Ararat Rural City Council has secured two grants through Sport and Recreation Victoria's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund 2025-26 to deliver significant upgrades at Moyston Recreation Reserve.
The funding will support the reconstruction and linemarking of the reserve's netball and tennis courts, along with the design of new changeroom facilities for tennis and netball players at the Moyston Willaura Football Netball Club.
The multi-use court upgrade will include a full resurfacing of the existing courts with asphalt, edging, improved drainage and tree root barriers to improve durability and playability. The courts will be enclosed by new black chain mesh fencing with integrated access points and new paths.
The upgraded space will be line-marked to accommodate two multi-use netball and tennis courts. New sporting infrastructure will include tennis net posts and nets, and netball goal posts with padding.
In addition, funding will support the design of new changeroom facilities to meet Netball Victoria and Tennis Victoria standards. The project will progress to schematic design stage and include home and away changerooms with appropriate toilets and showers.
Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said the funding would improve safety and accessibility for local players and support increased participation in sport, particularly for women and girls. "This is a great outcome for the Moyston community and for everyone who uses the Recreation Reserve," Cr Sanders said. "These upgrades will provide safer, more functional facilities for netball and tennis, and they will encourage more people to get involved in local sport."
The Moyston Recreation Reserve is home to the Moyston Willaura Football Netball Club and supports a wide range of activities including AFL football, cricket, tennis, walking, and community events. The reserve is also regularly used by Moyston Primary School and provides affordable camping options for visitors.
Council worked in partnership with the Moyston Willaura Football Netball Club to develop the project scope and plans.
