The next stage of the exciting Moorabbin Reserve redevelopment can now commence, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

The 2018 State Budget will include $13 million towards Stage Two, which will transform Moorabbin Reserve into the most integrated community footy facility in Australia. This will include a second indoor netball court, female footy facilities, spectator seating and a much needed hydrotherapy pool for the local community.

Stage One is already underway, with St Kilda Football Club moving back to Moorabbin last month. Southern Football Netball League and South Metro Junior Football League will be joining them at Moorabbin in November.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos MP:

“Stage Two will make Moorabbin Reserve a real community sport facility”

“The redevelopment will mean female facilities are commensurate with those provided to male participants, because we place equal value on both the male and female competitions”

“The project will also include another indoor court, spectator seating and, most importantly, a hydrotherapy pool to address a chronic shortage of these services in our area”

Quotes attributable to St Kilda Football Club CEO Matt Finnis:

“Stage Two will unlock the full potential of our new training and administrative base and allow us to bring top-level football back to our spiritual home.”

“A St Kilda AFLW side will change our club forever when it is introduced in 2020 and it’s incredibly pleasing to know they will have access to change and training facilities that are equal to the men’s team, and that St Kilda fans can gather at our spiritual home once again to watch the Saints take the field.”

“This funding will provide an opportunity to open up RSEA Park to the local community beyond what Stage 1 will achieve, through the additions of a hydrotherapy pool and second indoor netball/basketball court.”

“I want to thank the local member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos who championed this project and worked with us to create a proposal that truly benefits the local community.”

Quotes attributable to South Metro Junior Football League CEO Sarah Loh:

“This investment will create a unique sporting facility whereby both the community and elite levels of football will work alongside each other,”

“Such a model will benefit the south-east football community immensely, strengthening the ties between all tiers of football and creating clear pathway opportunities for all.”

“Together with St Kilda, the league is already working better together with the Next Generation Academy and Interleague program, as well as other community-based initiatives. Further re-development to RSEA Park will only strengthen these ties and make available more resources for our community.”

“We thank the State Government and MP Nick Staikos for their ongoing support of football and sport in the region.”

Quotes attributable to Southern Football Netball League CEO Michael Palmer:

“The SFNL community is delighted to see such a significant commitment to the growth of sport in our region through this positive State Government initiative. The support of Nick Staikos in leading the charge has been significant and greatly appreciated and we are looking forward to continuing to play a key role in partnership with all stakeholders for the growth of the precinct. This most recent announcement really establishes the venue as a community hub and we are proud that our football and netball programs will have access to a world-class environment.”

“SFNL continues to grow with additional men’s and women’s football teams taking the field this year and an on-going surge in our netball numbers and to know we will have a high-quality administration base, but more importantly outstanding facilities available to our clubs and players, is something that gives us further confidence for the future.”

Quotes attributable to Connect Health and Community CEO Amanda Murphy:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to increase community access to hydrotherapy services as options are very limited across the local area and the demand on our service cannot be met.”

“Hydrotherapy is an internationally recognised treatment option for people recovering from surgery/illness or with lifelong mobility conditions and chronic pain. The health benefits of maintaining mobility through regular hydrotherapy means that people are able to manage their health conditions more effectively and participate in employment, education, social and recreational activity in their local community.”

“Locating a hydrotherapy pool within an elite sporting facility that encourages community access for all age groups is an exciting opportunity to integrate positive messages for physical activity and wellbeing. We look forward to working with St Kilda Football Club and Nick Staikos Member for Bentleigh on the initiative for an integrated community asset.”