The State Government is delivering more modern and accessible community sport facilities across Victoria, with Lindenow Football Netball Club among the latest beneficiaries.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh announced Lindenow will receive $500,000 through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund for a new netball pavilion at Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
The project will include new change rooms, umpires’ rooms, first aid facilities, storage areas and public toilets, forming a significant upgrade to support growing participation in the region.
The funding is part of more than $18.3 million allocated to 78 projects in the latest round of the program, contributing to $64.8 million worth of new sport infrastructure across Victoria. Since 2014, the state has invested more than $2.4 billion in community sport and recreation facilities.
The 2025–26 Victorian Budget has also committed $20 million to continue delivering community sport infrastructure through programs such as the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
According to Sport and Recreation Victoria data, more than 330 funded projects over the past two years have increased participation by almost 43 per cent, bringing more than 70,200 new participants into sport, including a 19 per cent rise in female participation.
The projects have also supported more than 1170 direct full-time jobs and delivered over $538 million in community sport infrastructure.
Mr McIntosh welcomed the announcement, saying it came at an important time for the local sporting calendar.
“It’s a great announcement to make at the start of the country football netball season, and I wish them good luck for the year ahead,” he said.
Lindenow Sports Ground Committee of Management president Geoffrey Enever said the funding marked the culmination of years of planning.
“This is very exciting news. This has been many years in planning, and to get the funding allows us to construct an important facility for our netballers and umpires,” he said.
“It is the missing link in the facilities at Lindenow and will further support growth in women’s sport in our area.”
East Gippsland Shire mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a strong outcome for the district.
“We thank the Victorian Government and Sport and Recreation Victoria for seeing the value in this project.
Purpose-built facilities that support and encourage participation are vital to ensuring local communities continue to thrive,” she said.
“We look forward to delivering this project in partnership with all stakeholders, particularly the Lindenow Sports Ground Committee of Management and user groups.”
