Improvements celebrated at Korumburra Showgrounds

UPGRADED facilities for footy and netball were officially opened at the Korumburra Showgrounds on Saturday, representatives of the various organisations involved in the project there to mark the occasion.

Korumburra-Bena netballers and their opponents can enjoy a new building, alongside the netball court, featuring two identical changerooms separated by a partition that allows the creation of a large room.

An umpires’ room, first aid space and toilet and shower facilities complete the impressive setup.

The wet section of the existing footy rooms has been revamped with modern touches such as shower cubicles, the creation of an umpire’s room another improvement.

Fielding a girl’s footy side in 2017 sparked the idea of improving facilities for females Korumburra-Bena’s grants officer Nadine Smith explained.

Girls footy and netball numbers continued to grow, further highlighting the need for improvements.

It was also evident male footballers and umpires needed rooms suited to current standards.

Funding for the overall project came through multiple sources.

A Sport and Recreation Victoria Female Friendly Facility Grant contributed $800,000, the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program delivered $710,180, South Gippsland Shire Council provided $400,000, and the Giants put in $100,000.

The Korumburra Agricultural & Pastoral Society, which owns the Showgrounds, supported the project and contributed $10,000.

“The new facilities for netballers received great feedback during the 2024 season from club members, opposition teams and the community,” Smith said.

The upgraded football facilities were completed more recently, but feedback during the preseason has also been positive.