Opening of $1.95M Olive Donaldson Pavilion delivers better facilities for local sports clubs

A host of local sports clubs and community groups are set to benefit with the opening of the $1.95 million Olive Donaldson Pavilion at Noosa District Sports Complex today. 

Checking out the new pickleball courts are (L-R) Amanda Tie (Community Development Officer – Sport and Recreation), Ian Pearce (Facility Officer), Mayor Clare Stewart, and Margit Cruice (Sports Liaison Officer).

The new multipurpose facility includes four change rooms, a kitchen, six unisex toilets, storage space, first aid and umpire rooms and large multi-purpose area.

“Pickleball is one of Australia’s fastest growing sports for over-55s, so we’re thrilled to deliver a multi-purpose area that will accommodate two undercover pickleball courts as part of this project,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

The naming of the facility celebrates local legend, the late Olive Donaldson.

“Olive's unwavering commitment to our community, her sponsorship of numerous local sporting trophies, and her special advocacy for women's sports have left an indelible mark and we’re delighted to immortalise her memory and contribution to our shire with the naming of this facility, which will benefit so many local people for decades to come,” Mayor Stewart said.

The pavilion’s facilities will support a number of sports clubs currently based at the complex including Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club, Noosa District Netball Association, and Noosa Beach Classic Car Club,  with the opportunity to welcome new sports such as pickleball to the site.

This project was proudly funded by the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, Noosa Council and the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.

“Noosa Council staff should be highly commended for all their work in obtaining funding from both levels of government and Cricket Australia through grant funding. Well done to Noosa Council for working so tirelessly to secure this critical infrastructure funding - so proud of our team,” Cr Stewart said.

“This is a great example of grass-roots spending to deliver tangible infrastructure that so many of our local residents will benefit from now and well into the future."

Planning for the Pavilion began in 2020 in an effort to improve the existing infrastructure. 

“The pavilion will support the current and future demands of the host of clubs who call the complex home, plus address the shortage of toilet facilities.”