Both parties promise new netball clubhouse

Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association president Ms Lisa Coakley says that, regardless of which major party wins the federal election on May 18, the association looks like it will have the money it needs to rebuild its old clubhouse.

Both the Labor candidate for Robertson Ms Anne Charlton and the sitting Liberal Member Ms Lucy Wicks have promised $1.4 million to the project.

Ms Charlton made her announcement on the Friday and Ms Wicks on the Saturday.

"Both were so gracious in their remarks, both said that regardless of who wins, the association will get what it needs,'' Ms Coakley said.

"I want to thank them both."

The club based at the Lemongrove netball courts has been fighting for years to upgrade facilities which have no disability access or disability facilities.

"We are an all-inclusive sport but we haven't been able to provide that,'' Ms Coakley said.

"The club house is two storeys and has 30 steps to walk up - impossible for elderly people or injured players.

"We have to set up the physio in a tent near the toilets but if the wind blows or it rains, that doesn't work.

"The new building will be all on one level and we'll have a physio room, amenities for the disabled and finally we'll have some storage space.''

Ms Coakley said the club had an architect draw up plans three years ago and they have sat down with council to get approval but since then they have been trying to get funding.

"There is no shade down there, so this will protect people as well,'' she said.

The club runs regular netball competition on the 14 courts and plans to grow.

Ms Coakley said after the twilight season, which starts after Christmas, the club will next year feature "fast five" netball and "walk-up netball" for people who can't run - an older age group who can walk and pass the ball.

It is also looking at a men's competition.

SOURCE

Media release, 30 Apr 2019

Lucy Wicks, Member for Robertson

Media release, 3 May 2019

Anne Charlton, Labor candidate for Robertson

Interview, 6 May 2019

Lisa Coakley, Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association