Park secured for the community

By Jim Mynard
HUNDREDS of people came to see Casey mayor Neil Lucas officially open the treasured Pioneers Park, Berwick, on Sunday, 23 October.
Casey chief executive said it was fantastic to have so many people at the function.
“This was far beyond the response we expected,” he said.
Mr Tyler said the idea of buying the old primary school site came from former Berwick mayor and Berwick businessman Bill Hudson.
“Pioneers Park was a community idea. The council was able to negotiate purchase of the land and the project captured the imagination of many groups,” he said.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said many stakeholders were involved in the partnership that led to the development of the park.
However, Ms Lobato commended Mr Hudson and the late George Wilson for their initiative in setting up the initial Old Colonials fund that led to acquisition of the land.
“There were many other people involved, including City of Casey staff who transformed this site.”
Cr Lucas said the day was a triumph for Berwick people.
He said the process started many years ago at a public meeting when a gentleman said why don’t we ask the council to buy the entire site.
“Except for some strong advocacy from the incumbent councillor, Norma McCausland, little happened.
“However, Bill and Helen Hudson with George Wilson started a fund with the aim of buying at least some of the property and this made all the difference.
“I commend and thank those very generous people who answered Bill Hudson and George Wilson’s invitation to contribute.
“The community fund raising committee led by Ross Bradbury was formed and the final sum raised amounted to just under $250,000.
“This was sufficient to convince the council that this community was serious.
“In what was a master stroke Casey chief executive Mike Tyler proposed a land swap with the Education Department and with support from Ms Lobato this resulted in the entire site being transferred to the council,” he said.