Swan Reach netballers will receive a new playing surface and lights after being allocated $114,000 from the Local Economic Recovery Program.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the bushfire recovery funds were desperately needed on two fronts, damage caused to the playing surface after it was a staging location for firefighters, and the courts not meeting Netball Victoria specifications.

“Last summer there was damage caused to the playing surface and the Department provided funds for that work, but having met with club representatives last year, it was clear more than a patch up job was required,” said Mr Bull.

“Meeting club stalwarts Ray Field and Brian Wren on site, they explained the courts were slightly out of specification and lights were required to increase playing times.

“With this in mind, we pushed the project strongly with Bushfire Recovery Victoria and it was pleasing to see them prioritise the project and announce the funding in the first round.

“Council did a good job overseeing the application and we now look forward to the work commencing and providing a first-class playing surface for the netballers,” he said.

Caption: Swan Reach Committee of Management members, Ray Field; Brian and Joyce Wren and netballers Teanne Stephenson and Kelsey Beale are pictured with Nationals MPs Tim Bull and Darren Chester.

Monday, January 11, 2021