WOODEND HAWKS SCORE NEW SUPER NETBALL COURTS

Netballers in Woodend can look forward to doubling the action at Gilbert Gordon Oval with major court redevelopments now complete, thanks to the Victorian Government.

On Saturday, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas joined Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Woodend Hesket Hawks Football Netball Club representatives to officially open 2 new netball courts, made possible by more than $980,000 from the Victorian Government.

Gilbert Gordon Oval has 190 junior to senior women playing at the venue, making it one of the most popular in Woodend.

Two new competition ready netball courts have been installed at the venue and come complete with 200 lux LED lighting, a player and scorer shelter, a spectator shelter with seating, connecting pathways and electronic scoreboards.

The Hawks and local netballers now have the perfect base to develop new programs, train, and host matches and events, with the school and community groups also benefitting from the great new facilities, including for evening use.

The new courts also provide a great new space for nearby schools and community groups to perfect their netball skills in their own backyard.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is providing $20 million to support the development of high- quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state.

It’s part of the more than $2.4 billion the Victorian Government has invested in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

From playspace redevelopments to pavilion upgrades, investments like these provide high- quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

Mary-Anne Thomas MP acknowledged the $70,000 of cash and in-kind contributions kicked in by the Hawks and the Woodend Junior Football Netball Club, 2MH Consulting, and the local community as well as the Macedon Ranges Shire Council for its $310,000, the Australian Government for its contribution of $20,000, and AFL Victoria for kicking-in $5,500 from its TAC Club Rewards Program.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“The new netball facilities at Gilbert Gordon Oval open up more opportunities for youngsters keen to follow in the footsteps of their Super Netball heroes to sign up and play the game they love at this popular park.”

“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back to local sport and recreation and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”

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