Clubs unite to call for major upgrade

THREE North Bendigo sport clubs have come together to campaign for an upgrade to their home ground.

North Bendigo Football Netball Club, Bendigo Cricket Club and Golden City Soccer Club launched Unite the North earlier this week, aimed at drumming up support for a $7 million redevelopment of the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve.

Together, the clubs have started a $75,000 GoFundMe to help fund the City of Greater Bendigo’s masterplan for the site which includes North Bendigo Oval and Shadforth Park.

Unite The North chair Andrew Gibbs said the upgrade would provide a boost to local athletes, with the three clubs boasting a combined membership of over 1000 people.

“The North Bendigo Oval clubrooms were built in 1970 and have been in need of replacement for many years,” he said.

“The plan is to replace this building with modern, accessible facilities that include change rooms for footy and netball players, and a multipurpose community and function space.

“The club rooms at Shadforth Park, which are currently used by all three clubs, would be refitted to bring it up to the required standards and would become Golden City’s clubrooms shared with Swordcraft Bendigo.”

Mr Gibbs said the community could also benefit from the redevelopment as it includes upgrades to the reserve’s playground and part of the Ironbark Gully Trail.

Unite the North is being supported by Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards, local Federal member Lisa Chesters and the municipality, with the City of Greater Bendigo currently advocating for the redevelopment’s funding as part of the Council Plan.

Mr Gibbs said the group was delighted by the local support and is currently seeking corporate sponsorship to bolster fundraising efforts.