A $750,000 revamp of the Marna Reserve Pavilion in Dromana is under way. The project includes disability access with new ramps and decking installed at the front of the pavilion, which is being co-funded by the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Department of Transport and Planning, which has allocated $350,000. There will also be additional storage facilities, and upgrades to existing toilet facilities, including one externally accessible toilet for people with disability.
Works on the shire-owned building on Pier St are expected to be completed by late next year. “I’m thrilled we are able to upgrade the pavilion at Marna Reserve,” mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said. “I hope our junior netballers, the Italian Seniors Social Club and the Dromana Community Garden Club will enjoy the new facilities. “Disability access is extremely important, particularly for a pavilion used by our seniors, and I’m sure the new toilet facilities and extra storage will be welcome.” The pavilion is also used by the Dromana Junior Netball Club and the Dromana Community Garden Club. The shire said, “We’re proud to be able to give our netball players and all users a fantastic new facility to enjoy”.
Mila Kellaway, secretary of the Italian Seniors Social Club Dromana, welcomed the upgrade, saying the facility “has become the symbol of our community life, especially for those who live alone”. “The hall provides an essential outlet and creates opportunities for people to leave their homes and a unique power to bring people out of isolation to reduce loneliness and provide structure to their routine particularly among our community group,” she said.
The dedicated space is used for their fortnightly social get-togethers for card games and bocce competitions, an ancient and popular Italian sport.
Kellaway said the pavilion has also hosted their annual Australia Day barbecue social events, Italian Republic Day festival and other celebrations “bringing together diverse groups of people for shared experiences”. “By hosting such events the sports hall becomes a vibrant hub for community life allowing people to connect outside the context of regular sports activity,” she said.
First published in the Mornington News – 3 December 2024
