Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP has joined representatives from Golden City Football Club and Bendigo Cricket Club to officially begin construction on the new community and sport pavilion at the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve, made possible by a $1 million investment from the Allan Labor Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
North Bendigo Recreation Reserve is a major sport and recreation hub and a hive of activity all year round, supporting local soccer, swordcraft and cricket players, from juniors to seniors.
The new pavilion will feature four change rooms, accessible public toilets, match officials’ room, meeting room, first aid and storage space, and a multipurpose area complete with canteen, kitchen facilities, and bar.
The exterior of the building will also include an undercover spectator viewing area with adjacent car parking, landscaping and connecting paths.
Once complete the new venue will provide a new home advantage for local clubs and provide a great base for the local sport and the community to come together and play the sports they love.
“Grassroots sport in Bendigo is booming, and this new pavilion will ensure no one misses out on the opportunity to join in the fun," Ms Edwards said.
“This project has been a longtime coming, and I commend the clubs and their volunteers for their fantastic work in getting to this point.
“Sport and active recreation facilities like pavilions are a game changer for local sport and communities, they bring people together, help build lasting connections and provide a real boost to local economies.”
The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is supported by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund and the All Abilities Sport Fund and is a game-changer for regional Victoria with 67 infrastructure projects and eight participation initiatives supported by the initiative.
It’s part of more than $2.4 billion invested by the Victorian Government in community sports infrastructure since 2014.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is also kicking in $20 million to continue providing new and improved community sports infrastructure through initiatives like the statewide Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
From oval reconstructions to pavilion upgrades, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.
Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and building the sporting facilities that our communities deserve.
Maree Edwards MP acknowledged the Greater Bendigo City Council for its $1.6 million contribution and commitment to delivering the project, the Federal Government for its $1 million contribution, and the Golden City Football Club and Bendigo City Cricket Club for contributing $37,500 each.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.
