By Molly Magennis
Victoria University’s Whitten Oval redevelopment project has been promised a $15 million funding boost if Labor is successful at the upcoming federal election.
Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino made the announcement on May 11 alongside Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains and Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran.
This investment in the Whitten Oval upgrade would help to deliver a community focused precinct that will provide various services and amenities to help serve communities in Melbourne’s west.
Construction of a new Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Centre would be made possible, which would help expand the size and reach of the Foundation’s services such as their Sons and Daughters of the West programs.
It would also help deliver a Women’s Health and Leadership Hub, which would be a central point for the delivery of programs that promote girls’ and women’s health and leadership.
Mr Mulino said Whitten Oval is an integral and iconic part of Melbourne’s west.
“I’m delighted that Labor’s $15 million investment will help to secure the long-term future of elite women’s football and so many important community programs at the home of the Dogs,” he said.
“By delivering new and expanded capacity for the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and its partners, Labor’s investment will help to provide vital services and programs that reduce community disadvantage and enhance wellbeing for communities across Fraser and Melbourne’s west”.
Western Bulldogs president Kylie Watson Wheeler welcomed the election promise.
“It’s pleasing that all sides of politics can see the tremendous community benefits to come from this important redevelopment project and that the community’s interests in realising this project are being put ahead of everything else.”
