The Labor Government is backing regional communities and supporting local athletes to play the sports they love, with upgraded lighting now complete at Bendigo stadium - the largest netball facility in regional Victoria.
The Premier and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today announced the completion of the lighting works, with 200-lux lighting installed across the stadium's 12 outdoor netball courts.
The lights were installed in time for the Central Victorian Netball Association competitions in the coming weeks.
Bendigo Stadium is home to the Association which includes 22 clubs across the Greater Bendigo region. The new lighting will allow for extended training and match play hours - giving hundreds of local players, volunteers and families greater access to quality facilities.
The lighting upgrade is part of a broader redevelopment at the stadium - which include two new indoor sports courts, refurbishment of courts 9 and 10, a new backup generator and installation of solar panels, car parking and accessibility improvements. These upgrades will ensure even more local players and visitors have the facilities they need to participate year-round.
A major regional hub for community sport, Bendigo Stadium is also home to the Bendigo Basketball Association and the Bendigo Volleyball Association. Works at the Stadium are expected to be completed in late 2026.
The project is being delivered by the Government, in collaboration with Bendigo Stadium Limited and the City of Greater Bendigo.
Bendigo Stadium is one of three projects in the Bendigo region and one of 16 projects across regional Victoria that are part of the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
The other infrastructure works being delivered in Bendigo through the program include a new pavilion and arena works at the Bendigo Showgrounds, and upgrades at the Bendigo Bowls and Croquet Clubs - helping make communities even better places to live, work, stay and play.
For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"This upgrade is about backing our local clubs, our volunteers and the hundreds of young athletes who pull on their uniforms each week at Bendigo Stadium."
"Better lighting means more training time, more games and more opportunities for families across Greater Bendigo to stay active and connected."
"We're proud to be investing in facilities that give local players the same quality infrastructure you'd expect anywhere in the state - because regional communities deserve the very best."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"Our upgrades to the Bendigo Stadium will ensure that local clubs have access to the very best facilities for training and games."
"This lighting upgrade means there's even more opportunity for local athletes to play the sport they love."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"The upgrades at Bendigo Stadium are not only a win for local athletes and sports fans, they also support local jobs and boost the local economy."
As stated by Central Victorian Netball Association Board, Independent Chair, Mandy Hutchison
"The upgraded lighting is a significant step forward for CVNA and for netball in our community. It provides a safer, brighter, and more professional environment for our athletes, while allowing us to expand competition opportunities during the winter months when daylight is limited."
"As we introduce our new Premier Competition, it's important that our facilities reflect the quality and growth of the game in our region."
"This investment is about more than infrastructure; it ensures our facilities match the quality of talent in our region and supports the next phase of development as we launch our Premier Competition."
