For the netballers, there aren’t change rooms — only prayers for a dry day.
That may soon change, with the Victorian Coalition promising $4.1 million funding for a new change-room facility and community hub.
The announcement was made by candidates for Euroa Brad Hearn and Annabelle Cleeland, with Murchison in the Euroa electorate.
However, Toolamba sits in the Shepparton electorate and the facility would be used by people in Greater Shepparton and Tatura.
Male- and female-specific change rooms would feature in the new build, while a community hub and rooms built as part of the facility would be able to hold major events such as weddings, funerals, community gatherings and functions.
New lights on the playing surface would be installed, and the netball courts would receive an upgrade.
Shadow Minister for Sport Cindy McLeish said the redevelopment would help local sport recover and rebuild following two years of disruption.
“Anything that helps encourage Victorians to get active or participate in local sporting groups is a win for the community,” Ms McLeish said.
“Local sporting clubs are a vital part of the Goulburn Valley, and the Liberals and Nationals are proud to support grassroots sport with this commitment.”
Mr Hearn said it had been 40 years since the last upgrades at the football netball club.
“Community sport is a huge part of our community here in Murchison and across the seat of Euroa,” he said.
“It brings our towns together throughout the year and supports our young people to have healthy lives,” Mr Hearn said.
Liberal candidate for Shepparton Cheryl Hammer said the new build had been necessary for a long time.
“Sport is so much more than chasing a ball on Saturdays in communities like Murchison-Toolamba, it is the heartbeat of these towns, and they deserve their share of investment in appropriate and quality facilities,” Ms Hammer said.
“I am proud to have advocated on behalf of this successful club for improved facilities, as well as a new community centre for the town.
“This is what a local representative should do, these are the things that are important to families and community members.”
Nationals candidate for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said the commitment would mean better facilities for the town.
“This announcement means Murchison-Toolamba has new facilities to come together not just for sport, but for a range of community events,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
"It is so important to invest in our sporting facilities to ensure the clubs can thrive well into the future. The Murchison-Toolamba Football Netball Club will be a force for years to come.”
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