Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell joined Minister for Health and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas last week to tour rejuvenated areas in Lancefield following last year’s floods.
The federal and state governments have supported Victorian communities to restore recreation areas and facilities damaged by last year’s floods through the $11.8 million Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which 125 voluntary committees of management have received assistance through.
Under the program, recipients use the funding to restore significant community gathering places and tourist destinations including halls, caravan parks and multi-use recreation reserves.
Among the recipients were the committees of management for Lancefield Mechanics Institute and Library and Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve.
With $6998 in funding, Lancefield Mechanics Institute was able to repair and reinstate its all-abilities toilet and roof.
Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve used $91,325.23 to repair and reinstate the playground, walking track, road and equestrian area at Lancefield Park.
“Seeing the tangible results of this collaborative funding highlights how much can be done when federal and state governments work hand in hand,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The resilience of our community during times of disaster has been proven over and over again, and I am more than proud to be able to promote recovery initiatives that restore the community assets that play such a huge part in the recovery journey.”
Ms Thomas congratulated both committees of management for the excellent work they have done in restoring the well-treasured Lancefield community centres.
“These volunteer committees have made an extraordinary contribution to their local communities as they have worked to reinstate these well-loved places,” she said.
“This important funding ensured the hardest hit communities from last year’s floods were able to recover as quickly as possible.”
The October 2022 floods were one of the worst Victorian flood disasters on record and caused significant damage across 64 of Victoria’s 79 local government areas, affecting multiple community spaces and assets.