Minister for sport James Merlino (with basketball) with, from left, Kilsyth Sports Centre’s Dick Thomas, Ben Turner and Hugh McMenamin.By Kath Gannaway
A VISIT to Kilsyth Sports Centre last week by state Minister for Sport James Merlino provided Kilsyth management with an opportunity for face to face funding discussions.
Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association (K&MDBA) is currently in the early planning and finance stages for a proposed two court extension to the facility.
Kilsyth’s Basketball Development manager Ben Turner said Mr Merlino had played basketball at the stadium in his junior years and remembered the old entrance into court 3.
“He was amazed at the work of the K&MDBA in joining the centre tenants —basketball, badminton and table tennis – through the $2.2 million foyer,” Mr Turner said.
The foyer was predominantly funded by the K&MDBA and has become a major community resource.
The Minister met with Kilsyth general manager Dick Thomas, board member Hugh McMenamin and Mr Turner to discuss the facility and any state government support which may become available.
Mr Turner said the Kilsyth contingent were pleased to hear Mr Merlino say his department was currently looking at possible funding options for the facility.
Mr Turner said the minister had praised the efforts of the K&MDBA in providing sport and recreation opportunities for the local community especially the Kids First Program for local schools.
“He was pleased to become the No.1 ticket holder for the Kilsyth Cobras in 2008 and is looking forward to watching the SEABL action next winter,” Mr Turner said.
K&MDBA currently have over 1000 teams participating at Kilsyth and Lilydale stadiums which Mr Thomas said said are nearing capacity.
Thanking the minister for his visit to the “coalface” he said Kilsyth was looking forward to creating a strong partnership with the State Government and Shire of Yarra Ranges to bring the project to life and deliver for the game of basketball in the Yarra Valley.
“This will be the first major basketball development at Kilsyth since 1984. The new full size courts will enable the association to increase basketball participation and development whilst offering increased opportunities for other sports including netball,” Mr Thomas said.
“This redevelopment will be a major benefit to the game of basketball in the Yarra Valley. It will enable us not only to increase participation but to host Junior State and National Championships as well as ABA National Finals.
These events would provide a major economic boost to the local communities.”
