AFL funding for Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct

Published on 28 June 2018

AFL Victoria has announced a $100,000 funding commitment to the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct sports fields in New Gisborne.

Representatives from AFL Victoria, AFL Goldfields and AFL Central Victoria met with Councillors, Council officers and community advocates in Gisborne to announce the funding.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said the announcement was very significant, as it was the first external funding commitment to the project.

“This fantastic commitment will help Council and our community in our advocacy to federal and state governments and other sporting organisations for funding,” Cr Anderson said. “It’s great to see the AFL shares our excitement about this project because we need broad support to be able to deliver it and the great benefits it will bring to the region.”

The precinct is planned to provide two new sports fields including an all-weather synthetic oval, associated infrastructure, passive recreation facilities and a regional sports hub (indoor sports courts) to complement a regional outdoor netball complex currently on the site.

AFL Victoria CEO Steven Reaper said that the AFL had provided funding to allow AFL Victoria to assist councils and clubs in the development of well located, accessible and welcoming football facilities to support the growth of Australian football throughout Victoria.

“The New Gisborne Regional Sports Fields is listed as a key priority project in both the AFL Goldfields and AFL Central Victoria Regional Facilities Strategies that were recently completed,” Mr Reaper said.

“This project connects strongly to two of our 2017-2022 Football Facilities Development Strategy priorities, namely to plan and develop new facilities in key growth areas across the state, along with ensuring facilities are catering for the diversity of participants, particularly female participants, attracted to our game.”