General News
16 July, 2019
Years of planning pays off
YEARS of dedication and commitment culminated in the official opening of the Cobden Community Fitness Centre on Friday.
YEARS of dedication and commitment culminated in the official opening of the Cobden Community Fitness Centre on Friday.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney officially opened the new and fully-equipped gymnasium.
The project received $90,000 in funding from the Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and a further $185,580 from the Pick My Project initiative.
Community members and businesses also donated significant funds to the project, as well as in-kind donations.
The new centre provides an accessible multi-purpose gymnasium and fitness facilities for the wider Cobden community.
Ms Tierney said it is equipped with exercise equipment, media and sound systems, landscaping and temperature control.
“We’re so proud to back a project that means the world to the Cobden community – supporting locals get fit and active year round,” she said.
“This new centre means residents can work out over a wide range of hours and regardless of the weather.
“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get involved in local sport and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”
Members of the wider community were invited to attend the official opening.
Cobdenhealth board chair Wayne Gibbs encouraged community members to call into the facility to find out about membership specials.
“People can come along and join the classes and enjoy the facility, whether it’s the gym or the warm water pool,” he said.
Corangamite Shire mayor Neil Trotter said he had been a member of the pool since it opened and encouraged community members to take advantage of both facilities.
“People have enjoyed a better quality of life since joining in my experience,” he said.
Cr Trotter paid tribute to all those behind the project.
Cobdenhealth general manager Evan Hill also commended the foresight of community members in getting the project off the ground.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to the community members here and not here,” he said.
“It’s great to know that on days like this, we’ve got somewhere warm to go (to keep active).
“We’ve got some great specials on. Come and enjoy it and get fit.”
The new Cobden Community Fitness Centre is located next to the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre in Victoria Street, Cobden.