Tuesday, 23 October 2018

Latrobe Valley cricketers will soon be able to hone their skills in a state-of-the-art cricket centre of excellence thanks to $500,000 in funding from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Sport John Eren and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced the project today, which has been made possible through the Labor Government’s Community Cricket Program – Regional Priority Projects.

The Gippsland Cricket Centre of Excellence will be built in partnership with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia at Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve, further enhancing the reserve’s status as a key sporting hub of the Latrobe Valley.

The centre will include an indoor training facility with at least four wickets, female friendly and accessible change rooms and amenities, as well as administration and community space.

It will improve skill development and pathway programs for cricketers at all levels and will also make the reserve an attractive venue for touring national or international teams to use for games or training.

The reserve already features an upgraded oval, pavilion, basketball stadium, and plenty of parking.

This funding is part of the Labor Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.

Across Victoria we’ve invested more than $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities, and earlier this year provided almost half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support sport and active recreation at all levels.

Mr Eren and Ms Shing acknowledged the financial contributions of the Latrobe Valley Authority, Latrobe City Council, Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“This investment will help Gippsland’s cricketers hone their skills and ensure Moe can attract major cricket teams to play matches or undertake training.”

“This major development will lock in Moe as a cricket centre of excellence in Victoria.”

“Sports clubs are the heart and soul of local communities – we’re giving Gippsland’s cricketers the facilities they need to reach their full potential.”

 Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This funding is yet another way this government is supporting the Latrobe Valley and ensuring its communities have the infrastructure they need.”

“This cricket hub will not only be great for local teams and players, it will become a hub for visiting teams.”