Labor commits $5.45 million to Drysdale club

A RE-ELECTED Federal Labor Government would invest $5.45 million in upgrades at Drysdale Recreation Reserve to support the Drysdale Football Netball Club.

The funding would deliver two new netball courts, upgraded clubrooms, new spectator seating and lighting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined local member Libby Coker at the club on Tuesday to make the announcement.

“This is about supporting you, just as you’ve supported your community,” Mr Albanese said.

“Communities like this need facilities like this. It brings a sense of pride – and if you make the finals, you want to play a home game. This will ensure that can happen.”

He said the upgrade would benefit both netball and football, and acknowledged the growing number of women and girls playing team sports.

“The benefit of these youngsters here playing team sport is so important. It teaches you how to win, how to lose, how to work together. It teaches resilience,” he said.

Ms Coker said the funding followed years of advocacy.

“I have spent a number of years working with this club to get this outcome,” she said.

“For so long this club has not been able to play finals – and we want you to play finals, because it’s great for the credibility of the club. It brings the town together and gives you pride in your club.”

She said the new facilities would create a modern and inclusive space for netballers to “grow and thrive”.

“This is going to make a huge difference to you,” she said. “I don’t need to tell the members here how much you need this.”

Mr Albanese said Ms Coker’s strong advocacy had delivered results across the region.