- Published:
- Wednesday 13 December 2023
Local cricket and footy is set for a new era at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve thanks to the completion of new works, supported by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today joined Melton Shire Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik, Member for Sunbury Josh Bull and local clubs to officially open the new cricket training facility and Oval 2 upgrades.
It’s the first of several facilities to be rolled out at the reserve in the coming months, thanks to the Labor Government’s $4.1 million investment in the reserve.
Home to three local clubs - the Diggers Rest Bulla Village Cricket Club, Diggers Rest Football Netball Club and Diggers Rest Junior Football Netball Club - the new facilities will support high levels of growth and participation in local sport.
The new nets feature four cricket training bays with a synthetic surface and a multi-use space that can be used all year round. A new community pavilion is also being built at the reserve, which will include female-friendly change rooms, a community kitchen and canteen – expected to be complete by March 2024.
Government funding towards the reserve revamp includes $1.5 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Simulus Program, $100,000 from the Community Cricket Program, and $2.5 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund towards the community pavilion.
The funding is part of $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.
The Government’s release of the Fair Access Policy Roadmap will also help to ensure women and girls get equal access to community sport facilities like cricket training facilities and ovals across the state.
Melton City Council contributed more than $900,000 to the Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve oval and cricket training facility upgrades.
For more information, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“The new nets and oval will go a long way to inspire even more locals to join in the fun at the reserve, providing a great new space for sports players to take their game to the next level.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny
“As Diggers Rest grows, it’s important that locals have modern and accessible sporting facilities so people can get out and get active.”
Quote attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
“Sport and recreation are not only good for our physical and mental health, but it also brings people together and strengthens communities.”