New cricket nets officially open in Corowa
Published on 28 November 2017
Through the Federation Council, NSW State Government Stronger Communities Fund, Cricket NSW and Corowa RSL Club the Corowa Cricket Club has been able to build new cricket nets for the benefit of members of the club and local community.
The official opening of the nets was held last week with a large crowd applauding the efforts of all involved in the project.
Federation Council Councillor Shaun Whitechurch attended the opening on behalf of Council and congratulated all involved in completing the new community project.
“Council would like to congratulate the Corowa Cricket Club on completing this project, with the support of the NSW Government Stronger Community Grants Program,” Cr Whitechurch said.
“Council looks forward to witnessing local cricketers enjoy the net upgrades for many years to come.”
The original nets were outdated and proposed a significant risk due to their condition. Following several funding applications, the club was awarded $49,000 through the NSW State Government Stronger Communities Fund, $9,470 from Cricket NSW and $2,000 from the Corowa RSL Club.
Cr Shaun Whitechurch thanked the NSW State Government in his presentation.
“At the heart of the NSW Government’s decision to create new councils was a commitment to creating stronger communities with local residents,” he said.
“The Stronger Communities Fund was established as part of this commitment and aims to support residents, community groups and new councils to work together on projects that improve infrastructure and services.
“The purpose of the funds is to build more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive local communities.”
Cr Whitechurch said Federation Council received $10 million from the NSW Government as part of the Stronger Communities Fund and these funds have been allocated as follows;
$1 million to projects managed by Incorporated Organisations through the Stronger Community Grants Program to build more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive local communities.
$9 million for major projects that deliver long term economic and social benefits to communities.
Robbie Mackinley of Cricket NSW said the new nets were a fantastic example of dedicated volunteers working with a progressive Federation Council, Cricket NSW and the Corowa RSL Club to achieve an outstanding facility for one of the region’s most progressive clubs.
“The timing of the new nets on the banks of the mighty Murray River is perfect with the club boasting one of Australia's highest participation numbers at entry level cricket per head of population - 5500 people,” he said.
“The club hosts 40 plus junior cricket MILO in2CRICKET participants and 60 plus doing MILO T20 Blast each Wednesday evening.
“The club has also made a successful start into Cricket Albury Wodonga in three senior grades and two sides in Under 16 comp, two sides in under 14s, as well as a girls teams in the CAW Thunder Stars CL and CAW Country Thunder Girls High Schools comp.
“Well done Corowa community for providing cricket opportunities and facilities for a great sporting town.”
David Lane on behalf of the Corowa Cricket Club thanked the community for their support as well as past president Mark Tidd.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank past president of the Corowa Cricket Club Mark Tidd for really getting this project up and running,” he said.