{"id":24885,"date":"2025-06-19T14:53:50","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T04:53:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/midlandexpress.com.au\/?p=24885"},"modified":"2025-06-20T17:20:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T07:20:09","slug":"new-state-of-the-art-netball-courts-at-woodend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centralvic.com\/midlandexpress.com.au\/sports\/2025\/06\/19\/new-state-of-the-art-netball-courts-at-woodend\/","title":{"rendered":"New courts envy of all"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Two new state-of-the-art netball courts were opened at Woodend on Saturday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And there was sustained applause from the large gathering at the opening ceremony when it was announced one court would be known as the ‘Kellie Duff Court’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Described as the person who has been the driving force behind the $1.39 million project, Kellie Duff is a very well known long-time personality and coach at Woodend and regional level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name for the court was a very well-kept secret \u2014 even Kellie did not know it was to occur and was totally surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obtaining the two new courts is a very important project dating back more than six years, and district parliamentarian Mary-Anne Thomas was elated to see the day arrive when they could be finally used, as was everyone associated with Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club, Woodend Junior Football Netball Club and other user groups at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Thomas said the project sent a very strong message to girls and women that that they deserved excellent access to facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The state government contribution through the local government infrastructure fund was $985,710, the shire council has contributed $310,000, there was a $40,000 in-kind contribution from court designers 2MH Consulting, and $55,500 came from the senior and junior football netball clubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanking the community for its support, the parliamentarian said she had been very proud to back the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“When state government and local government work together it will make things happen,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mayor Dom Bonanno said it had been a “bit of a journey” and the complex project was a great outcome for the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said the upgrade aligned with the strategic directions in the 2023-endorsed Gilbert Gordon Oval Master Plan, which identified the need for improved netball facilities to meet current and future demands, particularly for the multiple Woodend-based senior and junior netball teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We’re proud to invest in facilities like this that create healthier, more active communities,” Cr Bonanno said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction began in January this year, and with concrete and acrylic surfacing finalised in April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting infrastructure, including player shelters, court lighting, fencing and pedestrian pathways, were also part of the upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anne-Louise Lindner, former WFNC president, has been closely involved on the whole journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She outlined on behalf of the senior and junior clubs much of what had taken place behind the scenes to reach finality, and praised all who had been involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“An incredible amount of time, effort and dedication has gone on,” she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, she commended Kellie Duff for her outstanding dedication to achieve new courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WFNC co-president James Chettle also spoke, praising Anne-Louise and Kellie on their dedication to the project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Netballers were thrilled to be able to use the new courts, and senior coach Ty Coppinger later praised the huge improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hawks won their A-grade match 91-19 against Melton South, a record victory for Woodend-Hesket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some Riddell League clubs are likely to be very envious, and press for improvements in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n