New netball courts, lighting and refurbished change rooms will be provided at Maffra Football Netball Club thanks to $435,000 in funds provided by Wellington Shire Council, Maffra FNC and the State Government.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the upgrade was badly needed and congratulated the shire and club for their contributions that leveraged the state funds.

Maffra FNC secretary, Paul Bourke, said the upgrade would modernise what were becoming out of date facilities.

“We are part of a major league and when you see the facilities of some of the other clubs, we were falling behind, so this will bring us right up to standard and it is exciting for the club and the netball players,” he said.

Mr Bull, who chatted with some of the players once the announcement had been made, said the current conditions clearly showed the work needed to be done.

“Being here today, there is one corner of the main court under water and the surface has become slippery in wet conditions with two players recently seriously injured, after slipping and falling.

“Maffra FNC has such a proud history and it was pleasing to hear from the women that they have plenty of numbers and are going well this season. Participation in sport is a great thing and good facilities only enhance this,” he said.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Garry Stephens added, “The netball courts at the Maffra Recreation Reserve are in need of redevelopment and Council is pleased to have attracted funding to ensure this important project can take place. We look forward to working with the State Government and the football netball club to see this project into fruition.”

Caption: State member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with club secretary, Paul Bourke; netball operations manager Tracey Shelton and Chairman of Selectors Maddie Sly; and players Jasmyn Henning, Abbie Ross and Maddie Davis inspecting the netball courts that will soon be upgraded.