A major redevelopment of the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve and Community Hall is now complete, with the Sarsfield Community Association and East Gippsland Shire Council delivering a modern, multipurpose community facility and extensive upgrades that will serve the town for decades to come.

The $3.8 million project replaces the almost 60-year-old Sarsfield Hall with a new community centre and revitalises the reserve.

A formal community opening event featuring speakers and followed by light refreshments will be held on Friday 1 May to celebrate the project and acknowledge the many contributors who helped bring it to life.

Identified as a priority in the Sarsfield 2030 Community Plan, the project reflects years of local advocacy. Council worked closely with the Sarsfield Community Association and its Project Reference Group, supported by ongoing community input.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the completion of the project highlights Council’s commitment to investing in local communities.

“This redevelopment demonstrates what can be achieved when a community has a clear vision and Council works closely with the community to turn that vision into reality,” Cr Ashworth said.

“The new centre will support local events, sport and social connection for generations.”

The redevelopment includes a multipurpose community centre; function space and meeting rooms; commercial kitchen and accessible bathrooms.

Outside, the centre features a landscaped outdoor area; children’s play space and adult exercise equipment; court and oval improvements, and improved entry, parking, lighting and pathways.

“What has been achieved in Sarsfield has been made possible by the community who shaped the vision for the hall and reserve, and our many partners who have provided the necessary funding and collaborated with us to realise the vision,” said Cathy McLellan, President of the Sarsfield Community Association.

“None of this, however, would have been possible without many hours of volunteer input and contribution to make this work for our community,” she added.

“Council is proud to have project-managed and worked with the community to deliver a facility that meets contemporary standards and supports the evolving needs of Sarsfield residents,” Cr Ashworth said.

The project received $3.6 million in funding from the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development with additional support from the Victorian Government, through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and Rotary International.

East Gippsland Shire Council project-managed the redevelopment, with construction delivered by local contractor Brooker Builders.

People from across the region are warmly invited to come along and celebrate this significant milestone.

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