Thursday 30^th July 2020

Netballers in Baw Baw will benefit from significant upgrades to four netball courts at the Drouin Recreation Reserve.

The $652,000 project was made possible after a $600,000 grant from the Andrews Government’s 2018/19 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, with the remaining $52,000 coming from Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2019/20 capital works program.

The project focussed on courts three to six at the Drouin Recreation Reserve, home to the Drouin and District Netball Association and Drouin Hawks Netball Club, who run competitions all year round.

The project solved safety and compliance issues concerning the court sizes and layout, provided an upgraded drainage system, pedestrian access ramps, player shelters, height adjustable goal posts as well as a suite of peripheral items such as upgrades to boundary fences, retaining walls and footpaths.

Now complete, the Drouin Recreation Reserve boasts six courts that comply with Netball Victoria’s facility design guidelines. Each court is now fitted with height adjustable goal posts, which allow for maximum flexibility when it comes to scheduling junior and senior competitions, programs and clinics.

The improved drainage network will ensure the site holds up to the unpredictable Gippsland weather, while the addition of improved walkways and shelters have created new vantage points for spectators.

The courts will be put to good use in the upcoming twilight netball season. The Government is working with Baw Baw Shire Council and both clubs to plan for an official opening once COVID-19 restrictions have eased and sporting activities resume.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

 These upgrades have made a massive difference to the quality and safety of the courts and will provide ongoing benefits to players and umpires for years to come. Investments like these also encourage more people to get involved in netball, which is great for competition, and it’s a brilliant result following years of advocacy to secure the funding. 

Quotes attributable to Baw Baw Shire Councillor Keith Cook

 “We’re grateful for Sport and Recreation Victoria’s funding contribution, which has helped Council to deliver this upgrade to a highly used community facility. These upgrades will provide a tremendous boost to participation and provide Baw Baw with a high-quality venue for not only the local competitions, but for schools and the wider community to use as well.”

 Quotes attributable to Baw Baw Shire Councillor Tricia Jones

 “It’s fantastic to see the big changes that have been made to the courts, offering our local clubs with a great facility to enjoy for years to come. We’d also like to thank the Drouin and District Netball Association and the Drouin Hawks Netball Club for their contributions throughout the project.”

 Quotes attributable to Baw Baw Shire Councillor Cr Jessica O’Donnell

 “This is a significant facility upgrade that will benefit both players and spectators. Thanks to the funding provided by Sport and Recreation Victoria, Council has been able to deliver this upgrade sooner and ensure that our sporting infrastructure can support our rapidly growing community.”