By BRIDGET SCOTT
THE Cyril Molyneux Reserve in Berwick will receive a much needed security upgrade after it has been the target of thefts in the area recently.
Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue attended the reserve last week to announce that it has been awarded $22,000 to install security upgrades under a crime prevention grant.
Cyril Molyneux himself was there for the announcement, as well as Member for Gembrook Brad Battin, City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett and members from the Department of Justice.
Berwick City Cougars’ Baseball Club and Berwick Dodgers’ Baseball Club, which are both user groups of the reserve, welcomed the grant after their club had been the recent target for thefts.
Mr O’Donohue said there have been around six break-ins in recent months where club equipment and goods from the bar have been stolen.
Mr O’Donohue thanked My Molyneux for coming along, and also acknowledged the partnership with the Department of Justice as well as the City of Casey.
“We are very grateful for our relationship with each department,” he said.
Mr O’Donohue said the funding was the latest in a number of local initiatives, including the Cranbourne Park redevelopment.
The Coalition Government has awarded almost $10 million to councils to support community safety projects through grants.
The funding for this reserve will go towards perforated mesh with baseball-related cut-outs to limit access to the sporting facilities, but also provide a visually appealing and cost effective solution.
Mr Battin also spoke at the announcement, as well as Councillor Ablett.
“Crime prevention is such a big area,” Mr Battin said.
“It’s a great advantage for sports club to have projects like this one in place.”
Councillor Ablett said the council were grateful for this much needed support from the Coalition government.
“I look forward to a continued relationship,” he said.
“Places can be subject to anti-social behaviour and the repercussions go beyond those directly impacted.”
Mr Battin said it was fantastic to see the Coalition Government support a reserve named after a man who gave so much back to the community of Berwick.
“Cyril is and always has been an active member of his community,” said Mr Battin.
“He is a World War II Veteran, a former City of Berwick Mayor and Councillor, and is a past president of both the Berwick RSL and the Rotary Club of Berwick.”
