AFL Victoria has unveiled two groundbreaking football facility projects in Shepparton and Echuca, as part of a new national program to develop ovals on school sites or other innovative locations.
New locations at Wanganui Oval, Shepparton and St Joseph’s College, Echuca are the first projects in Victoria announced through the AFL’s ‘Breaking New Ground’ program.
“Community football is the foundation of the game and the heartbeat of so many towns and communities across Victoria, so participants must have access to welcoming, inclusive and modern facilities,” AFL Victoria Venue and Government Partnerships Manager, Jessie Doull said.
“Council is grateful for the support of the AFL in helping bring to life these exciting upgrades to Wanganui Oval. The new lighting and irrigation system will bring significant benefits to our region and its passionate sporting community,” Greater Shepparton Mayor, Cr Shane Sali said
Breaking New Ground provides funding for the planning, design and development of Australian Rules Football facilities, in partnership with a range of government and non-government bodies.
The projects in Shepparton and Echuca will provide communities and local clubs in those areas with access to enhanced facilities that provide more welcoming and inclusive environments for all involved in the game.
“Community football is the foundation of the game and the heartbeat of so many towns and communities across Victoria, so it’s important that participants have access to welcoming, inclusive and modern facilities,” an AFL Victoria spokesperson said.
The AFL will contribute $200,000 from the Breaking New Ground program towards 100 lux lighting, while GSCC will contribute $232,000 towards the remainder of lighting costs and irrigation improvements at Wanganui Oval, Shepparton.
The Shepparton United and Shepparton Bears will be the first two local clubs to use the facility. Works are anticipated to be completed by the 2025 football season.
As part of the new campus of Echuca’s St Joseph’s College, Kildare Campus, a sporting precinct will be constructed, including an MCG-sized oval, to be predominantly used for Aussie rules football.
The AFL has approved a contribution of $200,000 towards 100 lux lighting whilst the Echuca JFC will also contribute towards the remainder of lighting costs and potentially other infrastructure.
Works are underway, with the oval scheduled to be ready for use in early 2025.
