Over the past three years Council has invested in sports grounds across the Keysborough Ward. The improvements were all designed to support local sporting clubs and to get more people active.
I recently spoke to our Sport and Recreation department to find out more about the impact the improvements had, and it is clear to see many of the clubs have benefitted from our investment.
Improvements at Rowley Allen Reserve included oval floodlighting, safety upgrades to the pavilion and works to the main oval, including the replacement of two coaches’ boxes. For the first time the Keysborough Football Netball Club, which calls the ground home, introduced a female football team this season.
The club also partnered with Parkmore Pirates Junior Football Club to field four junior teams, up from two last season.
The installation of 150 lux floodlighting and portable senior-sized soccer goals at Frederick Wachter Reserve has been great for the South East United Football Club, which increased participation by 26%. Junior participation also increased and last season the Boy’s U16 team won the Victorian State Championship.
Works at Coomoora Reserve included renewal of the drainage for the eastern soccer field and renewal of cricket nets (three lanes). Last season two Coomoora Cricket Club teams won grand finals. The Keysborough Soccer Club has seen a 132% rise in female participation.
Speaking of women and girls in sport, Council is committed to helping grow participation levels across all sports. We regularly work with clubs to support a more inclusive environment and recently hosted an online women and girls coaching workshop.
I will continue to advocate on behalf of local sports clubs to improve facilities and get more people involved.
If you would like to talk to me about local issues please email Melinda.Yim@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0428 331 557.
