The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program is putting netball at the heart of the Lapstone community in the Blue Mountains. 

A $672,200 grant has transformed the netball courts at Lapstone Oval with customised, high-quality surfaces, non-slip line markings and new goal posts. 

The new courts are safer and more durable, reducing maintenance costs. The refurbishment will attract and retain players now and into the future. 

The Play Our Way grant program supports local initiatives and ideas to overcome barriers that women and girls face in participating in sport.

This includes providing safe, inclusive, quality and sustainable facilities, equipment and initiatives to help women and girls to stay involved in sport and physical activity for life.

The Albanese Government is proud to support women and girls’ participation in sport from the grassroots through to the elite level in line with the Government’s National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“For many women and girls, access to safe, inviting and fit-for-purpose facilities can be the difference between playing sport or sitting on the sidelines. 

“Current and future netballers in Lapstone no longer have to play on old asphalt, dodging tree-root damage.

“Our $200 million Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs and facilities and it’s making a real difference.” 

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:

“Hundreds of players, coaches and families who turn up every week to Lapstone, the heart of netball in the Mountains, will benefit from this upgrade.” 

Quotes attributable to Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill:

“We’re proud to see the upgraded courts now open and ready for the community to enjoy.

“This project delivers safer, high-quality playing surfaces and improved accessibility, helping to create a more inclusive environment for everyone who uses the courts.

“It also supports greater participation in netball, particularly for women and girls, by providing facilities that are modern, welcoming and fit for purpose.” 

Quotes attributable to Blue Mountains Netball Association President, Sue Toole:

“Netball has always been at the forefront of women’s sport across NSW and Australia. 

“Young girls dream of being an Australian Diamond and playing Suncorp Super Netball – the best league in the world. These dreams start on Saturday morning at local associations like ours. 

“Our upgraded courts provide the perfect environment for young players to work hard and nurture these dreams and BMNA are proud to welcome all netball players to our amazing facilities.

“We thank both the Australian Government and Blue Mountains City Council for their support of both netball and our local community in providing these upgrades.”