THE Belmont Lions are gearing up for the \u2018mane\u2019 event tomorrow to celebrate their newly upgraded pavilion at their Winter Reserve den.<\/p>\n
The pavilion has been a game-changer for the 180-odd netballers who call this venue home since works wrapped up in May.<\/p>\n
Previously, the venue had no designated change rooms for the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This latest development builds on our work to construct a second netball court at Winter Reserve, which we completed in April 2025.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Combined, these upgrades have expanded the Lions\u2019 capacity for training and games, and will support the club\u2019s growth \u2013 particularly in girls\u2019 and women\u2019s sport \u2013 well into the future.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, these upgrades benefit everyone who calls Winter Reserve home, including Belmont Lions\u2019 more than 290 male and female footballers and East Belmont Cricket Club\u2019s 280 male and female cricketers.<\/p>\n
The Victorian government funded the lion\u2019s share of these works with $1 million via Sport and Recreation Victoria, while the council contributed $830,000.<\/p>\n
The Belmont Lions Sports Club also pitched in $25,000, which is an amazing effort demonstrating the club\u2019s community spirit and commitment to supporting its members.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not surprising, as the Lions have been part of their local community for more than six decades since the club\u2019s establishment 1965.<\/p>\n
As a council, we\u2019re keenly aware of the important role sporting clubs play in our community in keeping people fit, healthy and socially connected.<\/p>\n
We know that sport and physical activity improve mental and physical health and create happier and more connected communities.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Belmont Lions are no exception, having a shared a groundbreaking partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative for more than 40 years.<\/p>\n
This is why I\u2019ll be thrilled to join the club tomorrow in celebrating this new pavilion and checking out the facilities firsthand.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
I look forward to seeing these new facilities benefitting the club and its members for many decades to come.<\/p>\n