NETBALLERS had their moment in the spotlight on Saturday when a $695,000 pavilion and courts upgrade project at Warrnambool’s Reid Oval was officially opened.
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Premier and South West Coast MP Denis Napthine joined Warrnambool mayor Michael Neoh for the ceremony during the Hampden Football Netball League grand finals.
“Today marks the culmination of many years of hard work, planning and fund-raising for this important project, which will position the Reid Oval as Warrnambool’s premier multi-purpose sports facility,” Dr Napthine said.
“With the new pavilion and lighting, athletes will have a number of benefits including female change rooms at the site for the first time.”
Netball court run-offs will be upgraded to meet Australian standards in a further stage of long-awaited redevelopment for the oval precinct, which has been criticised for substandard facilities.
“Once redevelopment is complete the facility will be able to cater for local league football, cricket and netball matches and looking forward, state, national or even international events such as AFL practice matches,” Dr Napthine said.
“The new netball change rooms have the ability to open up to one large space, should the ground host an AFL game in the future.”
The city council on Saturday advertised for tenders to supply and install a new electronic scoreboard at the oval, replacing the manual-operated board which has stood for generations.
Funding for the $695,000 upgrade stage has come from the Warrnambool City Council and state government with $200,000 each, Warrnambool Football Netball Club $60,000, Lane Foundation $25,000, Jones Foundation $25,000, Uebergang Foundation $25,000 and in-kind contributions.
Dr Napthine also tossed the coin to start the senior football match and provided radio commentary during the game.