Supporting cricket’s next generation

GRASSROOTS sport is the backbone of our community here in Geelong.

We all have to start somewhere, and for many, sport isn’t just about the game. It offers a sense of community, the chance to be part of something bigger, and allows us to work and volunteer in different roles with the shared goal of contributing and making our club, or our sport better.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Newcomb and District Cricket Club Junior Presentation Night, where I witnessed the celebration of the year’s work.

In front of me was a room full of volunteers, parents and young players who have consistently turned up for the love of cricket, the love of the team, and the love of the club.

It’s this combined passion and dedication that brings us together, inspires possibilities and gives us something to fall back on when life feels too hard.

As a councillor, I see this. I recognise the crucial role of thriving community clubs to our broader community and am committed to investing in improvements to sports infrastructure and training facilities across our region.

For the Newcomb and District Cricket Club, I’m really proud of the funding we secured for the redevelopment of new cricket practice nets at Grinter Reserve.

City of Greater Geelong facilitated the $450,000 project, which received $350,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and an additional $100,000 from the State Government via its Sport and Recreation Victoria funding program.

It involves redeveloping the existing cricket net facility to deliver a new three-lane wicket, to include a synthetic surface, retractable netting, removable posts, and a turf table.

These works are currently underway, on track to be completed by the end of June this year and I’m excited that our younger generation of cricket players will be able to enjoy these new nets for years.

But this project is just one of many.

Work on the Aldershot Reserve dog park will shortly commence, thanks to an $852,133 grant from the Federal Government.

The fenced dog park, which is part of the reserve master plan, will feature separate areas for active dogs and a more relaxed walk, as well as more parkland, interconnected paths, and furniture.

For that same reserve, last year we conducted community consultation on a renewal of the playground, where we received over 700 contributions.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. We are now progressing to the next level of detail in developing concept plans for the play space – keep a lookout for updates.

On rest and play, I hope you were able to enjoy a restful Easter break and make the most of the beautiful reserves and outdoor spaces we’re lucky to have in Geelong.

Cr Melissa Cadwell

Brownbill Ward,

City of Greater Geelong