SHADOW Assistant Minister for Regional Health, Dr Anne Webster, has made a commitment to support Robinvale’s sporting community if the Coalition forms government at the Federal election on May 3.
Sporting clubs that call Robinvale’s foreshore reserve their spiritual home will be given a huge lift due to The Nationals’ Federal election commitment made on Monday.
Dr Webster said the Coalition was happy to assist in the ‘Reimagining Robinvale’ initiative.
“I know the Robinvale community and Swan Hill Rural City Council have been ‘reimagining Robinvale’ for some time and the Coalition will help them on their way with the funding I am thrilled to announce today,” she said.
“I am so pleased to commit $500,000 on behalf of The Nationals, if we form government, to provide female-friendly changerooms in the Robinvale Reserve grandstand redevelopment.
“The Coalition are committed to encouraging women and girls’ increased participation in sport, getting behind the grassroots revolution that has seen rapid female sporting participation.
“The AFLW, Super Netball, A-League Women and Matildas have drawn huge crowds and inspired girls and women to pull the boots or shoes on – whether it’s dreaming of the big stage, or getting fitter, toned or healthier.
“It is so important teenage girls in particular continue their sporting involvement for their physical and mental health, connection and wellbeing because it is at that tender age they tend to give the game away.
“The Nationals are only too happy to back them in to kick on.”
The council will contribute $350,000 toward the project, aimed at assisting Robinvale’s sporting teams’ endeavours and providing a new sporting mecca for the community.
Dr Webster joined councillors, club and community representatives to look at what the funding would secure.
“Mallee has upwards of 80 small communities across its 83,412 square kilometres,” she said. “It is wonderful to back communities like Robinvale.
“I have to be clear, I can only make this funding a reality if the Coalition forms government after the upcoming election.
“The Albanese Labor government has reduced spending in Mallee by 95 per cent compared to my first term in office under a Coalition government.
“My hope is that projects like this one will see Mallee restored to its fair share of federal spending.”
Dr Webster has criticised the Albanese Government’s failure to provide a single housing grant to Mallee under the Regional Housing Support program, referring that program to the Auditor-General.
Mallee councils have consistently told Dr Webster that Federal and Victorian Labor’s co-funding demands make it incredibly difficult to successfully apply for funding.
