On Wednesday Victorian Sport and Recreation Minister Damian Drum announced an injection of $121,000 from the state government’s country football/netball program into major projects across the two towns.

The government will contribute $66,000 to Hepburn Football/Netball Club for the development of a new $104,000 netball court.

Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay said the Hepburn Shire Council was contributing $5000 and the Hepburn Football Netball Club more than $33,000 in cash and in-kind contributions.

Drum also announced $55,000 for Ballan Football Netball Club for the redevelopment of its ground.

This will go towards the re-shaping of the oval, new drainage and replacement of the grass with more sustainable and durable turf.

Drum said the new turf and drainage would provide an improved playing surface.

Moorabool Shire Council is providing $45,000 to the $100,000 project. 

Three sporting clubs in Ballarat will also benefit from the latest round of the government’s Country Action Grants Scheme. 

They are:

• $4000 to Wendouree Cricket Club to better equip leaders in assisting player development and welfare. 

The grant will provide 20 club volunteers to undertake Cricket Victoria certified training in coaching and 10 to be trained in injury management through St John first aid.

• $5000 to East Point Football Netball Club to provide training courses for volunteers in governance, coaching skills development, food handling, responsible serving of alcohol and financial management.

• $1250 to Ballarat Bowling Club for 10 people to undertake defibrillator training through St John first aid.

BALLARAT Football Netball League club Melton South is also a beneficiary of the country football/netball facility fund, which is contributing $80,000 to a $155,000 netball court upgrade.