Macedon and woodend sports on a good wicket

The growing ranks of the Macedon and Woodend Cricket Clubs now have smashing new cricket training facilities at their respective home grounds, made possible by a $149,000 investment from the Victorian Government.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today joined Macedon Ranges Shire Councillors to officially launch the new practice cricket nets at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend and Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon.

With around 240 members between them, cricket is as popular as ever at the home of the Macedon and Woodend cricket clubs.

The new three lane training wickets at both grounds replace previous ageing training facilities that were struggling to keep up with the growing interest in cricket and local sport, especially from women and girls.

The new synthetic wickets come complete with mesh fence and an internal retractable net and rigging system allowing the transformation of the three lanes at both venues into an open multipurpose space.

At Tony Clarke Reserve, Ms Thomas also officially flicked the switch on bright new oval and netball/tennis court lighting, made possible by a $100,000 investment from the Victorian Government.

Along with the Macedon Cricket Club, the ground is also home to the Macedon Tennis Club and the Macedon Football Netball Club.

The new lighting opens up the oval and adjacent courts to more twilight training especially over the winter months, it provides better lighting for more use of the oval and is competition-standard allowing for night games.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.05 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

From cricket lane upgrades to new lighting, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

They are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Ms Mary-Anne Thomas acknowledged the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the clubs for their commitment and financial contribution to the respective projects.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"For too long clubs like the Macedon and Woodend cricket clubs have been hamstrung by outdated facilities- they deserve appropriate facilities they can be proud of."

"The new facilities at both these Macedon and Woodend grassroots sport hubs also open more opportunities for female participation."

"Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back to local sport and recreation and lead healthy and active lifestyles."