By Jessica Micallef
Sunbury Kangaroos football and netball players are set to benefit from upgrades to the Eric Boardman Reserve, regardless of who wins Saturday’s state election.
After the state opposition last month pledged $500,000 to improve clubrooms at the reserve, Labor last week promised $2 million to revamp the pavilion should it win the election.
There are no purpose-built female changerooms at the reserve despite record female participation numbers.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull welcomed the Labor funding announcement.
“During my amateur footy days, I played at the reserve and I know first-hand the pavilion is ready for a refresh,” Mr Bull said.
“With funding from a re-elected Labor government, we’ll make sure local athletes – men and women – have the facilities they
need.”
Sport Minister John Eren said the funding was vital for the local clubs.
“Community sports are really about community spirit,” Mr Eren said.
“With this investment, we’re backing local sporting clubs and this local community.”
Plans to transform McMahon Recreation Reserve into a major sports hub in Sunbury are progressing, with a new pavilion on the way and construction of a netball court starting late last month.
The new netball facilities at McMahon Recreation Reserve will also include two light towers and fencing, with the pavilion
to include changerooms, umpires rooms, storage, timekeepers facilities and unisex public toilets.
The Sunbury United Sporting Club and its soccer, cricket and rugby players are also set to benefit from a $1 million upgrade at Langama Park in Sunbury if Labor is re-elected on Saturday.
Club president Paul DiBlasi said the funding was a huge boost.
“It’s great to finally get some infrastructure … it’s long overdue,” Mr DiBlasi said.
Hume council committed in its 2018-19 budget to spending $18 million in the next four years on upgrades to sports grounds around the municipality.
