Michael Sukkar MP

Constituency Statements: Netball Stadium

Netball is a rapidly growing sport in Australia where we continue to produce some of the world’s best players. In the eastern region of Melbourne alone, there are around 20,000 registered players, with this figure growing each and every year.

For many years now, the HE Parker Reserve in my electorate of Deakin has served as a hub for those players and the clubs that they represent from across the region. Given that the entire facility is currently outdoors, scheduled games are often delayed or cancelled altogether due to weather related reasons. I was therefore very pleased earlier this year to welcome the Prime Minister to HE Parker Reserve for the Melbourne East Netball Association’s grand final day where we announced that a re-elected coalition would provide $10.5 million for a new regional indoor netball centre.

The new centre will be home to the MENA and the Ariels Victorian Churches Netball Association. It will feature four indoor courts, including a show court with a capacity to seat 500 people. Amenities at the new stadium will include four unisex change rooms, two unisex umpire rooms with a toilet and shower, office space and a first aid room.

I really want to take this opportunity to thank for her tenacious work the President of the Melbourne East Netball Association, Kylie Spears, who has worked with me for the last 3½ years to secure this funding and to deliver a world-class netball facility in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

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