Thursday, 6 March 2025

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (09:40): It was a special day on Sunday 23 February when I made my way down to the Keilor Park basketball netball stadium for their very special photo day. The Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium, home to Keilor Thunder, now boasts more than 10,000 members, and for the first time in a decade they had a special photo shoot with all the members of the junior clubs coming along for this special day.

They have been an incredible pillar of the local community out at Keilor since 1986, when the Keilor Thunder started playing, and in 2015 with the support of our Labor government expanded the facility from three to six courts, adding an additional three netball courts, four badminton courts, two volleyball courts and a 200-seat grandstand. They also play host. I must say, to have NBA player Ben Simmons, who currently plays for the LA Clippers, start his basketball career at Keilor Thunder just shows you what a special club they are. Even more special – later this year they going to start an all-abilities program, which I really do congratulate them on.

I thank everyone for the warm reception that occurred on 23 February. I look forward to getting back to seeing that large, very special photo adorning the walls. Thank you to the committee of management ‍– Jackson Taylor, Brent West, Daniel Smith, Jodee Gregory and Greg Bindokas – for putting on such a great event, and very best wishes to Keilor Thunder for the years to come.