Premier

Boost For Grassroots Athletes In Kingston

01 December 2016

The Andrews Labor Government is putting people first in Kingston by building the best sports facilities for athletes and their families.

Minister for Sport John Eren joined Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson at Gerry Green Reserve, where we’ll be spending $595,000 to redevelop the Cliff Sambell Pavilion – and build women’s change rooms for the growing number of women and girls turning to grassroots sport.

Everyone deserves equal facilities, but for too long women and girls have been forced to change in cars, canteens or temporary facilities. It’s outdated and it’s unfair, but we’re changing that.

The Cliff Sambell Pavilion will come complete with women’s change rooms, facilities for umpires and public toilets.

A kitchen, kiosk and function room are also planned. It will be the ideal location for the community to get together, and that changes people’s lives for the better.

Victoria is the nation’s cricket capital, and we want to remain that way. The Labor Government is spending $20,000 building an additional cricket net at Gerry Green Reserve and $27,500 on two nets at Chelsea Recreation Reserve, so that the Chelsea Cricket Club and Parkdale Cricket Club can continue to welcome more members.

We’ve partnered with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia to deliver The Community Cricket Program: On Common Ground. It’s helping clubs upgrade facilities and build the base of players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.

We’re the sporting state, and it doesn’t happen by chance. The Labor Government’s $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is putting people first by updating tired grounds and building world-class facilities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Women are joining grassroots sports in record numbers, and they deserve equal facilities. We’re putting people first by giving players a home base they can be proud of.”

“We’re listening to local clubs, who say they need upgraded facilities to cater to growing numbers. New cricket nets mean more players get valuable time at the wicket to work on their game.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson

“We’ve seen local women and girls show unprecedented interest in grassroots sport. It’s fabulous, but it’s time they got the facilities they deserve.”

“I want to pay tribute to the Parkdale Cricket Club and the Parkdale Vultures Football Club for their tireless work making this a reality for our community.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?