Cricket clubs at Inverleigh will be fine tuning their skills just in time for the upcoming season this summer with brand safe, modern cricket nets.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney was at the Inverleigh Sporting Complex today to officially open the new cricket nets made possible through a $37,550 grant from the Andrews Labor Government.
The new cricket nets will help local cricket players in Inverleigh and surrounds gain the competitive edge, as they will be able to train more often and longer on safer, higher-quality pitches.
The project included construction of four new concrete pitches with synthetic grass covers and chain mesh fencing surrounding each pitch making it extra safe for players and spectators.
The old nets have been removed from the existing site to create space for car parking.
The Inverleigh Cricket Club has seen a steady rise in participation over the years and currently has three senior teams, three junior teams and also runs a successful Milo In2Cricket program.
Now with the revamped nets, the club is offering a new T20 Blast program for younger members keen to improve on their skills, which will no doubt attract more new players to the club.
Ms Tierney thanked project partners the Inverleigh Cricket Club, and the local community for their generous contributions.
The Labor Government has joined forces with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia to deliver the Community Cricket Program – On Common Ground that aims to increase opportunities for Victorians to play cricket.
The $12.4 million initiative will help clubs with major and minor infrastructure projects and deliver targeted programs that will ensure cricket participation in Victoria remains higher than other states. More than 328,000 Victorians play a form of cricket with that number increasing each year.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“Grassroots sports clubs in regional Victoria make our communities tick, but we need to give them the facilities they need to keep evolving.”
“We want all Victorians to have access to safe, modern facilities that they can be proud of, no matter where they live.”
“We are getting on with the job of rejuvenating community sport and recreation, so local clubs like Inverleigh have the facilities they deserve.”