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The Nationals back community sport in the ValleyGrants to support community sport in the Latrobe Valley By Portal Admin - 20th May 2018 - Back to News The Nationals will back community sport in the Latrobe Valley with grants to support upgrades and growth of our local sports clubs.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath and The Nationals candidate for Morwell Sheridan Bond this week invited Shadow Minister for Sport, Danny O’Brien, to visit Gaskin Park in Churchill to look at the need for new change rooms.
Ms Bath said The Nationals will be focused on grassroots and community sport, while Daniel Andrews chases an invitation to the Brownlow with a $225 million taxpayer-funded deal with the AFL on Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium.
"It beggars belief that the Labor Party thinks giving a $225 million free kick to the AFL is fair when local sporting clubs in Latrobe Valley are struggling for basic facilities," Ms Bath said.
"While the AFL gets a multi-million dollar free kick, the Andrews Labor Government is introducing a loan facility where grassroots clubs will have to come, cap-in-hand and borrow money to build facilities that they’ll then have to pay back.
Ms Bond, said Labor’s city centric attitude does not serve the Valley.
"There are many facilities in our local area that could do with an upgrade, such as the antiquated change rooms at Gaskin Park Football Netball Club in Churchill which are no longer fit-for-purpose.
"Built decades ago the Churchill football change rooms are woefully inadequate. The club, which runs multiple junior and senior teams and a women’s team, has a masterplan for new rooms ready and waiting so Daniel Andrews should be supporting projects like this, not funding a seven star hotel and ballroom for the AFL in Docklands.
"We have to get our kids more active and it’s important we encourage female participation by building the appropriate facilities at our local sporting clubs," Ms Bond said.
Mr O’Brien said it was incredibly important to support community sport and The Nationals will direct any money we can from Labor’s Etihad deal into community sport.
"Victorians love our AFL, but there will be no elite sport in the future if we don’t nurture grassroots clubs like Churchill and encourage our juniors - whether they’re playing Aussie rules, netball, cricket, soccer or any other sport that Victorians play. "Projects like Churchill are more deserving of taxpayers’ money than Etihad Stadium."
Labor drops the ball on supporting local football clubs in Latrobe Valley.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com

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Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding. - Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign. - Moe’s first women’s cricket team makes history as $11M Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade boosts regional sport and accessibility
Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve has received an $11 million upgrade, delivering improved sporting facilities, accessibility and female-friendly change rooms ahead of the town’s first women’s cricket match. The project supported 370 jobs. - Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability. - Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council - Baw Baw Shire Council Pop-Up Playgroups wins Victorian early years award for promoting children’s health, wellbeing and community connections
Baw Baw Shire Council’s Pop-Up Playgroups has won a 2026 Victorian Early Years Award, recognising its inclusive approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and connecting local families through play. - Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028. - Bairnsdale Library unveils upgraded outdoor spaces with new shade structures, refreshed courtyard and improved facilities for community activities
Bairnsdale Library has unveiled upgraded outdoor spaces featuring two louvred shade structures, refreshed courtyard landscaping and vegetable beds, supported by $79,104 in Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding.
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