Netballers launch new bid for ‘critical’ Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park stadium

Building a sports stadium is crucial to cater for women’s sports in Stonnington, netballers say, as they launch a renewed push for the development, which includes four indoor netball and basketball courts, at a Malvern East park.

Prahran Netball Association junior netball players Nellie Brown, Imogen Forster, Willow Millay-McNeill, Clover Roche and Beatrix Loftus want a new stadium built in Stonnington. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Netballers have launched a new campaign in support of a sports stadium at Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park, saying the build is crucial to cater for women’s sports in Stonnington.

Prahran Netball Association coach Lauren Millay organised the petition with her under 11s team last week after Stonnington councillors voted to postpone a decision on the development plans.

The petition has received more than 500 signatures, including from high profile sports stars such as Collingwood AFL coach Nathan Buckley.

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Should the masterplan be approved, four indoor netball and basketball courts would be built as part of the stadium.

“Currently there is only one indoor court in the Stonnington area for the 4500 netball and basketball players,” Ms Millay said.

“These (new) courts will be an invaluable resource to keep our girls active and engaged in group sport.”

Ms Millay said giving juniors greater access to netball courts was crucial as electronic devices lured them away from sports.

“The more opportunities we can provide for the younger generation to join in is critical at this time,” she said. “To see the girls wanting to get out and play is just so important and as a community we should support all junior sport players.”

Prahran Netball Association chairwoman Marg Connellan said petitioner feedback was that the community strongly supported the stadium and a fairer share of sporting resources for girls.

“The support from the footy clubs has overwhelming,” she said.

“The sense of community is what club sports are about.”

But Dean Hurlston, of Resident Voices Stonnington, said he did not want his local park turned into a regional sporting complex.

Mr Hurlston said more than 3000 people had signed petitions against the location.

“It’s not about whether they [the netballers in Stonnington] need courts,” he said.

“The location is inappropriate.”

The council will look at the redevelopment again on May 6.