Tuesday, 17 December 2019

An exciting summer of cricket awaits the Latrobe Valley, with the opening of the new Gippsland Regional Cricket Centre at Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today opened the $3.5 million facility, which will house Cricket Victoria Gippsland staff and facilitate year-round coaching and player education, as well as being open for multi-purpose community use.

The centre is one of eight cricket hubs being built across the state, with its facilities including:

• five indoor synthetic training wickets with extended run-ups
• 1000 Lux LED lighting
• Cutting-edge training and coaching technology
• enclosed outdoor training wickets with retractable netting and a storage facility
• an auxiliary building complete with a community meeting room
• office and administration space
• unisex change facilities and a first aid room.

Local companies Langden Constructions and JJC Design led the design and construct of the facility, with GROW Gippsland engaged to make sure as many local contractors were employed as possible.

The opening of the centre comes ahead of the second Big Bash League match to be held at the venue – with the Melbourne Stars to host the Hobart Hurricanes in Gippsland on 22 December.

The Labor Government’s support for the project was made up of $3 million from the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Sports and Community Initiative and $500,000 from the Community Cricket Program through Sport and Recreation Victoria, in partnership with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia.

The centre will enhance the venue’s ability to attract and host major events and offer exciting development opportunities for country cricketers and elite pathway programs.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Gippsland has a proud track record of producing elite cricketers – this facility will ensure even more locals follow in their footsteps and provide year-round sport and recreation opportunities for our local communities.”    

“As well as a fantastic place to play and watch cricket, Gippslanders will benefit from improved health, social and economic outcomes as a result of this new sporting and community hub.”