By Oscar Parry
Sunbury’s Eric Boardman Stadium could receive a $2.5 million makeover, including new multipurpose community learning spaces, if Labor wins the May 3 federal election.
The funding, pledged by Hawke MP Sam Rae, would support stadium infrastructure upgrades, expanded office and meeting rooms, improved spectator and participant facilities, new technology, and community learning spaces.
Sunbury Basketball Association vice president Nathan Sellwood said other key improvements would include modernised toilet facilities, a new function room, a new canteen, and important upgrades to the stadium’s main entryway.
The current canteen space would also be repurposed into a community venue and classroom.
Mr Sellwood said these improvements and addition of multipurpose spaces would “ultimately provide jobs for our local community”.
“Upgraded facilities will support increased participation across basketball and netball, create more opportunities for local programs, and ensure our growing community has access to a welcoming and accessible space for all,” he said.
He said the upgrades would improve the stadium for the “here and now,” with a long-term goal being a second stadium in Sunbury to meet increasing court demand – which has spiked in the last 12–18 months.
“We currently utilise 15 courts for our domestic competition on a Saturday, with some games finishing up at eight o’clock at night – which is probably less than ideal,” Mr Sellwood said.
Mr Rae said the funding is aimed at “ensuring that our growing Sunbury community has access to modern, inclusive and safe sporting facilities”.
“The Sunbury Basketball Association does a fantastic job promoting a more social and active community, and I’m pleased that this investment will support the continued growth of their programs,” Mr Rae said.
Mr Sellwood said the next stage for the association is to finalise its strategic plan and work with Basketball Victoria, Hume council, and other stadium user groups in the community “as part of making sure our submission for the new venue [is] not just a basketball venue but a community space … to hold other kinds of events and functions”.
