Upgrades game-changing for Buninyong sport lovers

PASSIONATE athletes and spectators enjoyed competition-standard netball courts in Buninyong at the weekend.

The two courts were officially opened at the Buninyong Recreation Reserve on Saturday 18 April.

With $1.2 million from Ballarat’s council and $150,000 from the state government’s Country Football and Netball Program, the works also included lighting, a netball scoreboard, new fencing, concrete paths, stairs and accessible ramp connections, car parking, player shelters and a new storage shed.

A scoreboard for the oval was also officially opened and received $130,000 from the state government’s Community Sport and Recreation Projects fund.

Deputy mayor and Buninyong Ward councillor Ben Taylor said the upgrades were game-changing for local participation.

“These new courts will have a lasting impact on netball in Buninyong, and the new electronic scoreboard will also support football and cricket teams who use the reserve,” he said.

“With improved accessibility and modern facilities, the precinct is now safer and better equipped for our growing community of players and families.”

Eureka MP Michaela Settle said it was great to see the project now complete.

“These new courts are a great outcome for the many women and girls who play netball in Buninyong,” she said.

“Quality facilities help make sure everyone has the chance to participate, stay active and be part of their local club.”

Buninyong Football Netball Club secretary Kristy Maxwell welcomed the project’s completion in time for the winter season.

“These upgrades provide long-term benefits for our club and all participating teams, supporting player development, improving safety and enhancing the overall experience for our club and community,” she said.

She said netballers had been thrilled to step out onto the courts.

“This will invite new people to the club, and it’s just exciting for the community in general,” she said.

The project was delivered as part of an ongoing program of improvements at the reserve.

Redesigning the space from the former single court to two Netball Victoria-compliant acrylic surface courts gave the club flexibility for all teams to train on one night.

The former solitary court was also at end of life and in need of a complete reconstruction.

In January, the City of Ballarat completed the new $630,000 cricket nets project. This included five fully enclosed nets, two of which are open for community use.

There are also further works to be completed on new stairs connecting the cricket nets and the clubrooms.