I congratulate local sporting clubs in Warrnambool and Colac as they have been instrumental in fundraising and applying for grants to help improve their facilities and build their capacity to be even more successful. A $100 000 grant from the community cricket program was awarded for Warrnambool’s Brierly Reserve master plan to improve the reserve’s water supply for users. This will result in reduced water costs and improved ground condition, and it will also support the club’s many volunteers. I wish to acknowledge all the hard work done by the Warrnambool City Council, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia, the Brierly Christ Church Cricket Club and the Friends of Brierly Reserve in getting this project off the ground.
The Friendly Societies Park sportsground in Warrnambool received $100 000 via the country football and netball grants program. The Friendly Societies Park sportsground lighting project, which will redevelop the sportsground’s lighting, will give local players and their families the best facilities, and it will provide clubs with the best opportunity to grow.
In addition, a $100 000 country football and netball grant was given to users of the Central Reserve in Colac to construct new netball facilities, which will include two changing rooms and supporting amenities. Improved facilities will help clubs in Colac to attract more members and thrive. I congratulate the staff of the Colac Otway shire and Warrnambool City Council for bringing the major stakeholders together and producing a fantastic result.
The Victorian Andrews Labor government recognises that sport in regional areas is very important in helping to keep people together and to keep them fit and healthy. It is a means of binding communities together and making them stronger and more connected.