George commits $2m to North Shore sports

THE North Shore Sports Club will get as much as $2 million towards a project to increase female participation if Labor wins the coming state election.

Last week, Labor candidate for Lara Ella George pledged the funding for the upgrade of women’s change facilities at the club.

“Every parent wants to see their kids active and engaged – local sporting clubs are the heart of so many communities,” she said.

“We will back local sport and local sports grounds, with up to $2 million for North Shore Sports Club.”

In a statement, North Shore Football & Netball Club said it was “ecstatic” at the $2 million commitment, which was “the culmination of many years of hard work by our dedicated members”.

“Female-friendly facilities support the participation of women and girls in the sports they love, and support clubs to embed an inclusive and welcoming culture.

“North Shore has a proud history and will be celebrating its centenary in 2027. This announcement goes a long way to plan the club centenary and ensure North Shore remains a viable community club into the future.

“North Shore thanks the State Labor Government and, in particular, Ella George for this commitment.”

City of Greater Geelong councillors Anthony Aitken and Kylie Grzybek also welcomed the pledge.

“As the local ward councillors for the northern suburbs of Geelong, Cr Grzybek and I welcome this amazing announcement from Ella George and the Andrews Labor Government,” Cr Aitken said.

“$2 million would kick start this important $ 6.5 million project and create a never-seen-before female-friendly community sport facility in Norlane, which will cater for women’s and men’s AFL, cricket and netball.

” North Shore’s football, netball and cricket clubs have all worked tirelessly to create this vision and this announcement is a major step forward for the clubs.”

Labor says it is backing local sports clubs and families to deliver better sports grounds and facilities, and it had invested more than $1.6 billion to upgrade and improve local recreation reserves and sports grounds in every corner of the state.

“The Andrews Labor Government is focused on investing in female-friendly changerooms and upgrades at community sports grounds so everyone can get involved,” Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said.

“By providing support for women working in the sport and recreation sector we’re making sure women’s voices are heard and opportunities for participation in the sector are created on and off the field.”