Liam McNally
The new Ballan Scout Hall officially opened with a launch event on Sunday, June 4.
The project was delivered through more than $1 million in state and federal funding, with an additional $100,000 the Moorabool council.
The 1st Ballan Scout Group committee secretary Lisa Sparkes said the Scouts are “loving” the new building which “plenty of space to run around inside”, along with indoor toilets, a new kitchen, and a separate meeting room.
“They can all fit in one hall, we used to have to hire a church hall because ours wasn’t large enough to fit everybody,” she said.
“It’s just been a really long time coming with a lot of hard work from volunteers to get us to this point so it’s really exciting to get this brand new facility that will be used for generations to come,” she said.
Ms Sparkes said about 200 people attended the launch event, including community groups and businesses that have supported Ballan Scouts, along with local MPs and councillors.
One of the 1st Ballan Venturers, Jessica Jones, organised a community time capsule that was officially sealed at the opening ceremony and will be opened in 50 years time.
Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman had the honour of officially opening the building.
“I’m delighted we could contribute funding for a new facility for the Ballan community and help encourage young people to enjoy all that scouting has to offer,” she said.
Ms Sparkes said 1st Ballan Scouts have also secured grants from local businesses that enable them to purchase furniture and install flagpoles and a new campfire area.
1st Ballan Scouts are also accepting expressions of interest from local groups or businesses interested in hiring out the facility.
