Historic Seaford reserve ushers in future with $9.147 million upgrade
Published on 12 November 2021
The stunning R. F. Miles pavilion in Seaford has been officially opened as an enthused gathering celebrated a $9.147 million redevelopment of the reserve.
Frankston City Council Mayor Kris Bolam said the redevelopment will usher in an era of growth and opportunity for Seaford residents.
Mayor Bolam said: “R. F. Miles Reserve has been home to sporting clubs for more than a hundred years and this development will see that it continues to serve this community and see it prosper for many more.
“Council sees how great facilities used to their full potential can foster aspirations and bring communities together and that’s why we have invested and sought out partners, to bring projects like this to fruition,” Mayor Bolam said.
The pavilion features two levels, an impressive viewing terrace, a multi-purpose function room, kitchen, kiosk and all gender-friendly amenities.
Exterior upgrades included enlarging the oval to meet AFL standards – supported by lighting, a new scoreboard and coaches box – a new netball court, three new multi-purpose cricket nets, public toilets, car parking and extensive landscaping.
The Seaford Football Netball Club (SFNC) and Seaford Cricket Club (SCC) have returned to their home ground after several years, including time when it was used as a works area during the Seaford Road level crossing removal.
The project was funded by Council ($3.447 million), the Australian Government ($2.6 million) and the State Government ($2.6 million plus $500,000 from its Level Crossing Removal Project).
Mayor Bolam was joined at the opening by Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy, Councillors David Asker and Sue Baker, and Council CEO Phil Cantillon. Those attending included Colleen Harkin representing the Senator for Victoria, Senator Jane Hume, the Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy MP, the State Member for Carrum, Sonya Kilkenny MP, the State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, and the Member for the South East Metropolitan Region, Lee Tarlamis MP.
The opening also attracted former players including local legend Alan Wickes, who went on to play for Collingwood and head the Victorian Football Association (now the VFL).
Family relations of Raoul Fortescue Miles (known as Bob), a war veteran and former Shire president after whom the reserve is named, also attended. Mr Miles’ granddaughters, Sue Miles and Penny Adams, great grandson Todd Lithgow and great-great grandson, Banks, were among the attendees.
Sue Miles said: “The new facility is absolutely brilliant and well deserved for the community. It’s really impressive.”
Senator for Victoria, Senator Jane Hume, said: “After the long and arduous lockdowns, community sport is back. It’s terrific to be out-and-about again and so important to be able to participate in physical activity.
“This transformational redevelopment offering a new pavilion with female-friendly facilities, AFL standard oval, new netball courts and new cricket nets, car parking, and landscaping is pivotal for community connection and health. The Morrison Government in pleased to have partnered in this project,” Senator Hume said.
The Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy MP, said: “R. F. Miles Reserve looks terrific. The new pavilion, larger oval, new netball courts and cricket nets will ensure that the local clubs continue to grow and reach more people in the community.
“Congratulations to Seaford Football Netball Club and Seaford Cricket Club for all your hard work making this happen – I’m proud to have supported your work,” Ms Murphy said.
The State Member for Carrum, Sonya Kilkenny MP, said: “The new two-storey pavilion and upgraded facilities and oval at R.F. Miles Reserve are a real game changer for our local community and are set to take local sport to a whole new level.
“This redevelopment is a terrific example of three levels of government working together to deliver the kind of sporting and community facilities that our local community deserves,” Ms Kilkenny said.
The SFNC has a significant female membership, fielding two women’s football teams and four netball teams.
Club vice-president Phil Robertson said there had been talk of replacing the original clubhouse since 2012 because as female membership had grown without appropriate amenities, it had begun to feel like a “1960s public bar” (when women were often confined to a ladies lounge or not allowed in).
“While we had great memories in that clubhouse, we now have the chance to build many more,” he said.
Mr Robertson said the new facilities not only made girls and women feel more comfortable, but encouraged families and other community members to spend time there.
“When furniture was being delivered, I had so many people coming through the rooms I became like an MCC tour guide, but that’s what we want in our community – we want people to be a part of the place and to enjoy the facility.”
Mr Robertson and President of the Seaford Cricket Club, Joshua Trevitt, said the clubs had galvanised during the build, jointly fundraising around $100,000 for the pavilion fit out, and were appreciative of the support shown by Council and the State and Federal Governments with their investment.
Mr Trevitt said cricketers had shown “overwhelming happiness” to be using the “ripping” new facilities.
“The facility is amazing, and the view and creature-comforts for spectators are going to be huge; at the end of the day, I can’t think of a ground that comes close to ours,” Mr Trevitt said.
Pictured: Proud family: R. F. Miles’ granddaughters Sue Miles (centre) and Penny Adams with great grandson Todd Lithgow and great-great grandson, Banks. Mayor Kris Bolam, Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy, the State Member for Carrum, Sonya Kilkenny MP, the Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy MP, Cr David Asker, the State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP and the Member for the South East Metropolitan Region, Lee Tarlamis MP, celebrate the opening of the stunning R. F. Miles pavilion.