The rapidly growing suburb of Delacombe is prepared for a big summer of cricket after the completion of a vital training facilities project.
A new outdoor cricket training facility at the Doug Dean Reserve was officially opened on Friday, marking the completion of the $356,506 works.
VRI Delacombe Cricket Club now boasts three new cricket nets with retractable netting and pitches, and one additional community accessible net and pitch.
The project replaced two existing cricket nets which no longer met Cricket Victoria standards.
The upgrade was made possible with the contribution of $100,000 from the Victorian Government’s 2020-21 Community Cricket Program.
Opening the project on Friday, Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the new facilities would be of enormous benefit not just to the cricket club, but the wider community.
“We know how fast these areas of Ballarat are growing so it is vital we have proper facilities for them to use,” he said.
“Cricket is Australia’s national sport so to be able to provide new training nets just as the cricket seasons swings into full gear is fantastic.”
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said such works could have positive impacts for a lifetime.
“Love of sport begins at an early age helped by great coaches and great facilities,” she said.
“We want to encourage more kids to develop a love of cricket that will last a lifetime.”
VRI Delacombe Cricket Club president Thomas Nichols said his club was thrilled at the chance to finally put the new nets into action.
“The new nets are a game changer and allow all our players, from juniors to seniors, the chance to hone their skills throughout the season,” he said.
The Doug Dean cricket net project aligned with several goals from City of Ballarat’s Council Plan 2021-2025:
Goal 2: A healthy, connected, and inclusive community
Goal 3: A city that fosters sustainable growth
Goal 4: A city that conserves and enhances our natural and built assets
