Even more East Gippsland clubs are back in the game with the completion of new facilities at AJ Freeman Reserve in Paynesville and Lindenow Recreation Reserve in Lindenow backed by the Allan Labor Government. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today joined East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Tom Crook at both venues to officially open the new cricket training facility in Paynesville, then the new oval lighting in Lindenow, made possible by a $336,775 funding package from the Victorian Government. 

At Paynesville, the ageing cricket nets have been replaced with a three-wicket cricket training facility, featuring a synthetic surface that can be used all year round by the senior and junior sides of the Paynesville Cricket Club, as well as public use.  

The old synthetic wicket has also been replaced on the main oval, with a premier synthetic grass wicket that meets Cricket Australia standards and is inclusive of junior line markings.  

The Government invested $145,000, with East Gippsland Shire Council contributing more than $83,000, into both cricket upgrades at AJ Freeman Reserve. Paynesville Gulls Cricket Club stumped up $20,000 and Cricket Victoria $10,000 towards the nets. 

The oval wicket upgrade at Paynesville is one of six backed by the Victorian Government in East Gippsland with Bruthen, Lucknow, Lindenow, Sarsfield and Wy Yung recreation reserves also getting new centre wickets. 

The new oval lighting at Lindenow opens the ground to more training and night competition providing a real boost for the Lindenow Football Netball Club.  

The Victorian Government kicked in more than $191,000 for the new 100 lux LED lighting from the Country Football and Netball Program. East Gippsland Shire Council contributed $66,369 to the project and the Lindenow Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, $10,000. 

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sport. The funding is part of $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. 

Tom McIntosh MP acknowledged the East Gippsland Shire Council, the Paynesville Cricket Club and the Lindenow Recreation Reserve Committee of Management for their contributions towards the respective projects. For more information about grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government, visit sport.vic.gov.au  

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh  

“We’re supporting young people in Paynesville and Lindenow to get active and involved in local sport, supporting the physical and mental health of regional communities.” 

“The dedicated efforts of club volunteers allow more people to have a go at sport. These upgrades are well deserved and a testament to their commitment.”