Newyln netballers Jessica McKay and Mackenzie Mahar are hoping for court upgrades to improve training and game days, and a Hepburn Shire Council vote has brought the possibility one step closer.
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Hepburn Shire Council voted to submit an external funding application to the Victoria Country Football Netball program and support the allocation of internal funding during a meeting on Tuesday July 18.
Newlyn netball court in its current state does not comply with Netball Victoria playing standards due to limited player run-off space and poor lighting. The court upgrade proposal includes improved lighting and increased player run-off space to meet state competition standards.
Newlyn Football Netball Club junior coordinator Tania McKay said there were over 50 junior and 30 senior netballers in the club.
“It is difficult trying to train 20 to 30 girls on one court,” she said.
“It would be great to get an upgrade and maybe even a half court.”
Junior player Mackenzie Mahar said increased court space would improve match day warm ups and training.
Fellow player Jessica McKay said the lighting was dull and sometimes switches off during rain, making it difficult to train at night.
Junior Coach Nat Mahar said it can be dangerous and slippery during warm ups on the dirt space beside the court.
“It would make such a difference to have a warm up area for the girls to be able to do their warm ups on a Saturday and for the opposing teams as well,” she said.
Councils can apply for up to $100,000 under the Country Football Netball Program, a sum that would contribute to the total predicted project cost of $235,125. It is proposed council contribute $120,125 to the project in the 2018-19 budget.
Council hopes upgrades would help promote and increase participation in sport.
Newlyn netballer Mackenzie Mahar said there were hopes upgrades may draw an increasing number of players to the club. “When you drive past you see the club and its just this. It’s easy to miss.”
Coach Mrs Mahar said club room upgrades completed in late 2016 have made a big difference to players changing into uniform.
“The girls used to get changed in a large room with windows,” she said. “Now we have a visitors and Newlyn home change room and toilets and showers.”
Consultation with the Newlyn Football Netball Club and discussion with Netball Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria has been a part of the funding application process. Council is expecting the result of the Country Football Netball Program funding application to be announced in November or December.
