Redevelopment work is anticipated to be completed in September this year and will result in the Ararat council becoming the owner of the community's first truly accessible and multi use centre. The building will be fitted with a full commercial kitchen, bar and social space supported by an electronic point of sale system.

"The Ararat community, current users, State Government and Ararat Rural City Council have invested heavily into this project and we would like to offer the community the opportunity to assist in its full utilistion," Mayor Cr Paul Hooper said.

"With a new facility, we also have a rare opportunity to introduce a new management structure. Section 86 Committees have a number of reporting and governance responsibilities which under the new model will no longer be required. Being an incorporated group means that there will still be reporting and good governance practice required, however these will be streamlined making the group significantly more autonomous.

"Members of the community who have experience in governance, facility operations, business administration, marketing and community development are all encouraged to express interest."

The Alexandra Oval Reserve User Reference Group will be primarily focussed on assisting Council with the sustainable, profitable and equitable management of the catering functions at the reserve, and this Group will be led and supported in this by appropriate Council staff.

The Alexandra Oval Reserve User Reference Group will replace the current Section 86 Management Committee of Management which will be dissolved when the new group is formed and becomes operational.

In recent months Council has developed a management plan and user guide for the reserve, which clearly identifies the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. The management plan is a significant document and will assist the new group to ensure that their responsibilities are clearly understood.

The Alexandra Oval Reserve User Reference Group will also comprise executive members of the current sporting groups, being Ararat Football Netball Club, Ararat Eagles Football Netball Club, Grampians Cricket Association, Ararat Tennis Club, a local health organisation and Council.

Council is now looking for additional appropriately qualified and experienced community based members to fill positions on the Alexandra Oval Reserve User Reference Group.

Further information including the management plan and the application process is available by contacting Barkley Vincent, project management and recreation officer on 5355 0256 or bvincent@ararat.vic.gov.au