The Gisborne Bulldogs, Gisborne Giants and Gisborne Rookies football and netball clubs, as well as the Gisborne Cricket Club will benefit from a $500,000 grant from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Sport John Eren today announced the funding from the Labor Government’s Female Friendly Facilities Fund will go towards a pavilion, an additional netball court and lighting upgrade at Gardiner Reserve.
Gardiner Reserve is home to local football, netball, cricket and a range of other community activities and this grant will ensure that females don’t miss out on the action.
With more than 300 female participants and counting at the Gisborne clubs, the existing netball facilities at the reserve have been falling short and the Labor Government is changing that.
The project will include a new pavilion with female friendly change rooms, umpire’s room and construction of a new netball court complete with 200 lux LED competition standard lighting.
Once complete the new facilities will give these clubs room to grow and allow this great venue to stage more training, development programs and local and regional competitions.
This is on top of the more than $4 million already invested by the Labor Government to upgrade Macedon’s grassroots facilities.
The Female Friendly Facilities Fund is part of the Labor Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
It’s backed by almost half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to ensure sport and active recreation continue to be accessible to everyone regardless of gender or location.
Mr Eren acknowledged project partners Macedon Ranges Shire Council, AFL Victoria and the Gisborne Bulldogs Football Netball Club for their financial contribution to the $827,000 project.
As stated by Minister for Sport John Eren
"Women deserve the same opportunities as men, and with record numbers of women and girls signing up to play local sport, we’re making sure our facilities are up to scratch here in Gisborne and all over Victoria."
"We want all Victorians to have access to high quality facilities regardless of where they live or what gender they are."
As stated by Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Netball is the most popular sport played by women and girls in the Macedon Ranges, so it’s fantastic to see our netballers get the facilities they deserve."
As stated by Head, Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
"Providing modern facilities is an important factor in increasing participation for Victorian women and girls and I welcome today’s funding boost which will inspire more females to join a club and join in the fun in Gisborne."
