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Deakin Melbourne Boomers to do basketball showcase in Traralgon on 26 November 2023

Since 2018, the Boomers have brought WNBL best to Gippsland. This year, supported by the Victorian government, Latrobe City Council, and AGL Loy Yang.

By news@gippsland - 21st November 2023 - Back to News

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers are bringing the best of the WNBL back to Gippsland again this November for a weekend of community engagement culminating in a blockbuster showdown against local superstar Jade Melbourne and her Canberra Capitals on Sunday November 26 in Traralgon. Since 2018 the Boomers have been bringing the best of the WNBL to the Gippsland region each year and this year's event will be supported by the Victorian government, Latrobe City Council, and the new Melbourne Boomers' community partner in Gippsland, AGL Loy Yang.

Boomers have annually showcased WNBL excellence in Gippsland, backed this year by government and partners, see them again on Traralgon this Sunday, 26 November at 3pm in GRISS (Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium)

Government support appreciated

The Boomers would like to acknowledge the support of the Victorian government through the Significant Sporting Events Program. Boomers' Executive Chair Tony Hallam expressed gratitude to the local community and the hospitality they provide every time the team join in the community activities and bring the Boom Box atmosphere to Gippsland.

"For our Boomers athletes and staff, heading to Traralgon for the community day and home game continues to be a highlight of our calendar. We thank AGL Loy Yang for coming on board this year as our Community Partner and the ongoing support of both the Latrobe City Council and Victorian government," Hallam said.

Program of activities

• Over the weekend of November 25-26 the program of activities includes:
• Community Day at GRISS on Saturday (1-3pm)
• Junior clinic with Traralgon Basketball Association (Saturday)
• Appearance at Traralgon Community Christmas Parade, Market and Grottos (Sunday)
• Country Basketball League Curtain Raiser on Sunday 12.30pm - Traralgon T-Birds
• Women v Warragul Warriors Women
• WNBL Round 4 - Deakin Melbourne Boomers v UC Canberra Capitals

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos said, "It's great to see the Boomers return to Traralgon for another WNBL match, bringing this elite sport to the people of Gippsland. We've backed the redevelopment of the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium to make it the ideal venue for locals to cheer on the Boomers while helping showcase such a beautiful part of our state to visitors - backing local tourism, jobs and local business across Latrobe," Dimopoulos said.

Boomers returning

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Darren Howe, said council is excited to again welcome Deakin Melbourne Boomers to our region. "The Boomers will return to the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium for the fourth year running, to compete in an in-season Women's National Basketball League match. The event will also provide opportunities for local community engagement, allowing residents to actively participate and immerse themselves in the basketball festivities."

"Major events like these provide great benefits to the community including increased tourism and a boost to the local economy. We're excited to welcome both teams to Latrobe City for a fantastic night of basketball later in the year. Our basketball-loving community will relish the opportunity to watch elite level players in their backyard, and we hope to see another capacity crowd," said the Mayor.

Partnership with community

Christo van Niekerk, General Manager AGL Loy Yang said, "We are very excited to partner with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers for the next three years to bring the best Australian women's basketballers to the Latrobe Valley. To secure three Women's National Basketball League games for the Valley is fantastic for the broader community, fans, and the thousands of basketball players throughout the
region."

"AGL Loy Yang is passionate about encouraging participation, and we are committed to supporting the community with the social and health benefits such as those that sport Brings. We are particularly proud to bring vibrant, active, and healthy role models like the Melbourne Boomers to Gippsland," he said.

Pictures from Melbourne Boomers WNBL Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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