The new Diamond Creek netball pavilion and courts were officially opened today in a major win for community sport.
Eltham MP Vicki Ward opened the $2.8 million pavilion on behalf of Shaun Leane, Minister for Local Government, Suburban Development and Veterans, while Yan Yean MP Danielle Green represented Ros Spence, Minister for Community Sport, in officially opening the netball courts following their $2.16 million surface upgrade.
Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre and Councillors Peter Perkins, Natalie Duffy, Karen Egan and Geoff Paine also joined the official opening with officials, members, players and supporters of the Nillumbik Force Netball Association, whose seven member clubs call the netball courts home.
The netball pavilion was funded with $2.54 million from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund with $172,000 from Council and $80,000 from the netball association.
The courts' surface upgrade was funded through a $1.96 million dollar grant from the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program through the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. Council contributed $196,000.
"I would like to thank the Victorian Government and our local MPs Danielle Green and Vicki Ward for their significant financial support and advocacy for this project as well as as well as community sport and recreation across the Nillumbik and northeast region," Cr Eyre said.
"This redevelopment – with the new pavilion and eight outdoor acrylic plexi-pave courts – has resulted in a first-class regional facility.
"Council's most recent club development survey found that netball is the most popular sporting activity among women and girls in the Shire.
"But it's vital our sports venues reflect the community we live in – with facilities that are inclusive and accessible for women and girls, as well as people with disability.
"The new pavilion has given us the opportunity to address the imbalance, providing unisex and accessible amenities for players and officials as well ramp access.
"We hope that by making these changes wherever possible, we can encourage more women and girls to be physically active, particularly as we try and move on from the pandemic."
Local Ellis Ward Councillor Peter Perkins also thanked the Victorian Government for its support of the project and the recent investment in community facilities across Diamond Creek.
"These fantastic new netball facilities have been many years in the making and are not only a huge boost for local sport, but our entire Diamond Creek community with the thousands of visitors expected to come here to play," Cr Perkins said.
"The Nillumbik Force Netball Association has been integral to the success of the project, and I'd like to thank all the volunteers for your tireless efforts in making the dream a reality."
The Nillumbik Force Netball Association has more than 100 teams and 1200 players. Clubs include Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek, Victoria Police, Eltham, Yarrambat, Panton Hill and Hazel Glen.
