Hansard debates

Mr McGUIRE (Broadmeadows) (11:55:56) — (14 191) My constituency question is to the Minister for Education. What funding for the physical literacy coaches program has been allocated to Broadmeadows? A key criteria for success is the linkage to the Jacana Football Club, the AFL and the Broadmeadows community. There is a concern that, despite the overwhelming need and the physical literacy coaches program originating in Broadmeadows, it might not be continued and the gains that have been made would be lost where they are needed most.

Since I have been the MP for Broadmeadows I have established the campaign Saving Footy in its Backyard. While the AFL invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the northern states, it neglected the northern suburbs of its heartland. The Jacana Football Club almost went broke, but due to the determination and drive of a handful of committed Broadmeadows residents it last year fought back to win the premiership in the Essendon District Football League division 2. This was an extraordinary turnaround and provides the foundation for the rejuvenation of footy. Critically, there also has been a strong annual investment in the Side by Side program.