Added bounce: Smythesdale sports courts ready for action

WITH their slick new surface colours and flanks of undercover shelters, the Woady Yaloak Netball and Tennis Courts at Smythesdale look a treat.

After nine months of works worth $900,000 to overhaul the site and bring facilities into 2026, the courts were officially re-opened on Wednesday last week.

The project included the upgrade of two multi-use netball and tennis courts, the installation of new perimeter fencing, the creation of new undercover shelters for players, coaches, officials, timekeepers and volunteers, and new storage areas for club use.

The official opening of the Woady Yaloak netball and tennis courts was attended by user groups including members of the Woady Warriors Football Netball Club, Golden Plains Shire councillors and Ripon MP Martha Haylett (front right). Photo: Evie Lamb.

“I love how the benches are under-cover,” said Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club netballer Zhara Norris.

User groups including members of the Woady Warriors Football Netball Club were in attendance at the official opening, as were Golden Plains Shire’s mayor Cr Owen Sharkey, deputy mayor and Smythesdale local Cr Emma Robbins, and CEO Adam McSwain, and state Ripon MP Martha Haylett representing Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence.

The project was funded with $700,000 allocated from the state’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $200,000 put in by the Golden Plains Shire.

Above: Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club netballers Zhara Norris and Ivy Norris on the upgraded Smythesdale courts. Photo: Evie Lamb.

“This upgrade feels a bit bittersweet, given the Ballarat league’s decision not to include the Woady Warriors in their fixture,” Haylett said.

“But these new netball and tennis courts will still get a lot of use for training and will be an asset for Smythesdale for years to come.

“Our country kids deserve to play the sport they love on modern, fit-for-purpose courts and that’s exactly what we’ve done. I can’t wait to see them put to good use.”

Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club netballers Zhara Norris and Ivy Norris on the upgraded Smythesdale courts. Photo: Evie Lamb.

Cr Sharkey said the sporting clubs across the Golden Plains Shire are the heart of community life and that they all deserve facilities that match the commitment of players, coaches, committee members and supporters.

“This upgrade gives the Woady Yaloak clubs the courts they need to continue growing and supporting local sport at every level,” Cr Sharkey said.

“We’re grateful for the Victorian Government’s support and proud to deliver facilities that will benefit players, coaches, officials and volunteers for years to come.”