Tucker Road New Home For Netball In Bentleigh

Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos, today visited Tucker Road Bentleigh Primary School to announce that the school’s $3 million gym redevelopment will include netball training facilities.

In addition to use by the school, the new facilities will finally provide local netball clubs with access to a state-of-the-art, indoor venue.

There are currently no indoor netball training facilities whatsoever in the Bentleigh electorate.

Mr Staikos was joined by Southern Football and Netball League (SFNL) CEO, David Cannizzo, who said that the new facility would give local netballers the opportunity to train and compete at the highest level.

“In 2012, we had seven teams. This year, we have 72. With that sort of growth, it’s clear that there’s a big future for local netball – facilities like this will ensure it’s a bright one.” Mr Cannizzo said. “It’s about more than just playing the game. A dedicated, indoor venue gives netballers better opportunity to engage with each other and socialise, as well as to hone their skills. We’re very grateful for the work Nick has put in to secure this great local asset.”

Tucker Road Bentleigh Primary School Principal, Robyn Farnell, said that the new facility would have a tremendous and lasting impact on the school.

“As a former community netballer myself, I’m delighted that we’ll have this dedicated facility for our own boys and girls teams, who currently have to miss out whenever it rains.” Ms Farnell said. “As well as being a great space for sports, the new gym will also provide the space we need to accommodate parents, staff, and students for events such as assemblies, graduations, and whole-school concerts.”

Mr Staikos said there was a strong need to invest in female sport. “We are seeing strong growth in female participation in sport. This is not only something that should be encouraged, but also supported by proper facilities.”

“I was absolutely staggered to discover that there wasn’t a single indoor space in our local area for our many netballers to train on cold winter evenings.” Mr Staikos said.

Tucker Road Bentleigh Primary School is one of seven schools in the Bentleigh electorate to have been granted funding for an upgrade by the Andrews Labor Government.

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