Sunbury Downs College students and the surrounding community have recently stepped out onto two newly refurbished courts, thanks to a $50,000 funding grant.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull visited the local school on Friday to take a look at the new court upgrades, which was made possible through the Sunbury and Bulla Neighbourhood Fund West Gate Tunnel Project.
Principal Warwick Beynon said the upgrades include the resurfacing of two courts with durable multi purpose synthetic covering for basketball and netball use, as well as new goal posts and backboard structures.
“One of main reasons we wanted the upgrades is for outside organisations to have access to top quality facilities for training and competition,” he said.
“We like to offer our facilities to community groups outside of hours [use]. We’re aware there’s a shortfall of facilities in the area, specifically for netball.
“We wanted to make sure we did the best we could to support young people in clubs to provide a venue for [them].”
Mr Beynon said the school has an enrollment of 700 kids, and the courts are used by about 30 families who bring their children to training outside of school hours.
“It’s only been open for a full week now… [but the kids] are absolutely thrilled they are very thankful and appreciative.
“Sport is an ideal opportunity to be challenged, experience success and failure, and develop resilience.
“It’s about the interpersonal skills, the friendship and the interaction with peers.”
Zoe Moffatt
