It’s been about two months since The News tipped-off its campaign for an improvement to the Shepparton Sports Stadium.
In that time, we have spoken to community members, parents, junior players, junior coaches, athletes, directors, presidents and more, continuing to illustrate the holistic need for an improved facility across the entire community.
But we thought it was about time we checked in with our readers, to find out how you have been standing for our stadium and supporting the cause.
When the campaign was launched, The News created a petition to allow the community to engage with the movement and share their thoughts on the facilities.
In that time, almost 2500 people have signed the petition.
That’s five times the capacity of the Shepparton Sports Stadium.
First of all, whether you’ve signed the petition, shared it, viewed it or just read one of these articles, thank you.
When Shepparton is rewarded with a facility it deserves, you will have been a massive part of it.
So, all that aside, let’s have a look at your reasons for signing the petition.
Why Shepparton thinks it needs a better stadium
Meagan Crupi: My child, with a co-ordination disorder, is in basketball to move his body and learn the life skills sports are so good at teaching.
What should be a safe choice and not weather dependent has been cancelled many times due to rain causing the roof the leak, impacting his subsequent therapy.
Noah Moore: I really think we could use new equipment.
Eve Watt: The current stadium is not fit for purpose. It needs updating in size for players potential and fans.
Lauren Boyle: Roof leaks and scoreboards don’t work, not adequate seating.
Tahnee Day: Been using the court for more than 20 years, The upgrade would be nothing but beneficial towards the community and the town. People can get home earlier.
Naomi Still: Since I was a kid, extra courts have been needed. Domestic competition is played at multiple locations. Basketball tournaments bring a large amount of money into this region and we have the worst facilities in country Victoria.
Elise Clement: As a parent of a child who has recently joined a basketball team in the Shepparton comp, the facilities are severely lacking in major ways. At times watching his games, there are family members sitting on the floor, the scoreboards don’t work half the time, the roof leaks during storms, and we have parents running out on the court with a towel to wipe up rain so they can continue playing. I played here as a teen 20 years ago and nothing has changed since then.
Irene Timm: The stadium has been neglected and is long overdue for upgrading.
Jason Grasso: Support sport.
Vicki Cosgriff: It is well overdue for the facilities to be upgraded.
Howard Jackson: It’s time for refurbishment.
Sharron Knights: This stadium is inadequate for what the players of Shepparton need. The seating is atrocious to watch the games. The players deserve much better facilities, especially if they wish to pursue a career in basketball. This could put Shepparton on the map, more could be hosted at the facility, bringing in more money to the area.
Judith Collier: The old stadium is outdated, looks terrible.
Helen Clarke: My grandchildren get such joy engaging in basketball at this venue.
Kayde Coonerty: I’ve played at this stadium multiple times and it’s definitely due for upgrades, court two has leaks so games have to be postponed or even cancelled. Hope this goes ahead for future Gators representing their home on the court.
Heather Hall: All communities need to have safe spaces for young people to take part in sports and other healthy activities.
Meliah Clarke: It’s sad that the upgrades to the stadium have been talked about for many years, yet haven’t eventuated. A stadium built/designed correctly can lead to other major events also coming to Shepparton. Just take a look at Bendigo’s stadium.
Micheal Johnston: The region as a whole needs funding for indoor sport.
Kaylene McCormick: The facility needs to be upgraded so my grandkids can enjoy basketball for many years to come.
Courtney Osman: Our kids deserve a stadium that doesn’t leak and cause their games to get cancelled. It would also mean kids can play games at a time that is appropriate for their age. Not to mention a new facility would be great for tourism and spectators at any sporting events held here.
Tammy Harwood: It all needs to be fixed so our younger generation can enjoy indoor sports instead of leaky roofs.
Rebecca Lovell: GV residents deserve equal access to good sporting facilities in line with other regions of similar size.
Claire Doherty: We need, and deserve, better.
Lorraine Mathieson: Sporting infrastructure is so important to community wellbeing.
Amber Bajada: Our stadium is an embarrassment for our town. It’s not big enough and the roof leaks. Our kids deserve so much better.
Liz Miller: Just because we are a regional town, and not Melbourne, doesn’t mean we can’t get things done to our stadiums.
Leigh Hepner: Facilities need to be modernised as they are old and can’t support the popularity of the sport.
Bronwyn Doggett: My children play basketball and I feel the frustration of the community with the need to play at various locations at all hours of the night because we don’t have up-to-date facilities which then leak when we get heavy rain. How can we attract tournaments to our town with facilities that were built in the 80s.
Kate Emerson: Basketball is a growing global phenomenon, and sport of choice for so many people living in our region. We need modern infrastructure that provides safety, spaces for community connection, an environment for all athletes to develop and excel, and a scale that promotes participation and economic growth.
Paula Ryan: The social, emotional and physical benefits of sport to our youth and general community can’t be underestimated. Our current facilities are outdated and desperately need an update to service our region and community.
Kylie Doyle: Whilst basketball and sports stadiums around the state are being upgraded, the Shepparton Sports Stadium continues to be forgotten about and overlooked. Rainy days often result in games being cancelled and the tiresome facilities have Shepparton being rejected for major basketball competitions, which also means less money being brought into the town.
Gators games also see many supporters having to stand all game due to lack of seating, or miss out seeing the game altogether.
Show your support for our campaign by signing our petition at www.change.org/p/upgrade-the-shepparton-sports-stadium
Stand For Our Stadium: The story so far
Or reach out to us and have your say:
Contact details
News journalist Jay Bryce
5820 3195
@jaybrycenews on Instagram
Or The News desk at:
5831 2312