Achievements of local hall and reserve committees have been highlighted and the 119 community volunteers who carry out the cost-effective work thanked.
Cr Suzanne Allen said Baw Baw Shire was fortunate to have volunteers who generously gave time and energy to operate and maintain council-owned facilitates via community asset committees (CACs).
The shire's CACs look after: Athlone Hall and Reserve, Buln Buln Recreation Reserve, Crossover School, Darnum Memorial Hall, Dowton Park in Yarragon, Ellinbank Public Hall, Ellinbank Recreation Reserve, Erica Community Facilities, Lardner Hall, Narracan Public Hall, Nilma North and Lillico Hall, Neerim South Recreation Reserve, Seaview Mechanics' Institute and Tetoora Road Community Centre.
An officer report said council allocated $355,691 for annual hall and reserve maintenance in its 2024/25 budget. Of this, $109,451 was allocated to the 14 CACs to manage their respective facilities.
The report noted annual reports from CACs in 2023/24, which were delayed due to last year's council elections.
Four achievements highlighted included new player dugouts incorporating a separate technical bench at Bellbird Park Hockey in the committee's final year of operation; purchase of a tractor to maintain the oval as well as purchases of a grandstand, court squeegee and trophy display cabinet at Ellinbank Recreation Reserve; all-abilities barbecue area and shelter installation at Nilma North and Lillico Memorial Hall; and, court fencing renewal, security upgrade and canteen equipment upgrades at Neerim South Recreation Reserve.
Providing an update of pavilion works at Dowton Park, officers said the project was "progressing steadily."
Council is currently responsible for playing surface maintenance at the reserve. Once the pavilion is completed, maintenance and management may also transfer to council.
"These developments will prompt discussions with the CAC regarding the continued relevance and role of the management committee for the venue," the report said.
Cr Allen said volunteers on the 14 CACs supported communities by undertaking management and improvement of halls and reserves, making them available for public use and collecting rent and charges.
"The volunteers who care for these spaces deserve the recognition for the countless hours they contribute to our community," she said.
Cr Kate Wilson acknowledged the 119 volunteers across the committees who are continuously improving the facilities.
Cr Brendan Kingwill said he had visited a lot of halls which traditionally served as community hubs.
"Some of these smaller communities, that's still the case," Cr Kingwill said. "And, some of these halls are absolutely magnificent to visit, and magnificently looked after."