Net gain for Muswellbrook Shire as Denman Netball Courts open Netballers in Denman and Muswellbrook Shire have scored a major win with the opening of the new Denman Netball Courts, the first public netball courts in the sports-loving town.
The new facility, in the Denman Recreation Area next to the rugby league fields, has two full-sized competition-standard netball courts with high-quality surfacing for durability and play.
The project also includes significant upgrades to internal roads, drainage and parking, enhancing accessibility and safety for players and spectators.
Muswellbrook Shire Council has delivered this $750,000 project with support from the NSW Government, including $438,000 from the Resources for Regions program, and $206,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton said the development aligns with Muswellbrook Shire Council’s commitment to community wellbeing through high-quality recreational facilities.
By investing in sports infrastructure, Council aims to promote healthy lifestyles, community spirit and support the growth of local sport.
“For a town that loves its sport as much as Denman, I’m delighted that local netballers now get to use this superb facility. These courts are built for our kids, our athletes and our community and they’re built to last,” Mayor Drayton said.
“This is a win for netball and a win for Denman. It’s about Muswellbrook Shire residents having the same opportunities as bigger centres, and I congratulate our Council staff on the job they’ve done.”
Netball is one of Muswellbrook Shire’s fastest-growing sports, with more than 300 registered players across the Muswellbrook Netball Association and strong school participation in the Upper Hunter region.
Meg Haylen, a local junior and now first team player for Wests Leagues Balance in the Newcastle Netball Association competition, said the new courts were unlike anything Denman netballers have ever had access to locally.
“Denman has never had courts of this standard - now our local players can train and compete at a higher level closer to home. That’s a game changer,” Ms Haylen said.
“It’s so good to see netballers in Denman and Muswellbrook get to play and train on the best facilities around.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the courts will set Denman up for the future.
“Sport is a big part of life here in the Hunter and these new courts give people a place to play, catch up and come together - something the whole community can get behind,” Minister Catley said.
“The new courts also put Denman on the map. More games mean more visitors and more reasons for people to spend time here. And for our young players, this is where big dreams begin. These courts give them the chance to grow, train hard, and aim high – all right here at home. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this announcement and what it means for our community’s future.”
NSW Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell welcomed the opening of the courts, which have been strongly supported by Denman locals and clubs.
“This has been a grassroots community effort from the get-go and it's great to see the levels of government working together to get it done,” Mr Layzell said.
“The Denman community has a new place to meet, play, compete and be proud.”
The courts were delivered in a wider upgrade to Denman Recreation Reserve and built to competition standards with full lighting and drainage, opening the door to more local training and games as part of the larger regional sports facility.
