Players at the East Geelong Netball Club are celebrating the official opening of a second court and other much-needed new infrastructure and upgrades at Richmond Oval.
Councillor Melissa Cadwell from Cheetham Ward and Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP met with club officials and players yesterday and toured the new facilities.
The City of Greater Geelong contributed $650,000 to deliver a brand-new netball court next to the existing one that meets Netball Victoria Guidelines for competition and training requirements. The funding also covered the installation of new player and umpire shelters and competition-standard 200 lux LED lighting.
The Victorian Government provided $250,000 in funding through Sport and Recreation Victoria to upgrade the existing netball facilities.
Competition-standard 200 lux LED lighting, goal posts, safety netting behind the football goals to protect the courts and new shelters for players, officials and scorers are now in use.
These key improvements were identified in the Richmond Oval Facility Development Plan that was completed in 2022.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The East Geelong Netball Club was unable to grow its membership base and was having to hire additional courts at alternate venues to meet its needs.We're thrilled to provide new infrastructure, including a second court east of the existing one, to provide more opportunities for local women and girls to give netball a go.
Councillor Melissa Cadwell
The construction of a second netball court allows the Eagles to continue growing as a club and reach its full potential.This inclusive space where everyone has an equal opportunity to engage in their chosen sport is sure to elevate the club's netball program to a new level.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP
East Geelong is a great club, and now they have the netball facilities their members and the community deserve. The second court, and new infrastructure and lighting, will enable the club to grow their membership, attracting more women and girls to play netball and become involved in a great community club.
