UPDATE, 1.45pm: Northern Rivers Region cricket manager for Cricket Victoria Ben DeAraugo said securing funding for the new hub was hugely exciting.
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He said the facility will be hugely beneficial in developing players.
“Cricket is a unique sport at times with the facilities required to develop players,” he said.
“We have had a lot of talented players travel to Melbourne in recent seasons to play at premier teams and trial with state teams.
“To have players doing that locally will make easier to see them go through cricket pathways.”
The development of the grounds as well as the facilities will also help junior and grade cricketers.
“The BDCA have had to move junior matches to different days and nights in order to see them played,” Mr DeAraugo said.
“We are seeing huge numbers register and are hoping it equates to strong numbers in junior teams in future seasons.
“Various stages of this project will hopefully benefit different areas of cricket – both in terms of facilities and the playing areas themselves.”
Mr DeAraugo said he wanted to see the facility benefit all aspects of the community.
“It’s a community facility and we want the community to benefit as much as possible, whether it is through school, community or club programs. We want everyone to have access at all times.
“Catherine McAuley College have been wonderful in its support and patience in getting this off the ground. We have had regular meetings over two or three years.
“We want to highlight the support and encouragement from principal Brian Turner and his staff.”
EARLIER: Bendigo cricketers will benefit from a state-of-the-art facility to be constructed at Catherine McAuley College in Junortoun.
The Northern Rivers Regional Cricket Hub’s new centre will feature an indoor training facility with six synthetic wickets, female friendly and accessible change rooms, administration area and community space.
The regional hub received a boost on Wednesday with the state government announcing a $500,000 grant as part of its Community Cricket Program.
The program is run in partnership with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia.
Catherine McAuley College principal Brian Turner said the new hub would be a shared facility for the community.
“This is the start of some programs and outcomes which are great for students and the wider community because it is about shared access, which is critical,” he said.
“There are not enough locations now for junior sport, so we've been working through this partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo for probably two years.
“To have a facility with six nets on site next to our own gym and (improved) ovals down the track is is exciting for our community.”
Mr Turner said the ovals and wickets at Catherine McAuley College were not used enough by other sporting teams and organisations.
“The (turf) quality isn't up to the standard that’s appropriate for the Bendigo District Cricket Association and junior cricket,” he said.
“Also in the winter, we’d like to have access for Aussie rules football, soccer and other sports.”
Cricketers of all levels will be able to train, utilise pathway programs and attract visiting teams to compete and train when it is completed.
Ms Allan also announced an additional $60,000 for Epsom Huntly Reserve that will towards new competition-standard lighting for its netball and tennis courts.
Bendigo Northern Flames Junior Netball Club as well as local tennis players will benefit from the upgrades.
“As more and more people are playing sport, it puts some pressure on sporting facilities,” Ms Allan said. “There is a need for more facilities and that's why the Andrews Labor Government is backing these projects.
“Whether you’re playing sport to be fit, to participate or want to go on to elite levels, it’s important to have facilities that cater for all those needs.”
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