Sports Resources > Latest sports news > December 2008 > 02/12/2009 - KILSYTH SPORTS CENTRE SCORES $500,000 FUNDING BOOST

02/12/2009 - KILSYTH SPORTS CENTRE SCORES $500,000 FUNDING BOOST

Kilsyth residents will have greater opportunity to get active thanks to a $500,000 Brumby Government funding boost to redevelop the Kilsyth Sports Centre.

Visiting the centre today, Sport and Recreation Minister and Member for Monbulk James Merlino said the Brumby Government funding boost was part of a $2.6 million project to install two additional multi-purpose courts to be primarily used for basketball and netball matches and tournaments.

"The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said.

“The redevelopment will enable the Centre to introduce an evening indoor netball competition, and open up opportunities to host national and regional championships.

“Basketball is one of the four sports played here at the Kilsyth Sports Centre, home to Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association which has 15,000 members and is growing.

“We are investing in this project to install two new courts to help the Kilsyth Sports Centre to meet the increasing demand for court space.’’

Basketball, badminton, table tennis and netball are all played at the Kilsyth Sports Centre. It is the home of the Kilsyth Cobras men’s and women’s teams, which compete in the South East Australian Basketball League.

In addition to the Brumby Government contribution, the Shire of Yarra Ranges will contribute $600,000 and the Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association $1,500,000.

Mr Merlino said the project reinforced the Brumby Government’s commitment to the Go For Your Life initiative which aims to encourage all Victorians to actively participate in sort and recreation.

“By encouraging participation in exercise we can improve a person’s overall health and wellbeing,’’ Mr Merlino said.

“Research shows that people who are actively involved in local sports clubs and associations also build stronger ties to the community and enjoy better mental health.

“Today’s announcement is about providing high quality facilities where local people can come together in pursuit of a healthy active lifestyle.’’

Work on the two new multi-purpose courts is scheduled to commence in mid-2009.

The project has an emphasis on water conservation and energy efficiency though water harvesting, double glazing and use of natural light, high efficiency lighting and efficient thermal insulation.