Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:00): There has been terrific news across the Kalkallo electorate for grassroots sport over the past few weeks, with exciting announcements that will make a meaningful difference and help improve opportunities for participation. As part of the latest round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, lighting will be installed at Aston Reserve standalone soccer pitch. This announcement has been hugely welcomed by Craigieburn City Football Club, which boasts a massive 67 teams this year. I would like to thank Paul and Joanne Dugo, who have been tireless advocates for this upgrade and on behalf of Craigieburn City generally.

But it is not just soccer that is benefiting from this government’s investment; the recent state budget also provided a boost for the Craigieburn tennis courts, with funding for lighting that will enable more court time for local residents. This upgrade is great news for members of the longstanding Craigieburn Tennis Club, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the club on celebrating its 50th birthday this year. What a terrific milestone.

Finally, I recently had the opportunity to visit the Craigieburn Sports Stadium upgrade. Works on stage ‍1 are almost complete, including the construction of three new multisport courts for basketball, netball and badminton. Backed by a $5 million contribution from the Allan Labor government and delivered in partnership with Hume City Council, this massive upgrade is incredibly important for the Craigieburn Netball Association, the Craigieburn Ladies Badminton Club and of course the mighty Craigieburn Eagles Basketball Association. Grassroots sport is at the heart of Melbourne’s growing outer north, and I am thrilled this government is continuing to deliver important investments and outcomes.