Netball courts get official opening, finally

OVER a year, and nearly a full – albeit interrupted – season of play, upgraded netball courts at Inverleigh have been officially opened.

At an event after the Hawks A Grade loss to Thompson on Saturday, dignitaries including a State Government representative, along with the Golden Plains Shire mayor and councillors belatedly marked the completion of the almost $450,000 project.

“The Inverleigh Hawks are an integral part of this community, they deserve appropriate facilities they can be proud of,” said Danielle Green, State Parliamentary Secretary for Sport.

“The new netball courts, and change rooms on the way, open up more opportunities for participation at this popular reserve, and provide the perfect foundation for the clubs to build on their memberships and the community to host the big events.

“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back to local sport and recreation and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”

The new courts came about after the old asphalt facilities were found to be unsafe and non-compliant with the G21 AFL Barwon Football and Netball Regional Strategy.

As part of the project, two new netball courts were constructed to a competition standard, along with suitable lighting.

Of the cost, $250,000 came via the State Government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund, while the rest was put up by Golden Plains Shire.

“The upgraded netball courts at the Inverleigh Sporting Complex are a terrific facility for the current Inverleigh Football Netball Club players, visiting teams and community members,” said mayor Cr Helena Kirby.

“Council was proud to partner with the Victorian Government to deliver this great project.

“Celebrating the upgrade has been a year in the making, and while COVID-19 meant we were unable to mark the occasion with community members… we hope the club and community are pleased with the upgraded courts and continue to make good use of it in years to come.”

The ribbon cuttings at Inverleigh Rec Reserve aren’t done either, with capital works progressing on a new social club, and new change rooms.