The Gawler and District Netball Association turned its first sod this morning, in preparation to build ten new netball courts for the region.
The Netball SA affiliated association welcomed funding from an election promise by the Malinauskas State Government to carry out the project, costing approximately $4.8 million to complete.
To accommodate the increasing number of netballers, the courts will be fitted with new lighting, an upgraded stormwater system, and more car parking space.
The project has had the support of the community and the Town of Gawler Council for several years, advocating to meet the demand of growing netball participation in the regions.
With the build scheduled to start next week, the project is expected to be completed by January 2025.
Member for Light, Tony Piccolo, Gawler & District President Kylie Forby and Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei were all in attendance for the official opening on Wednesday, March 13.
Mr Piccolo said the project would create safer facilities that comply with Netball Australia’s National Facilities Policy.
“One of the key criteria why this investment has been made is that the existing facilities don't meet the (national) policies, and a number of events cannot be held there as it poses a risk to both players and spectators,” Mr Piccolo said.
“By having this facility redeveloped, it will enable the Gawler and District Netball Association, to host state-level competitions.
“About 750 women and girls play during the summertime and 250 during wintertime. That will grow; I anticipate that will probably double very shortly once they have new facilities there.”
