General News
18 July, 2024
Clubs celebrate funding for facility upgrades
Three of Dimboola’s community organisations are celebrating a boost in funding from the Murra Warra Wind Farms Sustainable Community Grants.
Dimboola Croquet Club treasurer John Moar said members were all very happy with the news they were to receive $5000 for a new watering system.
“'Ecstatic,' is the word,” said member Charles Rees.
“This was originally a tennis court, so the watering system is set up for a tennis court, not a croquet lawn,” said Mr Moar.
“Some of the watering system is over 30 years old, bits of it are newer, but it is all in the wrong place.
“We decided to bite the bullet and replace the whole thing in one go, which would cost about $10,000.
“With this grant, and the one from Dimboola Cropping Group, we can get onto it and I won’t have to come in every two weeks to fix it."
The Dimboola RSL Sub-Branch Hall’s worn out window coverings will soon be replaced with new blinds, which will help protect the precious memorabilia from the harsh rays of the sun.
Dimboola Golf Club’s members and guests will benefit from their $5000 grant, which vice president Jo Donnelly said will be used to buy two reverse-cycle air conditioners.
The club, which has been a vital sporting facility for over 100 years, is also in the process of getting a freshen up with a new paint job.
“Since Covid we have seen an increase in our membership, which has reinvigorated the club, and hence there has been more demand and use of our clubhouse facilities,” Ms Donnelly said.
“At the moment we have two very, very old gas-fuelled heat banks - one of which doesn’t work.
“They are not very efficient, and as the government shifts towards more renewable energy sources, we decided now was a good time to upgrade.”
Ms Donnelly said she hopes the new heating and cooling systems will be installed before the club hosts the Victorian Sand Greens Championships at the end of August.
“Over 100 people have already registered for the event, from all over the state, and it would be nice to offer them proper heating,” Ms Donnelly said.
“Our clubroom has space for over 100 people, and it is such a beautiful spot out here, so it would be good to be able to host more events throughout the year.
“We play from April to September, and we do get the odd hot day where air-con would be appreciated too.”