The Colbinabbin community is celebrating an exciting milestone with the announcement of a successful funding application for $40,000 to support the design of a new multi-purpose community hub at the Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve through Sport and Recreation Victoria's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The funding will enable detailed design work for a modern, inclusive facility that aims to boost participation in sport and recreation by offering contemporary, accessible, and family-friendly amenities. The project represents the next step in implementing the Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve Master Plan, with a focus on enhancing social, community, and change facilities.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said it was a fantastic outcome for Colbinabbin.
"Having a completed design will not only bring the community vision to life but also position Council strongly for future grant applications to fund construction," he said.
The project is grounded in the Colbinabbin Place Based Plan (2022) and a Master Plan developed in 2023 in partnership with Campaspe Shire Council and local user groups. Campaspe Shire Council has demonstrated its commitment to the project with a $110,000 co-contribution.
The grant application was a collaborative effort led by the Colbinabbin Town Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, with strong support from the Colbinabbin Football Netball Club, Cricket Club, Tennis Club, Lawn Bowls Club, and Runnymede Football Club.
Colbinabbin Town Recreation Reserve Committee of Management representative Anne McEvoy expressed the committee's excitement on the successful application.
"The Rec Reserve Committee is delighted with this state funding which will support the progression of the concept design which we recognise as the next step towards our vision of a collocated, contemporary and inclusive hub for our community," she said.
Sporting participation at the reserve has grown remarkably, from 271 in 2017 to 436 in 2024, an impressive figure for a town of just 285 residents. The next steps will involve working closely with residents, user groups, and stakeholders to gather feedback and ideas that will shape the final design.
Cr Mackrell stated, "The Recreation Reserve is more than a venue for sport; it's a place where people come together to connect and foster a strong sense of community.
"With strong local collaboration and a clear plan, the grant will assist with sending Colbinabbin on its way in creating a welcoming space that supports connection, health, and wellbeing for generations to come," he said.
