Belmont sporting clubs celebrate upgraded Winter Reserve

Female-friendly change rooms, a second netball court and expanded facilities are now open at Winter Reserve in Belmont following the completion of a major upgrade.

The City of Greater Geelong officially opened the revamped sporting precinct last week, with the project jointly funded by the Victorian government, the city and the Belmont Lions Sports Club.

The Victorian government contributed $1 million towards the project, while the city provided $830,000 and the Belmont Lions Sports Club contributed $25,000.

The redevelopment includes a second netball court, female-friendly change rooms, an umpires’ room, first aid room, office and additional storage, increasing the reserve’s capacity to support football, netball and cricket.

The upgrades are expected to help accommodate growing participation, particularly among women, girls and junior players, while improving accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.

Winter Reserve is home to the Belmont Lions Sports Club and East Belmont Cricket Club, both of which have experienced strong membership growth in recent years.

The reserve also features two football ovals during winter, a turf wicket and hard wicket cricket ground in summer, cricket nets, playground equipment and shaded recreation areas.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the project was the result of strong community advocacy.

“I would like to thank the Belmont Lions Club members, especially the netballers from the Belmont Lions Women’s netball team who brought this issue to my attention and advocated strongly for these much-needed female friendly facilities,” she said.

“Their passion, persistence and commitment to creating better opportunities for women and girls helped drive this investment for the benefit of the local community.

“The additional netball court will make a significant difference, allowing more games, more practice and more participation, meeting the demands of the growing sporting community.”

Deakin ward councillor Andrew Katos said the investment would help local clubs continue to grow.

“We’re seeing more women and girls taking part in sport every year so it’s important our facilities keep pace,” Cr Katos said.

“These upgrades will help clubs grow their membership, retain players and provide a welcoming environment for everyone who uses Winter Reserve.

“I look forward to seeing the Belmont Lions and East Belmont Cricket Club thrive in their new facilities.”