Netballers and tennis players at Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve in Maldon have a home ground advantage thanks to a new female friendly pavilion backed by the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards recently joined representatives from Mount Alexander Shire Council, the Maldon Bombers Football Netball Club, and the Maldon Tennis Club to officially launch the pavilion made possible by a $1 million investment from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

"Our community has grown around clubs like the Bombers – the new pavilion ensures there’s more opportunity for locals to join in the fun and support local sport.” Said Ms Edwards.

“Thanks to the Bombers and the Maldon Tennis Club for their advocacy for this project, and their commitment to sport and recreation in Maldon.

“Better facilities make it easier for Victorians to enjoy the sports they love and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”

Up until recently, members of local netball teams and tennis players were limited in their ability to train and compete due to poor change facilities.

The new pavilion includes two female friendly change rooms, two umpire rooms, public toilets, an administration office, and first aid and storage area. Accessible paths, ramped netball court connections and minor carparking works have also been delivered.

It’s a great new base for local netball and tennis to expand development programs and teams, giving more people the opportunity to get in the game.

The pavilion upgrade complements the recently installed 100 lux LED lighting around the oval and 200 lux LED lighting at the main netball court, backed by a $200,000 investment from the government’s Country Football and Netball Program.

The Victorian Government has kicked in more than $2.3 billion into community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is providing more than $23 million to continue delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure, and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility.

Maree Edwards MP acknowledged the Mount Alexander Shire Council for its more than $676,000 contribution and delivery of the project.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available, visit: sport.vic.gov.au