First goal for volleyball centre

THE first stage of Dandenong’s state-of-the-art volleyball centre has been completed.
Politicians, councillors, volleyball players and officials attended the official opening of the State Volleyball Centre’s stage one buildings on Sunday, which adjoin the Stud Road basketball facility.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino officially opened the buildings, which include a new foyer, offices, meeting rooms, a cafe and car park extension.
Mr Merlino said the stage two works would comprise six indoor volleyball courts and two indoor beach volleyball courts, while keeping true to the facility’s basketball roots with 10 indoor basketball courts.
The $9 million project is fast becoming a reality, with the State Government pitching in $7 million, and Greater Dandenong council $2 million.
“This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when State and Local Government work together with the state’s sporting associations to provide the best sporting services possible to Victorian communities,” Mr Merlino said.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea said the centre was a huge social and economic boon.
“This centre will revitalise Greater Dandenong and will raise the profile of the area by providing facilities for elite and emerging sporting talent,” he said.
Stage two works should be completed by July, adhering to the conditions on the council permit, which last year gave Volleyball Victoria 12 months to complete the work.