$100,000 for Western Park Lights Upgrade

The Western Park Recreation Reserve can look forward to a share in over $1 million worth of funding to help redevelop and improve football and netball clubs and association facilities across Victoria.

Sports Minister Hugh Delahunty today announced the funding injection from the latest round of the Victorian Government's revitalised Country Football and Netball Program.

"The Country Football and Netball Program acknowledges the important role regional sporting clubs play in communities, from providing a place for locals to meet and get active to mentoring players, coaches, and volunteers," Mr Delahunty said. 

"That's why the Victorian Government is proud to have invested $9 million to extend the life of the popular program over the next five years giving even more country football and netball clubs the chance to upgrade facilities. 

"With more and more people wanting to get involved in sport at facilities like Western Park Recreation Reserve the program ensures these clubs can continue to have the facilities they need to cater for their growing communities," Mr Delahunty said.

Member for Narracan, Gary Blackwood, said the project was one of 19 to share in the new round of Program funding and includes $100,000 for a lighting upgrade to the precinct. 

"These improvements will inject a sense of club pride, bring more people together, get more people active and ensure everyone can enjoy better access to quality facilities whatever their gender, age or ability," Mr Blackwood said. 

Mr Delahunty said the Victorian Government $9 million boost is on top of the $1 million provided by program partners the Victorian Country Football League, AFL and Netball Victoria. 

"Working together we can ensure country football and netball clubs continue to be the backbone of their communities," Mr Delahunty said. 

Mr Delahunty said interested clubs and associations need to approach their local councils to apply for the funding on their behalf. 

For more information about the Country Football and Netball Program go to www.sport.vic.gov.au