By Victoria Stone-Meadows
Sweeney Reserve in Berwick will be one of the first sports grounds in Casey to have purpose-built female-friendly change rooms and amenities thanks to the grant money from the State Government.
The new change rooms and amenities are being provided as part of Casey Council’s strategy to encourage a wider participation of women in sport and recreation.
Five sporting facilities across Casey are set for a boost after Casey Council revealed it had been successful in the $1 million grant application.
The Casey Indoor Leisure Centre in Cranbourne will receive a share of the grant money to continue ongoing refurbishment works.
Strathaird Reserve in Narre Warren South will receive upgraded drainage and a new irrigation system with funding for this project being sourced through a partnership between the Victorian Government, Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia.
Kalora Park Reserve in Narre Warren North will receive a share of the grant money to upgrade the lighting system at the oval.
Betula Reserve in Doveton will also have a share in the grant money with drainage upgrades to soccer pitches bringing them in line with LFDP Facility Development Standards.
The funding made possible through the State Government’s the 2017/18 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund will be used to upgrade sporting grounds and amenities throughout the municipality.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz said this funding has allowed council to better provide the necessary amenaties to the growing population of the area and to cater for the increase in sport participation.
“These projects will deliver many benefits from allowing Narre Warren cricket and junior football clubs to introduce programs and teams for girls and women and making way for 1500 new gymnastics participants to giving a number of local soccer, cricket and AFL clubs improved surfaces to use all year round,” he said.
“As our population grows, we hope the State Government will continue to invest in new and existing infrastructure in Casey to keep up with the increased demand.”
