The Altona Cricket Club is ready for a big summer thanks to a new practice facility at its home ground at JK Grant Reserve, made possible by the Victorian Government.
Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today officially launched the new outdoor training facility, backed by a $90,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s Community Cricket Program.
Summer means cricket in Australia. Through the program, the Government is helping growing clubs like Altona Cricket Club modernise its facilities so they can cater for even more people keen to play the game.
The new facility features six-wicket synthetic cricket net facility complementing the existing four-wicket turf nets and creating a multiuse space with the use of retractable netting. There is also public access for locals keen to practice their bowling and batting.
The Community Cricket Program has invested $12.8 million in 63 cricket infrastructure projects across Victoria.
This initiative is part of the Government’s investment of more than $1.6 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
The recent release of the Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap will also help to ensure women and girls get equal access to community sport facilities like cricket nets across the state.
Ms Horne acknowledged the City of Hobsons Bay for its $170,000 contribution and commitment to the project and Cricket Australia for its $30,000 contribution.
For more information about cricket grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“With a big summer of cricket coming up, growing clubs like Altona depend on quality facilities that they can rely on for training and competition.”
“The new cricket training facility will go a long way to inspiring even more locals to join in local sport, with the club now having the facilities they need to welcome more women and girls, train longer, and compete.”
“Better facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back into local sport and active recreation and live active and healthy lifestyles.”
Quote attributable to President of Altona Cricket Club Darren McConville
“The new facilities are fantastic for us and will make a huge difference to our club, including our junior cricket program through the provision of safer and more inclusive infrastructure.”
