The Sebastopol community and visitors will now come together to play, socialise and be active in a new accessible park, made possible by the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today represented Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing to officially open Sebastopol’s transformed MR Power Park. The project is backed by $440,000 from the Government’s Spotlight on Sebastopol program – transforming the growing Ballarat suburb.

MR Power Park now features a new seniors’ exercise facility, a youth space with a skate park, a 3×3 basketball court, installation of AFL goals, new public toilets and barbecue facilities, which are all linked by accessible paths.

The project is one of 13 successful initiatives that form the $5 million Spotlight on Sebastopol program. This includes new lighting at the St George Reserve and the planting of more than 1,300 trees across Sebastopol.

Detailed designs are also underway to deliver a greener, safer and more accessible precinct for Sebastopol residents and visitors as part the Victoria-Albert Streets Precinct Streetscapes.

The Spotlight on Sebastopol program also ensures the area’s history can be retold to future generations, through the Sebastopol Public Art project. The joint initiative between the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre and the City of Ballarat will see three artworks of important figures displayed within the community. Detailed community consultation has been a core part of the Spotlight on Sebastopol program, with a local community reference group leading its design and guiding investment.

Spotlight on Sebastopol forms part of the Labor Government’s record investment of more than $36 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. To find out more visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif .

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison

“We are making Sebastopol an even better place to live with significant upgrades to M.R. Power Park, especially for residents moving into the residential growth zone.”

“Our investment will encourage community members of all ages to access this great park in Sebastopol, whether taking advantage of the new exercise equipment, playing 3×3 basketball or enjoying the new skate park”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Harriet Shing

“Dedicated programs like Spotlight on Sebastopol are all about community pride, inclusion and liveability – they create lasting community assets to be enjoyed by everyone.”

Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor, Des Hudson

“The City of Ballarat is proud to support this project with $300,000 in funding and we thank the State Government for their contribution and partnership across all Spotlight on Sebastopol projects.”