New facilities to boost female sport in Belmont

STAFF WRITER

WORK has begun on a $2.75 million redevelopment of the McDonald Reserve pavilion in Belmont to provide modern facilities for female and junior athletes.

The project, which is being delivered by the City of Greater Geelong and the South Barwon Football Netball Club (FNC) in partnership with the state government, will include a new pavilion alongside a refurbishment of the existing changerooms.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the upgrades would create a more welcoming space.

“Fit-for-purpose facilities for women and girls send a simple but powerful message – you belong here,” she said.

“That’s why the Allan Labor government is backing this project, to give local clubs the spaces they need to support everyone, now and into the future.”

The works include the construction of female-friendly umpires’ rooms, two new storage areas for football and cricket, and a second-level coaches’ box and timekeepers’ room accessible via a lift.

A new veranda overlooking the main oval is also part of the design, which aims to support the continued growth of the South Barwon FNC and Highton Cricket Club.

The state government is providing $2.5 million toward the upgrade, with the South Barwon FNC contributing $250,000.

South Barwon FNC president Tim Sherman said the redevelopment would better connect junior teams to the central club facilities.

“This redevelopment aligns with our continued commitment to female football, and the direct access to our second oval ensures our junior teams become more closely connected to our club,” he said.

“Once completed, we hope the improvement will encourage more people to engage in local sport and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits.”

The council has appointed Bowden Group to carry out the construction following an open tender process.

The city will manage the delivery of the works and will take ownership of the facility upon completion of the project.