VIC
Netballers and footballers at Victoria Park in Daylesford will soon be able to play and practice into the evening thanks to a funding grant recently secured by Hepburn Shire Council.
Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Country Football & Netball Program will contribute $250,000 to light up the netball court and football oval, with works completed in time for next years’ sporting season. Council will contribute almost $170,000, along with a contribution of $20,000 from the Daylesford Football Netball Club.
Mayor, Brian Hood said sport and sporting clubs were an important part of life in regional towns.
“We are very grateful for this funding, which will go a long way to helping the Club to get more people involved in their activities,” he said.
“Promoting a healthy active lifestyle and bringing communities together is a priority for Council, and improving sporting infrastructure certainly helps this.
“Better lighting will improve safety for players and allow more flexible programming of training and games, along with greater participation.”
“Council conducted an audit on sports lighting across the Shire in 2022. Newlyn Recreation Reserve was identified as a top priority and funding was secured. This project is now underway. We are working through funding opportunities for the upgrade of lights at sports facilities in the rest of the Shire,” said Mayor Hood.
Daylesford Football Netball Club President, Carson White said securing a Country Football Netball grant was a huge win for the Club.
“Our participation numbers have doubled in the last seven years and the club is growing quickly. The installation of these lights will only further enhance the appeal and encourage greater participation at our club. More importantly it will also improve the training and playing experience for all our existing football and netball teams,” said Mr White.
“On behalf of the entire club, we thank Hepburn Shire Council for supporting and submitting the application and of course the Victoria State Government for the grant,” he said.
