$4m pledge a “nod to history” for North Shore clubs

NORTH Shore’s football, netball and cricket clubs will get a $4 million boost if the Albanese Government is re-elected next month, with the funds to be used to provide “critical upgrades” at the club’s Windsor Park home in Norlane.

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio Labor federal member Richard Marles announced the election commitment at the North Shore Football Netball Club’s season launch on Saturday.

The funding would deliver new cricket practice nets, lighting over two netball courts, upgrades to the ground’s main pavilion, vehicle and pedestrian access and other improvements at the site.

“I been part of many announcements in various parts of the country recently, but none mean as much to me as this one,” Mr Marles said.

“This is transforming a community which is so central to the town in which I live, but also central to the people that I represent.”

He said the investment is a “nod to North’s Shire rich history in Geelong”, with the club set to celebrate its centenary in 2027, and “echoes the confidence” he has in the club’s future.

The announcement comes just over a month after AFL Barwon raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of North Shore and considered excluding it from this year’s Geelong Football Netball League season over a lack of senior and reserve footy players.

It was later decided the club would be allowed to proceed with the season, with the Seagulls’ season opener against Colac scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, April 12).

“This announcement is very much the achievement of the North Shore Football and Netball Club, but also the cricket club,” Mr Marles said.

“I wish them all the best in netball and footy this season, and for next summer, in terms of cricket.”

Mr Marles’ funding pledge would be in addition to the funding committed by the City of Greater Geelong in its 2024-25 budget and by the Victorian government ahead of the 2022 state poll to deliver female-friendly change rooms at Windsor Park.