Netballers in Melbourne’s northeast now have access to new courts as the Andrews Labor Government improves opportunities for women and girls to get active.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence officially opened the new Yarra Bend Park Netball Centre, fully funded through an $8 million investment from the Labor Government’s Opportunities in Victorian Parks initiative.

The pavilion has been named the Fiona Richardson Pavilion in honor of the former Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and local State Member for Northcote. Fiona served from 2006-2017, until her passing in 2017.

The courts and pavilion are a boon for local netballers, providing a great base for training, social netball, and competitions, and will also allow for state tournaments. The new courts are complete with competition-grade lighting, bike racks, newly landscaped areas, pathways and increased parking.

The courts will be available for school and public use outside training and competition hours, with one of the courts also line-marked for basketball.

The new pavilion, located between the netball courts and the Fairlea West Oval, includes female friendly change rooms, spectator viewing areas, a kitchen and meeting rooms.

The project was delivered by Parks Victoria in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and created 56 jobs during construction and planning phases. The Government has now delivered 67 courts through the Inner City Netball Program.

Since 2014 the Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in community sport infrastructure. For more information about this and other Government sport infrastructure programs visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“Netball is booming, and this new venue ticks all the boxes when it comes to catering for growing demand.”

“It is fitting to name the pavilion after my former colleague Fiona Richardson who had a vision for this facility to provide a focus for women’s sport and for netball in this community.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“This new netball centre provides even more reason for the local community to boost their health and connect in the beautiful surrounds of Yarra Bend Park.

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“Fiona championed these netball courts for the inner north, knowing how critical they are to growing women’s sport. Seeing them open and our local players using them is something truly special for our community.”

Quote attributable to Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Netball Association Karren Clark

“This venue will allow us to bid for regional and state events and be competitive as a tournament venue.”