Athletics cash ‘huge’ for Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre

The Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre has been promised a $21,000 boost by the state Minister for Sport and Recreation Damian Drum.

Mr Drum visited Masons Lane Reserve last Wednesday to announce the grant.

The funding, part of the state government’s Local Facilities for Local Clubs Program (LFLCP), will be used to upgrade facilities at the club.

Projects will include resurfacing the existing long and triple jump run-ups and javelin run-up, and fixing storm-damaged shade sails.

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre president Maria Downes said the grant was important to help provide the best facilities and equipment for all the children, visitors and users of Masons Lane Reserve.

“We’ve got a few projects that need some desperate attention at the athletics centre,” Ms Downes said.

“To get a substantial amount like that is huge for our club … we can now get things going.

“We want to give the kids the opportunity to have good equipment and to train and learn in the right environment.”

About 300 youngsters are already registered for the forthcoming summer athletics season.

Ms Downes said the grounds were always abuzz with children and lots of spectators, including family and friends.

The club put up a $21,000 contribution towards the projects, which was matched by the state government as part of the LFLCP.