Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub push growing quickly

A CAMPAIGN backed by sporting clubs calling for a regional indoor sports complex in the Macedon Ranges is quickly growing momentum.

MORE  than 1500 people have joined a three-week-old Facebook campaign backed by local sporting clubs urging a regional indoor sports complex be built in the Macedon Ranges.

The concept of a centrally located indoor centre which could accommodate a range of sports has gathered strength in the community.

Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub spokeswoman Megan Condron said in her role as president of the Macedon Ranges Basketball Stadium, she saw as many as three children a week turned away from a local club, while 53 Macedon Ranges teams had to leave the shire to play.

A two-court basketball stadium at Gisborne Secondary College had done little to reduce demand for courts in nearby Woodend where the association is based, she said.

“We have in-principal support from the council for Buffalo Stadium (in Woodend) to be extended from two to four courts, once funding is available,” she said.

“What we are now saying and other sports are saying too, is a bigger regional level multipurpose indoor stadium is needed.

“Schools are backing us saying they need a venue for concerts and presentations and we also believe there are increasing evidence for the mental-health benefits of providing young people sporting opportunities.”

Ms Condron said the Macedon Ranges lagged behind 45 other rural and regional Victorian municipalities when it came to indoor courts per participant.

Ms Condron said futsal and volleyball, like basketball, were enjoying rampant growth elsewhere in Australia but were hampered in establishing a foothold in the Macedon Ranges because of a lack of available courts.

The views are backed by Macedon mother of five Tamara Collins, who said she stopped playing basketball herself as there were no women’s competitions.

“I want to see my kids get greater opportunities to play locally obviously but I believe this push generally will encourage females to get more involved in sport,” she said.

The group wants support from Macedon Ranges Council for future state and federal sports infrastructure applications and intends to put the concept to council in its draft budget process.

For more information, go online to their Facebook page here.