18 July 2024

The hundreds of players at FC Strathmore Split and Strathmore Cricket Club can look forward to an even playing field thanks to the completion of surface upgrades at Strathnaver Reserve, backed by the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Essendon Danny Pearson today joined representatives from Moonee Valley City Council and local clubs to officially launch the upgrades made possible by a $300,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Football and cricket are two of Victoria’s largest sports, and Strathnaver Reserve is at the heart of the action.

The new surface is a game changer for both clubs with the works installing new pitch irrigation, reshaping the ground to better accommodate both sports, levelling the pitch surface including the centre as well as replacing the former grass with a more durable species.

For local football and cricket, it means more time on the park, through improved surface quality and capacity that will boost participation, including for women and girls. For the community the new surface also provides a great new space to play and train with friends and family.

The investment in Strathnaver Reserve is part of more than $1.9 billion the Victorian Government has kicked into community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade.

It’s also backed by the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, a government initiative to ensure women and girls get equal access to community sport facilities across the state. From 1 July 2024, Victorian councils are required to develop and endorse a Fair Access Policy to remain eligible for community sport infrastructure funding.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is investing more than $23 million to provide new and improved community sports infrastructure and initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs.

Danny Pearson MP acknowledged the Moonee Valley City Council for its financial contribution of $650,000 and Cricket Australia for its $30,000 contribution towards the project.

For more information about grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson

“The new sports surface at Strathnaver Reserve will ensure the FC Strathmore Split and Strathmore Cricket Club along with other members of the community can ramp up training, development and create more opportunities for all ages and abilities to get involved in local sport.”

“Providing modern facilities our clubs can be proud of is an investment in our community sportspeople, and ensures more people have the chance to lace up their boots and play the world game.”