The Alfredton Recreation Reserve has been transformed thanks to the Victorian Government, with new practice wickets, an electronic scoreboard, changerooms and more. The upgrade is a huge win for footballers, bowlers and netballers as well as local schools and residents.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today joined the City of Ballarat and local clubs to officially launch the new facilities at the Reserve, made possible by a $3.7 million investment from the Local Sports Grant initiative.

Home to the Ballarat Swans Football Netball Club, Ballarat Storm Junior Football Netball Club, Ballarat Redan Cricket Club and Ballarat Memorial Bowling Club, Alfredton Recreation Reserve has more than a thousand members playing sport at the venue – making it one of the most popular in Ballarat.

The upgrade includes new female friendly player and umpire change rooms with amenities, a kitchen/kiosk, public toilets, an undercover viewing area, new five-wicket cricket training nets, a new electronic scoreboard and extra car parking.

The new female friendly facilities ensure the growing number of women and girls at the reserve can train and get ready for the big games without having to get changed in the old public toilets.

Local clubs now have the perfect base to develop new programs, train, host matches and events. Nearby schools and community groups will also be able to access the new facilities.

From sport pavilion upgrades to new pitch lighting, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible facilities that allow Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

They are also about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Ms Addison thanked the City of Ballarat for its commitment and financial contribution of $1,260,000 to the project and Cricket Victoria for its $75,000. A real team effort!

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Julianna Addison

“Netball, footy, bowls and cricket clubs are the heart and soul of our communities – they deserve appropriate facilities they can be proud of. The fantastic new facilities at Alfredton Recreation Reserve open up more opportunities for participation, particularly for women and girls.”

“The project is a culmination of the hard work and advocacy of club representatives determined to get better facilities for their players and members. With funding from Ballarat Council, Cricket Victoria, and the State Government, this is a real team effort delivering for Alfredton and our growing community.”   

Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney

“I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the opening these brand-new facilities at Alfredton. We’ve been working alongside the sports clubs and user groups here for more than a decade to ensure this reserve in one of our fastest growing suburbs has the fixtures and fittings the community needs. The Census shows Alfredton has grown from 9,220 people in 2016 to 16,835 people in 2021, with the median age of 34 making it a relatively young population.”

 “I can’t thank the state government enough for their contributions to the reserve over the years and the tireless efforts of the sports clubs in advocating for their community.”

 “These new facilities will mean more young sports stars and residents of Alfredton will have the best options available to learn, grow, socialise and get active.”