Clublinks secures contract to manage City of Darebin’s new Narrandjeri Stadium

The City of Darebin has announced the appointment of Clublinks Management Pty Ltd as operator of its soon to be completed Narrandjeri Stadium for a period of at least four years.

With the new indoor arena scheduled to open next month, the Council advised that Clublinks was chosen “for their demonstrated innovative programming and community engagement activities targeting diverse groups, with a strong emphasis on increasing health, wellbeing and inclusion outcomes for the local Darebin community”.

The contract also includes management of the Darebin Community Sports Stadium from 1st July 2022.

With the word Narrandjeri meaning ‘woman leader’ in Wurrundjeri Woi wurrung language, the new $35 million community venue aims to boost women’s and girls’ participation in sport and their connection within the community by providing;

• Four new indoor courts; including one show court

• Four outdoor netball/tennis courts

• Player change rooms, public amenities and a Changing Place

• Community meeting and function spaces

The council advise that “this facility addresses a shortfall of indoor court sporting facilities in the municipality, and current lower than average rates of women’s and girls’ participation in sport in Darebin.”

Darebin’s participation rate in netball is 2.6% compared to the Victorian average of 3%, and 2.8% for basketball, below the state rate of 4.2%.

Clublinks Chief Executive, Anthony Lawrence commented “Clublinks is thrilled to partner with the City of Darebin in the management of their recreation centres.

“Narrandjeri in particular, is a breathtaking facility that will create wonderfully inclusive pathways, connections and memories for the local community for years to come.

“We manage successful facilities on behalf of partners throughout Australia and are glad to welcome the City of Darebin into our select partnership cohort.”

Following the contact win, Clublinks announced the appointment of Troy Walker as Precinct Manager for Darebin Stadiums.

Clublinks advised that Walker “brings over 20 years of experience in the Recreation Industry to this position, including roles throughout Australia and in the UK.

“Most recently, Troy held the position of National Gyms & Fitness Manager at the Australian Catholic University where he led the delivery of Health, Fitness and Wellbeing programming to 33,000 students and 3,000 staff nationally.

“Troy is an expert in strategy development and execution; possessing strong leadership and a results focused mindset that has helped to generate the growth of fitness facilities and services nationally, as well as increasing participation and engagement in the community.”

Images: Narrandjeri Stadium (top) and Darebin Stadiums Precinct Manager Troy Walker (below).