Caption: Representatives of Northern Grampians Shire Council, Stawell Football Netball Club and Netball Victoria celebrate the official opening of a new netball court at Central Park in Stawell.
Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Karen Hyslop officially opened Central Park's new netball court on Friday, in time for Stawell Warriors netballers to make the most of the new surface in games against Nhill on Saturday.
The Central Park Netball Court Upgrade project was an outcome of the Stawell Parks Precinct Plan and has been a major priority for both council and the community.
Cr Hyslop said the upgrade would help ensure Stawell Football Netball Club's future sustainability and participation levels.
"The new facilities are particularly important for supporting participation of female players," she said.
The project was funded by a $790,000 State Government Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund - Women and Girls Facilities grant, with council contributing $200,000.
The previous facilities were constructed in 2004 and have been deteriorating over time.
"In 2018, council initiated more detailed planning to seek funding to improve the standard of the facilities," Cr Hyslop said.
"The new and modern facilities align with Netball Victoria standards, and I know the netballers are thrilled with their new surface."
The project incorporated the following works:
- Upgrading the existing netball court including realignment.
- Constructing a concrete base with acrylic surface.
- Installing 200 lux LED lighting.
- Installing new shelters, seating and accessible pathways for players, officials and spectators.
"The Minister for Community Sport, the Hon. Ros Spence MP was not able to attend the opening, but sent her well-wishes," Cr Hyslop said.
"We sincerely thank the State Government for their financial support for this important project. This shared commitment demonstrates what can be achieved when government and community work together.
"Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this project, from council staff and funding partner Sport and Recreation Victoria to Netball Victoria, the builders and contractors, and Stawell Football Netball Club.
"This is a project delivered through collaboration and it is something the whole community can be proud of.
"We have truly made this happen together and it is a privilege to see this facility come to life for current and future generations."
Stawell Football Netball Club director Amber Mitchell thanked everyone who worked so hard to bring this project to fruition.
"The completion of this court means we can now provide our players with a safe and professional space for trainings and game days that they deserve and also brings us in line with the standard of other clubs in the Wimmera league," she said.
"This new facility is not only important to our club, but also the whole community, and it completes the already amazing facilities that we have here at Central Park.
"It will also encourage more people to take up netball and improve their overall health and fitness while fostering a space for friendships and teamwork.
"This netball court has been a pipeline dream for many years and to see it completed today is very much a 'pinch me' moment."
