Burdoo Reserve scores with infrastructure upgrades

A NEW LED electronic scoreboard and safety netting behind the goals have been unveiled at Grovedale’s Burdoo Recreation Reserve.

Members of the Grovedale Tigers Football and Netball Club and Grovedale Cricket Club joined Minister for Regional Development and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan and councillors Ron Nelson, Melissa Cadwell and Elise Wilkinson to celebrate the project’s completion.

The scoreboard replaces the manual scoreboard and the safety netting will stop members having to chase wayward balls through a busy car park, which will improve safety for players, spectators and drivers.

The new infrastructure was funded by $175,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria and $50,000 from the city.

The city’s Burdoo Reserve Facility Development Plan identified the need for the electronic scoreboard and safety netting. Completed in 2022, the plan was funded by the city in partnership with Grovedale Sports Club, Grovedale Cricket Club, Grovedale Tennis Club and Grovedale College.

Cr Sullivan said the new facilities would help to meet the needs of the local sporting community into the future as it continued to grow.

“The council is thrilled to have contributed to the Burdoo Reserve upgrades and hear for ourselves from the clubs what a difference the new infrastructure will make,” he said.

“The tenanting clubs of Burdoo Reserve are behind getting hundreds of residents involved in footy, cricket, netball and tennis over decades, in fact, they are the lifeblood of Grovedale by offering opportunities for all genders to be physically and socially active.

“Burdoo Reserve’s infrastructure has been enhanced over the years in stages, thanks to funding from the council, government partners and substantial in-kind contributions from club volunteers.”

Cr Nelson said Burdoo Reserve was well used by tenant clubs and community members alike.

“We expect increased usage of Burdoo Reserve as our population in Grovedale and surrounds grow,” he said.

“These upgrades ensure the reserve continues to be at a high standard by increasing community safety and make scoring during games seamless.”

Ms Tierney said the scoreboard was just in time for footy finals.

“The new scoreboard not only enhances the experience for players and fans by showcasing the action on a big screen, but it also opens up new opportunities for local groups and businesses to engage and foster stronger community connections,” she said. “We want all Victorians to have access to high-quality facilities.

“This investment in the Grovedale Tigers Football and Netball Club is a great example of our commitment to improving local infrastructure and supporting community sport.”