New nets opened at Grinter Reserve

A NEW cricket practice facility at Grinter Reserve in Newcomb is now open, just in time for the 2024-2025 cricket season.

The nets redevelopment at the home of the Newcomb and District Cricket Club features new turf and synthetic practice nets built to modern standards, replacing the reserve’s outdated facilities.

Newcomb and District CC announced during Sunday’s opening ceremony that the facility would be known as the Peter ‘Skinny’ Harrison Training Facility, in honour of the club’s long-time curator and legendary player. Club president John Elliott said the reserve’s previous training facilities were divided and located in two separate areas.

“They were tired and run down and had safety related issues,” he said, adding that the separation did not provide for an inclusive environment.

“Having a modern and centralised facility will allow us to attract increased involvement from all areas within the community and will complement the work undertaken by the committee and volunteers in recent times to increase junior and diverse participation,” Mr Elliott said. “It allows us to promote participation between junior playing groups and senior players, allowing for enhanced junior development and participation, and will afford opportunities for senior members to mentor junior members, foster role model behaviours and develop positive relationships in a safe and inclusive environment.”

The $807,430 project was jointly funded by the Federal Government ($680,000 via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program), the Victorian Government ($100,000 via Sport and Recreation Victoria) and the City of Greater Geelong ($27,430).

Attendees at Sunday’s opening included Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Geelong MP Christine Couzens, Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan and Newcomb and District CC committee members and players.

Ms Coker said it was important to support local communities with essential sporting infrastructure, especially as women’s participation in sports continued to rise.

“Supporting local sports, particularly as women’s cricket gains momentum, is more important than ever and that’s why the Albanese Government is supporting and rolling out awesome new facilities across our region,” she said.

“The Newcomb and District Cricket Club has done an outstanding job in nurturing local talent, and these upgrades will be key to developing the next generation of cricket stars – it’s such an exciting time for our community.” Ms Couzens said the new nets provided the club with the facilities its members deserve.

“This will also enable the club to attract more male and female members,” she said.

Cr Sullivan said the opening of the new facilities was an exciting way for the Dinos to start the season.

“The new facilities will hopefully make training more enjoyable and will definitely provide a better environment for players to develop their skills,” he said. “I’m sure practice nets of this quality will also be a drawcard in attracting new players.”