Friday, 24 May 2019

Newborough’s passionate footballers can now train harder and longer, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today officially launched the upgraded lighting at Northern Reserve, made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The reserve is home to the Newborough ‘Bulldogs’ Football Netball Club and the Newborough Junior Football Club with more than 60 years of history and more than 220 players between them, including a growing number of women and girls.

The ground is also used by the Newborough Cricket Club, however the old lighting system was inadequate and significantly limited training flexibility and opportunities during winter.

The oval has had a significant upgrade making it AFL compliant with 100 lux lighting installed.

The new lighting will significantly extend the capacity and flexibility of the clubs to schedule training and competition and will also open up the full oval for training and other community use.

The Latrobe Valley is also set to become one of regional Australia’s top sporting hubs, thanks to an unprecedented $85 million investment by the Labor Government in its sporting infrastructure, with a new Aquatic Centre in Traralgon and upgraded ovals, reserves and stadiums throughout the region.

The Labor Government is strongly committed to sport and recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.

Across Victoria the government has invested more than $630 million in community sport and recreation facilities since 2014.

New and upgraded sporting facilities will increase the Latrobe Valley’s capacity to attract and host major events and community programs and improve amenity for local users.

Quotes Attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Local clubs like the Bulldogs are a big part of the Latrobe Valley community and they deserve modern and appropriate facilities they can be proud of.”

“I’m sure the Bulldogs will embrace this upgraded lighting which will enable them to grow, train harder, and win more flags.”

“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for women and men, girls and boys to get involved in local sport and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”