Moree and District Netball Association will say goodbye to their unsafe and outdated shipping container after receiving a $64,000 Holden Home Ground Advantage Grant.
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The local association, supported by more than 150 members, will now be able to update their facilities by adding a amenities block, canteen, office and storage area and covered outdoor shading.
Situated at the back of Ron Harborne Oval, the courts and shipping container- turned office, canteen and storage area- has barely survived two floods and a recent break-in.
Grants and sponsorship officer Dimity Boydell said updated facilities would allow a safer environment for female players as well as bring more to the town.
“Basically at the moment it takes players about 15 minutes to walk over to the soccer toilet block and back so they are often missing game time. Usually they have to take a parent, or adult, with them for safety reasons.
“Being a full-female sport we agreed closer amenities were essential and that’s why we decided to apply for this grant,” she said.
A regional netball committee, who are at the forefront of State League Netball, also informed the local association that without appropriate infrastructure they could not host regional competitions.
Moree and District Netball Assocation now hope to not only build their member numbers but host different events and carnivals to bring people to the town.
“As a club that is trying to build, this grant is really the starting point. Even having power to the courts will allow us to host evening games and other events,” Miss Boydell said.
Tait Motors general manager Kendall Tait was delighted to inform the local association of their successful application on Tuesday afternoon.
“We’re thrilled to help support the Moree and District Netball Association because they go that one step further and make playing sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone within the local community,” Ms Tait said.
Miss Boydell said it was an amazing feeling to know the association were even considered for the grant, as they initially only applied for equipment funding.
However, the hard-working volunteers decided to take a chance and apply also for a much-needed infrastructure boost.
“I spent a good 24 to 36 hours applying for the grant so it was amazing to receive a call from Holden a couple of weeks after asking for more information about our association. We didn’t expect to get it but we are so glad that we did,” she said.
The association hope, with the new facilities, NSW Netball will be willing to consider Moree as an adequate location to host regional events, special days with professional netballers and much more.
“This will be a safe environment for the girls to come and be confident just as girls.”
Miss Boydell said Ron Harborne Oval was not shy to visitors when soccer, hockey and other sporting code carnivals were on.
“Hopefully, once the new facilities are finished netball can also help bring visitors to Moree.”
The Holden Home Ground Advantage Grant is open to clubs of all sporting codes to fund projects both big and small.
Basically, the grant was created to help clubs improve facilities, purchase new equipment and even develop exception, local talent.
Applications for the 2017 winter round close on August 31. For more information head to www.holden.com.au/homegroundadvantage