General News
27 June, 2025
New electric BBQ open
After much advocacy and anticipation, the Maryborough Lions Club is pleased to see the new and improved barbecue facilities at the Goldfields Reservoir.
After the construction project commenced at the beginning of May, the upgrades for free access to the electric barbecue are now complete.
The project was made possible thanks to the Maryborough Lions Club securing a $29,000 grant from the Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud as part of the 2024 Community Grant Program and The Maryborough Lions Club’s contribution of $60,561 towards the project.
Maryborough Lions Club assistant secretary Lorraine Parker said the completion of the facilities has taken nearly three years since the idea came about.
“After members of the Maryborough Lions Club inspected the out-of-date existing barbecue at the Goldfields Reservoir in November 2022, the club presented a letter to Central Goldfields Shire Council, with a proposal to partner with them, and provide funds to enable an upgrade to take place,” she said.
This upgrade has provided two electric barbecues and two tables which are wheelchair accessible.
A water supply has been connected to the structure, along with a new shelter and a concrete base.
Ms Parker said the Maryborough Lions Club is proud to have contributed additional funds towards the project.
“As the Maryborough Lions Club is a not-for-profit service club, it gives us much pleasure in being able to contribute funds raised from the Maryborough Lions Club Bookshop to enable this project to be completed,” she said.
“As the reservoir is visited by campers and local residents who use the area daily, the club is very proud to provide this newly upgraded facility and hope that it can be utilised by individuals and families for recreation in the future.
“The club appreciates all assistance provided by the Central Goldfields Shire Council, to reach the finalisation of the project.”
Maryborough Lions Club president Jenny Johnson welcomed the opportunity to give back to the community.
“All the money from our bookshop goes back into the community, and this is what the Goldfields Reservoir needs,” she said.
Maryborough Lions Club secretary Gary Hutchinson is pleased the facilities are now available to the community.
“This has been three years in the making, it was bit by bit. It’s not for us, it’s for the community. We did it for the community,” he said.
Central Goldfields Shire Council staff will be providing project management support and ongoing maintenance to the site daily.