Bannockburn’s run-down and unsafe netball courts have been rebuilt to competition standard, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today officially opened the two courts, made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Labor Government’s Country Football and Netball Program.
The Victoria Park Recreation Reserve in Bannockburn is home to the Bannockburn “Tigers” Football Netball Club which has a history going back a century.
The club has been going from strength to strength in recent years, but the netballers have had to compete on two courts in poor condition, including cracking and uneven surfaces.
Two new competition standard courts have been built with competition lighting, significantly extending the time the courts can be used for training and competition.
The fencing around the courts has been replaced to improve safety, new undercover seating has been installed, and a flexible warm-up area and increased storage have been included.
The Country Football and Netball Program replaces and upgrades ageing facilities for football and netball clubs across rural, regional and outer metropolitan Victoria, so they can meet growing demand and welcome even more members.
It’s a funding partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria to help netball and football clubs across the state meet the growing demand for player participation across regional Victoria.
It was the Labor Government that launched the Country Football and Netball Program in 2005, and since then it has invested more than $26.6 million in more than 480 projects across the state.
It’s part of the Government’s strong commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active. Across Victoria it has invested more than $630 million in community sport and recreation facilities since 2014.
The Government acknowledged project partner Golden Plains Shire Council for its significant investment in the project, and the local community for its support.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“The Tigers are part of the fabric of Bannockburn with more than 500 members and they deserve modern facilities they can be proud of.”
“I’m sure the netballers will embrace the new courts and lighting, so they can welcome more players, train harder, and win more finals.”
“Our investment in Victoria Park is yet another example of how the Andrews Labor Government is not only delivering in Bannockburn, but making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”