Local and First Peoples business put first at Fitzroy Gasworks sports centre

Local jobs are being put first with the $54.5 million Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre, which is being delivered by a range of local and First Peoples businesses and suppliers.

Prioritising Victorian based suppliers confirms the Victorian Government’s commitment to its Local Jobs First targets, as well as promoting employment growth for small and medium-sized businesses.

A key architectural statement of the sports centre will be supported by locally sourced Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) timber beams supplied by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) in Heyfield and the timber flooring of the centre’s courts has been supplied and installed by ACE Flooring based in Sunbury.

Several First Peoples businesses have been engaged throughout the project, tangibly demonstrating Development Victoria’s commitment to reconciliation.

“We recognise our very real responsibility through our project delivery role to contribute to the reconciliation process with Traditional Owners and First Peoples in Victoria,” said Development Victoria Group Head Civic Infrastructure, Hannah Clement.

"We have had the privilege of engaging with Wurun Senior Campus and its students throughout the project, including ongoing project updates and a site tour, which will hopefully inspire our construction leaders of the future,” she said.

Pathway Plumbing, the only 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned plumbing company in Victoria, are delivering the hydraulics package for the project, fostering on-the-job training for Aboriginal apprentices to learn in a culturally safe environment while linking education to employment and building business opportunities.

Little Rocket, another 100 per cent owned and operated First Peoples business, is providing timelapse photography and videography to capture the construction of the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre.

Little Rocket was launched 14 years ago by John Burgess, a proud Gurindji man who has worked with a variety of industries through to drive opportunities for First Peoples business throughout their supply chain.

The sports centre will have four multi-purpose courts for basketball and netball, a multi-purpose court for futsal, a gymnasium, café and lounge area, community facilities, unisex change rooms, a foyer and reception area.

The Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre forms part of the Victorian Government’s vision for the Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct to create diverse and affordable homes, a vertical senior high school, open space, and a multi-use vertical community sports centre. It has been designed to integrate with the two indoor sports courts of the Wurun Senior Campus to enable shared use and create a seven-court facility outside of school hours.

The Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre is being constructed by Built Environs and is due for completion in mid-2024.

The Victoria Government has committed $49.5 million to the project with a $5 million contribution from Yarra City Council.

Development Victoria, the state’s major projects and property development agency, is delivering the project working in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Yarra City Council.