Member for Benembra Bill Tilley unloads on Government's sport decision

The State Government announced yesterday the five reasons to leave home will be removed from 11.59pm on Thursday.

Shepparton is the only regional centre to remain in lockdown following its COVID battle over recent weeks.

However, the Government's list of restrictions state, 'Community sport: Permitted outdoor training only with the minimum number required to train'.

In a final attempt to complete its season, Member for Benambra Bill Tilley lobbied Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence on the league's behalf for permission to play the entire finals series in Wodonga.

The O and M will make a public annoucement on Thursday, but Mr Tilley foreshadowed the league's likely decision.

"This is a hammer blow to winter sport and throws a massive question mark about summer sports," he offered.

"Grassroots sport should be part of the bubble, should have been allowed to continue.

"I know organised sport like the O & M, Hockey Albury Wodonga and the Albury Wodonga Football Association make better citizens, bring communities together and gives great joy to so many - robbing us of that is a disgrace.

"It was like I was punched in the guts when I realised that the new rules were silent, effectively banned competition.

"Given what I believed were constructive and supportive comments from the government I had hoped for better.

"These clubs and competitions have been operating with no crowds, (but have had) QR codes, COVID marshals and safety plans - it defies logic to think that you would allow them to train but not compete when the only thing they would be training for is finals."

ALSO IN SPORT

The O and M completed 13 of its 18 rounds.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: