Aspiring cricketers and netballers in Bentleigh can look forward to taking their game to the next level thanks to the completion of recent upgrades at Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, backed by the Victorian Government.
Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos today joined Glen Eira City Council Mayor, Cr Simone Zmood and club members to officially open the new netball court and cricket training facility upgrade, made possible by $500,000 from the Victorian Government.
The cricket net upgrades added two new wickets to the existing three-wicket cricket training facility providing a great new space for Bentleigh Cricket Club to ramp up training and the community to have a hit.
The new netball training court complete with 100 lux LED lighting is a boost for the Bentleigh Football Netball Club who can look forward to starting next season with access to a quality training facility.
Both facilities also provide the perfect space for locals to also enjoy emulating their sporting heroes - further reinforcing the reserve as a sport and recreation hub.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is providing $20 million to support the development of high-quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state, including through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
This brings the Victorian Government’s investment in community sport and active recreation infrastructure to more than $2.4 billion since 2014.
From cricket training facilities to new courts, investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
Nick Staikos MP acknowledged the Glen Eira City Council for its $200,000 financial contribution and commitment to delivering the project and acknowledged Cricket Victoria for its $30,000 investment through the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
“Whether it’s the summer cricket season or winter netball, we’re making sure more people can take their game to the next level here at Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve all year round.”
“The cricket net upgrades and new netball court are a big win for the community, providing an area where local sports fans can hone their skills close to home all year round.”
“It’s all about providing Victorians access to high quality facilities, enabling them to enjoy all the benefits of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.”
