Last Saturday I had the pleasure of officially opening the newly upgraded netball facilities at Eastern Reserve in Colac. The Brumby Labor government contributed $60 000 to this project, which involved the resurfacing and extending of six old asphalt netball courts to meet current national and international standards, upgrading existing lighting for night games and new fencing.
I take this opportunity to also acknowledge the Shire of Colac Otway for its contribution of $60 000 and the Colac and District Netball Association and Colac Summer Netball Association for their outstanding combined contribution of $230 000 — that was $115 000 from each association for the project. They also contributed a further $19 000 for seating and shelters. This is a significant contribution, and I would like to acknowledge all the people involved. I also make special mention of the Colac and District Netball Association president, Margaret Desmond, and the Colac Summer Netball Association president, Aileen Kettle, for their tireless work over many years. They have secured a community asset that will mean netball will continue to fill the lives of local girls and women for generations to come.