Game on as Chesters goes for goal

THE incumbent Federal Member for Bendigo has promised a total of just under two million dollars for three sport reserves should Labor win the Federal election.

Last Wednesday, Lisa Chesters pledged $1 million to upgrade North Bendigo Recreation Reserve, after previously promising $500,000 for Golden Square Recreation Reserve and $460,000 for Strauch Reserve in Huntly.

She said the money for North Bendigo Recreation would help “kickstart” the Unite the North campaign, a combined effort from North Bendigo Football Netball Club, Bendigo Cricket Club, and Golden City Football Club.

“These clubs have been campaigning for upgrades of their unusable and outdated clubrooms, so I’m proud to make this announcement today,” she said.

“This funding will go towards upgrades of the clubrooms and changerooms, catering to the growing female player base.”

The promised money for Golden Square Recreation Reserve would likely be used to update female changerooms.

“Golden Square Football Netball Club is a proactive and inclusive club, having recently announced pay parity between senior footballers and netballers,” Ms Chesters said.

“It’s vital all users are able to access appropriate facilities by upgrading the clubrooms and changerooms.”

The money for Strauch Reserve would go towards upgrades to the junior oval, allowing for the Huntly Junior Cricket Club and Huntly Hawks junior football club to play their games at the site.

So far, the funding for North Bendigo Recreation Reserve and Strauch Reserve is yet to be matched by the City of Greater Bendigo, however the City’s draft budget lists “clubrooms renewal design” at Golden Square Recreation Reserve as a capital works project.