LIGHTING UP LINTON FOR LOCAL SPORTSWOMEN

Women and girls in Linton will soon find it easier and more enjoyable to stay active as a result of a $222,000 grant to Golden Plains Shire Council to upgrade the netball lighting at the Linton Recreation Reserve.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King joined with Mayor Sarah Hayden and players from the Carngham Linton Football Netball Club to announce the funding from the Australian Government’s Play Our Way Program.

The Play Our Way Program is designed to remove barriers, address discrimination and promote equality for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity.

The Linton Recreation Reserve Netball Lighting & Facilities Upgrade Project will deliver LED lighting that meets Netball Victoria's minimum facility requirements, and will allow for an increase in use of the Reserve and more scheduling of games and activities.

This project also includes an upgrade of an existing building previously used as an informal change and storage area, to provide an administrative space with appropriate storage.

The Albanese Labor Government is also supporting the upgrade of the Linton Oval with $780,000 from the Investing In Our Communities Program.

The Linton Oval Redevelopment project will provide a brand-new training and playing surface with supporting infrastructure for a wide range of community user groups. The project also replaces the previous ageing oval infrastructure, and will resolve the poor drainage and surface condition issues that have been prevalent at Linton Recreation Reserve.

It is anticipated that the Oval will be available for community use and cricket matches early in 2025, weather permitting.

Golden Plains Shire Council is one of the 166 groups around the nation selected to receive Play Our Way funding for new or modified facilities for women and girls across a range of sports.

For more information about the Program visit: Play Our Way program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“This is a really exciting upgrade for people who love sport in Linton. With our election commitment for the oval and now the netball lighting upgrade, the Albanese Government is investing $1 million in the Linton Recreation Reserve.

“I’ve no doubt these upgrades will make it easier for everyone to enjoy sport in their own way and at a level that’s right for them.

“Australian communities want to be more supportive of women and girls, and a part of that is creating opportunities for them to have an equal chance to get the fun, satisfaction and health benefits sport offers. That’s what the Play Our Way program is all about.”

Quotes attributable to Golden Plains Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Hayden:

“This funding will transform the netball courts and facilities and increase opportunities and sporting participation for women and girls. 

“We look forward to the work commencing and can’t wait to see the players training and playing under lights in the future. That will be a great sight to see.”