Posted on 19 May, 2011
State Member for Kilsyth and State Government Cabinet Secretary, Mr David Hodgett MP joined, State Member for Monbulk, Mr James Merlino MP, Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Terry Avery, Yarra Ranges Councillor Cr Len Cox, Yarra Ranges Councillor Samantha Dunn, CEO of the Shire of Yarra Ranges Glenn Patterson, CEO of Basketball Australia Larry Sengstock, CEO of Basketball Victoria Wayne Bird, Chairperson of Eastern Sports Development Jeff Hunter and Kilsyth Basketball General Manager Grant Wallace to take part in the official opening ceremony of the $2.4 million two court redevelopment.
Before the official opening the 100 plus invited guests were treated to the first official basketball and netball games from proud students of Yarra Road Primary School and Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School, something these students will never forget.
The project is a great example of local and state government working co-operatively with sporting associations to provide recreational resources and opportunities for the local community. The project was desperately needed for some time in the area as basketball has continued to grow in popularity and the two extra courts will help accommodate the growth of basketball at a local level.
The two court redevelopment and an upgrade to the court one playing surface was jointly funded by the Victorian State Government who provided $530,000 through Sport and Recreation Victoria, the Shire of Yarra Ranges who provided $650,000 and Kilsyth Basketball who provided more than $1.4 million.
The opening ceremony celebrated a culmination of a number of years of work and commitment toward the fantastic end process. The various Shire councillors and officers who provided valuable direction and advice, the projects architects Bhade Harbour Australia Ltd, local builders, Procon Development Ltd and their numerous subcontractors and Kilsyth Basketball staff all worked collaboratively in the best interests of the community.
The Kilsyth Sports Centre is home to the second largest basketball association in the Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association, where there are more than 15,000 players alone vying for court time and the numbers continue to grow.
The two court redevelopment has also allowed Kilsyth Basketball to gain the right to host the 2011 Under 16 National Basketball Championships this July where 28 teams will compete from every state and territory within Australia as well as two teams from New Zealand. Kilsyth is the first Metropolitan Victorian Basketball association in over 10 years to host a national championship and is a fantastic opportunity for the Shire of Yarra Ranges to showcase such a fantastic facility and the region.
Kilsyth Basketball are hosting the 2011 Under 16 National Championships this July. Volunteer and Business opportunities are available email megan.martin@kilsythbasketball.com.au for further information
