Labor Member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites has announced a re-elected Albanese Labor Government would provide $2 million to support Banyule City Council to build a new netball facility and upgrade the Ivanhoe Croquet Club at Ivanhoe Park.

This election commitment would help promote inclusive sporting opportunities, helping women, girls and older people to get active.

Currently, the Ivanhoe Netball Club, one of the largest clubs in the Banyule and Districts Netball Association, operates without a dedicated base, requiring members to train at multiple venues. This presents challenges in terms of cost, time, accessibility, and community connection.

The new netball courts will provide a safe, compliant, and centralised facility, enhancing participation, particularly among women and girls, and strengthening the club’s sense of community.

The courts will also be accessible for unstructured, casual play, benefiting the broader community.

The Ivanhoe Croquet Club’s heritage-listed clubhouse has been home to local croquet for around 90 years. The timber-framed building is small and lacks the modern amenities needed to accommodate the club’s expanding membership.

Installing lights at the club will enable evening play year-round, making croquet more accessible to more members.

These upgrades support the club’s vision of creating a vibrant, year-round facility for all ages and skill levels and enhance broader community participation.

Banyule City Council has been advocating for these improvements and Federal Labor has listened.

This investment builds on support for local community sport from Kate Thwaites MP and the Albanese Labor Government, including $814,000 for Heidelberg West Football & Netball Club to upgrade their facilities with female-friendly change rooms through the Play Our Way program.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Member for Jagajaga, Kate Thwaites MP:

“This announcement will be a game changer for our local sporting clubs.

“Federal Labor recognises the importance of supporting community sport and building infrastructure that enhances participation and promotes inclusive sporting opportunities for younger and older Australians, as well as local women and girls.

“That’s why I’m so excited to announce this election commitment to support our local clubs and their members.”