Liberal candidate fights for Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre redevelopment

By Benalla Ensign

Oct 24, 2022

Election commitments: State Liberal Candidate for Euroa Brad Hearn. Photo by Contributed

The Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre is more then just a basketball stadium to many in the community.

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For many years its committee has been developing plans to seek state government assistance to bring it up to a contemporary standard for all user groups.

Liberal Candidate for the state seat of Euroa Brad Hearn said he was passionate about seeing some action for the user groups and funding country sport.

“The adjacent oval is home to the All Blacks Football and Netball Club as well as a broad range of community organisations,” Mr Hearn said.

“The North East Bushrangers want to make this their ongoing home but need the courts brought up to speed.

“The Benalla All Blacks Football and Netball Club celebrated premierships for both the seniors and seconds football teams this year.

“The club has reported that they are interested in fielding a Women’s Football Team, but are unable to do so as they do not have the facilities required.

“Roofing and storage plague the committee of management and puts them in the position where they have been forced to turn away new and potential user groups due to limited space and resources.

“This prevents access to sport in our community.

“Benalla squash have been waiting years to have facilities that would allow spectators to their games.”

Mr Hearn said his mother was an A-grade netball coach for the All Blacks and since that time the netballers were still without adequate change facilities.

“How long do regional clubs have to wait before state government acts?” he said

“I’ve gone straight to the Shadow Minister for Sport about this one, the Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish.

“We want to see some direct action on this. After years of plans and waiting the community groups deserve better.

“This precinct supports more then just the old All Blacks Disco or a few games of Basketball.

“There are people from five years of age to well past their 80s playing a range of sports from table tennis, badminton and lifeball, connecting with one another.

“Supporting country sport is an important aspect to state government, making sure that country Victoria get their fair share is what I am fighting for.”