Bloods cheer court upgrades

By Tania Martin
OLINDA-Ferny Creek Football-Netball Club had something to cheer about last week after it was granted $60,000 for vital court upgrades.
Combined with $40,000 cash from the Shire of Yarra Ranges and $30,000 of club money, the $130,000 project can now go ahead.
Monbulk MP and Sports Minister James Merlino last week visited the Bloods home ground to spread the good news.
Mr Merlino said the cash was a great boost for not only the club but the local community.
“We (State Government) are taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active inclement in sport and recreation,” he said.
Mayor Tim Heenan said the funding was fantastic news for the Bloods.
Cr Heenan said the club and community had pulled together to apply for the funding.
“This is going to go a long way towards enhancing the club,” he said.
Steve of the Hilltop Recreation Reserve committee said the current courts weren’t up to scratch and that the community had pushed hard to get this funding.
“It will be great to see the whole area grow and develop,” he said.
Mr Merlino said the cash would go towards replacing the Bloods old asphalt courts with a new plexipave surface, new fences and lighting.
“The upgrade will give the club, local schools and the community more opportunity to play and train – day or night,” he said.