A ceremonial ribbon-cutting was conducted on Saturday by Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae, Jerilderie Football Netball Club president Carson Thomas and Jo Weston from the Origin Australian Diamonds Netball team.
The upgrade represents a significant milestone for the local community, particularly women, and features two modern change rooms for players, a dedicated officials' room, as well as an office, first aid room and storage facilities.
The new amenities also include baby change facilities and accessible toilets.
In addition, the project has enhanced the netball court lighting, ensuring improved visibility for night matches and training sessions.
Cr McRae said she was thrilled to see the opening of these new upgrade, which represents a significant improvement over the old ones.
As both the mayor and a life member of the netball club, she said it brings her immense pride to see such positive changes.
“These upgraded spaces will not only enhance the comfort and experience for our sportspeople, but also contribute to the ongoing growth of sport in our region,” she said.
“It’s an exciting step forward for our local sports infrastructure," she said.
Costing $900,000, the project was funded by the NSW Government and Murrumbidgee Council.
Jerilderie Football Netball Club president Carson Thomas also expressed excitement at the new development and described the upgrade as a game-changer for the club and the broader community.
“The improvements will make a real difference for players, officials and spectators in the variety of sports played at the sports precinct,” he said.
“We're incredibly grateful for the support from the New South Wales Government and the council.”
The official opening followed the ‘Diamond for a Day’ junior netball clinic, coordinated through Origin and organised by Jerilderie Football Netball Club with support of Murrumbidgee Council (see page 16).
The clinic was a huge success, with more than 40 junior netballers participating in skills sessions and workshops throughout the day.
“We were absolutely delighted to have Jo Weston from the Australian Diamonds Netball team along to run the sessions," Mr Thomas said.