Forgoing the traditional ribbon cutting, the pair opened the courts with a shot off against three of Cowra’s young netballing talents in Matilda, Lucy and Kate Proctor.

 Cowra netball club president Casey Proctor said the new facilities would further the representative opportunities of the club’s players.

“This is an investment in the Cowra Community and to have the state government to help deliver what is now a first class facility in our area, and brings us on board with all the other regional towns is magnificent,” he said.

“For the community and the netballers the girls get to train down here at night under lights with their amenities right behind them and it helps further our sport.”

Katrina Hodgkinson MP said it was great to see Australia’s most played sport supported in this way.

“I’m stunned the Cowra netball association has raised $35,000 towards this, that is an enormous effort for any community group, let alone a sporting community group,” she said.

“The NSW governemnt also contributed $26,000 out of the sport and recreation program, but what we have here now is the most amazing state of the art netballing facility.”

Cowra Mayor Cr Bill West was also recognised for the $35,000 contribution made by council, and says the benefits the new facilities provided would be ongoing.

“The importance of these facilities is not under estimated nor is it lost on council,” he said.

“The ability to provide recreation and sporting facilities for our communities is always something that the council is very keen to continue to support.”