FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION
DATE: Thursday, June 26, 2008
ELTHAM WILDCATS ROAR FOR STADIUM FUNDING BOOST
Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club will soon have a new stadium thanks to a $500,000 Brumby Government funding boost announced today.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino announced the funding today at Montmorency Secondary College in Eltham where the new state-of-the-art stadium will be located.
“This development will bring substantial benefits to students, who will use the stadium for a range of activities during school hours, as well as the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club, who will play and train at the stadium on weeknights and weekends,” Mr Merlino said.
Today’s announcement is in addition to the $750,000 the Brumby Government committed towards the project in 2006 through its Legacy Funding and its contribution of land estimated at $1 million.
Member for Eltham Steve Herbert said the new stadium would be of great benefit to the community.
“The stadium will feature two indoor sports courts as well as administration and changing rooms, and a storage area for sports equipment,” Mr Herbert said.
Mr Herbert congratulated everyone involved in securing funding for the project for their hard work and commitment.
“I would also like to congratulate the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club for raising the impressive sum of $850,000 towards the project, as well as Montmorency Secondary College and Banyule City Council for their generous contributions,” Mr Herbert said.
Mr Merlino said the project reinforced the Brumby Government’s commitment to the Go For Your Life initiative, which aims to encourage all Victorians to actively participate in sport and recreation.
“By encouraging participation in exercise we can improve a person’s overall health and well being,” Mr Merlino said.
“Research shows that people who are actively involved in local sports clubs and organisations also build stronger ties to their community and enjoy better mental health.
“Today’s announcement is about providing high quality facilities where local people can come together in pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle.”
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