A brand new cricket practice facility at Grinter Reserve in Newcomb is now open, in time for the 2024-25 cricket season.
The $807,430 nets redevelopment at the home of the Newcomb and District Cricket Club features new turf and synthetic practice nets built to modern standards, replacing the reserve’s existing outdated facilities.
The project was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($680,000 via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program), the Victorian Government ($100,000 via Sport and Recreation Victoria) and the City of Greater Geelong ($27,430).
The facility was officially opened on Sunday during a ceremony attended by representatives from all three levels of government, as well as Newcomb and District CC committee members and players.
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker:
Supporting local sports, particularly as women’s cricket gains momentum, is more important than ever and that’s why the Albanese Government is supporting and rolling out awesome new facilities across our region.
The Newcomb & District Cricket Club has done an outstanding job in nurturing local talent, and these upgrades will be key to developing the next generation of cricket stars – it's such an exciting time for our community.
State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens:
These new practice nets provide the Newcomb and District Cricket Club with the facilities their members deserve.
This will also enable the club to attract more male and female members.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
The opening of the training facilities is an exciting way for the Dinos to start the season.
The new nets will hopefully make training more enjoyable and will definitely provide a better environment for players to develop their skills.
I’m sure practice nets of this quality will also be a drawcard in attracting new players.
Newcomb and District CC announced during Sunday’s ceremony that the facility would be known as the Peter ‘Skinny’ Harrison Training Facility, in honour of the club’s long-time curator and legendary player.
Newcomb and District Cricket Club president John Elliott:
The reserve’s previous training facilities were divided and located in two separate areas. They were tired and run down and had safety related issues.
This separation did not provide for an inclusive environment.
Having a modern and centralised facility will allow us to attract increased involvement from all areas within the community and will complement the work undertaken by the committee and volunteers in recent times to increase junior and diverse participation.
It allows us to promote participation between junior playing groups and senior players, allowing for enhanced junior development and participation, and will afford opportunities for senior members to mentor junior members, foster role model behaviours and develop positive relationships in a sage and inclusive environment.
