By Eleanor Wilson
Berwick Cricket Club is reaping the rewards of a $1 million joint investment from the Federal Government.
Member for LaTrobe Jason Wood MP was at the club on Monday night to catch a glimpse of the ongoing upgrades, which includes brand new fencing, a five lane net facility, an upgraded scoreboard and solar panels.
“This is now state of the art so it’s really nice to come here and see first class facilities,” Mr Wood said.
“If you’ve got young people in particular involved in sport it’s really good for their health, their mental well-being and also builds strength of character.”
The upgrades are part of a joint funding investment with Berwick Cricket Club and Berwick Junior Football Club, which sees each club receive $500,000 to go toward club facilities.
“The kids love it but to be honest I don’t know if they realise just how good it is,” Berwick Cricket Club vice president Wayne Viney said.
“The opposition clubs come here and they look it at and go ‘its fantastic’, and it is.”
Mr Viney said the installation of solar panels will also provide financial relief for the clubs.
“For us and the junior footy club that’s a big saving. We’d spend $3,000 or more on power each year,” he said.
The full upgrade is expected to be finished by June this year, with works underway to improve gravel roads and accommodate extra seating and new terraced roofing.
“The locals from other clubs use the facilities too so it’s great that it’s not just us, it’s for community use and it’s just a great environment to train and practise.”
