With the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season just around the corner, Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP and Number 1 ticket holder, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP, State Member for Bendigo East, are calling on the community to support the Bendigo Spirit.

Ms Chesters is hosting a fundraising lunch in support of the Spirit’s upcoming 2016-2017 season. Jacinta Allan will be a special guest and Spirit Star Kelsey Griffin will be the keynote speaker.

“Whether it’s for players’ wages, coaching or travel, financially it can be a real struggle to find adequate funding in women’s sport.

“This team is a real asset to our city and attending this fundraiser is an easy way for people to get behind the Bendigo Spirit.

“I am also really excited that the Number 1 ticket holder Jacinta Allan will be attending the lunch and showing her support for the Spirit,” said Ms Chesters.

Ms Allan and her family have a strong association with Bendigo basketball, with her father Peter a stalwart of the local league.

“Supporting regional Victoria’s only national sporting team is something I am very passionate about and I would like to encourage every Bendigonian to get on board and show your support for the Spirit,” said Ms Allan.

Professional women’s sport took a big hit when the ABC decided they could no longer support the televising of the WNBL.

“For regional based teams like Bendigo Spirit, losing that national broadcast has had a financial impact.

“Every dollar raised on the day will go directly to the Spirit so I really hope the Bendigo community can support this event,” said Ms Chesters.