Surface and lighting upgrades among projects to be supported by Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program

Surface and lighting upgrades are among the 12 new projects to share in more than $2.5 million from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program that’s been supporting country sport since 2005.

Developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the Program has invested more than $21.3 million in 180 country football and netball infrastructure projects over the past decade.

Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan advised “The funding support provided via the Country Football and Netball Program continues to have a major impact on local football clubs and communities across Victoria, which benefit greatly from the development of new and upgraded facilities.

“AFL Victoria recognises the ongoing partnership and support of the Victorian Government, with the program to build on the significant investment in community sporting infrastructure it has delivered over the last two decades.”

This year’s round will see the Riddell Bombers Football Netball Club score support for new oval lighting to boost female and all abilities participation at their home, the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve.

Secretary of Riddell Football Netball Club Lauren Nolen shared “Thanks to this boost our much-loved home ground will be brought back into the modern era, providing the club more opportunities to expand our teams and host the big games.”

Netball Victoria Chief Executive Andrea Pearman added “Community sport is the lifeblood of many of our regional Victorian communities. The Country Football and Netball Program offers invaluable support, enabling greater participation and delivering improved facilities across the state to help meet the growing demand in our game.”

Gaskin Park, home of the Churchill Junior Football Club, Churchill Football and Netball Club and Gippsland Power Football Club can now install new 100 lux LED competition sports lighting whilst Daylesford Football Netball Club have secured investment to upgrade the netball court and oval lighting at Victoria Park.

Home of the Penshurst Football Netball Club and Mininera and District Football League has also scored funding for new drainage and to replace turf with drought resistant grass and upgrade the irrigation.

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence noted “at the heart of our rural and regional Victorian towns is country football and netball. This boost ensures even more clubs have the modern, welcoming and accessible facilities they need to continue to bring communities together.

“Better infrastructure allows clubs to nurture volunteers, encourage more participation, host more all abilities events and draw bigger crowds, creating a real buzz and boosting local economies.”

For latest information about the program and successful grant recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au

Image. Credit:  Churchill Football and Netball Club