27/6 Frank Bourke Oval

THE construction of a new social pavilion and changing room block at Frank Bourke Oval No. 2 is on track for completion in May.

The $5.13 million home facilities of the North Ballarat Football and Netball Club and North Ballarat Cricket Club are accessible modular builds which will offer four AFL Victoria and Cricket Australia-compliant changerooms, umpires rooms, public toilets, a multipurpose social room, kitchen, canteen, bar, areas for meetings, first aid, and storage, an undercover viewing area, and an upgraded scorer’s box.

The State Government’s Council Support Package has chipped in $5 million while $130,000 was allocated from the City of Ballarat’s Recreation Capital Improvement budget.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves toured the site last week alongside local builder Bryan McMahon from SHAPE Australia.

“Frank Bourke Oval is a much loved community asset, and these new facilities will make a tremendous difference for the clubs, volunteers and supporters who use this precinct every week,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“The new pavilion will help support the next generation of footballers, netballers and cricketers to thrive. It’s exciting to see the progress firsthand, and we look forward to opening the doors in May.”

Ms Addison said those who enjoy playing or supporting sport at Frank Bourke Oval No. 2 will soon have the modern, inclusive facilities they deserve.

“With a new pavilion with a kitchen, canteen and bar to support functions as well as new accessible change rooms for players and umpires, we’re backing our sporting clubs with the infrastructure they need to grow,” she said.

“These upgrades will support the North Ballarat Football and Netball Club, strengthen local cricket, and help drive even greater participation in women’s sport.

“As part of the broader Ballarat Major Events Precinct redevelopment, this project reinforces our commitment to building a premier regional sporting hub. I’m proud to be backing local clubs, local talent and local families.”

Local tradespeople are employed on site, and SHAPE Australia’s modular components are manufactured at Kinglake, Victoria.