AusLeisure

A $2.6 million grant from the Federal Government will be used to build a permanent home in Melbourne for Australia's leading female sport.
Federal Minister Senator Kate Lundy announced on Sunday that the Australian Government will back new administrative offices that will bring together Netball Australia and the ANZ Championship's Australian operations, the Australian Netball Players Association and the Asian Netball Federation secretariat, along with space dedicated to a comprehensive exhibition of Australian netball and its proud history.
The funding, announced by Senator Lundy at a Melbourne Vixens pre-ANZ Championship game function, will assist in strengthening netball's future while paying homage to the sport's predecessors.
Netball Australia Chief Executive Kate Palmer stated that the "funding acknowledges the important role netball plays in our Australian communities.
"Our job as a sport, as an almost all-female sport, is really important in that we have a responsibility to empower women and change communities so coming together and working together under the one roof will make sure that we are all working on the same job."
Senator Lundy believes the funding will ensure netball's position for the future, adding "netball is a great game that has a tremendously positive influence on those who play.
"I'd like to see more people have the opportunity to play the game and I believe that the Home of Netball will consolidate the work of Netball Australia and ensure the future growth of the sport."
The President of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA), The Hon. Molly Rhone, believes the funding will strengthen netball in Australia and the surrounding region.
Rhone stated "this is really important and exciting news and demonstrates the great support that the Australian Government is giving to the sport of netball in Australia as well as the entire Oceania region.
"The commitment of Government was a key factor in the selection of Sydney to host the World Netball Championships in 2015.
"Netball Australiaï¾s hard work and professionalism has been matched with investment in infrastructure which will provide a firm foundation for even greater success for netball in Australia and the region."
Netball Australia has been temporarily based on King Street in Melbourne's central business district since its move from Sydney in 2007 however the grant provides an opportunity for the sport establish a permanent home.
A number of Melbourne locations are being considered for the new Home for Netball with a decision on the site expected before the end of 2012.

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