Liam McNally
The Darley Community and Sports Centre completion date has been pushed back again, with the Darley Football Netball Club (DFNC) still waiting to be able to play on its home ground in the 2023 season.
The Darley Community and Sports Centre is a $4.1 million project funded by the state government, Moorabool council, and DFNC that would provide an upgraded multi-purpose pavilion with community spaces, as well as female and umpire change rooms.
The project began in May 2021 and was originally scheduled for completion in August 2022.
With the Ballarat Football League’s 2023 season got under way, DNFC said in a statement the completion date was pushed back to May 5, but council has confirmed it is now expecting the building to be done in early June.
The announcement follows Ballan Football Netball Club facing a similar situation, with its pavilion’s completion being pushed from October last year, to May 13.
“We know how disappointing it is but we must remain positive and focused on what is important … enjoying the sports that we love with our teammates and the wonderful fabric that is the DFNC community,” the club said in a statement.
“We acknowledge and understand the frustrations of players and their families who are eager to start using the space.
“We are continuing to advocate for the importance of getting this project completed quickly.”
DFNC can’t play on the ground without access to the pavilion, and in its statement thanked other clubs in the competition who have offered flexibility as they “navigate changing timelines”.
“As soon as a date is confirmed for completion, we will be sure to let you know Immediately,” it said.
“We do hope that our new facilities will be ready for the first home game scheduled for Saturday, June 3.
“In the meantime, keep showing up and putting in the work and be proud to be a Darley Devil.”
Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said work at Darley Park Pavilion is “tracking well now after some external hold-ups”.
“We are on track to be finished the project and have the football and netball clubs use the facility in early June,” he said.
“The changeroom and public toilet facilities are receiving the finishing touches now, and are looking fantastic.”
