Chairperson of the Alexandra Oval Reserve committee Gayle Dadswell accepts a donation from Hannah Miller. Picture: PETER PICKERING
ARARAT - While Ararat Rural City Council awaits the result of its third attempt to secure Federal Government funding to enable the redevelopment of the Alexandra Oval precinct, one member of the community has been actively fundraising and has already provided a significant contribution should the project go ahead.
Hannah Miller has single-handedly raised almost $10,000 to this project and chairperson of the Alexandra Oval Reserve Committee, Gayle Dadswell said Ms Miller should be extremely proud of her efforts.
"Hannah Miller is an outstanding example of what young, enthusiastic, committed and hardworking people can achieve when they take on a challenge. In Hannah's case it is a number of challenges," she said.
"In 2010 Hannah convinced Aaron Williams to partner her in 'Dancing with our Stars', run by the Ararat Football Netball Club. They chose to fundraise for the Alexandra Oval project and set about raising $3200.
"In 2011 Hannah set about organising the 'Never Too Late Debutante Ball' and another $3700 was contributed to the redevelopment of the oval."
Ms Miller's latest efforts come after she agreed to enter the Golden Gateway Festival Queen quest as another avenue to contribute to the community.
Her fundraising efforts for this event totalled $2800, all of which was also donated to the Alexandra Oval redevelopment.
"The entire Ararat community should be immensely proud of Hannah and her efforts to contribute to the revitalisation of Alexandra Oval, which plays an important role in the lives of so many of the people," Ms Dadswell said.
The Alexandra Oval Committee of Management and the user groups of the facility have committed to raising $250,000 towards the redevelopment of facilities as the community's contribution.
ARCC has applied in the last round of State grants for $650,000 through Sport and Recreation Victoria 'Majors' funding stream and $500,000 from Regional Development Victoria through the 'Putting Locals First' funding stream to go towards the project.