By Matthew Sims
Yarraville and inner-west basketball advocates have expressed their support for the proposed six-court indoor sports centre at McIvor Reserve Master Plan.
The council has proposed to build a six-court indoor sports centre and new recreation and leisure facilities as part of the McIvor Reserve Master Plan.
Maribyrnong council has scheduled a special meeting on Wednesday, March 29 at 6.30pm at the Braybrook Community Hub to make a decision on the adoption of the McIvor Reserve Master Plan, with members of the public encouraged to submit their public questions by 2pm on Wednesday, March 29.
Yarraville resident, former National Basketball League player, former Melbourne Tigers and Melbourne United development officer and current Melbourne Tigers women’s and under-16 coach Warrick Giddey said he thought the proposed development would be a “fantastic” opportunity for sports in the region.
“Basketball is clearly the number one sport in the area,” he said.
Having lived in Yarraville for more than 20 years and helping his children, including Oklahoma City Thunder player Josh Giddey, develop their skills, Giddey said travelling between facilities throughout the west was difficult.
“All the kids had to go to Altona,” he said.
Giddey said basketball delivered a number of benefits for young children.
“I think basketball gives them a sense of enjoyment and purpose,” he said.
Westgate Basketball Association president Jules Griffith said they had to organise about 200 teams across 14 courts across three stadiums in Maribyrnong, meaning their programs were at capacity and they have been unable to introduce an under-8 competition.
“It’s a real challenge for our clubs,” he said.
“While participation in the sport has grown exponentially, the number of accessible courts in Maribyrnong for competition has not grown.”
Mr Griffith said the Yarraville facility would support sport far and wide and could even be used for netball or other sports.
“This isn’t just about the people of Yarraville,” he said.
Details: www.change.org/p/w-estgate-basketball-needs-your-support-for-a-new-stadium-in-yarraville
