Eden Foster MP Opens Major Cricket Net Redevelopment

The Mulgrave Cricket Club were delighted to host the formal opening of Mulgrave Reserve's brand-new Cricket Training Facility on 27th March 2024. Following our previous news article announcing the awarding of the contract for the development (here), we have closely followed the redevelopment progress up to partial handover of the synthetic nets in October 2023 and final use of the natural (turf) wickets in January 2024.

We were delighted to welcome the recently elected State Member for Mulgrave, Eden Foster MP representing the Minister for Community Sport to officially open the facility, cut the ribbon and unveil the official plaque.

Mulgrave Cricket Club President Richard Dwelly was joined by Mayor Cr. Nicky Luo, Councillor Tina Samardzija, and Cr Shane McCluskey - Mulgrave Ward Councillor.

This significant project would not have been possible without receipt of the $750,000 Victorian Government grant funding, enabling the City of Monash Council to deliver the project promptly.

The all-new training facility includes the redevelopment and re-orientation of the synthetic and natural turf practice wickets at Mulgrave Reserve, featuring:

• Four new synthetic cricket practice wickets with chain-mesh enclosure;
• Four natural turf cricket practice wickets with new irrigation, drainage, retractable netting and chain mesh perimeter fencing;
• Concrete hardstand area behind nets with large outdoor storage shed for the 3 tenant clubs;
• Sealed concrete access pathways behind nets inter-connecting east and west playing fields, complete with new staircase connecting recent pavilion development;
• Installation of public drinking fountain and dog bowl;
• Electrical power outlets for bowling machines.

The project has delivered a significantly improved cricket training amenity on the reserve supporting the development of all levels of cricket participation in the region.

We acknowledge the support of Eden Foster MP and Daniel Andrews (in his capacity as the former local member), and the Hon. Ros Spence MP (Minister for Community Sport) for partnering with CoM through Sport and Recreation Victoria to enable this to happen. And it would be remise for us not to recognise the strong support of CoM Recreation Services team and Cr Shane McCluskey throughout the process, for their advocacy for this project, and securing the support to make it happen.

GoMully !