Friday 29 August 2025

Longwood Redlegs netball players can say goodbye to getting changed in the car thanks to the completion of brand-new female friendly club rooms at Longwood Recreation Reserve, made possible by the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today joined Strathbogie Shire Mayor, Cr Ewart Kennedy and representatives from the Longwood Redlegs Football Netball Club to officially open the new club rooms backed by an almost $550,000 investment from the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The new building features change rooms for players, an umpire’s room, and an accessible public change room, all with amenities suitable for women and girls.

In addition, a first aid room, administration and storage were installed in an existing building.

The club rooms provide the perfect base for the 180 players that make up the Redlegs to build on their numbers, training, competitions and development programs at the ground.

The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is supported by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund and the All Abilities Sport Fund and is a game-changer for regional Victoria with 67 infrastructure projects and eight participation initiatives supported across both rounds.

It’s part of more than $2.4 billion invested by the Victorian Government in community sports infrastructure since 2014.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is also kicking in $20 million to continue providing new and improved community sports infrastructure through initiatives like the statewide Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

From court reconstructions to pavilion upgrades, investments like these               provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

Jaclyn Symes MP acknowledged Strathbogie Shire Council for its $100,148 financial contribution, plus its additional $53,900 in-kind contribution, and the club for its $52,000 contribution to the new facilities.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Local clubs like Longwood Redlegs are the beating heart of community life. They deserve modern facilities they can be proud of.”

“The club now has a real home advantage when it comes to hosting the big games providing even more reason for the community to join in the fun.”