This afternoon, Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby joined Michaela Settle MP, to announce that works on Linton Recreation Reserve’s new cricket training facility are underway.
The $202,550 initiative is a partnership project, with the Victorian Government contributing $100,000 from its 2019-2020 Community Cricket Program – Community Facilities Fund. Council invested $72,500 and secured a grant from the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund for $30,000.
Construction on a new three-bay training facility began this month and, on completion, will allow for increased training capacity at Linton Cricket Club and provide non-structured training opportunities for the Linton community.
The facility will also assist with increased skill development due to the availability of a usable facility and an additional net; create opportunities for the Linton Cricket Club to encourage new users and new programs such as female teams; increase club participation due to beginner level skill development with the hope of attracting further female participants; and provide a safe training facility for the club and community.
The Linton Cricket Club is home to an active junior program and several senior cricket sides which participate in the Grenville Cricket Association. The Club undertakes an Under 8s development series as well.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says the new training facility will help expand community cricket participation for both adults and juniors.
“Cricket is a popular summer pastime for many in Golden Plains Shire and to see construction begin on a brand-new cricket training facility at Linton Recreation Reserve is fantastic. The new facilities will enable the club to establish female teams and increase junior participation.
“Council thanks both the Victorian Government and the Federal Government’s Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund for partnering with us this great project and local Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP for supporting our local clubs and community facilities in Golden Plains Shire.”
Michaela Settle MP, Member for Buninyong, says sporting facilities are an important investment in regional Victoria.
“Better training facilities will encourage even more local boys, girls, men and women to sign up for the mighty Linton Cricket Club and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
“Female participation in cricket is booming and the new nets will mean more kids can train together and help all teams prosper, including new female teams.”
The new cricket facility at Linton Recreation Reserve is scheduled to open in January 2022.
Pictured above: Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP with Linton Cricket Club Under 16s Jye Gibbs, Lincoln Smith and Hunter McDonald in front of the construction site at Linton Recreation Reserve. Please email [email protected] for a high-resolution copy.