Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): I rise to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our much-loved local sporting clubs in what has been an incredibly challenging year for players, clubs and fans. While we have all been apart, our local clubs have been working hard to stay afloat and keep our community connected. Recently I had the opportunity to speak with many of our local sports clubs as part of a virtual round table I hosted in the Northcote electorate. We had a really diverse mix of clubs, from netball to football, to cricket, canoeing, swimming, golfing and even the local rifle club. I heard about the vital difference our community sport survival grants have made during this period, the challenges clubs have faced, particularly in maintaining their memberships, and their hopes for the future. We also spoke about the incredible opportunity our $21 million voucher program will create to involve more kids in community sport by helping families meet the costs of equipment, uniforms or memberships. This will make a huge difference in making sure kids do not miss out on the joy of being on the field or on the court or on the pitch with their friends.

Critically we spoke about community sport infrastructure in the Northcote electorate and the need to keep investing to upgrade and expand our sports facilities. We have already had some amazing upgrades and new facilities, like the brand new netball courts at our local schools and the ones being built at Yarra Bend and John Cain Memorial Park. And we have seen important upgrades to Mayer Park, new change rooms at Sir Douglas Nicholls oval and a new pavilion at WH Robinson Reserve. But there is more to do, and I am excited to work with our clubs to get it done.