During May Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) coordinated the resurfacing of the courts at the Nita McGrath Netball Courts, supported by funding from Round Four of the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
The resurfacing project upgraded the playing surface of the Nita McGrath Netball Courts bringing the facility up to Netball NSW competition standards.
The works rectified cracking in the existing court surfaces which posed a risk of trips and falls for participants. The surface of each court was covered with rubber matting before a top coat was applied and line marked. This process took approximately four weeks and is expected to last over 20 years.
While the $500,000 grant used to fund the project was initially intended to repair seven of the site's courts, DRC was able to stretch the funds to include another court, bringing the total resurfaced to eight.
"The Nita McGrath Netball Courts are a true community asset, and with this resurfacing, we've just raised the bar. Our goal is to create world-class sporting facilities right here in Dubbo, and this project is a huge leap forward in that direction," DRC Mayor Mathew Dickerson said.
"Being successful in securing funding for 19 sport and recreation projects since 2017 showcases our dedication to enhancing community life. This recent upgrade to the Nita McGrath Netball Courts is another proud achievement, demonstrating how we are ensuring Dubbo remains a fantastic place to live and play sport," Clr Dickerson said.
Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the NSW Government's investment in the upgraded courts will deliver a host of benefits to the local community.
"Sport plays a major role in strengthening the social fabric of regional towns and cities, it not only encourages social interaction and inclusion, but also promotes physical activity and improved health outcomes. I'm delighted the NSW Government's investment in the upgraded courts will support the participation of all age groups, including young and emerging players."
The Nita McGrath Netball Courts see over 1,200 participants of varying ages utilise the facility every weekend in the winter months. Other organisations that will benefit from the upgrade include the Primary School Sport Association (PSSA), Netball NSW, school sport carnivals and knockout netball competitions, and ORISCON social netball.
The NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund delivers funding for upgraded social and sporting infrastructure, and community programs across regional NSW.
