A new cricket training facility has opened at Banyul-Warri Fields in Torquay, giving the growing Surf Coast Cricket Club upgraded practice space. The four-wicket venue has a synthetic playing surface, mesh fencing, a wicketkeeping practice area and power for a bowling machine. The Victorian government contributed $379,500 through its Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. Surf Coast Shire added $100,000 and Cricket Victoria $40,000. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the nets would help the club meet rising membership and attract more players. Mayor Libby Stapleton said the council designed and delivered the project with the club.
Two new electronic LED scoreboards have been unveiled at the JJ Holland recreation precinct in Kensington, ahead of the summer cricket season. The scoreboards were officially unveiled on October 22 by local leaders and representatives of three local clubs. Lord Mayor Nick Reece said they are easy to see and simple to operate, easing the load on parents and volunteers who run community sport. The upgrade is part of a $458,000 investment in Kensington sporting infrastructure, with the Victorian Government contributing $210,000 and council funding the rest.
Tamborine Mountain Little Athletics will start its 2026/27 season next month with two Come and Try meets on October 9 and 16. The meets let new athletes try the sport before committing to a full season. Club president Hope Kerslake said about 30 athletes had registered so far, and she expects numbers to grow. The club will again run its Tiny Tots program for children aged three to five, alongside regular Friday meets. Committee plans include permanent throwing circles and discus cages at the Long Road Sports Centre.
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The first Tasmanian Oak boards have been laid at Dandenong Stadium, where seven of its 15 courts are being renewed. About 4700 square metres of sports flooring is being replaced, along with structural improvements beneath the courts. Greater Dandenong Mayor Sophie Tan said the stadium, which draws more than 17,000 people each week, has served the community since 1992. The new floor is expected to last up to 50 years. The stadium remains open at reduced capacity, with some activities moved to Springers Leisure Centre, and the upgrade is due for completion by the end of 2026.
A new four-net cricket training facility has opened at Banyul Warri Fields on the Surf Coast, giving Torquay players more room to practise batting and bowling. The mesh-fenced space has a synthetic surface and opened on 16 October. Victorian MP Gayle Tierney said the facility would help local clubs, including Surf Coast Cricket Club, meet growing demand, particularly from young players. Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the council led the project with the club. Funding came from Surf Coast Shire Council, Cricket Victoria and the state government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The Victorian Government will invest more than $13.9 million in 57 community sport projects. Sport Minister Ros Spence announced the funding during a visit to Edwards Reserve in South Kingsville, which will receive up to $100,000. Other projects include up to $500,000 for a youth space in Koroit and up to $250,000 for new lighting at Keilor Park Athletics Centre. In Natimuk, up to $500,000 will help build a new pavilion for the bowling club, replacing clubrooms destroyed in the January 2026 bushfires.
Tarneit MP Dylan Wight has announced a $162,758 grant for LED lighting on the oval at Warringa Crescent Reserve in Hoppers Crossing. The grant is part of a $271,263 project with Wyndham council. Mr Wight said the grants would improve facilities for everyone to enjoy and praised local clubs for bringing communities together. The funding is one of 57 Labor projects sharing more than $13.9 million from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Canberra sporting clubs can apply for a share of more than $4.6 million in funding for facilities, equipment and participation programs. Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Steel said the round aims to help clubs upgrade existing venues and build new ones. Clubs have raised concerns about ageing grounds, crowded playing spaces and a shortage of indoor courts. More than $13 million has been awarded through the scheme since 2023. A separate program offers grants of up to $10,000 to develop female coaches and officials.
Women and girls in Cherbourg now have a women-only fitness space called the Jundah Gym. Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council received $426,859 from the federal government's Play Our Way program to open the gym at the Les Stewart Memorial Sports Complex. The funding will also employ two community-based fitness officers to run outdoor group activities such as walking, hiking, running and water sports. Sport Minister Anika Wells said the program gives women and girls better access to sport and physical activity.
