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Community facilities | October 06, 2017

Kealy calls for Regional Cricket Hub funding in Hamilton

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to provide funding to make a Regional Cricket Hub in Hamilton a reality.

Earlier this week Emma Kealy MP and the Shadow Minister for Sport, Tim McCurdy MP visited Monivae College in Hamilton to see firsthand the proposed site for a ‘Centre of Cricket Excellence Indoor/Outdoor Facility’.

“I am grateful for the time the Shadow Minister has given to highlight this key community project,” Ms Kealy said.

“The future of cricket is of significant importance to our region, not only for our schools and cricket locally but also for the growth and benefit of our rural communities,” she said.

Establishment of a Centre of Cricket Excellence Indoor/Outdoor Facility will include an indoor center with office space for Cricket Victoria representatives, sport science technology and fully furbished training areas. The project will build new male, female and umpire change rooms, public toilets and shelter for spectator seating.  The oval will be renovated with new turf, training nets, hard wickets, picket fencing and scoreboards.

“The site of a Regional Cricket Hub at Monivae College in Hamilton is vital to the project’s success as the school already has excellent facilities that can be used to assist with development,” Ms Kealy said.

The project has received strong community support with commitments already provided by Monivae College, Cricket Victoria, Western Waves Region, Hamilton and District Cricket Association, Hamilton Junior Cricket Association and Hamilton Women’s Cricket Association. 

The Southern Grampians Shire Council is also a strong supporter of the project.

The Hamilton community have been lobbying for a cricket hub for many years and the time has come for the Andrews Labor Government to fund this project and support the future of cricket in our regional area,” Ms Kealy said.