Investment in Winter Reserve supports Belmont Lions for decades

THE Belmont Lions are gearing up for the ‘mane’ event tomorrow to celebrate their newly upgraded pavilion at their Winter Reserve den.

The pavilion has been a game-changer for the 180-odd netballers who call this venue home since works wrapped up in May.

Previously, the venue had no designated change rooms for the club’s senior and junior netballers, or netball umpires and officials, who had to instead use a temporary portable building to store their equipment and get ready.

The new and improved pavilion features netball and umpire change rooms, a first aid room, a storeroom, a netball office and modern amenities, meaning these players finally have the appropriate facilities to get ready on game day.

This latest development builds on our work to construct a second netball court at Winter Reserve, which we completed in April 2025.

The second court features new player and umpire shelters and lighting, providing a high-quality surface for netballers to play and train on, day and night.

The project also included a pedestrian crossing and pathway to the netball courts with lighting to improve player and spectator safety as they travel to and from games and training, along with a drinking fountain.

Combined, these upgrades have expanded the Lions’ capacity for training and games, and will support the club’s growth – particularly in girls’ and women’s sport – well into the future.

Ultimately, these upgrades benefit everyone who calls Winter Reserve home, including Belmont Lions’ more than 290 male and female footballers and East Belmont Cricket Club’s 280 male and female cricketers.

The Victorian government funded the lion’s share of these works with $1 million via Sport and Recreation Victoria, while the council contributed $830,000.

The Belmont Lions Sports Club also pitched in $25,000, which is an amazing effort demonstrating the club’s community spirit and commitment to supporting its members.

It’s not surprising, as the Lions have been part of their local community for more than six decades since the club’s establishment 1965.

As a council, we’re keenly aware of the important role sporting clubs play in our community in keeping people fit, healthy and socially connected.

We know that sport and physical activity improve mental and physical health and create happier and more connected communities.

And many clubs in my ward of Deakin and across the wider Greater Geelong region do some incredible work beyond the sports field to bring people together.

Belmont Lions are no exception, having a shared a groundbreaking partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative for more than 40 years.

This is why I’ll be thrilled to join the club tomorrow in celebrating this new pavilion and checking out the facilities firsthand.

These upgrades will ensure women and girls playing for Belmont Lions Sports Club can access modern, fit-for-purpose facilities and stick with the club throughout their playing careers.

I look forward to seeing these new facilities benefitting the club and its members for many decades to come.

Cr Andrew Katos

Deakin ward, City of Greater Geelong