Warragul Leisure Centre stadium expansion delivers for Baw Baw Shire

Warragul Leisure Centre stadium expansion delivers much needed infrastructure for the growing Baw Baw Shire community, particularly for local basketball clubs, which boasts the highest numbers of participation of any sport in Baw Baw.

The Warragul Leisure Centre stadium expansion is one of Council’s largest ever recreational projects to date, valued at more than $12.8 million.

Baw Baw Shire Council committed $6.8 million towards the project, in addition to a $6 million contribution from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. 

The project includes: 

• Construction of two new indoor (basketball/netball) courts 

• Spectator seating and a lounge viewing area 

• A new cafe and kitchen 

• Referee change room 

• First aid room 

• Storage facilities 

• Swim club store 

• Public amenities including Changing Places accessible change room, and 

• Improved pedestrian and parking access links between new and existing facilities. 

The expansion will be marked by an official opening on Sunday 28th July, but local basketballers have already had the chance to shoot some hoops in the brand-new venue this week.

Participants in a small basketball tournament had a first look at the courts on Monday this week, while the popular Deadly Hoops match, part of Council’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, will also take place in the new section of the Leisure Centre, this Friday 12th July.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Annemarie McCabe said she was thrilled to see the new stadium in use this week and invited community members to come along at the end of the month to check it out and be part of the official opening festivities. 

“This major project has been long-awaited by our community, following a sod-turning in February 2023 to mark the start of construction,” Mayor McCabe said.

“I am proud that between Council and the State Government we can provide these new, modern facilities, furthering opportunities for our local kids and families to take part in sport and get active, close to home.”

Visitors to the official opening later this month can expect free kid’s netball and basketball clinics throughout the morning, as well as coffee vans and food trucks, face painting and lawn games in the café area. Formalities, including speeches from the Local Member of Parliament and Councillors and a ribbon cutting, will take place in the afternoon. 

To find out more about the stadium expansion, visit Warragul Leisure Centre Stadium Expansion.