by Jackson Russell
GREENHILL Reserve’s second netball court officially opened on Wednesday, easing the pressure on local facilities.
The new netball court at Wallan Football Netball Club’s headquarters helps the Magpies keep up with the boom in netball participation in the region and across the state.
The Magpies currently field four senior netball teams in the Riddell District Football Netball League from A Grade to D Grade and the new court allows for multiple teams to train and play at one time.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said much like the shire, participation in sport is rapidly growing.
“As the municipality grows, so will demand for sporting facilities and that’s why this second netball court is so vital,” Cr Sanderson said.
“One court is simply not enough to cater for the demand from all these teams. This new court will significantly assist on game day and will make training sessions much more manageable.
“Female participation is growing and the success of netball and AFLW is filtering down to the grassroots level.”
The new court complements the $471,000 female-friendly change room upgrade which opened at the reserve last year.
The project was funded by a $100,000 grant from the state government with in-kind support from the reserve’s committee of management, Wallan Football Netball Club and Mitchell Shire Council.
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green was present at the opening and said it can be difficult to remain active and the best way to stay active is through “fabulous” clubs like Wallan Football Netball Club.
“With Wallan becoming one of the fastest growing areas in the state, the need to expand sporting facilities has never been greater,” Ms Green said.
