Dualling promises for sporting club

YOU can be assured a Federal election is underway with both major parties at Bannockburn earlier this week pitching woo at the community with pledges for the Bannockburn Football Netball Club.

On Monday, Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, arrived at Victoria Park to announce $350,000 for upgrades to the club’s female changerooms should Labor win the coming Federal election.

Less than 24-hours later it was the Liberal’s turn as Stephenie Asher promised a similar initiative but at nearly double the price tag at $690,000.

Both election commitments would see the introduction of female-friendly changerooms, and Ms Coker said the upgrades were about greater involvement from local female players.

“For me it’s a priority that clubrooms be upgraded to cater for girls and women, to meet current standards and expectations.

“This is about strengthening local club infrastructure to increase female participation.”

“Bannockburn is a rapidly growing community, and the needs for sporting infrastructure have increased across the board,” she said.

Ms Asher expressed a similar opinion, and said Liberal’s funds will go a long way in facilitating the continued expansion of the club.

“Having improved female-friendly changerooms is going to be incredibly important for the growing sport and the growing community here,” she said.

“The current facilities are very basic and failing to keep pace with the local community.

“This’ll be a game-changer for the comfort of the players, and allow for the growth of the sport.”

With 11 junior teams and four senior teams aged from under 11s to under 17s, Bannockburn Football Netball Club is one of the largest sporting clubs in the Shire.