On 4 August, along with hundreds of other country football fans, I enjoyed a very entertaining football match between Penshurst and Woorndoo. My colleague for Western Victoria Region, David Koch, was also present. We then opened the new amenity facilities at the Penshurst Football Netball Club.
The $67 000 amenity room redevelopment was able to be built after funding was secured from the state government, Southern Grampians Shire Council and local community cash contributions. The redevelopment has increased the toilet and shower capacity and enhanced the venue, which will hopefully result in an influx of members, whether they be players, volunteer medical staff or sports trainers committing to the club. The passion, sense of identity and communalism that was brought to the club by its supporters was obvious to me as I watched the game.
Sports and sporting clubs in rural areas enable all members of a community to have a common bond, whether it be as a player, a spectator or an administrator. In good times and bad it is often sport that helps keep the heart in country towns across this state, and this funding encourages people to get involved in sport and stay connected to their communities. Thus it is crucial to be vigorous in campaigning for the wellbeing of sports in rural Victoria. A commitment to this area continues to be a priority of this government of which I am proud to be a member.
