The current nets at Barkley Park are over 30 years old and do not meet current safety regulations.
The new modern facility will feature four fully enclosed new pitches with synthetic turf over concrete and an open net for community access.
The space is designed to be flexible for other users of Barkley Park.
Grants Officer, AnnMaree Christian has been working diligently towards the improved facilities for the last four years.
“It has been an accumulation of many small steps over the years,” Ms Christian said.
“We were losing kids and players because the facilities and opportunities were better elsewhere.
“We were successful with a number of smaller grants along the way, together with fundraising which has allowed the club to specifically set money aside to contribute to the nets project.”
Club president, Grant Steed was excited to learn about the grant funding which would improve the facilities.
“It is an unbelievable feeling of satisfaction,” he said.
“These new net facilities are important as they will improve our training and enable us to attract others to play cricket.
“The club is growing, and it is particularly pleasing to see more females playing also.
“The club would particularly like to thank Sport and Recreation Victoria, Cricket Victoria, The Indigo Shire Council, AnnMaree Christian, Paul Somerville and John Babbs who have made it all happen.”
On the field, the club has commenced preparations for the 2020/21 season with training beginning over the weekend under strict COVID-19 guidelines. The season will commence on October 17 for juniors and October 24 for seniors.
The club will field three senior teams this season in A Reserve, B Grade and C Grade as well as junior teams in under 14s and under 12s.
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