MEMBER for Nicholls Sam Birrell has pulled on the boots for Kilmore Football Netball Club (KFNC) as part of his mission to train with every football and netball club in the Nicholls electorate.
Earlier this month, Mr Birrell joined the KFNC for their season’s first training session, followed by Thursday night meals, and a momentous occasion for girls and women in sport.
“Kilmore is a fantastic football and netball club, and for the first time, they fielded a female Australian Rules team,” he said.
“It was an honour to help present the AFL women’s side with their jumpers, and it was fantastic to join the club’s post-training for its first Thursday night meals for 2025, which allowed me to chat with locals.
“It was great to see the firsts, seconds, and girls all doing training warm-ups as a club before heading off to their specific training drills.”
Mr Birrell has made it his mission over the past three years to train with 45 football and netball clubs across Nicholls, and has been invited to train with other sporting clubs including hockey, cricket, and canoeing.
“Training with sporting clubs allows me to hear from the ground what matters to locals, and helps me keep up to date about what’s happening in the community,” he said.
Visiting sporting clubs has also helped Mr Birrell with his advocacy to all levels of government to help support facility upgrades.
“Sporting clubs are more than just a game; they are vital community hubs that deserve investment from governments,” he said.
Mr Birrell acknowledged that the JJ Clancy Reserve carpark was in need of an upgrade.
“I’ve spoken to Mitchell Shire as well as the KFNC President Leigh Irons about the need for improvements to the carpark at the JJ Clancy Reserve,” he said.
“From tennis, to football to U3A, the carpark is utilised by many user groups. The proposed upgrades would enhance the safety and functionality for users.”
Mr Birrell said it was a priority to secure funding for this project.
