Jo Weston takes time to talk to fans and pose for photos. Photo: Jerilderie Football Netball Club.
Australian Diamonds Netball gold medal winner Jo Weston has visited the small Riverina town of Jerilderie to run a clinic for locals and officially open the revamped Monash Park Sports Precinct.
Murrumbidgee Council says the upgrade represents a significant milestone for women in the community, as the new facility features two modern changerooms for players, a dedicated officials’ room, as well as an office, first aid room and storage facilities. The new amenities also include baby change facilities and accessible toilets.
The precinct includes an AFL football oval, netball courts, cricket pitch, cricket nets and amenities building.
Jerilderie Football Netball Club president Carson Thomas expressed excitement at the new development and described the upgrade as a game-changer for the club and the broader community.
“The improvements will make a real difference for players, officials and spectators in the variety of sports played at the sports precinct. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the NSW Government and the council,” he said.
The project has also enhanced the netball court lighting, ensuring improved visibility for night matches and training sessions.
The official opening was followed by a ‘Diamond for a Day’ junior netball clinic and Q&A session, coordinated through Origin and organised by Jerilderie Football Netball Club with the support of Murrumbidgee Council.
“We were absolutely thrilled to have Jo Weston from the Australian Diamonds Netball team along to run the sessions,” said Mr Thomas.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McCrae cuts the ribbon alongside Diamonds star Jo Weston at Monash Park. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Weston was born in the Riverina town of Corowa, just 80 minutes from Jerildere. She spent some of her childhood on a rural property in northern Victoria before moving to Melbourne.
The experienced defender has 75 Test caps for Australia and won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Her clinic was attended by 40 junior netballers, who participated in skills sessions and workshops throughout the day.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting to open the revamped park was conducted by Councillor Ruth McRae OAM, Mayor of Murrumbidgee along with Mr Thomas and Ms Weston.
Cr McRae said as both the mayor and a life member of the netball club, it brought her immense pride to see such positive changes.
“These upgraded spaces will not only enhance the comfort and experience for our sportspeople but also contribute to the ongoing growth of sport in our region. It’s an exciting step forward for our local sports infrastructure,” she said.
Costing $900,000, the project was jointly funded by the NSW Government and Murrumbidgee Council.
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