By Parker McKenzie
The sailing club at Lillydale Lake be have brand new facilities to use when works begin on upgrades in April.
Community representatives, local councillors and state politicians turned out on Sunday 6 February to mark the beginning of the project with a sod turn at the Lillydale Lake facility which is expected to be completed by the middle of 2022.
Lilydale Sailing Club President Michael Taylor said Lilydale Lake was a shining example of what can be done by flooding some parkland, putting some adjacent land, creating cycling paths around it and creating wheelchair-safe areas.
“When the lake was formed, a group of blokes got together down in Docklands and decided there was interest from overseas for those little bathtub boats that can be built to take disabled people out on the water in a safe manner,” he said.
“That project was kicked off not knowing how big it was going to grow, it was called S for E, Sailing for everyone.”
Representatives from Paddle Victoria, Lilydale Radio Yacht Club, Australian Classic Dingy Network, Stand Up Paddle Boarders and Melba Support Services were present at the project launch.
Eastern Victoria Region MP and member of the Lilydale Revitalisation Board Harriet Shing said the project has been “a labour of love” and it has often felt like an uphill battle.
“This investment is about acknowledging and respecting the effort that it takes as community members, as family members and the loved ones of people who deserves access to all of the activities which we pride ourselves on having,” she said.
“I used to walk around this lake while it was being filled up as a 15-year-old and I remember thinking I wonder what it will look like in 20 or 30 years’ time. Today, looking at this revitalised, energised, inclusive and brimming with activity, I can’t help but thank you all.”
The State Government’s suburban revitalisation program contributed $150,000 towards the project, which will also create a training room within the shed. Local clubs who use the facilities and Yarra Ranges Council contributed $27,000.
Yarra Ranges Counsellor Tim Heenan said the project will see the boat shed have increased storage, a training and maintenance room, accessibility ramp and the capacity for new programs to get people more interested in water activities.
“We thank you all for your contribution to this project,” he said.
“The passion of local clubs and their membership is the lifeblood of the community and the reason why we’re all celebrating the launch of this project today.”
