Macedon Ranges Netball Complex at New Gisborne a winner
SPORT in the Macedon Ranges has never looked better since the opening of the new eight-court netball complex in New Gisborne.
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SPORT in the region has never looked better with the official opening of the Macedon Ranges Netball Complex last month coinciding with a statewide representative tournament at the New Gisborne venue.
Since relocating from the Gisborne Secondary College, the new $2.5 million eight-court complex has been able to host 81 teams and more than 640 players from under 9s to under 18s on Saturdays.
The complex on the corner of Barringo and Hamilton roads has been extensively improved with the completion of stage 2 incorporating a pavilion.
Macedon state Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas officially opened the complex last month on the back of $1.2 million from the State Government.
“It’s fantastic to see girls and women in the Macedon Ranges getting the facilities they deserve,” she said.
“This facility means players will be able to take to the court in style, and the Macedon Ranges Netball Association will be able to attract more members and grow.”
Macedon Ranges Netball Association secretary Tracey Calnan told Leader the full advantages of the new base came to the fore at the recent all-ages association tournament.
“The new pavilion has change rooms and disabled access and a dedicated canteen,” she said.
“Previously (at the secondary college) we’ve had to set up tables under a shelter with extension cords to set up a canteen.”
Ms Calnan said having a base to call their own has also made it easier for individual clubs and the association to run meetings and organise function.
The association contributed $120,000 of its own fundraising to the project which first saw matches at the close of the 2014 season. The pavilion was completed in 2015 prior to its summer twilight season.
Ms Calnan said with the popularity of netball in the shire remaining strong there would be a need for more car parking, while a longer term vision of the club was to have an indoor court there.
While netball has been a winner in Gisborne, so has basketball with a two-court $4 million basketball complex built at the Gisborne Secondary College.
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