By Jodie Symonds
LILYDALE Squash Club has announced it has received an almost $18,000 vital grant to update its facilities.
Federal Member for Casey, Tony Smith attended the announcement at the Squash Club on Friday 9 September, to update and expand the 62-year-old club as part of the Stronger Communities Grant.
The Stronger Communities Programme is aimed at funding small capital projects to deliver social benefits by supporting community participation.
President of Lilydale Squash Club, Jason McGrath, said the club will build an additional two art glass courts to allow them to host local and international tournaments.
People with disabilities will be able to enjoy an access way, special toilet, hand basins, guard rails and other facilities once complete.
The grant has also provided the club with the opportunity to upgrade the lighting, fans and carpet.
It will upgrade the exterior of the building, and extend the female change rooms.
Mr McGrath said the funding will allow the club to expand its members without having limited capacity space.
“Sport participation in our youth is an important community issue, and squash provides great physical exercise in all weather conditions and all seasons,” Mr McGrath said.
“We cater for men’s, women’s and junior squash and currently over 120 members and growing rapidly.
“It’s great we’ll be able to have the facilities.”
Mr McGrath said the club has had a lot of school involvement in the past, however due to limited capacity they were unable to take any more schools.
“We had to knock back other schools,” Mr McGrath said.
“Hopefully with the upgrade we’ll be able to take in more members.”
