion are continuing to move ahead despite recent extreme weather and COVID-19 lockdowns.
Construction of the new $5 million state-of-the-art building began earlier this year with a sod-turning ceremony attended by former student Neale Daniher in March.
A concrete foundation and walls have been constructed at the site, with work now beginning on a second floor.
College principal Kate Fogarty said the college community was excited to see progress on the building.
“In just a short time the architectural design and drawings have come to life and are no longer a strategic vision on a piece of paper,” Ms Fogarty said.
“Our community will now be able to get a real sense of just how this wonderful structure will be a big part of the community once complete. The views alone from the second floor of the pavilion are just spectacular.”
Ms Fogarty said the building, when complete, would benefit not only Assumption College but the wider Kilmore region.
“It has been a community-first approach to both the design and technology of the Neale Daniher Community and Sports Pavilion,” she said.
“This premier facility is one that can be utilized by local groups, service clubs, primary schools, community groups and local industries. When complete, our Old Collegians, friends and businesses will be able to meet together for functions, social occasions and reunions.
“Once complete, the pavilion will include a hall of excellence, change and visitor rooms, grandstand, umpire spaces, multipurpose communal area, function centre seating 200 people, warm up spaces, equipment storage facilities as well as having plaques telling Daniher’s story.”
Mr Daniher is one of the college’s most famous alumni. He played football for Essendon before going on to coach Melbourne, but is best known for his efforts to raise money to fight motor neurone disease, MND, with which he was diagnosed in 2014.
Ms Fogarty said people could etch their own history into the building by purchasing custom-designed pavers that would line the pathway to the pavilion. The pavers cost $250 each.
“Our community also has the opportunity to purchase a named stadium chair for the cost of $1000 each. These would be another great and permanent symbol of gratitude and a positive and long lasting record of support for your community,” she said.
The pavilion will serve as a premier sports facility and a space for community occasions once complete. The building is on track to open in late October 2021 as part of the school’s RURBAN Festival.
For more information about paver and seating purchases or donations, people can visit assumption.vic.edu.au. Donations are fully tax deductible.
