Sport
27 May, 2024
Netball courts open for use at Dunolly
The day Dunolly’s netballers have been waiting years for arrived on Saturday, with the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) officially launching the club’s new netball courts. After two years of eagerly awaiting $970,000 of upgrades jointly...
The day Dunolly’s netballers have been waiting years for arrived on Saturday, with the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) officially launching the club’s new netball courts.
After two years of eagerly awaiting $970,000 of upgrades jointly funded by the state Government and CGSC, the Eagles were able to launch the new courts prior to their A grade match against Natte Bealiba.
Joining Member for Ripon Martha Haylett in launching the new netball courts on Saturday afternoon were Central Goldfields Shire Council general manager community wellbeing Emma Little, mayor Liesbeth Long and Deledio Recreation Reserve committee members Katie Lovel and Kath Ryan.
Each person spoke about the pride in delivering the new netball courts, which has steadily allowed the facilties to improve in recent years, with a new scoreboard installed, while discussions continue on the desire to upgrade the facilities.
Ms Lovel spoke of her pride in seeing her vision of the new netball courts become a reality.
“To look back on the original dream that we drew up and said what we could consider our ultimate pavilion and sporting complex for netball in Dunolly, and standing here and see that it has all come to fruition, is exciting,” she said.
“When we first met with Jen Dyer at the Central Goldfields Shire Council, Jesse Sherwood at Sports and Recreation Victoria and Liesbeth Long, it seemed to be a mountain in front of us. We were quite despondent as to whether we could achieve the upgrade, but I rang Jen the next day and asked what was first.
“Through that process, they stepped us through and said what we needed. Twelve months down the track, we secured the funding. From there, it’s been about the design process and the build. There’s been setbacks with that, but we’re here now.”
Cr Long agreed with Ms Lovel’s assessment, and spoke of her pride of being able to deliver for the people of Dunolly.
“It doesn’t get much better than this. It’s a dream come true. I know how bad these courts were before, they were virtually unplayable. To now have these brand-new facilities for the community is something they can be proud of,” she said.
“To be the mayor and ward councillor, I know this community. The people come to me, I go to their meetings, speak to them regularly, and visit the town all the time. To see this being delivered for them makes it really special.
“It’s been a real collaboration. Everyone has been on the same page, which makes it easier. It wasn’t without hurdles — there were a few speed bumps that came along, as it always does. In the end, it’s here, it’s built, and I can’t wait for everyone to start enjoying it.”
Ms Haylett also shared her pride for the Eagles’ new netball courts.
“It feels fantastic. It’s a happy time for Dunolly. It’s a huge effort from the grassroots up. Katie Lovel and the committee worked tirelessly to get this done, and it’s fantastic that the State Labor Government were able to back them back in October 2022, and see this money come to fruition,” she said.
“It’s always good to partner with the Central Goldfields Shire Council on these projects, and it’s good for not just Dunolly, but the whole region.
“We have some of the highest numbers of netball players in our region compared to anywhere else in Victoria, so it is crucial that they have the facilities they deserve to keep playing, to not injure themselves and to play on world-class facilities.
“It’s fantastic that Dunolly now have the facilities they deserve, and the community benefits from this. We don’t have a tennis club in Dunolly at the moment, but with these facilities, it could encourage players to come forward.”
Ms Lovel couldn’t be more complimentary of Ms Haylett, Ryan and Cr Long’s tireless work.
“In Volunteers Week, our trustees, and Kath Ryan, have been passionate about ensuring our facilities at Deledio Recreation Reserve are upgraded, and this is one step. She’s now working tirelessly on the pavilion project. To have the support from Liesbeth and Martha — they understand what it means, these sorts of upgrades,” she said.
“The people of Dunolly deserve these facilities and quality places to play, to increase their health, fitness and participation. It’s such a protective factor, for teenage kids to be connected with clubs, and if they have quality facilities to come and play and be connected, than that has to have benefits for the wider community as well.”
The clubrooms are an obvious next target for the club to deliver, and Cr Long and Ms Haylett are determined to deliver on their promise.
“We have the scoreboard and the new courts — but the clubrooms are next. I won’t stop until they are built. It’s time and they are beyond use. It is all dependant on funding, we have got two live funding stream applications. If we get both, we will be in a really good position to start that,” Cr Long said.
“We have some grant applications in that I have supported. I’ve written support letters to relevant ministers, so I am in Dunolly’s corner on this one and want to see it happen. We will keep going until we get it done,” Haylett added.
