New grass pitch cricket nets in Bentley

In a boost for cricket in the City of Canning, the honourable Hannah Beazley MLA officially opened a new set of turf cricket nets in Wyong Reserve, Bentley last week. Wyong Reserve is home to Bentley Cricket Club and the new facilities are only the second set of grass practice nets within the City.

The project, valued at over $100,000, was made possible by contributions from the City of Canning, the State Government and Bentley Cricket Club.

The new nets, which can be configured to hold up to six pitches, are considered crucial to the club’s development and long-term success, providing practice facilities that simulate match conditions for those teams that play their matches on grass pitches. The new grass pitches should also help attract quality players to the club and assist in the expansion of the junior cricket program.

The four existing synthetic cricket nets at Wyong Reserve have remained in place, supporting the high demand for practice facilities for the club and the neighbouring community. 

“The Wyong Reserve Cricket Nets represent an important part of the City’s, as well as community’s, role in advocating for local projects and local infrastructure,” said City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall.

“We were so pleased that the State Government wanted to get behind this project as part of their PlayOn WA initiative, and we are incredibly thankful for their contribution in supporting our local clubs”.

The City of Canning has been a strong advocate for sporting clubs, and recent investment into local sporting infrastructure includes the renewal of the hall at Corinthian Park Tennis Club, upgrades to the volleyball court at Shelley Foreshore, a new canoe storage facility at Kent St Weir and roof painting works at the Willetton Basketball Stadium.

“Our local clubs and community groups are the heartbeat of Canning,” said Mayor Hall. “We are working hard to remove barriers and create safe, welcoming spaces for all, especially women and girls.”

Plans are in place for the broader Wyong Reserve sporting facilities to receive extensive upgrades in the near future, with new change rooms, storage facilities, accessibility provisions and improved viewing access to all three sports fields set for completion around July 2027.

Wyong Reserve is home to the Bentley Cricket Club, Canning South Perth Football Club (Australia football) and the Royals Sporting Club (softball).

“Sport plays a massive role in our lives and the City’s support in helping build infrastructure to meet the growing demand is crucial,” said Mayor Hall. “Sport encourages community connection by embracing our differences and creating a welcoming place for everyone. There are also so many health benefits from being part of an active community, ensuring we take care of ourselves both physically and mentally.

“I know that we are close to wrapping up the cricket season, but I trust that Bentley Cricket Club will get good use out of the new nets and enjoy the benefits that they will surely bring.”