Beneath the dispiriting black clouds of COVID-19, the Diamond Creek Force Netball Association is among the fortunate few to have found a silver lining.
That is, a successful funding application to the Victorian Government’s $68 million Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, with the backing of the Nillumbik Shire Council.
The initiative that will benefit so many at the grassroots level is part of a broader statewide project to create jobs and boost the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic by fast-tracking what are called 'shovel ready' projects.
Several Netball Associations are among the beneficiaries, including Kate Moloney’s netball nursery, where the shovels have been busy since work began in January on a new $3+ million DCFNA clubhouse that is due for completion by year’s end.
And, thrillingly, now this: a $1.96 million allocation from Sport and Recreation Victoria for an overdue court surface project, and a slice of the multi-venue lighting project to be shared across the close-knit community on Melbourne’s north-east fringe.
“It’s fantastic to see netball and women in sport getting some of the funding that’s going around at the moment,’’ says DCFNA president Mark Goldspink.
“For us, from an association point of view, it nearly completes a master plan of our area. We’ve got one more aspect (shelters over two courts) that we hope to achieve in the next four to five years and then the complex is complete.’’
A Diamond St facility that in 1995 became the DCFNA's permanent home is netball HQ for eight clubs and around 1100 juniors, playing on eight acrylic-covered asphalt courts that are no longer Netball Victoria-compliant.
Two of the original light towers were upgraded for safety reasons in recent years, but the remainder are so outdated that replacement globes can no longer be bought.
“We had not been expecting this funding round; we’d been prepared for a funding round probably towards the end of next year,’’ says Goldspink. “But because of COVID and the government’s stimulus of the economy, we were ready to go, so it’s come at a really good time.
“Even broader than the netball community, it allows us to be competitive in applying to host Netball Victoria tournaments and championships by becoming court compliant and facility compliant.
“It also extends out to the broader community, past netball. Everyone knows everyone and we like to support local business, particularly during these times. It’s going to be really difficult for those local businesses over the next couple of years so to be able to host those events and put some money back into the local economy will be fantastic.’’
Even closer to the beating heart of the Diamond Creek netball family is what Goldspink - father of three daughters and decorated Victoria Police Senior Sergeant - fears is the participation drop-off of players in their mid-late teens that is likely to be exacerbated by the enforced coronavirus break.
“Another part of our strategic plan is to increase participation, particularly in these times of COVID, where we’re expecting there will be a percentage of players not wanting to come back - particularly in the 15 to 17-year-old stage,’’ he says.
“Having new and up-to-date facilities to offer these kids means that we can really push that it’s worth staying involved in netball and that despite everything going on with COVID that we see it as an integral part of the community.’’
Moloney is among those sure to have welcomed the news, having moved back to the family home in Diamond Creek to train remotely during the first lockdown, while remaining a regular visitor since graduating from the Sacred Heart Netball Club to travel along the Netball Victoria pathway, represent Australia and now Co-Captain the Vixens.
“We’re very proud of Kate’s efforts and what she’s achieved and always grateful for that connection,’’ says Goldspink.
“She always comes back and a couple of times she’s taken the court for the Sacred Heart Under 9s. She’s actually got on the court and played for both teams, so they get a kick out of that.’’
Finally, as after any big win, to the thank-you list, and this one includes Nillumbik Mayor Karen Egan, Councillor Peter Perkins and CEO Carl Cowie, Sport and Recreation Victoria, state government MPs Danielle Green and Vicki Ward, and Netball Victoria.
Cr Egan said the funding was great news for Diamond Creek, the Nillumbik community and also the broader northern region.
“Together with the new pavilion currently under construction, this funding will help create an outstanding facility and is a huge boost for women’s sport.
“I would like to thank the Victorian Government for this investment in the immediate and long term future of grassroots community sport and recreation.”
Netball Victoria’s Facilities Development Manager, Nancy Da Silva, echoed Cr Egan's sentiments.
“This is an amazing outcome for Diamond Creek Force Netball Association. Congratulations to all our successful affiliates and Councils who have worked so hard to make these projects come to life. Netball Victoria has been delighted to support so many outstanding netball projects through SRV’s Community Sport Infrastructure Stimulus Program, and to see improved facilities and outcomes for our members across Victoria.’'
Written by Linda Pearce
