Netballers score big club goal

NETBALL at Victoria Park is set to become more accessible for women and girls, with Bannockburn Football Netball Club’s female friendly pavilion all but assured.

Following a Federal commitment of $690,000 from Member for Corangamite Libby Coker during the recent election campaign, the State has committed a further $1.1 million to the project from it’s 2022/23 budget.

The money means player and umpire changerooms, accessible toilets, a first-aid room, office, and social area can now be built for the Tigers.

Bannockburn FNC president Scott Penning said the club, and Shire, have been lobbying for support for these “game-changing” works for a long time.

“The new pavilion means equal facilities for the netballers and provides an opportunity for even more locals to join our teams,” he said.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Gavin Gamble said the pavilion has been a “priority project” for council.

“Now the new netball pavilion project is fully funded, it makes it a reality, and that’s something to celebrate. It will support current and future participation at the netball club,” he said.

“With new courts, lighting and fencing opened two years ago, the pavilion is another great asset for the local players and visiting teams here at Victoria Park.”

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said it’s a building that will “mean so much” to up-and-comers.

“This upgrade is truly going to change the game for thousands of local kids for generations to come,” she said.

“We’re proud to support clubs like the Bannockburn Tigers. The new netball pavilion will provide the club the chance to expand and encourage community members to get out and active.”

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, who would become Bannockburn’s local State representative if re-elected in November, said the town’s sporting history runs deep.

“Now it will have netball facilities that will allow it to build an even stronger future,” she said.

“This is about giving our netballers the facilities they need and deserve to participate in their sport and encouraging more women and girls to participate.”