FRIENDS of Coolart have been successful in securing funding for upgrades to the historic Coolart homestead in Somers.
The group was able to secure $110,000 in funding through the state government’s “Pick my Park” project, which will go towards much needed upgrades of the picnic precinct.
Along with the state government funding, Parks Victoria have announced they will also contribute funds to bring the total investment to approximately $200,000.
The funding for the picnic precinct will go towards accessible family scale picnic tables and bench seating, clear and inclusive wayfinding and interpretive signage, and accessible pathways that connect BBQs, picnic facilities, and other amenities.
The funding for the “Pick my Park” was decided by a public vote.
In July, Cr David Gill called on peninsula residents to cast their vote in favour of the Coolart Homestead upgrades (“Councillor calls for people to pick Coolart upgrade”, The News, 14/07/26).
Friends of Coolart representative Marnee Wills said she is glad to hear they have been awarded the funding.
“We can’t thank the public enough for voting for us,” said Wills.
“The picnic precinct itself is long overdue for the refurbishment.”
Wills said the refurbishment will make the precinct more inviting for visitors.
“What we have noticed since Covid is that more people have discovered Coolart and are coming down for a picnic, a barbeque or having their functions here, so this funding will the make the whole visitor experience so much more rewarding and more accessible,” said Wills.
Commencement of work on the precinct is projected to start later this year after a planning process between Friends of Coolart and Parks Victoria.
First published in the Mornington News – 3 November 2026
