The upgrades to Coventry, Ben Frilay, and Research Park ovals are now complete, thanks to the $371,056 funding package from the Victorian Government.

Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward MP today joined representatives from the Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge and Research Football, Netball and Cricket Clubs at Coventry Oval to officially launch new lighting at the popular hub, one of three venues in Nillumbik with upgraded sports facilities.

Nillumbik Shire is one of Melbourne’s booming sport areas and home to several clubs that up until recently were struggling to host evening training and competition due to a lack of appropriate facilities.

The lighting upgrades at Coventry Oval and Ben Frilay Oval will open the venue to more training, games and competition, benefitting more than 900 players from the Diamond Creek and Hurstbridge Football, Netball and Cricket Clubs.

More than 560 Players from the Research Junior Football Club and Old Collegian Cricket Club can also ramp up the action at Research Park Oval thanks to the installation of a new irrigation system, helping to weatherproof the turf oval.

The projects were made possible by funding from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program and Community Cricket Program, as well as $353,086 kicked in from Nillumbik Shire Council.

The Victorian Budget 2023-24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward

“These are great investments in our sporting community, offering more opportunities for locals to get together, to play and watch sport.”

“Having better lighting means less stress on playing fields as well as more opportunities for training and night games - and the economic benefits these activities bring. Research Park oval looks and feels so much better since the irrigation upgrade - and is better and safer to play on.”