Tuesday, 15 May, 2018

The Andrews Labor Government has netted another major sporting coup for the Latrobe Valley, with the WNBL Melbourne Boomers set to play an additional four games in the next two years.

Minister for Sport John Eren visited Warragul North Primary School today to announce the Boomers will play the Bendigo Spirt in Traralgon and Sale, on top of an annual match in Warragul.

The deal will also include training sessions, junior clinics and coaching classes across the region, benefiting local students and players across the entire community.

The WNBL is Australia’s top women’s basketball competition and is recognised as the second-best league in the world. These games will grow its fanbase in the Valley and inspire more kids to hit the court.

The two-year partnership is part of the Labor Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative, which is building new sporting infrastructure and bringing the best sporting events to the region.

An extra $2 million will also be provided to help Regional Tourism Boards and Councils boost their local economies and jobs by attracting new visitors and new events.

The Labor Government has already supported more than 160 events across regional Victoria – and our new Regional Events and Innovation Fund will grow that number.

New funding will also be made available to regional event organisers, sporting associations, venues and local councils to help kick-start their bid to host more national or international sporting events.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 invests $17.7 million for the Significant Sporting Events Program – supporting more than 75 events last year alone – including the NBL Blitz in the Latrobe Valley, the AGL Loy Yang Traralgon International Tennis Tournament and the Trans-Tasman Archery event in Morwell last month.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren:

“This is a massive sporting coup for the Valley – these games are a great chance for locals to see the best female basketballers in their own backyard.” 
      
“We’re bringing the big events to our regions because they create jobs, fill our hotels, attract new visitors and strengthen the economy.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“We’re thrilled to add the Boomers to our growing events calendar. Whether you’re an aspiring basketballer or small business owner, events like these are a big win for the local community.”