United effort scores new home for Garfield netballers

Cardinia Council Westernport Ward councillor Kaye Cameron, mayor Jack Kowarzik, Bunyip Ward councillor Graeme Moore opened the new pavilion with Garfield Netball Club president Tracey Redwood and vice president Chelsea Burgmann. (Supplied)

Cardinia Council has officially opened the new Garfield Netball Pavilion, a state-of-the-art facility designed to cater to the growing needs of netball enthusiasts in Cardinia.

Located in the Garfield Recreation Reserve, the facilities included modern amenities and dedicated courts to act as a hub for netball activities, training, and competitions.

Costing $3.4 million with a $2.6 million commitment from Cardinia Council and an $800,000 commitment from the State Government ($800k) and commenced last June, the upgrade was initially outlined in the Garfield Recreation Reserve Master Plan of 2015.

Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik said he was excited to see netball to continue to grow in Garfield thanks to the updated facilities.

“We are thrilled to open the Garfield Netball Pavilion, which will serve as a central hub for our thriving netball community,” he said.

“This new pavilion provides a home for our local teams to improve their skills, build friendships, and create opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to come together and enjoy friendly competition.”

The upgrades included changerooms, unisex amenities, strapping/massage rooms, an umpire’s change room with amenities and operable wall, a first aid room, public toilets, a unisex accessible toilet, an external viewing area, a meeting room, a canteen/kitchen and internal storage.

Cardinia Council has been working closely with the Garfield Netball Club, Garfield Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee, Garfield Football Club and Netball Victoria on the project, which complemented the existing facilities at the Garfield Recreation Reserve, including netball courts, ovals, tennis courts, bowls, a skate park, outdoor pool, community garden, off leash dog park, outdoor exercise station and a playground.