The 16 clubs from the Melbourne East Netball Association (MENA), the Yarra Ariels, Croydon and Districts Volleyball Association and local schools are just some of the groups in line to be shooting goals at the proposed brand new multi-sports stadium complex at Heathmont’s HE Parker Reserve.

Member of Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane turned the first sod today to kick start works on the new eight court complex, made possible thanks to a $3 million injection from the Andrews Labor Government.

Mr Leane also announced that $100,000 from the Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund will go towards installing competition standard lighting at the reserve’s number one oval – significantly increasing the hours of availability for training, as well as increasing safety for players in low light.

Indoor multi-sport stadiums are at the heart of our suburbs and towns, and a hive of activity for more than 450,000 Victorians that play indoor sports like volleyball, basketball, netball and badminton.

The existing netball pavilion and courts have been struggling to cater for local demand and will be demolished to make way for a new indoor four court complex marked for netball, volleyball, and badminton.

The new multi-sport stadium complex will come complete with grandstand seating for over 300 fans, a kiosk, changeroom facilities, accessible amenities, officials and first aid rooms, sport association offices and three multi-purpose rooms.

Four new outdoor netball courts will also be built providing even more space for training, with spectator viewing areas for competition.

That’s great news for local sports including associations like the Yarra Ariels, one of only 10 representative netball associations in Victoria who will finally have a home base.

The project is being funded in partnership with the Commonwealth Government and the Maroondah City Council.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane

“Flagship associations like MENA, the Yarra Ariels, Croydon and Districts Volleyball Association are growing at rapid rates and deserve a world-class facility – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering here in Heathmont.”  

“For too long, netballers and other highball sports have had to take to the court late at night to get a game. We were elected to put people first, and by building first class facilities for grassroots sport we are doing just that.”