By Jessica Micallef
Sunbury netballers are a step closer to playing on a new court.
An application to build a new netball court with lighting and shelters at Sunbury Recreation Reserve has been approved. Upgrades to lighting at the existing netball court will also go ahead.
Sunbury Netball Club assistant secretary Brian O’Loughlin said the extra court was long overdue.
“The netball participation in our area has increased rapidly,” he said. “We had two teams in 2011 and now we have a total of 11 teams … we only have one court.
“On game days, we have to schedule a total of six netball games in one day which is a very difficult thing to do because they take about an hour and 20 minutes.
“The night games are impossible to run because the lighting is not adequate.
“The netball court is not up to the standard of most other teams.”
Cr Jack Medcraft put forward a motion during last Monday’s Hume council meeting to approve building of a new netball court.
He said it was important females were provided with the same sport facilities as men.
“I’ve seen these courts and, being involved with the club for many years, the standard of the court is abysmal when you consider it to courts in Romsey for instance,” he said. “They’ve got the facilities for a stand, so finals can be held.
“If we are going to be fair to the female participants, they should be allowed to play on the best courts. Footballers do – the netballers should have the same rights. We won’t leave any stone unturned to get the money we need for this court.”
Council will apply for a $100,000 Sport Recreation Victoria grant to fund the court project. An additional $140,000 will be allocated in the council’s 2019-20 budget.
