Michael Sukkar MP

$500,000 boost for local sports at Morton Park in Blackburn

Michael Sukkar, Federal Member for Deakin, joined with players and members of the Blackburn football and cricket clubs to announce $500,000 towards an upgrade and redevelopment of the clubrooms at Morton Park in Blackburn.

Michael said that plans are being drawn to redevelop the out-dated facilities, which would accommodate the senior and junior teams, and allow the further expansion into the women’s competition.

“I look forward to continuing my close relationship with the Blackburn football and cricket clubs to help deliver this important local sporting infrastructure project,” Michael said.

Between the football and cricket clubs there are 49 teams, with the number of junior teams increasing in recent years from five to 40, including the addition of five girls’ teams.

“With this funding, these clubs will not only ensure they survive into the future, but also thrive given the explosion of interest in junior and women’s sports.”

Michael Sukkar also acknowledged the advocacy and support of local Whitehorse City Council, and Central Ward, Councillors Andrew Munroe and Denise Massoud, who have assisted with the proposed redevelopment plans.

President of the Blackburn Sporting Club, Paul Molan, said the facilities at Morton Park are sixty years old and cannot accommodate the growing demand for their use.

“The cricket and football clubs have a total of 49 teams and have increased the number of junior teams using the facilities at Morton Park.

“Michael Sukkar has been very supportive in the preparation of architectural concept plans for the redevelopment of the facilities.”

This funding comes on top of a $20,000 Deakin Stronger Communities small capital grant provided to the Blackburn Junior Football Club to upgrade its coaches and spectators boxes at Eley Park.