Released 25/07/2017
Minister for Education, Shane Rattenbury, and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry, today visited Alfred Deakin High School with members of the Weston Creek Woden Dodgers basketball team to have a look at the club’s new training facilities.
“The ACT Government released a report earlier this year which examined the provision of indoor sports facilities in the ACT, and at the same time we announced a range of steps we would take to better utilise the facilities we’ve already got, including Canberra public schools,” Minister Berry said.
“Making the gymnasium at Alfred Deakin High School available to the Weston Creek Woden Dodgers basketball team was one of our first priorities after the team was displaced due to the closure of the Woden Basketball Stadium.
“As a big fan of basketball I am so pleased that the Dodgers were able to relocate to the school last month and have already started taking advantage of their new training space.
“Indoor sports facilities are in high demand and this is only going to increase as our city grows. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the chance to be active, and I am so pleased we have been able to offer a great solution for the Dodgers.”
The ACT Government allocated $50,000 in 2016 to improve community access to government school facilities, including upgrades to security systems and storage improvements.
Minister Rattenbury said the government is committed to enhancing the role of schools as community hubs.
“Our schools are committed to working closely with indoor sporting groups, and following an upgrade to the security system at Alfred Deakin High School in April of this year, it is fantastic that the Dodgers have formalised a regular hire arrangement with the school,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“Costs associated with this work came to $2,780 and were funded from the initial $50,000 committed by Government to improve community access opportunities at Canberra public schools.
“Our public schools have a wide range of facilities that are available for use by sporting groups, and I encourage sporting groups, and the community as a whole, to utilise these spaces for their benefit.
“In addition I am announcing the doubling of the initial Government investment to improve access to Canberra public schools to $100,000, to enhance the availability of our school facilities and make more spaces within schools available for the benefit of the community,” Minister Rattenbury concluded.
To read the ACT indoor sport facility report visit www.sport.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
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